<text>WEST BANK, GAZA STRIP, EAST JERUSALEM - WARNING(Travel Advisories)March 12, 1992Summary: The Department of State continues to advise all U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the West Bank and Gaza Strip until further notice. U.S. citizens traveling to East Jerusalem should contact the U.S. Consulate General for an update on conditions and exercise caution at all times. In general, Americans should avoid demonstrations and protest activities. Israel's strict security measures, particularly at Ben Gurion Airport and Allenby Bridge, may affect visitors. Americans arrested in the West Bank or Gaza on security offenses are often denied timely communication with consular officials. End Summary.I. Travel and SafetyTRAVEL TO THE WEST BANK AND GAZA STRIP: Due to recurrent disturbances and tension in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Department of State continues to advise all U.S. citizens to avoid travel to these areas until further notice. U.S. citizens who must travel to the West Bank and Gaza Strip should be aware of continuing unrest and tension, including stone-throwing, which can affect visitors. If travel to the West Bank is unavoidable, travelers should consult with the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. In the case of travel to the Gaza Strip, travelers should consult with the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv. Americans residing in these areas should exercise particular caution. They should also register with the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv or the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem.TRAVEL TO EAST JERUSALEM: There have been occasional disturbances in East Jerusalem. U.S. citizens who travel to East Jerusalem should be aware of continuing unrest and tension, including stone-throwing, which can affect visitors. Travelers to all areas of East Jerusalem, including the walled city, should exercise caution. Travelers should contact the U.S. Consulate General for an update on conditions. Because of the potential for violent incidents, tourists should be vigilant while using public transportation and while traveling by car in areas of East Jerusalem less frequented by tourists.DEMONSTRATIONS: Under all circumstances, Americans should avoid demonstrations, protest activities, and other situations that have the potential to lead to violence. American tourists should carry their U.S. passports at all timesII. Consular Matters, Security, and ArrestsSECURITY MEASURES: Israel has strict security measures which may affect visitors. Prolonged questioning and detailed searches may take place at the time of entry and/or departure at the Allenby Bridge from Jordan and at Ben Gurion Airport. At the Allenby Bridge, American citizens with Arab surnames may encounter delays or obstacles in bringing in cameras or electronics equipment. Items commonly carried by travelers such as toothpaste, shaving cream, and cosmetics may be confiscated or destroyed. During searches and questioning, access may be denied to U.S. consular officers, lawyers, or family members. Should questions arise at the Allenby Bridge, Americans should telephone the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem for assistance at 253-288. If questions arise at Ben Gurion Airport, Americans should phone the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv at 517-4338.ARRESTS IN THE WEST BANK AND GAZA STRIP: Americans arrested or detained in the West Bank or Gaza on suspicion of security offenses often are not permitted to communicate with consular officials, lawyers, or family members in a timely manner during the interrogation period of their case. Youths who are over the age of fourteen have been detained and tried as adults. The U.S. Embassy is not normally notified of the arrests of Americans in the West Bank by Israeli authorities, and access to detainees is delayed.No. 92-044This updates the previous advisory, dated October 8, 1990, to reflect changes in conditions in East Jerusalem.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------</text>
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<text>YOUR TRIP ABROAD(Consular Affairs Topics)GLAZED CERAMIC PURCHASESThe article, An Unwanted Souvenir, Lead in Ceramic Ware, explainsthe danger of lead poisoning from some glazed ceramic ware sold abroad.For a free copy, write: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, HFI-40,Rockville, MD. 20857.U.S. EMBASSY ADDRESSESKey Officers of Foreign Service Posts gives the names of key officersand the addresses for all U.S. embassies, consulates, and missionsabroad. This publication is updated three times a year. The singlecopy price is $1.75. To obtain a copy, write to: Superintendent of Documents U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, D.C. 20402.FOREIGN COUNTRY INFORMATIONBackground Notes are brief, factual pamphlets, one for each countryof the world and some for selected international organizations.The approximately 170 Notes contain information on each country'speople, culture, geography, history, government, economy, and politicalconditions. Background Notes also include a reading list, travelnotes, and maps. Single copies are available for $1 from the U.S.Government Printing Office.BROCHURES ON CONSULAR SERVICESFOR AMERICANS ABROADSingle copies of the following brochures can be obtained free bysending a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) to: CA/PA, Room5807; Department of State; Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.Crisis Abroad=What the State Department Does summarizes the workof the State Department during a crisis. For example, for concernedrelatives and friends in the U.S., the Department attempts to obtaininformation from local authorities abroad about Americans locatedin the disaster area.The Citizens Emergency Center gives information about the assistancethe Center provides to American citizens in four major categories:deaths, arrests, welfare/whereabouts inquiries, and financial/medicalemergencies.US Consuls Help Americans Abroad explains the emergency and nonemergencyservices that consular officers abroad provide to U.S. citizens.OTHER INFORMATION SHEETS ON CONSULAR MATTERSThe Department of State has information on other subjects of interestto traveling Americans. Single copies of the following informationsheets are free. Please send a SASE to: CA/OCS/CCS, Room 4817;Department of State; Washington, D.C. 20520-4818. Ask for any ofthe following:= Dual Nationality (U.S./Other)= Loss of U.S. Citizenship= Marriage Abroad= Foreign Military Service= Claims to Inheritance Abroad= Estates Abroad= Tourist and Trade Complaints.PASSPORT AGENCIESApply Early For Your Passport!Boston Passport AgencyThomas P. O'Neill Fed. Bldg., Room 24710 Causeway StreetBoston, Massachusetts 02222*Recording: 617-565-6698Public Inquiries: 617-565-6990Chicago Passport AgencySuite 380, Kluczynski Federal Bldg.230 South Dearborn StreetChicago, Illinois 60604-1564*Recording: 312-353-5426Public Inquiries: 312-353-7155 or 7163Honolulu Passport AgencyRoom C-106, New Federal Bldg.300 Ala Moana Blvd.Honolulu, Hawaii 96850*Recording: 808-541-1919Public Inquiries: 808-541-1918Houston Passport AgencySuite 1100, Mickey Leland Fed. Bldg.1919 Smith StreetHouston, Texas 77002*Recording: 713-653-3159Public Inquiries: 713-653-3153Los Angeles Passport AgencyRoom 13100, 11000 Wilshire BoulevardLos Angeles, California 90024-3614*Recording: 310-575-7070Public Inquiries: 310-575-7075Miami Passport Agency3rd Floor, Federal Office Bldg.51 Southwest First AvenueMiami, Florida 33130-1680*Recording: 305-536-5395 (English)305-536-4448 (Spanish)Public Inquiries: 305-536-4681New Orleans Passport AgencyPostal Services Building701 Loyola Avenue, Rm. T-12005New Orleans, Louisiana 70013-1931*Recording: 504-589-6728Public Inquiries: 504-589-6161New York Passport AgencyRoom 270, Rockefeller Center630 Fifth AvenueNew York, New York 10111-0031*Recording: 212-541-7700Public Inquiries: 212-541-7710Philadelphia Passport AgencyRoom 4426, Federal Bldg.600 Arch StreetPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania 19106-1684*Recording: 215-597-7482Public Inquiries: 215-597-7480San Francisco Passport AgencySuite 200, Tishman Speyer Bldg.525 Market StreetSan Francisco, California 94105-2773*Recording: 415-744-4444Public Inquiries: 415-744-4010Seattle Passport AgencyRoom 992, Federal Office Bldg.915 Second AvenueSeattle, Washington 98174-1091*Recording: 206-553-7941Public Inquiries: 206-553-7945Stamford Passport AgencyOne Landmark SquareBroad and Atlantic StreetsStamford, Connecticut 06901-2767*Recording: 203-325-4401Public Inquiries: 203-325-3538, 3530Washington Passport Agency1425 K Street, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20524-0002*Recording: 202-647-0518Public Inquiries: 202-326-6020*Twenty-four hour recording includes general passport information,passport agency location, hours of operation, and information regardingemergency passport services during non-working hours.emergency passport services during non-working hours.</text>
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<text>YOUR TRIP ABROAD(Consular Affairs Topics)Before you purchase a charter flight or tour package, read the contractcarefully. Unless it guarantees they will deliver services promisedor give a full refund, consider purchasing trip insurance. If youare unsure of the reputation of a charter company or tour operator,consult your local Better Business Bureau or the American Societyof Travel Agents at 1101 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, Tel.(703) 739-2782, to learn if the company has a complaint record .DRIVER'S LICENSE/AUTO INSURANCEIf you intend to drive overseas, check with the embassy or consulateof the countries you will visit to learn their driver's license,road permit, and auto insurance requirements. If possible, obtainroad maps before you go.Many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's license. Most, however,accept an international driver's permit. Before departure, obtainone at a local office of an automobile association. You must beat least age 18, and you will need two passport-size photographsand your valid U.S. license. Certain countries require road permitsinstead of tolls to use their divided highways and will fine driverswithout a permit. Car rental agencies overseas usually provide auto insurance, butin some countries, the required coverage is minimal. A good ruleof thumb when renting a car overseas is to purchase insurance coveragethat is at least equivalent to that which you carry at home.In general, your U.S. auto insurance does not cover you abroad.However, your policy may apply when you drive to countries that neighborthe United States. Check with your insurer to see if your policycovers you in Canada, Mexico, or countries south of Mexico. Evenif your policy is valid in one of these countries, it may not meetits minimum requirements. For instance, in most of Canada, you mustcarry at least $200,000 in liability insurance, and Mexico requiresthat if vehicles do not carry theft, third party liability, and comprehensiveinsurance, the owner must post a bond that could be as high as 50%of the value of the vehicle. If you are under-insured for a country,auto insurance can usually be purchased on either side of the border.U.S. CUSTOMS PRE-REGISTRATIONLearn about U.S. Customs regulations. Foreign-made personal articlestaken abroad are subject to duty and tax unless you have proof ofprior possession such as a receipt, bill of sale, an insurance policy,or a jeweler's appraisal. If you do not have proof of prior possession,items such as foreign-made watches, cameras, or tape recorders thatcan be identified by serial number or permanent markings may be takento the Customs office nearest you or at the port of departure forregistration before departing the United States. The certificateof registration provided can expedite free entry of these items whenyou return.DOCUMENTATION FOR MEDICATIONSIf you go abroad with preexisting medical problems, carry a letterfrom you doctor describing your condition, including informationon any prescription medicines you must take. You should also havethe generic names of the drugs. Leave medicines in their original,labeled containers. These precautions make customs processing easier.A doctor's certificate, however, may not suffice as authorizationto transport all prescription drugs to all foreign countries. Travelershave innocently been arrested for drug violations when carrying itemsnot considered to be narcotics in the United States. To ensure youdo not violate the drug laws of the countries you visit, consultthe embassy or consulate of those countries for precise informationbefore leaving the United States. If you have allergies, reactions to certain medicines, or other uniquemedical problems, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or carryinga similar warning. Several private organizations provide listings of physicians to internationaltravelers. Membership in these organizations is generally free,although a donation may be requested. Membership entitles the travelerto a number of traveler's medical aids, including a directory ofphysicians with their overseas locations, telephone numbers and doctors'fee schedules. The physicians are generally English-speaking andprovide medical assistance 24 hours a day. The addresses of thesemedical organizations are in travel magazines or may be availablefrom your travel agent.PLACES TO RECEIVE MAILIf you are traveling for an extended period, you may want to arrangeto pick up mail or messages. Some banks and international creditcard companies handle mail for customers at their overseas branches.General Delivery (Poste Restante) services at post offices in mostcountries will hold mail for you. U.S. embassies and consulatesdo not handle private mail.LEARN ABOUT DUAL NATIONALITYWhether you are a U.S. citizen from birth or were naturalized asa U.S. citizen, a foreign country may claim you as its citizen if:-- You were born there.-- Your parent is or was a citizen of that country.-- You are married to a citizen of that country.If any of the possibilities for dual nationality applies to you,check on your status (including military obligations) with the embassyor consulate of the country that might claim you as a citizen. Inparticular, Americans may have problems with dual nationality incertain countries in the Middle East, in South America, and in Africa.Some foreign countries refuse to recognize a dual national's U.S.citizenship and do not allow U.S. officials access to arrested Americans.SOME THINGS TO LEAVE BEHINDYOUR ITINERARY=LEAVE A PAPER TRAILLeave a detailed itinerary (with names, addresses, and phone numbersof persons and places to be visited) with relatives or friends inthe United States so you can be reached in an emergency. Also includea photocopy of your passport information page.OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERSIt is a good idea to make a list of all important numbers=your passportinformation as well as your credit card, travelers checks, and airlineticket numbers. Leave a copy at home and carry a copy with you,separate from your valuables.WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEASHOW TO DEAL WITH THE UNEXPECTEDIf you change your travel plans, miss your return flight, or extendyour trip, be sure to notify relatives or friends back home. Shouldyou find yourself in an area of civil unrest or natural disaster,let them know as soon as you can that you are safe. In addition,contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to register your presenceand to keep the U.S. consul informed of your whereabouts.SAFETY TIPSPROTECT YOUR PASSPORTYour passport is the most valuable document you will carry abroad.It confirms your U.S. citizenship. Guard it carefully. Do notuse it as collateral for a loan or lend it to anyone. It is yourbest form of identification. You will need it when you pick up mailor check into hotels, embassies or consulates.When entering some countries or registering at hotels, you may beasked to fill out a police card listing your name, passport number,destination, local address, and reason for traveling. You may berequired to leave your passport at the hotel reception desk overnightso it may be checked by local police officials. These are normalprocedures required by local laws. If your passport is not returnedthe following morning, immediately report the impoundment to localpolice authorities and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.PASSPORT FRAUDLaw enforcement records show that U.S. passports are sometimes usedfor illegal entry into the United States or by criminals abroad seekingto establish another identity. This can cause embarrassment to innocentcitizens whose names become associated with illegal activities.To protect the integrity of the U.S. passport and the security ofthe person bearing it, consular officers overseas have found it necessaryto take precautions in processing lost passport cases. These precautionsmay involve some delay before a new passport is issued.SAFEGUARD YOUR PASSPORTCarelessness is the main cause for losing a passport or having itstolen. You may find that you have to carry your passport with youbecause either you need to show it when you cash travelers checksor the country you are in requires you to carry it as an identitydocument. When you must carry your passport, hide it securely onyour person. Do not leave it in a handbag or an exposed pocket.Whenever possible, leave your passport in the hotel safe, not inan empty hotel room or packed in your luggage. One family membershould not carry all the passports for the entire family.GUARD AGAINST THIEVESCoat pockets, handbags, and hip pockets are particularly susceptibleto theft. Thieves will use all kinds of ploys to divert your attentionjust long enough to pick your pocket and grab your purse or wallet.These ploys include creating a disturbance, spilling something onyour clothing, or even handing you a baby to hold!Prevent theft by carrying your belongings in a secure manner. Considernot carrying a purse or wallet when going on crowded streets. Womenwho carry a shoulder bag should keep it tucked under the arm andheld securely by the strap. Men should put their wallets in theirfront trouser pockets or use money belts instead of hip pockets.A wallet wrapped in rubber bands is more difficult to remove undetected.Be especially cautious in a large crowd=in the subway, marketplace,at a festival, or if surrounded by groups of vagrant children. Donot make it easy for thieves!FINANCIAL AND SHOPPING TIPSCURRENCYLocal banks usually offer better rates of exchange than hotels, restaurants,or stores. Rates are often posted in windows. Above all, avoidprivate currency transactions. In some countries, you risk morethan being swindled or stuck with counterfeit currency=you risk arrest.Avoid the black market=learn and obey the local currency laws whereveryou go.SHOPPINGMAIL SMALL ITEMSWhen you purchase small items, it is a good idea to mail them personallyto your home or to carry them in your luggage. This will help preventmisdirected packages, nonreceipt of merchandise, or receipt of wrongmerchandise. When you mail purchases, be sure to ask about insurance.American embassies and consulates abroad cannot serve as post offices.They cannot accept, hold, or forward mail for U.S. citizens abroad.THE VALUE ADDED TAXSome European countries levy a value added tax (VAT) on the itemsyou buy. In some places, if you ship your purchases home, the VATcan be waived. Other places may require you to pay the VAT, buthave a system to refund it to you by mail. Ask the store clerk foran application to apply for the refund. The VAT refund is only foritems you can ship or carry with you. It does not apply to food,hotel bills, or other services. Because the rules for VAT refundsvary from country to country, check with the country's tourist officeto learn the local requirements.THINGS TO BEWARE OF PURCHASINGWILDLIFE SOUVENIRSBe careful when you buy articles made from animals and plants orpurchase live wild animals to bring back as pets. Some items, suchas those made from elephant ivory, sea turtles, crocodile leather,or fur from endangered cats, and many species of live animals cannotbe brought into the United States legally. Your wildlife souvenirscould be confiscated by government inspectors, and you could faceother penalties for attempting to bring them into the United States.Do not buy wildlife or wildlife products unless you are certainthey are legal for import into the United States. More informationfollows later.GLAZED CERAMICSBeware of purchasing glazed ceramic ware abroad. It is possibleto suffer lead poisoning if you consume food or beverages that arestored or served in improperly glazed ceramics. Unless the ceramicsare made by a firm with an international reputation, there is noimmediate way to be certain a particular item is safe. The U.S.Food and Drug Administration recommends that ceramic tableware purchasedabroad be tested for lead release by a commercial laboratory on yourreturn or be used for decorative purposes only. More informationlater on in this file.ANTIQUESSome countries consider antiques to be national treasures and the"inalienable property of the nation." In some countries, customsauthorities seize illegally purchased antiques without compensationand may also levy fines on the purchaser. Americans have been arrestedand prosecuted for purchasing antiques. Americans have even beenarrested for purchasing reproductions of antiques from street vendorsbecause a local authority believed the purchase was a national treasure.Protect yourself. In countries where antiques are important, documentyour purchases as reproductions if that is the case, or if they areauthentic, secure the necessary export permit. The documentationor export permit may be available through the country's nationalmuseum. A reputable dealer may provide the export permit or informationon how to secure one.If you have questions about purchasing antiques, the country's touristoffice can guide you. If you still have doubts, consult the ConsularSection of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. In places whereAmericans have had problems because of purchasing antiques, the ConsularSection is well aware of the situation. They can tell you aboutthe local laws and the correct procedures to follow.CUSTOMSKeep all receipts for items you buy overseas. They will be helpfulin making your U.S. Customs declaration when you return.LEGAL TIPSOBEY FOREIGN LAWSWhen you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.Learn about local laws and regulations and obey them. Avoid areasof unrest and disturbance. Deal only with authorized outlets whenexchanging money or buying airline tickets and travelers checks.Do not deliver a package for anyone unless you know the person welland are certain the package does not contain drugs or other contraband.Before you sell personal effects, such as clothing, cameras, or jewelry,learn the local regulations regarding such sales. Adhere strictlyto local laws because the penalties you risk are severe.Some countries are particularly sensitive about photographs. Ingeneral, refrain from photographing police and military installationsand personnel; industrial structures including harbor, rail, andairport facilities; border areas; and scenes of civil disorder orother public disturbance. Taking such photographs may result inyour detention, in the confiscation of your camera and films, andthe imposition of fines. For information on photography restrictions,check with the country's tourist office or its embassy or consulatein the United States. Once abroad, check with local authoritiesor at the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.DRUG ARRESTSAbout 3000 Americans are arrested abroad each year. Of these, approximatelyone-third are held on drug charges. Despite repeated warnings, drugarrests and convictions are still a common occurrence. Many countrieshave stiff penalties for drug violations and strictly enforce druglaws. You are subject to foreign, not U.S. laws overseas, and youwill find, if arrested, that:-- Few countries provide a jury trial.-- Most countries do not accept bail.-- Pretrial detention, often in solitary confinement, may last months.-- Prisons may lack even minimal comforts=bed, toilet, wash basin.-- Diets are often inadequate and require supplements from relativesand friends.-- Officials may not speak English.-- Physical abuse, confiscation of personal property, degrading orinhumane treatment, and extortion are possible.If you are convicted, you face a possible sentence of:-- 2-10 years in many countries.-- A minimum of 6 years hard labor and a stiff fine in some countries.-- The death penalty in some countries.Do not get involved with illegal drugs overseas. It can spoil morethan your vacation. It can ruin your life!LEGAL AIDBecause you are subject to local laws abroad, there is little thata U.S. consul can do for you if you encounter legal difficulties.For example, a consular officer cannot get you out of jail. WhatAmerican officials can do is limited by both foreign and U.S. laws.The U.S. Government has neither funds nor authority to pay yourlegal fees or related expenses.Although U.S. consular officers cannot serve as attorneys or givelegal advice, they can provide a list of local attorneys and helpyou find adequate legal representation. The lists of attorneys arecarefully compiled from local bar association lists and responsesto questionnaires, but neither the Department of State nor U.S. embassiesor consulates abroad can assume responsibility for the caliber, competence,or professional integrity of the attorneys.If you are arrested, ask the authorities to notify a consular officerat the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Under international agreementsand practice, you have the right to talk to the U.S. consul. Ifyou are denied this right, be persistent and try to have someoneget in touch for you.When alerted, U.S. officials will visit you, advise you of your rightsaccording to local laws, and contact your family and friends if youwish. They will do whatever they can to protect your legitimateinterests and to ensure you are not discriminated against under locallaw. Consuls can transfer money, food, and clothing to the prisonauthorities from your family or friends. They will try to get reliefif you are held under inhumane or unhealthy conditions or treatedless favorably than others in the same situation.HELP FROM AMERICAN CONSULS ABROADWHEN TO REGISTER WITH THE U.S. EMBASSYREGISTER AT THE CONSULAR SECTION OF THE NEAREST U.S. EMBASSY OR CONSULATE:=If you find yourself in a country or area that is experiencing civilunrest, has an unstable political climate, or is undergoing a naturaldisaster, such as an earthquake or hurricane.=If you plan to go to a country where there are no U.S. officials.In such cases, register in an adjacent country, leave an itinerary,and ask about conditions in the country you will visit and what thirdcountry may represent U.S. interests there.=If you plan to stay in a country for longer than one month.Registration makes your presence and whereabouts known in case itis necessary for a consular employee to contact you in an emergency.During a disaster overseas, American consular officers offer assistanceto Americans and can even assist in evacuation when that becomesnecessary. But they cannot assist you if they do not know whereyour are. Registration also makes it easier to apply for a replacementpassport if yours is lost or stolen.If you are traveling with an escorted tour to areas experiencingpolitical uncertainty or other problems, find out if registrationis being done for you by your tour operator. If it is not, or ifyou are traveling on your own, leave a copy of your itinerary atthe nearest U.S. embassy or consulate soon after arrival.WHAT U.S. CONSULS CAN DOU.S. consular officers are located at U.S. embassies and consulatesin most countries overseas. They are available to advise and helpyou if you are in any serious trouble.DESTITUTIONIf you become destitute abroad, the U.S. consul can help you getin touch with your family, friends, bank, or employer and tell youhow to arrange for them to send funds for you. These funds can sometimesbe wired to you through the Department of State.IF ILL OR INJUREDShould you become ill while abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassyor consulate for a list of local doctors, dentists, medical specialists,clinics and hospitals. If your illness or injury is serious, theconsul can help you find medical assistance from that list and, atyour request, will inform your family or friends of your condition.If necessary, a consul can assist in the transfer of funds fromthe United States. Payment of hospital and other expenses is yourresponsibility. Consular officers cannot supply you with medication.In an emergency when you are unable to communicate, the consul willcheck your passport for the name and address of any relative, friend,or legal representative whom you wish to have notified. Becausethe U.S. Government cannot pay for medical evacuations, it is advisableto have private medical insurance to cover this.MARRIAGE ABROADU.S. diplomatic and consular officials do not have the authorityto perform marriages overseas. Marriage abroad must be performedin accordance with local law. There are always documentary requirements,and in some countries, there is a lengthy residence requirement beforea marriage may take place.Before traveling, ask the embassy or consulate of the country inwhich you plan to marry about their regulations and how to prepareto marry abroad. Once abroad, the Consular Section of the nearestU.S. embassy or consulate may be able to answer some of your questions,but it is your responsibility to deal with local civil authorities.BIRTH ABROADA child born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents generallyacquires U.S. citizenship at birth. The U.S. parent or parents shouldcontact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to have a Report ofBirth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America prepared.This document serves as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenshipand is acceptable evidence for obtaining a U.S. passport and formost other purposes where one must show a birth certificate or proofof citizenship.ADOPTION ABROADThe Department of State and its embassies and consulates abroad havebecome increasingly concerned about international adoptions becauseof an increase in illegal activities by some intermediaries and adoptionagencies. Illegal adoption practices can cause great difficulty,financial strain, and emotional upheaval for adopting parents. Ifyou are a prospective adopting parent, beware of any agency or attorneyclaiming to be able to streamline established procedures. Becauseof irregular activities, foreign governments sometimes determinethat an adoption in process is illegal and refuse to finalize the adoption.For more information, you may write for a free pamphlet, InternationalAdoptions. Send a self-addressed, triple-stamped 9"x12" envelopeto: Citizens Consular Services (CA/OCS/CCS), Room 4817, Departmentof State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818. If you are planning to adoptfrom a particular country, mention that in your request, becauseCitizens Consular Services has specific information on the adoptionprocess in certain countries.DEATH ABROADWhen a U.S. citizen dies abroad, the consular officer reports thedeath to the next of kin or legal representative and arranges toobtain from them the necessary private funds for local burial orreturn of the body to the United States. Before you begin your trip,complete the address page in the front of your passport. Providethe name, address and telephone number of someone to be contactedin an emergency. Do not give the names of your traveling companionsin case the entire party is involved in the same accident. Because the U.S. Government cannot pay for local burial or shipmentof remains to the United States, it is worthwhile to have insuranceto cover this. Following a death, a Report of the Death of An AmericanCitizen (Optional Form 180) is prepared by the consular officer toprovide the facts concerning the death and the custody of the personalestate of the deceased. Under certain circumstances, a consularofficer becomes the provisional conservator of a deceased American'sestate and arranges for the disposition of those effects.A VARIETY OF NONEMERGENCY SERVICESConsular employees provide nonemergency services as well. Theseinclude information on Selective Service registration, travel advisories,absentee voting, and the acquisition or loss of U.S. citizenship.They arrange for the transfer of Social Security and other federalbenefits to beneficiaries residing abroad, provide U.S. tax forms,and notarize documents. Consuls can also provide information onhow to obtain foreign public documents.WHAT U.S. CONSULS CANNOT DOConsular officers will do their best to assist U.S nationals abroad.However, they must devote priority time and energies to those Americanswho find themselves in the most serious legal, medical, or financialdifficulties.Because of limited resources, consuls cannot provide routine or commercial-typeservices. They cannot act as travel agents, information bureaus,banks, or law enforcement officers. U.S. federal law forbids a consularofficer from acting as your lawyer. Consular officers cannot: findyou employment; get you visas, residence permits or driving permits;act as interpreters; search for missing luggage; call your creditcard company or bank; replace stolen travelers checks; or settledisputes with hotel managers. They can, how-ever, tell you how toget assistance on these and other matters.WHEN YOU RETURNRETURN TRANSPORTATIONReconfirm your return reservation at least 72 hours before departure.Whenever possible, obtain a written confirmation. If you do itby phone, record the time, day, and the agent's name who took thecall. If your name does not appear on the reservations list, youhave no recourse and may find yourself stranded.DEPARTURE TAXSome countries levy an airport departure tax on travelers that canbe as high as $50. Ask the airline or a travel agent about this.Make certain to have enough money at the end of your trip to beable to get on the plane.IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMSIf a passport was required for your trip, have it ready when yougo through Immigration and Customs. If you took other documentswith you, such as an International Certificate of Vaccination, amedical letter, or a Customs certificate of registration for foreign-madepersonal articles, have them ready also. Have your receipts handyin case you need to support your customs declaration. When returningto the United States by car from Mexico or Canada, have your certificateof vehicle registration handy. It is a good idea to pack your baggagein a way to make inspection easier. For example, pack the articlesyou acquired abroad separately.U.S. Customs currently allows each U.S. citizen to bring back $400worth of merchandise duty free, provided the traveler has been outsidethe United States for at least 48 hours, has not already used thisexemption within 30 days, and provided the traveler can present thepurchases upon his or her arrival at the port of entry. The next$1000 worth of items brought back for personal use or gifts is subjectto duty at a flat rate of 10%. There are two groups of destinations from which the duty-free exemptionis higher. These are a group of 24 countries and dependencies inthe Caribbean and Central America from which the exemption is $600and a group of U.S. insular possessions (the U.S. Virgin Islands,American Samoa, and Guam) from which the exemption is $1,200. Fordetails, consult your travel agent or the U.S. Customs Service publication,Know Before You Go, listed directly below.ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATIONCUSTOMSKnow Before You Go, Customs Hints for Returning U.S. Residents containsinformation on key U.S. Customs regulations and procedures, includingduty rates. Single copies are free from any local Customs officeor write: U.S. Customs Service, P.O. Box 7407, Washington, D.C. 20044.AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTSTravelers Tips on Bringing Food, Plant, and Animal Products Intothe United States lists entry requirements for these items from mostparts of the world. Fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, potted plants,pet birds, and other items are prohibited or restricted from entryinto the United States. The publication is available from the U.S.Department of Agriculture, 613 Federal Bldg., 6505 Belcrest Road,Hyattsville, MD 20782.WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE PRODUCTSBuyer Beware! provides general guidelines governing restrictionson imports of wildlife and wildlife products into the United States.For a free copy, write to the Publications Unit, U.S. Fish and WildlifeService, Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. Additionalinformation on importing wildlife and wildlife products can be obtainedthroughTRAFFIC USA, World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street, N.W., Washington,D.C. 20037.</text>
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<text>YOUR TRIP ABROAD(Consular Affairs Topics)Before You GoThere is a lot you can do to prepare for your trip, depending uponwhere, how long and why you are going.LEARN ABOUT THE PLACES YOU WILL VISITHere are some good sources:A travel agent can provide brochures and tourist information aboutthe countries you plan to visit.Your travel agent should also be able to provide you with the Departmentof State travel advisory for any country you plan to visit, if anadvisory has been issued for the country. If your travel agent cannotprovide travel advisories, you can obtain them 24-hours a day bycalling (202) 647-5225 (see page 4).Look in your local bookstore and public library for books on foreign travel.Many countries have tourist information offices in large cities thatcan give you brochures and, in some cases, maps. International airlinesmay also supply you with travel brochures on the countries they serve.Foreign embassies or consulates in the United States can provideup-to-date information on their countries. Addresses and telephonenumbers of the embassies of foreign governments are listed in theCongressional Directory, available at most public libraries. Inaddition to their embassies, some countries also have consulatesin major U.S. cities. Look for their addresses in your local telephonedirectory, or find them in the publication, Foreign Consular Officesin the United States, available in many public libraries.Check on Travel AdvisoriesThe Department of State issues travel advisories to alert U.S. citizensto conditions overseas that may affect them adversely. There arethree types of travel advisories:Warning: recommends deferral of travel to all or part of a country.Caution: advises about unusual security conditions, including thepotential for unexpected detention, unstable political conditions,or serious health problems. It is not intended to deter travel to a country.Notice: provides information on situations that do not present abroad scale risk, but which could result in inconvenience or difficultyfor traveling Americans.Travel advisories are posted at U.S. passport agencies, Departmentof Commerce field offices, and at U.S. embassies and consulates aroundthe world. They are distributed to the travel and airline industryand can be found through airline computer reservation systems. Ifyou plan travel to an area or country where there is some concernabout existing conditions, find out if there is a travel advisoryby contacting the nearest passport agency or your travel agent orairline. You may also listen to recorded travel advisories, 24-hoursa day. Call the Department of State's Citizens Emergency Centeron 202-647-5225.THINGS TO BE SURE YOU HAVETravel document requirements vary from country to country, but youwill need the following: a passport or other proof of citizenship,plus a visa or a tourist card. You may also need evidence that youhave enough money for your trip and/or have ongoing or return transportationtickets.A VALID PASSPORTWHO NEEDS A PASSPORT?A U.S. citizen needs a passport to depart or enter the United Statesand to enter and depart most foreign countries. Exceptions includeshort-term travel between the United States and Mexico, Canada, andsome countries in the Caribbean. Your travel agent or airline cantell you if you need a passport for the country you plan to visit.WARNING! Even if you are not required to have a passport to visita country, U.S. Immigration requires you to prove your U.S. citizenshipand identity when you reenter the United States. Make certain thatyou take with you adequate documentation to pass through U.S. Immigrationupon your return. A U.S. passport is the best proof of U.S. citizenship.Other documents to prove U.S. citizenship include an expired U.S.passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Certificateof Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Report of BirthAbroad of a Citizen of the United States. To prove your identity,either a valid driver's license or a government identification cardthat includes a photo or a physical description is adequate.With the number of international child custody cases on the rise,several countries have instituted passport requirements to help preventchild abductions. For example, Mexico has a law that requires achild traveling alone or with only one parent to carry written, notarizedconsent from the absent parent or parents. No authorization is neededif the child travels alone and is in possession of a U.S. passport.A child traveling alone with a birth certificate requires written,notarized authorization from both parents.Beware of a Passport That Is About to Expire! Certain countrieswill not permit you to enter and will not place a visa in your passportif the remaining validity is less than 6 months. If you return tothe United States with an expired passport, you are subject to apassport waiver fee of $100, payable to U.S. Immigration at the port of entry.All persons must have their own passport. Since January 1981, familymembers are not permitted to be included in each others' passports.WHEN TO APPLYEvery year, demand for passports becomes heavy in January and beginsto decline in August. You can help reduce U.S. Government expenseand avoid delays by applying between September and December. However,even in those months, periods of high demand for passports can occur.Apply several months in advance of your planned departure, wheneverpossible. If you need visas, allow additional time= approximatelytwo weeks per visa.HOW TO APPLY IN PERSONFor your first passport, you must appear in person with a completedForm DSP-11, Passport Application, at one of the 13 U.S. passportagencies or at one of the several thousand federal or state courtsor U.S. post offices authorized to accept passport applications.You may be able to find the addresses of passport acceptance facilitiesin your area in the government listings of your telephone book.If you cannot find a listing, contact one of the 13 U.S. passportagencies listed on page 39 at the end of this pamphlet.Applicants between age 13 and 18 must appear in person, accompaniedby a parent or legal guardian. For children under age 13, a parentor legal guardian may appear on their behalf.If you have had a previous passport and wish to obtain another, youmay be eligible to apply by mail (see page 10 below for details).WHAT TO BRING WHEN YOU APPLY1. A properly completed, but unsigned, passport application (DSP-11).Do not sign it!2. Proof of U.S. citizenship (a, b, or c):a. Use your previously issued passport or one in which you wereincluded. If you are applying for your first passport or cannotsubmit a previous passport, you must submit other evidence of citizenship.b. If you were born in the United States, you should produce a certifiedcopy of your birth certificate. This must show that the birth recordwas filed shortly after birth and must be certified with the registrar'ssignature and raised, impressed, embossed, or multicolored seal.Certified copies of birth records can be obtained from the Bureauof Vital Statistics in the city, state, county, or territory whereyou were born. (Notifications of Birth Registration or Birth Announcementsare not normally accepted for passport purposes.) A delayed birthcertificate (one filed more than one year after the date of birth)is acceptable provided it shows a plausible basis for creating this record.If you cannot obtain a birth certificate, submit a notice from astate registrar stating that no birth record exists, accompaniedby the best secondary evidence possible. This may include a baptismalcertificate, a hospital birth record, affidavits of persons havingpersonal knowledge of the facts of your birth, or other documentaryevidence such as an early census, school records, family Bible records,and newspaper files. A personal knowledge affidavit should be supportedby at least one public record reflecting birth in the United States.c. If you were born abroad, you can use:-- A Certificate of Naturalization.-- A Certificate of Citizenship.-- A Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (Form FS-240).-- A Certification of Birth (Form FS-545 or DS-1350).If you do not have any of these documents and are a U.S. citizen,you should take all available proof of citizenship to the nearestU.S. passport agency and request assistance in proving your citizenship.3. Proof of identity.You must also establish your identity to the satisfaction of theperson accepting your application. The following items are generallyacceptable documents of identity if they contain your signature andif they readily identify you by physical description orphotograph:-- A previous U.S. passport.-- A certificate of naturalization or citizenship.-- A valid driver's license.-- A government (federal, state, municipal)-- identification card.The following are NOT acceptable:-- Social Security card.-- Learner's or temporary driver's license.-- Credit card of any type.-- Any temporary or expired identity card or document.-- Any document that has been altered or changed in any manner.If you are unable to present one of the first four documents to establishyour identity, you must be accompanied by a person who has knownyou for at least 2 years and who is a U.S. citizen or a permanentresident alien of the United States. That person must sign an affidavitin the presence of the same person who executes the passport application.The witness will be required to establish his or her own identity.You must also submit some identification of your own.4. Photographs.Present two identical photographs of yourself that are sufficientlyrecent (normally taken within the past 6 months) to be a good likeness.Passport Services encourages photographs where the applicant isrelaxed and smiling.The photographs must not exceed 2x2 inches in size. The image sizemeasured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head (includinghair) must be not less than 1 inch or more than 1-3/8 inches withyour head taking up most of the photograph. Passport photographsmay be either black and white or color.Photographs must be clear, front view, full-face, and printed onthin white paper with a plain, white or off-white background. Photographsshould be portrait-type prints taken in normal street attire withouta hat and must include no more than the head and shoulders or uppertorso. Dark glasses are not acceptable except when worn for medicalreasons. Head coverings are only acceptable if they are worn forreligious reasons.Applicants may use photographs in military uniform only if they areon active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and are proceeding abroadin the discharge of their duties.Newspaper, magazine and most vending machine prints are not acceptablefor use in passports.5. The correct fee.Applicants age 18 and over who are required to appear in person,must pay $65 for their passport. This includes a $10 execution fee.Their passport is valid for 10 years. Applicants under age 18 mustpay $40 for their passport. It is valid for 5 years.You may pay in person by check, bank draft, or money order. Youmay also pay in cash at a passport agency and at some, but not allpost offices and clerks of court.HOW TO APPLY BY MAILYou may apply by mail if all of the following are true:-- You have been issued a passport within 12 years prior to your new application.-- You are able to submit your most recent U.S. passport with your new application.-- Your previous passport was issued on or after your 16th birthday.-- You use the same name as that on your most recent passport or you have had your name changed by marriage or court order.HOW TO PROCEEDObtain Form DSP-82, Application for Passport by Mail, from one ofthe offices accepting applications or from your travel agent, andcomplete the information requested on the reverse side of the form.(1) Sign and date the application.(2) Include your date of departure. If no date is included, passportagents will assume that your travel plans are not immediate, andyour passport will be processed in about two to three weeks.(3) Enclose your previous passport.(4) Enclose two identical 2x2 photographs (Specifications listedlater in this file.).(5) The $55 passport fee. (The $10 acceptance fee is not requiredfor applicants eligible to apply by mail.)(6) If your name has changed, submit the original or certifiedcopy of the court order or marriage certificate that shows the change of name.(7) For processing, mail the completed application and attachmentsto one of the passport agencies listed at the back of this pamphlet.An incomplete or improperly prepared application will delay issuanceof your passport.HOW TO PAY THE PASSPORT FEEThe following forms of payment are acceptable when you apply by mail:-- Bank draft or cashier's check.-- Check: either certified, personal, or travelers (for exact amount).-- Money order: U.S. postal, international, currency exchange, or bank.Do NOT send cash through the mail!WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR PASSPORTSign it right away! Then fill in page 4, the personal notificationdata page. Your previous passport and the original documents thatyou may have submitted will be returned to you with your new passport.OTHER PASSPORT INFORMATIONOBTAINING A PASSPORT IN AN EMERGENCYPassport agencies will expedite issuance in cases of genuine, documentedemergencies. If you are leaving within five days and need a passport,you can pay to have your passport delivered to you by express mail.But you must arrange and pay for this in advance. Check with thepost office or court house that accepts your application or withthe nearest passport agency for specific details.If you plan to travel abroad frequently or if you stay overseas forlong periods of time, your relatives or associates in the UnitedStates should have valid passports as well. That way, should youbecome seriously ill or involved in some other emergency, they couldtravel without delay.DIPLOMATIC AND OFFICIAL PASSPORTSIf you are being assigned abroad on U.S. government business andare eligible to apply by mail for a no-fee passport (no-fee regular,official, diplomatic), you must submit the mail-in application form,your authorization to apply for a no-fee passport, your previouspassport, and two photographs to the Passport Agency in Washington,D.C. for processing.ADDITIONAL VISA PAGESIf you require additional visa pages before your passport expires,obtain them by submitting your passport to one of the passport agencieslisted at the back of this pamphlet. If you travel frequently tocountries requiring visas, you may request a 48-page passport atthe time you apply. There is no additional charge for extra pagesor for a 48-page passport.CHANGE OF NAMEIf you have changed your name, you will need to have your passportamended. Fill out Form DSP-19, Passport Amendment/Validation Application,which is available from any office that is authorized to accept passportapplications. Submit the DSP-19 along with proof of the name change(a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or certified court order)to the nearest passport agency. There is no fee for this service.AN ALTERED OR MUTILATED PASSPORTIf you mutilate or alter your U.S. passport in any way (other thanchanging the personal notification data), you may render it invalid,cause yourself much inconvenience, and expose yourself to possibleprosecution under the law (Section 1543 of Title 22 of the U.S. Code).Mutilated or altered passports should be turned in to passport agents,authorized postal employees, or U.S. consular officers abroad.LOSS OR THEFT OF A U.S. PASSPORTSafeguard your passport. Its loss could cause you unnecessary travelcomplications as well as significant expense.If your passport is lost or stolen in the United States, report theloss or theft immediately to Passport Services, 1425 K Street, N.W.,Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20524 or to the nearest passport agency.Should your passport be lost or stolen abroad, report the loss immediatelyto the local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.If you can provide the consular officer with the information containedin your passport, it will facilitate issuance of a new passport.Therefore, photocopy the data page of your passport and keep itin a separate place. In addition, leave the passport number, date,and place of issuance with a relative or friend in the United States.OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT PASSPORTS?Additional passport information may be obtained from the passportagencies listed at the end of this pamphlet.OBTAIN VISASA visa is an endorsement or stamp placed in your passport by a foreigngovernment that permits you to visit that country for a specifiedpurpose and a limited time=for example, a 3-month tourist visa.It is advisable to obtain visas before you leave the United Statesbecause you will not be able to obtain visas for some countries onceyou have departed. Apply directly to the embassy or nearest consulateof each country you plan to visit, or consult a travel agent. Passportagencies cannot help you obtain visas."Foreign Entry Requirements"Department of State publication M-264, Foreign Entry Requirements,gives entry requirements for every country and tells where and howto apply for visas and tourist cards. It can be ordered for $0.50from the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, Colorado 81009. Note:The publication is updated annually but may not reflect the mostcurrent requirements. It is advisable to verify the latest visarequirements with the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit.Because a visa is stamped directly onto a blank page in your passport,you will need to give your passport to an official of each foreignembassy or consulate. You will also need to fill out a form, andyou may need one or more photographs. Many visas require a fee.The process may take several weeks for each visa, so apply wellin advance of your trip.TOURIST CARDIf the country you plan to visit only requires a tourist card, obtainone from the country's embassy or consulate, from an airline servingthe country, or at the port of entry. There is a fee for some tourist cards.PROOF OF CITIZENSHIPCheck with the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visitto learn what proof of citizenship is required of visitors. Evenif a country does not require a visitor to have a passport, it willrequire some proof of citizenship and identity. Remember that nomatter what proof of citizenship a foreign country requires, U.S.Immigration has strict requirements for your reentry into the UnitedStates. Information on U.S. Immigration requirements are later in this file..IMMUNIZATIONSUnder international health regulations adopted by the World HealthOrganization, a country may require international certificates ofvaccination against yellow fever and cholera. Typhoid vaccinationsare not required for international travel, but are recommended forareas where there is risk of exposure. Smallpox vaccinations areno longer given. Check your health care records to insure that yourmeasles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussisimmunizations are up-to-date. Medication to deter malaria and otherpreventative measures are advisable for certain areas. No immunizationsare needed to return to the United States.Information on immunization requirements, U.S. Public Health Servicerecommendations, and other health hints are included in the book,Health Information for International Travel, available for $5.00from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.You may also obtain such information from local and state healthdepartments or physicians. This information is also available onthe Centers for Disease Control 24-hour hotline: 404-639-2572. It is not necessary to be vaccinated against a disease you will notbe exposed to and few countries refuse to admit you if you arrivewithout the necessary vaccinations. Officials will either vaccinateyou, give you a medical follow-up card, or, in rare circumstances,put you in isolation for the incubation period of the disease youwere not vaccinated against. Check requirements before you depart.If vaccinations are required, they must be recorded on approved forms,such as those in the booklet PHS-731, International Certificatesof Vaccination as Approved by the World Health Organization. Ifyour doctor or public health office does not have this booklet, itcan be obtained for $2 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 or GovernmentPrinting Office bookstores. Keep it with your passport.Some countries require certification from long-term visitors thatthey are free of the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV). Generally,this has little bearing on tourists and short-term visitors. Checkwith the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit forthe latest information.HEALTH INSURANCEFor travelers who become seriously ill or injured overseas, obtainingmedical treatment and hospital care can be costly. The Social SecurityMedicare program does not cover hospital and medical services outsidethe United States. Before you leave the United States, learn whatmedical services your health insurance will cover abroad. If your health insurance policy does not cover you abroad, you areurged to purchase a temporary health policy that does. There areshort-term health and emergency assistance policies designed fortravelers. You can find the names of such companies from your travelagent, your health insurance company, or from advertisements in travelpublications. In addition to health insurance, many policies includetrip cancellation, baggage loss, and travel accident insurance inthe same package. Some travelers check companies have protectionpolicies available for those who purchase travelers checks.MEDICAL EVACUATIONOne of the chief advantages of health and emergency assistance policiesis that they often include coverage for medical evacuation to theUnited States. Medical evacuation can easily cost $5000 dependingupon your location and medical condition. Even if your regular healthinsurance covers you for emergencies abroad, consider purchasinga supplemental insurance policy to cover medical evacuation.Whichever health insurance coverage you choose for overseas, rememberto bring your policy identity card and claim forms with you.HOW TO BRING MONEYTRAVELERS CHECKSDo not carry large amounts of cash. Take most of your money in travelerschecks and remember to record the serial number, denomination andthe date and location of the issuing bank or agency. Keep this informationin a safe and separate place so if you lose your travelers checksyou can get replacements quickly.CREDIT CARDSSome credit cards can be used worldwide, even for cash advances.Keep track of your credit card purchases so as not to exceed yourlimit. Travelers have been arrested overseas for mistakenly exceedingtheir credit limit! Leave all unnecessary credit cards at home.Record the numbers of the credit cards that you do bring and keepthe list in a separate place from the cards. Always report the loss or theft of your credit cards or travelerschecks immediately to the companies and notify the local police.If you will stay in one place for some time, consider opening anaccount for check cashing and other transactions at a U.S. bank thathas an overseas affiliate. U.S. embassies and consulates cannotcash checks for you.PREPARE FOR EMERGENCY FUNDSKeep the telephone number for your bank in the United States withyou in the event you run out of cash and need to transfer money.In some countries, major banks and certain travel agencies can helpyou arrange a transfer of funds from your account to a foreign bank.If you do not have a bank account from which you can obtain emergencyfunds, make arrangements in advance with a relative or friend tosend you emergency funds should it become necessary. If you findyourself destitute, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulatefor assistance in arranging a money wire transfer from a relativeor friend in the United States.FOREIGN CURRENCYBefore departing, you may wish to purchase small amounts of foreigncurrency to use for buses, taxis, phones, or tips when you firstarrive. Foreign exchange facilities at airports may be closed whenyour flight arrives. You can purchase foreign currency at some U.S.banks, at foreign exchange firms, or at foreign exchange windowsor even vending machines at many international airports in the United States. Some countries regulate the amount of local currency you can bringinto or take out of the country; others require that you exchangea minimum amount of currency. For currency regulations, check witha bank, foreign exchange firm, your travel agent, or the embassyor consulate of the countries you plan to visit. If you leave or enter the United States with more than $10,000 inmonetary instruments of any kind, you must file a report, CustomsForm 4790, with U.S. Customs at the time. Failure to comply canresult in civil and criminal proceedings.VALUABLES=DON'T BRING THEM!Do not bring anything on your trip that you would hate to lose suchas expensive jewelry, family photographs, or objects of sentimentalvalue. If you bring jewelry, wear it discreetly to help avoid grab-and-runrobbery.OTHER THINGS TO ARRANGE AHEADLODGINGRESERVE IN ADVANCEMany travelers wait until they reach their destination before makinghotel reservations. Some train stations and airports have traveldesks to assist you in finding lodging. However, when you arrive,you may be tired and unfamiliar with your surroundings, and couldhave difficulty locating a hotel to meet your needs. Therefore,when possible, reserve your lodging in advance and reconfirm yourreservations along the way. During peak tourist season, it is importanthave a hotel reservation for at least the first night you arrivein a foreign city. An alternative to hotels and pensions is the youth hostel system,offering travelers of all ages clean, inexpensive, overnight accommodationsin more than 6,000 locations in over 70 countries worldwide. Hostelsprovide dormitory-style accommodations with separate facilities formales and females. Some hostels have family rooms that can be reservedin advance. Curfews are often imposed and membership is often required.You may write to: American Youth Hostels,P.O. Box 37613, Washington, D.C. 20013-7613.ORGANIZED PROGRAMSThe majority of private programs for vacation, study, or work abroadare reputable and financially sound. However, some charge exorbitantfees, use deliberately false "educational" claims, and provide workingconditions far different from those advertised. Even programs oflegitimate organizations can be poorly administered. Be cautious.Before committing yourself or your finances, find out about theorganization and what it offers.STUDENT TRAVELERSStudents can save money on transportation and accommodations, andobtain other discounts if they have an International Student IdentityCard. This card is available with proof of student status and asmall fee from: Council on International Educational Exchange; 205East 42nd Street; New York, New York 10017. Membership also providessome accident and health insurance while abroad.TRANSPORTATIONAt the time of publication, U.S. citizens traveling abroad are requiredto pay a $12 federal inspection fee and a $6 federal departure taxthat are included in the price of the air ticket.CHARTER FLIGHTS AND AIRLINESThere have been occasions when airlines or companies that sell charterflights or tour packages have gone out of business with little warning,stranding passengers overseas. If you know from the media or fromyour travel agent that an airline is in financial difficulty, askyour travel agent or the airline what recourse you would have ifthe airline ceased to operate. Some airlines may honor the ticketsof a defunct airline, but they usually do so with restrictions.</text>
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<text>State Department Travel Advisories(Consular Affairs Topics) The State Department issues travel advisories to inform traveling Americans of conditions abroad which may affect them adversely. Travel advisories are generally about physical dangers, unexpected arrests or detentions, serious health hazards, and other conditions abroad with serious consequences for traveling Americans. Travel advisories which describe a potential for violence and physical danger usually reflect a trend or pattern of violence over a period of time in which the government of the country involved is unwilling or unable to afford normal protection. For that reason, isolated international terrorist of criminal attacks - which can and do occur virtually anywhere at any time - do not generally trigger travel advisories. Travel advisories are issued on the basis of objective evidence about emerging or existing circumstances and are modified or cancelled when those circumstances change. Travel advisories are issued only after careful review of information from our diplomatic post in the affected country, and in coordination with various bureaus of the Department of State and other concerned federal agencies.How To Access Travel AdvisoriesTravel advisories for specific countries are available at any of the 13 regional passport agencies, field offices or the U.S. Department of Commerce, and U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. They are also available by writing the Citizens Emergency Center, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 4811, N.S., U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC, 20520. Travel advisories may be heard anytime by dialing the Citizens Emergency Center at (202) 647-5225 from a touchtone phone. The recording is updated constantly.By Computer NetworkIf you have a personal computer and a modem, you can also accesstravel advisories electronically. The Official Airlines Guide (OAG) provides the full text of travel advisories on many online computer services. To obtain information on accessing travel advisories through OAG on any of the following computer services, call the OAG Electronic Edition at 800-323-4000.CompuServe*General Videotex-DelphiNewsNet DialcomGEnieIP Sharp DialogiNet-AmericaTelenet Dow Jones News/RetrievaliNet-Bell of CanadaWestern Union-Easylink*CompuServe subscribers may type GO STATE at any "!" prompt. Infosys America Inc. also provides the full text of travel advisories through Travel Online BBS on the SmartNet International Computer Network in the U.S., Canada and overseas. The (modem) telephone number for Infosys America is (314) 625-4054. Interactive Office Services, Inc. offers online travel information in Travel+Plus through the networks listed below. For information on access, call Travel+Plus at (617) 876-5551 or 800-544-4005.Delphi, MCI (RCA Hotline) Bell South TUG GraphNet Unison FTCC Answer Bank The Overseas Security Electronic Bulletin Board (EBB) provides State Department travel advisories as a free service (purchase of necessary software required) for American firms doing business overseas. Apply to the Executive Director, Overseas Security Advisory Council (DS/OSAC), Department of State, Washington, DC 20522-1003. The Computer Information Delivery Service (CIDS) also provides the text of State Department travel advisories. For information, call Edward Decowski of Martin-Marietta at 703-802-5700.How To Access State Department Travel Advisories byComputer Reservation System (CRS) The following computer reservation systems (CRS) maintain State Department travel advisory information. The information can be accessed by entering the CRS codes listed below.APOLLO - For the travel advisory index, enter: S*BRF/TVLADV For the full text of travel advisories and travel notices, enter: TD*DS/ADVDATAS II - For full text of travel advisories, enter: G* _ (country)_PARS - For the travel advisory index, enter: G/AAI/TVL Travel Document Systems, Inc. provides the full text of travel advisories and notices to the following reservation systems:SABRE - Enter: N*/ADVISORY INDEXSYSTEM ONE - Enter: GG SUP TD ADV In Western Europe, SYSTEM ONE is accessed through the AMADEUS system and APOLLO through the GALILEO system.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------</text>
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<text>U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATESEPTEMBER 1994: TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO SUB-SAHARAN AFRICABUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRSTanzaniaTanzania is a developing East African nation. Touristfacilities are adequate in major cities, but limited inremote areas. A passport and a visa are required forentrance into the country. Visas for mainland Tanzania arealso valid for Zanzibar. Airport visas may be obtained onlyin Zanzibar; they are not available at mainland airports.Yellow fever and cholera immunizations are required ifarriving from an affected area. Airport officials oftenrequire current immunizations records from travelersarriving from non-infected areas as well. Medicalfacilities are limited. Some medicines are in short supplyor unavailable. Malaria is endemic in Tanzania and anti-malarial prophylaxis are advisable. Numerous cases ofmeningococcal meningitis and cholera have been reportedthroughout the country. Crime is a concern in both urbanand rural areas of Tanzania. Incidents include muggings,vehicle thefts and residential break-ins. Valuables such aspassports, travelers checks, cameras and jewelry areparticular targets for thieves, and are easily stolen ifleft in luggage at airline check-ins or hotel lobbies.Photography of military installations is forbidden.Individuals have been detained and/or had their cameras andfilm confiscated for taking pictures of hospitals, schools,bridges, industrial sites and airports.TogoTogo is a small West African nation with a developingeconomy. Tourism facilities are limited, especially outsidethe capital city. A passport is required. No visa isrequired for a stay of less than three months. Yellow feverimmunizations are required. Medical facilities in Togo arelimited under normal conditions and have degraded because ofa long general strike, the departure of medical personneland the closure or reduction of service in clinics andhospitals. Some medicines are available through localpharmacies. Petty crime, including pickpocketing, hasincreased.UgandaUganda is a developing East African nation. Tourismfacilities are adequate in Kampala, but are limited in otherareas. A passport is required; a visa is not required forU.S. citizens. Evidence of immunization for yellow fever,cholera and typhoid is often requested. Medical facilitiesin Uganda are limited. Medical supplies, equipment andmedication are often in short supply or not available.Incidents of armed vehicle hijacking and armed highwayrobbery are frequent throughout the country. Many roads inUganda are poor, and bandit activity in some areas is bothfrequent and unpredictable. Highway travel at night isparticularly dangerous. Photographing security forces orgovernment installations is prohibited.ZaireZaire is the largest sub-Saharan African country. AlthoughZaire has substantial human and natural resources, in recentyears, the country has suffered a profound political andeconomic crisis. This has resulted in the dramaticdeterioration of the physical infrastructure of the country,insecurity and an increase in crime in urban areas(including occasional episodes of looting and murder inKinshasa's streets). There have also been occasionalofficial hostility to U.S. citizens and nationals ofEuropean countries, periodic shortages of basic needs suchas gasoline, chronic shortages of medicine and supplies forsome basic medical care, hyperinflation, and corruption.In some urban areas, malnutrition and starvation are acuteTourism facilities are minimal. A passport, visa andvaccination certificate showing valid yellow fever andcholera immunizations are required for entry. Medicalfacilities are extremely limited. Medicine is in shortsupply. Most intercity roads are difficult or impassable inthe rainy season. While the U.S. dollar and travelerschecks can, in theory, be exchanged for local currency(zaires) at banks in Kinshasa, banks often do not havesufficient new Zaire cash on hand to make transactions.Credit cards are generally not accepted, except by a fewmajor hotels and restaurants. Photography of publicbuildings and/or military installations is forbidden,including photography of the banks of the Congo River.Offenders may to be arrested, held for a minimum of severalhours, fined and the film and camera may also beconfiscated.ZambiaZambia is a developing African country. Tourist facilitiesoutside of well-known game parks are not fully developed.U.S. citizens must have passports and obtain a Zambian visaprior to entering the country. Medical facilities arelimited. Cholera and yellow fever are endemic. Crime isprevalent in Zambia. Muggings and petty theft arecommonplace, especially in Lusaka in the vicinity of CairoRoad and in other commercial areas.ZimbabweZimbabwe is a landlocked southern African nation withextensive tourist facilities. A passport is required.Although no visa is required to enter Zimbabwe, immigrationauthorities require a firm itinerary, sufficient funds forthe visit, and a return ticket to the United States. Onwardtickets to non-U.S. destinations may not suffice. If theserequirements are not met, immigration authorities may orderdeparture by the next available flight. Medical facilitiesin Zimbabwe are limited. Some medicine is in short supply.Muggings, purse snatching and break-ins are an increasingproblem in Harare and Bulawayo. Thieves often operate indowntown Harare, especially in crowded areas, and on publictransportation. Nationwide electrical blackouts can lasthours at a time. Intercity bus travel can be dangerous dueto overloaded buses, inadequate maintenance, unskilleddrivers and occasional cases of drivers operating buseswhile intoxicated. Currency transactions are strictlyregulated. Tourists must declare to Zimbabwe customs allcurrency and travelers checks before entering the country.Failure to declare all currency and travelers checks mayresult in confiscation of the currency or checks, as well asa fine. Zimbabwean authorities are extremely sensitiveabout photographing certain locations and buildings,including government offices, airports, militaryinstallations, official residences and embassies.U.S Embassies and Consulates AbroadNote: The workweek is Monday-Friday except where noted.Mail to APO and FPO addresses must originate in the UnitedStates; the street address must not appear in an APO or FPOaddress.ANGOLAAmerican EmbassyRua Houari BoumedienneP.O. Box 6468LuandaTel: (244-2) 34-54-81BENINAmerican EmbassyRue Caporal Anani BernardB.P. 2012CotonouTel: (229) 30-06-50BOTSWANAAmerican EmbassyP.O. Box 90GaboroneTel: (267) 353-982BURKINO FASOAmerican EmbassyB.P. 35OuagadougouTel: (226) 306-723BURUNDIAmerican EmbassyB.P. 341720 BujumburaTel: (257)(2) 23454CAMEROONAmerican EmbassyRue Nachtigal, B.P. 817YaoundeTel: (237) 230-753CAPE VERDEAmerican EmbassyRua Hojl Ya Yenna 81C.P. 201PraiaTel: (238) 61-56-16CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLICAmerican EmbassyAvenue David DackoB.P. 924BanguiTel: (236) 61-02-00CHADAmerican EmbassyAvenue. Felix EboueB.P. 413N'DjamenaTel: (235) 516-218COMOROSServices provided by theAmerican Embassy inPort Louis, Mauritius.CONGOAmerican EmbassyAvenue Amilcar CabralB.P. 1015, Box CBrazzavilleTel: (242) 83-20-70COTE D'IVOIREAmerican Embassy5 Rue Jesse Owens01 B.P. 1712AbidjanTel: (225) 21-09-79DJIBOUTIAmerican EmbassyPlateau du Serpent, Blvd.Marechal JoffreB.P. 185DjiboutiTel: (253) 353-995EQUATORIAL GUINEAAmerican EmbassyCalle de Los MinistrosP.O. Box 597MalaboTel: (240-9) 2406ERITREAAmerican Embassy34 Zera Yacob St.]P.O. Box 211AsmaraTel: (291-1) 12-00-04ETHIOPIAAmerican EmbassyEntoto St., P.O. Box 1014Addis AbabaTel: (251-1) 550-666, ext. 316/336GABONAmerican EmbassyBlvd. de la MerB.P. 4000LibrevilleTel: (241) 762-003, 743-492GAMBIAAmerican EmbassyKairaba Ave;P.M.B. No. 19,BanjulTel: (220) 92856, 92858, 91970GHANAAmerican EmbassyRing Road EastP.O. Box 194AccraTel: (223-21)775-347GUINEAAmerican Embassy2d Blvd. and 9th Ave, B.P. 603ConakryTel: (224) 441-520GUINEA-BISSAUAmerican EmbassyC.P. 2971067 CodexBissauTel: (245) 25-2273KENYAAmerican EmbassyMoi/Haile Selassie Ave.P.O. Box 30137NairobiTel: (254)(2) 334-141LESOTHOAmerican Embassy254 KingswayP.O. Box 333, Maseru 100MaseruTel: (266) 312-666LIBERIAAmerican Embassy111 United Nations Dr.P.O. Box 10-0098,Mamba PointMonroviaTel: (231) 222-991MADAGASCARAmerican Embassy14 and 16 Rue Rainitovo,AntsahavolaB.P. 620AntananarivoTel: (261)(2) 21257, 20089MALAWIAmerican EmbassyP.O. Box 30016LilongweTel: (265) 783-166MALIAmerican EmbassyRue Testard andRue Mohamed VB.P. 34BamakoTel: (223)(22) 54-70MAURITANIAAmerican EmbassyB.P. 222NouakchottTel: (222)(2) 52660MAURITIUSAmerican EmbassyRogers Bldg. (4th Fl.)John F. Kennedy StreetPort LouisTel: (230) 208-9764MOZAMBIQUEAmerican EmbassyAvenida Kaunda 193MaputoTel: (258)(1) 49-27-97NAMIBIAAmerican EmbassyPrivate Bag 12029Windhoek 9000Tel: (264-61) 22-1601NIGERAmerican EmbassyB.P. 11201NiameyTel: (227) 722-661NIGERIAAmerican Embassy2 Eleke CrescentVictoria Island, LagosTel: (234)(1) 261-0050RWANDAAmerican EmbassyBlvd. de la Revolution, B.P. 28KigaliTel: (205) 75601SAO TOME AND PRINCIPEFalls under the jurisdiction of American Embassy in Libreville, GabonSENEGALAmerican EmbassyAvenue Jean XXIII, B.P. 49DakarTel: (221) 23-42-96SEYCHELLESAmerican EmbassyBox 148, Unit 62501VictoriaTel: (248) 225-256SIERRA LEONEAmerican EmbassyCorner Walpole andSiaka Stevens St.FreetownTel: (232-22) 226-481SOMALIAU.S. Liaison Office ceasedoperationSeptember 1994SOUTH AFRICAAmerican Embassy887 Pretorius St.PretoriaTel: (27)(12) 342-1048American Consulate GeneralBroadway Industries CenterHeerengracht, ForeshoreCape TownTel: (27)(21) 214-280American Consulate GeneralDurban House, 29th Fl.333 Smith St.Durban 4001Tel: (27)(31) 304-4737American Consulate GeneralKine Center, 11th Fl.141 Commissioner St.JohannesburgTel: (27)(11) 331-1681SUDANAmerican EmbassySharia Ali Abdul LatifP.O. Box 699KhartoumTel: 74700, 74611Workweek: Sunday-ThursdaySWAZILANDAmerican EmbassyCentral Bank Bldg.Warner StreetP.O. Box 199MbabaneTel: (268) 464-41/5TANZANIAAmerican Embassy30 Laibon Rd. (off Bagamoyo Rd.)P.O. Box 9123Das Es SalaamTel: (255)(51) 66010TOGOAmerican EmbassyRue Pelletier Caventou &Rue Vauban, B.P. 852LomeTel: (228)(21) 29-91UGANDAAmerican EmbassyParliament Ave., P.O. Box 7007KampalaTel: (256)(41) 259-792, 259-795ZAIREAmerican Embassy310 Avenue des AviateursUnit 31550KinshasaTel: (243)(12) 21523ZAMBIAAmerican EmbassyIndependence and United Nations Aves.P.O. Box 31617LusakaTel: (260)(1) 250-955ZIMBABWEAmerican Embassy172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue.P.O. Box 3340HarareTel: (263)(4) 794-521(###)</text>
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<text>U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATESEPTEMBER 1994: TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO SUB-SAHARAN AFRICABUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRSCote d'IvoireCote d'Ivoire is also known as the Ivory Coast. It is adeveloping West African nation. Tourism facilities in thecapital city of Abidjan include some luxury hotels. Otheraccommodations, especially outside the capital, may belimited in quality and availability. U.S. citizens arerequired to have passports. A visa is not required for astay of up to 90 days. Medical facilities in Cote d'Ivoireare adequate in Abidjan but may be limited elsewhere. Notall medicines are available. Street crime of the ''grab andrun'' variety, as well as pickpocketing in crowded areas,has increased. Automobile accidents are one of the greatestthreats to the well-being of Americans in Cote d'Ivoire.Night driving is particularly hazardous due to poorly litroads and vehicles. Airline travel in Cote d'Ivoire andmany other parts of West Africa is routinely overbooked;schedules are limited, and airline assistance is of varyingquality.DjiboutiDjibouti is a developing African country. Facilities fortourism are limited. Visitors to Djibouti must havepassports and obtain a visa before arrival. Evidence ofyellow fever immunization must be presented. Medicalfacilities are limited. Medicine is often unavailable.Petty crime occurs in Djibouti City and elsewhere in thecountry.Equatorial GuineaEquatorial Guinea is a developing country in West Africa.Tourism facilities are minimal. A passport and a visa,obtained in advance, are required. Medical facilities areextremely limited. Many medicines are unavailable. Pettycrime is common. The government of Equatorial Guinea hasestablished stringent currency restrictions, applied both onarrival and departure from the country. Special permits maybe needed for some types of photography. Permits are alsorequired to visit certain areas of the country.EritreaEritrea is a poor but developing East African country.Formerly a province of Ethiopia, Eritrea became anindependent country on May 24, 1993, following a 30-yearlong struggle for independence. Tourism facilities inEritrea are very limited. A valid passport and a visa arerequired as well as evidence of yellow fever immunization.Airport visas are unavailable. Flights between Asmara andAddis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, are heavily booked andadvance reservations are recommended by the airlines.Medical facilities in Eritrea are extremely limited.Travelers must bring their own supplies of prescriptiondrugs and preventative medicines. Street crime such astheft and robbery is on the increase, particularly in thecity of Asmara. While travel throughout Eritrea isrelatively safe, visitors may wish to exercise normal safetyprecautions with regard to what valuables are carried andwhat environs are visited. The government of Eritreacontinues to use the Ethiopian birr as a currency. Creditcards are not accepted in Eritrea. Foreigners must paybills in U.S. dollars or U.S. dollar denomination travelerschecks.EthiopiaEthiopia is a developing East African country. Tourismfacilities in Ethiopia are minimal. A passport and a visaare required, as well as evidence of yellow feverimmunization. Travelers must enter Ethiopia by air, eitherat Addis Ababa or Dire Dawa. Individuals entering overlandrisk being detained by immigration authorities and/or fined.Airport visas may be obtained if 72 hours advance notice hasbeen provided by the traveler's sponsoring organization toproper authorities within Ethiopia. There is a lively blackmarket for hard currency in Ethiopia, despite a recentdevaluation of the Ethiopian birr. Visitors must declarehard currency upon arrival and may be required to presentthis declaration when applying for an exit visa. Domesticand international air services generally operate onschedule, although flights between Addis Ababa and Asmaraare heavily booked and may be canceled without priorwarning. Land mines and other anti-personnel devices litterthe Ethiopian countryside, particularly along major roads.Many persons, including foreigners, have been injured bythese devices. If possible, travel on paved roads sincethey are generally safer than unpaved roads. Medicalfacilities in Ethiopia are extremely limited. Hospitals inAddis Ababa suffer from inadequate facilities, antiquatedequipment and shortages of supplies, particularlymedications, although physicians are generally well-trained.Pickpocketing is rampant, and there have been numerousreports of thieves snatching jewelry. Banditry occurs onroads outside major towns or cities, and may result inviolent attacks; several persons have been killed. Certainbuildings and public places may not be photographed.GabonGabon is a developing West African nation formerly a part ofFrench West Africa. French is the official language.Facilities for tourism are limited, especially outside thecapital city. A passport and a visa are required. Evidenceof a yellow fever vaccination must be submitted. Medicalfacilities in Gabon are limited. Some medicines are notavailable. Petty crime, such as robbery and mugging, iscommon, especially in urban areas.GambiaThe Gambia is a developing West African nation. Facilitiesfor tourists, including one five star hotel, are adequate,but those outside the vicinity of the capital city, Banjul,may be limited in availability. A passport and visa arerequired. Evidence of yellow fever immunization must besubmitted with one's visa application. Medical facilitiesare limited. Some medicines are unavailable. Street crimeis common, including pickpocketing and mugging.GhanaGhana is a developing country on the west coast of Africa.A passport and a visa are required. Evidence ofimmunization for yellow fever and cholera is also required.Medical facilities in Ghana are limited, particularlyoutside the capital city of Accra. Malaria is common, asare other tropical diseases. Petty crime, such aspickpocketing, is common. Robberies often occur in publicplaces and at the beach. Currency transactions with privatecitizens is illegal. Visitors arriving in Ghana withelectronic equipment, particularly video cameras and laptopcomputers, may be required to pay a refundable deposit of17.5 per cent of the value of the item prior to entry intothe country. In some areas, possession of a camera isconsidered to be suspicious. Individuals have been arrestedfor taking pictures near sensitive installations. Thegovernment of Ghana does not recognize dual nationalityexcept for minors under 21 years of age. The wearing of anymilitary apparel, such as camouflage jackets or pants, orany clothing or items which may appear military in nature isstrictly prohibited.GuineaGuinea is a developing coastal West African country.Facilities for tourism are minimal. A passport and a visaare required. Evidence of yellow fever immunization isrequired, and the Guinean government recommends taking ofmalarial suppressants. Medical facilities are limited.Diseases such as malaria, including cerebral malaria,hepatitis and intestinal hepatitis disorders are endemic.Street crime is very common. Criminals particularly targetvisitors at the airport in Conakry. Pickpockets or personsposing as officials sometimes offer assistance and thensteal bags, purses or wallets. Travelers may wish to be metat the airport by travel agents, business contacts, familymembers or friends to avoid this possibility. Permissionfrom the Guinean government's security personnel is requiredfor photographing government buildings, airports, bridges orofficial looking buildings. Credit cards are rarelyaccepted in Guinea. Inter-bank fund transfers arefrequently difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish. Thecommunication system is poor. The limited telephone and faxlines are usually available only between 6:00 pm and 6:00 amlocal time.Guinea-BissauGuinea-Bassau is a developing nation on the west coast ofAfrica. Portuguese is the official language; French is alsowidely spoken. Facilities for tourism are minimal,particularly outside the capital city of Bissau. A passportand a visa are required. Visas must be obtained in advance;recent visitors arriving without visas via land or air havebeen turned back. Visa applications must be accompanied bytwo photos and evidence of yellow fever immunization.Medical facilities in Guinea-Bissau are extremely limited.Medicines often are not available. Malaria is common, asare other tropical diseases. Petty thievery andpickpocketing are increasingly common, particularly at theairport, in markets and at public gatherings. Thieves haveoccasionally posed as officials and stolen bags and otherpersonal items. Visitors should request permission fromsecurity personnel before photographing military or policeinstallations. Small U.S. currency denominations are mostuseful for exchange into Guinea-Bissau pesos. Credit cardsand travelers checks are rarely accepted in Guinea-Bissau.Inter-bank fund transfers are frequently difficult and time-consuming to accomplish. Taking pesos out of the country isprohibited. Travelers may have difficulty finding publicphones and receiving international calls. Telephoneservices are expensive.KenyaKenya is a developing East African country known for thewildlife in its national park system. Tourist facilitiesare widely available in Nairobi, on the coast, and in thegame park and reserves. A passport and a visa are required.Visas may be obtained in advance at any Kenyan embassy orconsulate, or upon arrival at a Kenyan port of entry.Evidence of yellow fever immunization may be requested.Adequate medical services are available in Nairobi. Thereis a high rate of street crime against tourists in downtownNairobi, Mombasa and at the coastal beach resorts.Pickpockets and thieves are also involved in ''snatch andrun'' crimes near crowds. Kenyan currency may not be takenout of the country and is sometimes difficult to exchangefor dollars upon departure. Security in the Masai Mara gamereserve has deteriorated, with attacks by armed bandits onseveral camp sites. Visitors should use only reputabletravel firms and knowledgeable guides and avoid campingalone. Water in Nairobi is potable. In other parts of thecountry, water must be boiled or bottled. Travel bypassenger train in Kenya may be unsafe, particularly duringthe rainy season, because of the lack of routine maintenanceand safety checks.LesothoLesotho is a developing country in southern Africa.Facilities for tourists are limited. Visas are required andmay be obtained at a Lesotho diplomatic mission prior toarrival in Lesotho. Americans arriving without visas havenot been inconvenienced but must obtain a visa at theimmigration and passport office in Maseru after entering thecountry. Medical facilities are minimal. Many medicinesare unavailable. Deteriorating economic conditions in thecountry, aggravated by the return of large numbers ofunemployed miners from South Africa, have caused an increasein armed robberies, break ins, and auto thefts. This occursprimarily in the capital city of Maseru but can occurelsewhere as well. Traveling alone or at night isparticularly dangerous.LiberiaLiberia is a developing West African country which hassuffered internal strife for the past several years.Tourism facilities are poor, and in some cases, non-existent. At the time of publication, U.S. citizens werewarned to avoid travel due to unsettled security conditions.Travelers are required to have a passport and a visa priorto arrival. Evidence of yellow fever vaccinations arerequired. An exit permit must be obtained from Liberianimmigration authorities upon arrival. Medical facilitieshave been disrupted. Medicines are scarce. Monrovia'scrime rate is high, Foreigners, including U.S. citizens,have been targets of street crime. Lodging, water,electricity, fuel, transportation, telephone and postalservices continue to be uneven in Monrovia.MadagascarMadagascar is a developing island nation off the east coastof Africa. Facilities for tourism are available, but varyin quality. Passports and visas are required. Evidence ofyellow fever immunizations must be submitted. Medicalfacilities are minimal. Many medicines are unavailable.Street crimes poses a risk for visitors, especially in thecity of Antananarivo. Reported incidents include muggingsand purse snatching. These crimes generally occur in ornear public mass transit systems, and against individualswalking at night in the Antananarivo city center.Foreigners who remain near or photograph politicalgatherings or demonstrations, especially in towns outsideAntananarivo, may be at risk.MalawiMalawi is a developing African nation. Facilities fortourists exist, but are limited. A passport is required.Visas are not required for a stay of up to one year. Strictdress codes apply to anyone visiting Malawi. Women mustwear dresses that cover the shoulders, arms and knees andmay not wear slacks except in specifically designated areas.Men with long hair cannot enter the country. Medicalfacilities are limited. Some medicines are in short supply.Petty crime, including purse snatching, occurs in urbanareas.MaliMali is a developing West African nation with a newdemocratically elected system of government. Facilities fortourism are limited. A passport and a visa are required.Medical facilities are limited. Many medicines areunavailable. Petty crime, including pickpocketing and pursesnatching, is not uncommon. Incidents of banditry andvehicle theft have been reported along major travel routes,near the principal cities and in smaller towns. Victimshave included foreigners. The roads from Bamako to Mopti,Douentza, Koutiala, Sikasso, and Bougouni, and a few otherroads are paved. Road conditions on other routes are poor,particularly in the rainy season from mid-June to mid-September. Driving is hazardous after dark, and nighttimetravel may be dangerous. Photography is no longerrestricted, except for military subjects. However,interpretation of what may be considered off limits varies.Other subjects may be considered sensitive from a culturalor religious viewpoint, and it is helpful to obtainpermission before taking pictures. The Malian currency isthe CFA franc which is exchangeable for French francs at afixed rate. Exchange of dollars in cash or travelers checksis slow and often involves out-of-date rates. Use of creditcards is limited to payments for services at only two hotelsin Bamako. Cash advances on credit cards are performed byone bank in Mali, the BMCD Bank in Bamako, and only with a''VISA'' credit card. International calls are expensive anddifficult to make outside of Bamako. Collect calls cannotbe made from Mali. Calls to the United States costapproximately ten dollars a minute.MauritaniaMauritania is a developing country in northwestern Africa.Evidence of yellow fever immunization and proof ofsufficient funds are required. Medical facilities inMauritania are limited. Medicines are difficult to obtain.Petty crime exists. Local currency may not be imported orexported. Credit cards, other than American Express, arenot acceptable in Mauritania. American Express cards canonly be used at a few hotels in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.MauritiusThe Republic of Mauritius is a developing nation with astable government and growing economy. Facilities fortourism are largely available. Although the spokenlanguages are French and Creole, English is the officiallanguage. A passport, an onward/return ticket and evidenceof sufficient funds are required for entrance to Mauritius.U.S. citizens do not need visas for a stay of three monthsor less for business or tourism. Petty crime is common inMauritius.MozambiqueMozambique, a less developed country in southern Africa,ended a 17-year civil war in October 1992 with the signingof a peace agreement between the government and the rivalrebel group. Facilities for tourism are severely limitedoutside of Maputo. Travel by road outside of the majorurban areas is possible; however, road conditions varygreatly. A passport and a visa are required. Visas must beobtained in advance from a Mozambican embassy or consulate.Medical facilities are minimal. Many medicines areunavailable. Maputo's special clinic, which requirespayment in hard currency, can provide general non-emergencyservices. Economic conditions in the country, spotty policeprotection, and years of war have caused an increase inviolent and armed robberies, break-ins, and auto thefts.Victims, including members of the foreign community, havebeen killed. Traveling alone or at night is particularlyrisky. Currency can be converted at locations authorized bythe Mozambican government. Currency conversions on theblack market are illegal and very risky. Credit cards arenot widely accepted in Mozambique. Some merchants prefer tobe paid in U.S. dollars.NamibiaNamibia is a southern African country with a moderatelydeveloped economy. Facilities for tourism are available. Apassport, an onward/return ticket and proof of sufficientfunds are required for entrance into Namibia. A visa is notrequired for tourist or business visits. Medical facilitiesare relatively modern, especially in the city of Windhoek.Some petty crime occurs.NigerNiger is a developing, inland African nation whose northernarea includes a part of the Sahara Desert. Tourismfacilities are minimal, particularly outside of Niamey. Apassport and a visa are required to enter Niger. Visas arevalid for a period of one week to three months from the dateof issuance, depending on the type of visa and category oftraveler. Although yellow fever and cholera vaccinationsare not required for visa issuance, they are required forentry into Niger. Medical facilities are minimal in Niger,particularly outside the city of Niamey. Some medicines arein short supply. Armed bandits operate in northern Niger,and a number of people have been killed. Thieves andpickpockets are especially active in tourist areas. Caremust be taken in walking city streets anywhere in thecountry at any time, but especially at night. There havebeen incidents of groups of men assaulting women who are, orappear to be, African, and who are wearing garments otherthan the traditional ankle-length wrap known as ''pagnes.''U.S. citizens are generally not specific targets of theseassaults. Tourists are free to take pictures anywhere inNiger, except near military installations, radio andtelevision stations, the Presidency Building, and theairport. There are no laws restricting currencytransactions in Niger. Local currency (the CFA Franc) orforeign currency, up to the equivalent of four thousand U.S.dollars, can be taken into or out of Niger without violatingthe law. International telephones service to and from Nigeris expensive and callers experience delays getting a line.Telefaxes are often garbled due to poor quality.NigeriaAt the time of publication, Nigeria, with limited facilitiesfor tourism, poses risks for travelers. A passport and avisa are required of U.S. citizens and all other foreigners.Evidence of yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are alsorequired. Airport visas are not available. Violent crimeaffecting foreigners is an extremely serious problem,especially in Lagos and the southern half of the country.Visitors, as well as resident Americans, report widespreadarmed muggings, assault, burglary, carjackings andextortion, often involving violence. A variety of diseasesposes a serious health threat. The public is not alwaysinformed in a timely manner about outbreaks of typhoid,cholera and yellow fever. Malaria, including potentiallyfatal cerebral malaria, and hepatitis are endemic. Medicalfacilities are limited; not all medicines are available.Permission is required to take photographs of governmentbuildings, airports, bridges or official looking buildings.Permission may be obtained from Nigerian security personnel.Credit cards are rarely accepted and, because of theprevalence of credit card fraud in Nigeria and perpetratedby Nigerians in the United States, their use is generallyill advised. It is often necessary to bring travelerschecks or currency in sufficient amounts to cover the trip.Interbank transfers are frequently difficult, if notimpossible, to accomplish. The government of Nigeria hasfixed an artificially high official rate for the localcurrency, the naira (in terms of its value in exchange forforeign currencies). Persons seeking to trade at lowerrates on the ''black market'' could be arrested or shakendown. To avoid problems, exchange dollars for localcurrency only at the official rate and at approved exchangefacilities, usually including major hotels. Visitors mayalso wish to obtain a copy of ''Tips for Business Travelersto Nigeria.'' This publication is available free of chargeby sending a self addressed, stamped envelope to the Officeof Overseas Citizens Services, Department of State,Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.RwandaRwanda is a central East African country torn by ethnic andpolitical strife. A three month civil war ended in mid-July. Much of the country's basic infastructure∩ú┐telephones,water distribution, electricity, etc.∩ú┐was destroyed in thewar. Medical facilities are severely limited and extremelyoverburdened. Almost all medical facilities in the capital,Kigali, were destroyed during the civil war. Looting andstreet crime are common. There are no civilian lawenforcement authorities functioning in Rwanda at this time.Clean water and food are unavailable on a regular basis, andonly rudimentary lodging can be found. At the time ofpublication, the Department of State warned U.S. citizens toavoid travel due to the unsettled conditions following theaftermath of the civil war.Sao Tome and PrincipeSao Tome and Principe is a developing island nation off thewest coast of Africa. Facilities for tourism are not widelyavailable. A passport and a visa are required. There is nocharge for tourist or business visas for visits of up to twoweeks. Evidence of yellow fever immunization must besubmitted. Medical facilities in Sao Tome and Principe arelimited. Some crime occurs.SenegalSenegal is a developing West African country. Facilitiesfor tourists are widely available although of varyingquality. A passport is required. Visas are not requiredfor stays of less than 90 days. However, a visa is requiredif traveling to Senegal from Mauritania, regardless oflength of stay. U.S. citizens need onward/return ticketsMedical facilities are limited, particularly in areasoutside the capital, Dakar. Street crime in Senegal posesmoderate risks for visitors. Most reported incidentsinvolve pickpockets, purse snatchers and street scamartists.SeychellesSeychelles is an island nation in the Indian Ocean off theeast coast of Africa. The principle island of Mahe has apopulation of about 50,000. The two other islands, withsignificant permanent populations, are Praslin and La Digue.Facilities for tourism are generally well developed. A visais required and may be issued on arrival for a stay up toone month. There is no charge. The visa may be extendedfor a period of up to one year. Medical facilities inSeychelles are limited, especially in the isolated outerislands, where doctors are often unavailable. Petty crimeoccurs, although violent crime against tourists isconsidered to be rare. Keep valuables in hotel safes andclose and lock hotel windows at night, even while the roomis occupied to minimize the risk of crime.Sierra LeoneSierra Leone is a developing country which has fewfacilities for tourism and poses considerable risks fortravelers. Military activity and banditry affect largeparts of the country outside Freetown. Telephone service isunreliable. A passport and a visa are required. Airportvisas are not available upon arrival in Sierra Leone forU.S. citizens; visas must, therefore, be obtained in advancefrom a Sierra Leonean embassy or consulate. Yellow feverimmunizations are required. Malaria suppressants arerecommended. Travelers must declare foreign currency beingbrought into Sierra Leone. Declaration is made on anexchange control form which must be certified and stamped atthe port of entry. Medical facilities are limited andmedicines are in short supply. Sterility of equipment isquestionable, and treatment is often unreliable. Pettycrime and theft of wallets and passports are common.Requests for payments at military roadblocks are common.Permission is required to photograph government buildings,airports, bridges or official-looking buildings. Areasforbidding photography are not marked or defined.SomaliaAt the time of publication, U.S. citizens were warned not totravel to Somalia. The Liaison office in Mogodishu ceasedoperations in September 1994. No visas are required forentry into Somalia. Anyone entering Somalia must receiveimmunization against cholera, typhoid, and yellow fever, andobtain a doctor's advice regarding any other immunizationsthat might be necessary. There are virtually no healthfacilities or medicines available in Somalia. Looting,banditry, and all forms of violent crime are common inSomalia, particularly in the capital city of Mogodishu.Electricity, water, food, and lodging are unobtainable on aregular basis.South AfricaAlthough South Africa is in many respects a developedcountry, much of its population, particularly in ruralareas, lives in poverty. There are adequate facilities inall urban centers, game parks and areas most commonlyvisited by tourists. Food and water are generally safe, anda wide variety of consumer goods and pharmaceuticals arereadily available. Road conditions are generally good, butthere is a very high incidence of highway casualties,especially over holiday weekends. A passport valid for atleast six months is required, but a visa is not required forvisits for holiday, business or transit purposes. Visas arerequired, however, for extended stays, employment, study andfor diplomatic and official passport holders. Evidence of ayellow fever vaccination is necessary if arriving from aninfected area. Medical facilities are good in urban areasand in the vicinity of game parks and beaches, but may belimited elsewhere. There is continuing and significantstreet crime such as muggings, pickpocketing, and randomstreet violence, which affects foreigners as well as localresidents, especially in the center of major cities such asJohannesburg.SudanSudan is a large under-developed country in northeasternAfrica. Tourism facilities are minimal. A passport and avisa are required to enter Sudan. The Sudanese governmentrecommends that malarial suppressants be taken, and thatyellow fever, cholera and meningitis vaccinations be inorder. Visas are not granted in passports showing Israelivisas. Travelers are required to register with policeheadquarters within three days of arrival. Travelers mustobtain police permission before moving to another locationin Sudan and must register with police within 24 hours ofarrival at the new location. The exchange of money at otherthan an authorized banking institution may result in arrestand loss of funds though unscrupulous black marketeers. Apermit must be obtained before taking photographs anywherein Khartoum, as well as in the interior of the country.Photographing military areas, bridges, drainage stations,broadcast stations, public utilities, and slum areas orbeggars is prohibited. Disruption of water and electricityare frequent. Telecommunications are slow and often notpossible. Unforeseen circumstances such as sandstorms andelectrical outages may cause flight delays.SwazilandSwaziland is a small developing nation in southern Africa.Facilities for tourism are available. A passport isrequired. Visas are not required of tourists planning tostay less than 60 days. Temporary residence permits areissued in Mbabane. For longer stays, visitors must reportto immigration authorities or to a police station within 48hours of arrival, if they are not lodged in a hotel. Yellowfever and cholera immunizations are required for visitorsarriving from an infected area. Anti-malarial treatment isrecommended. Medical facilities are limited. Petty streetcrime, primarily theft of money and personal property occurswith some frequency.</text>
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<text>U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATESEPTEMBER 1994: TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO SUB-SAHARAN AFRICABUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRSTips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan AfricaDEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATIONBureau of Consular AffairsRevised September 1994General InformationYour trip to Africa will be an adventure off the beatenpath. The estimated 325,000 U.S citizens who travel to sub-Saharan Africa each year are only a fraction of the morethan 44 million Americans who go overseas annually.The Department of State seeks to encourage internationaltravel. Conditions and customs in sub-Saharan Africa,however, can contrast sharply with what you are used to.These pages contain advice to help you avoid inconvenienceand difficulties as you go. Take our advice seriously butdo not let it keep you at home. Africans are happy to sharenot just their scenery, but their culture and traditions aswell.Before you go, learn as much as you can about yourdestination. Your travel agent, local bookstore, publiclibrary and the embassies of the countries you plan to visitare all useful sources of information. Another source isthe Department of State's Background Notes series whichinclude a pamphlet for each country in Africa. To obtainspecific pamphlet prices and information, contact theSuperintendent of Documents, U.S. Government PrintingOffice, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel: 202-738-3238. You mayalso obtain select issues by fax by calling 202-736-7720from your fax machine.This brochure covers all of Africa except the five nationsbordering the Mediterranean. Sub-Saharan Africa includes 48nations. Forty two of these nations are on the mainland.In addition, four island nations in the southwest IndianOcean (Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles) andtwo island nations in the Atlantic Ocean (Cape Verde and SaoTome and Principe) are considered part of Africa. Forconvenience, we will often use the word ''Africa'' to referto the sub-Saharan region. For travel tips for the fivenorthern African nations of Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco,Libya, and Egypt see ''Tips for Travelers to the Middle Eastand North Africa.''Consular Information ProgramBefore traveling obtain the Consular Information Sheet forthe country or countries you plan to visit. You should alsocheck to see if the Department of State has issued a TravelWarning for the country or countries you will be visiting.Warnings are issued when the State Department decides, basedon all relevant information, to recommend that Americansavoid travel to a certain country. Consular InformationSheets are available for every country of the world. Theyinclude such information as the location of the U.S. embassyor consulate in the subject country, unusual immigrationpractices, health conditions, minor political disturbances,unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and securityinformation, and drug penalties. If an unstable conditionsexists in a country that is not severe enough to warrant aWarning, a description of the condition(s) may be includedunder an optional section entitled ''Areas of Instability.''On limited occasions, we also restate in this section anyU.S. embassy advice given to official employees. ConsularInformation Sheets generally do not include advice, butpresent information on factual matters so travelers can makeknowledgeable decisions concerning travel to a particularcountry. Countries where avoidance of travel is recommendedwill have Travel Warnings as well as Consular InformationSheets.How to Access Consular Information Sheets and TravelWarningsConsular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings may be heardany time by dialing the Citizens Emergency Center at (202)647-5225 from a touchtone phone. The recording is updatedas new information becomes available. They are alsoavailable at any of the 13 regional passport agencies, fieldoffices of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and U.S.embassies and consulates abroad, or, by writing or sending aself-addressed, stamped envelope to the Office of OverseasCitizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 4811,N.W., U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.By faxFrom your fax machine, dial 202-647-3000, using the handsetas you would a regular telephone. The system will instructyou on how to proceed.Consular Affairs Bulletin Board - CABBIf you have a personal computer, modem and communicationsoftware, you can access the Consular Affairs Bulletin Boardor CABB. This service is free of charge.To view or download the documents from a computer and modem,dial the CABB on 202-647-9225, setting your software to N-8-1.As you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage. If youplan a long stay in one place or if you are in an area wherecommunications are poor or that is experiencing civil unrestor some natural disaster, you are encouraged to registerwith the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registrationtakes only a few moments, and it may be invaluable in caseof an emergency. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary andthe numbers of your passport or other citizenship documentswith a friend or relative in the United States.HealthHealth problems affect more visitors to Africa than anyother difficulty. Information on health precautions can beobtained from local health departments, private doctors, ortravel clinics. General guidance can also be found in theU.S. Public Health Service book, ''Health Information forInternational Travel,'' available for $6.00 from theSuperintendent of Documents, U.S. Government PrintingOffice, Washington, D.C. 20402, or the Centers for DiseaseControl's international travelers hotline at 404-332-4559.Depending on your destination, immunization may berecommended against cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis,meningitis, polio, typhoid, and yellow fever. Thesediseases are transmitted by insects, contaminated food andwater, or close contact with infected people. Travelersshould take the proper precautions before leaving for sub-Saharan Africa to reduce the risk of infection.Diseases transmitted by insectsMany diseases are transmitted through the bite of infectedinsects such as mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ticks, and lice.Travelers must protect themselves from insect bites bywearing proper clothing, using bed nets, and applying theproper insect repellent. Mosquito activity is mostprominent during the hours between dusk and dawn. Malariais a serious parasitic infection transmitted to humans bythe mosquito. Symptoms range from fever and flu-likesymptoms, to chills, general achiness, and tiredness.Travelers at risk for malaria should take Mefloquine toprevent malaria. This drug should be taken one week beforeleaving, while in the malarious area, and for a period of 4weeks after leaving the area. Yellow Fever is a viraldisease transmitted to human by a mosquito bite. Symptomsrange from fever, chills, headache, and vomiting tojaundice, internal bleeding, and kidney failure. Some sub-Saharan countries require yellow fever vaccination forentry. Dengue Fever is primarily an urban viral infectiontransmitted by mosquito bites. The illness is flu-like andcharacterized by the sudden onset of a high fever, severeheadaches, joint and muscle pain, and rash. Prevention isimportant since no vaccine or specific treatment exists.Diseases transmitted through food and waterFood and waterborne diseases are one of the major cause ofillness to travelers, most frequent being diarrhea. It canbe caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites which are founduniversally throughout the region. Typhoid Fever is abacterial infection transmitted throughout contaminated foodand/or water, or directly between people. Symptoms oftyphoid include fever, headaches, tiredness, loss ofappetite, and constipation more often then diarrhea.Typhoid fever can be treated effectively with antibiotics.Drinking only bottled or boiled water and eating onlythoroughly cooked food reduces the risk of infection.Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by abacterium. Infection is acquired by ingesting contaminatedwater or food. Symptoms include an abrupt onset ofvoluminous watery diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, andmuscle cramps. The best method of prevention is to followthe standard food and water precautions. Individuals withsevere cases should receive medical attention immediately.Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver transmittedby the fecal oral; through direct person to person contact;from contaminated water, ice or shellfish; or from fruits oruncooked vegetables contaminated through handling. Symptomsinclude fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, darkurine, jaundice, vomiting, aches and pains, and lightstools. No specific therapy is available. The virus isinactivated by boiling or cooking to 85 degrees centigradefor one minute. Travelers should eat thoroughly cookedfoods and drinking only treated water as a precautions.Diseases transmitted through intimate contact with peopleHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which causes acquiredimmunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS is found primarily inblood, semen, and vaginal secretions of an infected person.HIV is spread by contact with an infected person, by needlesharing among injecting drug users, and through transfusionsof infected blood and blood clotting factors. Treatment hasprolonged the survival of some HIV infected persons, butthere is no known cure or vaccine available. Internationaltravelers should be aware that some countries serologicallyscreen incoming travelers (primarily those with extendedvisits, such as for work or study) and deny entry to personswith AIDS and those whose test results indicate infectionwith HIV. Persons who are intending to visit a country forsubstantial period or to work or study abroad may wish toconsult the embassy of that country concerning the policiesand requirements on HIV testing. Hepatitis B is a viralinfection of the liver. Primarily, Hepatitis B istransmitted through activities which result in the exchangeof blood or blood derived fluids and/or through sexualactivity with an infected person. The primary preventionconsists of either vaccination and/or reducing intimatecontact with those suspected of being infected.Meningococcal Disease (bacterial meningitis) is a bacterialinfection in the lining of the brain or spinal cord. Earlysymptoms are headache, stiff neck, a rash, and fever. Thisis spread by repository droplets when an infected personsneezes or coughs on you. A one dose vaccine calledMenomune% is available.Other diseasesSchistosomiasis is an infection that develops after thelarvae of a flatworm have penetrated the skin. Watertreated with chlorine or iodine is virtually safe, and saltwater poses no risk. The risk is a function of thefrequency and degree of contact with contaminated freshwater for bathing, wading, or swimming. It is oftendifficult to distinguish between infested and non-infestedwater therefore, swimming in fresh water in rural areasshould be avoided. Rabies is a viral infection thataffects the central nervous system. It is transmitted byanimal bites which introduces the virus into the wound. Thebest prevention is not to handle animals. Any animal biteshould receive prompt attention.Some countries have shortages of medicines; bring anadequate supply of any prescription and over-the-countermedicines that you are accustomed to taking. Keep allprescriptions in their original, labeled containers.Medical facilities may be limited, particularly in ruralareas. Should you become seriously ill or injured abroad,contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. A U.S.consular officer can furnish you with a list of recommendedlocal hospitals and English-speaking doctors. Consularofficers can also inform your family or friends in theUnited States of your condition. Because medical coverageoverseas can be quite expensive, prospective travelersshould review their health insurance policies. Doctors andhospital expect immediate payment in full for healthservices in many sub-Saharan countries. If your policy doesnot provide medical coverage overseas, consider buyingsupplemental insurance. It is also advisable to obtaininsurance to cover the exorbitant cost of medical evacuationin the event of a medical emergency.Except in first-class hotels, drink only boiled water orbottled beverages. Avoid ice cubes. Unless you are certainthey are pasteurized, avoid dairy products. Vegetables andfruits should be peeled or washed in a purifying solution.A good rule of thumb is, if you can't peel it or cook it,don't eat it.CrimeCrime is a worldwide problem, particularly in urbanpopulated areas. In places where crime is especially acute,we have noted this problem under the specific geographiccountry section. Travelers should, however, be alert to theincreasing crime problem throughout sub-Saharan Africa.WeatherSub-Saharan Africa is tropical, except for the high inlandplateaus and the southern part of South Africa. Within 10degrees of the Equator, the climate seldom varies and isgenerally hot and rainy. Further from the Equator, theseasons become more apparent, and if possible, you shouldplan your trip in the cooler months. If traveling to ruralareas, avoid the rainy months which generally run from Maythrough October, since roads may be washed out.Visa and Other Entry RequirementsA U.S. passport is required for travel to all countries inAfrica. In addition, most countries in sub-Saharan Africarequire U.S. citizens to have a visa. If visas arerequired, obtain them before you leave home. If you decideto visit additional countries en route, it may be difficultor impossible to obtain visas. In most African countries,you will not be admitted into the country and will have todepart on the next plane, if you arrive without a visa.This can be inconvenient if the next plane does not arrivein several days, the airport hotel is full, and the airporthas no other sleeping accommodations.The best authority on a country's visa and other entryrequirements is its embassy or consulate. The Department ofState publication, ''Foreign Entry Requirements,'' givesbasic information on entry requirements and tells where andhow to apply for visas. You can order a copy for $.50 fromthe Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.Allow plenty of time to apply for visas. An average of twoweeks for each visa is recommended. When you inquire, checkthe following:- visa price, length of validity, and number of entries;- financial data required - proof of sufficient funds,proof of onward/return ticket;- immunizations required;- currency regulations;- import/export restrictions; and- departure tax. If required, be sure to keep sufficienthard currency so that you may leave the country on schedule.- AIDS clearance certification. Some countries requiretravelers to submit certification or be tested upon arrivalfor AIDS.In the past, some African countries refused to admittravelers who had South African visas or entry and exitstamps in their passports. The situation has beenimproving; however, if you have such notations in yourpassport or plan to visit South Africa in conjunction with atrip to other countries, contact a U.S. passport agency forguidance. If you are overseas, contact the nearest U.S.embassy or consulate.Restricted AreasA visa is good only for those parts of a country that areopen to foreigners. Several countries in Africa have areasof civil unrest or war zones that are off-limits to visitorswithout special permits. Others have similar areas that areopen but surrounded by security checkpoints where travelersmust show their passport, complete with valid visa. Whentraveling in such a country, keep your passport with you atall times. No matter where you travel in Africa, do notoverstay the validity of your visa; renew it if necessary.If stopped at a roadblock, be courteous and responsive toquestions asked by persons in authority. At night, turn onthe interior light of the car. In areas of instability,however, try to avoid travel at night. For information onrestricted or risky areas, consult Department of StateConsular Information Sheets or, if you are already inAfrica, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.In some areas, when U.S. citizens are arrested or detained,police or prison officials have failed to inform the U.S.embassy or consulate. If you are ever detained for anyreason, ask to talk with a U.S. consular officerimmediately.U.S. Citizens Married to Foreign NationalsWomen who travel to Africa should be aware that in somecountries, either by law or by custom, a woman and herchildren need the permission of her husband to leave thecountry. If you or your children travel, be aware of thelaws and customs of the places you visit. Do not visit orallow your children to visit unless you are confident thatyou will be permitted to leave. Once overseas, you aresubject to the laws of the country you are in; U.S. lawcannot protect you.Currency RegulationsThe amount of money, including traveler's checks, which maybe taken into or out of African countries varies. Ingeneral, visitors must declare all currency and travelerschecks upon arrival. Do not exchange money on the blackmarket. Use only banks and other authorized foreignexchange offices and retain receipts. You may need topresent the receipts as well as your original currencydeclaration when you depart. Currency not accounted for maybe confiscated, and you may be fined or detained.Many countries require that hotel bills be paid in hardcurrency. Some require that a minimum amount of hardcurrency be changed into the local currency upon arrival.Some countries prohibit the import or export of localcurrency.U.S. Wildlife RegulationsThe United States prohibits the import of products fromendangered species, including the furs of any spotted cats.Most African countries have enacted laws protectingwildlife, but poaching and illegal trafficking in wildlifeare still commonplace. Importing products made fromendangered species, may result in the seizure of the productand a possible fine. African ivory can not generally beimported legally into the United States.The import of most types of parrots and other wild birdsfrom Africa is now restricted and subject to licensing andother controls. There are also restrictions which requirethe birds to be placed in quarantine upon arrival to ensurethey are free from disease. For further information on theimport of wildlife and related products, consult the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service or TRAFFIC U.S.A., World WildlifeFund∩ú┐U.S., 1250 24th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037.Air TravelIf you are flying to places in Africa other than the majortourist destinations, you may have difficulty securing andretaining reservations and experience long waits at airportsfor customs and immigration processing. If stranded, youmay need proof of a confirmed reservation in order to obtainfood and lodging vouchers from some airlines. Flights areoften overbooked, delayed, or cancelled and when competingfor space on a plane, you may be dealing with a surgingcrowd rather than a line. Traveling with a packaged tourmay insulate you from some of these difficulties. Allproblems cannot be avoided, but you can: - Learn the reputation of the airline and the airports youwill use to forestall problems and avoid any unpleasantsurprises. - When possible, reserve your return passage before yougo; reconfirm immediately upon arrival. - Ask for confirmation in writing, complete with filenumber or locator code, when you make or confirm areservation. - Arrive at the airport earlier than required in order toput yourself at the front of the line ∩ú┐ or the crowd, as thecase may be. - Travel with funds sufficient for an extra week'ssubsistence in case you are stranded.PhotographyAfrica is filled with photogenic scenery, and photography isgenerally encouraged. However, most governments prohibitphotography of military installations or locations havingmilitary significance, including airports, bridges, tunnels,port facilities, and public buildings. Visitors can seekguidance on restrictions from local tourist offices or fromthe nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Taking photographswithout prior permission can result in your arrest or theconfiscation of your film.Shortages, High Prices, and Other ProblemsConsumer goods, gas, and food are in short supply in someAfrican countries and prices for these commodities may behigh by U.S. standards. Shortages of hotel accommodationsalso exist so confirm reservations well in advance. Somecountries experience disruptions in electricity and watersupply or in services such as mail and telecommunications.Local TransportationRental cars, where available, may be expensive. Hiring ataxi is often the easiest way to go sight-seeing. Taxifares should be negotiated in advance. Travel on ruralroads can be slow and difficult in the dry season anddisrupted by floods in the rainy season. Roads may also bedangerous due to the presence of armed bandits.Country InformationAngolaAngola is a developing country which has experienced war andcivil strife since independence from Portugal in 1975. OnMay 19, 1993, the U.S. recognized the Government of theRepublic of Angola, and a U.S. Embassy was established inLuanda on June 22, 1993. Facilities for tourism arevirtually nonexistent. Visas are required. Personsarriving without visas are subjected to possible arrest ordeportation. Travel in many parts of the city isconsidered unsafe at night because of the increasedincidence of armed robberies and carjackings. Violent crimeexists throughout the country. Adequate medical facilitiesare scarce in Angola, and most medicine is not available.Travelers are advised to purchase medical evacuationinsurance.BeninBenin is a developing West African country. Its capital isPorto Novo; however the adjoining city of Cotonou is themain port and site of most government and tourist activity.Tourist facilities in Cotonou are available, but are notfully developed elsewhere in Benin. U.S. citizens arerequired to have a passport and visa to enter the country.Because of security concerns in remote areas, especially inthe northern region of Atacora, travel can be dangerous.Medical facilities in Benin are limited. Crime rates arerising, particularly in the city of Cotonou.BotswanaBotswana is a developing southern African nation.Facilities for tourism are available. A passport isrequired. No visa is necessary for stays of less than 90days. Medical facilities in Botswana are limited. Somepetty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching iscommon in the capital city of Gaborone. Travel byautomobile outside of large towns may be dangerous.Although major roads are generally in good condition, thecombination of long, tedious stretches of two-lane highway,high speed limits, and the occasional presence of largeanimals on the roads makes accidents a frequent occurrence.Burkina FasoBurkina Faso , previously known as Upper Volta, is adeveloping West African country which borders the SaharaDesert. The official language is French. Facilities fortourism are not widely available. A passport and a visa arerequired. Cholera immunization is recommended. Medicalfacilities in Burkina Faso are limited. Medicine may be inshort supply. Some petty crime occurs. There arerestrictions on photography and a valid photo permit must beobtained from the Ministry of Tourism. The Ministrymaintains a list of photo restrictions that are expected tobe observed by visitors. The U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougoucan provide information on specific photography regulations.Credit cards are rarely accepted. Travelers checks can becashed at local banks. Local telephone service is excellentbut expensive.BurundiBurundi is a small, inland African nation passing through aperiod of instability following a coup attempt in October1993. Facilities for tourism, particularly in the interior,are limited. A passport and visa are required. Medicalfacilities are limited in Burundi. Street crime poses ahigh risk for visitors. Burundi has a good network of roadsbetween the major towns and border posts. Travel on otherroads is difficult, particularly in the rainy season.Public transportation to border points is often difficultand frequently unavailable. At the time of publication, theDepartment of State warned U.S. citizens to avoid travel dueto continuing unstable conditions throughout the country.CameroonCameroon is a developing African country. Facilities fortourism are limited. A passport and a visa are required.Airport security is stringent and visitors may be subject tobaggage searches. Medical facilities are limited. Armedbanditry is an increasing problem throughout the country,including tourist areas in Cameroon's far north province andall major cities. Persons traveling at night on ruralhighways are at extreme risk. While photography is notofficially forbidden, security officials are sensitive aboutthe photographing of government buildings and militaryinstallations, many of which are unmarked. Photography ofthese subjects may result in seizure of photographicequipment by Cameroon authorities.Cape VerdeThe Republic of Cape Verde consists of several ruggedvolcanic islands off the west coast of Africa. The climateis warm and dry. Tourist facilities are limited. Apassport and a visa are required. Evidence of immunizationagainst yellow fever (if arriving from and infected area),is required. Medical facilities in Cape Verde are extremelylimited. Some petty theft is common.Central African RepublicThe Central African Republic is a developing Africancountry. Facilities for tourism are limited. A passportand visa are required. Medical facilities in the CentralAfrican Republic are limited. Petty crime such aspickpocketing is common. There have been attacks by armedhighway bandits on motorists in the central and northernpart of the country, which have resulted in the wounding ordeath of both foreigners and Africans. Taking photographsof police or military installations, as well as governmentbuildings, is prohibited.ChadChad is a developing country in north central Africa whichhas experienced sporadic armed disturbances over the pastseveral years. Facilities for tourism are limited.Visitors to Chad must have a passport and a visa beforearrival. Evidence of a yellow fever vaccination must bepresented. Medical facilities are extremely limited.Medicines are in short supply. Pickpocketing and pursesnatching are endemic in market and commercial areas. Apermit is required for all photography. Even with a permit,there are prohibitions against taking pictures of militaryestablishments and official buildings. At the time ofpublication, the U.S. Embassy advised U.S. citizens thattravel across the southwestern border into Cameroon washazardous because of a continuing series of securityincidents.ComorosComoros is a developing island nation located in the IndianOcean, off the east coast of Africa. Facilities for tourismare limited. A passport and a visa are required. Visas forstays of three weeks or less can be issued at the airportupon arrival, provided an onward/return ticket is presented.Medical facilities in Comoros are limited. Petty thieveryis not uncommon.CongoThe Congo is a developing nation in central Africa.Facilities for tourism are limited. A passport and a visaare required. Medical facilities in the Congo are limited.Some medical supplies is in short supply. Street crime,including mugging and purse snatching, is common inBrazzaville, as well as in some parts of the countryside.Driving may be hazardous, particularly at night, andtravelers should be alert to possible roadblocks.</text>
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<text>Tips for Travelers to Central and South America(Consular Affairs Topics) Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela Travelers to Central and South America are usually welcomed with courtesy and warmth. There is great diversity in the region - you can visit some of the largest cities in the world as well as some of the most unspoiled primitive environments. You can have a wonderful trip; however, there are some precautions to take. [Please note that travel to Mexico and the Caribbean is covered in separate publications. See the last page of this pamphlet.] Travel Advisories The Department of State issues travel advisories concerning serious health or security conditions that may affect U.S. citizens. Current advisories are available at the 13 regional passport agencies in the United States and from the Citizens Emergency Center, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, (202-647-5225). Advisories are also available at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. At time of publication, travel advisories are in effect for Columbia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Suriname. Some of the dangers covered in these advisories are guerrilla or terrorist activity, banditry, and areas under control of narcotics producers. If you plan travel to one of these countries, check with the Emergency Center or the nearest passport agency to see if a travel advisory is still in effect. As you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage. If you plan more than a short stay in one place, if you plan travel to an area where communications are poor, or if you are in an area experiencing civil unrest or some natural disaster, you are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration takes only a few moments, and it may be invaluable in case of an emergency. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and your passport number with a friend or relative in the United States. Getting In and Out All Central and South American countries except Guatemala require U.S. citizens to have a valid U.S. passport. (Guatemala requires proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate or passport.) Visa requirements for U.S. citizens vary from country to country: some countries do not require a visa for a tourist stay of 90 days or less; some only require that a tourist card be obtained at an airline office or at the destination airport; other countries require you to obtain a visa in advance from their embassy or consulate. Some countries have additional entry requirements such as proof of sufficient funds or proof of onward or return tickets. In addition, all South American countries and most Central American countries require a departure tax. If you are departing to a neighboring country, the tax may be small, but, if you are returning to the U.S., the tax could be as high as $20 per person, regardless of age. Be sure to have enough money at the end of your trip to be able to get on the plane! For authoritative information on a country's entry and exit requirements, contact its embassy or consulate (see list of foreign missions at the end of pamphlet). When you make your inquires, ask about: o where to obtain a tourist card or visa; o visa price, length of validity, and number of entries; o financial requirements--proof of sufficient funds, proof of onward or return ticket; o special requirements for children traveling alone or with only one parent (see below); o yellow fever immunization or other health requirements; o currency regulations--how much local or dollar currency can be brought in or out; o export/import restrictions; and o departure tax--how much and who must pay. Restrictions on Minors Many countries impose restrictions on minor children who travel alone, with only one parent, or with someone who is not their parent. A child must present written authorization for travel from the absent parent, parents, or legal guardian. If the parent or guardian traveling with the child is the sole custodian, the court order granting custody may, in some cases, serve as the authorization document. If any of this applies to you, inquire about the following at the embassy or consulate of the country your child plans to visit: o the age of majority at which the restriction no longer applies (e.g., age 15 in Argentina, age 18 in Brazil); o the type of document that can overcome the restriction (e.g., court order, statement of absent parent or parents); o whether notarizing the document is sufficient or if it must also be authenticated by the country's embassy or consulate; o whether the document must be translated. Note: in Brazil, a child may travel with its father without the mother's authorization, but, if traveling alone or with its mother, must have notarized authorization from its father. In Brazil, a woman may authorize a child's travel only when she is the sole legal parent or guardian. Bringing a Car If you plan to drive to Central or South America, contact the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit to learn what is required for entry and exit by private car. Besides title and ownership, at most borders you will need to show insurance coverage effective for the country you are entering. If your U.S. insurance does not cover you abroad, you can usually purchase insurance when you enter a country. In some countries, if you are involved in an accident that causes injury, you will automatically be taken into police custody until it can be determined who is liable and whether you have the insurance or financial ability to pay any judgment. There may also be criminal liability assigned if the injuries or damages are serious. If you are a visitor, you will not ordinarily have to pay import duty on your car, but you may have to post a bond or otherwise satisfy customs officials that you will not sell or dispose of the vehicle in the country. To enter some countries, you must have your car documented at the embassy or consulate of the country before you leave home. Before you get behind the wheel, be sure you are in compliance with the automobile import regulations of your destination countries. U.S. Wildlife Regulations Endangered species and products made from them may not be brought into the United States. The penalty is confiscation and a possible fine. These items are prohibited from import: virtually all birds originating in Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Venezuela; furs from spotted cats; most lizardskin products from Brazil and Paraguay; many snakeskin products from Brazil, Ecuador, and Paraguay; skins from the Orinoco crocodile; and all sea turtle products. Shopping for Antiquities Most countries in Central and South America control the export of objects from their pre-Columbian and colonial heritage. Some countries claim ownership of all such material and consider the export of antiques, without the permission of the government, to be an act of theft. In addition, under U.S. law, importers of all pre-Columbian monumental and architectrual sculpture, murals, and certain archaeological and ethnological materials are required to provide proof to the U.S. Customs Service that these artifacts are legally exported from the country of origin. Beware of purchasing artifacts unless they are accompanied by an export permit issued by the government of origin. Health Information on health precautions for travelers can be obtained from local health departments, the U.S. Public Health Service, private doctors, or travel clinics. General guidance can also be found in the U.S. Public Health Service book, Health Information for International Travel, available for $4.75 from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Depending on your destination, immunization may be recommended against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis, polio, rabies, typhoid, and yellow fever. Malaria is found in rural areas of every country in the region except Chile and Uruguay. Malaria prophylaxis and mosquito avoidance measures are recommended. If possible, avoid contact with mosquitoes from dusk to dawn by wearing long clothing, using insect repellent on exposed skin, using a flying insect spray in living and sleeping quarters, and using a bed net. Prophylaxis should begin 2 weeks before going to an area where malaria is endemic and should continue for at least 4 weeks after leaving. Chloroquine is the malaria prophylaxis most easily tolerated by humans. However, malaria resistant to chloroquine has been reported in an area beginning east of the Panama Canal and extending through northern South America as far south as the Amazon Basin. If you plan to visit this area, consult a medical expert to work out an additional prophylaxis. Malaria may at times, however, break through any drug or drug combination. If you develop chills, fever, and headaches while taking a malaria prophylaxis, seek medical attention promptly. Early treatment of malaria can be effective, but delaying therapy could have serious consequences. Mosquito avoidance measures, if used day and night, may also help prevent other less prevalent insect-borne diseases found in parts of Central and South America such as Chagas' disease, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, and yellow fever. Throughout most of Central and South America, fruits and vegetables should be washed with care and meats and fish thoroughly cooked. Problems of food contamination are less prevalent in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, and tapwater is potable in those countries. Elsewhere water is generally not potable and should be boiled or chemically treated. Diarrhea caused by contaminated food or water is potentially serious. If it persists, seek medical attention. Certain beaches in the region, including some at Lima and at Rio de Janeiro, are dangerously polluted. Avoid swimming at beaches that might be contaminated with human sewage or dog feces. Avoid swimming in fresh water in the areas where schistosomiasis is found: Brazil, Suriname, and north-central Venezuela. Visitors in the Andes may experience symptoms of altitude sickness such as insomnia, headache, and nausea. If you become sick, wait until your symptoms disappear before you attempt to go higher. Mountaineers should learn about the symptoms of high altitude pulmonary edema, a condition that is fatal unless remedied by immediate descent. Another hazard of high altitudes is sunburn. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases not only as you approach the equator, but also as you ascend in altitude. Sunscreens may help prevent this. Safety Tips - Crime Like many large cities throughout the world, major cities in Central and South American experience assaults, robberies, and thefts. Visitors should take common sense precautions: o Safety begins when you pack. Leave expensive jewelry behind. Dress conservatively; a flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual can mark you as a tourist. Use travelers checks, not cash. Leave photocopies of your passport personal information page and of your airline tickets with someone at home and carry an extra set with you. o In a car, keep doors locked, windows rolled up, and valuables out of sight. A common trick is for a thief to reach through a car window and grab a watch from a person's wrist or a purse or package from the seat while you are driving slowly or stopped in traffic. o When you leave your car, try to find a guarded parking lot, lock the car, and keep valuables out of sight. o When walking, avoid marginal areas of cities, dark alleys, and crowds. Avoid being stopped or approached on the street by strangers, including street vendors and beggars. Be aware that women and small children as well as men can be pickpockets or purse snatchers. Keep your billfold in an inner front pocket, keep your hand on your purse, and wear the shoulderstap of your camera or bag across your chest. To guard against thieves on motorcycles, walk away from the curb, carrying your purse away from the street. o Do not travel alone when you can avoid it. If you visit an isolated area, go with a group or a reputable guide. o Avoid travel at night. o Do not take valuables to the beach. Any U.S. citizen who is criminally assaulted should report the incident to the local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Safety Tips - Civil Unrest Several countries in Central and South America have areas of instability or war zones that are off-limits to visitors without special permits. Others have simlar areas that are open but surrounded by security check points where travelers must show their passport or tourist card. Always carry your papers with you, and do not overstay the validity of your visa or tourist card. Avoid public demonstrations. American citizens have been arrested when local authorities have thought they were participating in civil demonstrations. Drug Offenses Most Central and South American countries strictly enforce laws against the use, possession, and sale of narcotics. Foreigners arrested for possession of even small amounts of narcotics are not deported, but are charged and tried as international traffickers. There is no bail, judicial delays are lengthy, and you can spend two to four years in prison awaiting trial and sentencing. If you carry prescription drugs, keep them in their original container clearly labeled with the doctor's name, pharmacy, and contents. In addition, check with the embassy of the country you plan to visit for specific customs requirements for prescription drugs. Photography Be cautious when taking pictures. Frequently local authorities consider all airports, police stations, military locations, oil installations, harbors, mines, and bridges to be security-related. Photography of demonstrations or civil disturbances is also usually prohibited. Tourists have had their film confiscated and have been detained, so, when in doubt, ask. Adopting a Child Abroad Because of continuing scandals over the illegal activities of some adoption agencies and attorneys both in the United States and abroad, U.S. citizens have recently experienced difficulties when attempting to adopt children from Central or South America. Several countries in the region have either outlawed adoptions by foreigners or have passed a law requiring formal court adoption of the child in the country before the child is permitted to immigrate to the United States. Although this has resulted in adoptions less likely to be challenged from a legal standpoint, it has made the process more difficult and time- consuming. Any U.S. citizen interested in adopting a child from a country in Central or South America is encouraged to contact either the U.S. embassy in the country, or, in the United States, the Department of State's Office of Citizen Consular Services, Inter-American Division (telephone 202-647-3712) to obtain information on the adoption process in that country. Dual Nationality Some countries in Central and South America do not recognize acquisition of U.S. citizenship unless the naturalized U.S. citizen renounces his or her original nationality at an embassy or consulate of the country of origin. A person born in the United States of a parent or parents who were citizens of another country may also be considered by that country to be their national. If arrested, a dual national may be denied the right to communicate with the U.S. embassy or consulate. Another consequence could be having to serve in the military of one's former country. If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, a dual national, or have any reason to believe another country may consider you its national, check with the embassy of that country as to your citizenship status and any obligations you may have while visiting. Dual nationals who have not researched their citizenship status before traveling have sometimes, to their surprise, encountered difficulties, such as not being allowed to depart or being drafted for military service. Even countries that recognize acquired U.S. citizenship may consider their former citizens as having resumed original citizenship if they take up residence in their country of origin. This can happen even if the embassy of the country stamps a visa in the U.S. passport of its former citizen. Dual nationals should also be aware that they may be required to use a passport from their country of origin in order to enter or leave that country. The U.S. government does not object to the use of a foreign passport in such situations. U.S. citizens may not, however, use a foreign passport to enter or leave the United States. If you have any questions about dual nationality, contact the Office of Citizens Consular Services, Room 4817, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520 (202-647-3712). Additional Information for Certain Countries Belize Belize enforces a strict policy of refusing admittance to persons who an immigration officer suspects of drug use. Brazil Obtain your visa in advance. Brazilian immigration authorities do not hestitate to require a traveler without a visa to leave on the next available flight. Street crime can be a major problem in large cities in Brazil. Guard against it--see "Safety Tips" on page . In Sao Paulo, if you encounter difficulties or need emergency assistance, dial 1-0, radio police patrol, from any public telephone--no coin or token is needed for the call. Chile Anyone considering scientific, technical, or mountaineering expeditions to regions in Chile classified as frontier areas or to Antarctica must apply for authorization to a Chilean embassy or consulate a minimum of 90 days prior to the beginning of the expedition. The application will be forwarded to the Chilean government for decision. Chilean authorities reserve the right to request Chilean participation in foreign expeditions, and require the submission of a post-expedition report on the activities undertaken and the results obtained. Foreign Embassies in the United States Embassy of Argentina 1600 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 939-6400 Embassy of Belize Suite 2J 3400 International Drive, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 363-4505 Embassy of Boliva 3014 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 483-4410 Embassy of Brazil 3006 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 745-2700 Embassy of Chile 1732 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 785-1746 Embassy of Colombia 2118 Leroy Place, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 387-8338 Embassy of Costa Rica Suite 211 1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 234-2945 Embassy of Ecuador 2535 15th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 234-7200 Embassy of El Salvador 2308 California Street, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 265-3480 French Guiana: Embassy of France 4101 Reservoir Road, NW Washington, DC 20007 (202) 944-6000 Embassy of Guatemala 2220 R Street, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 745- 4952 Embassy of Guyana 2490 Tracy Place, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 265- 6900 Embassy of Honduras Suite 100 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 966-7700 Embassy of Nicaragua 1627 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 387-4371 Embassy of Panama 2862 McGill Terrace, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 483-1407 Embassy of Paraguay 2400 Massachusetts Aveneu, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 483-6960 Embassy of Peru 1700 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 833-9860 Embassy of Suriname Suite 108 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 244-7488 Embassy of Uruguay 1918 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20006 (202) 331- 1313 Embassy of Venezuela 2445 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 797-3800 U.S. Embassies and Consulates Abroad Note: APO and FPO addresses may only be used for mail originating in the United States. When you use an APO or FPO address, do not include the local street address. ARGENTINA American Embassy 4300 Colombia, 1425 Buenos Aires Tel: (54)(1) 774-7611 Telex: 18156 USICA AR Mailing address: American Embassy Buenos Aires APO Miami 34034 BELIZE American Embassy Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street Belize City Tel: (501) 776161 Telex: 213 AMEMBASSY BZ BOLIVIA American Embassy Banco Popular Del Peru Bldg. Corner of Calles Mercado and Colon La Paz Tel: (591)(2) 350251 Telex: AMEMB BV 3268 Mailing address: American Embassy La Paz APO Miami 34032 BRAZIL American Embassy Avenida das Nocoes, Lote 3 Brasilia Tel: (55)(6) 321-7272 Telex: 061-1091 Mailing address: American Embassy Brasilia APO Miami 34030 American Consulate General Avenida Presidente Wilson 147 Rio de Janeiro Tel: (55)(21) 292-7117 Telex: AMCONSUL 21-22831 Mailing address: American Consulate General Rio de Janeiro APO Miami 34030 American Consulate General Rua Padre Joao Manoel, 933 Sao Paulo Tel: (55)(11) 881-6511 Telex: 11-31574 Mailing address: American Consulate General Sao Paulo APO Miami 34030 American Consulate Rua Coronel Genuino, 421 (9th Fl.) Porto Alegre Tel: (55)(512) 26-4288 Telex: 051-2292 CGEU BR Mailing address: American Consulate Porto Alegre APO Miami 34030 American Consulate Rua Goncalves Maia, 163 Recife Tel: (55)(81) 221- 1412 Telex: 081-1190 Mailing address: American Consulate Recife APO Miami 34030 CHILE American Embassy Codina Bldg., 1343 Agustinas Santiago Tel: (56)(2) 710133 Telex: 240062-USA-CL Mailing address: American Embassy Santiago APO Miami 34033 COLOMBIA American Embassy Calle 38, No. 8-61 Bogota Tel: (57)(1) 285- 1300 Telex: 44843 Mailing address: American Embassy Bogota APO Miami 34038 American Consulate Calle 77 Carrera 68 Centro Comercial Mayorista Barranquilla Tel: (57)(5) 45-7088 Telex: 33482 AMCO CO Mailing address: American Consulate Barranquilla APO Miami 34038 COSTA RICA American Embassy Avenida 3 and Calle I San Jose Tel: (506) 331-155 Mailing address: American Embassy San Jose APO Miami 34020 ECUADOR American Embassy Avenida 12 de Octubre y Avenida Patria Quito Tel: (593)(2) 562-890 Mailing address: American Embassy Quito APO Miami 34039 American Consulate General 9 de Octubre y Garcia Moreno Guayaquil Tel: (593)(4) 323-570 Telex: 04-3452 USICAG ED Mailing address: American Consulate General Guayaquil APO Miami 34039 EL SALVADOR American Embassy 25 Avenida Norte No. 1230 San Salvador Tel: (503) 26-7100 Mailing Address: American Embassy San Salvador APO Miami 34023 FRENCH GUIANA American Consulate General 14 Rue Blenac B.P. 561 Fort- de-France 97206 Martinique Tel: (596) 63-13-03 Telex: 912670; 912315 MR GUATEMALA American Embassy 7-01 Avenida de la Reforma, Zone 10 Guatemala Tel: (502)(2) 31-15-41 Mailing Address: American Embassy Guatemala APO Miami 34024 GUYANA American Embassy 31 Main Street Georgetown Tel: (592)(02) 54900- 9 Telex: 213 AMEMSY GY HONDURAS American Embassy Avenido La Paz Tegucigalpa Tel: (504) 32-3120 Mailing Address: American Embassy Tegucigalpa APO Miami 34022 NICARAGUA American Embassy Km. 4-1/2 Carretera Sur Managua Tel: (505)(2) 66010 Mailing Address: American Embassy Managua APO Miami 34021 PANAMA American Embassy Apartado 6959 Panama 5 Rep. de Panama Tel: (507) 27-1777 Mailing Address: American Embassy Panama APO Miami 34002 PARAGUAY American Embassy 1776 Mariscal Loipez Avenida Asuncion Tel: (595)(21) 201-041 Mailing Address: American Embassy Asuncion APO Miami 34036-0001 PERU American Embassy Consular Section Grimaldo Del Solar 346 Miraflores Lima 18 Lima Tel: (51)(14) 44-3621 Telex: 25028PE USCOMATT Mailing Address: American Embassy Lima APO Miami 34031 SURINAME American Embassy Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129 Paramaribo Tel: (597) 72900 Telex: 373 AMEMSU SN URAGUAY American Embassy Lauro Muller 1776 Montevideo Tel: (598)(2) 40- 90-51 Mailing Address: American Embassy Montevideo APO Miami 34035 VENEZUELA American Embassy Avenida Francisco de Miranda y Avenida Principal de la Floresta Caracas Tel: (58)(2) 284-7111 Telex: 25501 AMEMB VE Mailing Address: American Embassy Caracas APO Miami 34037 American Consulate Edificio Sofimara, Piso 3 Calle 77 Con Avenida 13 Maracaibo Tel: (58)(61) 84-253 Telex: 62213 USCON VE Mailing Address: American Consulate Maracaibo APO Miami 34037</text>
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<text>U.S. Department of State95/06 Tips for Travelers to South AsiaBureau of Consular Affairs Tips for Travelers to South Asia Table of ContentsGeneral InformationConsular Information ProgramWeatherHealthVisa and Other Entry RequirementsCurrency and Customs RegulationsShopping for AntiquesU.S. Wildlife RegulationsCountry Information Afganistan Bangladesh Bhutan India Maldives Nepal Pakistan Sri LankaForeign Embassies in the United StatesU.S. Embassies and Consulates AbroadPlanning Another Trip?DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 10266Bureau of Consular AffairsRevised June 1995The information in this publication is in the public domain and may bereproduced without permission. When this material is reproduced, theDepartment of State would appreciate receiving a copy at: CA/P/PA,Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818. Tips for Travelers to South AsiaAfghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, andSri LankaGeneral InformationYour trip to South Asia can be a rich and rewarding experience. Thereare ancient cultures and artistic traditions to appreciate and a wealthof natural wonders to see -- all co-existing with modern societies.However, the customs and local conditions can be as distant from home asthe miles, and travelers should plan their trips carefully.Consular Information ProgramFor travel information on any country, see the Department of State'sConsular Information Sheet for the country. Consular Information Sheetscover such matters as health conditions, unusual currency and entryregulations, crime and security conditions, drug penalties, and areas ofinstability. In addition, the State Department issues Travel Warningswhen we recommend Americans defer travel to a country because of unsafeconditions. Regulations may also prohibit the use of U.S. passports tovisit certain countries. This prohibition will be included in theTravel Warnings issued for affected countries. Travel Warnings areunder continuous review by the Department of State. Before you departfor a country that has a Travel Warning, make certain that you have themost recent revision of the Warning. The Department of State alsoissues Public Announcements. Public Announcements are issued as a meansto disseminate information quickly about terrorist threats and otherrelatively short-term and/or trans-national conditions which would posesignificant risks to the security of American travelers.There are several ways to access Consular Information Sheets, TravelWarnings and Public Announcements. You can listen to them 24-hours aday by calling 202-647-5225 from a touchtone phone. You can receivecopies of them by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to OverseasCitizens Services, Room 4800, Department of State, Washington, DC20520-4818. (Write the name of the requested country or countries onthe outside of the envelope.) You can also find Consular InformationSheets and Travel Warnings at the 13 regional passport agencies and atU.S. embassies and consulates abroad. They can also be accessed throughan airline or travel agent's computer reservation system, the Bureau ofConsular Affairs' 24- hour automated fax system at 202/647-3000, orthrough many computer bulletin boards, including the Consular AffairsBulletin Board (CABB). You may call the CABB on modem number 202-647-9225. Set your communications software to: no parity, 8 bits, one stopbit (N-8-1).Travelers to areas where conditions are unsettled or communication ispoor are encouraged to register at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate(see list at end of book). All travelers are encouraged to leave adetailed itinerary and their passport numbers at home in case of anemergency.WeatherIf you have a choice, winter is the best time to visit most areas ofSouth Asia. South of the Himalayas, South Asian weather is warm to veryhot. Hot, humid regions like Bangladesh and central, eastern, andsouthern India are somewhat more comfortable in December throughFebruary. Hot, dry regions like Pakistan and northern India havepleasant weather from October to March, with the winter months coolenough for light woolens. The worst weather in the dry regions, whenheat and dust can make sight-seeing or other outdoor activity a chore,is during the pre-monsoon period from approximately April through mid-July.HealthIn the United States, local health departments, the Centers for DiseaseControl & Prevention (CDC), private doctors, and travel clinics canprovide information on health precautions for travelers to South Asia.Depending on your destination, immunization is recommended againstcholera, diphtheria/tetanus, hepatitis, Japanese B encephalitis,meningitis, polio, and typhoid. Drug prophylaxis against malaria mayalso be necessary. General guidance may also be found in the booklet,Health Information for International Travel, which is available for $7from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, or fromlocal, or state health departments. The CDC has an internationaltravelers hotline that can be reached at 404-332-4559.Travelers should be careful to drink only boiled water (bottled water isnot always safe) or bottled drinks, to avoid ice cubes in beverages andunpeeled fruits and vegetables, to take precautions against mosquitoes,and to guard against overexertion at high altitudes. Trekkers andmountain climbers, in particular, should take precautions to avoidfrostbite, hypothermia, and altitude sickness. The latter two can befatal if not detected in time. Modern health facilities are not alwaysavailable, particularly in rural areas. Prospective travelers shouldreview their health insurance policies to see if they provide coveragewhile overseas, including medical evacuation service.Visas and Other Entry RequirementsA U.S. passport is required for travel to all countries in the region.Most South Asian countries also require entry visas. Travel to certainareas of many South Asian countries is restricted and special permitsmay be required for these areas in addition to the entry visa.Prospective travelers should contact the embassy or consulate of thecountry they plan to visit for specific information (see list of foreignembassies at end of book).All South Asian countries require travelers who have been in yellow-fever infected areas within the last six days to show valid yellow-feverimmunization certificates. Yellow fever is found in some African andsome Latin American countries. If you plan to travel from Africa orLatin America directly to South Asia, check with the embassy of theSouth Asian country where you are going to see if a yellow-fevercertificate is required. If the certificate is required and you do nothave it, you will be refused entry unless you are inoculated and kept inquarantine for up to six days.Currency and Customs RegulationsMost South Asian countries require that foreign currency and valuablesbe declared upon entry as a means of enforcing restrictions on theimportation of items such as gold, electronic equipment, firearms, andprescription drugs. Failure to make an accurate declaration or otherviolations of these restrictions can lead to high fines and/orimprisonment.Shopping for AntiquesMost South Asian countries have strict regulations against theunlicensed export of antiquities. Items that are antique, or evenappear to be, may be confiscated by customs officials unless thetraveler has proof of authorization from the appropriate governmentoffice to export the antique, or proof that the item is not an antique.U.S. Wildlife RegulationsThe United States prohibits importation of Asian ivory because Asianelephants are an endangered species. Most lizardskin and many snakeskinproducts cannot be brought into the United States. The penalty forimporting products derived from endangered species is seizure of theproduct and a substantial fine.Country InformationAfghanistanThe Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against travel toAfghanistan. Afghanistan is a developing, Islamic country presently inthe midst of a civil war. Fighting and indiscriminate rocket attacks,aerial bombardments, and other violence can occur without warning. Landmines are prevalent throughout the countryside. All U.S. personnel atthe U.S. Embassy in Kabul were evacuated on January 31, 1989, and noother diplomatic mission represents U.S. interest or provides consularservices. The nearest U.S. Embassy is in Islamabad, Pakistan.Because of safety and security concerns arising from the civil war inAfghanistan, all U.S. airlines and aircraft operators are prohibited bythe Federal Aviation Administration from overflying Afghanistan.BangladeshNo visa is required for a tourist stay of up to two weeks if you have anonward ticket; all business travelers must have visas, however.Bangladesh is an Islamic country, and visitors should dress modestly --shorts are considered inappropriate.Crime is a serious problem in Dhaka. Foreigners have not beenespecially targeted, but are often the victims of crime. Travelersshould also be wary of and give a wide berth to politically-based streetagitation, protests, and general strikes. These can flare into randomviolence without warning and result in attacks on nearby persons andproperty.Travelers should pay special attention to preventive health measuresbecause medical facilities, especially in rural areas, are not alwaysavailable. River ferries are necessary for travel throughout much ofBangladesh, but travelers should exercise caution when using them.Accidents frequently occur from overcrowding and from hazardousnavigation during poor weather. Trekkers may not go to the ChittagongHill Tracts, which are off-limits to foreigners.Kingdom of BhutanWhile Bhutan and the United States do not have formal diplomaticrelations, informal contact is maintained through the U.S. Embassy inNew Delhi, India. Restrictions on tourism to Bhutan have been relaxedrecently. Tourists are no longer limited to traveling in organizedgroups; however independent travelers must book through a travel agency.Visas must be requested in advance and are stamped on arrival in Bhutan.Entry must be via Bangladesh, India or Nepal. The border with China isclosed. For information, contact Bhutan Travel Inc., 120 East 56thStreet, Suite 1130, New York, NY 10022 (tel. 212-838-6382).IndiaIndia is the South Asian country most frequently visited by U.S.citizens. Visas must be obtained before arrival. Persons arrivingwithout visas must leave on the next plane. If you plan to travel fromIndia to Nepal or another country and return to India, be sure torequest a multiple entry visa. Tourist visas are issued for a maximumof 90 days. Once in India, visitors who wish to extend their stay mustapply to a Foreigners Regional Registration Office. Extensions, ifgranted, may not bring the total visit to more than six months.Customs regulations prohibiting the importation of gold or Indiancurrency, and regulating importation of electronics, foreign currency,and firearms are strictly enforced. Offenders of these regulations maybe jailed, fined and/or charged duty at rates exceeding 300 percent ofthe item's value. Laws against drug smuggling carry heavy penalties,including a ten-year prison term.Political or communal and inter-caste violence occurs intermittently inmany parts of the country. Major civil disturbances can pose risks to atraveler's personal safety and can disrupt transportation systems andcity services. In response to communal violence, Indian authorities mayoccasionally impose curfews. Foreigners have rarely been the targets ofcommunal or political violence in India, and are principally at risk ofbecoming inadvertent victims only if they stray into demonstrations.Whether dangerous or not, many areas of India have been declared off-limits to foreigners by the Indian authorities. Permits are requiredfor: Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, ArunachalPradesh, Sikkim, parts of Kulu District and Spiti District of HimachalPradesh, border areas of Jammu and Kashmir, certain areas of UttarPradesh, the area west of National Highway No. 5 running from Ganganagarto Sanchar in Rajasthan, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the UnionTerritory of the Laccadive Islands. Persons of Indian origin canusually obtain permits to visit relatives in restricted areas. Othervisitors may have to wait a long time for a permit or be unable toobtain one. Consult the latest Department of State Consular InformationSheet on which areas are restricted. Once in India, consult the U.S.Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate for information on restrictedareas and advice on obtaining permits to visit them. None of thepopular tourist sites in India are in restricted areas.Republic of MaldivesThe islands of the Maldives have long been popular vacation sites.Diplomatic relations are maintained and consular services are providedthrough the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka. In emergencies, thereis a U.S. consular agent on the capital island of Male (for address, askat a resort or hotel) who can help travelers communicate with the U.S.Embassy in Colombo. A no-fee visa for a tourist visit of up to 30 daysis issued upon arrival at the airport. Foreign currency may be taken inor out of the Maldives without restriction. Pork foodstuffs and alcoholmay not be imported.NepalNepal is a popular adventure tourism destination; over 20,000 Americansvisit Nepal each year. A tourist visa valid for up to 60 days is issuedat ports of entry upon arrival. Visas can be routinely extended inKathmandu and Pokhara for stays of up to four months; a fifth monthrequires special approval. Penalties for overstaying a visa may includefines and imprisonment. Nepalese customs laws, particularly thoseforbidding smuggling of drugs, gold, and foreign currency, are strictlyenforced. The penalty for smuggling is a stiff fine and/or a prisonsentence. Travelers should take adequate funds in the form of travelerschecks. It is difficult to obtain additional funds through banktransfers and, except at major Kathmandu hotels, credit cards are rarelyaccepted.Trekking is very popular in Nepal. Tourists are cautioned to obtain atrekking permit from the Central Immigration Office, to avoid trekkingalone, to be alert for signs of altitude sickness, and to obtain ameningococcal meningitis vaccination if trekking outside the KathmanduValley. Those wishing to climb the high peaks should write forpermission to the Ministry of Tourism to the attention of themountaineering division, well in advance of planned expeditions.Travelers should note that there are no forms of internationalcommunication in rural areas. In the event of an emergency, the U.S.Embassy may assist Americans in contacting family or friends.Americans planning to travel from Nepal to Tibet should be aware thatChinese authorities strictly regulate such trips. Additionalinformation is contained in the Consular Information Sheet on China andin Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic of China. Travelers canalso contact the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu for current information onthe status of the border crossing points.PakistanIn March 1995, a shuttle carrying employees of the U.S. ConsulateGeneral in Karachi was attacked by unknown assailants. Two Americanemployees were killed. At the time of publication, the State Departmenthad no knowledge of any specific credible threats to U.S. citizens.However, all travelers are urged to exercise prudent securityprecautions. Sectarian and factional violence has increased inPakistan. Karachi remains the center of politically-motivated killings.During the Islamic religious observances of Ramadan and Moharram (theexact date for each holiday varies each year), sectarian rivalry andviolence often increase.A visa must be obtained before arrival; travelers should specificallyrequest multiple-entry visas, and must obtain an exit permit if theystay more than 30 days. Pakistan is an Islamic country, and visitorsmust respect Islamic standards of behavior. Travelers (especiallywomen) should dress modestly, i.e., wear clothes with high necks andlong sleeves and not wear shorts. Woman are advised not to travel alonein rural areas. The import, manufacture, and consumption of alcohol ordrugs are strictly forbidden. Major hotels have special rooms wherenon-Islamic foreigners may buy and drink alcoholic beverages. In March1994, legislation was passed which made drug trafficking punishable bydeath.A special permit is required for travel to the tribal areas borderingAfghanistan, including the Khyber Pass, and to Azad Kashmir. Personstraveling to restricted areas without a permit are subject to arrest.Onward overland travel to India is difficult because of border crossingrestrictions (see Consular Information Sheet for India).Major cities in Pakistan are safe for tourists, but travel to remoterural areas, especially in Balochistan, Sindh and the Northwest FrontierProvince is not recommended. Security conditions vary; some areas areonly considered safe for daytime travel in groups. Because the securitysituation can change with little warning, visitors should check at theU.S. Embassy in Islamabad or the nearest U.S. consulate for up-to-datetravel information.Sri LankaThe insurgency of Tamil separatists against the government in Sri Lanka(formerly Ceylon) has caused tension and violence within the country.For this reason, the Sri Lankan defense regulations restrict travel tomuch of the island's northern areas. Areas such as Wilpattu and GaloyaNational Parks are considered especially unsafe. There have beenisolated incidents of violence in other parts of Sri Lanka, includingColombo. Because public transportation has often been targeted byterrorists, travel on trains and public buses should be avoided. Travelto the major tourist sites in the southern and western parts of theisland has usually been safe. However, security conditions throughoutthe country can change quickly, and travelers should get currentinformation from the latest travel advisory or from the U.S. Embassy inColombo. No visa is required for a tourist stay of up to 90 days.Medical facilities in Sri Lanka are limited. Malaria is prevalent inmany areas outside of Colombo. Foreign Embassies in the United StatesEmbassy of Afghanistan2341 Wyoming Ave., N.W.Washington, DC 20008(202) 234-3770Embassy of Bangladesh2201 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.Washington, DC 20007(202) 342-8373Bhutan Mission to the United NationsNew York, NY 10017(212) 826-1919Embassy of India2536 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.Washington, DC 20008(202) 939-9839Republic of Maldives Missionto the United Nations820 Second Avenue, Suite 800CNew York, NY 10017(212) 599-6195Embassy of Nepal2131 Leroy Place, N.W.Washington, DC 20008(202) 657-4550Embassy of Pakistan2315 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.Washington, DC 20008(202) 939-6200Embassy of Sri Lanka2148 Wyoming Ave., N.W.Washington, DC 20008(202) 483-4025 U.S. Embassies and Consulates Abroad Note: Workweek is Monday-Friday except where noted.AFGHANISTAN: (see Pakistan)BANGLADESH (workweek: Sunday-Thursday)American EmbassyDiplomatic EnclaveMadani Ave., BaridharaGPO Box 323, Dhaka 1212Dhaka, BangladeshTel: (880-2) 884700-22Fax: (880-2) 883-744INDIAU.S. EmbassyShanti PathChanakyapuri 110021New Delhi, IndiaTel: (91-11) 600651Fax: (91-11) 687-2028American Consulate GeneralLincoln House78 Bhulabhai Desai Rd. 400026Bombay, IndiaTel: (91-22) 363-3611Fax: (91-22) 363-0350American Consulate General5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani 700071Calcutta, IndiaTel: (91-33) 242-3611 thru 15Fax: (91-33) 242-2335American Consulate GeneralMount Rd., 600006Madras, IndiaTel: (91-44) 826-3040 or 827-7542Fax: (91-44) 826-3407MALDIVES (See Sri Lanka)NEPALAmerican EmbassyPani PokhariKathmandu, NepalTel: (977-1) 411179, 412718, 410531 or 413836Fax: (977-1) 419963PAKISTAN (workweek: Sunday-Thursday)American EmbassyDiplomatic EnclaveRamna 5Islamabad, PakistanTel: (92-51) 826-161 thru 79Fax: (92-51) 214-222American Consulate General8 Abdullah Haroon Rd.Karachi, PakistanTel: (92-21) 568-5170 (afterhours 568-1606)Fax: (92-21) 568-3089American Consulate General50 Sharah-E-Bib Badees (50 Empress Rd.)Simal Hills Lahore KLahore, PakistanTel: (92-42) 636-5530 thru 39Fax: (92-42) 636-5177American Consulate11 Hospital RoadPeshawar CantonmentPeshawar, PakistanTel: (92-521) 279-801 or 803Fax: (92-521) 276-712SRI LANKAAmerican Embassy210 Galle Rd. (P.O. Box 106)Colombo 3Colombo, Sri LankaTel: (94-1) 448007Fax: (94-1) 437345 Planning Another Trip?*For general travel information, the following publications may beordered for $1 each from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402; tel: 202-512-1800.Your Trip Abroad ($1.25)A Safe Trip AbroadTips for Americans Residing AbroadTravel Tips for Older Americans*Copies of the following publications in this series are also availablefor $1 each from the U.S. Government Printing Office:Tips for Travelers to the CaribbeanTips for Travelers to Central and South AmericaTips for Travelers to the People's Republic of ChinaTips for Travelers to MexicoTips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa ($1.50)Tips for Travelers to Russia and the Newly Independent StatesTips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa ($1.50)General visa information for these and other countries is available inForeign Entry Requirements. Information on how, when and where to applyfor your U.S passport is available in Passports: Applying for Them theEasy Way. Both publications may be ordered for 50 cents each from theConsumer Information Center, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.*Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Pleasecheck with the Government Printing Office for more information.(###)</text>
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<text>A SAFE TRIP ABROAD(Consular Affairs Topics)Forward Foreign travel can be a rich and rewarding experience and the oddsare very much in your favor for an incident-free trip. The individual traveler's chances of having to face the trials andtribulations of losing valuables or coping with an unexpected illnessor injury far from home are considerably greater, for instance, thanof becoming involved a victim of violence. You can narrow the chancesof becoming involved in an unpleasant incident or in a dangeroussituation even further with an increased awareness of potential problemsand careful planning. We hope the following suggestions will help.BEFORE YOU GO- Learn about the places you plan to visit. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs in those areas. (Consult your library, a travel agent, airline, or the tourist bureaus of the specific countries you plan to visit.) Keep track as well of what is being reported in the media about any recent developments.- Don't take anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home all unnecessary credit cards, expensive jewelry or irreplaceable family objects.- Pack an extra set of eye glasses. Carry these and any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage. Take along a copy of the prescription for necessary medicines and the generic name of the drug. Keep medicines in their original labeled container to make customs processing easier. If any medications contain narcotics, carry with you a letter from your physician attesting to your need to take the drug in question.- Lock your luggage, and put your name and address inside each piece.- Make photocopies of your airline tickets, passport identification page, driver's license and the credit cards you take with you. Leave one set at home and keep another with you in a separate place from these valuables. Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travelers checks at home; take another with you separate from the checks themselves and, as you cash in the checks, keep a tally of which ones remain unredeemed.- Leave a copy of your medical and dental records with your family or other contact person- Have your affairs at home in order: an up-to-date will, insurance documents and a power of attorney left with your family, so you can feel secure about traveling and are prepared for any emergency that may occur while you are away. Consider guardianship arrangements for your children.- Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home should they need to contact you in an emergency.- Find out from your credit card company what your credit limit is and be sure not to charge over that amount on your trip. Americans have been arrested in some countries for innocently exceeding their limit.- Find out whether your own insurance will cover you for loss or theft abroad and in case of accident or illness. If not, consider taking out additional insurance.PRECAUTIONS WHILE TRAVELINGNormal common sense should prevail when traveling abroad, just asit would at home. Be especially cautious in, or avoid situationsor areas where you are more likely to be victimized such as crowdedsubways, train stations, elevators, market places and festivals.Do not, for instance, get on an elevator alone if there is a suspicious-lookingindividual inside. You may wish to consider staying in larger hotelsthat have more elaborate security.Find out about local rules and obey them. American citizenshipcannot protect you if you break the laws of the foreign country youare visiting.In addition to these common-sense suggestions, keep track of thenews to be aware of any potential problems in areas where you maytravel. Your own state of alertness and the precautions you takeshould increase as you travel in areas where the potential for violenceor terrorism is greater. Before continuing on to such areas, inquireat the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate whether there are any adverseconditions of which you should be aware. Ask for the American CitizensService Unit in the consular section. (For general information ontravel advisories, see the concluding section of this publication.)In short, assess your situation and surroundings, and try to remainin that healthy gray area between complacency and paranoia.GUARDING YOUR VALUABLES- Carry travelers checks instead of cash. Change some checks for local currency before you leave or upon arrival. Don't flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. Only counter sign travelers checks in front of the person who will cash them, and be sure your credit card is returned to you after each transaction.- Make sure you receive a claim check for each piece of luggage you check.- Instead of keeping all your money, airline tickets, passport, and other valuables in your wallet, conceal them in several places to prevent easy theft. Keep them in your accompanying hand-luggage, on your person, or in a hotel safety deposit box. Do not leave them in your room while you are out.- Don't leave your bags unattended. (Traveling light will help.)- Women should carry handbags in a secure manner to prevent snatch-and-run type thievery and men should place their wallets in their inside jacket pockets. To guard against thieves on motorcycles, walk on the inside of sidewalks and carry your purse on the side away from the street. Wrapping rubber-bands around your wallet or keeping it in a zipped portion of a handbag makes it more difficult for a pickpocket to remove.- Be wary of con artists. They exist around the world.- Keep hotel and car keys on your person.- Be alert to the possibility of street gangs operating in large cities abroad.- If confronted by superior force, don't fight attackers: give up valuables.- If any of your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the police and other appropriate authorities. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims and as an explanation of your plight. Also report the loss of:- travelers checks to the nearest office of the issuing company or its agent.- airline tickets to the airline company or travel agent.- passport to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.PERSONAL SECURITY- Keep a low profile. Dress and behave conservatively, Avoiding flashy dress, jewelry, luggage, rental cars or conspicuous behavior which would draw attention to you as a potentially wealthy or important foreigner.- Be polite and low-key. Avoid loud conversations and arguments.- Avoid dangerous areas; don't use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly-lit streets. Try not to travel alone at night.- Let someone know when you expect to return, especially if out late at night.- Don't give your room number to persons you don't know well. Meet visitors in the lobby.- Keep your hotel door locked at all times.- Remember when you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws and are not protected by the U.S. Constitution. Penalties for drug violations, including possession of small amounts of marijuana or cocaine, are severe in many foreign countries and rigorously enforced.- Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money, buy airline tickets, or purchase souvenirs; don't make exchanges for local currency at black market rates. In many countries travelers should refrain from photographing police and military personnel and installations, border areas, and transportation facilities. Be wary about selling personal effects such as clothing or jewelry. The penalties you risk may be severe.- If possible, book a room between the second and seventh floors - above ground level to prevent easy entrance from outside and low enough for fire equipment to reach.- Read the fire safety instructions in your hotel room, know how to report a fire and make sure you know where the nearest fire exit and an alternate are. Count the doors between your room and the nearest exit - this could be a life-saver if you have to crawl through a smoke-filled corridor.- Make note of emergency telephone numbers you may need: police, fire, your hotel, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Know how to use a pay telephone and have the proper change or token on hand.- Learn a few phrases in the local language so you can signal your need for help, the police, or a doctor.VEHICLE SECURITY- Drive the more common kinds of locally available cars; if there are not many American cars in use, don't insist on an American model.- Make sure the car is in good repair.- Keep car doors locked at all times.- Wear seatbelts.- Don't park your car on the street overnight if the hotel has a garage or secure area. If you must park it on the street, select a well-lit area. Don't leave valuables in the car.- Never pick up hitchhikers.- Don't get out of the car if there are suspicious individuals nearby. Drive away.PROTECTING YOURSELF AGAINST THE POSSIBILITY OF TERRORISMTerrorist acts occur in a random and unpredictable fashion whichmakes it impossible to protect oneself absolutely. The first andbest way is to avoid travel to unsafe areas - areas where there havebeen a persistent record of terrorist attacks or kidnappings. Thevast majority of foreign states have a good record of maintainingpublic order and protecting residents and visitors within their bordersfrom terrorism. Most terrorist attacks are the result of long andcareful planning. Just as a car-thief will first be attracted toan unlocked car with the key in the ignition, terrorists are lookingfor undefended, easily accessible targets who follow predictablepatterns. The chances that a tourist, traveling with an unpublicizedprogram or itinerary, would be the victim of terrorism are slight:the random possibility of being in the wrong place at the wrongtime. In addition, many terrorist groups, seeking publicity forpolitical causes within their own country or region, are not lookingfor American targets.Nevertheless, the pointers below may help you avoid becoming anAmerican "target of opportunity". They should be considered as adjunctsto the tips listed in the previous section for ways to protect oneselfagainst the far greater likelihood of falling prey to ordinary criminalactivity. The following are additional reasonable precautions whichmay provide some degree of protection, and can serve as practicaland psychological deterrents to would-be terrorists.-- Schedule direct flights if possible and avoid stops in high-risk airports or areas. Consider all of your options for traveling, such as trains.-- Be aware of what you discuss with strangers, or what may be overheard by others.-- Try to minimize the time spent in the public area of an airport, which is a less protectable area. Move quickly from the check-in counter to the secured areas. On arrival, leave the airport as soon as possible.-- Avoid luggage tags, dress, and behavior which may identify you as an American. While sweatshirts and T-shirts with American university logos are commonly worn throughout Europe, leave other obvious U.S. logos or apparel at home.-- Keep an eye out for suspicious abandoned packages or briefcases. Report them to airport security or other authorities and leave the area promptly.-- Avoid obvious terrorist targets and places where Americans and westerners are known to congregate.HIGH-RISK AREASIf you must travel in an area where there has been ahistory of terrorist attacks or kidnappings, also make it ahabit to:- Discuss with your family what they would do in case of an emergency, in addition to making sure your affairs are in order before leaving home.- Register with the U.S. Embassy upon arrival.- Remain friendly, but be cautious about discussing personal matters, your itinerary or program.- Leave no personal or business papers in your hotel room.- Watch for people following you or "loiterers" observing your comings and goings.- Keep a mental note of safehavens, such as police stations, hotels, hospitals.- Let someone else know what your travel plans are. Keep them informed if you make any changes.- Avoid predictable times and routes of travel, and report any suspicious activity to local police, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.- Select your own taxi cabs at random - don't take a cab which is not clearly identified as a taxi. Compare the the face of the driver with the one posted on his license.- If possible, travel with others.- Be sure of the identity of visitors before opening the door of your hotel room. Don't meet strangers at unknown or remote locations.- Refuse unexpected packages.- Formulate a plan of action for what you will do if a bomb explodes or there is gunfire nearby.- Check for loose wires or other suspicious activities pertaining to your car.- Be sure your vehicle is in good operating condition in case you need to resort to high-speed or evasive driving.- Drive with the windows closed in crowded streets; bombs can be thrown through open windows.- If you are ever in a situation where somebody starts shooting, drop to the floor or get down as low as possible and don't move until you are sure the danger has passed. Do not attempt to help rescuers and do not pick up a weapon. If possible shield yourself behind or under a solid object. If you must move, crawl on your stomach.HIJACKING/HOSTAGE SITUATIONWhile every hostage situation is different and the chance of becominga hostage is remote, some considerations are important.The U.S. Government's policy not to negotiate with terrorists isfirm - doing so only increases the risk of further hostage-takingby terrorists. When Americans are abducted overseas, we look tothe host government to exercise its responsibility under internationallaw to protect all persons within its territories and to bring aboutthe safe release of the hostages. We work closely with these governmentsfrom the outset of a hostage-taking incident to ensure that our citizensand other innocent victims are released as quickly and safely as possible.The most dangerous phases of most hijacking or hostage situationsare the beginning and, if there is a rescue attempt, the end. Atthe outset, the terrorists typically are tense, high-strung and maybehave irrationally. It is extremely important that you remain calmand alert and manage your own behavior.- Avoid resistance, sudden or threatening movements. Do not struggle or try to escape unless you are certain of being successful.- Make a concerted effort to relax. Breathe deeply and prepare yourself mentally, physically and emotionally for the possibility of a long ordeal.- Try to remain inconspicuous, avoid direct eye contact and the appearance of observing your captors' actions.- Avoid alcoholic beverages. Consume little food and drink.- Consciously put yourself in a mode of passive cooperation. Talk normally. Do not complain, avoid belligerency, and comply with all orders and instructions.- If questioned, keep your answers short. Don't volunteer information or make unnecessary overtures.- Don't try to be a hero, endangering yourself and others.- Maintain your sense of personal dignity, and gradually increase your requests for personal comforts. Make these requests in a reasonable low-key manner.- If you are involved in a lengthier, drawn-out situation, try to establish a rapport with your captors, avoiding political discussions or other confrontational subjects.- Establish a daily program of mental and physical activity Don't be afraid to ask for anything you need or want - medicines, books, pencils, papers.- Eat what they give you, even if it does not look or taste appetizing. A loss of appetite and weight is normal.- Think positively; avoid a sense of despair. Rely on your inner resources. Remember that you are a valuable commodity to your captors. It is important to them to keep you alive and well.TRAVEL ADVISORIESThe Department of State tries to alert American travelers to adverseconditions abroad--including violence--through the travel advisoryprogram. In consultation with our embassies and consulates overseas,and various bureaus of the Department of State, the Office of OverseasCitizens Services in the Bureau of Consular Affairs issues traveladvisories about conditions in specific countries. Advisories generallydo not pertain to isolated international terrorist incidents sincethese can occur anywhere and at any time. The majority of theseadvisories deal with short-term or temporary difficulties which Americansmay encounter when they go abroad. Some mention conditions of politicalor civil unrest which could pose a threat to personal safety. Thesetypes of advisories may sometimes be short-term in nature, e.g. atthe time of a military or political coup. Such advisories are eitherlifted or amended when the situation no longer poses a threat to travelers.There are only a few advisories in effect which advise avoidingall travel to a particular country because of a high incidence ofterrorism within the region or because a long-term problem exists.Most of the security-related advisories do not recommend againsttravel to an entire country but suggest avoiding specific areas withina country where unrest is endemic.Ask about current travel advisories for specific countries at anyof the 13 regional U.S. passport agencies and at U.S. embassies andconsulates abroad. Travel advisories are also widely disseminatedto interested organizations, travel associations, and airlines.Assistance AbroadU.S. consular officers are located at American embassies and consulatesin most countries abroad. Consular officers can advise you of anyadverse conditions in the places you are visiting and can help youin emergencies. If you plan more than a short stay in one placeor if you are in an area experiencing civil unrest or some naturaldisaster, it is advisable to register with nearest U.S. embassy orconsulate. This will make it easier should someone at home needto locate you urgently or in the unlikely event that you need tobe evacuated due to an emergency. It will also facilitate the issuanceof a new passport should yours be lost or stolen.Should you find yourself in any legal difficulty, contact a consularofficer immediately. Consular officers cannot serve as attorneysor give legal advice but they can provide lists of local attorneysand help you find legal representation. Consular officers cannotget you out of jail. However, if you are arrested, ask permissionto notify a consular official -- it is your right. American consularofficials will visit you, advise you of your rights under local laws,ensure that you aren't held under inhumane conditions, and contactyour family and friends for you if you desire. They can transfermoney, and will try to get relief for you, including food and clothingin countries where this is a problem.If you become destitute overseas, consular officers can help youget in touch with your family, friends, bank, or employer and informthem how to wire funds to you.Additional Information The booklet, "Your Trip Abroad" contains some valuable informationon loss and theft of a passport as well as other travel tips. Toobtain a copy, write to the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. GovernmentPrinting Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. The single copy purchaseprice is $1. Country Information Notices provide advice on travel to specificareas of the world. Notices include topics such as currency andcustoms regulations, entry requirements, dual nationality, importand export controls, vaccinationrequirements, and drug warnings. Copies of the following publicationsare available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. GovernmentPrinting Office, Washington, DC 20402 for $1.00 each.Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 for $1.00 each.</text>
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<text>CRIME IN RUSSIA- US BUSINESS06/26/94ST00021THE U.S. EMBASSY IN MOSCOW FILED THE FOLLOWING REPORT CONCERNING CRIME INRUSSIA AGAINST AMERICAN BUSINESSES. THE FOLLOWING REPORT DELETES NAMES OFINDIVIDUALS AND COMPANIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH PRIVACY ACT LAWS. ALL OTHERINFORMATION IS REPORTED IN ITS ENTIRETY.THIS TELEGRAM SUMMARIZES, UPDATES AND DRAWS TENTATIVE CONCLUSIONS FROM NINECASES OF THREATS TO AMERICAN BUSINESS PEOPLE IN RUSSIA THAT CAME TO THEATTENTION OF THE CONSULAR SECTION SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. HALF OFTHE CASES WERE ALREADY REPORTED IN GREATER DETAIL, BUT ARE SUMMARIZED ANDUPDATED HERE BASED ON FOLLOW UP CALLS TO THE VICTIMS.ALL OF THESE CASES INVOLVED SMALL BUSINESSES. WE SUSPECT THAT LARGERAMERICAN COMPANIES ALSO RECEIVE THREATS, BUT ARE MORE LIKELY TO HANDLE THEMON THEIR OWN. THE AMERICAN'S MOTIVATIONS FOR REPORTING THE INCIDENTS AREOFTEN TO INFORM THE EMBASSY "IN CASE ANYTHING HAPPENS" AND TO SEEK ADVICE.WHEN THE VICTIMS WISH, THE EMBASSY FACILITATES CONTACT WITH ORGANIZED CRIMECRIME POLICE, AND IN ONE OF THESE CASES WE EXPEDITED ISSUANCE OF AN IMMIGRANTVISA SO THAT THE AMNERICAN COULD LEAVE QUICKLY WITH HIS WIFE.THESE CASES DEFY SIMPLE PATTERNS. IN SOME, THE PERPETRATORS WERE HENCHMEN OFESTABLISHED ORGANIZED CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS WHICH CLAIMED TERRITORIALCONTROL OVER THE AMERICAN'S PLACE OF BUSINESS. IN OTHER CASES, THEPERPETRATORS IMPLIED THAT THEY REPRESENTED CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS WHEN THEYPROBABLY DID NOT. IN STILL OTHER CASES, ERSTWHILE BUSINESS ASSOCIATES WEREBEHIND THE THREATS, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT BY ORGANIZEDCRIMINALS. WITHOUT A WELL FUNCTIONING LEGAL SYSTEM, THREATS ARE OFTEN USEDTO RESOLVE BUSINESS DISPUTES.ONLY A FEW CONCLUSIONS CAN BE READILY DRAWN FROM THESE CASES:- AMERICANS WHO HAVE BUILT BUSINESSES IN RUSSIA ARE NOT ABANDONING THEM INTHE FACE OF RUSSIAN ORGANIZED CRIME.- ORGANIZED CRIMINALS DO NOT SPARE STRONG-ARM TACTICS WHEN CONFRONTINGAMERICANS DOING BUSINESS HERE. WHILE NONE OF THE CASES BELOW RESULTED ININJURY OR DEATH TO AN AMERICAN, SEVERAL CAME CLOSE, LEADING US TO BELIEVETHAT A FUTURE CASE COULD INDEED HAVE A TRAGIC RESULT.- THREATS TO AMERICAN BUSINESSES SUDDENLY BECAME MORE COMMON AT THEBEGINNING OF 1994. WHILE PAYING "PROTECTION MONEY" THROUGH A JOINT VENTUREPARTNER OR A "SECURITY FIRM" HAS BEEN NORMAL PRACTICE HERE, ONLY RARELY DIDWE HEAR OF DIRECT THREATS AND EXTORTION BEFORE THIS YEAR.- AMERICN VICTIMS ARE OFTEN, BUT NOT ALWAYS, RELUCTANT TO INFORM OR WORKWITH RUSSIAN POLICE BECAUSE THEY DOUBT THE EFFECTIVENESS AND TRUSTWORTHINESSOF THE POLCIE.CASE HISTORIES1. AN AMERICAN PRIMARY DISTRIBUTOR FOR A LARGE U.S. COMPANY WAS ABDUCTEDON HIS WAY TO WORK AND HELD IN A SMALL ROOM FOR SEVEN HOURS BY HE SAID,DAGESTANI CRIMINALS. HIS DRIVER WAS BEATEN, BUT THE BUSINESSMAN WAS NOT HURTHIS CAPTORS DEMANDED SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS, BUT EVENTUALLY SETTLED ONFIFTY THOUSAND TO BE PAID IMMEDIATELY, PLUS FIFTY THOUSAND THE NEXT DAY ANDFIVE THOUSAND PER MONTH. HIS CAPTORS DROVE HIM TO HIS OFFICE, AND FROM THEREHE CALLED THE EMBASSY AND JOINT VENTURE PARTENER FOR ADVICE. HIS ARMEDCAPTORS GREW IMPATIENT AND THE BUSINESSMAN HANDED THEM $50,000 FROM HIS SAFE.THE LACK OF A RELIABLE BANKING SYSTEM IN RUSSIA LEADS MANY BUSINESSES TO KEEPLARGE SUMS OF CASH ON HAND. HE OFFERED TO DISCUSS FUTURE PAYMENTS THAT NIGHTAT HIS APARTMENT. THERE THE "SECURITY SERVICE" PREVIOUSLY RETAINED BY THEAMERICAN BUSINESSMAN'S JOINT VENTURE PARTNER ALSO MET THE STARTLEDEXTORTIONISTS. NEGOTIATIONS LED TO AN AGREEMENT BY WHICH THE DAGESTANIS KEPTTHE $50,000 BUT MADE NO FURTHER CLAIMS.2. IN FEBRUARY TWO UNKNOWN RUSSIAN MEN ENTERED THE OFFICE OF AN AMERICANBUSINESSMAN AND STATED THEY CONTROLLED THE NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE HIS BUSINESSHAS BEEN LOCATED, FOR ONE AND HALF YEARS. SPEAKING TO HIM IN HIS CONFERENCEROOM WITH HIS SECRETARY ACTING AS HIS INTERPRETER, THEY GAVE HIM THREECHOICES, PAY $150,000 THE NEXT DAY; PROVIDE THE NAME OF ANY "SECURITY SERVICEHE MIGHT ALREADY HAVE RETAINED SO THAT THEY COULD DISCUSS "TERRITORY"; ORTHEY WOULD BLOW UP HIS OFFICE. AFTER THE MEETING THE BUSINESSMAN CALLEDRUSSIAN FRIENDS WHO GAVE HIM THE NAME OF A SECURITY SERVICE WITH WHICH TOBLUFF THE EXTORTIONISTS. WHEN THE EXTORTIONISTS RETURNED, THE BUSINESSMANGAVE THEM THE CONTACT INFORMATION. THEY DEMANDED A MEETING BUT NEVER TRIEDTO SCHEDULE ONE.THIS BUSINESSMAN, WHO IMPORTS ELECTRONICS FROM JAPAN FOR AN AMERICAN COMPANYAND EMPLOYS SIX PEOPLE IN AN OFFICE WITH NO STOREFRONT OR ADVERTISING. HEONLY SELLS WHOLESALE. DURING A FOLLOW-UP CALL ON MARCH 30, THE VICTIM SAIDHE HAS HAD NO FURTHER PROBLEMS AND PLANS TO REMAIN IN BUSINESS. HE HAS NOTHIRED "PROTECTION" DUE TO THE EXPENSE, BUT SAID HE COULD NOW ARRANGE ITQUICKLY IF NEEDED. HE DESCRIBED MOSCOW AS A "JUNGLE", SAYING HIS APARTMENT HHAD BEEN BORKEN INTO IN AND HIS CAR STOLEN OVER THE PAST YEAR, PROBLEMS HENEVER HAD IN NEW YORK CITY.3. AN AMERICAN-BASED SCHOOL, WHICH EMPLOYS ABOUT 20 AMERICANS, REPORTED THATTHE SCHOOL HAD RECEIVED AN EXTORTION THREAT BY TELEPHONE IN FEBRUARY, WHICHTHE DIRECTOR REFUSED. LATER, ONE OF THE SCHOOL'S RUSSIAN EMPLOYEES WASAPPROACHED AND TOLD TO PAY $650 WITHIN ONE WEEK; THE EXTORTIONISTS THREATENEDTHE SCHOOL AND SAID THE DIRECTOR SHOULD NOT LEAVE THE COUNTRY. THE EMPLOYEEPAID THE MONEY, AFTER WHICH THE SCHOOL HIRED A SECURITY SERVICE. DURING AFOLLOW-UP CALL IN LATE APRIL, THE DIRECTOR SAID THE EXTORTIONIST HADCONTACTED THE SCHOOL ONCE MORE, BUT MADE NO MORE THREATS. THE DIRECTOR SAIDTHE SCHOOL WOULD SOON REEXAMINE WHETHER TO RETAIN THE EXPENSIVE SECURITYSERVICE.4. A DEPARTMENT OF STATE CABLE RECENTLY CALLED ATTENTION TO A THREATAPPARENTLY DESIGNED TO INTIMIDATE AN AMERICAN FIRM. THIS FIRM HAD AN ONGOINGCONTRACTURAL DISPUTE WITH A MOSCOW ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY, ITS JOINT VENTUREPARTNER FOR THE PROVISION OF SNACK FOOD AT SPECIAL EVENTS. THUGS TOLD THEONE OF THE AMERICAN FIRM'S RUSSIAN EMPLOYEES TO RESIGN, WHICH HE DID, ORRISK HARM TO HIMSELF AND HIS FAMILY. DURING A FOLLOW-UP CALL BY A U.S.EMBASSY OFFICIAL, THE AMERICAN FIRM'S MANAGER SAID THAT CLOSE TIESBETWEEN THE HEAD OF THE MOSCOW ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY AND THE MOSCOW MAYORRESULTED IN CONTINUED HARASSMENT OF THE AMERICAN FIRM BY MOSCOW CITYAUTHORITIES -- SURPRISE INSPECTIONS BY VARIOUS CITY DEPARTMENTS, A COMPLETETAX AUDIT BY MAYORAL DECREE AND SANITATION FINES. THE AMERICAN FIRM'SMANAGER SAID NO FURTHER THREATS HAD BEEN RECEIVED AND THAT HE WAS OPTIMISTICTHAT HIS ATTORNEY WOULD SOON REACH A SETTLEMENT RESULTING IN RECONCILIATIONOR A TERMINATION OF THE CONTRACT. DAYS LATER, HOWEVER, AN ARTICLE APPEAREDIN THE WASHINGTON POST STATING THAT THE AMERICAN COMPANY IN THE U.S. HAD JUSTWITHDRAWN ITS AMERICANS "ON AN EMERGENCY BASIS FOR THEIR SAFETY." ATTEMPTSTO CONTACT THE AMERICAN FIRM'S OFFICE IN MOSCOW HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL.5. IN FEBRUARY, THE MOTHER OF AN AMERICAN CALLED THE EMBASSY TO REPORT FROMTHE U.S. THAT HER SON, A FORMER PARTNER IN AN EXPATRIATE BAR, WAS BEINGHELD HOSTAGE IN HIS MOSCOW APARTMENT. THE RSO CALLED THE RUSSIAN POLICE, WHOAFTER TRYING TO TELEPHONE THE APARTMENT AND SURVEILLING IT FOR SEVERAL HOURSBROKE DOWN THE DOOR (A PROCESS WHICH TOOK AN HOUR). INSIDE, THEY DISCOVEREDTHE AMERICAN SITTING TOGETHER WITH A RUSSIAN COLLEAGUE, WHO IS ALSO A U.SLEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENT. THE AMERICAN REFUSED TO EXPLAIN OR TO FILE ACOMPLAINT AGAINST HIS COLLEAGUE, BUT IN A LATE NIGHT CONVERSATION WITH ANEMBASSY OFFICIAL FROM THE POLICE STATION, HE REQUESTED TO BE RELEASED 15MINUTES AHEAD OF HIS COLLEAGUE. TWO DAYS LATER, THE AMERICAN AND HISCOLLEAGUE GAVE CONFLICTING ACCOUNTS OF THE ORIGIN OF THE INCIDENT IN SEPARATEVISIT TO THE U.S. EMBASSY. THE AMERICAN COMPLAINED THAT HIS RUSSIAN PARTNERSAT THE BAR HAD FORCED HIM OUT OF THE BUSINESS. THE BOTTOM LINE APPEARED TOBE THAT THE AMERICAN OWED MONEY FROM HIS VARIOUS BUSINESS VENTURES TO PEOPLEWHO FEARED HE MIGHT LEAVE THE COUNTRY WITHOUT PAYING (HIGH INTEREST RATESCOMPOUND QUICKLY ON BORROWED MONEY IN MOSCOW). U.S. EMBASSY OFFICIALSRECOMMENDED THAT THE AMERICAN PAY ANY OUTSTANDING DEBTS AND LEAVE THECOUNTRY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THE EMBASSY HAS HEARD NOTHING FROM THE AMERICANSINCE.6. AN AMERICAN APPROACHED THE EMBASSY FOR ADVICE IN MAY AFTER RECEIVINGTHREATS FROM TWO DIFFERENT ORGANIZED CRIME GROUPS. THE AMERICAN RUNS ACOMPUTER SOFTWARE SUPPORT COMPANY, A JOINT VENTURE THAT SUPPLIES SUPPORT FORLARGE RUSSIAN COMPANIES, OUT OF AN UPSTAIRS OFFICE IN MOSCOW. THE AMERICANEMPLOYS 15 RUSSIANS AND HAS BUILT HER BUSINESS HERE FOR FOUR YEARS. THEAMERICAN EXPLAINED THAT TWO THUGS WHO SAID THEY REPRESENTED THE SOLNTSEVOMAFIA VISITED HER OFFICE, STATING THAT SHE SHOULD CONSIDER THEIR "SECURITYSERVICES." IN A SUBSEQUENT MEETING, THE AMERICAN'S RUSSIAN PARTNER,UNBEKNOWST TO HER, AGREED TO PAY THE THUGS $1,000 A MONTH. MEANWHILE, SHEREPORTED THE ORIGINAL APPROACH TO THE BUILDING MANAGER, WHO, WITHOUT TELLINGTHE AMERICAN, THEN REPORTED IT TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CHECHEN MAFIA, WITHWHOM THE BUILDING MANAGER HAD A PREVIOUS CONTRACT. WHENT HE SOLNTSEVO MAFIAAPPEARED AT THE APPOINTED TIME TO RECEIVE THEIR FIRST PAYMENT, THE CHECHENMAFIA PREVENTED THEM FROM COLLECTING. BELIEVING THEY HAD BEEN SET UP, THESOLNTSEVO MAFIA DEMANDED $10,000 IN COMPENSATION, THREATENING THE LIFE OF THEAMERICAN'S JOINT PARTNER. THE AMERICAN REQUESTED A MEETING WITH THEBUILDING DIRECTOR AND THE CHECHEN MAFIA, WHO NOW SAID THEY WOULD ACCEPT THE$10,000 ON BEHALF OF THE SOLNTSEVO MAFIA (THE TWO GROUPS HAD NEGOTIATED ASETTLEMENT) BY THIS POINT, THE AMERICAN SAID SHE WAS IN A FURY. SHE GAVETHE CHECHEN MAFIA $10,000 IN CASH AND BLUNTLY TOLD THEM THAT THEY AND THESOLNTSEVO MAFIA WOULD GET MORE MONEY ONLY BY KILLING HER AND HER PARTNER.SHE WAS ONLY WILLING, SHE SAID, TO PAY FOR SECURITY SERVICES THROUGH REGULARPAYMENTS TO THE BUILDING DIRECTOR. AFTER THE MEETING, SHE STARED DOWNAND EMBARRASSED THE THUGS WHO SEVERAL TIMES SHOWED UP AT HER OFFICE. TWOWEEKS LATER, CHECHEN REPRESENTATIVES TOLD HER THAT THE MOSCOW POLICE HADSTOPPED THEM AS THEY LEFT THE MEETING, CONFISCATED THEIR PISTOLS AND DEMANDEDA BRIBE OF $2,000. THIS COST, THEY INSISTED, THEY WOULD PASS ON TO HER.STICKING TO HER EARLIER STAND, THE AMERICAN REFUSED AND CAME TO THE U.S.EMBASSY FOR ADVICE. THE RSO PUT HER IN CONTACT WITH THE ORGANIZED CRIMEPOLICE, WITH WHOM SHE SAID SHE WOULD HAPPILY WORK IN ANY MANNER THEY WISHEDTO ARREST THE CHIEFS OF THE CHECHEN AND SOLNTSEVO MAFIAS. DURING A FOLLOW-UP CALL IN JUNE, THE AMERICAN SAID SHE HAD BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THE ORGANIZEDCRIME POLICE CONTACT, WHOM SHE SAID WAS VERY SUPPORTIVE. HE HAD OFFERED TOPOSE AS HER INTERPRETER IN HER NEXT MEETING WITH MAFIA REPRESENTATIVES, WHICHSHE HAS DECLINED FOR NOW, NOT WISHING TO FURTHER STIR THINGS UP. SHE ADDEDTHAT THE ORGANIZED CRIME POLICEMAN ADVISED HER THAT SHE MAY WISH TO PAY ONEGROUP A SMALL AMOUNT OF MONEY EACH MONTH SO THAT SHE IS LEFT ALONE. THEAMERICAN WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE SOLNTSEVO REPRESENTATIVES HAD JUST CONTACTEDHER AGAIN, FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A MONTH. "YOU NEED FRIENDS AND SECURITY"THEY TOLD HER, BUT WOULD NOT MAKE ANY SPECIFIC PROPOSALS. THE AMERICANREPLIED THAT THEY HAD COST HER A LOT OF TIME AND MONEY, AND THE MEETINGENDED THERE. SHE BELIEVES THEY ARE CURIOUS ABOUT HER AND HER BUSINESS;PERHAPS THEY THINK SHE HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH A RECENT ARREST OF ONE OFTHEIR COLLEAGUES. SHE TOLD U.S. EMBASSY OFFICIALS THAT SHE IS CONSIDERINGMOVING HER OFFICE TO ANOTHER MOSCOW LOCATION, BUT DOES NOT BELIEVE HERPROBLEMS WILL END THERE. SHE SUMMED UP THE SITUATION BY SAYING, "EVERYONEHAS THIS PROBLEM, MOST PEOPLE PAY."7. THERE IS ALSO THE CASE OF AN AMERICAN WHO WAS PHYSICALLY THREATENED BYALLEGED CREDITORS FROM BUSINESS DEALS INVOLVING THE IMPORTATION INTO RUSSIAOF COFFEE AND CLOTHING. THE CREDITORS SHOWED THE AMERICAN POWER OF ATTORNEYTO COLLECT DEBTS IN RUSSIA ON BEHALF OF THE AMERICAN'S FORMER PARTNER INAMERICA. THE THREAT ALSO SPREAD TO ANOTHER AMERICAN FIRM BECAUSE THEAMERICAN HAD ORIGINALLY COME TO RUSSIA IN 1989 ON BEHALF OF THIS FIRM. THEAMERICAN AGREED WITH THE EMBASSY'S RECOMMENDATION TO LEAVE RUSSIA ASAP, BUTHE WANTED TO STAY UNTIL HIS CENTRAL ASIAN WIFE RECEIVED HER IMMIGRANT VISA TOGO WITH HIM. THE EMBASSY EXPEDITED THE ISSUANCE OF THE VISA AND HEARDNOTHING FURTHER FROM THE AMERICAN FOR TWO WEEKS, WHEN HE CONTACTED THEEMBASSY SAYING HE FEARED THAT HIT MEN MIGHT BE WATCHING THE AIRPORT. THE RSOARRANGED FOR A BACK-DOOR CHECK-IN AT THE AIRPORT, AND THE AMERICAN LEFT WITHHIS WIFE AND SON WITHOUT INCIDENT IN EARLY JUNE.8. ANOTHER CASE INVOLVES A AMERICAN, A MOSCOW RESIDENT OF SEVERAL YEARSWHO WORKS AS A CONSULTANT IN VARIOUS FIELDS, INCLUDING PRECIOUS METALS. THISAMERICAN HAS BEEN THREATENED THREE SEPARATE TIMES OVER THE PAST EIGHTEENMONTHS. MOST RECENTLY, SHE WAS THE SUBJECT OF AN ARMED ROBBERY ATTEMPT INHER MOSCOW APARTMENT DURING WHICH HER LIFE AND THE LIVES OF HER CHILDREN WEREREPEATEDLY THREATENED AND SHE WAS TOLD TO LEAVE RUSSIA IMMEDIATELY; IT IS NOTCLEAR WHETHER THIS THREAT WAS RELATED TO HER BUSINESS ACTIVITIES. INFEBRUARY, SHE HAD BEEN TOLD SHE WOULD BE DEPORTED AND RECEIVED OTHER VAGUETHREAT FROM A RUSSIAN OFFICIAL WHO WANTED HER TO PROVIDE NEGATIVE INFORMATIONON AN AMERICAN BUSINESSMAN (WHOM SHE BARELY KNEW) WHO HAD ALLEGEDLY DEFRAUDEDTHE RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT (AND THUS PUT THE OFFICIAL'S JOB AT RISK). WHILEREPORTING THIS INCIDENT, THE AMERICAN RECOUNTED HOW A YEAR EARLIER SHE WASABDUCTED AND THREATENED BY ERSTWHILE BUSINESS ASSOCIATES WHO WANTED HER TOSIGN A CONTRACT WITH THEM INSTEAD OF A COMPETITOR. THE RSO ARRANGED FORFOR THE AMERICAN TO MEET WITH THE RUSSIAN ORGANIZED CRIME POLICE. SHEREMAINS IN MOSCOW THOUGH SHE HAS SENT HER CHILDREN TO THE U.S.9. IN EARLY JUNE, A DISHELVED AMERICAN CITIZEN APPEARED AT THE MAIN GATE OFTHE U.S. EMBASSY AND TOLD GUARDS THAT HE HAD JUST ESCAPED FROM A MOSCOWAPARTMENT, WHERE HE HAD BEEN HELD AGAINST HIS WILL BY EXTORTIONISTS FOR THREEWEEKS. THE AMERICAN LATER RECOUNTED HIS STORY TO AN EMBASSY OFFICIAL. THEAMERICAN AND HIS PARTNER HAD SET UP A SMALL STORE IN MOSCOW. HE WASAPPROACHED BY ACQUAINTANCES, WHO TOLD HIM THAT THEY WERE INTERESTED IN BUYINGSOME OF HIS PRODUCTS. AFTER MEETING IN THE INTOURIST HOTEL, IN DOWNTOWNMOSCOW, THE GROUP RETIRED TO A PRIVATE APARTMENT FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION.ONCE THERE, THE BUSINESS PARTNER MYSTERIOUSLY DISAPPEARED AND THE AMERICANWAS TOLD THAT HE COULD NOT LEAVE UNTIL HE AND HIS PARTNER PAID A RANSOM OF$500,000. THE AMERICAN ESCAPED AFTER THREE WEEKS WHEN HIS GUARDS GOT DRUNKAND PASSED OUT. THE CONSULAR SECTION PUT HIM IN TOUCH WITH HIS WIFE IN THEU.S. AND HELPED HIM GET ON A FLIGHT TO LEAVE RUSSIA THAT SAME DAY. THEAMERICAN DID NOT WANT THE POLICE INVOLVED AND WE ASSUME HE LEFT INSTRUCTIONSFOR HIS PARTNER ON WHAT, IF ANYTHING, TO DO.19940710***</text>
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<name>Russian crime report</name>
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card_111490.xml
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<text>U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE1995 MAY: RUSSIA AND NEWLY INDEPENDENT STATES TRAVEL TIPSBUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRSUKRAINEVisas for entry into Ukraine may be obtained in advance from the Embassyof Ukraine, or the Ukrainian Consulates in New York or Chicago. Almostall Ukrainian visas are issued on the basis of invitations. Theinvitation may be extended by a person, company, or organization inUkraine or through a tour company voucher.Travelers who intend to visit Russia from Ukraine must have a Russianvisa. Visitors who arrive in Ukraine without a visa must obtain one atthe border point. Three day visas for travelers arriving without aninvitation are issued for $150.00 at Kiev, Odessa, Lviv, and Simferopolairports and at the ports of Odessa and Yalta. Sometimes travelers artalso required to purchase a tourist voucher for the visa to be issued.Visas are not normally available at land crossing points.Travelers are usually denied admission to Ukraine without a visa, or ifthe entire number of entries on the Ukrainian visa have been used.Those travelers intending to enter neighboring countries, such as Russiaor Poland, and then re-enter Ukraine should keep this in mind.Travelers departing Ukraine do not need an exit visa; however, the visamust be valid (not expired) for departure to take place.All foreigners staying in Ukraine for more than three days are requiredto register their passports with local law enforcement authorities(though this requirement is sporadically enforced). The registrationrequirement is automatically met when foreigners stay in hotels, whenresident business persons register their businesses, or when studentsregister under established exchange programs. Private visitors musthave their hosts, relatives, or landlords register their U.S. passportat the local "Visas, Permits, and Passport Department" (VVIR) office ofthe Ministry of Internal Affairs. Visitors who do not register mayexperience delays when leaving Ukraine, as well as fines or otherdifficulty when trying to extend visas. (Check your visa carefully forany errors in the dates of travel, number of entries, and/or authorizeddestinations in Ukraine.) A fee of ten U.S. dollars or the equivalentin Ukrainian currency is usually charged for visa extensions or passportregistration.Your letter of invitation cannot be issued by an American in Ukraine,unless that person represents, is employed by, or studies in aregistered organization (such as a joint venture or recognizeduniversity). In recent years, some Americans whose visas are sponsoredby missionary groups, even registered ones, have faced problems withvisa extension. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs no longerextends visas for private Americans, only for journalists, certainbusinesspersons, and other select foreigners spending extended time inUkraine. The U.S. Embassy in Kiev accepts only U.S. dollars orUkrainian coupons as payment for passport replacement.There have been isolated cases of diphtheria, typhoid and cholera inUkraine. Adequate vaccination received before leaving the United Statesprotects against these diseases.Ukrainian customs regulations prohibit the sending of money through theinternational mail system to Ukraine. Money sent through the mail issubject to confiscation. Make sure you have enough money to cover yourexpenses before entering Ukraine. In Kiev, cash may be available at theAgroprombank, Export/Import Bank, or Bank Ukraina.It is legal for Ukrainian citizens to hold hard currency; therefore, ablack market does not exist for U.S. dollars. It is legal only to use abank, hotel, or licensed currency exchange kiosk (in Ukrainian "ObmenAlyut") to exchange money. Several banks and financial companies,including Western Union, can cash travelers checks and disburse moneywired from the United States. In addition, a credit card cash advancemay be obtained for a fee at "Xchange Points," a company headquarteredin Kiev's Lybid Hotel. As of March 1995, Ukraine has no operatingWestern bank.Customs declarations are carefully examined upon departure from Ukraine;keep receipts for purchases made both inside and outside Ukraine.Certain items deemed to be of historical or artistic significance may beunexportable. When purchasing artwork, always request a certificateattesting to the item's value and artistic significance. In Kiev, theMinistry of Culture on Prorizna Street has an office that can also issuethese certificates, after a complicated bureaucratic process.Crimea has experienced chronic, low-level tension on the political levelsince 1992. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Kiev or the Office of OverseasCitizens Services for current information on the situation.UZBEKISTANPrivate travel to Uzbekistan must be arranged through a travel agency(package tour) which has a relationship with Uzbek tourism, or via aninvitation from a private Uzbek citizen organization or business whichrequests visa issuance through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at leasta month in advance. This is a time-consuming process; travelers areencouraged to make their arrangements a at least two months prior totheir departure. Visas are issued at embassies and consulates abroad,although transit visas may be issued at Tashkent Airport.Uzbekistan's visa policy, which requires that the visa specify each cityto be visited, is under review. Travelers should contact the Embassy ofUzbekistan or refer to the current Consular Information Sheet forclarification of Uzbekistan's visa requirements for American citizens.Travelers without a proper visa cannot register at hotels, will be finedand required to leave the country immediately via their entry route.Unlike other NIS countries, travelers with NIS visas are permitted entryto Uzbekistan for genuine transit only. Travelers with NIS visas whointend to visit Uzbekistan and then return to the NIS country from whichthey arrived must obtain a separate visa for Uzbekistan. Transit visasare available for Tashkent and other transit points such as Termez andUrgench, with confirmation of onward transportation within three days.All travelers in Uzbekistan for even one day are required to registerwith OVIR, the Office of Visas and Registration. Travelers who stay ina hotel are automatically registered, but all other travelers areresponsible for registering themselves. Fees for registration with OVIRrange from twenty to two hundred dollars, depending on length of stay.Visitors without proper registration are subject to fines (ranging fromtwenty to sixty dollars) and possible harassment by local authorities.Also, the government of Uzbekistan officially requires visitors to carrya medical certificate proving that they are not HIV infected, but thisrequirement is only sporadically enforced.Diseases contracted by foreigners in Uzbekistan include salmonella,hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, and meningitis. Other food andwaterborne diseases are common. Therefore, travelers are advised todrink only boiled or bottled water and to peel all fruit and vegetables.Due to inappropriate sanitation conditions, travelers should avoideating dairy products and most food sold in the streets.Uzbekistan is a country in transition; a resurgence of Islamic traditioncoexists with an increase in common street crime. Although modestWestern-style clothing is appropriate in Tashkent, women should beprepared to dress conservatively in areas outside the capital. In ruralareas, women in pants, short skirts, or sleeveless blouses face a riskof harassment. In urban areas, all travelers should take the sameprecautions against crime that they would take in a large American city.U.S. Embassy and Consulate Locations in RussiaMoscow: Novinskiy Bulvar 19/23; tel. (7)(095) 252-2451.After hours duty officer: tel. (7)(095) 252-1898 or 255-5123.U.S. Consulates General are located at:St. Petersburg: Ulitsa Furshtadskaya 15; tel. (7-812) 275-1701.After hours duty officer: (7-812) 274-8692.Vladivostok: 12 Mordovtseva; tel. (7-4232) 268-458 or 267-117.Yekaterinburg: tel. (7-3432) 601-143, or by fax, 601-181. TheConsulate General in Yekaterinburg provides emergency services only forAmerican citizens.U.S. Embassy Locations in the Newly Independent States18 General Bagramian StreetYerevan, ARMENIAtel. (7-8852) 15-11-44Prospect Azadlig 83Baku, AZERBAIJANtel. (9-9412) 98-03-35, (9-9412) 98-03-36 or (9-9412) 98-03-3746 Starovilenskaya UlitsaMinsk, BELARUStel. (7-0172) 31-50-0025 Atoneli StreetTbilisi, GEORGIAtel. (7-8832) 98-99-67 or (7-8832) 98-99-6899/97A Furmanova StreetAlmaty, KAZAKHSTANtel. (7-3272) 63-24-26Erkindik Prospect #66Bishkek, KYRGYZSTANtel. (7-3312) 22-27-77Strada Alexei Mateevici 103Chisinau, MOLDOVAtel. (373-2) 23-37-72Interim Chancery#39 Ainii StreetOktyabrskaya HotelDushanbe, TAJIKISTANtel. (8-3772) 21-03-56Hotel JubileniyaAshgabat, TURKMENISTANtel. (7-3632) 24-49-25(As of June 1995, the U.S. Embassy's permanent address will be: 9Pushkin Street, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Please refer to the mostcurrent Consular Information Sheet for Turkmenistan for the U.S.Embassy's new telephone numbers.)Yuria Kotsubinskoho 10Kiev, UKRAINEtel. (7-044) 244-7344, 7345, 7349; 216-3805 (afterhours)(The city codes for Ukrainian cities and the country code for Ukrainewill change sometime after publication. Please refer to the currentConsular Information Sheet for the new numbers.)82 ChelanzarskayaTashkent, UZBEKISTANtel. (7-3712) 77-14-07 or (7-3712) 77-22-31NIS Embassies in the United StatesEmbassy of the Republic of ARMENIA1660 L St., NW11th FloorWashington, D.C. 20036telephone: (202) 393-5983Embassy of the Republic of AZERBAIJAN927 15th St., NWSuite 700Washington, D.C. 20005telephone: (202) 842-0001Embassy of the Republic of BELARUSNew Hampshire Ave. NWSuite 1619Washington, D.C. 20009telephone: (202) 986-1604/1606Embassy of the Republic of GEORGIA1511 K St., NWSuite 424Washington, D.C. 20005telephone: (202) 393-6060Embassy of the Republic of KAZAKHSTAN3421 Massachusetts Ave, NWWashington, D.C. 20008telephone: (202) 333-4507Embassy of the Republic of KYRGRZSTAN1511 K St., NWSuite 706Washington, D.C. 20005telephone: (202) 347-3732Embassy of MOLDOVA1511 K St., NW#333 Washington, D.C. 20005telephone: (202) 783-3012 (main switchboard) (202) 783-4218 (visa information/Consular Section)fax: (202) 783-3342Embassy of the RUSSIAN FEDERATIVE REPUBLIC1125 16th St., NWWashington, D.C. 20036telephone: (202) 939-8907/8911/8913/8918Russia also has consulates in the following U.S. cities:-- 2790 Green St., San Francisco, CA 94123-- 9 E. 91st St., New York, NY, 10021-- 2001 6th Ave., 23rd Floor, Seattle, WA 98121Embassy of the Republic of TURKMENISTAN1511 K Street, NWSuite 412Washington, D.C. 20005telephone: (202) 737-4800fax: (202) 737-1152Embassy of UKRAINE3350 M St., NWWashington, D.C. 20007telephone: (202) 333-0606, 333-7507/08/09fax: (202) 333-0817Embassy of the Republic of UZBEKISTAN1511 K St., NWSuites 619, 623Washington, D.C. 20005telephone: (202) 638-4267Uzbekistan Consulate866 United Nations PlazaSuite 326New York, NY 10017telephone: (212) 486-7570PLANNING ANOTHER TRIP?For general travel information, the following pamphlets may be orderedfrom the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,Washington, DC 20402; telephone 202-512-1800. The price of eachpublication is $1, except where noted.Your Trip Abroad (price $1.25)A Safe Trip Abroad Tips for AmericansResiding AbroadCountry specific information can be found in the following publications:Tips for Travelers to the CaribbeanTips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan AfricaTips for Travelers to Central and South AmericaTips for Travelers to the People's Republic of ChinaTips for Travelers to MexicoTips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa (price $1.25)Tips for Travelers to South AsiaGeneral visa information for these and other countries is available inForeign Entry Requirements. You may order Foreign Entry Requirementsfor 50 cents from the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009.DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 10269Bureau of Consular AffairsRevised May 1995The information in this publication is in the public domain and may bereproduced without permission. When this material is reproduced, theDepartment of State would appreciate receiving a copy at: CA/P/PA, Room6831, Department of State, Washington D.C. 20520-4818.(####)</text>
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<text>U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE1995 MAY: RUSSIA AND NEWLY INDEPENDENT STATES TRAVEL TIPSBUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRSThe following are general guidelines for photo-taking in the NewlyIndependent States:Photographs are permitted of architectural monuments, cultural,educational, and medical buildings, theaters, museums, parks, stadiums,streets and squares, and living quarters and landscape scenes.If prior permission is obtained from officials of the institutionconcerned, photographs may be taken of industrial enterprises whichmanufacture non-military products, farms, railroad stations, airports,riverports, and governmental, educational, and social organizations.Telephone Service to the U.S.Long distance telephone calls can usually be made from a hotel. It isalso possible to make calls from the local Telephone and Telegraphoffice. This is the cheapest way to call, but it also necessitatesstanding in line and putting in a request to make an international call.A rudimentary knowledge of the local language is extremely helpful forthose placing a call through the Telephone and Telegraph office.U.S. Priority Mail ServicesFederal Express, DHL, TNT, and United Parcel Service all offer prioritymail services between the U.S. and Russia and the U.S. and Ukraine.(However, even packets sent by priority mail may be held up in customsfor up to a week.)Legal MattersHow to Avoid Legal ProblemsWhile in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country'slaws and regulations. In some instances, laws in the NIS countriesdiffer significantly from those in the United States and do not affordthe protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Exercisecaution and carefully obey local laws. Penalties for breaking the lawcan be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may have difficulties withthe authorities and may be expelled and forced to forfeit the unusedpart of a prepurchased tour. Serious transgressions of the law can leadto arrest and imprisonment.Under Article 12 of the U.S.-USSR Consular Convention of 1964 (which theU.S. considers to remain in force), government authorities in the NIScountries are required to inform the U.S. embassy or consulate of thearrest or detention of a U.S. citizen and to permit communication withthe detained citizen within two to four days of arrest. If you aredetained by authorities, ask that a U.S. consular officer be informedand that you be allowed to meet with a consular officer without delay.Dual NationalityThe U.S. government has notified the governments of the NewlyIndependent States that the U.S.-USSR Consular Convention of 1964 isconsidered to remain in force. The United States recognizes as anestablished principle of international law that every sovereign statehas the right to decide under the provisions of its own laws who is andwho is not its citizen. The U.S. Department of State maintains thefollowing:-- U.S. citizens, whether by birth or naturalization, possess fullAmerican citizenship and its accompanying benefits and responsibilitiesdespite any additional entitlement to other citizenships.-- A U.S. citizen entering a country of the Newly Independent Stateswith a U.S. passport and a valid visa is regarded as a U.S. citizen bythat country for purposes of the visit, regardless of whether theforeign government might also consider that person to be their citizen.-- U.S. citizens cannot lose their U.S. citizenship because ofautomatic acquisition of foreign citizenship. However, if a U.S.citizen contemplates voluntarily accepting dual nationality inconnection with assuming duties as a government official in one of theNIS countries, he or she should first consult with the Department ofState's Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 202-647-5225 or with thenearest U.S. embassy or consulate.The countries of the Newly Independent States generally do not prevent aU.S. citizen possessing a U.S. passport and appropriate visas fromvisiting those countries and returning to the United States, or to hisor her country of permanent residence, even if under foreign laws he orshe is considered a citizen of a NIS country. Any dual national U.S.citizen traveling in any country in the region should contact thenearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately if any question arisesabout his or her U.S. or foreign citizenship.Legal Permanent U.S. ResidentsPlease be aware that the ability of U.S. authorities to assist legalpermanent U.S. residents is limited. These individuals should travelwith appropriate documentation of their legal status in the U.S. Thosewho are citizens of an NIS country should ensure that they have thecorrect entry/exit permission from the appropriate embassy in the UnitedStates before they travel.Marriage AbroadAmericans contemplating marriage to a citizen of Russia or other NIScountry should contact the Consular Section of the nearest Americanembassy or consulate before the marriage takes place. Consular officerscannot perform marriages, but can provide information about localregulations concerning marriage.Adopting A Child AbroadIt is technically possible to adopt a child from most countries in theNewly Independent States. However, adoption laws and procedures varyfrom country to country, and are subject to change with little priornotice. In general, adoption procedures throughout the region arecomplicated, and prospective parents should be prepared to go through alengthy process before being allowed to adopt a child. The Departmentof State maintains country specific information on file about thecurrent laws and procedures for international adoption in the NewlyIndependent States. U.S. citizens interested in adopting a child fromone of these countries are encouraged to contact their state'sDepartment of Health and Human Services to locate an agency thatspecializes in international adoptions, and/or the Department of State'sOffice of Children's Issues, in the Office of Overseas CitizensServices, at 202-736-7000 for further information on foreign countryadoption requirements.Country ProfilesThe following sections contain information on the individual countriesof the Newly Independent States. This is a challenging and excitingtime to visit these countries. Because travel conditions are changingrapidly throughout the region, you will need to research and plan yourvisit carefully before leaving the United States. Be patient andflexible once you are underway in order to have a successful andpleasurable trip. For updates on each of these countries, pleaseconsult the current Consular Information Sheets.RUSSIAVisasRussian law requires that all travelers who spend more than three daysin Russia register their visas through their hotel or sponsor. Visitorswho have not registered their visas may be prevented from leaving thecountry. In addition, all foreigners must have an exit visa to departRussia. For short stays, the exit visa is issued together with theentry visa; for longer stays, the exit visa must be obtained by asponsor after the traveler's arrival.Problems with tourist visas should be referred first to Intourservice,located in many major hotels. If problems are encountered with othertypes of visas, travelers should contact their sponsor, who willintercede with OVIR on the behalf of U.S. citizens.Errors in the dates or other information on the visa can occur, and itis a good idea to check your visa carefully before departing the UnitedStates. U.S. citizens can contact the Russian Embassy, ConsularDivision, 1825 Phelps Place, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202)939-8918, 939-8907, or 939-8913, or the Russian Consulates in New York,San Francisco or Seattle for current information on visa requirements.PassportsIn the event your passport is lost or stolen, please be aware that theU.S. Embassy and Consulates in Russia only accept U.S. dollars, rublesor travelers checks as payment for a replacement passport. (TheAmerican Consulate General in Vladivostok does not accept payment forconsular fees in traveler's checks.)Areas of InstabilityAt press time, the political situation remains particularly unsettled inRussia's Caucasus area, which is located in southern Russia along itsborder with Georgia and Azerbaijan. Travel to this area is considereddangerous. The regions of the Chechen Republic, the Ingush Republic andthe North Ossetian Republic have experienced continued armed violenceand have a state of emergency in effect. Street demonstrations, whichsometimes turn violent, may occur without warning, althoughannouncements of demonstrations in Moscow are usually carried on localEnglish-language radio news programs.CrimeCrime is a growing problem in Russia, particularly in major cities andalong the highway between St. Petersburg and Vyborg. Additionalinformation may be found on page 16 in the section on "Crime."Air TravelThe U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Russian Civil AirAuthorities conducted a joint safety evaluation of Russia's civilaviation. Airlines certified to operate internationally meet higherstandards than domestic-only air carriers yet also fly to most domesticdestinations. The Russian Department of Air Transport has provided alist, which is available from the U.S. Embassies in Moscow or Kiev or bywriting the Department of State's Office of Overseas Citizen's Services,of those airlines certified by Russia for international operations.Travelers should note that safety certification of the airlines on thislist is provided solely by the Russian Department of Air Transport; theFederal Aviation Administration only provides safety certification ofU.S. airlines. In addition, a few foreign international airlines arestarting to offer flights between some of the countries in the region.While Russian airlines are in transition to meet internationalstandards, flexibility and patience are the keys to successful airtravel throughout the region.Auto Travel and InsuranceAll tourists entering Russia by automobile are required to sign astatement guaranteeing the re-export of their automobiles. Thisobligation also applies to vehicles which may have been damaged duringyour travels.Your automobile should be fully insured under a policy valid for Russiaand for any other country you will enter. Insurance policies may bepurchased from Lloyds of London or from Ingostrakh, Kuybyshev Street11/10, Moscow and Zakharyevskaya Street 17, St. Petersburg. Ingostrakhis a Russian organization that insures foreigners in Russia. Ingostrakhalso sells auto insurance for travelers who plan to drive out of Russiathrough Finland by car. Auto insurance obtained in Russia is acceptedin some of the other NIS countries.Be aware that Russian law allows the insurance company to refusecompensation for damage if a driver is pronounced by the authorities tobe under the influence of alcohol at the time of an accident. Suchdeterminations can be made without the benefit of any tests.CurrencyThough Russia operates on the basis of a cash-only economy, some hotelsand restaurants in Moscow and St. Petersburg have begun to accept creditcards. (These are usually foreign run, joint venture operations.)However, do not assume your hotel will accept your credit card aspayment!If you find yourself short of funds in Moscow, St. Petersburg, orVladivostok, there are several possible avenues for assistance. WesternUnion has agents in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Vladivostok, as well asin other cities in the NIS, which can disburse money wired from the U.S.In addition, money can be transferred from a bank account in the U.S toDialogbank, located in the Slavianskaya Hotel (the minimum transfer is$1,000). In case of an emergency, funds may also be wired to anAmerican citizen through the State Department's Overseas CitizensServices at 202-647-5225. The funds are generally disbursed twobusiness days later at the American Citizens Services unit of the U.S.Embassy. In Moscow, automatic teller machines which accept AmericanExpress credit cards are located at the American Express office and theMezhdunarodnaya (International) Hotel. An automatic teller machinewhich accepts Visa cards is located in the Metropol Hotel. Dialogbankin the Radisson Hotel provides cash advances for Mastercard holders.The American Express offices in Moscow and St. Petersburg can cashtravelers checks and personal checks for card holders. In addition, theSt. Petersburg office can provide card holders with cash advances up to$500. In Vladivostok, Credo Bank (located near the TerritorialAdministration building) can cash American Express traveler's checks forrubles only and provide cash advances in dollars on Visa credit cards.During periodic cash shortages, it can be difficult or impossible tocash travelers checks for dollars, for other convertible (hard)currency, or even for rubles. In places where it is possible to cashtraveler's checks (such as in some hotels in major cities), the fee maybe high (for example, 5%). In addition, the currency situation variesfrom city to city. In Moscow, cash may be available at Dialogbank orAmerican Express. In St. Petersburg, rubles may be available but nothard currency (though rubles and hard currency are generally available).CustomsRussian customs laws and regulations are in a state of flux and are notconsistently enforced. All items which may appear to have historical orcultural value -- icons, art, rugs, antiques, etc. -- may be taken outof Russia only with prior written approval of the Ministry of Cultureand payment of up to 100 percent duty. Caviar may only be taken out ofRussia with a receipt indicating it was bought in a store licensed tosell to foreigners. Failure to follow the customs regulations mayresult in confiscation of the property in question. For furtherinformation, see the general information section on "Shopping."Russian LawOn February 6, 1992, Russia established a new citizenship lawrecognizing dual nationality only if there is an agreement between thetwo countries which specifically addresses dual nationality. At thistime, the United States and Russia do not have a dual nationalityagreement. Therefore, if you hold dual nationality and encounterproblems in Russia, you may not be permitted to leave and the ability ofa U.S. consul to assist you may be limited.Russian President Boris Yeltsin has signed into law legislation whichrequires all foreigners staying in Russia for more than 3 months toundergo a test for the AIDS virus. The details of the new law were notavailable at the time this brochure went to press. Please refer to thecurrent Consular Information Sheet for updated information on thisissue.ARMENIATravelers are advised to obtain a visa from the Embassy of the Republicof Armenia in Washington, D.C. before traveling to Armenia. It ispossible to obtain a 21-day visa at the main airport in Yerevan uponarrival, but at a higher cost. Travelers without a visa cannot registerat hotels and may be required to leave the country immediately via theroute by which they entered.Air transportation to and from Armenia is limited, and passengers shouldbe prepared to cope with frequent delays, unexpected refueling stops,and poor service. Other modes of transportation may be unreliable anduncomfortable. Although the U.S. government no longer prohibits U.S.officials from traveling overland between Georgia and Armenia, travelersshould exercise caution. Travelers should be aware that there isfrequent armed conflict along portions of the Armenian-Azerbaijaniborder.Travelers should be prepared for a lack of electricity and heat, fuelshortages, and limited availability of consumer goods. Traveler'schecks and credit cards are not accepted. Armenia has a relatively lowrate of violent crime, but robbery has increased.AZERBAIJANA passport and visa are required to enter Azerbaijan. Businesspersonswho apply for visas more than five days in advance and tourists whoapply more than ten days in advance will not be charged for their visas.Individuals requesting visas for less time or arriving in Baku without avalid Azerbaijani visa will be charged a fee ranging from $40 to $250for their visa. Although visas can be obtained in Baku after arrival,passports without visas are retained by immigration authorities at theairport. Visitors must apply to the consular department of the Ministryof Foreign Affairs the next working day to retrieve their passport. Allvisitors to Azerbaijan are strongly urged to obtain a visa prior totheir arrival. Travelers with valid Georgian visas are permitted toenter Azerbaijan for five days. Thereafter, they must obtain anAzerbaijani visa. Visa applicants must include a letter of invitationfrom an individual or organization in Azerbaijan when applying for avisa. Outside the United States, visas may be obtained from Azerbaijaniembassies in Germany, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. For additionalinformation on visa requirements, contact the Embassy of Azerbaijan inWashington, D.C. at telephone 202-842-0001 or fax 202-842-0004.Although Azerbaijan has a low rate of violent crime, incidents of streetcrime and assaults on foreigners are increasing. Travelers shouldexercise caution as public disturbances may occur without warning. Inthe capital of Baku, armed troops are positioned outside a number ofgovernment buildings to provide additional security. Azerbaijan hasbeen engaged in an ethnic conflict with Armenia over the territory ofNagorno-Karabakh. Approximately twenty percent of the territory ofAzerbaijan is occupied by Armenian forces from Nagorno-Karabakh.Travelers may be stopped at roadblocks while vehicles and traveldocuments are inspected. Travel to several regions is restricted andrequires advance permission from the Ministry of the Interior. TheConsular Section of the American Embassy in Baku can provide additionalinformation on the crime situation including safety tips and contactnumbers for the local police.Train travel in the Caucasus region has been severely disrupted by civilstrife and is not secure. Air travel to Azerbaijan is currentlyavailable through Turkey on a regular basis, and, through Germany andthe United Kingdom on a more limited schedule.A state of emergency and midnight to 5:00 a.m. curfew established inOctober 1994 remain in effect for Baku. There are numerous roadblocksand checkpoints throughout the capital. Visitors to Azerbaijan areencouraged to exercise extreme caution.BELARUSA visa is required for entry into Belarus. Visas may be obtained at theBelarusian Embassy in Washington, D.C. or the Consulate in New York. Aninvitation from a Belarusian sponsor, whether an individual or a travelagency, is required. Russian and Kazakh visas are valid for transit (upto three days) through Belarus. Visas may also be obtained atBelarusian embassies and consulates abroad, although this can be a time-consuming process.Travelers passing through Belarus on the way to other points in the NISmust possess a Belarusian transit visa. On occasion, travelers takingthe train from Warsaw, Poland to Vilnius, Lithuania have been requiredto leave the train in Grodno, Belarus and return to their point ofdeparture to obtain a transit visa. Transit visas are not available onthe train. This problem can be avoided by taking the direct rail routethat goes to Sestokai, Lithuania via Suwalki, Poland, without passingthrough Belarus.U.S. citizens residing in Belarus are required to register with thelocal Office of Visas and Registration (OVIR). Failure to do so willresult in fines and frequent visits from local militia. U.S. citizensresiding in hotels are automatically registered.Traveler's checks are not accepted in Belarus. Intourist hotels inMinsk accept American Express, and several stores selling imported goodsand the Planeta Hotel accept Visa cards.The number of reported diphtheria cases in Belarus has quadrupled in thepast three years. The Centers for Disease Control recommendsimmunization against diphtheria.GEORGIAA passport is required for entry into Georgia, but a visa is notrequired before arrival. Visitors who enter at the Tbilisi airportreceive a temporary stamp at passport control and are instructed toobtain a visa from the Consular Division of the Ministry of ForeignAffairs. Visas are usually granted within five days. Travelers whohave valid visas for Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan can use thesevisas for transit (up to three days) through Georgia without anadditional Georgian visa. Those arriving from or departing to othercountries, including the remainder of the Newly Independent States, mustobtain a Georgian visa in order to leave the country. On an exceptionalbasis, the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs can assist travelers toobtain visas at the checkpoint at Sarpi on the border with Turkey, andat the port of Batumi on the Black Sea. Arrangements must be made inadvance to issue a visa at one of these entry points.Travelers should be aware of the risks of travel in Georgia. Someterrorist incidents have occurred in connection with regional conflicts.Despite the nominal end of the war in Abkhazia, travel in that region isstill hazardous. High crime rates in South Ossetia make unofficial andunescorted travel there risky. The security situation in Tbilisi hasimproved slightly, but crime rates are still high. The security ofoverland travel inside Georgia is minimal. Trains destined for Armeniahave occasionally been targeted by terrorists, and all train andvehicular traffic is vulnerable to robbery by bandits.Violent crime is not uncommon in Georgia. Sporadic gunfire, oftencelebratory in nature, can be dangerous to bystanders. Travelers on themetro system in Tbilisi are particularly susceptible to criminal acts.Petty theft and pickpocketing is common, especially in open-air markets.While police authority has improved slightly, security conditions canchange rapidly.KAZAKHSTANEntry visas are issued at the Kazakhstan Embassy on the basis of aletter of invitation from a Kazakh organization, or at the AlmatyAirport. Visas issued at the airport without a letter of invitation areonly valid for three days. Kazakhstan immigration officials considervisas for Russia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, andBelarus to be valid for transit (up to three days) through Kazakhstan.Incidence of infectious diseases in Kazakhstan is generally higher thanin the U.S., and immunizations are unavailable. Drinking only boiled orbottled water will help guard against cholera, which has been reported.Common street crime has increased, especially at night, and some robberyvictims have been assaulted. Robbers congregate around hotels thatcater to foreigners. Walking in a group or utilizing an officialmetered taxi with door to door service is the best way to traverse thecities after sunset.KYRGYZSTANVisas are required for entry into Kyrgyzstan. Visas are issued by theKyrgyz Embassy in Washington, D.C. No letter of invitation is requiredfor a stay of up to two months. For detailed information, contact theKyrgyz Embassy at telephone (202) 628-0433 or fax (202) 347-3718. Incountries where no Kyrgyz Embassy is present, the Russian Embassy hasthe authority to issue a Kyrgyz visa. All visitors staying inKyrgyzstan more than three days are required to register with OVIR, theOffice of Visas and Registration. Visitors who do not register withinthree days are fined.Currently, no airline provides dependable, regularly scheduledinternational air service into Bishkek. Most air travelers fly toAlmaty, Kazakhstan, and then travel overland to Bishkek (approximately afour-hour journey). Train travel in the region is irregular andarduous.Kyrgyzstan has a moderate rate of violent crime, and members of theforeign community have been singled out as targets. Some incidents ofmuggings have occurred outside hotels catering to foreigners.Kyrgyzstan has a cash-based economy, and credit cards are not accepted.Only one bank accepts traveler's checks, and the fee can be as high as20 percent.MOLDOVATravelers must have visas to enter Moldova. Visas are available fromthe Moldovan Embassy in Washington, D.C., from the Moldovan Consulate inFrankfurt, Germany, or in other selected cities. When traveling toMoldova with the intention of continuing elsewhere in the NIS, keep inmind that visas for travel to other NIS countries are mandatory anddifficult to obtain in Moldova.The U.S. Embassy in Chisinau advises that only essential travel shouldbe undertaken into or through the Transnistria region. There arefrequent checkpoints in Transnistria, manned by armed, young andinexperienced paramilitary units who are not under the control of theMoldovan government and whose members rarely understand English.Travelers may be subject to extortion or robbery at checkpoints. OnlyAir Moldova and Tarom (Romania's national airline) regularly fly toMoldova. Air Moldova service is well below Western standards. Aircraftappear to be old and cabin areas are in poor condition. Train serviceis also below Western standards and an increasing number of Americanshave been victimized while traveling on international trains to and fromMoldova.The Centers for Disease Control recommend Hepatitis B series for certaintravelers. In addition, rabies vaccinations may be useful as casualexposure to stray dogs is common throughout Chisinau.TAJIKISTANAt the time of publication, a Travel Warning for Tajikistan was ineffect. Although a cease-fire is in effect between the warring factionsand peaceful elections were held, sporadic fighting continues along theTajikistan-Afghanistan border. In addition, unsettled conditions existin some areas of the countryside, particularly in parts of the GharmValley and Gorno-Badakhshan. There is a potential for terrorist actionsin the capital, Dushanbe, primarily targeting Russians. The U.S.Embassy provides a full range of consular services, but is extremelylimited in the services it can provide outside Dushanbe. For updatedinformation, contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 202-647-5225.A visa is required for entry into Tajikistan. Registry at a hotel isprohibited without a visa, and travelers who enter the country without avisa will be required to leave immediately via the route by which theyentered. In the United States, Tajik visas are issued by the RussianEmbassy in Washington, D.C., or the Russian Consulates in New York, SanFrancisco, or Seattle. Contact these sources for current information onvisa requirements for Tajikistan.Due to the unsettled situation in the region, travel to, from, andwithin Tajikistan is difficult and unreliable. The only regularinternational air travel to and from Dushanbe are connections to Moscowand St. Petersburg via Air Tajikistan. These flights may be cancelleddue to lack of fuel. International train connections are extremelydangerous because of criminals operating on board. Travelers to otherCentral Asian countries or Russia must have appropriate visas, which arenot available in Tajikistan.The civil war has significantly contributed to the deterioration ofTajikistan's medical infrastructure. Many trained medical personnelhave left the country and there is a potential for significant outbreaksof disease due to the migration of refugees and the discontinuance ofimmunization activities.International banking services are not available in Tajikistan.Traveling with large amounts of cash can be dangerous. However, creditcards and traveler's checks are rarely accepted in lieu of cash.TURKMENISTANWithout a visa, travelers to Turkmenistan cannot register at hotels andwill be required to leave the country immediately via the route by whichthey entered. If a visa is not obtained from the Embassy ofTurkmenistan in Washington, D.C., it may be obtained on arrival at theairport for twenty dollars for a ten-day stay. This visa may beobtained without presenting an invitation letter. However, if anextension of the visa is necessary, a letter of invitation must befurnished by the traveler's host to support the application. Extensionsmay be authorized by applying at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs onMondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Generally, the Ministry ofForeign Affairs takes five working days to process any requests toextend visas, although for a fee, this process can be expedited.</text>
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<text>U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE1995 MAY: RUSSIA AND NEWLY INDEPENDENT STATES TRAVEL TIPSBUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO RUSSIA AND THE NEWLY INDEPENDENT STATESIntroductionThis pamphlet contains information for travel to the Newly IndependentStates (NIS). These countries include: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan,Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.The Newly Independent States are currently undergoing fundamentalpolitical and economic changes. The tourism industry, like otherenterprises in the region, has been affected by the elimination of somegovernment organizations and the introduction of new bureaucraticsystems. These changes can cause confusion for travelers throughout theNewly Independent States.Formerly, all tourism in the region was handled by Intourist, which hascontracts with a large network of hotels and restaurants. However,other tour agencies have been established which offer comparableservices. In addition, there are a number of specialized tour operatorswhich organize stays with families and adventure tours. It is best tobook travel with regional tour operators through U.S. travel agencies.Consular Information ProgramThe Department of State issues Consular Information Sheets for allcountries of the world. When the Department, based on the bestavailable information, recommends against travel to a certain country,it will issue a Travel Warning in addition to the Consular InformationSheet.Consular Information Sheets include such information as the location ofthe U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country, entryrequirements, crime and security information, health concerns andunusual currency regulations. If an unstable condition exists in acountry that is not severe enough to warrant a Travel Warning, adescription of the condition(s) may be included in the ConsularInformation Sheet under an optional section entitled "Areas ofInstability." On limited occasions, relevant U.S. embassy advice givento official employees will be included. Consular Information Sheetspresent information in a factual manner so travelers can make their owninformed decisions concerning travel to a particular country.The State Department also issues Public Announcements as a means todisseminate information quickly about terrorist threats or other short-term or transnational conditions which pose significant risks to thesecurity of American travelers.There are several ways to access Consular Information Sheets, TravelWarnings and Public Announcements. You can listen to them 24 hours aday by calling 202-647-5225 from a touchtone phone. You can receivecopies of them of by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to theOverseas Citizens Services, Room 4800, Department of State, Washington,D.C. 20520-4818. (Write the name of the requested country or countrieson the outside of the envelope.)To receive them by fax, dial 202-647-3000 from a fax machine, using themachine's telephone receiver, and follow the instructions. To view anddownload with a personal computer and modem, dial the Consular AffairsBulletin Board (CABB) on modem number: 202-647-9225. Set yourcommunications software to: no parity, 8 bits, one stop bit (N-8-1).Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings are posted at the 13regional passport agencies and at American embassies and consulatesabroad. They can also be accessed through an airline or travel agent'scomputer reservation system or by computer through many electronicinformation services.General InformationThis section contains general information useful for travel throughoutthe Newly Independent States. For information about a specific country,please refer to the current Consular Information Sheet, or the CountryProfiles section.VisasU.S. citizens must possess a valid U.S. passport and appropriate visasfor travel to or transit through the Newly Independent States, whetherby train, car or airplane. Travelers who arrive without an entry visamay be unable to register in a hotel, are subject to large fines, andmay be delayed by lengthy official processing requirements and/or faceimmediate ordered departure by route of entry (at traveler's expense).Under extenuating circumstances, some countries may grant limited stayvisas at the border or the airport. Visas should be obtained in advanceof your trip at the embassy or consulate of the country you wish tovisit. If possible, plan to obtain your visa(s) in the United States,because they can be difficult and time-consuming to obtain abroad.Visas are valid for specific dates. Before starting your trip, be sureyour visa is valid for the dates of your planned entry and departure andindicates the point of entry. It is helpful to make a photocopy of yourvisa in the event of loss while enroute or after entry to Russia.Amendment of a visa necessitated by illness or changes in travel plansmust be approved in advance by the office that issued your visa.Tourist, Business, and Transit VisasU.S. citizens may apply for a tourist, business or transit visa. Mosttravelers to the Newly Independent States arrange for their visas andaccommodations through an American travel agent. A business visarequires a letter of invitation from a business contact in the countryto which you are traveling. A transit visa requires a copy of yourconfirmed ticket and visa (if required) to your onward destination.Many NIS governments accept each others' visas as valid for transit ofless than 72 hours through their own territory. However, borderofficials, particularly at remote land crossings are not always aware ofvisa reciprocity between other NIS countries and their own government.Furthermore, border guards often fail to date stamp foreign passports onentry at land borders with other NIS countries, leaving no way to prove,when exiting, how much time the traveler has spent transiting a givencountry. For these reasons, it is always a good idea to obtain aseparate visa for each country you may transit.Sponsorship for VisasMany of the Newly Independent States issue visas (with the exception oftransit visas) on the basis of support from a sponsor, usually anindividual or local organization. It is important to know who yoursponsor is and how to contact them, because in many of these countriesthe law requires that your sponsor apply on your behalf for replacement,extension or changes to your visa. The U.S. Embassy cannot act as yoursponsor. U.S. citizens should contact their tour company or hotel inadvance for information on visa sponsorship.How to Obtain Visa InformationAuthoritative and current information on visas can only be obtained fromthe embassies or consulates of the countries you plan to visit. Whenyou inquire about visas, ask about price, length of validity, the numberof entries that are permitted and whether or not you will need an exitvisa.Your U.S. PassportThefts of U.S. passports are increasing rapidly. The theft or loss of apassport, especially when the nearest U.S. consular office is hundredsor thousands of miles away, is a major source of inconvenience andexpense to travelers. Before your trip, make photocopies of the datapage of your passport and of your visa(s). A copy of the addresses andtelephone numbers of the U.S. embassies and consulates in the countriesyou will visit may also be helpful. Put one set of the photocopiesalong with two passport photos in a place separate from your passport.If your passport is lost or stolen abroad, this will make issuance of anew passport faster and easier. Leave the second set of copies and youritinerary with a relative or friend in the U.S.While in the NIS, you may be asked to turn over your passport to hotelpersonnel or a tour leader for short periods of time for registrationwith police or for other purposes. Your passport should be returnedwithin two or three days. However, for U.S. citizens on long-termbusiness or studies, the registration process can often take longer. Itis not unusual for sponsors and local authorities to hold on to Americanpassports for as much as several weeks while visas are registered orwhile exit visas are processed. Be sure to safeguard your passport atall other times, as its loss can cause you delays and problems.If your passport is lost or stolen, you must apply for a replacementpassport at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If possible, bring with you:identification, especially any photo i.d.; proof of U.S. citizenship (abirth certificate, naturalization certificate, or a copy of yourpassport); two 2" by 2" passport size photos, in color or black andwhite; and a police report, if available. (Some embassies are equippedwith passport photo cameras and can take your passport photo for a fee.)In most cases, a new passport can be issued quickly. If U.S. passportrecords must be checked, the process may delay the issuance of a newpassport. A new passport costs $55 for an adult and $30 for a child;the execution fee is $10.Please be aware that in the NIS you must also obtain a new or duplicatevisa from the Office of Visas and Registration (OVIR) should yourpassport be lost or stolen. (This office is also known as the"Passport-Visa Service" in some areas.) The passport number on yourvisa must match that of your new passport. Obtaining a replacement visatakes approximately 10 working days. A police certificate verifying thetheft of your visa and passport may be necessary to obtain a new visa.Questions regarding U.S. visas for foreigners should be directed to thenearest U.S. embassy or consulate.RegistrationAll U.S. citizens who visit the Newly Independent States are encouragedto register at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registration isespecially important if you are in an area experiencing civil unrest ora natural disaster, if you are going to a place where communications arepoor, or if you plan to stay for a long period of time. Registrationtakes only a few minutes, and it may be invaluable in case of anemergency. If your passport is lost or stolen, having previouslyregistered at an embassy or consulate can make it easier to issue you anew passport without a delay.Travel in the RegionAreas of InstabilityWhen planning a trip to the Newly Independent States, be aware thatareas of instability still exist throughout the region and that it maynot be safe or wise to travel through these areas. For updatedinformation on a specific country, please consult that country's currentConsular Information Sheet.Name Changes and Travel TimesMany geographic names throughout the region have been changed. Try toobtain maps before your trip, but keep in mind that some place names mayneed to be updated. If your map and street sign do not correspond, youare not necessarily lost; it is entirely possible that the street hasbeen renamed.Departure and arrival times for planes, trains and boats were formerlyquoted in Moscow time; now, the timetables for travel in and between theNewly Independent States have been revised to quote local times. WithinRussia itself, however, you may still find Moscow time in use regardlessof which of the 11 time zones you are in. Whenever you makereservations or purchase tickets, learn which time zones the schedulerefers to and confirm all departure and arrival times as you travel.Air Travel Within the Newly Independent StatesWith the breakup of Aeroflot into many small airlines, travel within theNIS is often unreliable. Domestic air travelers must often cope withunpredictable and/or inaccurate schedules and difficult conditions,including deterioration of centralized systems of maintenance, poorservice, overloading and fuel shortages.In addition, it is often difficult to make arrangements for air travelwithin the NIS from the United States.Overland TravelWhen traveling by train or automobile in the NIS countries, it isadvisable to bring food and water with you. You cannot rely on theavailability or quality of these goods throughout the region.When traveling overland between Central European countries and the NIS,be certain that you have visas for all countries through which you willpass. For example, you will need a Belarusian transit visa if you takethe train from Warsaw, Poland to Vilnius, Lithuania because the trainpasses through Grodno, Belarus. Most transit problems can be avoided ifyou research your routes well.Auto TravelDriving conditions in the NIS are drastically different from those inWestern Europe. In some areas, roads are practically non-existent.Throughout the region, service stations are few and far between, and thelines are often quite long for the scarce amount of available fuel.Travelers should adhere to all local driving regulations. They arestrictly enforced and violators are subject to severe legal penalties.In addition, your automobile should be fully insured under a policyvalid for the country in which you are traveling.A valid U.S. driver's license, a valid international driver's license,or a valid license from the country in which you are traveling arenecessary to drive a vehicle. International driver's licenses, good forone year, are available through the American Automobile Association.Foreigners planning to drive in the region for more than one month areencouraged to obtain an international license. Travelers without avalid license are often subject to prolonged stops by highway police.HealthPrecautionsTravel in the Newly Independent States can be strenuous, particularlyfor the elderly and individuals with special health problems. When youplan your trip, be careful not to overschedule; leave time for rest andrelaxation. Tourists in frail health are strongly advised not to visitbecause of the harsh conditions and lack of adequate medical facilities.Health ConcernsOutbreaks of diphtheria have been reported throughout the NIS, even inlarge cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg. The U.S. Centers forDisease Control recommend up-to-date diphtheria immunizations beforetraveling to the NIS. Typhoid can be a concern for those who plan totravel extensively in the region. Cases of cholera have also beenreported throughout the area; the risk of exposure to cholera can bereduced by refraining from drinking local water supplies.ImmunizationsNo immunizations are required for travelers to the NIS. However,diphtheria, tetanus, polio and Gamma Globulin vaccinations arerecommended for the region. The following vaccines should beconsidered, depending on the locations to be visited, plannedactivities, and the health of the traveler: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B,rabies and typhoid. If traveling to certain southern border areas ofAzerbaijan and Tajikistan, malaria prevention measures are recommended.Please be aware that many of the NIS countries stipulate that foreignersplanning an extended stay in the area must be tested for the AIDS virus.The length of stay mandating an AIDS test varies from country tocountry. Positive test results for HIV could be grounds for expulsionfrom the country. All travelers intending to reside in the NewlyIndependent States are strongly advised to have the requisite testsperformed in the United States, as the testing conditions in the NIStend to be very unsanitary and could pose a hazard to your health.Requirements for HIV testing are likely to change in the countries ofthe NIS as new legislation is adopted. Please refer to the currentConsular Information Sheet or contact the U.S. embassy in the countryyou plan to visit for the latest requirements.Medical Care in the RegionMedical care in the Newly Independent States is below Western standards.There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, includingdisposable needles, anesthetics, common medications, and antibiotics.X-rays are of poor quality, and other advanced diagnostic equipment(such as CAT scan machines) is not widely available. Patient supportservices, including basic hygiene measures, are inadequate. Travelersmay expect the length of hospitalization to exceed the duration of staythey would expect in Western facilities. In addition, full, frank, andempathetic discussions between doctor and patient are hampered bylanguage barriers as well as the lack of customary patient rights.Access to the few quality facilities that exist in major cities usuallyrequire cash payment in U.S. dollars at Western rates upon admission.Many resident Americans travel to the West for virtually all theirmedical needs. If you need medical care, U.S. embassies and consulatesmaintain lists of medical facilities and English-speaking doctors.Drinking WaterThe U.S. Public Health Service warns that many visitors to the NIS havereturned to the United States infected with the intestinal parasiteGiardia lamblia. This infection is usually contracted by drinking localtap water. In addition, you should avoid ice cubes, salads, and uncookedvegetables and fruits which cannot be peeled, and use bottled water forbrushing teeth.Local water supplies can be avoided in several ways. Some travelers tothe region bring drinking water with them in their luggage. If youcannot import your drinking water, drink only bottled carbonated drinksor beverages that have been boiled for at least five minutes. Someportable water filters are specially constructed to remove the Giardiaparasite; however, if you are relying on a water filter, it is stillhighly advisable to boil the water after filtering. In many largecities, bottled water of imported or Russian origin can be purchased insome stores. However, travelers should not rely on the availability ofbottled water from these sources. In addition, carry iodine tablets todisinfect drinking water (though it should be noted that some iodinetablets take several hours to work). Travelers returning from theregion who develop a diarrheal illness lasting more than five daysshould consult a physician.Bring Your Own MedicinesBring with you any necessary medications and keep them in theiroriginal, labeled containers in your hand luggage. Because of strictlaws on narcotics, carry a letter from your physician explaining yourneed for any prescription drugs in your possession. Also bring alongany toiletries and personal hygiene items that you will need. Theseitems can be difficult to obtain in major cities and virtuallynonexistent elsewhere.For More Health InformationThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta hasdetailed information on health matters for the international traveler.For recorded information on worldwide health information, contact theCDC at 404-332-4559. For information by fax, contact the CDC at 404-332-4565 and follow the prompts.Review Your Health Insurance PolicyIf your insurance does not cover you abroad, consider purchasingtemporary insurance that does. In addition to medical insurance,consider obtaining insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event ofan accident or serious illness. Because conditions in many hospitalsare not adequate to ensure recovery, medical evacuation is frequentlynecessary for illnesses or injuries which could be treated locally inother countries. This is an expensive option; for instance, minimumcost from Moscow to New York on a stretcher is more than $10,000.Medical evacuation by hospital aircraft on the same route approaches$130,000. The minimum cost for medical evacuation from Kiev to WesternEurope in a hospital aircraft is approximately $20,000 and evacuation tothe U.S. approaches $100,000. Such services require a substantial downpayment before they commit themselves to arranging a flight out of theNIS. Insurance companies, as well as some credit card and travelerscheck companies, offer short-term health and emergency assistancepolicies designed for travelers. Ask your travel agent for informationabout them or look for their advertisements in travel publications.CurrencyThe countries of the Newly Independent States operate on the basis ofcash-only economies. This means that traveler's checks and credit cardsare not widely, if ever, accepted as currency. Old, or very worn dollarbills are often not accepted, even at banks. U.S. bills in smalldenominations (ones and fives) are often useful for covering taxi fares,tips and other minimal expenses easily paid for in dollars.The countries of the Newly Independent States have experienced periodiccash shortages. The difficulties of a currency shortage can be avoidedby taking a prepaid tour that includes all meals and hotels. Mosttravelers, however, solve the problem of the currency shortage by comingto the NIS with a sufficient supply of hard currency to cover theirobligations during travel. Be advised that some hotel restaurants andshops will accept payment only in dollars or other hard currency.Before you leave home, check with your credit card and travelers checkcompanies to learn if and where these can be used in Russia and theNewly Independent States. The countries of the Newly Independent Stateshave established their own currency systems. Generally, U.S. dollarscan be exchanged for local currency only at official exchange offices orin banks. Anyone caught dealing on the black market can expect to bedetained by the local militia.Customs RegulationsCustoms laws and regulations in the NIS are generally in a state of fluxand not consistently enforced. However, when enforced, customs andcurrency laws are strict. When you arrive, make an accurate andcomplete customs declaration of all money, travelers checks, andvaluables in your possession. Include all personal jewelry, such aswedding rings and watches, and other high-value items, such as personalcomputers. Never declare more money leaving the country than youdeclared coming in. Have your customs declaration stamped by theauthorities and keep it with you until you leave the country. Keep yourexchange receipts to account for your expenditures. Without theserecords, customs officials could confiscate your cash and valuables upondeparture.Attempts to bring any of the following articles into the NIS have causeddifficulties for U.S. citizens in the past:Narcotics - Drug laws are strict. U.S. citizens have received longsentences for trying to enter or transit with illegal narcotics.Pornography - Magazines with sexually explicit photographs, that may beconsidered commonplace in Western countries, may be regarded aspornography in some of the NIS countries and are often confiscated.Gifts for Persons in the NIS - A high rate of customs duty may beassessed on gifts that you bring into a foreign country. U.S. citizenshave had to abandon gifts at the airport because they lacked funds topay the customs duty.Video Cassettes - Customs regulations allow for the import and re-exportof a limited number of blank or commercially recorded video cassettesfor personal use. Some travelers with a large number of cassettes havehad them confiscated. Travelers are advised to leave blank videocassettes sealed in their wrappers when entering a country.ShoppingBe wary of antiques! Artwork, souvenirs, and handicrafts purchased atspecial stores for tourists may be taken out of the Newly IndependentStates. The authorities define antiques as anything which is ofhistorical or cultural value, and they apply this definition to a widerange of articles. Antiques and artifacts (such as samovars) often maynot be taken out of these countries without inspection by local culturalauthorities and payment of a substantial export duty; this can be aninconvenient and time consuming process. Items such as samovars whichare not purchased at tourist stores and not cleared by culturalauthorities are normally confiscated at pre-departure customsinspections. You should obtain a receipt for all items of value thatyou have purchased. The receipt must indicate that the items werebought in a store clearly licensed to sell to foreigners. Furthermore,icons, art, rugs, antiques and other culturally significant objects musthave a certificate indicating that they have no historical value. Thiscertificate can be obtained either from the store at the time the itemis purchased or from the Ministry of Culture.CrimeCrime Against ForeignersCrime against foreigners in the Newly Independent States continues toincrease, especially in major cities. Pickpocketings, assaults androbberies occur both day and night. Be aware of your surroundings;travelers are assaulted or robbed on city streets, in undergroundwalkways and the subway, in train stations and airports, at markets,tourist attractions and restaurants, and in hotel rooms and residences,even when locked or occupied. Members of religious and missionarygroups have been robbed by people pretending to be interested in theirbeliefs. Groups of children are known to assault and rob foreigners oncity streets or underground walkways. Foreigners who have been drinkingalcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or aroundnight clubs or bars, or on their way home. Robberies may occur in taxisshared with strangers. Traffic police sometimes stop motorists toextract cash "fines." Travelers have found it safer to travel in groupsorganized by reputable tour agencies as those traveling alone are morevulnerable to crime.Crime aboard trains has also increased. For example, travelers havebeen victimized without their knowledge and robbed on the train fromMoscow to St. Petersburg. Crimes such as armed robbery have also beenreported on trains between Moscow and Warsaw and between Moscow andUlaanbaatar, Mongolia. On some trains, thieves have been able to openlocked compartment doors.Crime Against Foreign BusinessesExtortion and corruption permeate the business environment in the NIS.Organized criminal groups target foreign businesses in many cities andreportedly demand protection money under threat of serious violence.Many Western companies hire security services, but this has not alwaysproven effective in avoiding armed extortion attempts.Safety TipsAlthough officials in the Newly Independent States have in many casesexpressed willingness to cooperate with U.S. officials in emergenciesinvolving U.S. citizens, communications and transportation can be slowand difficult, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate may be morethan a day's travel away. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim ofcrime, exercise the same precautions that you would in any large cityand follow these tips:-- Safety begins when you pack. Leave expensive jewelry, unnecessarycredit cards, and anything you would hate to lose at home.-- Never display large sums of money when paying a bill. Conceal yourpassport, cash, and other valuables on your person. Do not trust waistpacks or fanny packs because pickpockets have learned that is where thevaluables are stored.-- Do not leave valuables in your hotel room; have them locked in thehotel safe.-- Be vigilant on public transport and at tourist sites, food markets,flea markets, art exhibitions, and all places where crowds gather.-- Even slight intoxication is noted by professional thieves.Therefore, if you drink in a public place, do so only with a trustedfriend who has agreed to remain sober.-- If you are the victim of crime, report it immediately to the localpolice and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. It is worthwhileto report a theft, because stolen items are sometimes retrieved.-- Avoid hailing unmarked cars as taxis. Although this is a commonpractice in the NIS, foreigners have been robbed and assaulted by thedrivers of such unmarked cabs. Never accept a ride from a driver whoalready has other passengers.Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personalsecurity, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in theDepartment of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which is for salefrom the U.S. Government Printing Office. (See back cover for orderinginformation.)Photography RestrictionsThe majority of areas formerly closed to foreigners have been opened;currently, only areas and installations closed to the general public canbe closed to foreigners. However, use good judgment when photographingin museums and sensitive areas. (Many museums do not permit photographynear the exhibits.) When in doubt, ask your tour guide or someone elsein authority if it is acceptable to take a photograph.</text>
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<text>TIPS FOR AMERICANS RESIDING ABROAD(Consular Affairs Topics)Section I-202 of the Presidential Proclamation of July 2, 1980, reinstitutingregistration under the Military Selective Service Act, states:Citizens of the United States who are to be registered and who arenot in the United States on any of the days set aside for their registration,shall present themselves at a U.S. embassy or consulate for registrationbefore a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States or beforea registrar duly appointed by a diplomatic or consular officer ofthe United States.FAMILY MATTERSAdopting A Child OverseasIf you plan to adopt a child overseas, you should be aware that theU.S. Government considers foreign adoptions to be a private legalmatter within the judicial sovereignty of the nation where the childis residing. U.S. authorities have no right to intervene on behalfof American citizens in the courts in the country where the adoptiontakes place. However, there are a number of ways that U.S. embassiesand consulates can assist prospective parents.The U.S. embassy or consulate can provide you with information onthe adoption process in the country where you reside. Consular officerscan make inquiries on your behalf regarding the status of your casein the foreign court and will assist in clarifying documentary requirementsif necessary. Embassies and consulates will also ensure that asan American you are not being discriminated against by foreign courtsand will provide you with information on the visa application processfor your adopted child.Because children in foreign adoptions are considered to be nationalsof the country of origin, prospective parents must comply with locallaws. One way to achieve this is by dealing only with a reputableinternational adoption agency experienced in handling adoptions inthe country where you are living. In the case of a private adoption,you should hire a local attorney with expertise in adoptions. Becauseof the potential for fraud in international adoptions, you need tobe aware of the pitfalls. The U.S. embassy orconsulate can offer you advice on what problems you might encounter.Foreign children adopted overseas by U.S. citizens can gain U.S.citizenship if the adoptive parents apply for the child's naturalizationafter they return to the United States. In most cases, the adoptiveparents would merely apply for a Certificate of Citizenship fromthe Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) after the adoption.However, until they return to the United States, the adopted childremains a national of their country of origin. Before returningto the United States with your adopted child, you will need to petitionthe INS for your child's immigrant visa. For further informationon adoption procedures, obtain INS Form M-249 entitled, The Immigrationof Adopted and Prospective Adoptive Children. You can also contactthe Department of State, Office of Citizens Consular Services, Washington,D.C. 20520 to learn more about U.S. citizenship requirements andadoption procedures.International Child Custody DisputesFor parents involved in a child custody dispute, there are limitson the assistance that U.S. authorities can provide. In cases wherean American child is abducted overseas by a parent, the U.S. Government'srole is confined to helping the remaining parent locate the child,monitoring the child's welfare, and providing general informationabout child custody laws and procedures in the country where theabduction took place. Consular officers overseas can issue a U.S.passport to a child involved in a custody dispute if the child appearsin person at the U.S. embassy or consulate and there is no courtorder issued by the foreign court of that country which bars thechild's departure from the country.U.S. consuls cannot take custody of a child, force the child's returnto the United States, or attemptto influence child custody proceedings in foreign courts. If theparents cannot work out an amicable settlement of a child custodydispute, the only recourse is usually court action in the countrywhere the child is residing. A custody decree originating in theUnited States is not automatically recognized overseas. On the contrary,foreign courts will decide custody in accordance with the laws ofthat country. If you are involved in a custody dispute, you willneed to obtain a foreign attorney to represent you in court. Youcan obtain a list of such attorneys from the U.S. embassy or consulatein the country where your child has been taken.If you are a parent involved in a custody battle overseas find outwhether the country you are in is a party to the Hague Conventionon the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Under theHague Convention, a child who has been wrongfully removed may bereturned to his or her place of habitual residence. For furtherinformation on the Hague Convention contact the Office of CitizensConsular Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State,Room 4817, Washington, D.C. 20520. That office also has copies ofthe booklet International Parental Child Abduction which containshelpful information on what U.S. citizen parents can do to preventtheir child from becoming a victim of parental child abduction.If you are overseas and would like information on this subject, contactthe nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance.PRECAUTIONSSafeguarding Your PassportYour passport is a valuable document which should be carefully safeguarded.When living overseas, the Department of State recommends that youkeep your passport at home in a safe,secure place. Although a passport kept at an available storage facilityoutside the home might offer maximum security, keep in mind thatan emergency requiring immediate travel may make it difficult orimpossible to obtain your passport before departure. In such a case,it may not be possible to obtain a replacement or temporary passportin time to make the intended travel.Loss or Theft of a U.S. PassportIf your passport is lost or stolen abroad, report the loss immediatelyto the nearest foreign service post and to local police authorities.If you can provide the consular officer with the information inthe passport, it will facilitate issuance of a new passport. Therefore,you should photocopy the data page of your passport and keep it ina separate place where it can be easily retrieved.Passport FraudMultiple and fraudulent U.S. passports are used in many types ofcriminal activity, including illegal entry into the United States.In processing lost passport cases, the Department of State musttake special precautions that may delay the issuance of a new passport.If you suspect a U.S. passport is being used fraudulently, do nothesitate to contact the nearest passport agency in the United Statesor American foreign service post overseas.Glazed Ceramic PurchasesBe careful when purchasing ceramic tableware and clay pottery whileoverseas. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined thatthere are dangerous levels of lead found in the glazes of some ceramicdinnerware and pottery sold abroad. Because there is no way of knowingwhether a particular item is safe, the Food and Drug Administrationrecommends that you use such wares for decorative purposes only.CITIZENSHIP AND NATIONALITYU.S. Citizenship and Residence AbroadU.S. citizens who take up residence abroad or who are contemplatingdoing so frequently ask whether this will have any effect on theircitizenship. Residence abroad, in and of itself, has no effect onU.S. citizenship. However, a person who becomes a U.S. citizen throughnaturalization and then takes up a permanent residence abroad within1 year thereafter is subject to possible revocation of naturalizationon the grounds that he/she did not intend to reside permanently inthe United States when the petition for naturalization was filed.Each particular case is judged on its own merits. Clearly, somepersons may have intended to reside in the United States but dueto unexpected circumstances, it became necessary for them to takeup residence abroad. Revocation of naturalization is the responsibilityof the court where the naturalization occurred. The initial stepsleading to revocation are taken by the Departments of State and Justice.Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if you have any questionsabout nationality.Acquisition and Loss of CitizenshipU.S. citizenship may be acquired by birth in the United States orby birth abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents. However, thereare certain residency or physical presence requirements that U.S.citizens may need to fulfill before the child's birth in order totransmit citizenship to their child born overseas. A child bornabroad in wedlock to one citizen parent and one alien parent acquiresU.S. citizenship only if the citizen parent was physically presentin the United States for 5 years prior to the child's birth, at least2 years of which were after the age of 14. Living abroad in militaryservice or U.S. Government employment, or as an unmarried dependentin the household of someone so employed, can be considered as presencein the United States. A child born out of wedlock to a U.S. citizenmother acquires citizenship if the mother was physically presentin the United States for 1 year. A child born out of wedlock toa U.S. citizen father must establish a legal relationship to thefather before age 18 or be legitimated before reaching age 21, dependingon the date of birth, if he/she is to acquire U.S. citizenship throughthe father. For further information on these legal requirements,consult the nearest foreign service post. Citizenship may also beacquired subsequent to birth through the process of naturalization(see previous page).Loss of citizenship can occur only as the result of a citizen's voluntarilyperforming an act of expatriation as set forth in the Immigrationand Nationality Act with the intent to relinquish citizenship. Suchacts most frequently performed include the following:l Naturalization in a foreign state;l Taking an oath or making an affirmation of allegiance to a foreign state;l Service in the armed forces of a foreign state;l Employment with a foreign government; orl Taking a formal oath of renunciation of allegiance before a U.S.consular or diplomatic officer.If you have any question about any aspect of loss of nationality,contact the nearest foreign service post or the Office of CitizensConsular Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 4817, Departmentof State, Washington, D.C. 20520.Dual NationalityA foreign country might claim you as a citizen of that country if:l You were born there.l Your parent or parents are or were citizens of that country.l You are a naturalized U.S. citizen but are still considered acitizen under that country's laws.If you are in any of the above categories, consult the embassy ofthe country where you are planning to reside or are presently living.While recognizing the existence of dual nationality, theU.S. Government does not encourage it as a matter of policy becauseof the problems it may cause. Claims of other countries upon dual-nationalU.S. citizens often place them in situations where their obligationsto one country are in conflict with U.S. law. Dual nationality mayhamper efforts by the U.S. Government to provide diplomatic and consularprotection to individuals overseas. When a U.S. citizen is in theother country of their dual nationality, that country has a predominantclaim on the person. If you have any question about dual nationality,contact the nearest foreign service post or the Office of CitizensConsular Services at the address on the previous page.FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS MATTERSU.S. TaxesU.S. citizens must report their worldwide income on their Federalincome tax returns. Living or earning income outside the UnitedStates does not relieve a U.S. citizen of responsibility for filingtax returns. However, U.S. citizens living and/or working abroadmay be entitled to various deductions, exclusions, and credits underU.S. tax laws, as well as under international tax treaties and conventionsbetween the United States and a number of foreign countries. Consultthe Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for further information.For information on taxes and locations of IRS offices overseas, contactany office of the IRS or write to the Forms Distribution Center,Post Office Box 25866, Richmond, Virginia 23289. That officealso has copies of Publication 54, Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens andResident Aliens Abroad, Publication 901, U.S. Tax Treaties, Publication514, Foreign Tax Credit for Individuals and Publication 520, Scholarshipsand Fellowships. The IRS has also put together a package of formsand instructions (Publication 776) for U.S. citizens living abroad.You can get the package by writing to the Forms Distribution Centerat the address on page 22. During the filing period, you can usuallyobtain the necessary Federal income tax forms from the nearest U.S.embassy or consulate.Foreign Country TaxesIf you earn any income while you are overseas, you may be requiredto pay tax on that income. You should check the rules and regulationswith that country's embassy or consulate before you leave the UnitedStates, or consult the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.Bank AccountsSome countries will permit you to maintain a local bank account denominatedin dollars or in another foreign currency of your choice. This maybe a good idea if the U.S. dollar is strong and the local currencyin the country you reside in is weak. If that country does not permityou to maintain U.S. dollar bank accounts, another idea would beto keep your dollars in a bank in the United States. That way youcould convert them to the local currency as you need them ratherthan all at once. This would protect you in the event that the countryyou are living in devalues its currency.WillsTo avoid the risk of running afoul of foreign laws, if you own propertyor other assets both in the United States and overseas, considerthe idea of having two wills drawn up. One should cover your assetsin your adopted country and the other your U.S. assets. Each willshould mention the other.Having two wills should ensure that your foreign property is disposedof in accordance with your wishes in the event of your death.Property InvestmentA major decision that you will have to face when you live abroadis whether or not to purchase a home or property. Because pricesin many foreign countries may seem like a bargain compared to theUnited States, there may be some merit to investing in real estate.However, you will need to keep several things in mind. First, checkto see whether the country where you plan to invest permits foreignersto own property. Many foreign countries do not permit foreignerswithout immigrant status to buy real estate. Also, there may berestrictions on areas in which you may buy property and on the totalnumber of foreigners who may purchase property in any one year.One way for a foreigner to purchase real estate overseas may be toset up a bank trust and then lease the property. For your protection,you should first consult with a local real estate agent and thenhire a reputable attorney. Check with the U.S. embassy or consulatein the country where you plan to purchase property to obtain a listof lawyers. A good lawyer will provide you with information abouthaving your real estate contract notarized, registered, and if necessary,translated. Your attorney should also be able to advise you on protectionagainst unscrupulous land deals.Before you make a real estate purchase, learn the customs and lawsof the foreign government with regard to real estate. In the eventof a dispute, you will have to abide by local and not U.S. laws.A good rule to follow is that before you invest in any real estatetake the same precautions which you normally would take before youmake a sizeable investment in the United States.RETURNING TO THE U.S.U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMSIf you leave the U.S. for purposes of traveling, working, or studyingabroad, and return to resume U.S. residence, you are considered areturning U.S. resident by the U.S. Customs Service.When you go through immigration and customs at the port of entry,have your passport ready. Where possible, pack separately the articlesyou have acquired abroad to make inspection easy. Have your receiptshandy in case you need to sup port your customs declaration. Ifyou took other documents with you, such as an International Certificationof Vaccination, a medical certificate, or a customs certificate ofregistration for foreign-made personal articles, have them readyalso. If you are returning to the U.S. by car from either Mexicoor Canada, a certificate of vehicle registration should be available.Articles acquired abroad and brought back with you are subject toduty and internal revenue tax. As a returning U.S. resident, youare allowed to bring back $400 worth of merchandise duty free. However,you must have been outside the United States for at least 48 hours,and you must not have used this exemption within the preceding 30-dayperiod. The next $l,000 worth of items you bring back with you forpersonal use or gifts are dutiable at a flat 10% rate.Restrictions on Products Entering the U. S.Fresh fruit, meat, vegetables, plants in soil, and many other agriculturalproducts are prohibited from entering the United States because theymay carry foreign insects and diseases that could damage U.S. crops,forests, gardens, and livestock. Other items may also be restricted,so be sure to obtain details of regulations before departing foryour trip back to the U.S. These restrictions also apply to mailedproducts. Prohibited items confiscated and destroyed at U.S. internationalpostal facilities have almost doubled in recentyears. For more information and to request the pamphlet, TravelersTips on Prohibited Agricultural Products contact the agriculturalaffairs office at the nearest U.S. embassy or con-sulate, or writeto the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Departmentof Agri-culture, 613 Federal Building, 6505 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville,Maryland 20782.Importing A CarIf you plan to bring a car back with you, before pur chasing it,make sure it conforms to U.S. emission standards established by theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA). If your vehicle does notconform to standards, it may be banned from enter ing the country.For further information, obtain the pamphlet, Buying a Car Overseas?Beware! from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Public InformationCenter, PM-211B, 401 M Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20460.Wildlife and Wildlife ProductsWhile you were overseas, if you purchased any ar ticles made fromendangered animals and plants or any live wild animals to bring backas pets, you need to be aware that U.S. laws and international treatiesmake it a crime to bring many wildlife souvenirs into the UnitedStates. Some prohibited items include those made from sea turtleshell, most reptile skins, crocodile leather, ivory, furs from endangeredcat species, and those from coral reefs. Do not buy wildlife souvenirsif you are un sure of being able to bring them legally into the UnitedStates. The penalties you risk are severe and your purchases couldbe confiscated. To learn more about endangered wildlife and guidelinesgoverning restrictions on imports into the United States, you canobtain the pamphlet, Buyer Beware! For a free copy, contact thePublications Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department ofthe Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. Additional information onthe import of wildlife and wildlife products can be obtained throughTRAFFIC (U.S.A.), World Wildlife Fund=U.S., 1250 24th Street, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20037.ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONU.S. Embassies and ConsulatesKey Officers of Foreign Service Posts : Guide for Business Representativeshas names of key officers and addresses for U.S. embassies, consulates,and missions abroad. Updated 3 times a year; a 1-year subscriptionis $5. Order from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. GovernmentPrinting Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Older AmericansTravel Tips for Older Americans provides general information on passports,visas, health, currency, and other travel tidbits for elderly U.S.citizens planning to travel overseas. Copies are available for $1from the U.S. Government Printing Office.Safe TravelA Safe Trip Abroad contains helpful precautions to minimize the chanceof becoming a victim of terrorism and also provides other safetytips for Americans traveling overseas. To obtain a copy, send $1to the U.S. Government Printing Office.Crisis AbroadCrisis Abroad=What the State Department Does summarizes the workby the State Department during a crisis and its efforts to obtainreliable information from local authorities abroad for concernedrelatives and friends of Americans located in the disaster area.Copies are free from CA/PA, Room 5807, Department of State, Washington,D.C. 20520.The Citizens Emergency CenterThe Citizens Emergency Center contains information about the assistancethat office provides in four major categories: deaths, arrests, welfare/whereaboutsinquiries, and financial-medical emergencies. The leaflet is freefrom CA/PA at the address above.</text>
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<text>TIPS FOR AMERICANS RESIDING ABROAD(Consular Affairs Topics)FOREWORDThe Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs has preparedthis publication for Americans considering residence abroad as wellas for those U.S. citizens who are currently residing in a foreigncountry. Our primary goal is to provide assistance to and protectthe welfare of American citizens who live abroad.Before taking up a foreign residence, there are many details thatyou will need to consider. This brochure will acquaint you withthe wide range of services provided to American citizens by U.S.embassies and consulates worldwide. We are committed to providingprompt, courteous, and effective assistance.There are approximately two million private U.S. citizens livingoverseas worldwide. We strongly recommend this publication to allAmericans living or planning to reside abroad. Any additional guidancenot specifically addressed in this publication may be obtained fromthe Bureau of Consular Affairs in the Department of State or fromthe nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if you are living overseas.BEFORE YOU GOLEARN ABOUT THE HOST COUNTRYRead as much as possible about the country where you plan to reside.Learning about a nation's culture, customs, people, and historywill make your stay more meaningful. Libraries, bookstores and touristbureaus are good resources for this information. Keep abreast aswell of the international news for the latest political developmentsin the country where you will live. Although English is spoken inmany countries, learning the language of the nation in which youplan to reside will make the transition to your new environment easier.One of the best ways to learn about living in a foreign country isto get advice from U.S. citizens already residing there. Countrieswith large numbers of U.S. expatriates often have a U.S. Chamberof Commerce, a bicultural organization, or an American women's clubthat could give you information on living in that country. In countrieswith fewer U.S. residents, you may be able to meet fellow expatriatesthrough a local international club. The consular section of theU.S. embassy or consulate may be able to assist you in finding theseorganizations.Background NotesThe Department of State publishes Background Notes on countriesaround the world. These are brief, factual pamphlets with informationon each country's people, culture, geography, history, government,economy, and political conditions. They are available for about170 countries worldwide and often include a reading list, travelnotes, and maps. Single copies are $1. A 1-year subscription forall updated issues is $16. To obtain copies write to the Superintendentof Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402or call (202) 783-3238.Travel AdvisoriesThe Department of State issues travel advisories to alert U.S. citizenstraveling or residing overseas to potential problems that could adverselyaffect them. The advisories are available through U.S. passportagencies, travel agents' computer reservation systems, major airlines,and American embassies and consulates abroad. If you are contemplatingestablishing residence in a country where there may be concern aboutexisting conditions, contact the nearest U.S. passport agency orthe Department of State's Citizens Emergency Center, Room 4800, Washington,D.C. 20520 at (202)647-5225 to learn if there is a travel advisoryin effect. You can call this number 24 hours a day to hear recordedtravel advisories.Tips for TravelersThe Department of State publishes a series of pamphlets on travelto specific regions of the world. The brochures cover topics suchas entry requirements, currency and customs regulations, import andexport controls, dual nationality, and photography restrictions.The following publications are available for $1 each from the Superintendentof Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan AfricaTips for Travelers to the CaribbeanTips for Travelers to Central and South AmericaTips for Travelers to the People's Republicof ChinaTips for Travelers to CubaTips for Travelers to Eastern Europe andYugoslaviaTips for Travelers to MexicoTips for Travelers to the Middle East andNorth AfricaTips for Travelers to South AsiaTips for Travelers to the USSRREQUIRED DOCUMENTSPassportsU.S. citizens should have a valid passport before taking up residenceabroad. Once living overseas, Americans should continue to maintaina valid passport.Applying in Person for a PassportIn the United States, application for a U.S. passport may be presentedin person at a passport agency or at one of the several thousandFederal or state courts or post offices which accept passport applications.If you are overseas, you may apply at the nearest U.S. embassy orconsulate. U.S. citizens who must appear in person need to bringa certified copy of their birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization,or a previous U.S. passport. This should be accompanied by a completedDSP-11, Passport Application, two recent 2x2 inch identical photographs,proof of identity (a valid driver's license or other valid photoi.d. will suffice), and the $42 application fee. For more informationon obtaining a U.S. passport, you may wish to obtain a copy of thepublication Your Trip Abroad. This brochure provides basic informationon preparation and travel overseas, and is available for $1 fromthe Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,Washington, D.C. 20402.Passports-by-MailYou can apply for a passport by mail (without a personal appearance)if you meet the following requirements:l You have had a passport issued within 12 years prior to thedate of a new application;l You are able to submit your most recent U.S. passport with yournew application; andl Your previous passport was issued on or after your 16th birthday.For further information and to obtain Form DSP-82, Application forPassport by Mail, contact the nearest U.S. passport agency or, ifyou are overseas, consult the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.Not all embassies and consulates abroad are authorized to acceptpassport applications by mail or via a third party courier. Contactthe U.S. embassy or consulate in your consular district to find outif it accepts passport applications by mail or via a third party courier.Your previous passport, two identical photographs (2"x2"), and the$35 passport fee must accompany your application. Since it may takeseveral days to prepare and mail your new passport to you, do notwait until it expires to apply for it.VisasAll governments require foreigners to have an appropriate visa inorder to reside in their country. This endorsement or stamp placedin your passport by a foreign government permits you to enter thatcountry for a specified purpose. If you are planning to reside ina country for an indefinite period of time, most countries will requireyou to seek residence status. See the section on Citizenship tolearn what effect this may have on your U.S. citizenship.Applying for a VisaIn most instances you must obtain the necessary visa before you leavethe United States. Apply for your visa directly from the embassyor nearest consulate of the country in which you plan to reside.The publication Foreign Consular Offices in the United States listsall foreign diplomatic offices in the United States and is for salefrom the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,Washington, D.C. 20402 for $6.50. The Department of State cannothelp you obtain visas or work permits.HEALTH MATTERSHealth InsuranceThe Social Security Medicare Program does not cover hospital or medicalservices outside the United States. The Department of Veterans Affairswill only pay for hospital and medical service outside the UnitedStates if you are a veteran with a service-related disability.When considering medical insurance, first find out how citizens ofthe country where you will reside pay their medical bills and ifthe same coverage is available to resident foreigners. Some countrieshave government-sponsored health insurance that may also providecoverage to foreign residents, while others have a dual system withnational health supplemented by private insurance. In countrieswhere many American expatriates reside, such as Mexico, you may findthat local private international health insurance companies willoffer coverage to U.S. citizen residents. Once you arrive, checkwith organized groups in the American community to learn about thesecompanies.Wherever possible, try to get the best medical insurance available.If good coverage is not available where you will live, you may haveto rely on a U.S. medical insurance company. Before taking up residenceabroad, learn which U.S. medical services or health insurance plansprovide coverage for Americans living overseas. Check with the insurancecompany on whether the coverage offered abroad includes both routineand emergency medical treatment, hospitaliza-tion, and medical evacuationshould it be necessary. Once you obtain health insurance, rememberto carry your policy's identity card and to keep a supply of insuranceclaim forms handy. The U.S. Government cannot pay for hospital ormedical services for Americans overseas and cannot pay to evacuateyou for treatment in the United States.There are a number of emergency medical assistance companies operatinginternationally who offer urgent medical treatment for their membertravelers. Although the service is designed primarily for touristswho encounter a medical or personal emergency while on vacation,some companies offer yearly memberships which may be available toAmericans residing overseas. To learn about these emergency assistancecompanies contact a travel agent.MedicationFor your protection, leave all medicines in their original, labeledcontainers. If you require medication containing habit-forming drugsor narcotics, carry a copy of the doctor's prescription attestingto that fact. These precautions will make customs processing easierand also will ensure you do not violate the laws of the country inwhich you live.If you have allergies, reactions to certain medicines, or other uniquemedical problems, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or carryinga similar warning at all times.ImmunizationsUnder the International Health Regulations adopted by the World HealthOrganization, some countries require International Certificates ofVaccination against yellow fever from international travelers. Afew countries still require a certificate of cholera immunizationas well. A helpful guide to immunizations and preventive measuresfor international travel is the booklet, Health Information for InternationalTravel. It is available for $5.00 from the Superintendent of Documents,U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Specificinformation may also be obtained from local and state health departments,physicians, or travel clinics that advise international travelers.You may also call the U.S. Public Health Service's Quarantine divisionon (404) 639-2572 for immunization recommendations.AIDS TestingMany countries require long-term foreign residents and students tosubmit proof that they are free of the HIV virus. Some of the countriesthat require this proof may accept certified test results from theUnited States. Consult the embassy of the country you will be residingin on whether an AIDS test is required and if test results from theUnited States are accepted. If not, check on the type of test tobe performed and if it is permissible to supply your own disposableneedle. If you are overseas, consult the nearest U.S. embassy orconsulate for information and advice, keeping in mind that you arein a foreign country and are subject to its laws and requirements.PRACTICAL MATTERSFederal BenefitsIf you are receiving monthly benefits from a Federal or state agency(Social Security, Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of PersonnelManagement, etc.), contact the appropriate agency prior to your departurefrom the United States to advise them of your residence abroad andto inquire about the procedures for having your benefits checks sentoverseas.Customs HintsThe pamphlet Know Before You Go contains information about U.S. Customsregulations and procedures. Single copies are available from anyU.S. Customs office abroad or by writing to U.S. Customs, P.O. Box7407, Washington, D.C. 20044.Taking A Pet OverseasIf you decide to bring your pet with you overseas, check specificrequirements with the country's embassy. Many countries have stricthealth, quarantine, agriculture, wildlife, and customs requirementsand prohibitions.LIVING OVERSEASHELP FROM THE U.S. GOVERNMENTAssistance From American ConsulsU.S. consular officers are located in over 250 foreign service postsabroad. They are available to advise and help you, especially ifyou are in any kind of serious trouble. In addition, consular agentsin approximately 35 foreign cities without U.S. consulates providea limited range of emergency and other consular services.Consular officers are responsive to the needs of Americans travelingor residing abroad. However, the majority of their time is devotedto assisting Americans who are in serious legal, medical, or financialdifficulties. They can provide the names of local doctors, dentists,medical specialists, and attorneys, and give you information abouttravel advisories. Consular officers also perform non-emergencyservices, including information on absentee voting, selective serviceregistration, and acquisition and loss of U.S. citizenship. Theycan arrange for the transfer of Social Security and other U.S. Governmentbenefits to beneficiaries residing abroad, provide U.S. tax forms,and notarize documents. They may also provide information on howto obtain foreign public documents.Because of the limited number of consular officers and the growingnumber of U.S. tourists and residents abroad, consuls cannot providetourism or commercial services. For example, consuls cannot performthe work of travel agencies, lawyers, information bureaus, banks,or the police. They cannot find you jobs, get residence or drivingpermits, act as interpreters, search for missing luggage, or settlecommercial disputes.Registration at U.S. Embassies or ConsulatesAs soon as you arrive abroad, you should register in person or bytelephone with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Registrationwill make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessaryto contact you in an emergency. In accordance with the Privacy Act,information on your welfare or whereabouts may not be released toinquirers without your express authorization. If you register inperson, you should bring your U.S. passport with you. Your passportdata will be recorded at the embassy or consulate, thereby makingit easier for you to apply for a replacement passport should it belost or stolen.Missing PersonsWhen a U.S. citizen abroad loses contact with friends or relativesin the United States, the U.S. consul is often requested to giveinformation about that individual's welfare and whereabouts. Similarrequests often come from American private and official welfare organizationsattempting, for example, to track down an errant parent who failedto make child support payments. The U.S. consul tries to complywith such requests after determining carefully the reasons for theinquiry. If the consul has the address of the U.S. citizen aboutwhom the inquiry is being made, the consul will inform the Americanof the inquirer's interest in getting in touch with them and passon any urgent messages. Consistent with the Privacy Act, the consulthen reports back to the inquirer the results of their search efforts.Except in emergency situations, the consul will not release anydetails about a U.S. citizen's welfare and whereabouts without thecitizen's expressed consent.ArrestsLegal Aid for Americans Arrested AbroadWhen living abroad, you are subject to local=i.e. foreign=laws.If you experience difficulties withthe local authorities, remember American officials are limited byforeign laws, U.S. regulations, and geography as to what they cando to assist you. The U.S. Government cannot fund your legal feesor other related expenses.Should you find yourself in a dispute that may lead to police orlegal action, consult the nearest U.S. consular officer. Althoughconsular officers cannot get you out of jail, serve as your attorneysor give legal advice, they can provide lists of local attorneys andhelp you find legal representation. However, neither the Departmentof State nor U.S. embassies or consulates can assume any responsibilityfor the caliber, competence, or professional integrity of these attorneys.If you are arrested, immediately ask to speak to the consular officerat the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Under international agreementsand practice, you have a right to get in touch with the U.S. consul.If you are turned down, keep asking=politely, but persistently.If unsuccessful, try to have someone get in touch for you.Consular officers will do whatever they can to protect your legitimateinterests and ensure that you are not discriminated against underlocal law. Upon learning of your arrest, a U.S. consular officerwill visit you, provide a list of local attorneys and, if requested,contact family and friends. In cases of arrest, consuls can helptransfer money, food, and clothing from your family and friends toyou. They also try to get relief if you are held under inhumaneor unhealthful conditions or being treated less equitably than othersin the same situation.Drug ArrestsDespite repeated warnings, drug arrests and convictions of Americancitizens are still a problem. If you are caught with any type ofnarcotics overseas, you are subject to local =not U.S. laws. Penaltiesfor possession or traffickingare often the same. If you are arrested, you will find the following:l Few countries provide a jury trial.l Most countries do not accept bail.l Pre-trial detention, often in solitary confinement, may last many months.l Prisons may lack even minimal comforts=bed, toilet, washbasin.l Diets are often inadequate and require supplements from relativesand friends.l Officials may not speak English.l Physical abuse, confiscation of personal property, degradingor inhumane treatment, and extortion are possible.If you are convicted, you may face one of the following sentences:l Two to ten years in most countries.l A minimum ofsix year's hard labor and a stiff fine.l The death sentence in some countries.Learn what the local laws are and obey them.Marriage AbroadConsular officers abroad cannot perform a marriage for you. Marriagesabroad are generally performed by local civil or religious officials.Once your marriage is performed overseas, U.S. consular officerscan authenticate your foreign marriage documents for a fee (currently$36). A marriage which is valid under the laws of the country wherethe marriage was performed is generally recognized by most statesin the United States. If you are married abroad and need confirmationthat your marriage will be recognized in the United States, consultthe Attorney General of your state of residence in the United States.Marriages abroad are subject to the residency requirements of thecountry where the marriage isperformed. There is almost always a lengthy waiting period. Somecountries require that the civil documents which are presented tothe marriage registrar abroad be translated and authenticated bya foreign consular official in the United States. This process canbe time consuming and expensive. Unlike in the United States, civillaw countries require proof of legal capacity to enter into a marriagecontract. If it is necessary to obtain this proof overseas, youcan execute an affidavit of eligibility to marry at a U.S. embassyor consulate for a small fee (currently $4). There are also individualrequirements which vary from country to country, i.e. parental consentand blood tests. Before going abroad, check with the embassy ortourist information bureau of the country where you plan to marryto learn of any specific requirements. In addition, the Office ofCitizens Consular Services, Room 4817, Department of State, Washington,D.C. 20520 has some general information on marriage in a number ofcountries overseas. If you are already abroad, consult with thenearest U.S. embassy or consulate.Divorce AbroadThe validity of divorces obtained overseas will vary according tothe requirements of an individual's state of residence. Consultthe authorities of your state of residence in the United States forthese requirements.Birth Abroad of a U.S. CitizenMost children born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent or parents acquireU.S. citizenship at birth. As soon as possible after the birth,the U.S. citizen parent should contact the nearest American embassyor consulate. When it is determined that the child has acquiredU.S. citizenship, a consular officer prepares a Report of Birth Abroadof a Citizen of the United States of America. This document is recognizedby U.S. law as proof of acquisition of U.S. citizenship and is acceptableevidence of citizenship for obtaining a passport, entering school,and most other purposes.Death of a U.S. Citizen AbroadWhen a U.S. citizen dies abroad, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulateshould be notified as soon as possible. Upon notification, the consularofficer, in accordance with local laws, may do the following:l Require proof of the decedent's citizenship (for example, U.S.passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate).l Report the death to the next of kin or legal representative.l Obtain instructions and funds from the family to make arrangementsfor local burial or return of the body to the United States.l Obtain the local death certificate and prepare a Report of Deathof an American Citizen Abroad (Form OF-180) to forward to the nextof kin or legal representative. (This document may be used in U.S.courts to settle estate matters.)l Serve as provisional conservator of a deceased American's estateand arrange for disposition of those effects.Because the costs for local burial or transporting a deceased bodyback to the United States can be quite expensive, you may wish toobtain insurance to cover this cost. Otherwise, your relative ornext of kin must bear these expenses. The U.S. Government cannotpay to have your body buried overseas or returned to the United States.Federal Benefits Services AbroadFederal agency monthly benefits checks are generally sent from theDepartment of the Treasury to the U.S. embassies or consulates inthe countries where the beneficiaries are residing. When you moveoverseas, report your change of residence to the nearest U.S. embassyor consulate. The usual procedure is for the embassy or consulateto then forward the check through the local mail system to you.It may be possible to make arrangements to have your check depositeddirectly into a bank account located in the United States or in thecountry where you reside. Check with the benefits paying agencyor the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for further information.If your check does not arrive or you have other questions about yourbenefits, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If theycannot answer your inquiry, they will contact the appropriate payingagency, such as the Social Security Administration, and make inquirieson your behalf. If you move, notify the nearest U.S. embassy orconsulate at least 60 days before the move. This will enable theFederal agency to update its records so your checks are sent to thecorrect address.Assistance In Voting in U.S. ElectionsAmericans who reside abroad are usually eligible to vote by absenteeballot in all Federal elections and may also be eligible to votein many state and local U.S. elections. Eligibility depends uponthe laws and regulations of your state of residence in the UnitedStates. To vote absentee, you must meet state voter registrationrequirements and apply for the ballot as early as possible from thestate of your last domicile. Should your state ballot not arrivein sufficient time, you may be eligible to use a Federal write-inballot known as a F.W.A.B. You should consult the nearest U.S. embassyor consulate for additional information.Selective Service Registration</text>
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<text>U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE1995 MARCH: APPLYING FOR YOUR U.S. PASSPORTBUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS Applying for Your U.S. PassportThe Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs has prepared thispublication to assist you in applying for your U.S. passport. Thisguide will give you information on where to apply, how to apply, and thebest time to apply.Other Than Passport Agencies, Where Can I Apply for a Passport?You can apply for a passport at many Federal and state courts, probatecourts, and some post offices.Over 2500 courts and 900 post offices in the United States acceptpassport applications. Courts and post offices are usually moreconvenient because they are near your home or your place of business.You save time and money by not having to travel to one of the 13 majorU.S. cities where passport agencies are located.When Do I Have to Apply in Person?You must always apply in person if you are 13 or older, and if you donot meet the requirements for applying by mail (see "May I Apply for aPassport by Mail? ").Usually, for children under 13, only a parent or legal guardian needappear to execute a passport application.What Do I Need to Do to Apply for a Passport at a Courthouse or PostOffice? Go to a courthouse or post office authorized to accept passportapplications and complete the DSP-11 application form, but do not signit until instructed to do so.You must present:1. PROOF OF U.S. CITIZENSHIPThat is...-- a previous U.S. passport, or-- if you were born in the U.S., a certified copy of your birthcertificate issued by the state, city, or county of your birth (acertified copy will have a registrar's raised, embossed, impressed, ormulticolored seal and the date the certificate was filed with theregistrar's office).If you have neither a passport nor a certified birth certificate... - bring a notice from the registrar of the state where you wereborn that no birth record exists; - also, bring as many as possible of the following: a baptismalcertificate, hospital birth record, early census, school record, orfamily Bible record. (To be considered, these documents must show yourfull name and date and place of birth.); - also, bring a notarized affidavit completed by an older bloodrelative who has personal knowledge of your birth.-- If you were born abroad, bring a Certificate of Naturalization,Certificate of Citizenship, Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen, ora Certification of Birth (Form FS-545 or DS-1350). If you do not havethese documents, check with the acceptance office agent for documentsthat can be used in their place.2. TWO PHOTOGRAPHS-- The photos must be recent (taken within the past six months),identical, 2x2 inches, and either color or black/white;-- they must show a front view, full face, on a plain, light (white oroff-white) background. (Vending machine photographs are notacceptable.)3. PROOF OF IDENTITYThat is...-- a previous U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization orCitizenship, a valid driver's license, government or military ID, orcorporate ID.4. FEES-- $65 for a ten-year passport;-- $40 for a five-year passport for persons under 18 (these amountsinclude a $10 execution fee.)Make your check or money order payable to Passport Services. Postoffices (and passport agencies) accept cash, but courts are not requiredto do so. If you must have your passport within 10 days, you will needto pay an additional $30 expidite fee and provide proof of the need forthis service (see "What If I Need a Pasport in a Hurry?").5. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERAlthough a Social Security number is not required for issuance of apassport, Section 603E of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 requirespassport applicants to provide this information. Passport Services willprovide this information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)routinely. Any applicant who fails to provide the information issubject to a $500 penalty enforced by the IRS. All questions on thismatter should be referred to the nearest IRS office.May I Apply for a Passport by Mail?Yes, if you already have a passport and that passport is your mostrecent one, and it was issued within the past 12 years, and if you wereover 18 years old at the time it was issued.Ask the court, post office, or your travel agent for a DSP-82"Application For Passport By Mail." Fill it out, sign it, and date it.Attach to it:-- your most recent passport;-- two identical passport photographs (see previous section on passporphotographs);-- and a $55 fee (and if applicable, a $30 expedite fee for emergencyservice); make your check or money order payable to Passport Services.(The $10 execution fee is waived for those eligible to apply by mail.)If your name has been changed, enclose a certified copy of the CourtOrder, Adoption Decree or Marriage Certificate, or Divorce Decreespecifying another name for you to use. (Photocopies will not beaccepted.) If your name has changed by any other means, you must applyin person.Mail the completed DSP-82 application and attachments to: National Passport Center P.O. Box 371971 Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7971.Your previous passport will be returned to you with your new passport.If you need faster service, you can use an overnight delivery service.If the service of your choice will not deliver to a post office box,send it to: Mellon Bank Attn: Passport Supervisor 371971 3 Mellon Bank Center, Rm. 153-2723 Pittsburgh, PA 15259-0001.Include the appropriate fee for overnight return of your passport.Note: If the passport has been mutilated, altered or damaged in anymanner, you cannot apply by mail. You must apply in person and use FormDSP-11, present evidence of U.S. citizenship, and acceptableidentification.When Should I Apply for a Passport?Apply for your passport several months in advance of your planneddeparture. If you will need visas from foreign embassies, allowadditional time.What Happens to My Passport Application After I Submit It?If you apply at a passport acceptance facility, the day you apply yourapplication will be forwarded to the passport agency that serves theacceptance office, or, in the case of mail-in applications, they areforwarded to the National Passport Center.Applications are processed according to the departure date indicated onthe application form. If you give no departure date, the passportagency will assume you are not planning any immediate travel. Yourpassport will be returned to you by mail at the address you provided onyour application.What Should I Do if My Passport Is Lost or Stolen?If your passport is lost or stolen in the U.S., report the loss or theftin writing to U.S. Department of State, Passport Services, 1111 19thStreet, N.W., Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20522-1705, or to thenearest passport agency. If you are abroad, report the loss immediatelyto local police authorities and contact the nearest U.S. embassy orconsulate.What Else Should I Know About Passports?All persons, including newborn infants, are required to obtain passportsin their own name.If you need to get a valid passport amended because of a name change,use Form DSP-19. (See "May I Apply for a Passport by Mail?" for thedocumentation required.)Before traveling abroad, make a copy of the identification page to makeit easier to get a new one should it be necessary. It also a good ideato carry two extra passport photos with you. If you require additionalvisa pages before your passport expires, submit your passport with asigned request for extra pages to one of the passport agencies listed onthe last page. (Please allow time for the processing of the request.)If you travel abroad frequently, you may request a 48-page passport atthe time of application.Some countries require that your passport be valid at least 6 monthsbeyond the dates of your trip. If your passport is expiring in lessthan the required validity, you will need to get a new one. Check withthe nearest embassy or consulate of the countries you plan to visit tofind out their entry requirements.In addition to foreign entry requirements, U.S. law must also beconsidered. With certain exceptions, it is against U.S. law to enteror leave the country without a valid passport. Generally for tourists,the exceptions refer to direct travel within U.S. territories or betweenNorth, South, or Central America (except Cuba).Note: If you mutilate or alter your U.S. passport, you may render itinvalid and expose yourself to possible prosecution under the law(Section 1543 of Title 22 of the U.S. Code).What If I Need a Passport in a Hurry?If you are leaving on an emergency trip within five working days, applyin person at the nearest passport agency and present your tickets ortravel itinerary from an airline, as well as the other required items.Or, apply at a court or post office and have the application sent to thepassport agency through an overnight delivery service of your choice(you should include a self-addressed, pre-paid envelope for the returnof the passport). Be sure to include your dates of departure, travelplans on your application and all fees (including the $30 expedite fee).PASSPORT AGENCIESApply Early For Your Passport!Boston Passport AgencyThomas P. O'Neill Fed. Bldg.,Rm. 247, 10 Causeway StreetBoston, MA 02222-1094Information: 617-565-6998* 617-565-6990Chicago Passport AgencySuite 380,Kluczynski Federal Office Bldg.230 South Dearborn StreetChicago, IL 60604-1564Information: 312-353-7155*Honolulu Passport AgencyFirst Hawaii Tower1132 Bishop St., Suite 500Honolulu, HI 96813-2809Information: 808-522-8283 or 8286*Houston Passport AgencySuite 1100,Mickey Leland Fed. Bldg.1919 Smith StreetHouston, TX 77002-8049Information: 713-653-3153*Los Angeles Passport AgencyRoom 13100,11000 Wilshire Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90024-3615Information: 310-235-7070*Miami Passport Agency3rd Floor, Claude PepperFederal Office Bldg.51 Southwest First AvenueMiami, FL 33130-1680Information: 305-536-4681*New Orleans Passport AgencyPostal Service Building701 Loyola Ave., Rm T-12005New Orleans, LA 70113-1931Information: 504-589-6728* 504-589-6161 ext. 620New York Passport AgencyRoom 270, Rockefeller Center630 Fifth AvenueNew York, NY 10111-0031Information: 212-399-5290*Philadelphia Passport AgencyU.S. Customs House200 Chestnut St., Rm. 103Philadelphia, PA 19106-2970Information: 215-597-7480*San Francisco Passport AgencySuite. 200,Tishman Speyer Bldg.525 Market StreetSan Francisco, CA 94105-2773Information: 415-744-4444 or 4010*Seattle Passport AgencyRoom 992, Federal Office Bldg.915 Second AvenueSeattle, WA 98174-1091Information: 206-220-7788*Stamford Passport AgencyOne Landmark SquareBroad and Atlantic StreetsStamford, CT 06901-2667Information: 203-325-3530*Washington Passport Agency1111 19th Street, N.W.Washington, DC 20522-1705Information: 202-647-0518*_______________________*This is a 24-hour information line that includes general passportinformation, passport agency location, and hours of operation andinformation regarding emergency passport services during non-workinghours.[BOX]If you are applying by mail, see the section "May I Apply for MyPassport by Mail?" for proper mailing addresses. If you have anyquestions about an application that was mailed, write or call:National Passport Center31 Rochester Ave.Portsmouth, NH 03801-2900(603) 334-0500(###)DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 10255Bureau of Consular AffairsRevised March 1995(###).</text>
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<text>U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE1995 APRIL: THE OFFICE OF OVERSEAS CITIZENS SERVICESBUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS The Office of Overseas Citizens ServicesWhen You Need HelpOverseas Citizens ServicesOverseas Citizens Services (OCS) in the State Department's Bureau ofConsular Affairs is responsible for the welfare and whereabouts of U.S.citizens traveling and residing abroad. OCS has three offices:American Citizens Services and Crisis Management, the Office ofChildren's Issues and the Office of Policy Review and InteragencyLiaison.AMERICAN CITIZENS SERVICES AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT (ACS)American Citizens Services and Crisis Management correspondsorganizationally to American Citizens Services offices set up at U.S.embassies and consulates throughout the world. ACS has six geographicaldivisions with case officers who assist in all matters involvingprotective services for Americans abroad, including arrests, deathcases, financial or medical emergencies, and welfare and whereaboutsinquiries. The office also issues Travel Warnings and ConsularInformation Sheets and provides guidance on nationality and citizenshipdetermination, document issuance, judicial and notarial services,estates and property claims, third-country representation, and disasterassistance. ArrestsOver 2,500 Americans are arrested abroad annually. More than 30% ofthese arrests are drug related. Over 70% of drug related arrestsinvolve marijuana or cocaine.The rights an American enjoys in this country do not travel abroad.Each country is sovereign and its laws apply to everyone who entersregardless of nationality. The U.S. government cannot get Americansreleased from foreign jails. However, a U.S. consul will insist onprompt access to an arrested American, provide a list of attorneys, andprovide information on the host country's legal system, offer to contactthe arrested American's family or friends, visit on a regular basis,protest mistreatment, monitor jail conditions, provide dietarysupplements, if needed, and keep the State Department informed.ACS is the point of contact in the U.S. for family members and otherswho are concerned about a U.S. citizen arrested abroad. DeathsApproximately 6,000 Americans die outside of the U.S. each year. Themajority of these are long-term residents of a foreign country. ACSassists with the return of remains for approximately 2,000 Americansannually.When an American dies abroad, a consular officer notifies the next ofkin about options and costs for disposition of remains. Costs forpreparing and returning a body to the U.S. are high and are theresponsibility of the family. Often local laws and procedures makereturning a body to the U.S. for burial a lengthy process. Financial AssistanceIf destitute, Americans can turn to a U.S. consular officer abroad forhelp. ACS will help by contacting the destitute person's family,friends, or business associates to raise private funds. It will helptransmit these funds to destitute Americans.ACS transfers approximately 3 million dollars a year in privateemergency funds. It can approve small government loans to destituteAmericans abroad until private funds arrive.ACS also approves repatriation loans to pay for destitute Americans'direct return to the U.S. Each year over $500,000 are loaned todestitute Americans.o Medical AssistanceACS works with U.S. consuls abroad to assist Americans who becomephysically or mentally ill while traveling. ACS locates family members,guardians, and friends in the U.S., assists in transmitting privatefunds, and, when necessary, assists in arranging the return of ill orinjured Americans to the U.S. by commercial carrier. Welfare and Whereabouts of U.S. CitizensACS receives approximately 12,000 inquiries a year concerning thewelfare or whereabouts of an American abroad. Many inquiries are fromworried relatives who have not heard from the traveler. Others areattempts to notify the traveler about a family crisis at home.Most welfare/whereabouts inquiries are successfully resolved. However,occasionally, a person is truly missing. It is the responsibility oflocal authorities to investigate and U.S. consuls abroad will work toensure their continued interest in cases involving Americans.Unfortunately, as in the U.S., sometimes missing persons are neverfound. Consular Information ProgramACS issues fact sheets on every country in the world called ConsularInformation Sheets (CIS). The CIS contains information on entryrequirements, crime and security conditions, areas of instability andother details relevant to travel in a particular country.The Office also issues Travel Warnings. Travel Warnings are issued whenthe State Department recommends deferral of travel by Americans to acountry because of civil unrest, dangerous conditions, terroristactivity and/or because the U.S. has no diplomatic relations with thecountry and cannot assist an American in distress.Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings may be heard anytime, bydialing the Office of Overseas Citizens Services travelers' hotline at(202) 647-5225 from a touchtone phone. They are also available viaConsular Affairs' automated fax system at (202) 647-3000, or at any ofthe 13 regional passport agencies, at U.S. embassies and consulatesabroad, and through the airline computer reservation systems, or, bysending a self-addressed, stamped business size envelope to the Officeof Overseas Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 4811,U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.If you have a personal computer, modem and communications software, youcan access them, and other consular handouts and publications throughthe Consular Affairs Bulletin Board (CABB). This service is free ofcharge. To access CABB, dial the modem number: (202) 647-9225; setmodem speed (it will accommodate 300, 1200, 2400, 9600 or 14400 bps);and terminal communications program to N-8-1 (parity, 8 bits, 1 stopbit). Disaster AssistanceACS coordinates the Bureau's activities and efforts relating tointernational crises or emergency situations involving the welfare andsafety of large numbers of Americans residing or traveling in a crisisarea. Such crises can include plane crashes, hijackings, naturaldisasters, civil disorders, and political unrest.CHILDREN'S ISSUES (CI)The Office of Children's Issues (CI) formulates, develops andcoordinates policies and programs, and provides direction to foreignservice posts on international parental child abduction andinternational adoptions. It also fulfills U.S. treaty obligationsrelating to the abduction of children. International AdoptionsCI coordinates policy and provides information on international adoptionto the potential parents. In 1994, over 8,000 foreign born childrenwhere adopted by U.S. citizens. The Department of State cannotintervene on behalf of an individual in foreign courts because adoptionis a private legal matter within the judicial sovereignty of thecountry where the child resides. This office can, however, offergeneral information and assistance regarding the adoption process inover 60 countries. International Parental Child AbductionsIn recent years, the Bureau of Consular Affairs has taken action inthousands of cases of international parental child abduction. TheBureau also provides information in response to thousands of additionalinquiries pertaining to international child abduction, enforcement ofvisitation rights and abduction prevention techniques. CI works closelywith parents, attorneys, other government agencies, and privateorganizations in the U.S. to prevent international abductions.The Hague Convention provides for the return of a child to his or herhabitual place of residence if the child has been wrongfully removed orretained. CI has been designated by Congress as the Central Authorityto administer the Hague Convention in the United States.POLICY REVIEW AND INTERAGENCY LIAISON (PRI)The Office of Policy Review and Interagency Liaison (PRI) providesguidance concerning the administration and enforcement of laws on U.S.citizenship, and on the documentation of Americans traveling andresiding abroad. The Office also provides advice on matters involvingtreaties and agreements, legislative matters, including implementationof new laws, conducts reconsiderations of acquisition and loss of U.S.citizenship in complex cases abroad, and administers the overseasfederal benefits program. Consular Conventions and TreatiesPRI works closely with other offices in the State Department in thenegotiation of consular conventions and treaties, including prisonertransfer treaties.As a result of these prisoner transfer treaties, many U.S. citizensconvicted of crimes and incarcerated abroad have returned to the U.S. tocomplete their sentences. Federal BenefitsOver a half-million people receive monthly federal benefits paymentsoutside the U.S. In many countries, the monthly benefits checks aremailed or pouched to the consular post and then distributed through thelocal postal service. In other countries, the checks are maileddirectly into the beneficiaries' foreign bank accounts. Consularofficers assist in the processing of individual benefits claims andproblems; investigate claims on behalf of the agency concerned; andperform other tasks requested by the agencies or needed by thebeneficiaries or survivors. LegislationPRI is involved with legislation affecting U.S. citizens abroad. TheOffice participates in hearings and provides testimony to Congress onproposed legislation, particularly legislation relating to thecitizenship and welfare of U.S. citizens. They also interpret laws andregulations pertaining to citizens consular services, including theadministration of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Privacy ActPRI responds to inquires under the Privacy Act. The provisions of thePrivacy Act are designed to protect the privacy and rights of Americansbut occasionally complicate efforts to assist U.S. citizens abroad. Asa general rule, consular officers may not reveal information regardingan individual American's location, welfare, intentions, or problems toanyone, including family members and Congressional representatives,without the expressed consent of that individual. In all potentialcases, consular officers explain Privacy Act restrictions andrequirements so that all individuals involved in a case understand thePrivacy Act's constraints.(###)Hours of Operation:Monday-Friday 8:15 a.m.-10:00 p.m., and Saturday 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.:Telephone: (202) 647-5225*For after-hours emergencies, Sundays and Holidays,Telephone: (202) 647-4000and request the OCS duty officer.*Overseas Citizens Services has a 24-hours a day hotline at (202) 647-5225 for American Citizens Services (including travel and citizenshipinformation). Policy Review and Interagency Liaison can also be reachedat this number.The Office of Children's Issues can be reached by calling (202) 736-7000.(###)Bureau of Consular AffairsOffice of Public AffairsUS Deartment of StateDepartment of State Publication 10252(###)</text>
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<text>TRAVEL TIPS FOR OLDER AMERICANS(Consular Affairs Topics)International travel can be a rich and rewarding adventure. Whetheryou have waited a lifetime to take the perfect trip or are an experiencedworld traveler, we would like to offer some advice to help you plana safe and healthy trip.American consuls at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad are thereto help if you encounter serious difficulties in your travels. Theyare happy to meet you if you come in to register your passport atthe consular section of the U.S. embassy or consulate. But it isalso their duty to assist American citizens abroad in times of emergency--athospitals or police stations, for instance. This pamphlet is writtenin the hopes that it will help you to prevent such emergencies from arising.Preparation for Your TripStart Early. Apply for your passport as soon as possible. Threemonths before your departure date should give you plenty of time.See the section, "Passports and Visas," on page 6 for details onhow to apply.Learn About the Countries You Plan to Visit. The countries you visitwill seem like old friends if, before you go, you read up on theirculture, people, and history. Bookstores and libraries are goodresources. Travelmagazines and the travel sections of major newspapers tell aboutplaces to visit and also give advice on everything from discountairfares to international health insurance. Many travel agents andforeign tourist bureaus provide free information on travel abroad.Travel Advisories. The Department of State issues travel advisoriesconcerning serious health or security conditions that may affectU.S. citizens. If you are traveling to an area where there may beproblems, you may contact the nearest U.S. passport agency or theDepartment of State's Citizens Emergency Center on (202) 647-5225to learn whether there are travel advisories in effect for the countriesyou plan to visit.Charter Flights. Before you pay for a charter flight or travel package,read your contract carefully and see what guarantee it gives thatthe company will deliver the services that it is trying to sell you.Tour operators sometimes go out of business in the middle of a season,leaving passengers stranded, holding unusable return tickets andunable to obtain a refund for the unused portion of their trip.Unless you are certain a company is reputable, check its credentialswith your local Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB maintainscomplaint files for a year. You can also check with the consumeraffairs office of the American Society of Travel Agents, 1101 KingStreet, Alexandria, VA 22314, tel. (703) 739-2782 to learn if a travelcompany has a complaint record.Trip Insurance. One sure way to ruin a vacation is to lose moneybecause an emergency forces you to postpone or cancel your trip.Except for tickets on regularly scheduled airlines, almost any travelpackage you purchase will have a penalty for cancellation and somecompanies will give no refund at all. Regularly scheduled airlinesusually give a refund if an illness or death in the family forcesyou to cancel. They require a note from the doctor or a death certificate.Take careful note of the cancellation penalty for any other largetravel purchase you make such as a tour package, charter flight,or cruise. Unless you can afford to lose that amount, protect yourselfby buying trip insurance. If you invest in trip insurance, makesure your policy covers all reasonable possibilities for your havingto cancel. For instance, if an emergency with a family member wouldforce you to cancel, insure against that as well.Some trip insurance policies will also give a refund if the companygoes out of business or otherwise does not make good on its offering.The best insurance against company default is to choose a reputablecompany that guarantees a refund if they do not deliver the goods.If, however, you are tempted to purchase a tour at a great bargainprice and you can't find a guarantee of delivery in the fine print,protect yourself by purchasing trip insurance that covers company default.Shop around for the trip insurance policy that offers the most benefits.Some credit card and traveler's check companies offer travel protectionpackages for an additional fee. Benefits may even include accidentand illness coverage while traveling.Health Insurance. The Social Security Medicare program does notprovide for payment of hospital or medical services obtained outsidethe U.S. However, some Medicare supplement plans offer foreignmedical care coverage at no extra cost for treatments consideredeligible under Medicare. These are reimbursement plans. You mustpay the bills first and obtain receipts in order to submit them laterfor compensation. Many of these plans have a dollar ceiling per trip.Review your health insurance policy. Obtaining medical treatmentand hospital care abroad can be expensive. If your Medicare supplementor other medical insurance does not provide protection while travelingoutside the United States, we strongly urge you to buy coverage thatdoes. There are short-term health and emergency assistance policiescalled medical assistance programs that are designed specificallyfor travelers.Medical Assistance Programs. One strong advantage of medical assistanceprograms is that they also cover the exorbitant cost of medical evacuationin the event of an accident or serious illness. As part of the coverage,these companies usually offer emergency consultation by telephone.They may refer you to the nearest hospital or call directly forhelp for you. If you need an interpreter, they may translate yourinstructions to a health care worker on the scene. Another benefitthat is normally part of such coverage is payment for the returnof remains to the United States in case of death.If your regular health insurance already covers you for medical expensesabroad, you can buy a medical assistance program that offers allthe consultative and evacuation services listed above except forthe health insurance itself. The cost of medical assistance coveragecan be as low as $25 for a 2-week trip without health insurance coverageor $49 for the complete medical assistance program including healthinsurance. On the other hand, escorted medical evacuation can costthousands of dollars.If your travel agent cannot direct you to a medical assistance company,look for information on such services in travel magazines. Onceyou have adequate coverage, carry your insurance policy identitycards and claim forms with you when you travel.Medication. If you require medication, bring an ample supply inits original containers. Because of strict laws concerning narcoticsthroughout the world, bring along copies of your prescriptions and,if you have an unusual prescription, carry a letter from your physicianexplaining your need for the drug. As an extra precaution, carrythe generic names of your medications with you because pharmaceuticalcompanies overseas may use different names from those used in theUnited States.If you wear eyeglasses, take an extra pair with you. Pack medicinesand extra eyeglasses in your hand luggage so they will be availablein case your checked luggage is lost. To be extra secure, pack abackup supply of medicines and a third pair of eyeglasses in yourchecked luggage. If you have allergies, reactions to certain medications,foods, or insect bites, or other unique medical problems, considerwearing a "medical alert" bracelet.You may also wish to carry a letter from your physician explainingdesired treatment should you become ill.Immunizations. Information on immunizations and health precautionsfor travelers can be obtained from local health departments, theU.S. Public Health Service, private doctors, or travel clinics.General guidance can also be found in the U.S. Public Health Servicebook, Health Information for International Travel. To order thisbook, see page 12.Passport. Pack an "emergency kit" to help you get a replacementpassport in case yours is lost or stolen. To make a kit: photocopythe data page at the front of your passport; write down the addressesand telephone numbers of the U.S. embassies and consulates in thecountries you plan to visit; and put this information along withtwo passport-size photographs in a place separate from your passport.Leave a Detailed Itinerary. Give a friend or relative your travelschedule. Include: names, addresses, and telephone numbers of personsand places to be visited; your passport number and the date and placeit was issued; and credit card, traveler's check, and airline ticketnumbers. Keep a copy of this information for yourself in a separateplace from your purse or wallet. If you change your travel plans--forexample, if you miss your return flight to the United States or extendyour trip--be sure to notify relatives or friends at home.Don't Overprogram. Allow time to relax and really enjoy yourself.Even if this is your once-in-a-lifetime trip, don't feel you haveto fill every available minute.If you are visiting a country such as China, where physical activitycan be quite strenuous and sudden changes in diet and climate canhave serious health consequences for the unprepared traveler, consultyour physician before you depart.What to Pack. Carefully consider the clothing you take. Don't packmore than you need and end up lugging around heavy suitcases. Wash-and-wearclothing and sturdy walking shoes are good ideas. Consider the climateand season in the countries you will visit and bring an extra outfitfor unexpectedly warm or cool weather. A sweater or shawl is alwaysuseful for cooler evenings and air-conditioned planes and hotels.Dress conservatively--a wardrobe that is flashy or too causal mayattract the attention of thieves or con artists.Include a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage. Otherwise,if your bags are lost, you could be wearing the same clothes youwere traveling in during the entire time it takes to locate yourluggage--an average of 72 hours.Do not pack anything that you would hate to lose such as valuablejewelry, family photographs, or objects of sentimental value.PASSPORTS AND VISASPassports. It is a good idea to apply 3 months before you plan totravel. If you also need visas, allow more time as you must havea valid passport before applying for a visa. If this is your firstpassport, you must apply in person, bringing with you proof of U.S.citizenship (usually a certified copy of your birth certificate,a naturalization certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad);2 identical recent front-view photos (2" x 2"); a completed passportapplication (Form DSP-11); proof of identity such as a valid driver'slicense or other photo or physical-description I.D.; and the feeof $42 for a passport valid for 10 years.You may apply at any passport agency (see list at the end of thispamphlet) or at one of the many clerks of court or post offices designatedto accept passport applications. Your birth certificate or otherdocuments will be returned to you by mail, along with your new passport.You may be eligible to apply for a passport by mail. If you havehad a full-validity passport issued within the past 12 years andyou are able to mail the passport with your application, you canuse Form DSP-82, "Application for Passport by Mail," to apply. Obtainthis form from any office that accepts passport applications or fromyour travel agent. Follow the instructions on the back of the form.The renewal passport fee is $35.When you receive your passport, be sure to sign it on page 1 andto pencil in on page 4 the requested information. This wi1l helpus notify your family or friends in case of an accident or otheremergency. Do not designate your traveling companion as the personto be notified in case of an emergency.Visas. Many countries require a visa--an endorsement or stamp placedin your passport by a foreign government that permits you to visitthat country for a specified purpose and a limited time. Many countriesrequire you to obtain a visa from their consular office nearest toyour residence. The addresses of foreign consular offices can befound in telephone directories of large cities or in the CongressionalDirectory, available in most libraries; or you may write to the appropriateembassy in Washington, D.C. and request the address of their consulatethat is nearest to you. Apply for your visa directly to the embassyor consulate of each country you plan to visit or ask your travelagent to assist you with visas. U.S. passport agencies cannot obtainvisas for you.An increasing number of countries are establishing entry requirementsregarding AIDS testing, particularly for long-term residents andstudents. Check with the embassy or consulate of the countries youplan to visit for the latest information.MONEY AND VALUABLESDon't Take Your Money in Cash. Bring most of your money in traveler'schecks. Have a reasonable amount of cash with you, but not morethan you will need for a day or two. Convert your traveler's checksto local currency as you use them rather than all at once.You may also wish to bring at least one internationally-recognizedcredit card. Before you leave, find out what your credit card limitis and do not exceed it. In some countries, travelers who have innocentlyexceeded their limit have been arrested for fraud. Leave unneededcredit cards at home.If you must take jewelry or other valuables, use hotel security vaultsto store them. It is wise to register such items with U.S. Customsbefore leaving the United States to make customs processing easierwhen you return.It is a violation of law in some countries to enter or exit withthat country's currency. Check with a travel agent or the embassyor consulate of the countries you plan to visit to learn their currencyrestrictions. Before departing from the U.S., you may wish, if allowed,to purchase small amounts of foreign currency and coins to use forbuses, taxis, telephone calls, and other incidentals when you firstarrive in a country. You may purchase foreign currency from somebanks or from foreign exchange dealers. Most international airportsalso have money exchange facilities.Once you are abroad, local banks generally give more favorable ratesof exchange than hotels, restaurants, or stores for converting yourU.S. dollars and traveler's checks into foreign currency.YOUR TRIPDriving. U.S. auto insurance is usually not valid outside of theUnited States and Canada. When you drive in any other country, besure to buy adequate auto insurance in that country. When rentinga car abroad, make certain that adequate insurance is part of yourcontract; otherwise, purchase additional coverage in an amount similarto that which you carry at home.Flying. On long flights, break up long periods of sitting. Leaveyour seat from time to time and also do in-place exercises. Thiswill help prevent your arriving tired and stiff-jointed. Also, getsome exercise after a long flight. For example, take a walk or useyour hotel's exercise room.Reconfirm. Upon arrival at each stopover, reconfirm your onwardreservations. When possible, obtain a written confirmation. Internationalflights generally require confirmation 72 hours in advance. If yourname does not appear on the reservation list, you could find yourselfstranded.Register. If you plan to be in a location for 2 weeks or more orin an area where there is civil unrest or any other emergency situation,register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. This will helpin locating you, should someone in the United States wish to confirmyour safety and welfare or need to contact you urgently.Practical Safety TipsRespect the Local Laws and Customs. While abroad, you are subjectto the laws and regulations of your host country and are not protectedby the U.S. Constitution. If you should be detained by local authorities,ask them to notify a U.S. consular officer. Under internationalagreements and practice, you have a right to contact an Americanconsul. Although U.S.consuls cannot act as your attorney or getyou out of jail, they can provide you with a list of local attorneysand inform you of your rights under local laws. They will also monitorthe status of detained Americans and make sure they are treated fairlyunder local laws.Guard your Passport. Your passport is the most valuable documentyou carry abroad. It confirms that you are an American citizen.Do not carry your passport in the same place as your money, useit as collateral for a loan, or pack it in your luggage. Rememberto keep your passport number in a separate location in case it islost or stolen. In some countries, you may be required to leaveyour passport overnight or for several days with the hotel management.This may be local practice--do not be concerned unless the passportis not returned as promised. If your passport is lost or stolenabroad, immediately report it to the local police, obtain a copyof the report, and contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulateto apply for a new passport.Be Alert. Move purposefully and confidently. If you should findyourself in a crowded area, such as in an elevator, subway, marketplace,or at a parade, exercise special caution to avoid theft.Robbery. Help prevent theft by carrying your belongings securely.Carry purses tucked under an arm and not dangling by a strap. Carryvaluables in an inside front pocket or in a money belt, not in ahip pocket. You may wish to wrap your wallet with rubber bands tomake it more difficult for someone to slip it from your pocket unnoticed.Money belts or pouches that fit around your shoulder or waist areavailable through travel magazines and at some luggage shops anddepartment stores.Assistance From U.S. Embassies and ConsulatesEmergencies. If you encounter serious legal, medical, or financialdifficulties or other problems abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassyor consulate for assistance. Although, as mentioned above, consularofficers cannot serve as attorneys, they can help you find legalassistance. Consular officers cannot cash checks, lend money, oract as travel agents. However, in an emergency, they can help youget in touch with your family back home to inform them on how towire funds to you and to let them know of your situation. They canalso provide you with the latest travel advisories to alert you toadverse conditions abroad.Nonemergencies. Consular officers can also provide nonemergencyservices such as information on absentee voting and acquisition orloss of U.S. citizenship. They can arrange for the transfer of SocialSecurity and other benefits to Americans residing abroad, provideU.S. tax forms, notarize documents, and advise U.S. citizens on propertyclaims.Safeguarding Your Health. If you are injured or become seriouslyill abroad, a U.S. consular officer will assist you in finding aphysician or other medical services, and, with your permission, willinform your family members or friends of your condition. If needed,consular officers can assist your family in transferring money tothe foreign country to pay for your treatment.Death Abroad. Each year, about 6,000 Americans die abroad. Twothirds of them are Americans who live overseas, but approximately2,000 Americans per year die while traveling abroad. Consular officerswill contact the next of kin in the United States and will explainthe local requirements. It is a worthwhile precaution to have insurancethat covers the cost of local burial or shipment of remains hometo the United States (see information on medical assistance programson page 3). Otherwise, this cost must be borne by next of kin andcan be extremely expensive. The U.S. Government cannot pay for shipmentof remains to the United States.Shopping--Some Things to AvoidBeware of purchasing souvenirs made from endangered wildlife. Muchwildlife and wildlife products are prohibited either by U.S. or foreignlaws from import into the United States. You risk confiscation anda possible fine if you attempt to import such things. Watch outfor and avoid purchasing the following prohibited items: -- All products made from sea turtles. -- All ivory, both Asian and African. -- Furs from spotted cats. -- Furs from marine mammals. -- Feathers and feather products from wild birds. -- All live or stuffed birds from Australia, Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela, and some Caribbean countries. -- Most crocodile and caiman leather. -- Most coral, whether in chunks or in jewelry.When You ReturnBe Prepared. On arrival in the United States, have your passportready when you go through immigration and customs controls. Keepreceipts for any items you purchased abroad. U.S. citizens may bringback and orally declare $400 worth of merchandise duty free. Thenext $1000 is taxed at a flat rate of 10%. Check with U.S. Customsfor further information.Currency. There is no limit on the amount of money or negotiableinstruments which can be brought into or taken out of the UnitedStates. However, any amount over $10,000 must be reported to U.S.Customs on Customs Form 4790 when you depart from or enter into theUnited States.Don't bring home any fresh fruits or vegetables. Such items willbe confiscated.Useful Travel PublicationsFor the official word on immunizations, customs, and what you canlegally bring into the United States, you may order one of the followingU.S. Government publications:Health Information for International Travel is a comprehensive listingof immunization requirements of foreign governments. In addition,it gives the U.S. Public Health Service's recommendations on immunizationsand other health precautions for the international traveler. Copiesare available for $4.75 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. (202) 783-3238.Know Before You Go, Customs Hints for Returning U.S. Residents givesdetailed information on U.S. Customs regulations, including dutyrates. Single copies are available free from any local Customs officeor by writing to the Department of the Treasury, U.S. Customs Service,P.O. Box 7407, Washington, D.C. 20044.Travelers Tips on Bringing Food, Plant, and Animal Products Intothe United States lists the regulations on bringing these items intothe United States from most parts of the world. Fresh fruits andvegetables, meat, potted plants, pet birds, and other items are prohibitedor restricted. Obtain the publication free from the Animal and PlantHealth Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 732 FederalBldg., 6505 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782. The followingpublication is prepared by the World Wildlife Fund:Buyer Beware! tells about restrictions on importing wildlife andwildlife products. For a free copy, write to the Publications Unit,U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington,D.C. 20240; (202) 343-5634.The following three publications from the Department of State maybe ordered for $1 each from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. (202) 783-3238:Your Trip Abroad provides basic travel information -- tips on passports,visas, immunizations, and more. It will help you prepare for yourtrip and make it as and trouble-free as possible.A Safe Trip Abroad gives travel security advice for any traveler,but particularly for those who plan trips to areas of high crime or terrorism.Tips for Americans Residing Abroad is prepared for the more than2 million Americans who live in foreign countries.The following three publications are also from the Department ofState (see ordering information below):Foreign Entry Requirements lists visa and other entry requirementsof foreign countries and tells you how to apply for visas and touristcards. Order this publication for 50├╣ from the Consumer InformationCenter, Dept. 438T, Pueblo, CO 81009.Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts gives addresses and telephone,telex, and FAX numbers for all U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.(NOTE: When writing to a U.S. embassy or consulate, address theenvelope to the appropriate section, such as Consular Section, ratherthan to a specific individual.) This publication is updated 3 timesa year and may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents,U.S Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. (202) 783-3238.Background Notes are brief, factual pamphlets on each of 170 countries.They give current information on each country's people, culture,geography, history, government, economy, and political condition.They also include a factual profile, brief travel notes, a countrymap, and a suggested reading list. For information on their priceand to order copies contact: Superintendent of Documents, U.S. GovernmentPrinting Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. (202) 783-3238. PassportAgenciesAPPLY EARLY FOR YOUR PASSPORT!Boston Passport Agency Thomas P. O'Neill Federal Building, Room 24710 Causeway Street Boston, Massachusetts 02222 *Recording: 617-565-6998Public Inquiries: 617-565-6990Chicago Passport Agency Kluczynski Federal Building, Suite 380 230South Dearborn Street Chicago, Illinois 60604-1564 *Recording: 312-353-5426Public Inquiries: 312-353-7155 or 7163Honolulu Passport Agency New Federal Building, Room C-106 300 AlaMoana Boulevard P.O. Box 50185 Honolulu, Hawaii 96850 *Recording:808-541-1919 Public Inquiries: 808-541-1918Houston Passport Agency Concord Towers 1919 Smith Street, Suite 1100Houston, Texas 77002 *Recording: 713-653-3159 Public Inquiries: 713-653-3153Los Angeles Passport Agency 11000 Wilshire Boulevard, Room 13100Los Angeles, California 90024-3615 *Recording: 213-209-7070 PublicInquiries: 213-209-7075Miami Passport Agency Federal Office Building, 16th Floor 51 SouthwestFirst Avenue Miami, Florida 33130-1680 *Recording: 305-536-5395 (English) 305-536-4448 (Spanish) Public Inquiries: 305-536-4681New Orleans Passport Agency Postal Services Building, Room T-12005701 Loyola Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana 70113-1931 *Recording:504-589-6728 Public Inquiries: 504-589-6161New York Passport Agency Rockefeller Center, Room 270 630 Fifth AvenueNew York, New York 10111-0031 *Recording: 212-541-7700 Public Inquiries:212-541-7710Philadelphia Passport Agency Federal Office Building, Room 4426 600Arch Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106-1684 *Recording: 215-597-7482Public Inquiries: 215-597-7480San Francisco Passport Agency 525 Market Street, Suite 200 San Francisco,California 94105-2773 *Recording: 415-974-7972 Public Inquiries:415-974-9941Seattle Passport Agency Federal Office Building, Room 992 915 SecondAvenue Seattle, Washington 98174-1091 *Recording: 206-442-7941 PublicInquiries: 206-442-7945Stamford Passport Agency One Landmark Square Broad and Atlantic StreetsStamford, Connecticut 06901-2767 *Recording: 203-325-4401 PublicInquiries: 203-325-3538 or 3530Washington Passport Agency 1425 K Street, N.W. Washington, D.C.20524-0002 *Recording: 202-647-0518 Public Inquiries (M-F 8-4:45):202-647-0518*Twenty-four hour recording includes general passport information,passport agency location, and hours of operation. Where Do You Planto Go Next?The following area or country pamphlets may be ordered for $1 eachfrom the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,Washington, DC 20402; tel. (202) 783-3238: * Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa * Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean * Tips for Travelers to Central and South America * Tips for Travelers to the People's Republic of China * Tips for Travelers to Cuba * Tips for Travelers to Eastern Europe and Yugoslavia * Tips for Travelers to Mexico * Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa * Tips for Travelers to South Asia * Tips for Travelers to the USSR</text>
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<text>U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATETIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICAPUBLISHED BY THE BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS DECEMBER 1994Personal religious items such as a Bible or a rosary are usuallypermitted, but travelers should be aware that on occasion, these itemshave been seized at entry and not returned to the traveler.Pets. Most pets, except dogs, may be brought into the country providedthey are accompanied by a health certificate authenticated by the Saudiconsulate in the country of origin. Dogs are banned with the exceptionof guard dogs, hunting dogs, and seeing-eye dogs. Dogs in theseexcepted categories must be accompanied by a health certificate and acertificate authenticated by the Saudi consulate in the country oforigin that attests that the dog fits into one of the exempt categories.SyriaAll visitors to Syria must have a valid Syrian visa on arrival in thecountry. Although airport visas are technically available, they arevirtually unattainable.Syrian law does not recognize the U.S. citizenship of a naturalizedSyrian unless the Syrian government has given that person permission torenounce Syrian nationality. U.S.-Syrian dual nationals who have notreceived that permission are considered Syrian when they enter Syriaeven when they enter on their U.S. passports. A Syrian male cannotleave the country until he has satisfied the requirement for militaryservice. (Syrian-American males who have not completed the obligatorymilitary service, but who wish to visit Syria should contact the SyriaEmbassy in Washington for more information.) This does not apply to aman who is the only son in a family, but it applies to all other men ofnormal military service age or older. Any person, male or female, whois considered Syrian may take no more than $2,000 worth of convertiblecurrency out of Syria, no matter how much they may have brought into thecountry. U.S. citizens of Syrian origin may experience difficulties ifthey remain in Syria after the expiration of their visas. If you are adual national, check with the Syrian Embassy on the obligations ofSyrian citizenship before you visit Syria.Travelers may bring any amount of currency into Syria. Syrian law doesnot require currency to be declared unless the total is more than$5,000. It is wise, however, to declare any currency you have, becauseyou can not take currency out of Syria unless it has been declared uponarrival. There are two rates of exchange in Syria. In addition to theofficial rate, Syrian pounds may be purchased at the more favorable'neighboring country rate' at the Syrian Commercial Bank or at a majorhotel if you have convertible currency in cash or travelers checks.Hotel bills must be paid in convertible currency or with Syrian poundsobtained at the official rate from the Commercial Bank of Syria (receiptrequired). Meals and all other purchases can be paid for with Syrianpounds and do not require official rate certification. Credit cardcharges may be figured at either the official rate or the neighboringcountry rate. Travelers should check which rate will apply beforemaking any credit card purchase.Syrian pounds cannot be taken out of Syria. Travelers cannot convertSyrian pounds back into convertible currency, and should therefore notpurchase more of the currency than they expect to spend in Syria.Conservative dress is recommended for Syria. Travelers should exercisecaution when photographing historic sites. Photographs may be taken ofregular tourist attractions, such as ancient ruins and temples, butwarnings are issued against photographing government buildings,government property, and anything other than tourist sites.TunisiaU.S. citizens do not need a visa for a tourist or business visit of upto four months, but must possess return or onward tickets. No localcurrency may be imported or exported.As of August 1991, naturalized U.S. citizens of Tunisian origin are nolonger required to have a Tunisian travel document in order to departfrom Tunisia. They may enter and depart Tunisia on their U.S. passport.United Arab EmiratesThe United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) is a federation of seven independentemirates. Visitors to the U.A.E. must obtain a visa before arrival.Some of the Emirates allow hotels or airlines to sponsor personsentering for short visits. Persons who overstay their visas are subjectto fines and/or imprisonment. Both penalties have been imposed on U.S.citizens.The U.A.E. prohibits the import of pornography, controlled substances,firearms, ammunition, or items capable of being used as weapons.Videotapes will be screened by customs officials, an often lengthyprocess, and may be confiscated. Non-Muslims may consume alcohol inlicensed bars or restaurants.Visitors may apply for a temporary U.A.E. driver's licence uponpresentation of a valid U.S. license. There are strict penalties forpersons involved in traffic accidents while under the influence ofalcohol, including lashings for Muslims.Women residing in the U.A.E. do not require their husband's permissionto travel abroad, but a husband may block his wife's departure bysubmitting her name to immigration authorities. The U.A.E. does notrecognize dual nationality, and U.A.E. citizenship is transmittedthrough the father regardless of the child's place of birth. Dualnational children generally must enter and depart the U.A.E. using theirU.A.E. passports.YemenConditions in Yemen remain unsettled due to the recent end of Yemen'scivil war. Ordnance such as mines, left over from the war, may pose ahazard to travelers. U.S. citizens should exercise caution in Yemen andavoid travel in remote areas. Local tribal disputes have occasionallyled to violence. Westerners, including U.S. citizens, have beenkidnapped as a result of such local disputes, and vehicles have beenhijacked. Urban violence and crime is a growing problem in Yemen,including within the capital, Sanaa.Visitor visas, which are usually valid for entry for up to one month,are required. Entry to Yemen may be denied to persons with passportsshowing Israeli visas or entry/exit stamps.Because of the 7200 feet altitude of Sanaa and the lack of adequatemedical facilities, travelers may wish to consult their physiciansbefore visiting Yemen. Independent travel in Yemen is difficult; it isadvisable to arrange your trip though a travel agent. Photography ofmilitary installations, equipment, or troops is forbidden.Foreign Embassies in the United StatesEmbassy of ALGERIA2137 Wyoming Ave., NWWashington, DC 20008(202) 265-2800Embassy of BAHRAIN3502 International Dr., NWWashington, DC 20008(202) 342-0741Embassy of EGYPTConsular Section2310 Decatur Place, NWWashington, DC 20008(202) 234-3903IRANIAN Interests SectionEmbassy of PAKISTAN2209 Wisconsin Ave., NWWashington, DC 20007(202) 965-4990IRAQI Interests SectionEmbassy of ALGERIA1801 P Street NWWashington, DC 20036(202) 387-0171Embassy of ISRAEL3514 International Dr., NWWashington, DC 20008(202) 364-5500Embassy of JORDAN3504 International Dr., NWWashington, DC 20008(202) 966-2664Embassy of KUWAIT2940 Tilden Street, NWWashington, DC 20008(202) 966-0702Embassy of LEBANON2560 28th Street, NWWashington, DC 20008(202) 939-6300Embassy of MOROCCO1601 21st Street, NWWashington, DC 20009(202) 462-7979Embassy of OMAN2535 Belmont Rd., NWWashington, DC 20008(202) 387-1980Embassy of QATAR600 New Hampshire Ave., NWSuite 1180Washington, DC 20037(202) 338-0111Embassy of SAUDI ARABIA601 New Hampshire Ave., NWWashington, DC 20037(202) 342-3800Embassy of SYRIA2215 Wyoming Avenue, NWWashington, DC 20008(202) 232-6313Embassy of TUNISIA1515 Massachusetts Ave., NWWashington, DC 20005(202) 862-1850Embassy of theUNITED ARAB EMIRATES600 New Hampshire Ave., NWSuite 740Washington, DC 20037(202) 338-6500Embassy of YEMEN600 New Hampshire Ave. NWSuite 840Washington, DC 20037(202) 965-4760U.S. Embassies andConsulates AbroadNote: workweek is Monday-Friday except where noted.ALGERIAWorkweek: Sat.-Wed.American Embassy4 Chemin Cheich Bachir Brahimi16000 Algiers, ALGERIATel. (213-2) 601-425/255/186BAHRAINWorkweek: Sat.-Wed.American EmbassyBldg. 979, Road No. 3119Zinj District(Next to Al Ahli Sports Club)Manama, BAHRAINTel. (973) 273-300; afterhours 275-126EGYPTWorkweek: Sun.-Thurs.American Embassy8 Kamal El-Din Salah StreetCairo, EGYPTTel. (20-2) 355-7371IRANWorkweek: Sun.-Thurs.U.S. Interests SectionEmbassy of SWITZERLANDBucharest Avenue & 17th Street, No. 5Tehran, IRANTel. (98-21) 625-223/4, 626-906IRAQWorkweek: Sun.-Thurs.U.S. Interests SectionEmbassy of POLANDHay Babil, Section 929Lane 7, House 17, AlwiyahBaghdad, IRAQTel. (964-1) 719-613819, 718-1840ISRAELAmerican Embassy7l Hayarkon StreetTel Aviv, ISRAELTel. (972-3) 517-4338; afterhours 517-4347U.S. Consular Agency(limited services only)12 Jerusalem StreetHaifa 33132, ISRAELTel. (972-4) 670-615; afterhours 246-386JERUSALEMAmerican Consulate GeneralConsular Section27 Nablus RoadJerusalem 94190Tel. (972-2) 253-288JORDANWorkweek: Sun.-Thurs.American EmbassyAbdounAmman, JORDANTel. (962-6) 820-101KUWAITWorkweek: Sat.-Wed.American Embassy13001 SAFATKuwait, KUWAITTel. (965) 242-4151 thru 9LEBANONAmerican EmbassyAwkarBeirut, LEBANONTel. (961-1) 402-200, 403-300MOROCCOAmerican Embassy2 Avenue de MarrakechRabat, MOROCCOTel. (212-7) 762-265American Consulate General8 Boulevard Moulay YoussefCasablanca, MOROCCOTel. (212-2) 264-550OMANWorkweek: Sat.-Wed., 0730-1600American EmbassyPO Box 50202Madinat QaboosMuscat, OMANTel. (968) 698-989after 4pm 699-049QATARWorkweek: Sat.-Wed.American Embassy149 Ahmed Bin Ali StreetFarig Bin OmranDoha, QATARTel. (974) 864-701/2/3 afterhours 448-8888SAUDI ARABIAWorkweek: Sat.-Wed.American EmbassyCollector Road MDiplomatic QuarterRiyadh, SAUDI ARABIATel. (966-1) 488-3800American Consulate GeneralBetween Aramco Hqrs. and Dhahran Int'l. AirportDhahran, SAUDI ARABIATel. (966-3) 891-3200American Consulate GeneralPalestine Road, RuwaisJeddah, SAUDI ARABIATel. (966-2) 667-0080SYRIAWorkweek: Sun.-Thurs.American EmbassyAbou RoumanehAl-Mansur Street No. 2Damascus, SYRIATel. (963-11) 333-2814, 771-4108, 333-0788; afterhours 333-3232TUNISIAAmerican Embassy144 Ave. de la LiberteTunis, TUNISIATel. (216-1) 782-566UNITED ARABEMIRATESWorkweek: Sat.-Wed.American EmbassyAl-Sudan StreetAbu Dhabi, U.A.E.Tel. (971-2) 436-691; after hours 434-457American Consulate GeneralDubai International Trade CenterDubai, U.A.E.Tel. (971-4) 313-115YEMENWorkweek: Sat.-Wed.American EmbassyDhar Himyar ZoneSheraton Hotel DistrictSanaa, YEMENTel. (967-1) 238-842/52(###)[END OF Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa].</text>
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<text>U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATETIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICAPUBLISHED BY THE BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS DECEMBER 1994Travelers granted exceptions to travel to Iraq should be aware thatnormal protection by U.S. diplomatic and consular representatives cannotbe provided. U.S. interests in Iraq are represented by the governmentof Poland which can provide only limited emergency services to U.S.citizens. All travelers to Iraq are required to submit certification orbe tested upon arrival for AIDS.Israel, the Gaza Strip, Jericho Area, and the Territories Occupied andAdministered by IsraelU.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Israel, the West Bank, theGolan Heights, or the Gaza Strip and Jericho area In the Gaza Strip andJericho area, a transfer of certain powers and responsibilities to thePalestinian Authority has taken place pursuant to the September 13, 1993Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-GoverningArrangements and the May 4, 1994 Cairo Agreement. Upon arrival inIsrael, a U.S. citizen is issued a tourist visa that is valid for 3months and is renewable. Anyone, however, who has been refused entry toIsrael or experienced difficulties with their visa status during aprevious visit should contact the nearest Israeli embassy or consulatebefore attempting to return to Israel. At ports of entry, Israeliofficials determine a U.S. citizen's eligibility to enter Israel.Applicants may be questioned in detail and/or required to post adeparture bond.Entering IsraelAmerican citizens have, on occasion, had their U.S. passports taken as aguarantee of their departure. If this should happen to you, contact aU.S. consular officer and report the seizure of your passport. Any U.S.citizen experiencing difficulties at points of entry, to Israel or theGaza Strip, should ask to telephone the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv on 03-517-4338 (weekends: 03-517-4347). Those experiencing difficultiesattempting to enter from Jordan or who encounter difficulties in theJericho area should ask to contact the U.S. Consulate General inJerusalem on 02-253-288 (weekends 02-253-201). Although they will bepleased to assist you, neither the U.S. Embassy nor the ConsulateGeneral can guarantee the admission into Israel, the West Bank, GazaStrip and Jericho area, or the Golan Heights of any traveler.Visitors to Israel will experience strict security screening. They maybe subject to prolonged questioning, detailed searches of their personaleffects and, in some cases, body searches. Anything that cannot bereadily examined, such as tubes of toothpaste, cans of shaving cream,computers, cameras, and other electronic or video equipment may berefused entry and may be confiscated and destroyed. If you plan tobring electronic, video, or other high-tech equipment to Israel, checkwith an Israeli embassy or consulate as to whether it could pass throughsecurity. Cameras should be empty when going through security so theycan be opened for inspection. American citizens with Arab surnames, andin particular those seeking to enter Israel at the Allenby Bridge fromJordan, may encounter extra delays, including greater difficulty inbringing cameras and electronic equipment into the country.Western dress is appropriate in Israel. At religious sites, attireshould be modest. Religious holidays in Israel and Jerusalem aredetermined according to the Hebrew calendar and fall on different dateseach year. It is likely that religious holidays in the Gaza Strip andJericho area will be determined by the Moslem calendar, and also willfall on different dates each year. Because hotels are usually heavilybooked before and during religious holidays, tourists should checkholiday schedules with their travel agent or with the Embassy of Israelin Washington, D.C. Travelers should make reservations for holidayperiods well in advance.Dangerous AreasOn June 22, 1994, the Department of State issued a public announcementadvising U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the Gaza Strip and West Bank,except for daylight visits to Bethlehem, Jericho, Highway 1 fromJerusalem to the Dead Sea , Route 90 through the Jordan Valley, andtourist sites along these routes, because of continuing disturbances inthose areas. Should you decide to travel to the West Bank despite thepublic announcement, register with the U.S. Consulate General inJerusalem. In the case of travel to Gaza or the Golan Heights, registerwith the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv. The situation in East Jerusalem,including the old city, is unpredictable and Americans should check withthe U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem for an update on conditions.Avoid demonstrations and other situations that have the potential tolead to violence and remember to carry your U.S. passport with you atall times.Persons who need to cross into Jordan via the West Bank can use theAllenby Bridge crossing near the city of Jericho or the Arava crossinglocated near Eilat in the southern part of the country. A new landcrossing in the north, near the former location of the Sheik HusseinBridge, is expected to open before the end of 1994.Travelers wishing to cross via the Allenby Bridge need a bridge crossingpermit and a visa. Neither of these is obtainable in Israel. Sometravelers arrange the papers through contacts in Jordan or use travelagents in East Jerusalem who specialize in this service. It takesseveral weeks to get the crossing permits and visas in order. Visas arenot available at the bridge. They must be obtained ahead of time. TheAllenby Bridge is open from 0800 to 1200 Sunday through Thursday andfrom 0800 to 1000 on Friday. It is closed on Saturday and on manyIsraeli holidays.Persons travelling on a U.S. passport who wish to travel via the Aravacrossing do not need to have a previously obtained crossing permit orvisa. Jordanian visas can be obtained at this crossing point for a feeof approximately $20 (U.S.). Israeli dual nationals with third countrypassports may use their other (e.g., U.S.) passport to obtain Israelipermission to exit Israel and apply for a Jordanian entry visa.Normally, all Israelis, including dual nationals, must use their Israelipassports to enter and exit Israel. Travelers are not allowed to bringtheir personal vehicles across the border unless the vehicles areregistered in another country. The Arava crossing is open Sunday-Thursday from 0800 to 1600. Procedures for the Sheik Hussein Bridgecrossing when it becomes operable are expected to be similar to thosefor the Arava crossing.A few areas in Israel are off-limits to unauthorized persons formilitary reasons. American visitors are expected to observe those off-limits restrictions. Conditions along Israel's cease-fire lines,including the Lebanese border, change frequently. U.S. travelersplanning a visit close to the lines should first consult the U.S.Embassy in Tel Aviv.Dual NationalityIt is our understanding that Israeli citizens who are naturalized in theUnited States retain their Israeli citizenship, and their children areconsidered Israeli citizens as well. In addition, children born in theUnited States to Israeli parents acquire both U.S. citizenship andIsraeli nationality at birth. Israeli citizens, including dualnationals, are subject to Israeli laws requiring service in Israel'sarmed forces. Dual nationals of military age who do not wish to servein the Israeli armed forces should contact the Israeli Embassy to obtainproof of exemption or deferment from Israeli military service beforetraveling to Israel.Departing IsraelPersons leaving Israel by air are subjected to lengthy and detailedsecurity questioning. Travelers should arrive at the airport severalhours before flight time.There is no departure tax when leaving Israel.JordanTravelers wishing to cross the Allenby-King Hussein Bridge from Jordaninto the West Bank territories occupied by Israel must obtain writtenauthorization by submitting their passport and one photo, in person, tothe Jordanian Ministry of Interior three working days before thecrossing date. The permit allows you to cross the bridge and to make areturn crossing within 30 days. The bridge is open from 0800 to 1200Sunday through Thursday and from 0800 to 1000 on Friday. The bridge isclosed Saturdays and on many Israeli holidays. Travelers should arriveat the bridge at least one hour before closing time.Conservative dress is recommended for Jordan. Travelers with dual U.S.and Jordanian nationality should be aware that the Jordanian governmentmay require them to enter and leave Jordan on a Jordanian passport.Males between the ages of 18 and 40 who possess dual nationality mayneed to prove that they have met their military service obligation. Forfurther information, see the section on dual nationality on page 6.KuwaitThose traveling on a temporary or visitor visa to Kuwait must observethe length of stay permitted in their visas. Currently, most visitorvisas are valid for one year, multiple entries, and stays of up to onemonth. Fines are charged for each day overstayed; the fine is currently10 Kuwait dinars per day, per person (approximately $34 U.S.).Visitors to Kuwait should be aware of the danger of unexploded landmines, bombs, and shells throughout the country. Stay on main roads, donot travel on unpaved roads, and avoid open areas and beaches.The crime rate in Kuwait has increased from prewar levels and women havebeen objects of increased harassment. Woman should take precautions asthey would in any large city, remaining alert to the possibility ofbeing followed, whether they are walking or driving. They should notrespond to any approach from strangers and should avoid travel alone inunfamiliar or isolated parts of the city, especially at night.Conservative dress is recommended for both men and women. Garmentsshould fit loosely and cover elbows and knees.No alcohol, pork products, or pornographic materials may be importedinto or used in Kuwait. If customs official discover prohibited itemsin a traveler's effects, he or she may be arrested and prosecuted.U.S. citizens should not go near the border with Iraq, and should bevery careful when traveling north or west of Kuwait City. In recentyears, a number of foreigners traveling near the border have been takeninto custody by Iraqi officials and some have received lengthy prisonsentences. Anyone who must travel or work near the demilitarized zoneis strongly advised to contact the U.S. Embassy for further advicebefore their travel begins.LebanonAs of January 31, 1987, U.S. passports became invalid for travel to, in,or through Lebanon. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid all travel toLebanon. The situation in the country is so dangerous that no U.S.citizen can be considered safe from terrorist acts. To avoid thepossibility of transiting Lebanon, U.S. citizens should make certainthat any international flight they book in the region does not make anintermediate stop in Beirut. Such stops are not always announced.Individuals in the following categories are eligible for considerationfor special passport validation: professional journalists,representatives of the American or International Red Cross, persons withcompelling humanitarian considerations, or persons whose travel isdetermined to be in the national interest. Applications for exceptionsto the U.S. passport restriction may be made following the proceduresoutlined on page 17 in the section on Iraq.U.S. dual nationals do not violate U.S. law if they use a foreignpassport for travel to Lebanon, but they are required to use their U.S.passport when they depart from and return to the United States. Thereare no U.S. Treasury restrictions on travel to Lebanon.Travelers who are granted passport exceptions to travel to Lebanonshould be aware that normal protection of U.S. diplomatic and consularrepresentatives cannot be provided. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut is notfully staffed and its personnel operate under exceptionally tightsecurity conditions. Local telephone service is unreliable, and it isextremely difficult to contact the U.S. Embassy or place a local callfrom most of the country.LibyaOn December 10, 1981, U.S. passports ceased to be valid for travel to,in, or through Libya unless a special validation has been obtained, andon January 8, 1986, U.S. economic sanctions were imposed on Libya. Inaddition, on March 31, 1992, United Nations sanctions were imposed.These sanctions include an air embargo which took effect April 15, 1992.The categories of individuals eligible for consideration for specialpassport validation are professional journalists, representatives of theAmerican or International Red Cross, persons with compellinghumanitarian considerations, or persons whose travel is determined tobe in the national interest.All financial and commercial transactions with Libya are prohibited,unless licensed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. TreasuryDepartment. For the addresses to which applications can be made toovercome both the U.S. passport and the U.S. Treasury restrictions, seethe section on Iraq, page 17.Those persons granted exceptions to travel to Libya should be aware thatthere is no U.S. mission in Libya and U.S. interests are represented bythe government of Belgium which can provide only limited protection forU.S. citizens.MoroccoU.S. citizens do not require a visa for a tourist or business visit ofup to 3 months.OmanThere are no tourist visas to Oman, and visa requirements for businesstravelers are stringent. Anyone arriving in Oman without a visa issubject to arrest. A business visitor must contact an Omani sponsor,either a businessman or firm, for assistance in procuring a non-objection certificate (NOC). The sponsor should begin applicationprocedures several weeks ahead of expected travel. American firms newto Oman may receive guidance on Omani sponsorship from the commercialoffice of the U.S. Embassy in Muscat. They should send a telex (TLX3785 AMEMBMUS ON) describing their company's activities and what theyexpect to accomplish in Oman.Relatives of Omanis may be sponsored for a short visit using the NOCprocedure. Although Oman imposes stringent entry requirements for allvisitors, it does not require exit permits. Conservative dress isrecommended for Oman. No alcohol, firearms, pornography or fresh foodmay be imported.QatarU.S. citizens must have a visa to enter Qatar. To receive a visa, anapplicant must be sponsored by a resident of Qatar, a local business, orby the hotel at which he or she will be staying. After obtaining asponsor, travelers may apply for visas at a Qatari embassy or consulate.A sponsor can arrange to have a visa waiting for the U.S. traveler uponhis or her arrival at Doha's International Airport. However, a travelershould ask his or her sponsor for written confirmation that an airportvisa has been approved prior to departing for Qatar.Passengers may transit Qatar without a visa if they continue theirjourney within 24 hours and have confirmed reservations on the same orthe next available flight. Transit passengers may not leave the transitlounge of Doha Airport.Qatar is a traditional Muslim country. Conservative dress and behaviorare strongly recommended for all visitors. Travelers to Qatar may notbring in narcotics, weapons, items deemed pornographic, or porkproducts. Luggage is subject to careful inspection by customsofficials.Qatar's population is approximately 400,000, of whom an estimated100,000 are Qataris. Serious crime is virtually unknown and medicalfacilities are adequate. Although Arabic is the official language,English is widely spoken.Saudi ArabiaNearly 36% of the inhabitants of Saudi Arabia are resident foreigners.This includes approximately 30,000 American citizens. English isacknowledged as a second language and is taught in the secondaryschools.Islam dominates all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia-- government policy,cultural norms, and social behavior. Islam is the only officialreligion of the country, and public observance of any other religion isforbidden. The Saudi government considers it a sacred duty to safeguardtwo of the greatest shrines of Islam, the holy mosques located in thecities of Mecca and Medina. Travel to Mecca and Medina is forbidden tonon-Muslims. Muslims throughout the world turn to Mecca five times aday for prayer. Restaurants, stores, and other public places close forapproximately a half-hour upon hearing the call to prayer, and Muslimsstop their activities to pray during that time. Government and businessactivities are noticeably curtailed during the month of Ramadan, duringthe celebrations at the end of Ramadan, and during the time of theannual pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj. Travel facilities into, out of,and within Saudi Arabia are crowded during these periods.Saudi Arabian Social Norms. U.S. citizens are advised that Saudi Arabiais a conservative country with a rigorous code of public behavior thateveryone, including foreigners, is fully expected to observe. Inparticular, Westerners need to be aware of the standards of appropriateattire and the prohibition of mingling of the sexes in public places.Dress. Although Westerners have some leeway in dress and socialcontacts within company residential compounds, both men and women shoulddress conservatively in public. Women's clothing should be loosefitting and concealing, with high necks, skirts worn well below theknee, and sleeves below the elbow. It is recommended that women notwear pants.Social Behavior in Public. Females are prohibited from driving vehiclesor riding bicycles on public roads, or in places where they might beobserved. Males and females beyond childhood are not free to congregatetogether in most public places, and a man may be arrested for being seenwith, walking with, traveling with, or driving a woman other than hiswife or immediate relative. In Saudi Arabia, playing of music ordancing in public, mixed bathing, public showing of movies, andconsumption of alcoholic beverages are forbidden.Saudi religious police, known as Mutawwa, have been empowered to enforcethe conservative interpretation of Islamic codes of dress and behaviorfor women, and may rebuke or harass women who do not cover their headsor whose clothing is insufficiently concealing. In addition, in moreconservative areas, there have been incidents of private Saudi citizensstoning, accosting, or pursuing foreigners, including U.S. citizens, forperceived dress code or other infractions. While most such incidentshave resulted in little more than inconvenience or embarrassment for theindividual targeted, there have been incidents where Westerners werephysically harmed.U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia should be aware of Saudi social practices,and that any infractions may be dealt with aggressively. If you areaccosted by Saudi authorities, cooperate fully in accordance with localcustoms and regulations. U.S. citizens who are harassed by privateSaudi citizens or Saudi authorities should report the incidentsimmediately to the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or the U.S. Consulate Generaleither in Dhahran or in Jeddah.Entry Visas and Requirements. The Saudi government does not issuetourist visas. It issues two types of entry visas: one for temporarybusiness visits or to visit relatives, the other for individualsentering Saudi Arabia on an employment contract.Temporary Visits. All applicants for temporary visitor visas for thepurpose of business consultations must have a Saudi company orindividual sponsor their applications. Individuals who wish to visitnon-Saudi relatives must have their relatives' Saudi sponsor requestauthorization of their applications through the Saudi Foreign Ministry.Persons present in Saudi Arabia on temporary visitor visas should notsurrender their passports to the Saudi sponsor. The passport and visaare the only evidence of the bearer's legal right to be present in thecountry.If an individual is present in the Kingdom on a temporary visitor visaand has obtained Saudi sponsorship for employment, he or she must exitSaudi Arabia to obtain an entry visa for employment. This visa need notbe issued in the individual's country of origin, but the applicant mustbe physically present to apply for the visa.Employment and Residence. Visas for employment and residence areobtained the same way as visas for temporary visits. Documentation,such as a letter from the sponsoring company, a copy of your signedcontract, or a notarized copy of the your university degree may also berequired. Before you sign a contract with a Saudi company, it isextremely important you obtain an independent English translation of thecontract. The official and binding version of the contract that yousign is the Arabic text. Some Americans have signed contracts that infact did not include all of the benefits they believed they wereacquiring.The employee's dependents (spouse and children under the age of 18) maybe brought into Saudi Arabia only with the concurrence of the Saudisponsor and authorization of the Foreign Ministry. Ordinarily, onlymanagers and professionals (holders of college degrees) may bring theirfamilies. Children over age 18 are likely to be refused residence.Exit Visas. Persons entering Saudi Arabia for the purpose of employmentare issued residence permits (iqamas). These permits are evidence oflegal residence in Saudi Arabia and must be retained at all times.Foreign residents are not permitted to travel between different majorregions of Saudi Arabia unless permission is noted in their permits. Aresident in Saudi Arabia may not depart the country under anycircumstances, however exigent, without obtaining an exit visa. Exitvisas are issued only upon request of the Saudi sponsor. U.S. consularofficials are not able to 'sponsor' exit visas for Americans resident inSaudi Arabia under any circumstances. In a genuine emergency, however,consular officials will attempt to facilitate the Saudi sponsor'srequest for the exit visa.Residents in Saudi Arabia are almost always required to surrender theirpassports, and those of their dependents, to the Saudi sponsor. Thispractice is specifically authorized in the Saudi employment law. If anurgent need for travel exists and if the Saudi sponsor will not releasethe first passport, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can issue areplacement passport. The issuance of a replacement passport does notguarantee, however, that a person will be able to depart, since thereplacement passport would not contain a Saudi residence permit or exitvisa.Mixed Marriages. A married woman residing with her Saudi husband shouldbe aware that she must have her husband's permission to depart or havetheir children depart from Saudi Arabia. This is true even if the womanor children are U.S. citizens. The husband is the sponsor of hisforeign wife and of his children, and is, as such, the only individualwho can request an exit visa for the wife or children.Commercial and Business Disputes. Disputes between parties who do nothave a signed formal contract must be settled through mutual agreementor through an appeal to the local governor (amir) for judgment. Suchdisputes usually involve business representatives on temporary visitorvisas. Some Saudi business sponsors have gained possession of thepassports of their visitors to use as leverage in disputes, but this isnot authorized under Saudi law.Commercial disputes between parties who have a formal contract can bebrought to the Commercial Arbitration Board of the Saudi Chamber ofCommerce or to the Committee for the Settlement of Commercial Disputesin the Ministry of Commerce. Disputes involving a government agency maybe brought before the Grievance Board, an autonomous court body underthe Office of the King. Employer/employee disputes may be broughtbefore the Committee for the Settlement of Labor Disputes in theMinistry of Labor. An amicable out-of-court settlement is always thebest and least expensive way to resolve a dispute, since referringmatters to commercial or labor tribunals can be costly and timeconsuming.Ultimate responsibility for obtaining private legal counsel andresolving a dispute through the Saudi legal system lies with the partiesinvolved. Consular officers will offer lists of local attorneys to helpsettle such disputes. Business visitors should be aware that if theSaudi party in a commercial dispute files a complaint with theauthorities, Saudi law permits barring the exit of the foreign partyuntil the dispute is completely settled, including payment of anydamages.Saudi law is applied exclusively in all commercial and contract disputecases, even if the contract was drawn up and/or signed outside SaudiArabia. Remember that the Arabic text of the contract or agreement isthe text that is considered binding.Customs Clearance. Customs clearance procedures in Saudi Arabia areformal, thorough, and lengthy and may involve a full search of everypiece of luggage. Transit passengers who wish to leave the transit areaof the airport are subject to the same strict searches as arrivingpassengers.Vaccinations. Travelers to Saudi Arabia may wish to get a meningococcalvaccine prior to departure, and may be required to have one during theHajj. Before traveling, consult the Centers for Disease Control (seepage 9) for updated recommendations on this and other vaccines.AIDS Clearance. All persons going to Saudi Arabia for purposes ofemployment are required to present a certification stating that they arefree of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome virus. The test shouldbe included as part of the global medical examination which is given tothose who enter Saudi Arabia on a work permit. It is not required oftravelers entering Saudi Arabia on a temporary visitor visa.Photography. Visitors should not photograph mosques, people who arepraying, military or government installations, and key industrial,communications, or transportation facilities. If you have any doubtsabout what you may photograph, request permission first.Alcohol and Drugs. Import, manufacture, possession, and consumption ofalcoholic beverages or drugs are strictly forbidden. Saudi officialsmake no exceptions. Americans have spent up to a year in Saudi prisonsfor alcohol-related offenses. Americans have also been sentenced toreceive 75 or more lashes in lieu of prison for failing a blood test foralcohol. Travelers should also exercise extreme care and discretionwhen consuming alcohol on flights landing in the Kingdom. Personsobviously inebriated are subject to arrest or deportation.Many drugs sold with or without prescription in other countries may beillegal in Saudi Arabia. For instance, captagon (fenetyllinehydrochloride), a drug used to treat exhaustion which is availablewithout a prescription in some countries in Asia, is considered anillegal substance in Saudi Arabia. Americans in Saudi Arabia havereceived prison sentences of up to 2 1/2 months and 70 lashes forpossession of captagon.The attempted importation of drugs or controlled substances, even invery small amounts, is a serious offense under Saudi law. The travelerwill be arrested and tried for carrying drugs into the country.Americans have served prisons sentences for drug possession or use. Thedeath penalty for drug smugglers and traffickers convicted of a secondoffense underscores the gravity with which authorities treat drugoffenses in the Kingdom. Customs authorities are now using dogs todetect drugs at Saudi airports.Prescription drugs in small quantities, clearly labeled with thetraveler's name, doctor's name, pharmacy, and contents on the originalcontainer, should cause no problem. It is wise to carry a copy of theprescription as well. The importation of drugs in large amounts,however, can be done legally only through the Ministry of Health.Other Forbidden Items. Items considered pornographic by Saudistandards, including magazines and video cassettes, are strictlyforbidden. It is also illegal to import firearms of any type,ammunition, related items such as gunsights and gun magazines, fooditems, and banned books.</text>
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<text>U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATETIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICAPUBLISHED BY THE BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS DECEMBER 1994Table of ContentsHow to Prepare for a Safe TripVisa and Other Entry RequirementsSpecial Entry Requirements for Countries That Permit No TouristsU.S. Citizens Married to Foreign NationalsDual NationalityCurrency and Customs RegulationsHealthDrug OffensesDress and Local CustomsCountry Information Algeria Bahrain Egypt Iran Iraq Israel Jordan Kuwait Lebanon Libya Morocco Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia Syria Tunisia United Arab Emirates YemenForeign Embassies in the United StatesU.S. Embassies and Consulates AbroadDEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 10167Bureau of Consular AffairsRevised October 1994The information in this publication is in the public domain and may bereproduced without permission. When this material is reproduced, theDepartment of State would appreciate receiving a copy at: CA/P/PA,Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818.Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North AfricaForeword The information in this pamphlet has been gathered for you byconsular officers--both here in the Department of State and in theMiddle East and North Africa--to assist you with your trip. We hopethis brochure will be of help to you in making your trip both safe andenjoyable. Always keep in mind, though, that wherever you are abroad, if youcome into serious difficulties, contact the U.S. consul at the nearestUnited States embassy or consulate for information or assistance.How to Prepare for a Safe TripThe policies of the countries in the Middle East and North Africa towardforeign visitors vary greatly from country to country. Some countriesencourage tourism and put very few restrictions on visitors. Othercountries do not allow tourism and carefully regulate business travel.Some areas in the region have experienced military conflict over anextended period of time.A little planning and knowledge will go a long way toward making yourtrip to the Middle East and North Africa go smoothly. If you learnabout the countries you will visit and obey the laws and respect thecustoms of those places, you can make your stay as pleasant andincident-free as possible.Consular Information SheetsFor travel information on any country, see the Department of State'sConsular Information Sheet for the country. Consular Information Sheetscover such matters as health conditions, unusual currency and entryregulations, crime and security conditions, drug penalties, and areas ofinstability. In addition, there are a number of Travel Warnings whichadvise Americans to defer travel because of unsafe conditions.Regulations may also prohibit the use of U.S. passports to visit certaincountries. This prohibition will be included in the Travel Warningsissued for affected countries. Travel Warnings are under continuousreview by the Department of State. Before you depart for a country thathas a Travel Warning, make certain that you have the most recentrevision of the Warning. The Department of State also issues PublicAnnouncements. Public Announcements are issued as a means todisseminate information quickly about terrorist threats and otherrelatively short-term and /or trans-national condition which would posesignificant risks to the security of American travelers.There are several ways to access Consular Information Sheets, TravelWarnings and Public Announcements. You can listen to them 24-hours aday by calling 202-647-5225 from a touchtone phone. You can receivecopies of them by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to theOverseas Citizens Services, Room 4800, Department of State, Washington,DC 20520-4818. (Write the name of the requested country or countrieson the outside of the envelope.) You can also find Consular InformationSheets and Travel Warnings at the 13 regional passport agencies and atU.S. embassies and consulates abroad. They can also be accessed throughan airline or travel agent's computer reservation system, the Bureau ofConsular Affairs' 24- hour automated fax system at 202/647-3000, orthrough many computer bulletin boards, including the Consular AffairsBulletin Board (CABB). You may call the CABB on modem number 202-647-9225. Set your communications software to: no parity, 8 bits, one stopbit (N-8-1).RegistrationAs you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage. If you plan morethan a short stay in one place, or if you are in an area experiencingcivil unrest or a natural disaster, you are encouraged to register withthe nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Remember to leave a detaileditinerary with a friend or relative in the United States in case of anemergency.Your U.S. PassportMake a record or photocopy of the data from your passport'sidentification page and from your visas. Also make a copy of theaddresses and telephone numbers of the U.S. embassy and consulates inthe countries you will visit (see pages 39-40). Put this informationalong with two passport photos in a place separate from your passport tobe available in case of loss or theft of your passport.Visa and Other Entry RequirementsA U.S. passport is required for travel to all countries in the region.U.S. citizens are not required to have visas for tourist or businesstravel to Israel, Morocco, or Tunisia, but may need to supply proof ofsufficient funds for the trip and proof of onward or round trip travelarrangements. All other countries in the Middle East and North Africarequire U.S. citizens to have visas.If you plan to travel extensively in the region, entry and exit stampscould quickly fill the pages of your passport. Before you go, you maywish to ask the nearest passport agency to add extra pages to yourpassport. Or, if applying for a new passport, you can request one with48 pages instead of the usual 24.Each country has its own set of entry requirements. For authoritativevisa information, contact the embassy or consulate of the country youplan to visit. See page 38 for a list of foreign embassies in theUnited States.When you make inquiries, ask about the following:-- Visa price, length of validity, number of entries.-- Financial requirements--proof of sufficient funds and proof ofonward/return ticket.-- Immunization requirements. Yellow fever immunization is oftenrequired if arriving from a yellow-fever- infected area.-- Currency regulations.-- Import/export restrictions and limitations. Several countriesprohibit the import and consumption of alcoholic beverages.-- Departure tax. Be sure to keep enough local currency to be ableto depart as planned.Some Arab countries will not allow travelers to enter if their passportsshow any evidence of previous or expected travel to Israel. Other Arabcountries apply the ban inconsistently, sometimes refusing and at othertimes allowing entry when a passport shows evidence of travel to Israel.The U.S. government has informed the members of the Arab League that itobjects to restrictive policies regarding U.S. passports containingIsraeli markings. If passport restrictions imposed by other countriesmay be a problem for you, contact the nearest U.S. passport agency,embassy, or consulate for guidance.Several Arab countries ask visa applicants to state their religiousaffiliation. The U.S. government is opposed to the use of thisinformation to discriminate against visa applicants, and has made itsviews known to the governments concerned. In turn, the United Stateshas received assurances that visa applications are not denied on thebasis of religious affiliation.Special Entry Requirements for Countries That Permit No TouristsKuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia do not permit tourism. Allbusiness visitors must be sponsored by a company in the country to bevisited. Private visitors must be sponsored by a relative or friendnative to the country. To visit a foreigner working in a country wheretourism is not permitted, you must be sponsored by the same localcompany that sponsors the person you are visiting. Entry is by visa orthe non-objection certificate (NOC) system. An NOC is obtained by avisitor's sponsor and filed with the appropriate foreign governmentauthorities before the planned visit. For more information, see theindividual country sections beginning on page 12.Exit PermitsCountries that require visitors to be sponsored usually also requirethem to obtain exit permits from their sponsors. U.S. citizens canhave difficulty obtaining exit permits if they are involved in businessdisputes. A U.S. citizen who is the wife or child of the local sponsorneeds the sponsor's permission to leave the country. Do not acceptsponsorship to visit a country unless you are certain you will also beable to obtain an exit permit.U.S. Citizens Married to Foreign NationalsIn many Islamic countries, even those that give tourist visas and do notrequire sponsorship, a woman needs the permission of her husband, andchildren need the permission of their father, to leave the country. Ifyou travel or allow your children to travel, be aware of the laws of thecountry you plan to visit. The Department of State is aware of manyAmerican citizen children who have been abducted to, or wrongfullyretained in countries of the Middle East and North Africanotwithstanding a U.S. custody order. Although some of these childrenwere taken abroad illegally by one of their parents, many originallytraveled abroad with the consent of both parents. Do not visit or allowyour children to visit unless you are completely confident that you andthey will be allowed to leave. Once overseas, you are subject to thelaws of the country where you are; U.S. law cannot protect you.Dual NationalitySome countries in the Middle East and North Africa do not recognizeacquisition of U.S. citizenship by their nationals. Unless thenaturalized U.S. citizen renounces his or her original nationality at anembassy or consulate of the country of origin, he or she may still beconsidered a citizen of that country. A person born in the UnitedStates with a parent who was a citizen of another country may also beconsidered a citizen of that country. The laws of some countriesprovide for automatic acquisition of citizenship when a person marries anational of that country.If arrested, a dual national may be denied the right to communicate withthe U.S. embassy or consulate. Another consequence could be having toserve in the military of one's former country. If you are a naturalizedU.S. citizen, a dual national, or have any reason to believe anothercountry may claim you as their national, check with the embassy of thatcountry as to your citizenship status and any obligations you may havewhile visiting. Dual nationals who have not researched theircitizenship status before traveling have sometimes, to their surprise,encountered difficulties, such as not being allowed to depart.Even countries that recognize acquired U.S. citizenship may considertheir former citizens as having resumed original citizenship if theytake up residence in their country of origin. This can happen even ifthe embassy of the country of origin stamps a visa in the U.S. passportof its former citizen.Dual nationals may find that they are required to use a passport fromtheir country of origin in order to enter or leave that country. TheU.S. government does not object to the use of a foreign passport by adual national to enter or depart a foreign country in compliance withthe requirements of that country. U.S. regulations require, however,that U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, use a U.S. passport todepart from and enter the United States.If you have any questions about dual nationality or the use of foreignpassports, contact Overseas Citizens Services, Room 48l7, Department ofState, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818, (202-647-3926) before you travel.Recorded information on dual nationality and other citizenship mattersis available 24-hours a day by calling 202-647-3444.Currency and Customs RegulationsSome countries in the region have no restrictions on currency imports orexports. Some prohibit Israeli currency. Most countries in the MiddleEast and North Africa, however, have detailed currency regulations,including a requirement to declare all currency, including travelerschecks, upon entry. In those countries, the export of foreign currencyis limited to the amount that was imported and declared. Be sure tomake the required currency declaration, have it validated, and retain itfor use at departure. Buy local currency only at banks or otherauthorized exchange places and retain your receipts for use atdeparture. Currency not accounted for may be confiscated.Several countries prohibit the import and consumption of alcoholicbeverages. Most countries restrict the entry of products containingpork, as well as any literature, videotapes, and cassette tapes deemedpornographic. Also, some countries will not permit the import of booksor other goods from Israel.Shopping--Be Wary of AntiquesAmericans have been arrested in some countries in the region for theunauthorized purchase of antiques or other important cultural artifacts.If you purchase such items, always insist that the seller provide areceipt and the official museum export certificate required by law.Travelers have also been detained at customs for possessingreproductions of antiques. The safest policy is to purchase copies ofantiques from reputable stores and have them documented as such. Obtainreceipts for all such purchases.HealthImmunizationsInformation on immunizations and health precautions for travelers can beobtained in the United States from local health departments, privatedoctors, or travel clinics. Information is also available from theCenters for Disease Control's 24-hour hotline on 404-332-4559 and fromthe U.S. Public Health Service book, Health Information forInternational Travel, available for $7.00 from the Superintendent ofDocuments, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Depending on your destination, immunization may be recommended againstdiphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Chloroquineprophylaxis against malaria is recommended for travel to some areas ofthe region.An increasing number of countries have established regulations regardingAIDS testing, particularly for long-term residents and students. Checkwith the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit for thelatest information.Review Your Health Insurance PolicyIf your health insurance does not provide coverage overseas, considerbuying temporary insurance that does. In addition, consider obtaininginsurance to cover the exorbitant cost of medical evacuation in theevent of an illness or for the return of remains in case of death.Insurance companies and some credit card and travelers check companiesoffer short-term health and emergency assistance policies designed fortravelers. Medical facilities vary in the region; in some countriesthey are similar to U.S. standards. U.S. embassies or consulates canfurnish you with a list of local hospitals and English-speakingphysicians.PrecautionsIn the hot and dry climates that prevail in the Middle East and NorthAfrica, it is important to avoid water depletion and heat stroke. Safetap water is available in many areas. In some places, however, it ishighly saline and should be avoided by persons on sodium-restricteddiets. In many rural and some urban areas, tap water is not potable,and travelers should drink only boiled or chemically treated water orbottled carbonated drinks. In these areas, avoid fresh vegetables andfruits unless they are washed in a purifying solution and peeled.Diarrhea is potentially serious. If it persists, seek medicalattention.Schistosomiasis (or bilharzia) is present in the area of the Nile and inseveral other areas in North Africa and the Middle East. Theseparasites are best avoided by not swimming or wading in fresh water inendemic areas.Drug OffensesDrug enforcement policies in the region are strict. Possession of evensmall amounts of narcotics, including substances such as marijuana, LSD,or amphetamines, can lead to arrest. If found guilty, drug offendersare subject to lengthy prison sentences. Because what is considered tobe 'narcotics' varies from country to country, learn and obey the lawsin the places you will visit. Keep all prescription drugs in theiroriginal containers clearly labeled with the doctor's name, pharmacy andcontents. In addition, if you take an unusual prescription drug, carrya letter from your doctor explaining your need for the drug and a copyof the prescription.Dress and Local CustomsIslamIslam is the pre-eminent influence on local laws and customs in much ofthe Middle East and North Africa. The extent of this influence varies.Some Arab countries have secular governments, but in certain othercountries, particularly those in the Arabian peninsula, Islam dictates atotal way of life. It prescribes the behavior for individuals andsociety, codifying law, family relations, business etiquette, dress,food, personal hygiene, and much more. Among the important values is afamily-centered way of life, including a protected role for women andclear limits on their participation in public life. In traditionalsocieties, Muslims believe open social relations between the sexesresult in the breakdown of family life. Contact between men and women,therefore, is rigidly controlled in traditional societies.Travel during Ramadan, the holiest time in the Islamic year, can proveto be very difficult. Business is rarely conducted during this time andnon-observance of the Ramadan tradition of fasting during daylight hourscan carry penalities in some countries.In the traditional societies of the region, it is considered rude toface the soles of one's feet toward other people. At traditional meals,the left hand is not used for eating.ApparelConservative Western street clothing (except for shorts) is appropriatein most areas. In more traditional societies, however, attire for womenshould be more conservative, garments should have sleeves, and dresslength should be below the knee. On the other hand, in some areas ofthe region visited by many tourists -- for example, the beaches ofIsrael and Morocco -- attire similar to that worn in the United Statesis acceptable.The WorkweekIn many countries in the Middle East and North Africa, the weekend iseither Thursday/Friday or Friday/Saturday. Workweek information isincluded in the list of U.S. embassies on pages 39-40.Country InformationAlgeriaTravelers to Algeria are warned that due to political, social, andeconomic problems a climate of violent unrest has occurred. A number ofterrorist attacks have been carried out against foreigners. Terroristshave also threatened to kill all foreigners who are in Algeria. A stateof emergency has been in effect since early 1992.Crime is also a major problem in Algeria. Crimes include car break-ins,theft of auto parts from parked cars, theft of items (even those ofmoderate value) left in hotel rooms, home burglary, and pickpocketingand purse snatching near hotels and on trains and buses. Some tacticsthat residents of Algeria use to avoid being victimized include carryingonly a minimum amount of cash and concealing it well and parking only inguarded locations. The police can be reached in Algerian cities bydialing 17. In rural areas, contact the gendarmerie nationale.Algeria does not give visas to persons whose passports indicate travelto Israel. Some hotels accept some credit cards. Before traveling, askyour credit card company if your card will be accepted in Algeria, andif not, bring travelers checks to cover your expenses.Algerian currency and customs regulations are strictly enforced. Allcurrency must be declared upon entering the country, and completelyaccounted for when departing. Non-residents are required to change theequivalent of approximately $200 into Algerian dinars at the officialexchange rate while in Algeria. You will need to present evidence ofthis currency exchange before you are allowed to depart the country.All hotel bills must be paid in hard currency such as U.S. dollars.Paid hotel receipts may be used as evidence of currency exchange.BahrainBusiness representatives, conference and exhibition delegates, andholders of diplomatic and official passports may obtain a visitors visa,valid for up to three months, from the Bahrain Embassy in Washington,DC, or the UN Mission for Bahrain in New York. Persons in the abovecategories may also be able to obtain either a 7-day visa or a 72-hourtransit visa at the Bahrain airport upon arrival if they present aconfirmed return or onward air ticket. Single women who have no sponsoror family ties in Bahrain may have difficulty in obtaining an airportvisa. In addition to an onward ticket, they may wish to secure inadvance a sponsorship from a hotel that will arrange to have an airportvisa waiting for them. The 72-hour airport visa can be extended, on acase by case basis, for up to one week if a Bahraini sponsor applies tothe Immigration Director stating the purpose for the extension.A 7-day visa is possible for members of tourist groups, providedarrangements are made with the Directorate of Tourism and Archaeology inthe Ministry of Information or through a private agency in Bahrain, suchas a hotel, travel agent, or tour group organizer.Journalists planning travel to Bahrain should contact the Ministry ofInformation providing travel details at least one week in advance ofarrival. The Ministry will then authorize airport officials to issue a72-hour or a 7-day visa upon arrival. Failure to notify the Ministrymay result in delay at the airport or denial of permission to enter thecountry. The Ministry's address is: P.O. Box 253, State of Bahrain;telephone: (973) 689-099; FAX (973) 780-345; telex: 8399 inform BN.Office hours: 0700-1400 Saturday through Wednesday.Water is drinkable though often highly saline. Conservative dress isrecommended. Bahrain prohibits the import of pornography, firearms,ammunition, or of items such as knives, swords, or daggers that arecapable of being used as weapons. Videotapes may be screened by customsin Bahrain and either confiscated or held until the traveler departs thecountry.Consumption of alcohol is allowed in most bars and restaurants, exceptduring the month of Ramadan. If there is any indication that a driverhas consumed alcohol, authorities will regard that as evidence ofdriving under the influence of alcohol. The penalty for drunken drivingmay be incarceration or a fine of 500 Bahraini dinars, the equivalent of$1,300. This fine can be increased to up to double that amount,depending on the circumstances of the case and the judge's decision.Under Bahraini law, convicted drug traffickers may receive the deathpenalty.EgyptThere are no currency declaration requirements for travelers. Travelersmay carry a maximum of 100 Egyptian pounds into or out of Egypt. ExcessEgyptian currency found on a traveler entering Egypt will beconfiscated.There are strict duties on the importation of expensive photographic andvideo equipment. This includes most types of equipment typically carriedby tourists to Egypt, including all video and autofocus cameras.Travelers who wish to take such equipment with them on a temporary visithave the following options with customs authorities: (A) They may haveit by model and serial number in their passports, so that the equipmentcan be cross-checked upon the traveler's departure from Egypt. In thisinstance no duty will be collected. (B) They have the equipment placedin storage for the duration of stay, in which case a storage fee may becollected. (C) Long term visitors or residents will pay a standard dutyfee for importing the items and be issued a receipt (at the time ofdeparture, the fee will be refunded upon presentation of the receipt).All persons entering Egypt from cholera or yellow fever areas mustproduce evidence of up-to-date immunizations. Immunization must havebeen administered before arrival--cholera at least 6 days before arrivaland yellow fever at least 10 days. Travelers without evidence ofrequired immunizations may not enter unless they are vaccinated anddetained in quarantine for 6 or 10 days, respectively.Foreigners are required to register with the police within 7 days ofarrival. Hotels usually take care of this. All hotel bills must bepaid in foreign currency or in Egyptian pounds exchanged at the officialbank rate, as evidenced by a bank receipt.All travelers to Egypt should be aware that Egyptian authoritiesstrictly enforce drug laws. The death penalty may be imposed on anyoneconvicted of smuggling or selling marijuana, hashish, opium, or othernarcotics.IranU.S. citizens are advised to avoid all travel to Iran. Travel to Irancontinues to be dangerous because of the generally anti-Americanatmosphere and Iranian government hostility to the U.S. government.U.S. citizens traveling to Iran have been detained without charge,arrested, and harassed by Iranian authorities. Persons who violateIranian laws, such as those concerning proper dress, may face penaltiesthat are, at times, severe.U.S./Iranian dual nationals often have their U.S. passports confiscated,have been denied permission to leave Iran, have been compelled to servein the Iranian armed forces, or have encountered other problems while inIran. U.S. citizens who are the spouse or child of an Iranian citizenare also considered Iranian citizens and may be required to enter Iranusing an Iranian passport. The wife and minor children of an Iraniancitizen will not be allowed to leave Iran without the written permissionof the husband or father. Before planning a trip to Iran, Americans whoalso possess Iranian nationality are advised to contact OverseasCitizens Services at 202-647-3926.The United States does not have diplomatic relations with Iran. U.S.interests in Iran are currently served by the Embassy of Switzerland.Iranian officials have often prevented Swiss officials from providingeven minimal protective services to U.S. citizens.IraqU.S. citizens are warned to avoid all travel to Iraq. Conditions inIraq remain unsettled and dangerous and travel is extremely hazardous,particularly for U.S. citizens.On February 8, 1991, U.S. passports ceased to be valid for travel to,in, or through Iraq unless a special validation has been obtained. Anautomatic exemption to the restriction is granted to Americans residingin Iraq as of February 8, 1991, and to professional journalists onassignment. The categories of individuals eligible for considerationfor special passport validation are representatives of the American orInternational Red Cross, persons with compelling humanitarianconsiderations, or applicants whose travel is determined to be in thenational interest. Exceptions will be scrutinized carefully on a case-by-case basis. Requests for exceptions should be forwarded in writingto: Office of Citizenship Appeals and Legal Assistance U.S. Department of State 1111 19th Street, N.W., Suite 260 Washington, DC 20522-1705. Telephone: 202-955-0232 or 955-0231The request must be accompanied by substantiating documentationaccording to the category under which an exception is sought. It mustalso include the prospective traveler's name, date and place of birth,and passport number.In addition, the Department of the Treasury prohibits all travel-relatedtransactions by U.S. persons intending to visit Iraq, unlessspecifically licensed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. The onlyexceptions are for persons engaged in journalism or in official U.S.government or U.N. business. Questions on U.S. Treasury restrictionsshould be directed to: Licensing Section Office of Foreign Assets Control U.S. Department of the Treasury Washington, DC 20220 Telephone: 202-622-2480.</text>
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<text>U.S. Department of State95/06 Tips for Travelers to MexicoBureau of Consular AffairsRemember, if narcotics are found in your vehicle, you are subject toarrest and your vehicle can be confiscated.Avoid public drunkenness. It is against the law to be drunk in publicin Mexico. Certain border towns have become impatient with teenaged(and older) Americans who cross the border to drink and carouse. Thisbehavior can lead to fights, arrests, traffic accidents, and evenfatalities.Do not bring firearms. Possession of any gun or rifle without properauthorization by the Mexican authorities is considered a "FirearmsOffense" in Mexico and carries stiff penalties. Possession of a singlenon-assault weapon carries a penalty of up to five years in Mexicanprison. Sentences for possession of firearms in Mexico can be as longas 30 years. A permit from a Mexican consulate in the U.S. is requiredto import firearms or ammunition into Mexico, whether or not the firearmis legally registered in the U.S. The U.S. Embassy has noted anincrease of Americans being detained for illegally smuggling arms intoMexico. U.S. citizens should comply with all Mexican laws on arms,including any arms they may wish to bring in for hunting. Some Mexicancities have ordinances prohibiting the possession of knives or anythingthat might be construed as a weapon.Be aware that, even when you enter Mexican waters on your private boat,you are subject to the ban on importing firearms.Some cities, such as Nuevo Laredo, have ordinances prohibiting thepossession of knives and similar weapons. Tourists have even beenarrested for possessing souvenir knives. Most arrests for knifepossession occur in connection with some other infraction, such as drunkand disorderly behavior.Failure to pay hotel bills or for other services rendered is consideredfraud under Mexican law. Those accused of these offenses are subject toarrest and conviction with stiff fines and jail sentences.Be cautious when purchasing real estate. U.S. citizens who becomeinvolved in time-share or other real property purchases should be awarethat Mexican laws and practices regarding real estate are markedlydifferent from those in the United States. Foreigners purchasing realestate or time-shares in Mexico have no protection under Mexican law andshould be aware of the high risks involved. Foreigners may be grantedthe right to own real property only under very specific conditions andthe purchase of real property in Mexico is far more complicated than inthe United States. For example no title insurance is available inMexico for the purchaser and the builders frequently go bankrupt leavingthe investors with little recourse to recoup their funds. The U.S.Embassy strongly recommends the use of competent local legal assistancefor any significant real property or business purchase. A list of localattorneys can be obtained from the U.S. Embassy or the nearest consulatein Mexico.To Avoid Disputes With Merchants, Be a Careful Shopper. Make sure thegoods you buy are in good condition and always get a receipt. There isa federal consumer protection office, the Procuraduria Federal delConsumidor, to assist you if you have a major problem with a faultyproduct or service. However, if the problem is with a service of thetourist industry, you should bring the matter to the Mexican GovernmentTourist Office (Secretaria de Turismo). U.S. Assistance in MexicoWhere To Turn If You Have Serious Legal, Medical, or FinancialDifficultiesLegal Problems. If you find yourself in serious difficulty while inMexico, contact a consular officer at the U.S. Embassy or the nearestU.S. consulate for assistance. U.S. consuls cannot serve as attorneysor give legal assistance. They can, however, provide lists of localattorneys and advise you of your rights under Mexican laws.Worldwide, Mexico has the highest number of arrests of Americans abroad--over 1,000 per year--and the highest prison population of U.S. citizensoutside of the United States-- about 450 at any one time. If you arearrested, ask permission to notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S.consulate. Under international agreements and practice, you have theright to talk with an American consul. Although U.S. consuls arelimited in what they can do to assist you in legal difficulties, theycan monitor the status of detained U.S. citizens and make sure they aretreated fairly under local laws. They will also notify your relativesor friends upon your request.An individual is guaranteed certain rights under the Mexicanconstitution, but those rights differ significantly from U.S.constitutional guarantees. The Mexican judicial system is based onRoman and Napoleonic law and presumes a person accused of a crime to beguilty until proven innocent. There is no trial by jury nor writ ofhabeas corpus in the Anglo-American sense. Trial under the Mexicansystem is a prolonged process based largely on documents examined on afixed date in court by prosecution and defense counsel. Sentencingusually takes 6 to 10 months. Bail can be granted after sentencing ifthe sentence is less than 5 years. Pre-trial bail exists but is nevergranted when the possible sentence upon conviction is greater than 5years.Medical or Financial Problems. If you become seriously ill, U.S.consular officers can assist in finding a doctor and in notifying yourfamily and friends about your condition. Consular officers can alsohelp arrange the transfer of emergency funds to you if you becomedestitute as a result of robbery, accident, or other emergency.Advice on Dual NationalityU.S. law recognizes that Americans may also be citizens of othercountries.Under Mexican law, an individual born in Mexico of an American parent orparents may acquire both nationalities at birth. Also, a U.S. citizenborn in the United States of a Mexican father--or after December 26,1969, of a Mexican mother--may have dual nationality.If you are a U.S.-Mexican dual national, you must have evidence of yourU.S. citizenship with you when you travel between the United States andMexico. Such evidence can be a U.S. passport, naturalizationcertificate, consular report of birth abroad, certificate ofcitizenship, or a certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate.If you are a dual national, be aware that you will not lose your U.S.nationality if you obtain a Certificate of Mexican Nationality. Loss ofU.S. citizenship would only occur if you sign a statement relinquishingU.S. citizenship. The Mexican government recognizes a child's dualnationality from birth to age 18 without requiring an oath ofallegiance. Starting at age 18, in order to obtain a Mexican passportor to obtain other benefits, such as the right to own property in arestricted zone, to pay a favorable resident tuition rate at a Mexicanuniversity, or to vote in a Mexican election, a dual national isrequired by Mexican law to obtain a Certificate of Mexican Nationality(CMN). If you are contemplating obtaining a CMN, it is recommended thatyou first consult the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate or theOffice of Overseas Citizens Services at the Department of State. A Guide to Entry and Exit RegulationsGetting Into MexicoU.S. citizens visiting Mexico for no more than 72 hours and remainingwithin 25 kilometers of the border do not need a permit to enter. Thosewishing to travel past the 25 kilometer border area of Mexico must beproperly documented. Those transiting Mexico to another country need atransit visa which costs a nominal fee and is valid for up to 30 days.Tourist Cards. All U.S. citizens visiting Mexico for tourism or studyfor up to 180 days need a document, called a tourist card in English orFMT in Spanish, to enter and leave Mexico. The tourist card is free andmay be obtained from Mexican consulates, Mexican tourism offices,Mexican border crossing points, and from most airlines serving Mexico.If you fly to Mexico, you must obtain your tourist card before boardingyour flight; it cannot be obtained upon arrival at an airport in Mexico.The tourist card is issued upon presentation of proof of citizenship,such as a U.S. passport or a U.S. birth certificate, plus a photo I.D.,such as a driver's license. Tourist cards are issued for up to 90 dayswith a single entry, or if you present proof of sufficient funds, for180 days with multiple entries.Upon entering Mexico, retain and safeguard the pink copy of your touristcard so you may surrender it to Mexican immigration when you depart.You must leave Mexico before your tourist card expires or you aresubject to a fine. A tourist card for less than 180 days may berevalidated in Mexico by the Mexican immigration service (DireccionGeneral de Servicios Migratorios).Visas. If you wish to stay longer than 180 days, or if you wish to dobusiness or conduct religious work in Mexico, contact the MexicanEmbassy or the nearest Mexican consulate to obtain a visa or permit.Persons conducting religious work on a tourist card are subject toarrest and deportation.Residing or Retiring in Mexico. If you plan to live or retire inMexico, consult a Mexican consulate on the type of long-term visa youwill need. As soon as possible after you arrive in the place you willlive, it is a good idea to register with the U.S. Embassy or the nearestU.S. consulate or consular agent. Bring your passport or otheridentification with you. Registration makes it easier to contact you inan emergency. (Registration information is confidential and will not bereleased to inquirers without your express authorization.)Traveling Minors. A child under the age of 18 traveling with only oneparent must have written, notarized consent from the other parent totravel, or must carry, if applicable, a decree of sole custody for theaccompanying parent or a death certificate for the other parent.Children traveling alone or in someone else's custody must havenotarized consent from both parents to travel, or if applicable,notarized consent from a single parent plus documentation that theparent is the only custodial parent.Operation of Citizen's Band (CB) EquipmentAmerican tourists are permitted to operate CB radios in Mexico. Youmust, however, obtain a 180 day permit for a nominal fee by presentingyour U.S. citizen's band radio authorization at a Mexican consulate orMexican Government Tourist Office. This permit cannot be obtained atthe border.Transmissions on CB equipment are allowed only on channels 9, 10, and11, and only for personal communication and emergency road assistance.Any device which increases transmission power to over 5 watts isprohibited. CB equipment may not be used near radio installations ofthe aeronautical and marine services.What You May Bring Into MexicoCustoms Regulations. Tourists should enter Mexico with only the itemsneeded for their trip. Entering with large quantities of an item atourist might not normally be expected to have, particularly expensiveappliances, such as televisions, stereos, or other items, may lead tosuspicion of smuggling and possible confiscation of the items and arrestof the individual.Mexican regulations limit the value of goods brought into Mexico by U.S.citizens arriving by air or sea to $300 U.S. per person and by land to$50 U.S. per person. Other travel-related items may also be brought induty-free. Amounts exceeding the duty-free limit are subject to a 32.8percent tax.Unless you prepare ahead, you may have difficulty bringing computers orother expensive electronic equipment into Mexico for your personal use.To prevent being charged an import tax, write a statement about yourintention to use the equipment for personal use and to remove it fromMexico when you leave. Have this statement signed and certified at aMexican consulate in the United States and present it to Mexican customsas you enter Mexico.Land travelers should verify from Mexican customs at the border that allitems in their possession may be legally brought into Mexico. You willbe subject to a second immigration and customs inspection south of theMexican border where unlawful items may be seized, and you could beprosecuted regardless of whether or not the items passed through theinitial customs inspection.Currency. The Mexican government permits tourists to exchange dollarsfor pesos at the fluctuating free market rate. There are norestrictions on the import or export of bank notes and none on theexport of reasonable quantities of ordinary Mexican coins. However,gold or silver Mexican coins may not be exported.Take travelers checks with you because personal U.S. checks are rarelyaccepted by Mexican hotels or banks. Major credit cards are accepted inmany hotels, shops, and restaurants. An exchange office (casa decambios) usually gives a better rate of exchange than do stores, hotels,or restaurants.Pets. U.S. visitors to Mexico may bring a dog, cat, or up to fourcanaries by presenting the following certificates at the border:(1) a pet health certificate signed by a registered veterinarian inthe United States and issued not more than 72 hours before the animalenters Mexico; and(2) a pet vaccination certificate showing that the animal has beentreated for rabies, hepatitis, pip, and leptospirosis.Certification by Mexican consular authorities is not required for thehealth or vaccination certificate. A permit fee is charged at the timeof entry into Mexico.Shopping--Some Things To Beware of BuyingWildlife and Wildlife Products. Beware of purchasing souvenirs madefrom endangered wildlife. Mexican markets and stores abound withwildlife, most of it prohibited from international traffic. You riskconfiscation and a possible fine by U.S. Customs if you attempt toimport virtually any wildlife from Mexico. In particular, watch out forand avoid: -- All products made from sea turtles, including such items asturtle leather boots, tortoise-shell jewelry, and sea turtle oilcosmetics. -- Fur from spotted cats. -- Mexican birds, stuffed or alive, such as parrots, parakeets, orbirds of prey. -- Crocodile and caiman leather. -- Black coral jewelry. -- Wildlife curios, such as stuffed iguanas.When driving across state lines within Mexico, you can expect to bestopped at agricultural livestock inspection stations.Antiques. Mexico considers all pre-Colombian objects to be the"inalienable property of the Nation" and that the unauthorized export ofsuch objects is theft and is punishable by arrest, detention, andjudicial prosecution. Under U.S. law, to import pre-Colombianmonumental and architectural sculpture and murals, you must presentproof that they were legally exported from the country of origin. U.S.law does not prohibit the import of nonmonumental or nonarchitecturalartifacts from Mexico.Glazed Ceramics. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, itis possible to suffer lead poisoning if you consume food or beveragesthat have been stored or served in improperly glazed ceramic ware.Analysis of many ceramic pieces from Mexico has shown them to containdangerous levels of lead. Unless you have proof of their safety, useglazed ceramics purchased in Mexico for decorative purposes only.Returning to the United StatesYou must present the pink copy of your tourist card at your point ofdeparture from Mexico. If you are returning by motor vehicle, you willneed to show your vehicle import permit when you cross the border. Atthe time of publication, the airport departure tax is $10 or theequivalent in Mexican currency for those returning by commercialairline.The U.S. Customs Service currently permits U.S. citizens returning frominternational travel to bring back $400 worth of merchandise, including1 liter of alcohol, duty free. The next $1,000 worth of items broughtback is subject to a duty of 10%.In addition to U.S. Customs regulations, be aware that some U.S. borderstates (most notably, Texas) have imposed state restrictions on liquor,wine, and beer imports from Mexico. If you are planning to bring backalcoholic beverages, inquire about these restrictions from the liquorcontrol office of the state through which you plan to return. Useful Addresses and Telephone NumbersAmerican EmbassyPaseo de la Reforma 305Colonia CuauhtemocMexico 06500, D.F.Tel [52] (5) 211-0042U.S. Export Development Office/U.S. Trade Center31 LiverpoolMexico 06600, D.F.Tel [52] (5) 591-0155U.S. Consulates GeneralAmerican Consulate GeneralAvenue Lopez Mateos 924-NCiudad Juarez, ChihuahuaTel: [52] (16) 11-3000American Consulate GeneralProgreso 175Guadalajara, JaliscoTel [52] (3) 825-2998/2700American Consulate GeneralAvenida Constitucion 411 PonienteMonterrey, Nuevo Leon, 64000Tel [52] (8) 345-2120American Consulate GeneralTapachula 96Tijuana, Baja CaliforniaTel [52] (66) 81-7400American ConsulateCalle Monterrey 141, PonienteU.S. ConsulatesAmerican ConsulateAve. Monterrey 141 Pte.Hermosillo, SonoraTel [52] (62) 17-2375American ConsulateAve. Primera 2002Matamoros, TamaulipasTel [52] (88) 12-44-02American ConsulatePaseo Montejo 453,Merida, YucatanTel [52] (99) 25-5011American ConsulateCalle Allende 3330, Col. JardinNuevo Laredo, TamaulipasTel [52] (87) 14-0512U.S. Consular AgentsResident consular agents have been designated in 10 other locations inMexico to assist U.S. citizens in serious emergencies. Each consularagent is supervised by one of the above-listed offices and may becontacted through it or by calling the consular agent's direct number.Acapulco, Hotel Club del Sol [52] (748) 5-7207Cabo San Lucas, Blvd. Marina y Perdregal, Local 3, Zona Central [52] (114) 3-35-66Cancun, Avenida Nader 40, Edificio Marruecos 3rd Floor, Office 31 [52] (988) 4-24-11Mazatlan, Hotel Playa Mazatlan, Rodolfo T. Loaiza 202 Zona Dorada, 82110 [52] (69) 134-444 Ext. 285Oaxaca, Alcala 201 [52] (951) 4-3054Puerto Vallarta, Libertad y Miramar, Local 12-A [52] (322) 2-0069San Luis Potosi, Francisco de P. Moriel 103-10 [52] (481) 2-1528San Miguel de Allende, Dr. Hernandez Marcias 72 [52] (465) 2-2357Tampico, Ejercito Mexicano No. 503-203, Col. Guadalupe [52] (12) 13-2217Vera Cruz, Victimas del 25 de Junio #388 [52] (29) 31-01-42(###)</text>
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<text>U.S. Department of State95/06 Tips for Travelers to MexicoBureau of Consular AffairsDepartment of State Publication 10270Bureau of Consular AffairsRevised June 1995The information in this publication is in the public domain and may bereproduced without permission. When this material is reproduced, theDepartment of State would appreciate receiving a copy at: CA/P/PA,Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818.For sale by the U.S. Government Printing OfficeSuperintendent of Documents, Mailstop: SSOPWashington, DC 20402-9328 Tips for Travelers to MexicoTable of ContentsGeneral InformationHow To Have a Safe and Healthy TripKnow Before You Go.Consular Information ProgramHealthSafety TipsTravel by CarRental CarsBringing Your Own Plane or Boat to MexicoCrimeAvoiding Legal ProblemsU.S. Assistance in MexicoWhere to Turn If You Have Serious Legal, Medical, or Financial DifficultiesAdvice on Dual NationalityA Guide to Entry and Exit RegulationsGetting Into MexicoOperation of Citizen's Band (CB) EquipmentWhat You May Bring Into MexicoShopping--Some Things To Beware of BuyingReturning to the United StatesUseful Addresses and Telephone NumbersU.S. Embassy, Mexico CityConsulates General and ConsulatesConsular AgentsTips for Travelers to MexicoGeneral InformationBetween 15 and 16 million U.S. citizens visit Mexico each year, whilemore than 460,000 Americans reside there year round. Although themajority of visitors thoroughly enjoy their stay, a small numberexperience difficulties and serious inconveniences. The Department ofState and its Embassy and consulates in Mexico offer a wide range ofservices to assist U.S. citizens in distress. U.S. consular officialsmeet regularly with Mexican authorities to promote the safety of U.S.citizens in Mexico.The Department of State seeks to encourage international travel.Conditions in Mexico, however, can contrast sharply with those to whichyou are accustomed. This pamphlet contains advice to help you avoidinconveniences and difficulties as you go. Take our advice seriouslybut do not let it keep you at home. To keep you among the majority whodo not experience difficulties, this brochure will offer someprecautions you may take.Before you go, learn as much as you can about your destination. Yourtravel agent, local bookstore, public library and the embassy of thecountry or countries you plan to visit are all useful sources ofinformation. Another source is the Department of State's BackgroundNotes series which includes a pamphlet regarding the specific country towhich you wish to travel. To obtain specific pamphlet prices andinformation, contact the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. GovernmentPrinting Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel: (202) 512-1800. You mayalso obtain select issues by fax by calling the State Department'sBureau of Public Affairs (202) 736-7720 from your fax machine.Important: This pamphlet was prepared from information obtained priorto June 1995. This information is subject to change. Please consultthe latest Consular Information Sheet for current information. How To Have a Safe and Healthy TripKnow Before You GoAs you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage. If you plan a longstay in one place or if you are in an area where communications arepoor, experiencing civil unrest or some natural disaster, you areencouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.Registration takes only a few moments, and it may be invaluable in caseof an emergency. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and the numbersof your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend orrelative in the United States. You should bring either a U.S. passportor a certified copy of a birth certificate with photo identification.For specific information on Mexico see page 17. Carry your photoidentification and the name of a person to contact with you in the eventof serious illness or other emergency. It is also wise to photocopyyour airline or other tickets and your list of travelers checks. Leavea copy with someone at home, and carry an extra copy with you.Safety begins before you leave home. Do not bring anything you wouldhate to lose. Leave things like unnecessary credit cards and expensivejewelry at home. Bring travelers checks, not cash. Use a money belt orconcealed pouch for passport, cash, and other valuables.Consular Information ProgramBefore traveling obtain the Consular Information Sheet for Mexico andany other countries you plan to visit. You should also check to see ifthe Department of State has issued a Travel Warning for the country orcountries you will be visiting. Warnings are issued when the Departmentof State decides, based on all relevant information, to recommend thatall Americans avoid travel to a certain country. Consular InformationSheets are available for every country in the world. They include suchinformation as the location of the U.S. embassy or consulate in thecountry, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minorpolitical disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crimeand security information, and drug penalties. If an unstable conditionexists in a country that is not severe enough to warrant a Warning, adescription of the condition(s) may be included in the ConsularInformation Sheet under an optional section entitled "Areas ofInstability." On limited occasions, the Department also restates inthis section U.S. Embassy advice given to official employees. ConsularInformation Sheets generally do not include advice, but presentinformation on factual matters so that travelers can make knowledgeabledecisions concerning travel to a particular country. Countries whereavoidance of travel is recommended will have Travel Warnings as well asConsular Information Sheets.How to Access Consular Information Sheets and Travel WarningsConsular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings may be heard any time bydialing the office of Overseas Citizens Services at (202) 647-5225 froma touchtone phone. The recording is updated as new information becomesavailable. They are also available at any of the 13 regional passportagencies, field offices of the Department of Commerce, and U.S.embassies and consulates abroad, or, by writing or sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Office of Overseas Citizens Services,Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 4811, U.S. Department of State,Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.By faxFrom your fax machine, dial (202) 647-3000, using the handset as youwould a regular telephone. The system will instruct you on how toproceed.Consular Affairs Bulletin Board - CABBIf you have a personal computer, modem and communication software, youcan access the Consular Affairs Bulletin Board (CABB). This service isfree of charge. To view or download the documents from a computer andmodem, dial the CABB on (202) 647-9225, setting your software to N-8-1.HealthHealth problems sometimes affect visitors to Mexico. Information onhealth precautions can be obtained from local health departments orprivate doctors. General guidance can also be found in the U.S. PublicHealth Service book, Health Information for International Travel,available for $7.00 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, or the Centers forDisease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.It is wise to review your health insurance policy before you travel. Insome places, particularly at resorts, medical costs can be as high orhigher than in the United States. If your insurance policy does notcover you in Mexico, it is strongly recommended that you purchase apolicy that does. There are short-term health insurance policiesdesigned specifically to cover travel.Medical facilities in Mexico differ from those in the United States.Adequate medical care can be found in all major cities. There are someexcellent health facilities in Mexico City. Some remote areas orcoastal islands may have few or no medical facilities. For thesereasons, in addition to medical insurance that you can use in Mexico,consider obtaining insurance or joining a medical assistance program tocover the exorbitant cost of medical evacuation in the event of anaccident or serious illness. As part of the coverage, these programsusually offer emergency consultation by telephone. They may refer youto the nearest hospital or call for help on your behalf; they maytranslate your instructions to a health care worker on the scene. Thecost of medical evacuation coverage can be as low as $50.00 for a tripof 30 days. Without this insurance, medical evacuation can costthousands of dollars.If your travel agent cannot direct you to a medical assistance company,look for information in travel magazines. The U.S. government cannotpay to have you medically evacuated to the United States.Immunizations are normally recommended against diptheria, tetanus,polio, typhoid, and hepatitis A for travelers. Generally, theseimmunizations are administered during childhood. For visitors comingdirectly from the United States, no immunization certification isrequired to enter Mexico. If you are traveling from an area known to beinfected with yellow fever, a vaccination certificate is required.Malaria is found in some rural areas of Mexico, particularly those nearthe southwest coast. Travelers to malarial areas should consult theirphysician or the U.S. Public Health Service and take the recommendeddosage of chloroquine. Although chloroquine is not considered necessaryfor travelers to the major resort areas on the Pacific and Gulf coasts,travelers to those areas should use insect repellent and take otherpersonal protection measures to reduce contact with mosquitoes,particularly from dusk to dawn when malaria transmission is most likely.Air pollution in Mexico City is severe. It is most dangerous duringthermal inversions which occur most often from December to May. Airpollution plus Mexico City's high altitude are a particular health riskfor the elderly and persons with high blood pressure, anemia, orrespiratory or cardiac problems. If this applies to you, consult yourdoctor before traveling to Mexico City.In high altitude areas, such as Mexico City, most people need a shortadjustment period. Spend the first few days in a leisurely manner, witha light diet and reduced intake of alcohol. Avoid strenuous activity,this includes everything from sports to rushing up the stairs. Reactionsigns to high altitude are lack of energy, a tendency to tire easily,shortness of breath, occasional dizziness, and insomnia.Drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled for 20 minutes.Be aware of ice cubes that may not have been made with purified water.Vegetables and fruits should be peeled or washed in a purifyingsolution. A good rule to follow is if you can't peel it or cook it, donot eat it. Diarrhea may benefit from antimicrobial treatment which maybe prescribed or purchased over the counter. Travelers should consult aphysician, rather than attempt self-medication, if the diarrhea issevere or persists several days.Safety TipsIn an emergency, call [91] (5) 250-0123, the 24-hour hotline of theMexican Ministry of Tourism. They also have two toll free numbers: ifcalling within Mexico [91] 800-90-392 and from the U.S. 1-800-482-9832.The hotline is for immediate assistance, but it can give you general,nonemergency guidance as well. It is an important number to keep withyou. If necessary, in an emergency, you may also call the U.S. Embassyor the nearest U.S. consulate or consular agency. (See addresses at theend of this pamphlet.)As a visitor to Mexico, be alert to your new surroundings. Problemsituations in Mexico may be different from those you are used to, andsafety regulations and their enforcement are generally not equivalent toU.S. standards.In large cities, take the same precautions against assault, robbery, orpickpockets that you would take in any large U.S. city. Be aware thatwomen and small children, as well as men, can be pickpockets or pursesnatchers. Keep your billfold in an inner front pocket; carry yourpurse tucked securely under your arm; and wear the shoulder strap ofyour camera or bag across your chest. To guard against thieves onmotorcycles, walk away from the curb and carry your purse away from thestreet.At the Hotel. Travelers to Mexico should leave valuables andirreplacable items in a safe place. All visitors are encouraged to makeuse of hotel safes when available.On Public Transport. Be vigilant in bus and train stations and onpublic transport. Watch out for pickpockets in these areas.On Streets and Highways. Be aware of persons representing themselves asMexican police or other local officials. It is not uncommon forAmericans to become victims of harassment, mistreatment, and extortionby Mexican law enforcement and other officials. Mexican authorities areconcerned about these incidents and have cooperated in investigatingsuch cases. You must, however, have the officer's name, badge number,and patrol car number to pursue a complaint. Make a note of thisinformation if you are ever involved with police or other officials.Do not be surprised if you encounter several types of police in Mexico.The Preventive Police, the Transit Police, and the Federal HighwayPolice all wear uniforms. The Judicial Police who work for the publicprosecutor are not uniformed.At the Pool or Beach. Do not leave your belongings on the beach whileyou are swimming. Keep your passport and other valuables in the hotelsafe.Visitors to Mexican resorts should carefully assess the risk potentialof recreational activities. Sports and aquatic equipment that you rentmay not meet U.S. safety standards nor be covered by any accidentinsurance. For example, unless you are certain that scuba divingequipment is up to standard, do not use it. Inexperienced scuba diversshould be aware of dive shops that promise to "certify" you after a fewhours instruction. Safe diving requires lengthy training.Parasailing is offered at many Mexican beach resorts. Be aware that byputting your name on the passenger list, you may be relieving the boatoperator and owner of responsibility for your safety. There have beencases in which tourists have been dragged through palm trees or slammedinto hotel walls while participating in this activity.Be extremely careful when renting jet-skis. Several tourists have beenkilled or injured in jet-ski accidents, particularly when participatingin group tours. Often inexperienced tour guides allow their clients tofollow too closely or operate the jet-skis in other unsafe manners. Inone case the jet-ski rental company carried liability insurance limitedto $2,500 U.S. dollars. Make sure that the rental company has adequatemedical/accident insurance, is staffed with personnel on-site with waterrescue training, and properly demonstrates safe operation of the vehicleto you before you rent or operate such equipment.Do not use pools or beaches without lifeguards, or, if you do, exerciseextreme caution. Do not dive into unknown bodies of water becausehidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. SomeMexican beaches, such as those in Cancun, have warning signs aboutundertow; take them seriously. Be aware that the newer resorts may lackcomprehensive medical facilities.Travel by CarPeople are often surprised when inconveniences occur because they wereunaware of the laws regarding crossing the border. It is important forvisitors to remember the following steps when crossing the borderbetween the United States and Mexico by automobile. There are noprocedures to comply with if you are traveling within the Border Zone orFree Trade Zone (including the Baja California Peninsula and the SonoraFree Trade Zone). If you wish to travel past these zones, you will needto adhere to certain procedures. The first step to take is to obtainthe original and photocopies of the appropriate immigration form, thevehicle state registration certificate or document certifying legalownership, and leasing contract. If the vehicle is leased or rentedthen it must be in the person's name who is importing the car. If thevehicle belongs to a company, proper documentation is necessary to showthe individual works for the company. A valid driver's license and aninternational credit card (American Express, Diner's Club, Mastercard orVisa) are needed in the name of the owner of the vehicle. If you donot possess an international credit card, you will be asked to post abond, payable to the Federal Treasury, issued by an authorized bondingcompany in Mexico. An alternative is to make a cash deposit at Bancodel Ejercito in an amount equal to the value of the vehicle according tothe tables of vehicle values for bonding companies. This is often asubstantial percentage of the vehicle's value. The second step is topresent the documents you have received to the Vehicular Control Modulelocated in Customs to process the importation permit. Carry thisdocument with you at all times! The permit is valid for periods up tosix months. The vehicle may be driven across the border multiple timesduring the authorized period of the permit. Other persons may drive thecar as long as the owner is in the vehicle. Other foreigners with thesame "tourist" status as the vehicle owner may drive the vehicle withoutthe owner present in the car. If you wish to authorize another personto drive your car, record the authorization with Mexican officials whenyou enter Mexico--even if you expect to be a passenger when the otherperson drives. Do not, under any circumstances, allow an unauthorizedperson to drive the vehicle when the owner is not in it. Such a personwould have to pay a fine amounting to a substantial percentage of thevehicles's value, and your vehicle would be confiscated. All documentsand the credit card must be in the name of the owner, who must bepresent upon crossing the border. We caution American citizens not toloan their vehicles to Mexican citizens resident in Mexico as thosevehicles are subject to seizure by Mexican authorities. If confiscated,they are not returned. In the third step, your credit card will becharged an amount in national currency equivalent to U.S. $10 at theBanco del Ejercito. If you do not have a credit card, the bank willaccept cash in an amount equal to the value of your vehicle shown in thetable of vehicle values for bonding companies. Your deposit plus anyinterest it may earn will be returned upon departure from Mexico. Youmay also, instead, obtain a bond through an authorized Mexican bondingcompany located at all border crossings. The bonding companies requirea refundable deposit equal to a substantial percentage of the vehicle'svalue. The bonding company will also assess taxes and processing costsfor this service. Finally, upon your departure from Mexico, and if thevehicle will not be driven back into Mexico, the permit for temporaryimportation must be cancelled at Customs. If these steps are carefullyfollowed, there should be no problem taking your car to Mexico.Remember, if your car is found in Mexico beyond the authorized time orwithout the proper documents, it will be immediately confiscated. Also,the sale, abandonment, or use of the vehicle for financial gain willresult in its confiscation. For more information, contact your nearestoffice of the Mexican Consulate or call 1-800-446-8277.If you bring spare auto parts to Mexico, declare them when you enter thecountry. When you leave, be prepared to show that you are taking theunused parts with you or that you have had them installed in Mexico.Save your repair receipts for this purpose.All vehicular traffic is restricted in the capital city of Mexico Cityin order to reduce air pollution. The restriction is based on the lastdigit of the vehicle license plate. (There is no specific provisionregarding plates with letters only.) Driving of vehicles with temporarylicense plates or any other plate not conforming with the above is notpermitted.Monday: no driving if license plate ends with 5 or 6Tuesday: no driving if license plate ends with 7 or 8Wednesday: no driving if license plate ends with 3 or 4Thursday: no driving if license plate ends with 1 or 2Friday: no driving if license plate ends with 9 or 0Saturday and Sunday: all vehicles may be driven.Avoid excessive speed and, if at all possible, do not drive at night.Loose livestock can appear at any time. Construction sites or strandedvehicles are often unmarked by flares or other warning signals.Sometimes cars have only one headlight. Many cars lack brake lights.Bicycles seldom have lights or reflectors. This makes for verydangerous driving conditions at night. Be prepared for a sudden stop atany time. Mexican driving conditions are such that, for your safety,you must drive more slowly than you do at home.Learn local driving signals. In Mexico, a blinking left turn signal onthe vehicle in front of you could mean that it is clear ahead and youmay pass, or it could mean the driver is making a left turn. Anoutstretched left arm may mean an invitation for you to pass. When indoubt, do not pass.An oncoming vehicle flashing its headlights is a warning for you to slowdown or pull over because you are both approaching a narrow bridge orplace in the road. The custom is that the first vehicle to flash hasthe right of way and the other must yield.When it begins to rain, immediately slow down to a crawl. Freshly wetroads are dangerous because oil and road dust mix with water and form alubricant. Until this mixture washes away, driving is extremelyhazardous. Beware of sudden rains. Stop, or go extremely slow, untilconditions improve.To avoid highway crime, try not to drive at night and never drive aloneduring this time. Never sleep in vehicles along the road. Do not,under any circumstances, pick up hitchhikers who not only pose a threatto your physical safety, but also put you in danger of being arrestedfor unwittingly transporting narcotics or narcotics traffickers in yourvehicle. Your vehicle can be confiscated if you are transportingmarijuana or other narcotics. There are checkpoints and temporaryroadblocks where vehicles are checked.If you plan to drive, learn about your route from an auto club, guidebook, or a Mexican government tourist office. Some routes have heavytruck and bus traffic, others have poor or nonexistent shoulders, andmany have animals on the loose. Also, some of the newer roads have veryfew restaurants, motels, gas stations, or auto repair shops. You maynot be able to avoid all problems, but at least you will know what toexpect if you have done some research.For your safety, have your vehicle serviced and in optimum conditionbefore you leave for Mexico. It is wise to bring an extra fan belt,fuses, and other spare parts. Pack a basic first-aid kit and carry anemergency water supply in your vehicle. Unleaded gasoline (magna sin)is generally available throughout Mexico. Bring a flexible funnel tofill your gas tank because some gas stations have nozzles too large tofit unleaded tanks.If you have an emergency while driving, call the Ministry of Tourism'shotline or (91)(5) 250-8221/8555 ext. 130/297 to obtain help from the"Green Angels," a fleet of radio dispatched trucks with bilingual crewsthat operate daily. Services include protection, medical first aid,mechanical aid for your car, and basic supplies. You will not becharged for services, only for parts, gas, and oil. The Green Angelspatrol daily, from dawn until sunset. If you are unable to call them,pull off the road and lift the hood of your car; chances are good theywill find you.Insurance. Mexican auto insurance is sold in most cities and towns onboth sides of the border. U.S. automobile liability insurance is notvalid in Mexico nor is most collision and comprehensive coverage issuedby U.S. companies. Therefore, when you cross the border, purchase autoinsurance adequate for your needs in Mexico. A good rule of thumb is tobuy coverage equivalent to that which you carry in the United States.Motor vehicle insurance is invalid in Mexico if the driver is found tobe under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Regardless of whether youhave insurance, if you are involved in an accident, you will be takeninto police custody until it can be determined who is liable and whetheryou have the ability to pay any judgment. If you do not have Mexicanliability insurance, you are almost certain to spend some time in jailuntil all parties are satisfied that responsibility has been assignedand adequate financial satisfaction received. There may also becriminal liability assigned if the injuries or damages are serious.Rental CarsRenting in the United States. Many car rental companies in the UnitedStates have clauses in their contracts prohibiting drivers fromtraveling out of the country. The Mexican police are aware of theseregulations, and will sometimes impound rental vehicles driven from theUnited States. When renting a vehicle in the United States, check withthe company to see if your contract allows you to drive it into Mexico.Renting a Car in Mexico. The standard insurance included with many carrental contracts in Mexico provides only nominal liability coverage,often as little as the equivalent of $200. Because Mexican law permitsthe jailing of drivers after an accident until they have met theirobligations to third parties and to the rental company, renters shouldread their contracts carefully and purchase additional liability andcomprehensive insurance if necessary.Bringing Your Own Plane or Boat to MexicoPrivate aircraft and boats are subject to the same Mexican customsregulations as are motor vehicles. When you arrive at a Mexican port inyour private boat, you can obtain a temporary import permit similar tothe one given for motor vehicles.Flying your own plane to Mexico, however, is more complicated. Wellbefore your trip, inquire about private aircraft regulations andprocedures from a Mexican consulate or Mexican Government TouristOffice.CrimeStreet crime is common, especially in urban areas. Persons driving onsome Mexican roads, particularly in isolated regions, have been targetedby bandits who operate primarily after dark. Criminals, particularly inSinaloa, sometimes represent themselves as Mexican police or other localofficials. The U.S. Embassy advises its personnel not to travel onMexican highways after dark. Highway 15 and Express Highway 1 (limitedaccess) in the state of Sinaloa are particularly dangerous areas wherecriminal assaults and murders have occurred, during the day and night.If You Are in Danger. Call the Mexican Ministry of Tourism's emergencyhotline, [91] (5) 250-0123, for immediate assistance. Or, in MexicoCity, dial 06 for police assistance.If You Have Been the Victim of a Crime. Immediately contact the U.S.Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate or consular agency. For addressesand telephone numbers, see the end of this pamphlet. You should alsoreport the crime to the local police immediately.Avoiding Legal ProblemsWhile traveling in Mexico, you are subject to Mexican laws and not U.S.laws. Tourists who commit illegal acts have no special privileges andare subject to full prosecution under the Mexican judicial system.Avoid drug offenses. Mexico rigorously prosecutes drug cases. UnderMexican law, possession of and trafficking in illegal drugs are federaloffenses. For drug trafficking, bail does not exist. Convictedoffenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Sentences forpossession of drugs in Mexico can be as long as 25 years plus fines.Just as in the U.S., the purchase of controlled medication requires adoctor's prescription. The Mexican list of controlled medicationdiffers from the U.S. list, and Mexican public health laws concerningcontrolled medication are unclear. Possession of excessive amounts of apsychotropic drug such as valium can result in your arrest if theauthorities suspect abuse. Mexican law does not differentiate betweentypes of narcotics: heroin, marijuana, and amphetamines, for example,are treated the same. Offenders found guilty of possessing more than atoken amount of any narcotic substance are subject to a minimum sentenceof 10 years, and it is not uncommon for persons charged with drugoffenses to be detained for up to 1 year before a verdict is reached.</text>
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<text>Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad(Consular Affairs Topics)If an American becomes seriously ill or injured abroad, a U. S. consular officer, when notified of the problem, can assist in locating appropriate medical services and help in informing the next-of-kin, family or friends.If necessary, a consular officer can also assist in the transfer of funds from the United States, but payment of hospital and other expenses is your responsibility.Before going abroad, learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas. If your health insurance policy provides coverage outside the United States, REMEMBER to carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of such insurance and a claim form. Although many health insurance companies will pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for your medical evacuation back to the United States which can easily cost $5,000 and up, depending on your location and medical condition.THE SOCIAL SECURITY MEDICARE PROGRAM DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR PAYMENT OF HOSPITALOR MEDICAL SERVICES OUTSIDE THE U.S.A.The American Association of Retired Persons offers foreign medical care coverage at no extra charge with its Medicare supplement plans. This coverage is restricted to treatments considered eligilble under Medicare. In general, it covers 80% of the "customary and reasonable" charges, subject to a $50 deductible for the covered care during the first 60 days. There is a ceiling of $25,000 per trip. This is a reimbursement plan so you must pay the bills first and obtain receipts for submission to the plan.To facilitate identification in case of an accident, complete the information page on the inside of your passport providing the name, address and telephone number of someone to be contacted in an emergency. The name given should not be the same as your traveling companions in case the entire party is involved in the same accident.Travelers going abroad with any preexisting medical problems should carry a letter from their attending physician. The letter should describe their condition and include information on any prescription medications, including the generic name of any prescribed drugs, that they need to take. Any medications being carried overseas should be left in their original containers and be clearly labeled. Travelers should check with the foreign embassy of the country they are visiting to make sure any required medications are not considered to be illegal narcotics.A listing of addresses and telephone numbers of U.S. embassies and consulates abroad is contained in "Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts." This booklet may be obtained through the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, for $1.75 (Publication No. 7877). An annual global rundown of disease and immunization advice and other health guidance, including risks in particular countries, by the Centers for Disease Control may also be obtained from the Government Printing Office in "Health Information for International Travelers" (Publication No. HHS-CDC 90-8280, $5.00 ). The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta also maintains a travelers hotline that can be reached by calling 404-332-4559.For detailed information on physicians abroad, the authoritative reference is the "Directory of Medical Specialists" published for the American Board of Medical Specialists and its 22 certifying member boards. This publication should be available in your local library. If abroad, a list of hospitals and physicians can be obtained from the nearest American embassy or consulate.A number of countries require foreign visitors to be tested for the AIDS virus as a requirement for entry. This applies mostly to those planning to reside overseas. Before traveling, check the latest entry requirements with the foreign embassy of the country to be visited. A listing of "Foreign Entry Requirements" is available for 50 cents from the Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009. The Citizens Emergency Center maintains a travel notice on HIV/AIDS entry requirements. Call 202-647-5225 to obtain these requirements.Several private organizations will provide medical information and insurance for overseas travelers. The following is provided FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and in no way constitutes an endorsement, expressed or implied, by the Department of State:PUBLISHED MEDICAL INFORMATIONBOOKS: How to Stay Healthy Abroad, Dr. Richard Dawood, Penguin U.S.A., P.O. Box 999, Bergenfield, NJ 07621 How To Stay Healthy While Traveling: A Guide For Today's World Traveler by Bob Young, M.D., Box 567, Dept. 2, Santa Barbara, CA 93102DIABETES TRAVEL SERVICES, INC., 39 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022 - Worldwide information on diabetic treatments and physicians.EMERGENCY MEDICAL PAYMENT AND INFORMATION SERVICES c/o your nearest American Express Office. Available to American Express CARDHOLDERS ONLY: 1) A directory of "U.S. Certified Doctors Abroad" (Price: $3.00) 2) A health insurance plan is available through the Firemens Fund Life Insurance Company, 1600 Los Gamos Rd., San Raphael, CA 94911, Attention: American Express Card Service.IAMAT, 736 Center Street, Lewiston, NY 14092 Phone 716-754-4883 International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers: A medical directory, clinical record, and a malaria risk chart are sent without charge; however, a contribution is requested for World Climate Charts.IMMUNIZATION ALERT, P.O. Box 406, Storrs, CT 06268 Phone 203-487-0611 For $25 a traveler is provided with an up-to-date, detailed and personalized health report on up to 6 countries to be visited. It will tell you what diseases are prevalent and what precautions are recommended or advisable.AIR AMBULANCE SERVICES AERO AMBULANCE INTERNATIONAL Executive Airport Philadelphia, PA Ft. Lauderdale, FL San Juan, Puerto Rico 305-776-6800 800-443-8042 (U.S., Canada & Caribbean) Service Area: WorldwideAIR AMBULANCE NETWORK Miami, FL 305-447-0458AIR AMBULANCE OF AMERICA Chicago, IL 800-321-4444NATIONAL AIR AMBULANCE Ft. Lauderdale, FL 305-525-5538 Service Area: Caribbean & Central AmericaAIR MEDIC Pittsburgh, PA 800-423-2667 Service Area: Canada & CaribbeanALPHA AVIATION, INC. Dallas, TX 214-352-4801INTERNATIONAL SOS ASSISTANCE Philadelphia, PA 800-523-8930/215-244-1500 Service Area: WorldwideMERCY MEDICAL AIRLIFT Reston, VA 703-361-1191 (Caribbean and Canada only. Will meet commercialincoming patient flights at JFK International Airport in New York/New Jersey area and at Miami International Airport, other airports if necessary.)WORLD CARE TRAVEL ASSISTANCE 1150 S. Olive St. Suite T-2233 Los Angeles, CA 90015 800-253-1877-------------------------------------------------------------------------------</text>
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<text>DEPARTMENT OF STATEVISA BULLETIN NO 50, VOLUME VII: DIVERSITY IMMIGRATIONBUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS United States Department of State Bureau of Consular AffairsNumber 50 Volume VII Washington, D.C.____________________________________________IMMIGRANT VISA AVAILABILITY IN THE DIVERSITY IMMIGRANT (DV)CATEGORY FOR THE REMAINDER OF FISCAL YEAR 1995Section 203(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Actauthorizes 55,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year (beginning with FY-1995) to provide immigration opportunities for persons from countries other than the principal sources of current immigration to the UnitedStates. These "Diversity" (DV) visas are divided among six geographicregions. Not more than 3,850 visas (7% of the 55,000 visa limit) may beprovided to immigrants from any one country.The allotment of FY-1995 visa numbers for each region is asfollows:Africa, 20,200;Asia, 6,837;Europe, 24,549;North America (Bahamas), 8;South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, 2,589;and Oceania, 817.Entitlement to immigrant status in the DV category lasts onlythrough the end of the fiscal (visa) year for which the applicant isselected in the annual visa lottery. The year of entitlement for allapplicants registered for Fiscal (visa) Year 1995 ends as of September30, 1995, and their lottery registration will confer no benefit afterthat date.As with earlier lotteries, to permit DV visas to be madeavailable to the limits, substantially more persons have been registeredthan there are visas, since many applicants are liable not to pursuetheir visa case. DV numbers available for allocation each month have been provided in order of lottery rank to applicants reported documentarily qualified to the Department of State for allocation. Allocation cut-offs were established when visa demand was in excess of the supply of available numbers.DV visa availability determinations are being made threemonths in advance, as compared to one month in advance for preferenceimmigrant categories. Thus, DV determinations have already been madenot only for May, but for June and July as well. Those determinations are listed below.Diversity Immigrant Numbers for May, June and July 1995For MAY, immigrant numbers in the DV category are availableto qualified applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries asfollows. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas areavailable only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbers BELOW the specified allocation cut-off number: All DV Charge- ability Areas Except ThoseRegion Listed SeparatelyAFRICA AF 21,953 EXCEPT: ETHIOPIA 14,695 NIGERIA 17,455ASIA AS 04,293 EXCEPT: BANGLADESH AS 02,292EUROPE Current EXCEPT: POLAND (see note 1 below)NORTH AMERICA (see note 2 below)(BAHAMAS)OCEANIA OC 00,564SOUTH AMERICA, SA 02,536CENTRAL AMERICA, and the CARIBBEANFor JUNE, immigrant numbers in the DV category are availableto qualified applicants chargeable to all regions/eligiblecountries as follows. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visasare available only for applicants with DV regional lottery ranknumbers BELOW the specified allocation cut-off number: All DV Charge- ability Areas Except Those Region Listed Separately AFRICA AF 21,956 EXCEPT: ETHIOPIA 19,539 NIGERIA 18,250 ASIA AS 04,296 EXCEPT: BANGLADESH AS 03,233 EUROPE Current EXCEPT: POLAND (see note 1 below) NORTH AMERICA (see note 2 below) (BAHAMAS) OCEANIA OC 00,564 CENTRAL AMERICA, and the CARIBBEANFor JULY, immigrant numbers in the DV category are availableto qualified applicants chargeable to all regions/eligiblecountries as follows. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visasare available only for applicants with DV regional lottery ranknumbersBELOW the specified allocation cut-off number: All DV Charge- ability Areas Except ThoseRegion Listed SeparatelyAFRICA AF 26,931 EXCEPT: ETHIOPIA 25,440 NIGERIA 24,319ASIA AS 05,721 EXCEPT: BANGLADESH AS 04,733EUROPE Current EXCEPT: POLAND (see note 1 below)NORTH AMERICA (see note 2 below)(BAHAMAS)OCEANIA OC 00,075SOUTH AMERICA, SA 02,843CENTRAL AMERICA, and the CARIBBEAN NOTE 1: Visas have already been made available for FY-1995 to the Poland limit (3,850). At present there are no numbersavailable for this country. Further allocations will be possible only to the extent that numbers already made available are returned unused and can then be reallocated. When the May DV allocations were initiallymade, Diversity visa numbers were provided for Poland applicants with lottery rank numbers below 1,314. Applicants for whom numbers wereallocated were scheduled for visa interviews and sent notification letters by the National Visa Center. Such scheduled visa interviews are not affected by the unavailability of further allocations, but if finalaction on such cases is not taken during the month for which a visanumber has been allocated, there is no assurance that a furtherallocation will be possible in the future. No Poland numbers were allocated or appointments scheduled for June or July. NOTE 2: Visas have already been made available for FY-1995 to the North America limit (8). At present further North America DV allocations are "Unavailable". Some North America numbers made available to consular offices may be returned unused to the Department of State at the end of the month of allocation; such numbers would then be available for reallocation. It is not likely that the amount of such numbers will be very great, however.DV Number Allocations for the Remainder of FY-1995July is the first month of the final quarter of Fiscal (visa)Year 1995, which ends on September 30. By the time that DV allocationsfor July (based on the visa availability cut-offs noted above) weremade, applicant demand was sufficient for numbers to have reachedthe FY-1995 limits in five of the DV regions: Africa, Asia, NorthAmerica, Oceania, and South America. The amount of numbers remaining for July allocation was sufficient to permit only those documentarily qualified applicants to be accommodated whose rank numbers were below the cut-offs indicated. In the Europe region applicant demand was less than the total of numbers available, however. Thus, Europe allocations are shown as "current" for July, with a balance of numbers remaining for use during the latter months of FY-1995.In addition, DV allocations for four countries have reachedthe 3,850 per-country limit: Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nigeria, andPoland. Applicant demand in excess of the per-country limit hasoversubscribed DV allocations for those countries, and visa availability for each is indicated separately from that of the regions in which theyare located.IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT DV VISA NUMBERS HAVE ALREADYBEEN ALLOCATED FOR ALL ENTITLED APPLICANTS WHO HAD BEEN REPORTEDDOCUMENTARILY QUALIFIED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE IN ADVANCE OF THESETTING OF THE CUT-OFFS FOR THE RESPECTIVE MONTHS INDICATED ABOVE. THUS, NUMBERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE AVAILABLE FOR EVERY APPLICANT WHO HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR A VISA INTERVIEW AT A CONSULAR OFFICE DURING MAY, JUNE OR JULY. CASE PROCESSING FOR APPLICANTS WHO ARE SENT DV VISAAPPOINTMENT LETTERS ARE NOT DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THE LIMITS FOR THE YEAR HAVING BEEN REACHED. SUCH APPLICANTS WHO WHICH TO OBTAIN DV VISAS SHOULD APPEAR FOR THEIR SCHEDULED VISA INTERVIEW. AS LONG AS THEY PRESENT ALL OF THE REQUIRED VISA DOCUMENTATION TO THE CONSULAR OFFICER AT THAT TIME AND THEY ARE DETERMINED TO MEET THE VISA ELIGIBILITYREQUIREMENTS, THEIR VISAS CAN BE ISSUED. APPLICANTS SCHEDULED FOR CONSULAR INTERVIEW WHO DO NOT KEEP THEIR APPOINTMENT RISK A VERY UNCERTAIN PROSPECT FOR RESCHEDULING TO A LATER MONTH SINCE THE EXTENT TO WHICH FUTURE DV ALLOCATIONS MIGHT BE POSSIBLE IS NOT KNOWN.DV NUMBERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE AVAILABLE AS WELL TO INSOFFICES FOR MANY APPLICANTS SEEKING ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS WHOSE CASES ARESCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION DURING MAY, JUNE OR JULY, AS LONG AS THEIRCASE RANK NUMBER IS WITHIN THE RESPECTIVE ALLOCATION CUT-OFF FOR THOSEMONTHS. SUCH CASES MAY ALSO BE PROCESSED TO COMPLETION IF THEAPPLICANTS ARE OTHERWISE ELIGIBLE.In all DV regions other than Europe (for which there arestill DV numbers available for allocation) and for the DVoversubscribed countries noted above, FUTURE allocations will necessarily depend upon the extent to which numbers already made available are returned unused to the Department of State for reallocation. All visa numbers are allocated for use during a specified month; at the end of such month, standard procedures call for any numbers which have not been used for issuance to be returned to the Department of State. Any August or September DV allocations will be possible only on the basis of such returned numbers. While it is probable that there will be some unused numbers returned for reallocation, the extent of such returns cannot be known in advance. It is thus not possible at present to offer any prediction on the prospects of DV visa availability for August and September. Heavy demand within the Europe region could in future make necessary the establishment of a rank cut-off there also. Applicants cannot take future DV visa availability for granted even in Europe, or assume that visas will be available through September. Completion of DV cases as promptly as possible is to the advantage of all applicants.APRIL 1995(###)</text>
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<name>Immigration numbers</name>
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card_107404.xml
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<!DOCTYPE card PUBLIC "-//Apple, Inc.//DTD card V 2.0//EN" "" >
<text>U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE HIV TESTING REQUIREMENTSPUBLISHED BY THE BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRSDECEMBER 1994 December 1994Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)Testing Requirements for Entry into Foreign Countries An increasing number of countries require that foreigners be testedfor Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prior to entry. This isparticularly true for students or long-term visitors. The followinglist of country requirements is based on information available as ofNovember 1994 and is subject to change. Before traveling abroad, checkwith the embassy of the country to be visited to learn entryrequirements and specifically whether or not AIDS testing is arequirement. If the list indicates U.S. test results are acceptable"under certain conditions" in a particular country, prospectivetravelers should inquire at the embassy of that country for details(i.e., which laboratories in the United States may perform tests andwhere to have results certified and authenticated) before departing theUnited States.Country Test Required For U.S. Test Accepted?Australia All applicants for permanent Yes* residence age 15 and over. All other applicants who require medical examinations are tested if it is indicated on clinical grounds.Bahrain Foreign workers in certain No, testing performed job categories, i.e. hotel on arrival staff, hair dressers, etc. Belize All applicants for residency Yes* permitsBritish Virgin Anyone staying more than 6 Yes Islands months and applicants for work permitsBulgaria May be required for any No foreigner staying longer than one month for purposes of study or work and all intending immigrantsChina, People's Those staying more than 6 Yes, under certain Republic of months conditions*Colombia Anyone suspected of being HIV N/A positive will not be admittedCuba All foreigners, excluding No diplomats, staying 90 days or longerCyprus All foreigners working or No studyingDominican Republic Foreigners seeking No residencyEgypt All foreigners staying for Yes, under certain more than 30 days conditions*El Salvador All applicants for permanent No residency over 18 yearsEstonia Foreigners seeking Yes, under certain residency or work permits conditions*Germany, Federal Applicants for residence No Republic of permits staying over 180 days (Bavaria only) in BavariaGreece Woman intending to work Yes, under certain in entertainment centers conditions*Hungary Anyone staying over 1 year, Yes, under certain and all intending immigrants conditions* (some employers may require workers to be tested)India All students over 18, anyone Test must be taken between the ages of 18 and within 30 days of 70 with a visa valid for one arrival* year or more and anyone extending a stay to a year or more, excluding accredited journalists and those working in foreign missionsIraq Anyone staying over 5 days Yes, under certain (Failure to have the test conditions* (To avoid done will result in a fine up to $330 fee have test $1600.) done in the U.S. before departing.)Kazakhstan Workers and students staying Yes, under certain over 3 months and anyone conditions* seeking residencyKorea Foreigners working as enter- Yes tainers staying over 90 days and foreign athletes who are members of Korean teamsKuwait Those planning to obtain No residence permitsLebanon Those planning to live or No* workLibya Those seeking residence Yes permits, excluding official visitorsLithuania Applicants for permanent Yes, under certain residence permits conditions*Malaysia Foreigners seeking work Yes, under certain permits conditions*Marshall Islands, Temporary visitors staying Yes, under certain Republic of the more than 30 days, and conditions* applicants for residence permitsMauritius Foreigners planning to work Yes, under certain or seek permanent residence conditions*Mexico Applicants for permanent Yes, under certain residence visas conditions*Micronesia Anyone staying over 90 days Yes(Federated States of)Montserrat University students and appli- Yes, under certain cants for work and residency conditions*Oman Those newly-employed by No private sector companies and upon renewal of work permitPapua Anyone planning to work Yes New Guinea or seeking residencyParaguay Applicants for temporary Yes, under certain or permanent resident status conditions*Philippines Applicants for permanent Yes resident visasRussia All foreign visitors (pending No* legislation)Saudi Arabia Applicants for residency/work Yes permitsSt. Kitts and Nevis Students, intending immigrants Yes, under certain and those seeking employment conditions*Singapore Workers who earn less than No $945 per monthSyria Those seeking residency and No anyone wishing to marry a Syrian national in SyriaTaiwan Applicants for residence and work Yes, under certain permits (may also be required for conditions* those extending visitor visas)Turks and Caicos Islands Foreign workers (testing is No part of medical exam that is required for work permits)United Arab Applicants for work or No, testing preformed Emirates residence permits on arrivalUkraine Anyone staying longer than Yes, under certain 3 months conditions**Check with the embassy or representative office in Washington, D.C. fordetailed requirements. Prepared by the Bureau of Consular Affairs Public Affairs and Policy Coordination StaffDecember 1994(###)</text>
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<name>HIV testing</name>
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card_107097.xml
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<text>Crime - Notice (Travel Advisories)June 29, 1992 The U.S. Department of State provides the following travel notice for U.S. citizens traveling abroad.When planning your trip abroad, take steps to protect yourself from crime or theft. Crimes against travelers are a growing problem worldwide. Tourists are particularly targeted by criminals because they are usually carrying cash and are often easy to distract. Any traveler can become a victim of crimes such as pick-pocketings, robberies, sexual assaults and muggings. To keep yourself safe while traveling, follow the same common-sense precautions you would exercise at home:-- Do not take valuable items on your trip. Carry travelers checks and major credit cards, not large amounts of cash.-- Hide your valuables on your person. Wrapping rubber bands around your wallet makes it more difficult for a pickpocket to remove. Don't carry money or identification in a handbag; all too often, thieves simply take the bag, sometimes breaking arms in the process. If possible, don't carry a handbag at all.-- Before leaving, make a copy of the identification page of your passport. Take the copy with you on your trip, keeping it separate from the passport itself. While traveling, leave your passport and any money you don't expect to need that day locked in a hotel safety deposit box. If local law does not require you to keep your passport with you, carry only the photocopy of your passport when you leave your hotel.-- Find out which parts of town local inhabitants consider risky. If you are out alone at night, stay in well-lit areas; don't use short cuts or narrow alleys.-- Be especially alert in crowds. The most common sites for purse, bag or camera snatching are the central train stations, crowded shopping areas and places heavily frequented by tourists, such as on public buses, trams and subways.-- Thieves often strike when travelers are distracted. A bag casually left at one's feet or on a cart while checking a train schedule or using a telephone is an easy target. Money belts or pouches worn on the outside of clothing or loosely hung around the neck are easily cut or ripped off. Wearing them on the outside highlights where you keep all your valuables.-- Travel with several passport size photos. It can be hard to get replacement photos on short notice if your passport is lost or stolen. Keep a record of your passport number, and the date and place of issuance separate from the passport itself. -- If driving, keep your car doors locked and suitcases out of sight.-- Don't leave valuables in parked cars. Thieves particularly target rental cars and cars with out of town or foreign license plates.If you should fall victim to crime, remember that the U.S. Embassy is there to help you. Every embassy and consulate has a duty officer on-call around the clock to assist in an emergency. If you need emergency medical care, the duty officer will try to help you get in touch with a doctor or clinic. If you lose your passport, report the loss to the local police and go to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate on the next business day to apply for a new one. If you have a police report, photos and proof of identification (or are accompanied by someone who can identify you), a new passport can often be issued the same day.The following pamphlets are published by the Department of State to assist Americans traveling abroad. Single copies of these publications are available for $1.00 each from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Please send checks or money orders.Your Trip AbroadA Safe Trip AbroadTravel Tips for Older AmericansTips for Americans Residing AbroadTips for Travelers to the CaribbeanTips for Travelers to Central and South AmericaTips for Travelers to Eastern Europe (under revision)Tips for Travelers to MexicoTips for Travelers to the Middle East and North AfricaTips for Travelers to the People's Republic of ChinaTips for Travelers to South AsiaTips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan AfricaTips for Travelers to the USSR (under revision)No. 92-136This travel advisory replaces the travel advisory dated May 22, 1991 with minor changes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------</text>
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<name>Crime</name>
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card_106759.xml
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<!DOCTYPE card PUBLIC "-//Apple, Inc.//DTD card V 2.0//EN" "" >
<text>POSSIBLE LOSS OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP(Consular Affairs Topics)The Department of State is responsible for determining the citizenship status of a person located outside the United States or in connection with the application for a U.S. passport while in the United States.POTENTIALLY EXPATRIATING STATUTESSection 349 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, states that U.S. citizens are subject to loss of citizenship if they perform certain acts voluntarily and with the intention to relinquish U.S. citizenship. Briefly stated, these acts include:(1) Obtaining naturalization in a foreign state;(2) Taking an oath, affirmation or other formal declaration to a foreign state or its political subdivisions;(3) Entering or serving in the armed forces of a foreign state engaged in hostilities against the U.S. or serving as a commissioned or non-commissioned officer in the armed forces of a foreign state;(4) Accepting employment with a foreign government if (a) one has the nationality of that foreign state or (b) a declaration of allegiance is required in accepting the position;(5) Formally renouncing U.S. citizenship before a U.S. consular officer outside the United States;(6) Formally renouncing U.S. citizenship within the United States (only "in time of war");(7) Conviction for an act of treason.ADMINISTRATIVE STANDARD OF EVIDENCEAs already noted, the action listed above can cause loss of U.S citizenship only if performed voluntarily and with the intention of relinquishing U.S. citizenship. THE DEPARTMENT HAS A UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE STANDARD BASED ON THE PREMISE THAT U.S. CITIZENS INTEND TO RETAIN UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP WHEN THEY OBTAIN NATURALIZATION IN A FOREIGN STATE, SUBSCRIBE TO ROUTINE DECLARATIONS OF ALLEGIANCE TO A FOREIGN STATE, OR ACCEPT NON-POLICY LEVEL EMPLOYMENT WITH A FOREIGN GOVERNMENT.DISPOSITION OF CASES WHEN ADMINISTRATIVE PREMISE IS APPLICABLEIn light of the administrative premise discussed above, a person who:(1) is naturalized in a foreign country;(2) takes a routine oath of allegiance; or(3) accepts non-policy level employment with a foreign governmentand in so doing wishes to retain U.S. citizenship need not submit prior to the commission of a potentially expatriating act a statement or evidence of his or her intent to retain U.S. citizenship since such an intent will be presumed.When such cases come to the attention of a U.S. consular officer, the person concerned will be asked to comlete a questionnaire to ascertain his or her intent toward U.S. citizehsip. Unless the person affirmatively asserts in the questionnaire that it was his or her intention to relinquish U.S. citizenship, the consular officer will certify that it was NOT the person's intent to relinquish U.S. citizenship and, consequently, find that the person has retained U.S. citizenship.DISPOSITION OF CASES WHEN ADMINISTRATIVE PREMISE IS INAPPLICABLEThe premise that a person intends to retain U.S. citizenship is NOT applicable when the individual:(1) formally renounces U.S. citizenship before a consular officer;(2) takes a policy level position in a foreign state;(3) is convicted of treason; or(4) performs an act made potentially expatriating by statute accompanied by conduct which is so inconsistent with retention of U.S. citizenship that it compels a conclusion that the individual intended to relinquish U.S. citizenship. (Such cases are very rare.)Cases in categories 2, 3, and 4 will be developed carefully by U.S. consular officers to ascertain the individual's intent toward U.S. citizenship.PERSONS WHO WISH TO RELINQUISHAn individual who has performed ANY of the acts made potentially expatriating by statute who wishes to lose U.S. citizenship may do so by affirming in writing to a U.S. consular officer that the act was performed withan intent to relinquish U.S. citizenship. Of course, a person always has the option of seeking to formally renounce U.S. citizenship in accordance with Section 349(a)(5) INA.APPLICABILITY OF ADMINISTRATIVE PREMISE TO PAST CASESThe premise established by the administrative standard of evidence is applicable to cases adjudicated previously. Persons who previously lost U.S. citizenship may wish to have their cases reconsidered in light of this policy. A person may initiate such a reconsideration by submitting a request to the nearest U.S. consular office or by writing directly to:Director, Office of Citizens Consular Services(CA/OCS/CCS), Room 4811 NSDepartment of StateWashington, DC 20520-4818Each case will be reviewed on its own merits taking into consideration, for example, statements made by the person at the time of the potentially expatriating act.QUESTIONSFor further information, please contact the appropriate geographic division of the Office of Citizens Consular Services:Europe and Canada Division............................(202) 647-3445Inter-American Division...............................(202) 647-3712East Asia and Pacific Division........................(202) 647-3675Near Eastern and South Asia Division..................(202) 647-3926Africa Division:......................................(202) 647-4994-------------------------------------------------------------------------------</text>
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<name>Citizenship</name>
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card_106751.xml
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<!DOCTYPE card PUBLIC "-//Apple, Inc.//DTD card V 2.0//EN" "" >
<text>TEXT OF HAGUE CONVENTIONCONVENTION ON THE CIVIL ASPECTS OF INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTION(Consular Affairs Topics)The States signatory to the present Convention,Firmly convinced that the interests of children are of paramountimportance in matters relating to their custody,Desiring to protect children internationally from the harmful effectsof their wrongful removal or retention and to establish proceduresto ensure their prompt return to the State of habitual residence,as well as to secure protection for rights of access,Have resolved to conclude a Convention to this effect, and have agreedupon the following provisions -CHAPTER I - SCOPE OF THE CONVENTIONArticle 1The objects of the present Convention are -(a) to secure the prompt return of children wrongfully removed toor retained in any Contracting State; and(b) to ensure that rights of custody and of access under the lawof one Contracting State are effectively respected in the other ContractingStates.Article 2Contracting States shall take all appropriate measures to securewithin their territories the implementation of the objects of theConvention. For this purpose they shall use the most expeditiousprocedures available.Article 3The removal or the retention of a child is to be considered wrogful where -(a) it is in breach of right of custody attributed to a person,an institution or any other body, either jointly or alone, underthe law of the State in which the child was habitually resident immediatelybefore the removal or retention; and(b) at the time of removal or retention those rights were actuallyexercised, either jointly or alone, or would have been so exercisedbut for the removal of retention.The rights of custody mentioned in sub-paragraph (a) above, may arisein particular by operation of law or by reason of a judicial or administrativedecision, or by reason of an agreement having legal effect underthe law of that State.Article 4The Convention shall apply to any child who was habitually residentin a Contracting State immediately before any breach of custody oraccess rights. The Convention shall cease to apply when the childattains the age of 16 years.Article 5For the purposes of this Convention -(a) "rights of custody" shall include rights relating to the careof the person of the child and, in particular, the right to determinethe child's place of residence;(b) "rights of access" shall include the right to take a child fora limited period of time to a place other than the child's habitual residence.CHAPTER II - CENTRAL AUTHORITIESArticle 6A Contracting State shall designate a Central Authority to dischargethe duties which are imposed by the Convention upon such authorities.Federal States, States with more than one system of law or Stateshaving autonomous territorial organizations shall be free to appointmore than one Central Authority and to specify the territorial extentof their powers. Where a State has appointed more than one CentralAuthority, it shall designate the Central Authority to which applicationsmay be addressed for transmission to the appropriate Central Authoritywith that State.Article 7Central Authorities shall co-operate with each other and promoteco-operation amongst the competent authorities in their respectiveStates to secure the prompt return of children and to achieve theother objects of this Convention.In particular, either directly or through any intermediary, theyshall take all appropriate measures -(a) to discover the whereabouts of a child who has been wrongfullyremoved or retained;(b) to prevent further harm to the child or prejudice to interestedparties by taking or causing to be taken provisional measures;(c) to secure the voluntary return of the child or to bring aboutan amicable resolution of the issues;(d) to exchange, where desirable, information relating to the socialbackground of the child;(e) to provide information of a general character as to the lawof their State in connection with the application of the Convention;(f) to initiate or facilitate the institution of judicial or administrativeproceedings with a view to obtaining the return of the child and,in a proper case, to make arrangements for organizing or securingthe effective exercise of rights of access;(g) where the circumstances so require, to provide or facilitatethe provision of legal aid and advice, including the participationof legal counsel and advisers;(h) to provide such administrative arrangements as may be necessaryand appropriate to secure the safe return of the child;(i) to keep each other informed with respect to the operation ofthis Convention and, as far as possible, to eliminate any obstaclesto its application.CHAPTER III - RETURN OF CHILDRENArticle 8Any person, institution or other body claiming that a child has beenremoved or retained in breach of custody rights may apply eitherto the Central Authority of the child's habitual residence or thethe Central Authority of any other Contracting State for assistancein securing the return of the child.The application shall contain -(a) information concerning the identity of the applicant, of thechild and of the person alleged to have removed or retained the child;(b) where available, the date of birth of the child;(c) the grounds on which the applicant's claim for return of thechild is based;(d) all available information relating to the whereabouts of thechild and the identity of the person with whom the child is presumed to be.The application may be accompanied or supplemented by -(e) an authenticated copy of any relevant decision or agreement;(f) a certificate or an affidavit emanating from a Central Authority,or other competent authority of the State of the child's habitualresidence, or from a qualified person, concerning the relevant lawof that State;(g) any other relevant document.Article 9If the Central Authority which receives an application referred toin Article 8 has reason to believe that the child is in another ContractingState, it shall directly and without delay transmit the applicationto the Central Authority of that Contracting State and inform therequesting Central Authority, or the applicant, as the case may be.Article 10The Central Authority of the State where the child is shall takeor cause to be taken all appropriate measures in order to obtainthe voluntary return of the child.Article 11The judicial or administrative authorities of Contracting Statesshall act expeditiously in proceedings for the return of children.If the judicial or administrative authority concerned has not reacheda decision within six weeks from the date of commencement of theproceedings, the applicant or the Central Authority of the requestedState, on its own initiative or if asked by the Central Authorityof the requesting State, shall have the right to request a statementof the reasons of delay. If a reply is received by the Central Authorityof the requested State, that Authority shall transmit the reply tothe Central Authority of the requesting State, or to the applicant,as the case may be.Article 12Where a child has been wrongfully removed or retained in terms ofArticle 3 and, at the date of the commencement of the proceedingsbefore the judicial or administrative authority of the ContractingState where the child is, a period of less than one year has elapsedfrom the date of the wrongful removal or retention, the authorityconcerned shall order the return of the child forthwith.The judicial or administrative authority, even where the proceedingshave been commenced after the expiration of the period of one yearreferred to in the preceding paragraph, shall also order the returnof the child, unless it is demonstrated that the child is now settledin its new environment.Where the judicial or administrative authority in the requested Statehas reason to believe that the child has been taken to another State,it may stay the proceedings or dismiss the application for the returnof the child.Article 13Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding Article, the judicialor administrative authority of the requested State is not bound toorder the return of the child if the person, institution or otherbody which opposes its return establishes that -(a) the person, institution or other body having the care of theperson of the child was not actually exercising the custody rightsat the time of removal or retention, or had consented to or subsequentlyacquiesced in the removal or retention; or(b) there is a grave risk that his or her return would expose thechild to physical or psychological harm or otherwise place the childin an intolerable situation.The judicial or administrative authority may also refuse to orderthe return of the child if it finds that the child objects to beingreturned and has attained an age and degree of maturity at whichit is appropriate to take account of its views.In considering the circumstances referred to in this Article, thejudicial and administrative authorities shall take into account theinformation relating to the social background of the child providedby the Central Authority or other competent authority of the child'shabitual residence.Article 14In ascertaining whether there has been a wrongful removal or retentionwithin the meaning of Article 3, the judicial or administrative authoritiesof the requested State may take notice directly of the law of, andof judicial and administrative decisions, formally recognized ornot in the State of the habitual residence of the child, withoutrecourse to the specific procedures for the proof of that law orfor the recognition of foreign decisions which would otherwise be applicable.Article 15The judicial or administrative authorities of a Contracting Statemay, prior to the making of an order for the return of the child,request that the applicant obtain from the authorities of the Stateof the habitual residence of the child a decision or other determinationthat the removal or retention was wrongful within the meaning ofArticle 3 of the Convention, where such a decision or determinationmay be obtained in that State. The Central Authorities of the ContractingStates shall so far as practicable assist applicants to obtain sucha decision or determination.Article 16After receiving notice of a wrongful removal or retention of a childin the sense of Article 3, the judicial or administrative authoritiesof the Contracting State to which the child has been removed or inwhich it has been retained shall not decide on the merits of rightsof custody until it has been determined that the child is not tobe returned under this Convention or unless an application underthis Convention is not lodged within a reasonable time followingreceipt of the notice.Article 17The sole fact that a decision relating to custody has been givenin or is entitled to recognition in the requested State shall notbe a ground for refusing to return a child under this Convention,but the judicial or administrative authorities of the requested Statemay take account of the reasons for that decision in applying this Convention.Article 18The provisions of this Chapter do not limit the power of a judicialor administrative authority to order the return of the child at any time.Article 19A decision under this Convention concerning the return of the childshall not be taken to be a determination on the merits of any custody issue.Article 20The return of the child under the provisions of Article 12 may berefused if this would not be permitted by the fundamental principlesof the requested State relating to the protection of human rightsand fundamental freedoms.CHAPTER IV - RIGHTS OF ACCESSArticle 21An application to make arrangements for organizing or securing theeffective exercise of rights of access may be presented to the CentralAuthorities of the Contracting States in the same way as an applicationfor the return of a child.The Central Authorities are bound by the obligations of co-operationwhich are set forth in Article 7 to promote the peaceful enjoymentof access rights and the fulfillment of any conditions to which theexercise of those rights may be subject. The Central Authoritiesshall take steps to remove, as far as possible, all obstacles tothe exercise of such rights. The Central Authorities, either directlyor through intermediaries, may initiate or assist in the institutionof proceedings with a view to organizing or protecting these rightsand securing respect for conditions to which the exercise of theserights may be subject.CHAPTER V - GENERAL PROVISIONSArticle 22No security, bond or deposit, however described, shall be requiredto guarantee the payment of costs and expenses in the judicial oradministrative proceedings falling within the scope of this Convention.Article 23No legalization or similar formality may be required in the contextof this Convention.Article 24Any application, communication or other document sent to the CentralAuthority of the requested State shall be in the original language,and shall be accompanied by a translation into the official languageor one of the official languages of the requested State or, wherethat is not feasible, a translation into French or English.However, a Contracting State may, by making a reservation in accordancewith Article 42, object to the use of either French or English, butnot both, in any application, communication or other document sentto its Central Authority.Article 25Nationals of the Contracting States and persons who are habituallyresident within those States shall be entitled in matters concernedwith the application of this Convention to legal aid and advice inany other Contracting State on the same conditions as if they themselveswere nationals of and habitually resident in that State.Article 26Each Central Authority shall bear its own costs in applying this Convention.Central Authorities and other public services of Contracting Statesshall not impose any charges in relation to applications submittedunder this Convention. In particular, they may not require any paymentfrom the applicant towards the costs and expenses of the proceedingsor, where applicable, those arising from the participation of legalcounsel or advisers. However, they may require the payment of theexpenses incurred or to be incurred in implementing the return of the child.However, a Contracting State may, by making a reservation in accordancewith Article 42, declare that it shall not be bound to assume anycosts referred to in the preceding paragraph resulting from the participationof legal counsel or advisers or form court proceedings, except insofaras those costs may be covered by its system of legal aid and advice.Upon ordering the return of the child or issuing an concerning rightsof access under this Convention, the judicial or administrative authoritiesmay, where appropriate, direct the person who removed or retainedthe child, or who prevented the exercise of rights of access, topay necessary expenses incurred or payments made for locating thechild, the costs of legal representation of the applicant, and thoseof returning the child.Article 27When it is manifest that the requirements of this Convention arenot fulfilled or that the application is otherwise not well founded,a Central Authority is not bound to accept the application. In thatcase, the Central Authority shall forthwith inform the applicantor the Central Authority through which the application was submitted,as the case may be, of its reasons.Article 28A Central Authority may require that the application be accompaniedby a written authorization empowering it to act on behalf of theapplicant, or to designate a representative so to act.Article 29This Convention shall not preclude any person, institution or bodywho claims that there has been a breach of custody or access rightswithin the meaning of Article 3 or 21 from applying directly to thejudicial or administrative authorities of a Contracting State, whetheror not under the provisions of this Convention.Article 30Any application submitted to the Central Authorities or directlyto the judicial or administrative authorities of a Contracting Statein accordance with the terms of this Convention, together with documentsand any other information appended thereto or provided by a CentralAuthority, shall be admissible in the courts or administrative authoritiesof the Contracting States.Article 31In relation to a State which in matters of custody of children hastwo or more systems of law applicable in different territorial units -(a) any reference to habitual residence in that State shall be construedas referring to habitual residence in a territorial unit of that State;(b) any reference to the law of the State of habitual residenceshall be construed as referred to the law of the territorial unitin that State where the child habitually resides.Article 32In relation to a State which in matters of custody of children hastwo or more systems of law applicable to different categories ofpersons, any reference to the law of that State shall be construedas referring to the legal system specified by the law of that State.Article 33A State within which different territorial units have their own rulesof law in respect of custody of children shall not be bound to applythis Convention where a State with a unified system of law wouldnot be bound to do so.Article 34This Convention shall take priority in matters within its scope overthe "Convention of 5 October 1961 concerning the powers of authoritiesand the law applicable in respect of the protection of minors." asbetween Parties to both Conventions. Otherwise the present Conventionshall not restrict the application of an international instrumentin force between the State of origin and the State addressed or otherlaw of the State addressed for the purposes of obtaining the returnof a child who has been wrongfully removed or retained or of organizingaccess rights.Article 35This Convention shall apply as between Contracting States only towrongful removals or retentions occurring after its entry into forcein those States.Where a declaration has been made under Article 39 or 40, the referencein the preceding paragraph to a Contracting State shall be takento refer to the territorial unit or units in relation to which thisConvention applies.Article 36Nothing in this Convention shall prevent two or more ContractingStates, in order to limit the restrictions to which the return ofthe child may be subject, from agreeing among themselves to derogatefrom any provisions of this Convention which may imply such a restriction.CHAPTER VI - FINAL CLAUSESArticle 37The Convention shall be open for signature by the States which wereMember of the Hague Conference on Private International Law at thetime of its Fourteenth Session.It shall be ratified, accepted or approved and the instruments ofratification, acceptance or approval shall be deposited with theMinistry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.Article 38Any other State may accede to the Convention.The instrument of accession shall be deposited with the Ministryof Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.The Convention shall enter into force for a State acceding to iton the first day of the third calendar month after the deposit ofits instrument of accession.The accession will have effect only as regards the relations betweenthe acceding State and such Contracting States as will have declaredtheir acceptance of the accession. Such a declaration will alsohave to be made by any Member State ratifying, accepting or approvingthe Convention after an accession. Such declaration shall be depositedat the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands;this Ministry shall forward, through diplomatic channels, a certifiedcopy to each of the Contracting States.The Convention will enter into force between the acceding State andthe State that has declared its acceptance of the accession on thefirst day of the third calendar month after the deposit of the declarationof acceptance.Article 39Any State may, at the time of signature, ratification, acceptance,approval or accession, declare that the Convention shall extend toall the territories for the international relations of which it isresponsible, or to one or more of them. Such a declaration shalltake effect at the time the Convention enters into force for that State.Such declaration, as well as any subsequent extension, shall be notifiedto the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.Article 40If a Contracting State has two or more territorial units in whichdifferent systems of law are applicable in relation to matters dealtwith in this Convention, it may at the time of signature, ratification,acceptance, approval or accession declare that this Convention shallextend to all its territorial units or only to one or more of themand may modify this declaration by submitting another declaration at any time.Any such declaration shall be notified to the Ministry of ForeignAffairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and shall state expresslythe territorial units to which the Convention applies.Article 41Where a Contracting State has a system of government under whichexecutive, judicial and legislative powers are distributed betweencentral and other authorities within that State, its signature orratification, acceptance or approval of, or accession to this Convention,or its making of any declaration in terms of Article 40 shall carryno implication as to the internal distribution of powers within that State.Article 42Any State may, not later than the time of ratification, acceptance,approval or accession, or at the time of making a declaration interms of Article 39 or 40, make one or both of the reservations providedfor in Article 24 and Article 26, third paragraph. No other reservationshall be permitted.Any State may at any time withdraw a reservation it has made. Thewithdrawal shall be notified to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ofthe Kingdom of the Netherlands.The reservation shall cease to have effect on the first day of thethird calendar month after the notification referred to in the precedingparagraph.Article 43The Convention shall enter into force on the first day of the thirdcalendar month after the deposit of the third instrument of ratification,acceptance, approval or accession referred to in Articles 37 and 38.Thereafter the Convention shall enter into force -(1) for each State ratifying, accepting, approving or acceding toit subsequently, on the first day of the third calendar month afterthe deposit of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approvalor accession;(2) for any territory or territorial unit to which the Conventionhas been extended in conformity with Article 39 or 40, on the firstday of the third calendar month after the notification referred toin that Article.Article 44The Convention shall remain in force for five years from the dateof its entry into force in accordance with the first paragraph ofArticle 43 even for States which subsequently have ratified, accepted,approved or acceded to it.If there has been no denunciation, it shall be renewed tacitly everyfive years.Any denunciation shall be notified to the Ministry of Foreign Affairsof the Kingdom of the Netherlands at least six months before theexpiry of the five year period. It may be limited to certain ofthe territories or territorial units to which the Convention applies.The denunciation shall have effect only as regards the State whichhas notified it. The Convention shall remain in force for the otherContracting States.Article 45The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlandsshall notify the States Members of the Conference, and the Stateswhich have acceded in accordance with Article 38, of the following -(1) the signatures and ratifications, acceptances and approvalsreferred to in Article 37;(2) the accessions referred to in Article 38;(3) the date on which the Convention enters into force in accordancewith Article 43;(4) the extensions referred to in Article 39;(5) the declarations referred to in Articles 38 and 40;(6) the reservations referred to in Article 24 and 26, third paragraph,and the withdrawals referred to in Article 42;(7) the denunciations referred to in Article 44.In witness whereof the undersigned, being duly authorized thereto,have signed this Convention.Done at The Hague, on the 25th day of October, 1980, in the Englishand French languages, both texts being equally authentic, in a singlecopy which shall be deposited in the archives of the Government ofthe Kingdom of the Netherlands, and of which a certified copy shallbe sent, through diplomatic channels, to each of the States Membersof the Hague Conference on Private International Law at the dateof its Fourteenth Session.HAGUE CONVENTION ON THE CIVIL ASPECTS OF INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTIONPARTY COUNTRIES AND EFFECTIVE DATES WITH U.S.AustraliaCanadaFranceHungaryLuxembourgPortugalSpainSwitzerlandUnited KingdomUnited States 7/1/88Austria 10/1/88Norway 4/1/89Sweden 6/1/89Belize 9/1/89Netherlands 9/1/90Germany 12/1/90Argentina 6/1/91Denmark 7/1/91New Zealand 10/1/91Mexico 10/1/91Ireland 10/1/91Israel 10/1/91N.B. - Effective dates are important because Convention is NOT retroactive.N.B. - Effective dates are important because Convention is NOT retroactive.</text>
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<name>The Hague Convention</name>
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<text>U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRSINTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTIONJANUARY 1995Section 23 of the UCCJA expressly provides that the general policies of theAct extend to the international arena. It further provides that custodydecrees made in other countries by appropriate judicial or administrativeauthorities will be recognized and enforced in this country providedreasonable notice and opportunity to be heard were given to the affectedpersons.The Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act of 1980 (PKPA) (P.L. 96-611; 28U.S.C. 1738A, 1738A Note; 18 U.S.C. 1073 Note; 42 U.S.C. 653-55, 663)requires the appropriate authorities of every state to enforce and notmodify custody and visitation orders made by courts exercising jurisdictionconsistent with standards set by the Act; authorizes the Federal ParentalLocator Service to act on requests from authorized persons to locate theabsconding parent and children who have been abducted or wrongfullyretained; and expressly declares the intent of Congress that the FugitiveFelon Act applies to state felony cases involving parental kidnapping andinterstate or international flight to avoid prosecutions. The stateprosecutor may formally present a request to the local U.S. Attorney for aFederal Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution (UFAP) warrant.The Missing Children's Act of 1982 (P.L. 97-292; 28 U.S.C. 534) providesfor the entry of the names of missing children in the National CrimeInformation Center (NCIC). Since the enactment of P.L. 97-292, parents canask their local police to enter their children's names into the NCICcomputer and they can verify from the police or, if necessary, from the FBIthat the names of their children are in the system.The Missing Children's Assistance Act of 1984 (P.L. 98-473; 42 U.S.C. 5771et. seq.) authorized the establishment of a national clearinghouse (now theNational Center for Missing and Exploited Children) to:-- Provide technical assistance to local and state governments, public andprivate nonprofit agencies, and individuals in locating and recoveringmissing children;-- Coordinate public and private efforts to locate, recover, or reunitemissing children with their legal custodians;-- Operate a national toll-free hotline through which individuals canreport information on the location of missing children or requestinformation on procedures for reuniting children with their legalcustodians;-- Disseminate information on innovative and model missing children'sprograms, services, and legislation;-- Provide technical assistance to law enforcement agencies, state andlocal governments, elements of the criminal justice system, public andprivate nonprofit agencies, and individuals in the prevention,investigation, prosecution, and treatment of missing and exploitedchildren's cases.National Child Search Assistance Act (P.L. 101-647; 42 U.S.C. 5779, 5780)passed as part of the Crime Control Act of 1990, requires federal, state,and local law enforcement to enter reports of a missing child less than 18and unidentified persons in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).It provides for update of records with additional information within 60days of the original entry, and it provides for close liaison between lawenforcement and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children forthe exchange of information and technical assistance in missing childrencases.PART VIIICHECKLIST FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE HAGUE CONVENTIONTo invoke the Hague Convention, submit two completed forms (one originaland one copy), plus two copies of your supporting documents. Theapplication form may be photocopied. Type or print all information.Furnish as much of the information called for as possible, using anadditional sheet of paper if you need more space. If you have furtherquestions about the form, you may wish to refer to the text of theConvention. You may also call the Office of Children's Issues (CI) at202-736-7000.It is advisable to have some of the supporting documents translated intothe official language of the requested country. Translations speed up theoverall process. Foreign attorneys and judges act more favorably with suchdocuments. Ask CI for more information about supporting documents.You may fax your Hague application to CI, fax number 202-647-2835. Sendoriginals and supporting documents by mail, express mail, or courierservice to: CA/OCS/CI, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, D.C.20520-4818. Be sure to sign the application.Checklist and Instructions for Completing the Hague ApplicationInformation Block and Details NeededI. Identity of Child and ParentsChildChild's Name - The child's full name: last name, first, middle.Date of Birth - Month/Day/Year.Place of Birth - City/State/Country.Address - Child's address in the country of habitual residence before the abduction or removal.U.S. Social Security Number - If known. A nine-digit number: 000-00-0000.Passport/Identity Card - Issuing country and passport or I.D. number.Nationality - Include all nationalities of the child.Height - Feet and inches.Weight (and Sex) - Pounds. Please also include sex of child in this block.Color of Hair - Child's hair color.Color of Eyes - Include color photo, if available.FatherName - Full name of father, including alternative spellings of family names.Date of Birth - of father.Place of Birth - of father.Nationality - of father. Include all nationalities.Occupation - of father.Passport/Identity Card - of father. Issuing country and number.Current Address - of father. Include zipcode as well as and Telephone telephone and fax numbers for work and home.U.S. Social Security Number - of father.Country of Habitual - of the father before the abduction or retention. ResidenceMotherName - Full name of mother of child, including maiden name.Date of Birth - of mother.Place of Birth - of mother.Nationality - of mother. Include all nationalities.Passport/Identity Card - of mother. Issuing country and number.Current Address - of mother. Include zipcode as well as and Telephone telephone and fax numbers for work and home.Occupation - of mother.U.S. Social Security Number - of mother.Country of Habitual Residence - of the mother before the abduction or retention.Date and Place of Marriage - Indicate dates and location of marriage and divorce and Divorce of the parents of the child. It is important to clearly state the marital status at the time of the abduction or retention.II. Requesting Individual or InstitutionThis section is for information concerning the person or institutionapplying for the return of the child to the United States.Name - Provide the full name of the person or institution asking for the child to be returned.Nationality - of the requester.Occupation - of the requester (if a person).Current Address and Telephone - of requester. Include home, work and fax number.Passport/Identity Card - of requester. (if a person).Country of Habitual Residence - of requester. (if a person).Relationship to Child - of requester.Name, Address, and Tel. - Include zipcode as well as telephone and fax of Legal Advisor, if any numbers.III. Information Concerning the Person Alleged to Have Wrongfully Removed or Retained ChildThe information about the abducting parent is needed to assist in locatingthe child. Please provide all requested information and any additionalfacts that may help find the child.Name - Full name of parent who has abducted or wrongfully retained the child.Known Aliases - of the abductor. Any other names the abductor may use.Date of Birth - of the abductor.Place of Birth - of the abductor.Nationality - of the abductor. Include all nationalities.Occupation, Name and - of the abductor since the removal. Provide Address of Employer any employment information that may be helpful in locating the abductor, such as names, addresses and telephone numbers of relatives and or friends of the abducting parent who could help locate child(ren).Passport/Identity Card - of the abductor. Country and number.U.S. Social Security Card Number - of the abductor.Current Location or Last - of the abductor in the country were the child Known Address was taken. Note: NOT IN THE U.S.Height - of the abductor.Weight - of the abductor.Color of Hair - of the abductor.Color of Eyes - of the abductor. Include photo, if available.Other Persons With - Provide the name, address and telephone Possible Additional numbers of anyone in the country to which Information Relating the child was taken who could give the to the Whereabouts Central Authority in that country information of the Child on the child's location.IV. Time, Place, Date, and Circumstances of the Removal or RetentionProvide the date, to the best of your knowledge, that the child left theU.S. or when the wrongful retention began. Include the place from whichthe child was taken. Describe the legal relationship existing between youand the abducting parent when the child was removed. What were thecircumstances when the removal or retention occurred?Did the other parent take the child during a scheduled visitation? Did theother parent take the child for what you believed would be a short visitand then inform you that they were staying? Did they purchase round-tripair tickets to show that they intended to return? Had you and your familymoved to the other country, and then you decided to return to the UnitedStates?Take this opportunity to tell your story. Try to anticipate what claimsthe other parent may make and provide your explanation.Do not limit yourself to the space provided on the form. Additional pagesmay be attached to fully narrate the circumstances. However, please beconcise.V. Factual or Legal Grounds Justifying RequestProvide information and documentation establishing that you were exercisinga right of custody under the Hague Convention at the time of the child'sremoval. Generally, a right of custody is created by a custody order,when parents are divorced, or by operation of state law, when parents arestill married when the child is taken. The Convention defines "rights ofcustody" as including "rights relating to the care of the child and, inparticular, the right to determine the child's place of residence." Thus,you may have a "right of custody" under the Convention even if you do nothave court-ordered joint or sole custody of the child.If there is no applicable court or, please provide a copy of the statestatute or case law that establishes your right of custody at the time ofthe child's removal. This provision is sometimes found in the estate andwills section of the state code. Remember, you are not attempting to showthat you would have an equal right to obtain custody in a subsequentcustody proceeding, but that you had and were exercising a right of custodywhen the child was taken.Do NOT wait to get a custody order before filing a Hague application.VI. Civil Proceeding in Progress, If AnyIndicate any civil action that may be pending (i.e.. custody, divorce).Name court and hearing dates.VII. Child Is to Be Returned To:Name - of person to whom child will be returned.Date of Birth - of person to whom child will be returned.Place of Birth - of person to whom child will be returned.Address - of person to whom child will be returned.Telephone Number(s) - of person to whom child will be returned.Proposed Arrangements - Provide exact means by which you propose that for Return Travel of the child return to the U.S., if this is ordered. the Child Would you travel to pick up the child? Is the child old enough to travel by him or herself? Do you have someone who could return with the child? Be specific.VIII. Other RemarksState here whether you are applying for return or access under theConvention. You should include here any additional information that youbelieve may be pertinent to the Hague application.IX. Documents AttachedCheck boxes of items enclosed. Original certified copies of documents areNOT needed to apply under the Hague Convention.Sign and date the application.PART IXABDUCTION -- CHECKLIST FOR PARENTSYour situation is difficult, but there are things that you can do. Thislist assumes that you know, or strongly suspect, that your child has beenabducted abroad to a country that is not a party to the Hague Convention onInternational Child Abduction. If the country is a party to the HagueConvention, call the Office of Children's Issues (CI) to determine if yoursituation meets the requirements of the Convention.1. Emergency Action -- What to do Right AwayIf you do not know where your child is, have you filed a missing personreport with your local police department?Have you reported the abduction to the National Center for Missing andExploited Children?Have you obtained a decree of sole custody or one that prohibits your childfrom traveling without your permission? In most states, you can obtainsuch a decree even after a child is abducted. A custody decree in yourfavor is necessary for any legal action (except in Hague cases).Have you requested a U.S. passport search andhas your child's name beenentered in the U.S. passport name check system?If your child is a dual national, have the embassy and consulates of theforeign country been informed of your custody decree and asked not to issuea foreign passport to your child?If your child is only a U.S. citizen but the other parent has close ties toa particular country, have the embassy and consulates of that country beeninformed of your custody decree and asked not to issue a visa to yourchild?Have you asked the Department of State's Office of Children's Issues toinitiate a welfare and whereabouts search for your child overseas?2. The SearchHave you obtained certified copies of your custody decree from the courtthat issued it? You may need to furnish proof of your custody rights atvarious stages in your search and recovery effort.Have you obtained a copy of the National Center for Missing and ExploitedChildren's publication, Family Abduction: How to Prevent an Abduction andWhat to Do If Your Child Is Abducted?Have you tried to establish contact with relatives or friends of theabducting parent?Have local law enforcement authorities asked the Federal Parent LocatorService to search for the abducting parent?Have you contacted the principal of your child's school and asked to beinformed of requests for transfer of your child's school records?Have you prepared a poster of your child?Have you asked local law enforcement authorities to ask the U.S. PostalInspection Service to put a 'mail cover' on addresses in the U.S. to whichthe abductor might write?Have you asked local law enforcement authorities to help you obtaininformation from telephone and credit card companies on the whereabouts ofthe abductor?3. After Your Child Has Been Located AbroadHave you retained the services of a foreign attorney?Have you sent certified copies of the custody decree, court orders, stateand federal warrants, as well as copies of state custody and parental childabduction laws and the Federal Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act to theforeign attorney?Have you read Part VI of this booklet, "Other Solutions"?4. Legal Proceedings: Possible Criminal RemediesIs parental child abduction a crime in the state where your child residesor was abducted?Has a state warrant been issued for the arrest of the abductor?Has a Federal warrant been issued for the arrest of the abductor?If a warrant has been issued, has the abductor's name been entered in thewanted persons section of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC)computer?Is it possible or useful to take legal action against agents or accomplicesto the abduction?If the abductor is a U.S. citizen, have you considered asking U.S. lawenforcement officials to have his or her U.S. passport revoked?Would extradition of the abductor, if possible, be effective in your case?(###)Department of State Publication 10210Bureau of Consular AffairsRevised January 1995The information in this publication is in the public domain and may bereproduced without permission. When this material is reproduced, theDepartment of State would appreciate receiving a copy at: CA/P/PA - Room6831, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818.(###)</text>
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<text>U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRSINTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTIONJANUARY 1995PART VLEGAL SOLUTIONS IN COUNTRIES NOT PARTY TO THE HAGUE CONVENTIONIf your child has been abducted to a country that is not a party to theHague Convention, you can seek legal remedies against the abductor, in theUnited States and abroad, from both the civil and criminal justice systems.The family court system from which you get your custody decree is part ofthe civil justice system. At the same time you are using that system, youcan also use the criminal justice system consisting of the police,prosecutors, and the FBI. We will discuss each system in turn.Using the Civil Justice SystemHow To ProceedAfter you obtain a custody decree in the United States, your next step isto use the civil justice system in the country to which your child has beenabducted.The Office of Children's Issues (CI) can provide information on thecustoms and the legal practices in the country where your child is. We canalso give you general information on how to serve process abroad or obtainevidence from abroad, and on how to have documents authenticated for use ina foreign country. You may write or telephone CI for information sheets,such as: Retaining a Foreign Attorney, and Authentication (orLegalization) of Documents in the United States for Use Abroad.To obtain authoritative advice on the laws of a foreign country or to takelegal action in that country, you should retain an attorney there. U.S.consular and diplomatic officers are prohibited by law from performinglegal services (22 C.F.R. 92.81). We can, however, provide you with a listof attorneys in a foreign country who speak English, who may be experiencedin parental child abduction or family law, and who have expressed awillingness to represent Americans abroad. U.S. embassies and consulatesabroad prepare these lists. Cautionary note: Attorney fees can varywidely from country to country. The fee agreement that you make with yourlocal attorney should be put into writing as soon as possible to avoid apotentially serious misunderstanding later.Although officers at U.S. embassies and consulates cannot take legal actionon behalf of U.S. citizens, consular officers can assist in communicationproblems with a foreign attorney. Consular officers may at times be ableto inquire about the status of proceedings in the foreign court, and theywill coordinate with your attorney to ensure that your rights as providedfor by the laws of that foreign country are respected.Once you retain a foreign attorney, send him or her a certified copy ofyour custody decree and/or state and federal warrants regarding theabducting parent. Also send copies of your state's laws on custody andparental kidnapping and the Federal Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act andcopies of reported cases of your state's enforcement of foreign custodydecrees under Section 23 of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act.The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children can help you gatherthese materials.What Are Your Chances of Enforcing Your U.S. Custody Order Abroad?A custody decree issued by a court in the United States has no bindinglegal force abroad, although it may have persuasive force in somecountries. Foreign courts decide child custody cases on the basis of theirown domestic relations law. This may give a "home court" advantage to aperson who has abducted a child to the country of his or her origin. Youcould also be disadvantaged if the country has a cultural bias in favor ofa mother or a father. A U.S. custody decree may, however, be considered byforeign courts and authorities as evidence and, in some cases, it may berecognized and enforced by them on the basis of comity (the voluntaryrecognition by courts of one jurisdiction of the laws and judicialdecisions of another). Your chances of having your U.S. court orderenforced depend, to a large degree, upon the tradition of comity that thelegal system of the country in question has with the U.S. legal system. CIcan give you some information on these traditions.Using the Criminal Justice System: What Are the Risks?Law enforcement authorities in the United States and abroad may be valuablesources of information. However, formal resort to the criminal justicesystem (filing of charges, issuance of an arrest warrant, transmission ofan extradition request to a foreign government under an applicable treaty,and criminal prosecution) should be considered carefully. As noted on page8, this is especially true if the other country concerned is a party to theHague Convention. You should be aware that while you may have a degree ofcontrol over the ongoing civil procedures, you may not be able to effectthe pursuit of criminal actions once charges are filed. Check with theprosecutor to determine if your wishes would be considered in the criminalaction.CI can obtain information on the criminal justice system of a particularcountry and on whether or not it is likely to cooperate in some form inparental child abduction cases. Your decision on whether or not to try toutilize the criminal justice system depends upon the circumstances of yourcase, but you should understand that you are likely to lose control of yourcase to a large extent when formal charges have been filed and an arrestwarrant has been issued. You should also realize that extradition of theabductor to the United States is unlikely, and that neither extradition norprosecution of the abductor guarantees the return of your child and may insome cases complicate, delay, or ultimately jeopardize return.Presumably, your overriding interest is to obtain the return of your child.That is not the primary responsibility of the prosecutors. When thecriminal justice system becomes involved in a case, there are severalinterests at stake, some of which are in conflict: the interests of thechild, the interests of each parent/guardian and other immediate familymembers, the interests of the civil justice system in a stable and workablecustody arrangement, and the interests of the criminal justice system inapprehending, prosecuting, and punishing those who have violated criminallaws of their jurisdiction in connection with a parental child abduction.Another factor to consider is the possible reaction of the abductor to thefiling of criminal charges and the threat of ultimate prosecution andpunishment. Although some individuals might be intimidated enough toreturn the child (with or without agreement by the prosecutors to thecondition that the charges be dropped), others might go deeper into hiding,particularly if they are in a country where they have family or communitysupport. If an abductor is ultimately brought to trial, how far are youwilling to go in pursuing criminal prosecution? Unless you are prepared totestify in court against the abductor, you should not pursue criminalprosecution. A final factor to consider is the effect on the child ofseeing the abducting parent prosecuted and perhaps incarcerated, with youplaying an active role in that process.The Steps To Take in Case You Decide to Use the Criminal Justice SystemOnce you have a custody decree and have decided to pursue criminalremedies, you or your attorney may contact your local prosecutor or lawenforcement authorities to request that the abducting parent be criminallyprosecuted and that an arrest warrant be issued, if provided for by yourstate law. In some states, parental child abduction or custodialinterference is a misdemeanor; however, in most states it is a felony. Ifyou are able to obtain a state warrant, the local prosecutor can contactthe F.B.I. or your state's U.S. Attorney to request the issuance of aFederal Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution (UFAP) warrant for the arrestof the abductor. The Federal Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act of 1980provides for the issuance of this warrant.Furthermore, the International Parental Kidnapping Crime Act of 1993 (H.R.3378) makes it an offense to remove a child from the United States orretain a child (who has been in the United States) outside the UnitedStates with intent to obstruct the law from exercise of parental rights(custody or visitation). An unlawful retention after the date of enactmentcould violate the statute, even though the actual removal of the childoccurred before the date of enactment. Once a warrant has been issued forthe abductor's arrest, ask local law enforcement authorities or the F.B.I.to enter the abductor's name in the "wanted persons" section of theNational Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer.Prosecution of Agents or Accomplices of the AbductorFind out if your state has laws that allow legal action to be taken againstagents or accomplices to an abduction. Consider whether such actions wouldbe useful in learning your child's whereabouts or compelling the return ofyour child.Implications of an Arrest Warrant for a U.S. CitizenIf the abducting parent is a U.S. citizen and the subject of a federalarrest warrant, the F.B.I. or U.S. Attorney's office can ask the Departmentof State, Passport Services, to revoke the person's U.S. passport. Thismay or may not be a burden to an abducting parent who, as a dual national,may also carry a foreign passport. However, an abducting parent who isonly a U.S. citizen becomes an undocumented alien in a foreign country ifhis or her U.S. passport is revoked. Some countries may deportundocumented aliens or at least make it difficult for them to remain in thecountry.For a U.S. passport to be revoked, the F.B.I. or U.S. Attorney must send arequest for such action and a copy of the Federal warrant to theDepartment of State's Office of Passport Policy and Advisory Services(telephone 202-955-0377). The regulatory basis for revocation of passportsis found in the Code of Federal Regulations: 22 C.F.R. 51.70, et seq.In certain circumstances you may decide that revoking the abductingparent's passport will not achieve the desired result. For example, if youknow the location of the other parent, there is always the possibility ofnegotiation and a settlement or, at least, there is the possibility ofcommunication with your child. Also, if the abducting parent isthreatened with passport revocation, he or she might choose to flee withyour child again.Implications of a Warrant for a Non-U.S. CitizenEven if the abductor is not a U.S. citizen, the existence of a Federalwarrant is important. Such a warrant may encourage the abducting parent toreturn the child voluntarily, especially if he or she has business or otherreasons to travel to the United States. The warrant also serves to informthe foreign government that the abduction of the child is a violation ofU.S. law and that the abductor is a federal fugitive. An arrest warrant isalso necessary if you wish to have authorities seek extradition of theabductor.The Possibility of ExtraditionThrough INTERPOL and other international links, national law enforcementauthorities in many countries regularly cooperate in the location andapprehension of international fugitives. Extradition, the surrender of afugitive or prisoner by one jurisdiction for criminal prosecution orservice of a sentence in another jurisdiction, is rarely a viable approachin international child abduction cases. Extradition is utilized only forcriminal justice purposes in cases that local prosecutors believe can besuccessfully prosecuted due to the sufficiency of the evidence, which wouldpresumably include your testimony. Moreover, it must be remembered thatextradition does not apply to the abducted or wrongfully retained child,but only to the abductor. There is no guarantee that the child will bereturned by foreign authorities in connection with extradition of thealleged wrongdoer. Threatened with impending extradition, abductingparents in other countries have hidden the child or children with a friendor relative in the foreign country.Another reason that extradition is seldom useful is that the offenses ofparental child abduction or custodial interference are covered by only afew of the extradition treaties now in force between the United States andmore than 100 foreign countries. Most of these treaties contain a list ofcovered offenses and were negotiated before international parental childabduction became a widely recognized phenomenon. With respect to theseolder treaties, there was thus no intent on the part of the negotiators tocover such conduct, and it cannot therefore be validly argued that parentalchild abduction is a covered extraditable offense, even if the languageused in the list of offenses covered by a given treaty appears somewhatbroad (e.g., "abduction" or "kidnapping" or "abduction/kidnapping ofminors").In negotiating more modern extradition treaties, the United States hastried to substitute a "dual criminality" approach for a rigid list ofextraditable offenses, or at least has tried to combine the two. Under anextradition treaty with a dual criminality provision, an offense is coveredif it is a felony in both countries. Accordingly, if the underlyingconduct involved in parental child abduction or custodial interference is afelony in both the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions involved, then thatconduct is an extraditable offense under an extradition treaty based ondual criminality.Despite the fact that parental child abduction may be covered by certainextradition treaties, you should be aware of potential difficulties inutilizing them, apart from the possible counterproductive effects alreadydiscussed. Specifically, nearly all civil law countries (in contrast withcommon law countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada,Australia) will not extradite their own nationals. Nearly all the nationsof Latin America and Europe are civil law countries. Whatever the terms ofany applicable extradition treaty, experience has also shown that foreigngovernments are generally reluctant at best (and often simply unwilling) toextradite anyone (their own citizens, U.S. citizens, or third countrynationals) for parental child abduction.For extradition to be possible, therefore:--your local prosecutor must decide to file charges and pursue the case, andyou probably must be prepared to testify in any criminal trial;--there must be an extradition treaty in force between the United States andthe country in question;--the treaty must cover the conduct entailed in parental child abduction orcustodial interference;--if the person sought is a national of the country in question, thatcountry must be willing to extradite its own nationals; and,--the country in question must be otherwise willing to extradite persons forparental child abduction/custodial interference (i.e., not refuse to do sofor "humanitarian" or other policy reasons).The Possibility of Prosecution of an Abductor in a Foreign CountryA final possibility in the area of criminal justice is prosecution of theabductor by the authorities of the foreign country where he or she isfound. In many countries (not the United States), nationals of the countrycan be prosecuted for acts committed abroad under the "nationality" basisfor criminal jurisdiction, if the same conduct would constitute a criminaloffense under local law. U.S. law enforcement authorities can request sucha prosecution and forward the evidence that would have been used in a U.S.prosecution. U.S. witnesses may, of course, have to appear and testify inthe foreign proceeding. Like the courses of action discussed above, thisapproach may be counterproductive and will not necessarily result in thereturn of the child.PART VIOTHER SOLUTIONS: SETTLING OUT OF COURTPromoting Communication Between Parents and ChildrenLegal procedures can be long and expensive. You may have greater successworking in the area of negotiation with the abducting parent. In somecases, friends or relatives of the abductor may be able to help youestablish amicable relations with the abductor and may be willing to helpmediate a compromise. A decrease in tension might bring about the returnof your child, but, even if it does not, it can increase your chances ofbeing able to visit the child and participate in some way in the child'supbringing. Sometimes compromise and some kind of reconciliation are theonly solution.Obtaining Information on Your Child's WelfareIf your child has been found, but cannot be recovered, you can request thata U.S. consular officer visit the child. If the consul succeeds in seeingyour child, he or she will send you a report on your child's health, livingconditions, schooling, and other information. Sometimes consular officersare also able to send you letters or photos from your child. If theabducting parent will not permit the consular officer to see your child,the U.S. embassy or consulate will request the assistance of localauthorities, either to arrange for such a visit or to have a local socialworker make a visit and provide a report on your child's health andwelfare. Contact the Office of Children's Issues (CI) to request such avisit.Working With Foreign AuthoritiesIn child abduction cases, consular officers routinely maintain contact withlocal child welfare and law enforcement officers. If there is evidence ofabuse or neglect of the child, the U.S. embassy or consulate will requestthat local authorities become involved to ensure the child is protected.This may mean removal of your child from the home for placement in localfoster care.The Question of Desperate Measures/ReabductionConsular officers cannot take possession of a child abducted by a parent oraid parents attempting to act in violation of the laws of a foreigncountry. Consular officers must act in accordance with the laws of thecountry to which they are accredited.The Department of State strongly discourages taking desperate and possibleillegal measures to return your child to the United States. If you arecontemplating such desperate measures, you should read the informationavailable from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children aboutthe emotional trauma inflicted on a child who is a victim of abduction andreabduction. The NCMEC advises against reabduction not only because it isillegal, but also because of possible psychological harm to the child.Attempts to use self-help measures to bring an abducted child to the UnitedStates from a foreign country may endanger your child and others, prejudiceany future judicial efforts you might wish to make in that country tostabilize the situation, and result in your arrest and imprisonment in thatcountry. In imposing a sentence, the foreign court will not necessarilygive weight to the fact that the would-be abductor was the custodial parentin the United States or otherwise had a valid claim under a U.S. courtorder (e.g., failure of the foreign parent to honor the terms of a jointcustody order).If you do succeed in leaving the foreign country with your child, you, andanyone who assisted you, may be the target of arrest warrants andextradition requests in the United States or any other country where youare found. Even if you are not ultimately extradited and prosecuted, anarrest followed by extradition proceedings can be very disruptive anddisturbing for both you and your child.Finally, there is no guarantee that the chain of abductions would end withthe one committed by you. A parent who has reabducted a child may have togo to extraordinary lengths to conceal his or her whereabouts, living inpermanent fear that the child may be reabducted again.PART VIIREFERENCEDirectory -- Where to Go for AssistanceConsular Assistance:Office of Children's Issues (CI)Overseas Citizens ServicesDepartment of State220l C Street, N.W.,Room 4817Washington, D.C. 20520-4818Phone: 202-736-7000Fax: 202-647-2835U.S. Passport Restrictions:Office of Passport Policy and Advisory ServicesPassport Services,Suite 260Department of State1111 19th Street, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20522-1705Phone: 202-955-0377Fax: 202-955-0230For General Technical Assistance:National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)2101 Wilson Boulevard,Suite 500Arlington, VA 22201Phone: 703-235-390024-hour hot line for emergencies:1-800-843-5678TTD: 1-800-826-7653For ABA Publications:American Bar Association (ABA)750 North Lake Shore DriveChicago, IL 60611Phone: 312-988-5555Federal Parent Locator Service (FPLS):Note: The FPLS can be accessed through local and state Child SupportEnforcement offices. The names of those offices are available in telephonebooks and from the address below.Department of Health and Human ServicesOffice of Child Support EnforcementFederal Parent Locator Service (FPLS)370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.Washington, D.C. 20447Phone: 202-401-9267Reading ListThis list was compiled in January 1995. It is intended to give some ideaof the relevant literature, but you should not regard it as complete orauthoritative.Atwood, "Child Custody Jurisdiction and Territoriality," 52 Ohio St. L.J.369 (1991)Charlow, "Jurisdictional Gerrymandering and the Parental KidnappingPrevention Act," 25 Fam. L.Q. 299 (1991)Copertino, "Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International ChildAbduction: An Analysis of its Efficacy," 6 Conn. J. Int'l L. 715 (1991)Crawford, "Habitual Residence of the Child as the Connecting Factor inChild Abduction Cases: A Consideration of Recent Cases," 1992 Jurid. Rev.177Crouch, "Use, Abuse, and Misuse of the UCCJA and PKPA," 6 Am. J. Fam. L.147 (1992)Davis, "The New Rules on International Child Abduction: Looking Forward tothe Past," 3 Aust'l J. Fam. L. 31 (1990)De Hart, International Child Abduction: A Guide to Applying the 1988 HagueConvention, with Forms (A publication of the Section of Family Law,American Bar Association) (1993)Edwards, "The Child Abduction Agony," 140 New L.J. 59 (1990)Evans, "International Child Abduction," 142 New L.J. 232 (1992)Frank, "American and International Responses to International ChildAbductions," 16 N.Y.U. J. Int'l L. & Pol. 415 (1984)Girdner, "Obstacles to the Recovery and Return of Parentally AbductedChildren," 13 Children's Legal Rts J. 2 (1992)Greif, When Parents Kidnap, The Families Behind the HeadlinesHilton, "Handling a Hague Trial," 6 Am. J. Fam. L. 211 (1992)Hoff, Parental Kidnapping, How to Prevent an Abduction and What to Do Ifyour Child Is Abducted (A publication of the National Center for Missingand Exploited Children.Kindall, "Treaties - Hague Convention on Child Abduction - Wrongful Removal- Grave Risk or Harm to Child" 83 Am. J. Int'l L. 586 (1989)Marks, "Fighting Back. The Attorney's Role in a Parental Kidnapping Case,"64 Fla. B.J. 23 (1990)Murray, "One Child's Odyssey Through the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdictionand Parental Kidnapping Prevention Acts," 1993 Wis. L. Rev. 589Oberdorfer, "Toward a Reasoned Response to Parental Kidnapping," 75 Minn.L. Rev. 1701 (1991)Pfund, "The Hague Convention on International Child Abduction, theInternational Child Abduction Remedies Act, and the Need for Availabilityof Counsel for All Petitioners," 24 Fam. L.Q. 35 (1990)Rutherford, "Removing the Tactical Advantages of International ParentalChild Abductions under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects ofInternational Child Abductions," 8 Ariz. J. Int'l & Comp. L. 149 (1991)Sagatun, "Parental Child Abduction: The Law, Family Dynamics, and LegalSystem Responses," 18 Journal of Crim. Just. (1990)Sharpless, "The Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act: JurisdictionalConsiderations Where There are Competing Child Custody Orders," 13 J. Juv.L. 54 (1992)Shirman, "International Treatment of Child Abduction and the 1980 HagueConvention," 15 Suffolk Transnat'l L.J. 222 (1991)Stotter, "The Light at the End of the Tunnel: The Hague Convention onInternational Child Abduction Has Reached Capitol Hill," 9 Hastings Int'land Comp. L. Rev. 285 (1986)Stranko, "International Child Abduction Remedies," The Army Lawyer 28(Department of the Army pamphlet 27-50-248, July 1993)Family Advocate, A Practical Journal of the American Bar Association FamilyLaw Section, Spring 1987. (Special issue on divorce law around the worldand international parental child abduction.)Family Advocate, A Practical Journal of the American Bar Association FamilyLaw Section, Spring 1993. (Special issue on international family law.)Family Law Quarterly,, Spring 1994. (Special issue on international familylaw.)"The Hague International Child Abduction Convention and the InternationalChild Abduction Remedies Act: Closing Doors to the Parent Abductor," 2Transnat'l Law 589 (1989)"The Hague Convention on International Child Abduction: A PracticalApplication," 10 Loy. L.A. Int'l & Comp. L.J. 163 (1988)"International Child Abduction and the Hague Convention: Emerging Practiceand Interpretation of the Discretionary Exception," 25 Tex. Int'l L.J. 287(1990)"International Parental Child Abduction: The Need for Recognition andEnforcement of Foreign Custody Decrees," 3 Emory J. Int'l DisputeResolution 205 (1989)"More Than Mere Child's Play: International Parental Abduction ofChildren," 6 Dick. L. Rev. 283 (1988)"You Must Go Home Again: Friedrich v. Friedrich, The Hague Convention andthe International Child Abduction Remedies Act," 18 N.C. J. Int'l L. & Com.Reg. 743 (1993)U.S. Government Documents on the Hague ConventionDepartment of State notice in the Federal Register of March 26, 1986, pp.10494-10516.Senate Treaty Doc. 99-11, 99th Congress, 1st Session.For the legislative history of the International Child Abduction RemediesAct, Public Law 100-300, see S.1347 and H.R. 2673, and H.R. 3971- 3972,100th Congress, and related hearing reports.Uniform State and Federal Laws on Custody, Parental Child Abduction, andMissing ChildrenThe Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act of 1968 (UCCJA) is now the law,with some variations, in every state and the District of Columbia. The Actis intended to eliminate nationwide the legal incentives for interstateforum-shopping and child-snatching by parents, and to encouragecommunication, cooperation and assistance between state courts in theresolution of interstate child custody conflicts.</text>
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<text>U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRSINTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTIONJANUARY 1995INTRODUCTIONParental child abduction is a tragedy. When a child is abducted acrossinternational borders, the difficulties are compounded for everyoneinvolved. This pamphlet is addressed to the adult most directly affectedby international child abduction, the left-behind parent.The Department of State's Office of Children's Issues (CA/OCS/CI) dealswith the victims of international parental child abduction every day.Since the late 1970's, we have been contacted in the cases of approximately7,000 American children who were either abducted from the United States orprevented from returning to the United States by one of their parents. Atthe time of publication, we have over 1,200 active, unresolved cases onfile.You, as the deprived parent, must direct the search and recovery operationyourself. Because it can be a bewildering experience, we have prepared achecklist for you (see page 28). In this booklet, we tell you what theDepartment of State can and cannot do to help you (see page 4). Inaddition, because we are only part of the network of resources available toyou, we mention other avenues to pursue when a child or children have beenabducted across international borders. Your case is unique, and you willhave to decide how much of the information here is useful and whether itcan be applied to your particular needs to resolve your crisis.If you have any further questions, please call us at 202-736-7000. You mayalso fax us at 202-647-2835, or write to us at:Office of Children's Issues CA/OCS/CI, Room 4811, Department of StateWashington, D.C. 20520-4818.Ninth EditionJanuary 1995PART I- PREVENTIONHOW TO GUARD AGAINST INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTIONHow Vulnerable is Your Child?You and your child are most vulnerable when your relationship with theother parent is broken or troubled; the other parent has close ties toanother country; and the other country has traditions or laws that may beprejudicial to a parent of your gender or to aliens in general.Cross-cultural Marriages: Should You or Your Child Visit the Country ofthe Other Parent?Many cases of international parental child abduction are actually cases inwhich the child traveled to a foreign country with the approval of bothparents but was later prevented from returning to the United States. Whilethese cases are not abductions, but wrongful retentions, they are just astroubling to a child. Sometimes the marriage is neither broken nortroubled, but the foreign parent, upon returning to his or her country oforigin, decides not to return to the U.S. or to allow the child to do so.A person who has assimilated a second culture may find a return to his orher roots traumatic and may feel a pull to shift loyalties back to theoriginal culture. A person's personality may change when he or she returnsto the place where he or she grew up.In some traditional societies, children must have their father's permissionand a woman must have her husband's permission to travel. If you are awoman, to prevent your own or your child's detention abroad, find out aboutthe laws and traditions of the country you plan to visit or to allow yourchild to visit, and consider carefully the effect that a return to hisroots might have on your husband. The Office of Children's Issues hasseveral country flyers that provide some general information. For detailedadvice in your specific case, you may wish to contact an attorney in thatcountry. We can provide you with a list of attorneys practicing around theword.Precautions That Any Vulnerable Parent Should TakeIn international parental child abduction, an ounce of prevention is wortha pound of cure. Be alert to the possibility and be preparedÇkeep a listof the addresses and telephone numbers of the other parent's relatives,friends, and business associates both here and abroad. Keep a record ofother important information on the other parent, including these numbers:passport, social security, bank account, driver's license, and autolicense. In addition, keep a written description of your child, includinghair and eye color, height, weight, and any special physicalcharacteristics. Take color photographs of your child every six months.If your child should be abducted, this information could be vital inlocating your child.The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC attelephone 1-800-843-5678 ), in addition, suggests that you teach your childto use the telephone; practice making collect calls; and instruct him orher to call home immediately if anything unusual happens. If you feel yourchild is vulnerable to abduction, get professional counseling. Do notmerely tell a friend about your fears.The Importance of a Custody DecreeUnder the laws of many American states and many foreign countries, if thereis no decree of custody prior to an abduction, both parents are consideredto have equal legal custody of their child. If you are contemplatingdivorce or separation, or are divorced or separated, or even if you werenever legally married to the other parent, obtain a decree of sole custodyor a decree that prohibits the travel of your child without your permissionor that of the court as soon as possible. If you have or would prefer tohave a joint custody decree, make certain that it prohibits your child fromtraveling abroad without your permission or that of the court.How to Draft or Modify a Custody DecreeA well-written custody decree is an important line of defense againstinternational parental child abduction. NCMEC, in its publication FamilyAbduction: How to Prevent an Abduction and What to Do If Your Child isAbducted, has several recommendations to help prevent the abduction of yourchild if your spouse is a legal permanent resident alien or a U.S. citizenwith ties to a foreign country. For instance, it may be advisable toinclude court-ordered supervised visitation and/or prohibiting your childfrom traveling without your permission or that of the court. If thecountry to which your child might be taken is a member of the HagueConvention on International Child Abduction (see page 9), the custodydecree should state that the parties agree that the terms of the HagueConvention apply should an abduction or wrongful retention occur. The ABAalso suggests having the court require the alien parent or the parent withties to a foreign country to post a bond. This may be useful both as adeterrent to abduction and, if forfeited because of an abduction, as asource of revenue for you in your efforts to locate and recover your child.For further information, you may contact the NCMEC at the address on page19.How a Custody Decree Can HelpObtain several certified copies of your custody decree from the court thatissued it. Give a copy to your child's school and advise school personnelto whom your child may be released.U.S. PassportsFrom the Department of State, you may learn whether your child has beenissued a U.S. passport. You may also ask that your child's name be enteredinto the State Department's passport name check system. This will enablethe Department to notify you or your attorney if an application for a U.S.passport for the child is received anywhere in the United States or at anyU.S. embassy or consulate abroad. If you have a court order that eithergrants you sole custody or prohibits your child from traveling without yourpermission or the permission of the court, the Department may also refuseto issue a U.S. passport for your child. The Department may not, however,revoke a passport that has already been issued to the child.To inquire about a U.S. passport or to have your child's name entered intothe name check system, mail or fax your request to:Office of Passport Policy and Advisory Services Passport Services, Suite260 1111 19th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20522-1705 Tel. (202) 955-0377Fax (202) 955-0230With your request, include your child's full name or names, date of birth,place of birth, and the address and telephone number(s) where you may becontacted. If there is a court order relating to the custody or travel ofthe child, include a complete copy.Foreign Passports Ç the Problem of Dual NationalityMany U.S. citizen children who fall victim to international parentalabduction possess dual nationality. While the Department of State willmake every effort to avoid issuing a U.S. passport if the custodial parenthas provided a custody decree, the Department cannot prevent embassies andconsulates of other countries in the United States from issuing theirpassports to children who are also their nationals. You can, however, aska foreign embassy or consulate not to issue a passport to your child. Sendthe embassy or consulate a written request, along with certified completecopies of any court orders addressing custody or the overseas travel ofyour child you have. In your letter, inform them that you are sending acopy of this request to the U.S. Department of State. If your child isonly a U.S. citizen, you can request that no visa for that country beissued in his or her U.S. passport. No international law requirescompliance with such requests, but some countries will comply voluntarily.PART IIWHAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT CAN AND CANNOT DO WHEN A CHILD ISABDUCTED ABROADWhen a U.S. citizen child is abducted abroad, the State Department's Officeof Children's Issues (CI) works with U.S. embassies and consulates abroadto assist the left-behind parent in a number of ways. There are, however,a number of things that we cannot do.WHAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT CAN DO:In cases where the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of InternationalChild Abduction applies (see Part IV):-- assist parents in filing an application with foreign authorities forreturn of the child;-- In other cases, attempt to locate, visit and report on the child'sgeneral welfare;-- Provide the left-behind parent with information on the country to which the child was abducted, including its legal system, family laws, and a list of attorneys there willing to accept American clients;In all cases:-- provide a point of contact for the left-behind parent at a difficult time;-- Monitor judicial or administrative proceedings overseas;-- Assist parents in contacting local officials in foreign countries or contact them on the parent's behalf;-- Provide information concerning the need for use of federal warrants against an abducting parent, passport revocation, and extradition from a foreign country to effect return of a child to the U.S.;-- Alert foreign authorities to any evidence of child abuse or neglect.WHAT THE STATE DEPARTMENT CANNOT DO:-- Intervene in private legal matters between the parents;-- Enforce an American custody agreement overseas (U.S. custody decrees are not automatically enforceable outside of U.S. boundaries);-- Force another country to decide a custody case or enforce its laws in a particular way;-- Assist the left-behind parent in violating foreign laws or reabduction of a child to the United States;-- Pay legal or other expenses;-- Act as a lawyer or represent parents in court.PART IIIHOW TO SEARCH FOR A CHILD ABDUCTED ABROADNote: If your child has been abducted to a country that is a party to theHague Convention on International Child Abduction, see page 8 before youread further. As of January 1995, in addition to the United States, thefollowing countries are party to the Convention:Argentina Finland MonacoAustralia Former Yugoslav Republic NetherlandsAustria of Macedonia New ZealandBahamas France NorwayBelize Germany PanamaBosnia-Hercegovina Greece PolandBurkina Faso Honduras PortugalCanada Hungary RomaniaChile Ireland SpainCroatia Israel SwedenCyprus Luxembourg SwitzerlandDenmark Mauritius United KingdomEcuador MexicoWhere to Report Your Missing Child1. If your child has been abducted, file a missing person report withyour local police department and request that your child's name anddescription be entered into the "missing person" section of the NationalCrime Information Center (NCIC) computer. This is provided for under theMissing Children's Act of 1982. The abductor does not have to be chargedwith a crime when you file a missing person report. In addition, throughINTERPOL, the international criminal police organization, your local policecan request that a search for your child be conducted by the police in thecountry where you believe your child may have been taken. You may be ableto achieve all of the above even if you do not have a custody decree.2. Contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)at 1-800-THE LOST/1-800-843-5678. With the searching parent's permission,the child's photograph and description may be circulated to the media inthe country to which you believe the child may have been taken.At the same time that you report your child missing, you should contact alawyer to obtain a custody decree if you do not already have one. In manystates, a parent can obtain a temporary custody decree if the other parenthas taken their child.3. Request information about a possible U.S. passport and have yourchild's name entered into the U.S. passport name check system. A U.S.passport for a child under 18 years expires after 5 years. If you do notknow where your child is, but information about the child is in the namecheck system, it may be possible to locate him or her through the passportapplication process. All U.S. passport agencies and almost all U.S.embassies and consulates are on-line with the name check system.4. The Department of State, when requested to do so, conducts welfare andwhereabouts searches for American citizens missing abroad. The Office ofChildren's Issues communicates such requests to the U.S. embassy orconsulate responsible for the area to which you believe your child has beenabducted. Call us on 202-736-7000 and have ready as much as you can of thefollowing information on the child:-- full name (and any aliases),-- date and place of birth,-- passport number, date, and place of issuance;and on the abductor:-- full name (and any aliases),-- date and place of birth,-- passport number, date, and place of issuance,-- occupation,-- probable date of departure,-- flight information,-- details of ties to a foreign country, such as the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of friends, relatives, place of employment, or business connections there.A consular officer overseas, working with this information, will try tofind your child. The consular officer may also request information fromlocal officials on your child's entry or residence in the country.Unfortunately, not every country maintains such records in a retrievableform, and some countries may not release such information.We may also ask you for photographs of both your child and the abductingparent because these are often helpful to foreign authorities trying tofind a missing child.The Search and Recovery--a Basic GuideIt is possible that none of the institutions listed above (the police, theNCMEC, or the Department of State) will succeed in locating your childright away and you will need to carry out the search on your own. As yousearch, you should, however, keep these institutions informed of youractions and progress.This booklet attempts to cover the international aspects of your search andrecovery effort, but for other information, you should have a more basicguide. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children publishesFamily Abduction: How to Prevent an Abduction and What to Do If Your ChildIs Abducted. For a copy, call 1-800-843-5678 (or 703-235-3900), or write the NCMEC at: 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 550; Arlington, VA 22201.This publication guides you through the U.S. legal system, helps you organizeyour search, and supplies a list of local support groups. We have relied heavily on the NCMEC guide for the following list of suggestions.Further Steps to Take in Your Search-- One of the best ways to find your child overseas is throughestablishing friendly contact with relatives and friends of the otherparent, either here or abroad. You may have more influence with suchpersons than you suspect, and their interest in your child's welfare maylead them to cooperate with you.-- Under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Office ofChild Support Enforcement maintains the Federal Parent Locator Service(FPLS). The primary purpose of this service is to locate parents who aredelinquent in child support payments, but the service will also search forparental abductors when requested to do so by an authorized person.Generally speaking, an authorized person is a state court judge, policeofficer, prosecutor, or other state official seeking to enforce a childcustody order.Using the abductor's social security number, the FPLS searches the recordsmaintained by such federal agencies as the Internal Revenue Service,Veterans Administration, Social Security Administration, Department ofDefense, and the National Personnel Records Center and Department of Laborrecords. An abductor who has had a connection with any of the above might,even from abroad, renew a connection with one of them. To learn how toaccess the services of the FPLS, contact your local or state Child SupportEnforcement office. These offices are listed under government listings inyour telephone directory.-- To obtain information on requests that may have been made by theabductor to your child's school for the transfer of your child's records,you can contact the principal of the school. You will need to give theschool a certified copy of your custody decree.-- You can find out from the National Center for Missing and ExploitedChildren how to prepare a poster on your child. A poster may assistforeign authorities in attempting to locate your child.-- You can ask your local prosecutor to contact the U.S. Postal InspectionService to see if a 'mail cover' can be put on any address that you know ofin the United States to which the abductor might write.-- You can ask local law enforcement authorities to obtain, by subpoena orsearch warrant, credit card records that may show where the abductor ismaking purchases. In the same manner, you can try to obtain copies oftelephone company bills of the abductor's friends or relatives who may havereceived collect calls from the abductor.PART IVONE POSSIBLE SOLUTION: THE HAGUE CONVENTIONThe most difficult and frustrating element for most parents whose child hasbeen abducted abroad is that U.S. laws and court orders are not usuallyrecognized in the foreign country and therefore are not directlyenforceable abroad. Each sovereign country has jurisdiction within its ownterritory and over persons present within its borders, and no country canforce another to decide cases or enforce laws within its confines in aparticular way.The increase in international marriages since World War II increasedinternational child custody cases to the point where 23 nations, meeting atthe Hague Conference on Private International Law in 1976, agreed to seek atreaty to deter international child abduction. Between 1976 and 1980, theUnited States was a major force in preparing and negotiating the HagueConvention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. TheConvention came into force for the United States on July 1, 1988, andapplies to abductions or wrongful retentions between party countries thatoccurred on or after that date. In the United States, federal legislation,the International Child Abduction Remedies Act (P.L. 100-300), was enactedto implement the Convention in this country.The United States actively encourages other countries to become party tothe Convention. As of January 1995, the Convention is also in effectbetween the United States and:Argentina Finland MonacoAustralia Former Yugoslav Republic NetherlandsAustria of Macedonia New ZealandBahamas France NorwayBelize Germany PanamaBosnia-Hercegovina Greece PolandBurkina Faso Honduras PortugalCanada Hungary RomaniaChile Ireland SpainCroatia Israel SwedenCyprus Luxembourg SwitzerlandDenmark Mauritius United KingdomEcuador MexicoOther countries are working toward ratification. Contact the Office ofChildren's Issues to learn if additional countries have joined.If your child has been abducted to a country that is not party to theConvention, see the section entitled "Legal Solutions in Countries NotParty to the Hague Convention."What Is Covered by the ConventionThe countries that are parties to the Convention have agreed that, subjectto certain limited exceptions and conditions outlined below, a child who ishabitually resident in one country that is a party to the Convention andwho is removed to or retained in another country that is party to theConvention in breach of the left-behind parent's custody rights shall bepromptly returned to the country of habitual residence. The Conventionalso provides a means for helping parents to exercise visitation rightsabroad.There is a treaty obligation to return an abducted child below the age of16 if application is made within one year from the date of the wrongfulremoval or retention. After one year, the court is still obligated toorder the child returned unless the person resisting return demonstratesthat the child is settled in the new environment. A court may refuse toorder a child returned if there is a grave risk that the child would beexposed to physical or psychological harm or otherwise placed in anintolerable situation in his or her country of habitual residence. A courtmay also decline to return the child if the child objects to being returnedand has reached an age and degree of maturity at which the court can takeaccount of the child's views. Finally, the return of the child may berefused if the return would violate the fundamental principles of humanrights and freedoms of the country where the child is being held. Theseexceptions have been interpreted narrowly by courts in the United Statesand the other countries party to the Convention.How to Invoke the Hague ConventionYou do not need to have a custody decree to invoke the Convention.However, to apply for the return of your child, you must have been actuallyexercising a "right of custody" at the time of the abduction, and you mustnot have given permission for the child to be removed or, in the case of aretention, to be retained beyond a specified, agreed-upon period of time.The Convention defines "rights of custody" as including "rights relating tothe care of the person of the child and, in particular, the right todetermine the child's place of residence." This "right of custody" mayarise from operation of law as well as an order of custody. If there wasno court order in effect at the date of the abduction, custodial rights areprovided in the statutes of most states.You may apply for the return of your child or the ability to exercise yourvisitation rights. You can also ask for assistance in locating your childand for information on your child's welfare.Each country that is a party to the Convention has designated a CentralAuthority to carry out specialized duties under the Convention. You maysubmit an application either to the U.S. Central Authority or directly tothe Central Authority of the country where the child is believed to beheld. The Central Authority for the United States is the Department ofState's Office of Children's Issues (CI).An application should be submitted as soon as possible after an abductionor wrongful retention has taken place. As stated above, there is a timefactor of one year involved. If no custody decree exists for theleft-behind parent, submit the application anyway. Detailed instructionsto invoke the Hague Convention are found in Part VIII.The Role of the U.S. Central AuthorityCI will review your application to ensure that it complies with theConvention. If it does, we will forward it to the foreign CentralAuthority and work with that authority until your case is resolved. If theabducting parent does not voluntarily agree to the return of your child,you may be required to retain an attorney abroad to present your case underthe Hague Convention to the foreign court. If you need to retain anattorney abroad, see Using the Civil Justice SystemÇHow to Proceed.The Department of State cannot act as an agent or attorney in your case.We can, however, help in many other ways. We can give you information onthe operating procedures of the Central Authority in the country where yourchild is believed to be located. We can help you obtain informationconcerning the wrongfulness of the abduction under the laws of the state inwhich the child resided prior to the abduction. At your request, we canask for a status report six weeks after court action commences in the othercountry.The Central Authority in the country where your child is located, however,has the primary responsibility of responding to your application. In thewords of the Convention, that country has agreed to "ensure that rights ofcustody and access under the law of one Contracting State are effectivelyrespected in the other Contracting State."Good News Plus a Note of Caution for Applicants Under the Hague ConventionThe Hague Convention on International Child Abduction is a success story.It has improved the likelihood and speed of return of abducted orwrongfully retained children from countries that are party to theConvention. In addition, the Convention has begun to influence somenon-Hague countries where courts now look for guidance to the non-hostilepattern of resolution employed in Hague cases. The Convention's increasingsuccess is encouraging more countries to become party to the Convention.Twenty-seven countries have joined since the United States became the 10thcountry in July 1988. In addition, the reputation of the Hague Conventionis such that, when an abducting or retaining parent learns that a Hagueapplication has been filed, he or she may be more likely to return thechild voluntarily. The majority of Hague cases still, however, require theapplying parent to retain an attorney in the country where the child islocated to petition that judiciary for return.A note of caution: Criminal charges may have a distorting effect on theoperation of the Hague Convention and may even prove counterproductive.With the Hague Convention, the emphasis is on the swift return of a childto his or her place of habitual residence where the custody dispute canthen be resolved, if necessary, in the courts of that jurisdiction. As arule, therefore, it is advisable to await the outcome of return proceedingsunder the Convention before deciding whether to initiate criminalproceedings against the other parent. Some courts have denied return ofchildren solely because the taking parent would be arrested if theyaccompanied the child home. Many of these courts, U.S. and foreign, haveheld that the arrest of the parent would expose the child to psychologicalharm (Article 13(b)).Children Abducted to the United StatesThe U.S. Central Authority also handles cases of children abducted to theU.S., provided the case meets the requirements of the Hague application andthe child's country.</text>
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<text>Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean(Consular Affairs Topics) Originally named the West Indies by explorers seeking a sea route to India, the Caribbean is the region of tropical islands in the Caribbean Sea situated between North and South America and east of Central America. The islands extend for nearly 1,700 miles from Cuba in the west to Barbados in the east. The Caribbean was named for the Carib Indians whom Christopher Columbus encountered on his second voyage. Note that there is a travel advisory for Cuba. U.S. Treasury regulations restrict travel to Cuba. See page 13 for details. Travel to Mexico and to Central and South America is covered in separate publications. To order them, see the inside back cover. If you plan to visit to the most popular islands during high tourist season from mid-December to mid-April, confirm your hotel reservations two to three months in advance. There are, however, lesser-known islands where you can book first class accommodations on short notice. In addition, you can usually book reservations with ease during the off-season. However, if you visit the Caribbean during hurricane season from June to November, keep a weather eye out for hurricane warnings. Most of the islands in the Caribbean Sea belong to one of the 13 independent countries there. In addition, several islands and groups of islands in the Caribbean are part of or dependent upon France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, or the United States. For a directory of the major islands, see the next page. Travel Advisories The Department of State issues travel advisories concerning conditions abroad that could affect U.S. citizens adversely. At the time of publication, travel advisories are in effect for Cuba and Haiti. From time to time there have been travel advisories for other areas of the Caribbean. Current advisories are available at the 13 regional passport agencies and from the Citizens Emergency Center, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818; telephone (202) 647- 5225. Travel advisories are also available at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. As you travel, keep abreast of local news coverage. If you are in an area experiencing civil unrest or a natural disaster, if you will be more than a couple of weeks in a place, or if you are going to a place where communications are poor, you are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. (See addresses at the end of this pamphlet.) Registration takes only a few moments, and it may be invaluable in case of an emergency. Remember also to leave a detailed itinerary and the number of your passport or other citizenship document with a friend or relative in the United States. Entry and Exit Requirements Going: Every island in the Caribbean has entry requirements. Most countries allow you to visit for up to two or three months if you show proof of citizenship and a return or onward ticket. Some countries such as Trinidad and Tobago require that you have a passport. If you are arriving from an area infected with yellow fever, many Caribbean countries require that you have a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. Some countries have an airport departure tax that can be as much as $15. For authoritative information on a countryUs entry and exit requirements and on its customs and currency regulations, contact its embassy, consulate, or tourist office in the United States. Returning - Caution! Make certain that you can return to the United States with the proof of citizenship that you take with you. Although some places in the Caribbean allow you to enter with only a voterUs registration card or a birth certificate to indicate your citizenship, U.S. Immigration requires that you document your U.S. citizenship and identity when you reenter the United States. There are several countries, most notably, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, and Jamaica, where airlines have refused to board American citizens with insufficient proof of their U.S. citizenship. The resulting delays are at least inconvenient and are often expensive. The best document of U.S. citizenship is a valid U.S. passport. Other documents of U.S. citizenship include an expired U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States. To prove your identity, either a valid driverUs license or a government identification card that includes a photo or a physical description is acceptable. Bringing Your Own Boat or Plane If you plan to arrive in the Caribbean in your own boat or plane, contact the embassy, consulate, or tourist office of each country you plan to visit to learn what is required for entry and exit. Besides title of ownership, at most ports of entry, you will need to show insurance coverage effective for the country you are entering. Some countries require a temporary import permit for your boat or plane. Authorities in the Caribbean are familiar with U.S. regulations for documentation of air and sea craft. They will detain improperly documented craft that enter their territory. In some countries, authorities will confiscate firearms found on a boat or plane unless the owner or master can show proof that U.S. licensing and export procedures have been followed. In addition, some countries impose a stiff prison term on the importation of illegal firearms. Customs and Currency Regulations Customs formalities are generally simple in the Caribbean. As a rule, one carton of cigarettes and one quart of liquor are permitted duty free into the islands. Most places tax additional quantities at a high rate. In general, tourists are permitted to enter with other commodities required for personal use. If you wish to bring firearms into any country, inquire at the countryUs embassy or consulate on the permit required. As noted above, some countries in the Caribbean impose a stiff prison term on those who import illegal firearms. Currency regulations vary. Inquire about them when you check on entry requirements. In some countries, you must declare all currency and you may not take out more money than you brought into the country. Some countries limit the amount of their own currency that can be brought in or taken out. Be sure to bring enough money. Check with your travel agent about extra fees and taxes that may be overlooked in the tourist literature. Examples are hotel taxes, obligatory restaurant gratuities, and airport departure taxes. When you convert your money to local currency, retain your receipts. You will need to show them if you wish to reconvert money upon departure. It is usually advantageous to reconvert local currency before departure. U.S. currency is used along with local currency in some places such as the Bahamas and Haiti. Health Information on health precautions for travelers can be obtained from local health departments, private doctors, or travel clinics. Immunizations are recommended against diphtheria, hepatitis A, polio, tetanus, and typhoid. Polio is endemic in Haiti and in the Dominican Republic. Malaria is prevalent in Haiti and in the rural, non-tourist areas of the Dominican Republic that border Haiti. If you are going to a malaria area, take a weekly dose of chloroquine, beginning two weeks before your trip. In addition, try to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes because malaria can break through any prophylactic drug. Review your health insurance policy. If it does not cover you abroad, consider purchasing temporary insurance that does. Social Security Medicare does not provide payment for medical services obtained outside the U.S. In addition to medical insurance, consider obtaining insurance to cover evacuation in the event of an accident or serous illness. Air evacuation to the United States can easily cost $15,000 if you are not insured. There are short-term health and emergency assistance policies designed for travelers. Ask your travel agent about them or look for ads about about them in travel publications. If you should need medical attention during your trip, your hotel can recommend the nearest clinic, hospital or doctor, or you can obtain a list of local medical services from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. In a medical emergency, a U.S. consul can assist you in finding medical services. The most prevalent health hazard in the Caribbean is one you can avoidQoverexposure to the sun. Use sunscreen and bring a shirt to wear over your bathing suit, especially if you plan to snorkle. Where the quality of drinking water is questionable, tourist hotels provide bottled water for guests. Travelers to remote areas should boil or chemically treat drinking water. Safety Tips Crime. The Caribbean has a somewhat slower pace than at home. However, petty thievery, purse snatching, and pick pocketing do happen, particularly in towns and at beaches. In some places, U.S. passports and identity documents are especially attractive to thieves. Robbery of yachts is a problem in some marinas. Here are a few common sense precautions to keep in mind: - Safety begins when you pack. Leave expensive jewelry, unnecessary credit cards, and anything you would hate to lose at home. - Use a money belt or concealed money pouch for passports, cash, and other valuables. - Do not take valuables to the beach. Use the hotel safe when you go to the beach or go to town. - When you enter a marina, register with the local government authorities. Water safety. Make certain that sports equipment, including scuba equipment, that you rent or buy meets international safety standards. If you use a pool or beach without a lifeguard, exercise extreme caution. The surf on the Atlantic side of an island can be rough; the Caribbean side is usually calmer. Do not dive into unknown bodies of water because hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. In some places, you may need to wear sneakers in the water for protection against sea urchins. Drug Offenses Most countries in the Caribbean have strict laws against the use, possession, and sale of narcotics. Foreigners arrested for possession of even small amounts of marijuana, cocaine or other illegal drugs are often charged and tried as international traffickers. The penalty for carrying narcotcs into or out of the country can be 20 years imprisonment. In some places, there is no bail, there are long judicial delays, and you can spend more than two years awaiting trial. Conditions in some Caribbean prisons do not meet even minimum U.S. standards. If you carry prescription drugs, keep them in their original container, clearly labeled with the doctorUs name, pharmacy, and contents. Judicial Systems When you travel abroad, you are subject to the laws of the country you are in. If you find yourself in serious difficulty while abroad, contact a consular officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. consuls cannot serve as attorneys or give legal assistance. They can, however, provide lists of local attorneys and advise you of your rights under local law. If you are detained, a consul can monitor your case and can make sure you are treated fairly under local laws. Driving in the Caribbean If you plan to rent a car, be aware that driving conditions are different from those at home. In the British and formerly British islands, and in the U.S. Virgin Islands, one drives on the left. If you are not used to this, proceed slowly and with utmost caution. To get the feeling of keeping left and of local driving customs, it may help to ride as a passenger for a while, mentally pretending you are the driver. Many Caribbean roads are narrow or winding, and road signs may not be in English. In some places, domestic animals roam freely. Defensive driving is a must because local driving patterns are not the same as at home and some of the other drivers may be tourists who are as confused as you are! Shopping: Avoid Wildlife Products Beware of purchasing a live animal or plant or an item made from one. Most such items are prohibited from international traffic. You risk confiscation and a possible fine by U.S. Customs if you attempt to import virtually any wildlife or wildlife product. In particular, watch out for and avoid: - All products made from sea turtles, including turtle leather boots, tortoise-shell jewelry, and sea turtle oil cosmetics. - Fur from spotted cats. - Feathers and feather products from wild birds. - Birds, stuffed or alive, such as parrots or parakeets. - Crocodile and caiman leather. - Black coral and most other coral, whether in chunks or in jewelry. Residence and Investments in the Caribbean You will need a passport and visa to reside in or do business in the Caribbean. Although some Caribbean countries welcome retirees or others of independent means as long-term residents, requests for work permits are rarely granted. Apply to a countryUs embassy or consulate in the United States if you wish to obtain a visa to reside, do business, or work in the country. U.S. citizens who wish to invest in a business in the Caribbean, such as real estate development, should first thoroughly investigate the company making the offer and, in addition, learn about the investment climate in the country. There are several ways to become informed. The U.S. Department of CommerceUs Caribbean Basin Business Development Center (202-377-2527) offers advice and can furnish and an investment climate statement for the place you are considering. The U.S. embassy or consulate for the country can also help by telling you: - if they have received any complaints about the company - where to find out if the company is registered with local authorities - what local authority or trade association can give you information about the company - and if there is a local American Chamber of Commerce or other organization of overseas Americans that could give you advice on the local business scene. Additonal Information on Some Countries BAHAMAS Criminal penalties for possession of and trafficking in drugs in the Bahamas are more severe than in the United States. The Bahamian court system has a heavy volume of pending cases, and Americans are often held in prison for months while awaiting trial. This is especially true in drug related cases. Be certain to budget for a hotel room tax, an energy surtax, an 15% obligatory gratuity in restaurants, and an airport departure tax. CAYMAN ISLANDS Persons wearing their hair in dreadlocks have occasionally been refused entry to the Caymans Islands. Cayman authorities say that they may Rrefuse entry to any person whose mode of dress or behavior, or unkempt appearance, may cause offence to the Caymanian community.S The authorities emphasize that Rthis policy does not automatically exclude from entry persons wearing their hair in any particular manner. However, if such persons are also unkempt and slovenly in their attire and behaviour, it is possible they could then be refused entry.S CUBA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Drug laws are severe and strictly enforced in the Domincan Rupublic. Possession of even small amounts of marijuana or other illegal drugs can result in jail sentences and fines. The penalty for carrying narcotics into or out of the country is five to 20 years imprisonment. The only legal currency in the Dominican Republic is the peso, and it should be purchased only at authorized hotels and banks. In crackdowns on black market activity, American tourists have sometimes been arrested for even minor illegal currency transactions. No more than $5000 may be taken from the Domincan Republic upon departure. There may be restrictions on minor children being allowed to leave the Domincan Republic without their parent(s). A child without a U.S. passport may be particularly vulnerable to being denied permission to travel. If this applies to you, check with the Embassy of the Dominican Republic and learn their requirements before you travel there. JAMAICA Crime is a particularly serious problem in Jamaica, both in Kingston and in the north coast tourist areas. Visitors should not walk around at night and should avoid public transportation, except for licensed taxis. Particular care should be taken at isolated villas and small establishments.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</text>
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<text>INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS(Consular Affairs Topics)DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION IN THIS CIRCULAR RELATING TO THE LEGALREQUIREMENTS OF SPECIFIC FOREIGN COUNTRIES IS PROVIDED FOR GENERALINFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE TOTALLY ACCURATE IN A PARTICULARCASE. QUESTIONS INVOLVING INTERPRETATION OF SPECIFIC FOREIGN LAWSSHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO FOREIGN ATTORNEYS OR FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALSSUMMARYThe subject of international adoptions has become an issue of considerableconcern to the Department of State and its embassies and consulatesabroad in recent years. There has been an increasing incidence ofillicit activities in the area of international adoptions by intermediariesand adoption agencies both in the foreign countries involved andin the United States.The Department considers adoptions to be private legal matters withinthe judicial sovereignty of the nation where the child resides.U.S. authorities, therefore, have no right to intervene on behalfof an individual American citizen with the courts in the countrywhere the adoption takes place. However, while we cannot becomedirectly involved in the adoption process, we do receive requestsfor assistance and information from American citizens who wish toadopt in foreign countries. Requests cover a broad range of subjectsfrom the legal procedures involved to the expeditious issuance ofimmigrant visas to adopted children, or children being brought tothe United States for the purpose of adoption. The information inthis brochure is intended to provide a general overview of internationaladoptions and to warn prospective adoptive parents about problemsthey might encounter.DEPARTMENT ASSISTANCEThe Department of State can offer assistance in several importantways. We can provide information on the details of the adoptionprocess in the foreign country; make inquiries on behalf of adoptiveparents regarding the status of their cases before foreign tribunals;assist in the clarification of documentary requirements; provideinformation on the U.S. visa application and issuance process; andendeavor to ensure that Americans are not discriminated against byforeign authorities and courts.ANTICIPATING DIFFICULTIESAmerican citizens who desire to adopt foreign children should beaware of the numerous problems and pitfalls which may beset themin the natural course of the tedious process of foreign adoptions.Generally, adopting parents may expect to be temporarily frustratedby some of the vagaries of transnational bureaucracies, but in thelong run adherence to procedures established by the laws and regulationsof the country where the adoption is taking place and avoidance ofshort-cuts will save time, effort, and heartache.One crucial fact which must be understood at the outset of any adoptionis that the child is a national of the country of its origin (andremains so even after the adoption process is completed) and is subjectto the jurisdiction of the foreign courts. Consequently, parentsshould be certain that the procedures they follow in arranging forsuch an adoption strictly comply with local (foreign) law. Thisis usually accomplished by dealing with a reputable, licensed internationaladoption agency which has experience in arranging adoptions in theparticular foreign country, or, in the case of a private adoption,with a local attorney who has routinely handled successful adoptions.Adopting parents should be wary of any agency or attorney who claimsto be able to streamline established procedures. If it sounds toogood to be true, it probably is. Procedural irregularities whichsometimes result from an intermediary's desire to speed up the processcan result in the foreign government's determination that the adoptionis illegal and the refusal of that government to finalize the adoption.GENERAL PROCEDURES1. Foreign Adoption Practices and ProceduresThe majority of countries require that the child who is placed foradoption be legally recognized as an orphan or, in the case wherea parent is living, be legally and irrevocably released for adoptionprior to any legal activity leading to final adoption of the child.Nowadays, most countries have enacted legislation which requiresthe full scale adoption of the child through the foreign court afterthe child has been declared an orphan. Some countries do allow "simple""adoption", which means that the adopting parent(s) are granted guardianshipof the child by the foreign court, thus permitting the child to leavethe foreign country to be adopted in country of the adopting parent(s)'nationality. Some countries may accept the properly authenticatedhome study of the prospective adoptive parent(s) on its face. Othercountries may require the personal appearance of the adoptive parent(s)before the foreign court. This could involve a protracted stay inthe foreign country until the court approves the adoption.2. U.S. Immigration RequirementsIn addition to the foreign adoption requirements, prospective adoptiveparents must comply with U.S. immigration procedures. It is notpossible, for example, to simply locate a child in a foreign country,then go to the U.S. embassy and obtain a visa for the child. Visaprocedures in this area are complex, and designed with many safeguardsto ensure that children adopted abroad or brought to this countryfor adoption are truly orphans and will go to healthy homes in theU.S. Contact the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)office having jurisdiction over your place of residence in the U.S.for information early in the process. One area which has been asource of confusion to prospective adoptive parents is whether achild identified in a foreign country actually meets the definitionof orphan under U.S. immigration laws.A. Does the Child Meet the Definition of Orphan?Under Section 201(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA),foreign children may gain entry into the United States as "immediaterelatives" of U.S. citizens. In this connection, the INA definesthe term "orphan" as a "child under the age of 16 ... who is an orphanbecause of the death or disappearance of, abandonment or desertionby, or separation or loss from, both parents, or for whom the solesurviving parent is incapable of providing the proper care (propercare has been ruled as proper care according to the local (foreign)standard of living, not the U.S. standard of living) and has in writingirrevocably released the child for emigration and adoption." (8U.S.C. 1101(b)(1)(F)). This means that a child who has been abandonedby both parents may meet the definition of orphan, for example, ifthe child has been unconditionally abandoned to an orphanage or legallydocumented as abandoned by a competent legal authority in the child'scountry of origin.B. Orphan Petitions for U.S. ImmigrationThe procedures for adopting a child abroad or bringing a child tothe U.S. for adoption must in all cases be initiated with INS. Anorphan cannot be brought to the U.S. without a visa based on an INSapproved petition (form I-600). If an adoptive parent(s) simplyappears at a U.S. embassy or consulate asking for a visa for an adoptedchild with no prior processing and approval by INS, the visa cannotbe issued immediately. The matter must be referred to INS. It couldtake a considerable period of time before INS could approve sucha petition since a home study of the adoptive parent(s), fingerprintcheck, and any state pre-adoptive requirements would have to be completed.We urge all prospective adoptive parents to contact INS and initiatethe requisite procedures before going abroad to look for a child.There are two separate procedures for the adjudication of orphan petitions.(1) Specific Child Identified and I-600 Petition Fully Approved By INSIf the adoptive parent(s) has identified the child when beginningU.S. immigration processing, it is necessary to file petition formI-600 with the appropriate office of the U.S. Immigration and NaturalizationService (INS) in the United States. In that case, INS adjudicatesall aspects of the I-600 petition -- the suitability of the adoptiveparent(s), compliance with any state pre-adoption requirements (ifthe child is to be adopted after entry into the U.S.), and the qualificationof the child as an orphan within the meaning of Section 101(b)(1)(F)of the Immigration and Nationality Act. INS will send the approvedI-600 to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the childwill be adopted. If requested, INS will also send notification oftheir approval via telegram (the "visas 38" (adopted abroad) or "visas39" (coming to the U.S. to be adopted) procedure) to help speed-upissuance of the U.S. visa.In the case of a fully approved I-600 petition, the consular officerat a U.S. embassy or consular abroad must verify that the facts allegedabout the child in the approved petition are correct. Informationcasting doubt upon the child's eligibility as an orphan or disclosinga medical consideration not identified in the approved petition requiresreturn of the petition to the approving INS office for reconsideration.(2) No Specific Child Identified and I-600A Approved by INSIf prospective adoptive parent(s) in the United States intend(s)to go abroad to locate a child for adoption the adoptive parent(s)should file an application on form I-600A for an advance determinationof suitability as adoptive parent(s). This application is filedat the appropriate INS office in the United States with jurisdictionover the adoptive parent(s) place of residence. INS will evaluatethe suitability of the prospective adoptive parent(s) in the samemanner as would be done if the parent(s) had filed an I-600 petition(see above) and will, if requested, forward the approved I-600A tothe appropriate U.S. consular office or overseas office of INS.The INS office will, if requested, send notification of their approvalvia telegram (the "visas 37" procedure) to help speed-up the issuanceof the U.S. visa. This message will also state whether the adoptiveparent(s) have fulfilled applicable pre-adoption procedures in theirstate of residence. Prospective adoptive parent(s) who file andhave approved a form I-600A, once having located the child to beadopted, must file a petition I-600 with the appropriate U.S. consularofficer or INS office abroad or with their local INS office in theUnited States if more convenient.When prospective adoptive parent(s) file a petition form I-600 witha U.S. consular officer abroad after the approval of an I-600A application,the consular officer has the authority by delegation from INS toadjudicate the I-600, relying upon the approval of the I-600A forelements relating to the suitability of the parent(s) and establishingthe eligibility of the child as an orphan, and compliance with anystate pre-adoption requirements. If any doubt exists as to whetherthe petition may be approved, the consular officer must refer thepetition to the appropriate overseas INS office for adjudication.A petition is clearly approvable only where primary documentationis presented which establishes the elements of eligibility. In orphancases, there are certain possible circumstances which inherentlycannot be documented by primary evidence. This could include issuessuch as the identity of the child, death of parent or parents, abandonmentby parent or parents, disappearance or loss of, or separation fromparent or parents and unconditional release by sole or survivingparent. A consular officer cannot approve an I-600 petition unlessit is supported by primary evidence of all claimed elements of theeligibility of the child in question as an orphan within the meaningof section 101(b)(1)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.An I-600 petition supported, in whole or in part, by secondary evidencemust be referred by the U.S. consular officer to the appropriateoverseas INS office for adjudication.C. Child Who Does Not Meet the Definition of OrphanIf the child does not meet the definition of orphan under the INA,the child may qualify to enter the U.S. under section 101(b)(1)(E)of the INA based on an adoptive relationship if the child was adoptedbefore the age of 16 and if the child has been in the legal custodyof, and has resided with, the adopting parent(s) for at least twoyears. The two year legal custody and residence period requirementmay take place either before or after the adoption but must takeplace before issuance of a visa permitting the child to enter theU.S. This procedure should not be confused with the procedure fororphan petitions which has completely different requirements.D. "Proxy Adoptions"There are no provisions in INS regulations for approving petitionssigned by agents with powers of attorney. In addition, a petitioncannot be approved if a married petitioner signs the I-600 on behalfof his/her spouse (even with a power of attorney). A signature ona blank I-600 later completed when the child is located abroad isinvalid, and no such petition can be approved.E. Procedures for Issuance of Immigrant VisaOnce petition procedures listed above have been completed and foreignadoption requirements taken care of, an immigrant visa applicationappointment will need to be scheduled by the U.S. consular officerat the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. The officer will provideadoptive parent(s) with a list of visa requirements. Among otherrequirements, adopting parent(s) should be aware of the medical examinationfee and the U.S. $150.00 immigrant visa fee (which must be paid eitherin local currency or U.S. dollars in cash or money order, cashierscheck, or certified check).VALIDITY OF FOREIGN ADOPTION IN UNITED STATESIn most cases the formal adoption of a child in a foreign court isaccepted as lawful in the United States. In some instances, it willbe necessary to re-adopt the child in the United States. For example,if the adoptive parent(s) did not see the child prior to or duringthe full adoption proceedings abroad, the child must be brought tothe U.S. to be adopted here (IR-4). In the case of a married couple,both parents must see the child before the U.S. visa can be issuedif the child is to be considered "adopted abroad". Otherwise, theparent(s) must be able to meet the pre-adoption requirements of theirstate of residence in order for the child to qualify for a U.S. visato come to U.S. to be adopted here. This is true even if a fullfinal adoption decree has been issued in the foreign country. Adoptiveparents should determine in advance the requirements of their ownparticular state of residence. Some states do not recognize foreigncontracted adoptions, while others have a post-registration requirementto confer legality on the adoption. The office of the state AttorneyGeneral in the state capital can provide such information. If noformal adoption is required by the country of the child's originit will definitely be necessary for the child to be adopted in thestate where the parents intend to reside with the child. Of course,a child brought to the U.S. for the purpose of being adopted here,rather than a child legally adopted abroad, must be adopted in accordancewith state law.ADOPTION FRAUDThe Department of State refers to INS for investigation all petitionsfor children whose adoptions have been arranged through private ororganizational "facilitators" motivated by undue personal gain orimproper profit, or other irregular practices. This policy flowsfrom our general obligation to respect host country laws and is basedon a strong desire on the part of the United States not to promoteabuse of adoption procedures ("baby-selling", kidnapping, etc.),and not to permit its officials to engage in conduct that might causea host country to prohibit altogether further adoptions of host countrychildren by U.S. citizens. To this end, the Department of Statehas consistently expressed its support for measures taken by foreignstates to reduce adoption abuses.Adoption fraud has recently been on the rise. Fraud can be perpetratedby the facilitator handling the adoption in the foreign country,especially if it is a private adoption, or by the facilitator oradoption agency in the United States. Unfortunately for adoptiveparents, there exists a substantial black market trade in adoptivechildren. International adoptions have become a lucrative businessin part because of the huge demand for adoptive infants in the UnitedStates.The lack of state regulatory requirements for international adoptionagencies has permitted unscrupulous individuals to set up businesses,often without prior experience or expertise in the area of adoptions.Exorbitant fees in the tens of thousands of dollars have been extortedfrom prospective adoptive parents desperate to adopt. Abuses perpetratedby these agencies and individuals have included offering for adoptiona supposedly healthy child who is later found to be seriously ill,or obtaining prepayment for adoption of a child who does not actuallyexist. (In some countries, it is advisable to have a child consideredfor adoption examined by a doctor before completing adoption procedures.)Many states in the U.S. have experienced problems with such unscrupulouspractitioners. Some states have moved to revoke licenses or prosecutethe individuals connected with these activities after receiving complaintsfrom adoptive parents who have been defrauded.It should be noted, however, that by far, the majority of adoptionagencies practicing in the United States are legitimate professionalorganizations with a wealth of experience in domestic and internationaladoptions. It is the continuing rise of unscrupulous practitioners,who act in violation of regulatory requirements, which taints internationaladoptions.Any problems experienced by American citizens in dealing with foreignattorneys or adoption agencies who employ these foreign attorneysshould be reported to the American embassy or consulate or to theOffice of Citizens Consular Services at the Department of State in Washington.Any problems experienced with agencies or intermediaries in the UnitedStates should be reported immediately to the appropriate state authorities,i.e., Health and Human Services office, police, District Attorney,Better Business Bureau, or state Attorney General's office. TheUnited States Immigration and Naturalization Service should alsobe notified of these activities.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS- What Can You Do To Avoid Adoption Problems?Contact the local office of the Immigration and Naturalization Serviceearly in the adoption process. Request a copy of the INS publicationM-249Y (Revised, 1990) "The Immigration of Adopted and ProspectiveAdoptive Children".Contact the Department of State, Office of Citizens Consular Servicesin Washington or the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country fromwhich you desire to adopt to obtain information on adoption practicesand procedures and ascertain if there are any particular problemsof which you should be aware in connection with adoption from that country.Demand an accounting of the services for which you are paying anagency or intermediary.Find out if adoption agencies/intermediaries must be licensed inyour state, and if so, whether the one you are working with is licensed.You might also check with the Better Business Bureau, Consumer AffairsOffice, or similar office of your District Attorney or Attorney General'soffice to obtain information about the past record of the agency/intermediaryyou have chosen to use.- What Can You Do About Problems Concerning an Orphan Petition forImmigration To the United States?If your problem concerns the adjudication of an orphan petition (I-600or I-600A), discuss the matter with the INS examiner assigned toyour case. If he/she is unable to assist you, ask to speak withthe INS supervisory examiner. If the supervisor is unable to help,ask to speak with the next line supervisor/manager until you havereached the District Director or Officer-in-Charge. If the localINS office is unable to assist you, contact the Regional Office thathas jurisdiction over the office handling your case.- Does an Adopted Child Automatically Acquire U.S. Citizenship?No. However, there does exist a mechanism by which the child canbe expeditiously naturalized as a citizen of the United States.As of November 14, 1986, Section 341 of the Immigration and NationalityAct (INA) was amended to add subsections (b)(1) and (b)(2) whichpermit an adopting parent or parents to apply to the Attorney Generalof the United States for a Certificate of Citizenship for an alienadopted child. Pursuant to Subsection (b)(1), the Attorney Generalshall issue a Certificate of Citizenship and the adopted child shallthen automatically become a naturalized U.S. citizen if the followingconditions have been established:(1) the adopting parent (and spouse, if married) are U.S. citizens.(2) the child meets the qualifications of Section 341(c)(2) of theINA. This Section defines "child" for the purposes of naturalization.The required criteria are (a) the child be under the age of 18,(b) the child was adopted before the age of 16 by a U.S. citizenparent, and (c) is residing in the United States in the custody ofthe adopting parent(s) pursuant to lawful admission for permanent residence.(3) the child is in the United States.How to ApplyThe administrative process requires that INS Form N-643 Applicationfor Certificate of Citizenship in behalf of an Adopted Child, befiled with the INS before the child is 18 years of age. The childis not a citizen until the Form N-643 is approved and the certificateof citizenship is issued. For information, contact the INS officenearest you.- Are There Any International Agreements on Adoption?The United States is not a signatory to any international agreementor convention relating to international adoptions. The only existinginternational agreement on adoption is the HAGUE CONVENTION ON JURISDICTION,APPLICABLE LAW AND RECOGNITION OF DECREES TO ADOPTION of November15, 1965 which entered into force on October 10, 1978. It is onlyin force in the United Kingdom, Austria and Switzerland.The Organization of American States (OAS) is in the process of draftingthe INTER-AMERICAN CONVENTION ON THE ADOPTION OF MINORS. This draftprovides in part that the courts of a nation in which the adoptingparents are habitually resident may grant an adoption decree andthat the adopted child's country of origin should not prevent thechild from leaving the country after an adoption is granted in theabsence of a public order or for police reasons. We do not expectthe convention to be completed or in effect until well after 1992.Forty nine countries, many of them countries from which childrenhave been adopted, and ten international organizations, participatedin the June 11-21, 1990 Hague Conference on Private InternationalLaw preliminary session in preparation for the drafting of a multilateralCONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS.The June 1990 meeting was the first of four sessions aimed at adoptionof the text of a convention for signature and ratification by States(countries) by spring 1993.- From which countries are children available for adoption?The availability of children for adoption from particular countriescan change very rapidly.PROBLEMSFor information about procedures in specific countries,please contact the appropriate geographic division of the Departmentof State, Office of Citizens Consular Services:Europe and Canada Division (202) 647-3445Inter-American Division (202) 647-3712East Asia and Pacific Division (202) 647-3675Near Eastern and South Asia Division (202) 647-3926Africa Division (202) 647-4994General recorded information about visa procedures is available fromthe Department of State's Visa Office at (202) 663-1225.For questions about U.S. visa petition procedures, contact the nearestoffice of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service locatedin the Federal Government section of your telephone book under Departmentof Justice.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</text>
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<text>UNITED NATIONSPUBLISHED BY THE BUREAU OF PUBLIC AFFAIRSUS DEPARTMENT OF STATEOCTOBER 1992Official Name: United NationsPROFILEEstablished: By charter signed in San Francisco, California, onJune 26, 1945; effective October 24, 1945.Purposes: To maintain international peace and security; todevelop friendly relations among nations; to achieveinternational cooperation in solving economic, social, cultural,and humanitarian problems and in promoting respect for humanrights and fundamental freedoms; to be a center for harmonizingthe actions of nations in attaining these common ends.Members: 178.Official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian,Spanish. Principal organs: General Assembly, Security Council,Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, InternationalCourt of Justice, Secretariat. Budget: UN assessed budget(calendar year 1991)--$1.2 billion. US share--$298 million. Incalendar 1991, the United States paid its full assessment of $1.1billion to the United Nations, its agencies, and otherinternational organizations, including UN peace-keepingoperations, voluntary contributions for other UN organizationssuch as UNICEF, and $25 million for UN refugee programs.SecretariatChief Administrative Officer: Secretary General of the UnitedNations, appointed to a 5-yr. term by the General Assembly on therecommendation of the Security Council. Secretary General:Boutros Boutros-Ghali.Staff: A worldwide staff of 23,000, including more than 2,800 UScitizens. The staff is appointed by the Secretary Generalaccording to UN regulations.General AssemblyMembership: All UN members. President: Elected at the beginningof each General Assembly session.Main committees: First--Political and Security, primarilydisarmament; Special Political Committee. Second--Economic andFinancial. Third--Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural.Fourth--Trusteeship. Fifth--Administrative and Budgetary.Sixth--Legal. Many other committees address specific issues,including peace-keeping, outer space, crime prevention, status ofwomen, and UN Charter reform.Security CouncilMembership: Five permanent members (China, France, Russia, UK,US), each with the right to veto, and 10 non-permanent memberselected by the General Assembly for 2-year terms. (In December1991, Russia assumed the permanent Security Council seatpreviously held by the USSR.) Five non-permanent members areelected from Africa and Asia combined; one from Eastern Europe;two from Latin America; and two from Western Europe and otherareas. Non-permanent members are not eligible for immediatereelection. The 1992 non-permanent members are Austria, Belgium,Cape Verde, Hungary, Japan, Morocco, Venezuela , Ecuador, India,and Zimbabwe.President: Rotates monthly in English alphabetical order ofmembers.Economic and Social CouncilMembership: 54; 18 elected each year by the General Assembly for3-year terms. President: Elected each year.Trusteeship CouncilMembership: China, France, Russia, UK, US.President: Elected each year.International Court of JusticeMembership: 15, elected for 9-year terms by the General Assemblyand the Security Council from nominees of national groups underprovisions of the International Court of Justice Statute.BACKGROUNDThe immediate antecedent of the United Nations was the League ofNations. It was created under US leadership following World WarI (although the United States never became a member). The Leagueexisted from 1919 until its reduced organization and functionswere replaced by the United Nations in 1945.The idea for the United Nations found expression in declarationssigned at conferences in Moscow and Tehran in October andDecember 1943. In the summer of 1944, representatives of theUSSR, the UK, and the United States met at Dumbarton Oaks, amansion in Washington, DC. Later, discussions among China, theUK, and the United States resulted in proposals concerning thepurposes and principles of an international organization, itsmembership and principal organs, as well as arrangements tomaintain international peace and security and internationaleconomic and social cooperation. These proposals were discussedand debated by governments and private citizens worldwide.On March 5, 1945, invitations to a conference to be held in SanFrancisco in April were issued by the United States on behalf ofitself, China, the USSR, and the UK to 42 other governments thathad signed the January 1, 1942, "Declaration by United Nations"and that had declared war on Germany or Japan no later than March1, 1945. The conference added Argentina, Denmark, and the tworepublics of Belarus and the Ukraine, bringing the total to 50.The 50 nations represented at San Francisco signed the Charter ofthe United Nations on June 26, 1945. Poland, which was notrepresented at the conference but for which a place among theoriginal signatories had been reserved, added its name later,bringing the total of original signatories to 51. The UnitedNations came into existence 4 months later, on October 24, 1945,when the Charter had been ratified by the five permanent membersof the Security Council--China, France, the USSR, the UK, and theUnited States--and by a majority of the other signatories.UN membership is open to all "peace-loving states" that acceptthe obligations of the UN Charter and, in the judgment of theorganization, are able and willing to fulfill these obligations.Admission to membership is determined by the General Assemblyupon recommendation of the Security Council. In September 1991,there were 166 members. By August 1992, 179 countries weremembers of the UN. In September 1992, however, the GeneralAssembly, by a vote of 127 to 6 with 26 abstentions, revokedYugoslavia's membership, reducing the total to 178.In New York City, the UN owns its headquarters site , which isinternational territory. The UN headquarters building wasconstructed between January 1, 1949, and August 21, 1950, besidethe East River on donated land. Under special agreement with theUnited States, certain diplomatic privileges and immunities havebeen granted, but generally the laws of New York City, New YorkState, and the United States apply.SECURITY COUNCILUnder the UN Charter, the Security Council has "primaryresponsibility for the maintenance of international peace andsecurity," and all UN members "agree to accept and carry out thedecisions of the Security Council in accordance with the presentCharter."Other organs of the United Nations make recommendations to membergovernments. The Security Council, however, has the power tomake decisions, which member governments must carry out under theCharter. A representative of each Security Council member mustalways be present at UN headquarters so that the Council can meetat any time.Decisions in the Security Council on all substantive matters--forexample, a decision calling for direct measures related to thesettlement of a dispute--require the affirmative votes of ninemembers, including the support of all five permanent members. Anegative vote--a veto--by a permanent member prevents adoption ofa proposal that has received the required number of affirmativevotes. Abstention is not regarded as a veto. A permanent memberusually abstains when it does not wish to vote in favor of adecision or to block it with a veto.A state that is a member of the UN but not of the SecurityCouncil may participate in Security Council discussions in whichthe Council agrees that the country's interests are particularlyaffected. In recent years, the Council has interpreted thisloosely, enabling many countries to take part in its discussions.Non-members routinely are invited to take part when they areparties to disputes being considered by the Council.Although the UN Charter gives the Security Council primaryresponsibility for international peace and security, itrecommends that states first make every effort to settle theirdisputes peacefully, either bilaterally or through regionalorganizations.Under Chapter Six of the Charter, "Pacific Settlement ofDisputes," the Security Council "may investigate any dispute, orany situation which might lead to international friction or giverise to a dispute." The Council may "recommend appropriateprocedures or methods of adjustment" if it determines that thesituation might endanger international peace and security. Theserecommendations are not binding on UN members.Under Chapter Seven, the Council has broader power to decide whatmeasures to be taken in situations involving "threats to thepeace, breaches of the peace, or acts of aggression." In suchsituations, the Council is not limited to recommendations but maytake action, including the use of armed force, "to maintain orrestore international peace and security." This was the basisfor UN armed action in Korea in 1950 and the use of coalitionforces in Iraq and Kuwait in 1991.In the case of Iraq, the Security Council adopted 12 resolutionsin 1990 that clearly laid out the path of peace for that countryto follow. Those resolutions demanded that Iraq withdrawimmediately and unconditionally from Kuwait, established aneconomic embargo against Iraq backed by force, and authorized theuse of "all means necessary" to expel Iraqi armed forces fromKuwait if the Iraqis did not withdraw by January 15, 1991. Whenthe Iraqis did not withdraw, the international coalition offorces launched Operation Desert Storm at 4:50 pm EasternStandard Time on January 16 to force Iraq into complying with the12 UN Security Council resolutions. As a result of that jointmilitary operation, the Iraqi armed forces were expelled fromKuwait.</text>
<text>Tupac Katari Guerrilla Army (EGTK) Description Indigenous, anti-Western Bolivian subversive organization. Activities Frequently attacks small, unprotected targets, such as power pylons, oil pipelines, and government offices. Has targeted Mormon churches with fire- bombings and attacked USAID motorpool in January 1993. Strength Fewer than 100 Location/Area of Operation Bolivia, primarily the Chapare region, near the Peruvian border, and the Altiplano. External Aid None. </text>
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<text>Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) Description Traditional Marxist-Leninist revolutionary movement formed in 1983. Currently struggling to remain viable. Has suffered from defections and government counterterrorist successes in addition to infighting and loss of leftist support. objective remains to rid Peru of "imperialism" and establish Marxist regime. Activities Bombings, kidnappings, ambushes, assassinations. Previously responsible for large number of anti-US attacks; recent activity has dropped off dramatically. Strength Unknown; greatly diminished in past year. Location/Area of Operation Peru; provided assistance in Bolivia to Bolivian ELN. External Aid None. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYMARCH, 1984:MACHINEGUNNED THE RESIDENCE OF A FORMER MINISTER OF ECONOMY.SEPTEMBER, 1984:MURDERED A NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER IN A MACHINEGUN ATTACK ON AGUARD POST AT THE LIMA NAVAL HOSPITAL.OCTOBER, 1984:FIRED ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE U.S. EMBASSY BUILDING.MARCH, 1985:SET FIRE TO TWO KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN RESTAURANTS AND ATTEMPTED TOIGNITE A THIRD.JULY, 1985:WOUNDED THREE CIVILIANS IN SHOOTING AND BOMBING ATTACKS ON SIX LIMAPOLICE STATIONS.NOVEMBER, 1985:BOMBED THE LIMA OFFICES OF THE TEXACO CORPORATION.NOVEMBER, 1985:FIRED SHOTS INTO THE U.S. EMBASSY COMPOUND AND ATTEMPTED TO THROW ABOMB, WHICH DETONATED ON A SIDEWALK OUTSIDE THE EMBASSY.JANUARY, 1986:OCCUPIED TWO RADIO STATIONS AND BRADCAST A PROTEST OF U.S. SENATOREDWARD KENNEDY.APRIL, 1986:BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR A CAR BOMB AT THE RESIDENCE OF THE U.S.AMBASSADOR, AS WELL AS SEVERAL OTHER BOMBS AT U.S AND U.S.-AFFILIATED BUILDINGS, INCLUDING BANKS AND BUSINESSES.AUGUST, 1986:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBS PLACED IN TWO GOVERNMENT OF PERUMINISTRY BUILDINGS A FEW DAYS AFTER ANNOUNCING AN END TO A SELF-PROCLAIMED TRUCE WITH THE GARCIA GOVERNMENT.SEPTEMBER, 1986:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN ATTACK ON THE EMBASSY OF CHILE INSOLIDARITY WITH LEFTIST GROUPS OPPOSING THE PINOCHET GOVERNMENT INCHILE.DECEMBER, 1986:DYNAMITED SEVERAL U.S. OR U.S.- AFFILIATED FACILITIES. SLOGANSPAINTED ON THE BUILDINGS ANNOUNCED THE MERGER OF THE MRTA AND THEMIR.JANUARY, 1987:AMBUSHED AND MURDERED AN ARMY RECRUITING OFFICER IN HUANCAYO.JANUARY, 1987:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBING A BUILDING WHICH HOUSED THEOFFICES OF A U.S. AIRLINE, THE UNITED NATIONS, AND THE EMBASSY OFAUSTRIA.FEBRUARY, 1987:TOOK OVER SIX RADIO STATIONS IN LIMA TO DENOUNCE THE GOVERNMENT.FEBRUARY-MARCH, 1987:BOMBED SEVERAL BRANCHES OF PERU'S LARGEST BANKS.MARCH, 1987:TOOK OVER A RADIO STATION, INVADED A CHURCH, AND OCCUPIED APRIVATE MANUFACTURING CONCERN TO GIVE REVOLUTIONARY SPEECHES ANDURGE PARTICIPATION IN THE "ARMED STRUGGLE." THIS FORM OFPROPAGANDIZING WAS A NEW MODUS OPERANDI FOR THE MRTA-MIR GROUPS.MARCH, 1987:DYNAMITED A CONTAINER COMPANY. A MANAGER WHO CHASED ONE TERRORISTWAS SHOT AND KILLED BY OTHER TERRORISTS DURING THEIR ESCAPE.APRIL, 1987:TOOK OVER A RADIO STATION IN TACNA AND BROADCAST A FIFTEEN MINUTEPRERECORDED MESSAGE CALLING FOR ARMED STRUGGLE AGAINST THE GARCIAGOVERNMENT.MAY, 1987:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BLOWING UP FOUR BUSES IN SUPPORT OFNATIONAL WORK STOPPAGE; AGAIN TOOK OVER LIMA RADIO STATIONS TOBROADCAST PRO-MRTA MESSAGES.JUNE, 1987:INVADED TWO RADIO STATIONS IN LIMA AND FORCED THEM TO BROADCAST ATAPE MARKING THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF A MRTA ATTACK DURING THEADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT BELAUNDE.JUNE, 1987:DETONATED A CAR BOMB NEAR THE SUBURBAN LIMA BRANCH OF BANCO DECREDITO; MRTA PROPAGANDA WAS FOUND AT THE SCENE.AUGUST, 1987:BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR A GRENADE ATTACK AGAINST THE PRESIDENTIALPALACE.SEPTEMBER, 1987:BY SEPTEMBER HAD CONDUCTED SOME 39 BOMBINGS AT MAJOR BANKINGFACILITIES IN ADDITION TO BOMBINGS AT GOVERNMENT OFFICES,UNIVERSITY SITES, AND U.S.-OWNED BUSINESS LOCATIONS.OCTOBER, 1987:SET OFF SMALL BOMBS AT THE BOLIVIAN EMBASSY AND AN ANNEX OF THEU.S. CONSULATE.NOVEMBER, 1987:A COLUMN OF MORE THAN EIGHTY MRTA INSURGENTS STAGED A CAREFULLYPLANNED, WELL-PUBLICIZED TAKEOVER OF JUANJUI, SAN MARTIN PROVINCE,DEPARTING THE AREA BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF GOVERNMENT SECURITYFORCES.FEBRAURY, 1988:CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE BUT NO INJURIES IN BOMBINGS OF SHELL OILOFFICES, A PHARMACEUTICAL FACTORY, A FURNITURE STORE, AND THEARMCO PERU PLANT IN LIMA.MARCH, 1988:BOMBED THE LIMA HEADQUARTERS OF ANGLO-NETHERLANDS ROYAL DUTCHSHELL OIL COMPANY, INJURING TWO PERSONS AND CAUSING CONSIDERABLEDAMAGE.APRIL, 1988:SIMULTANEOUSLY BOMBED TWO LIMA U.S. INFORMATION SERVICE (USIS)BINATIONAL CENTERS, DAMAGING THEIR FACADES AND INJURING TWO.JUNE, 1988:FIRED THREE 60MM MORTAR ROUNDS AT THE RESIDENCE OF THE U.S.AMBASSADOR. THE ATTACK CAUSED ONLY MINOR DAMAGE.JULY, 1988:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR KIDNAPPING A PERUVIAN BUSINESSMAN.JANUARY, 1989:ATTEMPTED TO ASSASSINATE A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE. IN THE FAILEDATTEMPT, FOUR BODYGUARDS WERE WOUNDED.JANUARY, 1989:FIREBOMBED A LIMA RESTAURANT FREQUENTED BY U.S. DIPLOMATS. THEREWERE NO CASUALTIES.FEBRUARY, 1989:RAIDED AND LOOTED A STATE-OWNED OIL FIELD CAMP. NO CASUALTIES.MARCH, 1989:BOMBED THE VENEZUELAN EMBASSY IN LIMA. NO CASUALTIES.OCTOBER, 1989:BOMBED THE U.S. - PERU BINATIONAL CULTURAL CENTER IN LIMA.OCTOBER, 1989:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE KIDNAPPING A RADIO/TELEVISIONMAGNATE.DECEMBER, 1989:BOMBED THE U.S. - PERU BINATIONAL CULTURAL CENTER IN AREQUIPA. NOCASUALTIES.DECEMBER, 1989:BOMBED A MORMON CHAPEL IN TARAPOTO. NO CASUALTIES.JANUARY, 1990:BOMBED THE RESIDENCE OF THE U.S. MARINE EMBASSY GUARDS IN LIMA.ONE PASSERBY INJURED.FEBRUARY, 1990:BOMBED THE U.S. EMBASSY WAREHOUSE, THE PANAMANIAN EMBASSY, AND THEOFFICES OF A U.S. - AFFILIATED COMPANY. NO CASUALTIES.JULY, 1990:FORTY EIGHT MRAT MEMBERS, INCLUDING THE GROUP'S LEADER, ESCAPEDFROM PRISON.JULY, 1990:BOMBED THE U.S. - PERU BINATIONAL CULTURAL CENTER IN CUSCO. NOCASUALTIES.JULY, 1990:BOMBED THE LIMA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. NO CASUALTIES.NOVEMBER, 1990:BOMBED THE OFFICES OF THE XEROX CORPORATION AND A SYNAGOGUE INLIMA. NO CASUALTIES.NOVEMBER, 1990:CONDUCTED A ROCKET ATTACK AGAINST THE U.S. CONSULATE IN LIMA. NOCASUALTIES.NOVEMBER, 1990:BOMBED THE RESIDENCE OF THE U.S. AMBASSADOR TO PERU AND THEU.S. - PERU BINATIONAL CULTURAL CENTER IN LIMA. NO CASUALTIES.DECEMBER, 1990:BOMBED THE U.S., SOVIET, AND JAPANESE EMBASSIES, PLUS TWODEPARTMENT STORES AND A SUPERMARKET IN LIMA. NO CASUALTIES.DECEMBER, 1990:CAR BOMB AT A SHOPPING MALL IN LIMA. NO CASUALTIES.FEBRUARY, 1991:BOMBED THE BRITISH CULTURAL CENTER IN LIMA. NO CASUALTIES.FEBRUARY, 1991:BOMBED A U.S. - AFFILIATED SECURITY FIRM WHICH SERVED THE U.S.EMBASSY. TWO PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND FIVE OTHERS WERE INJURED.FEBRUARY, 1991:BOMBED TWO RESTUARANTS (KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN & PIZZA HUT).SIX PERSONS WERE INJURED AT THE KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN SITE.MARCH, 1991:BOMBED TWO MORMON CHAPELS IN CHICLAYO. ONE INJURY. ADDITIONALBOMBS WERE DOSCOVERED AND DISARMED AT TWO OTHER MORMON CHAPELS.NOVEMBER, 1991:GRENADE ATTACK AGAINST PRESIDENTIAL PALACE. THREE WERE HURT.NOVEMBER, 1991:UNSUCCESSFUL MORTAR AND CAR BOMB ATTACK AGAINST THE PRESIDENTIALPALACE IN LIMA. NO INJURIES.MARCH, 1992:CONDUCTED SIMULTANEOUS ATTACKS AGAINST TWO RESTAURANTS IN LIMA,CLAIMING THAT THE MANAGERS HAD ACTED IN A "REPRESSIVE" MANNERDURING A PAY DISPUTE. ONE RESTAURANT WAS BOMBED AND THE OTHER WASBURNED. THERE WERE NO SERIOUS INJURIES.MARCH, 1992:FIVE BOMBS DAMAGED AN ELECTRICAL POWER GRID BLACKING OUT PART OFTHE CITY OF TRUJILLO.JULY, 1992:CONDUCTED MULTIPLE ATTACKS ON AT LEAST FOUR TOWNS. IN THE COURSEOF THE ATTACKS AT LEAST FOUR BANKS WERE LOOTED. TWO POLICEOFFICERS, ONE ARMY OFFICER, AND FIVE CIVILIANS WERE REPORTEDKILLED. SEVERAL PEOPLE WERE WOUNDED.AUGUST, 1992:TUPAC AMARU DETONATED A MINE IN LIMA'S MIRAFLORES DISTRICT,FORCING AN ARMY TRUCK OFF OF A CLIFF. FIVE OF THE SOLDIERS IN THETRUCK WERE KILLED AND SIX WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED. A PASSERBY WASREPORTED KILLED.AUGUST, 1992:OCCUPIED THE OFFICES OF UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL IN LIMA ANDFORCED A CORRESPONDENT TO TRANSMIT A MESSAGE DENOUNCING PRESIDENTFUJIMORI OVER THE UPI WIRE. THE TERRORISTS LEFT BEHIND A BOMBWHICH WAS DISARMED.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OFDEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA)</name>
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card_130700.xml
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<text>The Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK) aka: The National Liberation Army of Iran (The military wing of the MEK), Muslim Iranian Students Society (front organization used to garner financial support) Description Formed in the 1960s by the college-educated children of Iranian merchants, the MEK sought to counter what is perceived as excessive Western influence in the Shah's regime. In the 1970s, the MEK -- led by Masud Rajavi after 1978 -- concluded that violence was the only way to bring about change in Iran. Since then, the MEK -- following a philosophy that mixes Marxism and Islam -- has developed into the largest and most active armed Iranian dissident group. Its history is studded with anti-Western activity, and, most recently, attacks on the interests of the clerical regime in Iran and abroad. Activities The MEK directs a worldwide campaign against the Iranian Government that stresses propaganda and occasionally uses terrorist violence. During the 1970s, the MEK staged terrorist attacks inside Iran to destabilize and embarrass the Shah's regime; the group killed several U.S. military personnel and civilians working on defense projects in Tehran. In 1979 the group supported the takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran. In April 1992, the MEK carried out nearly simultaneous attacks on Iranian Embassies in 13 different countries in North America, Europe, and the Pacific Rim. The attacks caused extensive property damage and demonstrated the group's ability to mount large-scale operations overseas. The group is responsible for two armed attacks during 1993. Strength Several thousand fighters based in Iraq with an extensive overseas support structure. Most of the fighters are organized in the MEK's National Liberation Army (NLA). Location/Area of Operation In the 1980s, the MEK's leaders were forced by Iranian security forces to flee to France. Most resettled in Iraq by 1987. Since the mid-1980s, the MEK has not mounted terrorists operations in Iran at a level similar to its activities in the 1970s. Aside from the National Liberation Army's attacks into Iran toward the end of the Iran-Iraq war, and occasional NLA cross- border incursions since, the MEK's attacks on Iran have amounted to little more than harassment. The MEK has had more success in confronting Iranian representatives overseas through propaganda and street demonstrations. External Aid Beyond support from Iraq, the MEK uses front organizations to solicit contributions from expatriate Iranian communities. </text>
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<name>The Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK)</name>
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card_130398.xml
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<text>The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) Other known front organizations: World Tamil Association (WTA), World Tamil Movement (WTM), the Federation of Associations of Canadian Tamils (FACT) Description Founded in 1976, the LTTE is the most powerful group in Sri Lanka and uses overt and illegal methods to raise funds, acquire weapons, and publicize its cause of establishing an independent Tamil state. The LTTE began its armed conflict with the Sri Lankan government in 1983 and relies on a guerrilla strategy that includes the use of terrorist tactics. Activities The Tigers have integrated a battlefield insurgent strategy with a terrorist program that targets not only key personnel in the countryside but also senior Sri Lankan political and military leaders in Colombo. Political assassinations have become commonplace and culminated in May 1993 with the fatal bombing of President Ranasinghe Premadasa. Other key figures assassinated since 1990 include moderate Tamil leader A. Amirthalingam (1990), Cabinet Minister Ranjan Wijeratne (1990), former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi (1991), Army General Denzil Kobbakaduwa (1992), Navy Chief Vice Admiral Clancy Fernando (1992), and opposition party leader Lalith Athulathmudali. Strength Approximately 10,000 armed combatants in Sri Lanka; about three to six thousand form a trained cadre of fighters. The LTTE also has a significant overseas support structure for fundraising, weapons procurement, and propaganda activities. Location/Area of Operation The Tigers control most of the northern and eastern coastal areas of Sri Lanka but have conducted operations throughout the island. Headquartered in the Jaffna peninsula, LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran has established an extensive network of checkpoints and informants to keep track of any "outsiders" who enter the group's area of control. The LTTE prefers to attack vulnerable government facilities, then withdraw before reinforcements arrive. External aid The LTTE's overt organizations support Tamil separatism by lobbying foreign governments and the United Nations. The LTTE also uses its international contacts to procure weapons, communications, and bomb-making equipment. The LTTE exploits large Tamil communities in North America, Europe, and Asia to obtain funds and supplies for its fighters in Sri Lanka. Information obtained since the mid-1980s indicates that some Tamil communities in Europe are also involved in narcotics smuggling. Tamils historically have served as drug couriers moving narcotics into Europe. May 1995:50,000 people - soldiers, rebels and civilians have been killed in this struggle.May 1995:23 soldiers killed, mortars and ammunition captured by LTTE.April 1995:90 people killed when two separate aircraft were shot down by the LTTE.January 5, 1995:Truce signed.Selected Incident Chronology April 1975 - Claimed responsibility for the murder of Jaffna mayor Alfred Doriappa. July 1983 - Ambushed and killed 13 soldiers, setting off island-wide ethnic riots. April 1986 - Killed many members of another Tamil group (TELO) after a week of fighting: May 1986 - Suspected of organizing the bombing of an Air Lanka aircraft at Colombo airport, killing 15. June 1986 - Believed to be behind the placing of a rickshaw bomb in front of a crowded Colombo movie theater and exploding time bombs on two buses. July 1986 - Blamed for placing bombs on buses over a bay period, causing an estimated 100 deaths. September 1986 - Murdered a German engineer attached to the Deutsche Welle radio-relay station. December 1986 - In one week, attacked and killed over 90 members of a rival militant group, the Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front. February 1987 - Hacked to death 28 sleeping villagers, including 5 women and 10 children in Ampara, Sri Lanka. April 1987 - Bombed central bus station in Colombo, killing 106 people and wounding 295 others. April 1987 - Attacked four buses, killing 107 people near the village of Aluth-Oya. June 1987 - Attacked a busload of Buddhist monks traveling south of Batticaloa, killing 29 and wounding 17. October 1987 - When 12 captured LTTE members committed suicide by taking cyanide capsules, the group unleashed a wave of terrorist attacks in reprisal, killing more than 200, including several captured Sri Lankan soldiers. May 1988 - Planted two landmines in Trincomalee; explosions killed seven members of the Indian Peacekeeping Force. March 1992 - 38 soldiers and scores of rebels were killed in KOKKUTHUDUWAN. May 1992 - Two high level leaders charged in connection with the slaying of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Velupillai Prabhakaran and Pottu Amman. Pottu Amman, the rebels' intelligence chief, charged as the main figure in the assassination. Both guerrilla leaders are in Sri Lanka's northern jungles. India has banned the Tamil Tiger group. December 1992 - 10 soldiers and 18 separatist guerrillas were were killed in Nanaddan. More than 17,500 people have been killed since 1983.</text>
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<name>The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)</name>
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card_130266.xml
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<text>TERRA LLIURE10/28/92GP00035KEY WORDS: FREE LAND; TLDESCRIPTION:A LEFT WING CATALONIAN SEPARATIST TERRORIST GROUP FORMED IN THE 1970SWITH THE GOAL OF ESTABLISHING AN INDEPENDENT MARXIST STATE IN THE SPANISHPROVINCES OF VALENCIA AND CATALONIA.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------ACTIVITIES:PRIMARILY SMALL-SCALE BOMBINGS AGAINST PROPERTY IN NORTHEASTERN SPAIN.TARGETS INCLUDE FOREIGN BANKS AND TRAVEL AGENCIES.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------STRENGTH:UNKNOWN-----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED RECENT INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYJULY, 1987:A BOMB DETONATED IN FRONT OF THE BANCO HISPANO-AMERICANO INBARCELONA. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. TERRA LLIURE CLAIMEDRESPONSIBILITY.OCTOBER, 1987:A BOMB DETONATED IN A STAIRWELL OUTSIDE OF THE REAR ENTRANCE OFTHE U.S. CONSULATE IN BARCELONA. EIGHT PERSONS WERE INJURED. TWOGROUPS CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK: TERRA LLIURE, AND THERED ARMY FOR THE LIBERATION OF CATALONIA (ERCA).DECEMBER, 1987:TWO EXPLOSIVE DEVICES WERE THROWN INTO THE "IRUNA" BAR INBARCELONA, WHICH WAS THE TEMPORARY QUARTERS OF THE USO. ONEAMERICAN SAILOR DIED OF HIS INJURIES AND NINE OTHER U.S. SAILORSWERE INJURED. THE RED ARMY FOR THE LIBERATION OF CATALONIA (ERCA)AND TERRA LLIURE CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.MARCH, 1988:TERRA LLIURE CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOMBING OF THE BRITISHCONSULATE IN BARCELONA IN SYMPATHY FOR THE IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY.MARCH, 1988:TWO BOMBS DETONATED IN BARCELONA. ONE WAS DIRECTED AT A CIVILGUARDS BARRACKS; AND A WOMAN WAS INJURED. THE SECOND BOMBDAMAGED AN ELECTRICAL TRANSFORMER. TERRA LLIURE CLAIMEDRESPONSIBILITY.MAY, 1988:ELEVEN PERSONS WERE INJURED IN BARCELONA AS A RESULT OF TWO BOMBSWHICH EXPLODED WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF EACH OTHER AT A BANK. TERRALLIURE CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.JULY, 1988:THREE BOMBS DETONATED IN BARCELONA ON THE MORNING OF JULY 17. THEBOMBINGS TOOK PLACE AT THE OFFICES OF THE ELECTRIC COMPANY, ANUNEMPLOYMENT OFFICE AND A BANK BRANCH. A FOURTH DEVICE WAS FOUNDAT ANOTHER UNEMPLOYMENT OFFICE AND DISARMED. TWO PERSONS WEREINJURED IN THE THREE EXPLOSIONS. TERRA LLIURE CLAIMEDRESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOMBINGS WHICH WERE CARRIED OUT TO PROTESTTHE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUCLEAR POWER STATION AND THE 1992 OLYMPICGAMES TO BE HELD IN BARCELONA.AUGUST, 1988:A BOMB DETONATED AT A BAR LOCATED IN BARCELONA'S RED LIGHTDISTRICT. THE BAR WAS LOCATED BEHIND A CIVIL GUARDS BARRACKS.THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. TERRA LLIURE CLAIMEDRESPONSIBILITY.AUGUST, 1988:TWO BOMBS DETONATED IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF AUGUST 25, 1988.ONE DEVICE DETONATED AT 3:15 AM, AND THE SECOND AT 4:30 AM. BOTHBOMBS DETONATED IN FRONT OF BANKS IN BARCELONA. TERRA LLIURECLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY STATING THAT THE BOMBINGS WERE INRETALIATION OF THE BANKS' SUPPORT OF THE 1992 OLYMPIC GAMES.MAY, 1989:TERRA LLIURE CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOMBING OF A CIVIL WARMEMORIAL ON THE ISLAND OF MALLORCA. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.SEPTEMBER, 1989:TERRA LLIURE CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN ATTACK ON A CIVIL GUARDPOST IN GERONA PROVINCE IN WHICH TWO CIVIL GUARDS WERE SERIOUSLYWOUNDED.SEPTEMBER, 1989:TERRA LLIURE WARNED THAT THE 1992 BARCELONA OLYMPICS WILL CONTINUETO BE THE GROUP'S "PRIMARY" TARGET.MARCH, 1990:THREE BOMBS DETONATED ON MARCH 9, 1990, OUTSIDE THREE COURTHOUSESIN BARCELONA. THERE WERE NO REPORTED CASUALTIES. TERRA LLIURECLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.JULY, 1991:SPANISH MEDIA SOURCES REPORTED THAT TERRA LLIURE HAD UNDERGONE ANINTERNAL DIVISION IN WHICH THE LEADERSHIP OF THE GROUP AND ASIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE RANK AND FILE HAD VOTED TO CEASETERRORIST ACTIVITIES.OCTOBER, 1991:A BOMB WAS FOUND IN GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN GERONA. THE DEVICE WASDISARMED. WHILE NO PERSON OR GROUP CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEDEVICE, CIVIL GUARDS SOURCES STATED IT WAS OF THE TYPE USED BYTERRA LLIURE, AND THAT THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE IN AN AREA OF SPAININ WHICH TERRA LLIURE HAD HISTORICALLY OPERATED.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND PUBLIC MEDIASOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>TERRA LLIURE</name>
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card_129828.xml
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<text>Sikh Terrorism Description Sikh terrorism is sponsored by expatriate and Indian Sikh groups who want to carve out an independent Sikh state called Khalistan (Land of the Pure) from Indian territory. Sikh violence outside India, which surged following the Indian Army's 1984 assault on the Golden Temple, Sikhism's holiest shrine, has decreased significantly since mid-1992, although Sikh militant cells are active internationally and extremists gather funds from overseas Sikh communities. Active groups include Babbar Khalsa, Azad Khalistan Babbar Khalsa Force, Khalistan Liberation Front, Khalistan Commando Force, and Khalistan National Army. Many of these groups operate under umbrella organizations, the most significant of which is the Second Panthic committee. Activities Sikh attacks in India are mounted against Indian officials and facilities, other Sikhs, and Hindus; they include assassinations, bombings, and kidnappings. Sikh extremists probably bombed the Air India jet downed over the Irish Sea in June 1985, killing 329 passengers and crew. On the same day, a bomb planted by Sikhs on an Air India flight from Vancouver exploded in Tokyo's Narita Airport, killing two Japanese baggage handlers. In 1991, Sikh terrorists attempted to assassinate the Indian Ambassador in Romania-- once India's senior police officer in Punjab from 1986 to 1989--and kidnapped and held the Romanian charge in New Delhi for seven weeks. In January 1993, Indian police arrested Sikhs in New Delhi as they were conspiring to detonate a bomb to disrupt India's Republic Day, and, in September 1993, Sikh militants attempted to assassinate the Sikh chief of the ruling Congress Party's youth wing with a bomb. Sikh attacks in India, ranging from kidnappings and assassinations to remote-controlled bombings, have dropped markedly since mid-1992 as Indian security forces have killed or captured a host of senior Sikh militant leaders. Total civilian deaths in Punjab have declined more than 95 percent since more than 3,300 civilians died in 1991. The drop results largely from Indian Army, paramilitary, and police successes against extremist groups. Strength Unknown. Location/Area of Operation Northern India, Western Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America. External Aid Sikh expatriates have formed a variety of international organizations that lobby for the Sikh cause overseas. Most prominent are the World Sikh Organization and the International Sikh Youth Federation. Other related organizations:DAL KHALSA10/28/92GP00011KEY WORDS: POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES:* CREATE AN INDEPENDENT SIKH STATE IN THE PUNJAB;* TARGET THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT, THE SIKH MODERATE COMMUNITY, AND HINDUSIN GENERAL.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------BACKGROUND:THE DAL KHALSA, THE OLDEST OF THE SIKH SEPARATIST GROUPS, WASESTABLISHED WITH THE AVOWED OBJECT OF DEMANDING AN INDEPENDENT SIKH STATE. ITBECAME INVOLVED IN TERRORISM AFTER THE SIKH INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT TURNEDVIOLENT UNDER SANT JARNAIL SINGH BHINDRANWALE IN 1981. THE DAL KHALSA WASBANNED OFFICIALLY BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA AFTER ALLEGEDLY PARICIPATING INTHE APRIL 1982 SIKH-HINDU COMMUNAL RIOTING. THE GROUP CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITYFOR THE ASSASSINATION OF GENERAL A.S. VAIYDA, CHIEF OF THE INDIAN ARMY STAFFDURING THE 1984 ARMY ASSAULT ON THE GOLDEN TEMPLE. THE ASSASSINATION OFVAIYDA TOOK PLACE IN AUGUST, 1986 AND DAL KHALSA CLAIMED THAT HE HAD BEEN ONTHE GROUP'S TARGET LIST SINCE THE TIME OF THE ARMY ATTACK ON THE GOLDENTEMPLE.DASHMESH10/28/92GP00012KEY WORDS: DASHMESH REGIMENT; TENTH REGIMENT; 10TH REGIMENTPOLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES:* ESTABLISH KHALISTAN AS AN INDEPENDENT SIKH STATE;* TARGET INDIAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, MODERATE SIKHS, AND HINDURESIDENTS OF THE PUNJAB.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------BACKGROUND:THE DASHMESH "TENTH" REGIMENT PROBABLY WAS ORGANIZED UNDER THE AEGISOF SANT JARNAIL SINGH BHINDRANWALE. AFTER CONDUCTING A REIGN OF TERROR INTHE PUNJAB IN THE EARLY 1980S, HE WAS KILLED BY THE INDIAN ARMY IN A JUNE1984 ATTACK ON THE SIKH GOLDEN TEMPLE. THE GROUP WAS NAMED AFTER THE SIKHS'REVERED 10TH AND LAST GURU, GOBIND SINGH, WHO IN THE 18TH CENTURY, INADDITION TO GREATLY INFLUENCING THE SIKH RELIGION, FORGED THE SIKHS INTO AWARRIOR CLASS.THE DASHMESH REGIMENT'S FOUNDER IS REPUTED TO HAVE BEEN MAJOR GENERALSHAHEG SINGH, A SIKH OFFICER WITH EXPERIENCE TRAINING IRREGULARS INBANGLADESH, AND WHO WAS SUBSEQUENTLY CASHIERED FROM THE INDIAN ARMY FORCORRUPTION. HOWEVER, SHORTLY BEFORE HIS DEATH IN THE ATTACK ON THE GOLDENTEMPLE, THE GENERAL VEHEMENTLY DISCLAIMED ANY CONNECTION WITH THE DASHMESHREGIMENT OR ANY KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SUCH A REGIMENT. SURINDER SINGH GILL, ANORTHODOX SIKH WHO GAVE UP A PRIZED CIVIL SERVICE POSITION TO JOINBHINDRANWALE, PROBABLY WAS THE GROUP'S FIRST LEADER. FOLLOWING THE ASSAULTON THE GOLDEN TEMPLE, DASHMESH GAINED INCREASED COVERT AND POPULAR SUPPORTAND HAS CONTINUED TO CLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR TERRORIST OPERATIONSTHROUGHOUT INDIA AND THE WORLD. EXAMPLES OF ATTACKS CLAIMED BY DASHMESHARE THE FOLLOWING:IN JUNE 1985 DASHMESH CLAIMED RESPONSIBILTY FOR AN INCIDENT ATTOKYO'S NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WHEN A BOMB DESTINED FORPLACEMENT ON AN AIR INDIA JET LINER EXPLODED PREMATURELY, KILLINGTWO BAGGAGE HANDLERS.DASHMESH ALSO CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MIDAIR DESTRUCTIONOF AN AIR INDIA 747 FROM A BOMB PLACED IN THE LUGGAGECOMPARTMENT. ANOTHER TERRORIST GROUP, THE KASHMIR LIBERATIONFRONT ALSO CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SOURCEDOCUMENTS</text>
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<name>Sikh Terrorism</name>
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card_129312.xml
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<text>Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path, SL) Description Larger of Peru's two insurgencies, SL is among world's most ruthless guerrilla organizations. Formed in late 1960s by then university professor Abimael Guzman. Stated goal is to destroy existing Peruvian institutions and replace them with peasant revolutionary regime. Also wants to rid Peru of foreign influences. Guzman's capture in September 1992 was major blow, as were arrests of other SL leaders, defections, and President Fujimorils amnesty program for repentant terrorists. Activities SL engages in particularly brutal forms of terrorism, including the indiscriminate use of car bombs. Almost every institution in Peru has been a target of SL violence. Has bombed diplomatic missions of several countries represented in Peru. Carries out bombing campaigns and selective assassinations. Involved in cocaine trade. Strength Approximately 1,500 to 2,500 armed militants; larger number of supporters, mostly in rural areas. Location/Area of Operation Originally rural based, but has increasingly focused its terrorist attacks in the capital. External Aid None. July 28, 1995:President Fujimori vows to wipe out Sendero Luminoso. April 9, 1995:Sendero Luminoso vows to kill all who vote in the election in TINGO MARIA, Peru.March 17 1995:Margie Clavo Peralta, leader of Sendero Luminoso captured with 19 others.March 4 1995:Town of Ramal de Aspuzana was seized by Sendero Luminoso.27 July 1993Peru After first spraying the building with automatic weapons, terrorists exploded a van bomb outside the U.S. Embassy in Lima. One embassy guard was injured. The explosion caused extensive damage to the embassy's facade and perimeter fence. Subsequent small fires caused only minor damage. The nearby Spanish Embassy, together with stores and a U.S.-owned hotel, were also damaged. Two hotel employees and a hotel guest were injured. The explosion coincided with an "armed strike" called by Sendero Luminoso. 7 July 1993Peru Police discovered the bodies of two European tourists in a remote area of Ayacucho. The two had been traveling together in a region contested by Sendero Luminoso terrorists. 19 May 1993Peru Terrorists detonated a car bomb in front of the Chilean Embassy in Lima at the end of a strike called by the Sendero Luminoso terrorist group. The explosion damaged the embassy and nearby houses but did not result in any casualties. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYAUGUST, 1981:BOMBED THE U.S. EMBASSY, THE BANK OF AMERICA, A COCA COLA BOTTLER,AND A DAIRY PRODUCT FIRM ASSOCIATED WITH THE CARNATION COMPANY, ALLIN LIMA.JULY, 1982:THREW TWO DYNAMITE BOMBS AT THE U.S. EMBASSY AND SET OFF BOMBS ATTHREE PRIVATE BUSINESSES, INJURING THREE PEOPLE.MAY, 1983:BLEW UP TEN ELECTRICAL POWERLINE TOWERS IN A COORDINATED ATTACKTHAT BLACKED OUT LIMA AND SET OFF OVER THIRTY BOMBS DURING THECONFUSION, CAUSING OVER $27 MILLION IN DAMAGE.OCTOBER, 1983:BOMBED THE CAR OF A LIMA POLICE OFFICER.MAY, 1984:MACHINEGUNNED TWO POLICEMEN ON DUTY OUTSIDE THE EMBASSY OF WESTGERMANY IN LIMA, KILLING ONE AND WOUNDING THE OTHER.AUGUST, 1984:BURNED AN EVANGELICAL CHURCH RUN BY U.S. MISSIONARIES INSOUTHEASTERN AYACUCHO DEPARTMENT.NOVEMBER, 1984:BOMBED THE U.S.- PERUVIAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE IN LIMA.APRIL, 1985:SHOT AND CRITICALLY WOUNDED A FORMER JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURTWHO WAS SERVING AS PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ELECTIONS TRIBUNAL.JUNE, 1985:ALLEGEDLY PLACED A CAR BOMB NEAR THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE IN LIMA.AUGUST, 1985:BOMBED A BUS AT THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN LIMA.DECEMBER, 1985:SET OFF A BOMB IN THE LIMA AIRPORT PARKING LOT, KILLING A CHILD ANDFOUR OTHER PEOPLE.FEBRUARY, 1986:SHOT AND KILLED A VILLAGE MAYOR, STOLE FOOD STORED IN A CHURCH ANDTHREATENED TO KILL THE PRIEST.MARCH, 1986:MURDERED THREE PROVINCIAL MAYORS BY SHOOTING THEM IN THE HEAD INTHE TOWN OF CHACRA PAMPAS.JUNE, 1986:OVER 200 ALLEGED SENDERO LUMINOSO MEMBERS WERE KILLED IN A PRISONRIOT AND THE SUBSEQUENT EFFORT OF GOVERNMENT FORCES TO RE-GAINCONTROL.JUNE, 1986:BOMBED A CUZCO-MACHU PICCHU TOURIST TRAIN, KILLING EIGHT (INCLUDINGONE AMERICAN) AND WOUNDING FORTY (INCLUDING NINE AMERICANS).JULY, 1986:BOMBED THE SOVIET EMBASSY IN LIMA.OCTOBER, 1986:SHOT AND KILLED FORMER NAVY MINISTER ADMIRAL CAFFERATTA.JANUARY, 1987:SHOT AND KILLED SENIOR MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN POPULAR REVOLUTIONARYALLIANCE (APRA) - CARLOS SILVA.JANUARY, 1987:ATTACKED THE EMBASSY OF INDIA IN LIMA.FEBRUARY, 1987:BOMBED SEVEN BANKS AND BURNED A TEXTILE FACTORY IN LIMA.FEBRUARY, 1987:FAILED IN AN ATTEMPT TO ASSASSINATE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF PERU;DETONATED TWO CAR BOMBS NEAR A POLITICAL RALLY WHERE PRESIDENTGARCIA WAS SPEAKING.MARCH, 1987:CONDUCTED AN UNSUCCESSFUL ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AGAINST THE BANK OFTOKYO GENERAL MANAGER.APRIL, 1987:CARRIED OUT A BLOODY DAYLIGHT ATTACK AGAINST A RESTAURANT NEAR THEPERUVIAN ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDISCRIMINATELY KILLING BOTH MILITARYAND CIVILIANS.APRIL, 1987:KILLED TWO POLICE OFFICERS GUARDING THE HUANCHAC TRAIN STATION INCUZCO.APRIL, 1987:ATTACKED A BUS CARRYING MILITARY AND CIVILIAN PASSENGERS INHUANACAVELICA, KILLING THIRTEEN PERSONS.APRIL, 1987:ATTACKED THE NORTH KOREAN COMMERCIAL MISSION IN LIMA, INJURING ATLEAST THREE PEOPLE.MAY, 1987:CONDUCTED A SERIES OF BOMBINGS, BLACKING OUT MOST OF LIMA.TARGETS INCLUDED THE MINISTRIES OF AGRICULTURE, LABOR, ANDTRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION.JUNE, 1987:ATTACKED AN EXCLUSIVE RESTAURANT IN THE MONTERRICO DISTRICT INLIMA. AT LEAST ONE RESTAURANT GUARD AND TWO ATTACKERS WEREWOUNDED.JULY-NOVEMBER, 1987:STAGED NUMEROUS CLASHES WITH SECURITY FORCES SUPPORTING NARCOTICSERADICATION CAMPAIGN IN THE UPPER HUALLAGA VALLEY.AUGUST, 1987:KILLED AN APRA PARTY LEADER.SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER, 1987:DETONATED A CAR BOMB NEAR THE CONGRESS BUIDLING, CAUSING A PARTIALBLACKOUT IN LIMA. KILLED OVER FORTY CIVILIANS IN ATTACKS AGAINSTTWO TOWNS IN TOCACHE AREA.NOVEMBER, 1987:SUSPECTED IN COORDINATED LIMA BLACKOUT AND ATTACK AGAINST NISSANFACTORY, DYNAMITE BOMBINGS OF THE MINISTRIES OF HEALTH ANDJUSTICE, AND ATTACK AGAINST U.S. EMBASSY.JUNE, 1988:TWO U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (AID) SUBCONTRACTORSWERE KILLED WHILE TRAVELING NEAR AN AREA CONTROLLED BY SENDEROLUMINOSO.JANUARY, 1989:ASSASSINATED A LOCAL CHIEF OF THE PERUVIAN ANTI-TERRORISMDIRECTORATE.JANUARY, 1989:ATTACKED A GROUP OF JUDGES. TWO JUDGES WERE KILLED AS WERE THREEOF THE POLICE OFFICERS GUARDING THEM. TWELVE TO FIFTEEN MEMBERS OFSENDERO LUMINOSO WERE ALSO REPORTED KILLED.JANUARY, 1989:MURDERED A DEPUTY GOVERNOR AND FOUR OTHER VILLAGE OFFICIALS.JANUARY, 1989:MURDERED 27 CAMEPSINOS WHO WERE MEMBERS OF A PEASANT DEFENSEPATROL.JANUARY, 1989:ASSASSINATED THE MAYOR OF A VILLAGE IN JUNIN DEPARTMENT.JANUARY, 1989:ATTACKED A VILLAGE NEAR LAKE TITICACA. BUILDINGS WERE DYNAMITEDAND BURNED; AND THE MAYOR AND SIX OFFICIALS WERE KILLED.FEBRUARY, 1989:ATTACKED A HELICOPTER BASE OPERATED BY THE U.S. DRUG ADMINSTRATIONADMINISTRATION.FEBRUARY, 1989:IN ONE DAY (10 FEBRUARY) SEVERAL SENDERO LUMINOSO OPERATIONS TOOKPLACE: A SENIOR MEMBER OF APRA WAS MURDERED; TWO POLICEMEN WEREKILLED AND TWO OTHERS WERE WOUNDED WHEN THEY TRIED TO LOWER ABOOBY-TRAPPED FLAG; AND THE DEPUTY MAYOR OF A SMALL TOWN NEAR LIMAWAS CRITICALLY WOUNDED IN AN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT.FEBRUARY, 1989:SENDERO LUMINOSO MASSACRED THIRTY EIGHT CAMPESINOS IN AYACHUCODEPARTMENT AS PUNISHMENT FOR ORGANIZING A SELF DEFENSE UNIT.MARCH, 1989:ON 3/2/89 THREE SEPARATE SENDERO LUMINOSO OPERATIONS TOOK PLACE: INONE TOWN A FRENCH TOURIST WAS MURDERED; IN ANOTHER TOWN TWO SCHOOLTEACHERS WERE MURDERED IN FRONT OF THEIR STUDENTS; AND IN THE THIRDINCIDENT A TEACHER AND HIS THIRTEEN YEAR OLD SON WERE MURDERED.MARCH, 1989:FIVE CIVIL SERVANTS IN A SMALL TOWN WERE MURDERED. ONE OF THEVICTIMS WAS THE TOWN'S MAYOR.MARCH, 1989:TWENTY SIX CAMPESINOS, MEMBERS OF A VILLAGE SELF DEFENSE UNIT,WERE MURDERED.APRIL, 1989:SENDERO LUMINOSO MURDERED AN AUSTRIAN JOURNALIST.APRIL, 1990:BOMBED A POLITICAL RALLY BEING ADDRESSED BY THE PRESIDENTIALCANNDIDATE OF THE RULING PARTY.APRIL, 1990:ATTACKED A U.S. BUILT ANTI-NARCOTICS BASE IN THE UPPER HUALLAGAVALLEY.APRIL, 1990:MASSACRED FIFTY ELDERLY PEOPLE AND CHILDREN IN SONOMORO.MAY, 1990:DYNAMITE ATTACK ON THE MOTORCADE OF A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE.MAY, 1990:A SENDERO LUMINOSO ATTACK ON THE OFFICES OF UNITED PRESSINTERNATIONAL IN LIMA WAS FOILED.JUNE, 1990:KIDNAPPED AND MURDERED TWO BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS IN THE UPPERHUALLAGA VALLEY.AUGUST, 1990:MURDERED TWO PERUVIAN MORMOM MISSIONARIES.OCTOBER, 1990:PERPETRATED A WAVE OF BOMBINGS AND ARSON. AMONG THE TARGETS WERE:THE EMBASSY OF WEST GERMANY; ELECTRICAL POWER PYLONS; FACTORIES;PUBLIC PARKS. THE ATTACKS TOOK PLACE IN LIMA AND THE PORT CITY OFEL CALLAO.DECEMBER, 1990:CONDUCTED A WAVE OF BOMBINGS AND ARSON ATTACKS IN LIMA. AT LEASTSEVENTEEN BANKS WERE BOMBED AND FIVE BUSES BURNED.FEBRUARY, 1991:BOMBED THE EMBASSY OF JAPAN IN LIMA.APRIL, 1991:MURDERED A PERUVIAN AGRONOMIST WORKING ON A RURAL DEVELOPMENTPROJECT.APRIL, 1991:CONDUCTED A SERIES OF BOMBINGS IN LIMA AS A PROTEST OF THE U.S.-PERUVIAN ANTI-NARCOTICS AGREEMENTS.APRIL, 1991:CONDUCTED A WAVE OF BOMBINGS AND ASSASSINATION ATTEMPTS IN LIMA.NEARLY FORTY BOMBINGS, PRIMARILY AGAINST BANKS, WERE CARRIED OUT.MAY, 1991:MURDERED AN AUSTRALIAN NUN AND FOUR VILLAGERS.JUNE, 1991:MURDERED A SOVIET WOMAN EMPLOYED AT A LIMA TEXTILE MILL.JUNE, 1991:ATTACKED A U.S. BUILT ANTI-NARCOTICS BASE IN THE UPPER HUALLAGAVALLEY.JULY, 1991:CARRIED OUT A ROCKET AND MACHINEGUN ATTACK ON THE HOME OF THEPERUVIAN MINISTER OF ECONOMY IN LIMA.JULY, 1991:A BRIEFCASE BOMB DETONATED AT THE PALACE OF JUSTICE IN LIMA.JULY, 1991:MURDERED A BUSINESS MAN OF JAPANESE DESCENT.AUGUST, 1991:MURDERED TWO POLISH PRIESTS AND A LOCAL MAYOR; ALSO BRIEFLYABDUCTED AN ITALIAN NUN.AUGUST, 1991:MASSACRED AT LEAST FIFTY PEOPLE (MINE WORKERS AND THEIR WIVES).AUGUST, 1991:ASSASSINATED AN ITALIAN PRIEST.DECEMBER, 1991:CONDUCTED A WAVE OF BOMBINGS IN LIMA. AMONG THE TARGETS WERE THEEMBASSY OF FRANCE, THE RESIDENCE OF THE SPANISH AMBASSADOR, AND ATLEAST FIVE BANKS.JANUARY, 1992:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR SHOOTING DOWN A U.S.-OWNED HELICOPTERON LOAN TO PERUVIAN GOVERNMENT ANTI-DRUG AUTHORITIES. FOUR PERSONSWERE KILLED, INCLUDING THREE AMERICAN CREW MEMBERS.FEBRUARY, 1992:BOMBED ELECTRICAL POWER PYLONS TO INDUCE A BLACKOUT IN LIMA ANDFOLLOWED WITH A WAVE OF ATTACKS THROUGHOUT THE CITY KILLING THREEAND WOUNDING THIRTY FIVE.FEBRUARY, 1992:DETONATED A CAR BOMB NEAR THE RESIDENCE OF THE U.S. AMBASSADOR TOPERU. THREE PERUVIAN POLICE OFFICERS WERE KILLED. THE BOMBING WASPART OF A WAVE OF A DOZEN BOMBINGS OVER A THREE HOUR PERIOD INLIMA.FEBRUARY, 1992:DESTROYED A POLICE VAN NEAR LIMA, KILLING THREE AND WOUNDING SIX.FEBRUARY, 1992:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MURDER OF A MAYOR AND HIS WIFE IN ASMALL TOWN.MARCH, 1992:ATTACKED A TOWN SITUATED 120 MILES FROM LIMA, KILLING TWO LOCALOFFICIALS AND THREE PEASANT LEADERS.MARCH, 1992:ATTACKED A PERUVIAN NAVAL VEHICLE NEAR LIMA, KILLING TWO ANDWOUNDING ONE.APRIL, 1992:LOADED A BUS WITH APPROXIMATELY 220 POUNDS OF DYNAMITE AND ROLLEDIT DOWN A HILL INTO A POLICE STATION, KILLING THREE AND WOUNDINGTWENTY TWO.APRIL, 1992:DETONATED A CAR BOMB AT A POLICE STATION, KILLING FOUR ANDWOUNDING TWENTY.APRIL, 1992:DETONATED A CAR BOMB OUTSIDE A PERUVIAN ARMY BARRACKS IN LIMA,KILLING TWO AND WOUNDING THREE.MAY, 1992:FORTY SEVEN SENDERO LUMINOSO PRISONERS AND TWO GUARDS WERE KILLEDIN THE COURSE OF A PRISON UPRISING.MAY, 1992:SEIZED TWO TOWNS NORTH OF LIMA AND MURDERED TWENTY MEMBERS OF THELOCAL PEASANT MILITIA.MAY, 1992:MURDERED A RELATIVE OF AN ADVISOR TO THE PRESIDENT OF PERU.JUNE, 1992:DETONATED A TRUCK BOMB AT A LIMA TELEVISION STATION, KILLING THREEAND WOUNDING TWENTY.JUNE, 1992:AMBUSHED A MILITARY CONVOY KILLING ELEVEN SOLDIERS AND SIXCIVILIANS.SEPTEMBER, 1992:ABIMAEL GUZMAN, THE FOUNDER AND LEADER OF SENDERO LUMINOSO WASCAPTURED DURING A RAID BY PERUVIAN ANTI-TERRORIST POLICE.OCTOBER, 1992:ON OCTOBER 7, 1992, ABIMAEL GUZMAN WAS SENTENCED TO LIFEIMPRISONMENT.OCTOBER, 1992:CONDUCTED A ROCKET ATTACK AGAINST THE RESIDENCE OF THE AMERICANAMBASSADOR TO PERU. NO INJURIES.OCTOBER, 1992:WITHIN DAYS OF ABIMAEL GUZMAN BEING SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT,A FORCE OF 50 SENDERO GUERRILLAS ENTERED A VILLAGE IN LA MARPROVINCE AND MURDERED FORTY FOUR PERSONS - MEMBERS OF THE VILLAGESELF DEFENSE FORCE AS WELL AS WOMEN AND CHILDREN.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OFDEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path, SL)</name>
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card_129147.xml
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<text>Revolutionary Organization 17 November (17 November) Description A radical leftist group established in 1975 and named for the November 1973 student uprising protesting the military regime. Anti-US, anti-Turkish, anti-NATO; committed to violent overthrow of the regime, ouster of US bases, removal of Turkish military presence from Cyprus, and severing of Greece's ties to NATO and the EC. Organization is obscure, possibly affiliated with other Greek terrorist groups. Activities Initial attacks were selected handgun assassinations against senior US officials, including US Embassy official Richard Welch in 1975 and US Navy Capt. George Tsantes in 1983. Began assassinating Greek officials and public figures in 1976 and added bombings, including attacks against US military buses in 1987 and assassination of US defense attache William Nordeen in 1988. Since 1990 has expanded targeting to include EC facilities and foreign firms investing in Greece and added improvised rocket attacks to its methods. Such an attack against the Greek Finance Minister in 1992 killed a passerby, 17 November's first "civilian" casualty. In 1991 was responsible for at least five of the 15 terrorist attacks against Coalition targets in Greece during the Gulf war, including the assassination in March of a US Army sergeant. Also stepped up attacks against Turkish interests with attempted murder of Turkish Embassy official in July 1991, and assassination of Turkish Embassy press attache in October 1991. Strength Unknown, but presumed to be small. Location/Area of operation Greece, primarily in Athens metropolitan area. External Aid May receive support from other Greek terrorist group cadres. March 1995:17 November organization in Greece is growing. This group hasbeen blamed for attacks on Greek citizens and businesses, as well as U.S.and Turkish diplomats.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYDECEMBER, 1975:ASSASSINATED U.S. EMBASSY OFFICIAL RICHARD WELCH.JANUARY, 1979:MURDERED A GREEK POLICE OFFICER.JANUARY, 1980:MURDERED THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE GREEK RIOT POLICE AND HISCHAUFFEUR.NOVEMBER, 1983:MURDERED U.S. NAVY CAPTAIN GEORGE TSANTES AND HIS DRIVERAPRIL, 1984:SHOT AND WOUNDED A U.S. ARMY SENIOR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER AS THEVICTIM WAS TRANSPORTING DOCUMENTS. THE INTENDED VICTIM PROBABLYSAVED HIS LIFE BY BEING ALERT AND TAKING EVASIVE ACTION WHEN HENOTED THE TWO TERRORISTS APPROACH HIS CAR ON A MOTORCYCLE.FEBRUARY, 1985:ASSASSINATED CONSERVATIVE GREEK NEWSPAPER EDITOR AND HIS CHAUFFEUR.THE COMMUNIQUE CLAIMING RESPONSIBILITY DENOUNCED THE JOURNALIST ASONE OF THE "...FASCIST AGENTS OF THE CIA."NOVEMBER, 1985:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBING A GREEK POLICE BUS, KILLING ONEPOLICE OFFICER.APRIL, 1986:ASSASSINATED A RETIRED GREEK INDUSTRIALIST.OCTOBER, 1986:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBING FOUR GREEK GOVERNMENT OFFICES,INCLUDING THREE TAX OFFICES. THE 17 NOVEMBER COMMUNIQUE DENOUNCEDTHE GREEK TAX SYSTEM. THE ELA ALSO CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEBOMBINGS.FEBRUARY, 1987:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAIMING A WEALTHY GREEK PHYSICIAN.APRIL, 1987:BOMBED A BUS CARRYING U.S. AND GREEK MILITARY PERSONNEL NEARATHENS. EIGHTEEN PERSONS, INCLUDING SIXTEEN AMERICANS, WEREINJURED.AUGUST, 1987:BOMBED A U.S. BUS IN VOULA, INJURING TEN U.S. SERVICE MEMBERS.JANUARY, 1988:ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF A U.S. DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION(DEA) AGENT IN ATHENS.MAY, 1988:PLACED HIGH EXPLOSIVES ON TWO AUTOMOBILES BELONGING TO THETURKISH EMBASSY IN ATHENS.JUNE, 1988:DETONATED A CAR BOMB THAT KILLED U.S. DEFENSE ATTACHE CAPTAINWILLIAM NORDEEN SHORTLY AFTER HE LEFT HIS ATHENS RESIDENCE.JANUARY, 1989:SHOT THREE PUBLIC PROSECUTORS IN THREE SEPARATE INCIDENTS. ONE OFTHE VICTIMS WAS KILLED ON THE SPOT, ANOTHER WAS CRITICALLY WOUNDEDAND SUBSQUENTLY DIED OF HIS INJURIES. THE THIRD VICTIM WAS WOUNDED.MAY, 1989:FAILED ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AGAINST A FORMER PUBLIC ORDERMINISTER.SEPTEMBER, 1989:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ASSASSINATION OF A MEMBER OF THEGREEK PARLIAMENT.FEBRUARY, 1990:CLAIMED THE THEFT OF ROCKETS, AMMUNITION, HAND GRENADES, BAZOOKAS,AND OTHER ORDNANCE FROM A MILITARY WAREHOUSE IN DECEMBER, 1989 ANDA MILITARY MUSEUM IN FEBRUARY, 1990.JUNE, 1990:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A ROCKET ATTACK ON A BUILDING WHICH WASOCCUPIED BY PROCTOR AND GAMBLE. APPARENTLY THE GROUP STAGED THEATTACK IN PROTEST OF THE PURCHASE OF A GREEK FIRM BY PROCTOR ANDGAMBLE. THE GOVERNMENT OF GREECE CONFIRMED THAT THE WEAPONS USEDIN THIS ATTACK WERE STOLEN FROM THE MILITARY MUSEUM AND MILITARYWAREHOUSE IN DECEMBER, 1989 AND FEBRUARY, 1990.JANUARY, 1991:BOMBED TWO BRANCH OFFICES OF CITIBANK AND A BRANCH OFFICE OFBARCLAY'S BANK.JANUARY, 1991:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A ROCKET ATTACK ON AN AMERICAN EXPRESSOFFICE AND A GREEK INSURANCE FIRM.MARCH, 1991:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MURDER OF A U.S. AIR FORCE SGT.MAY, 1991:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A ROCKET ATTACK ON THE OFFICES OF THESIEMENS COMPANY.MAY, 1991:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A ROCKET ATTACK ON A GERMAN-OWNEDBREWERY, APPROXIMATELY SIXTY MILES NORTH OF ATHENS.JULY, 1991:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION, BY CARBOMB, OF THE ACTING TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO GREECE. THE TARGET, TWOOF HIS STAFF, AND A PASSERBY WERE INJURED.OCTOBER, 1991:MURDERED THE DEPUTY PRESS ATTACHE OF THE TURKISH EMBASSY IN ATHENS.NOVEMBER, 1991:A POLICE OFFICER WAS KILLED WHEN TWO ROCKETS WERE FIRED AT A POLICEBUS IN CENTRAL ATHENS.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OFDEFENSE AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>Revolutionary Organization 17 November (17 November)</name>
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<text>Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) Description Established in 1966 as military wing of Colombian Communist Party. Goal is to overthrow government and ruling class. Organized along military lines; includes at least one urban front. Activities Armed attacks against Colombian political and military targets. Many members have become criminals, carrying out kidnappings for profit and bank robberies. Foreign citizens often are targets of FARC kidnappings. Group traffics in drugs and has welldocumented ties to narcotraffickers. Strength Approximately 4,500 to 5,500 armed combatants and an unknown number of supporters, mostly in rural areas. Location/Area of Operation Colombia. External Aid None. 31 January 1993Panama A large group of FARC terrorists from Colombia kidnapped three U.S. missionaries from the New Tribes Mission at a location near the Colombian border. The missionaries are Mark Rich, David Mankins, and Rick Tenenoff. A five million dollar ransom has been demanded; FARC produced proof that the three missionaries were still alive in December through taped messages from the hostages to their wives. FARC is still holding the hostages. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYFEBRUARY, 1977:KIDNAPPED A U.S. PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER DURING AN ATTACK ON LA MACARENA.THE VICTIM WAS RELEASED THREE YEARS LATER AFTER A $250,000 RANSOM WASREPORTEDLY PAID.AUGUST, 1980:KIDNAPPED A U.S. CITIZEN FROM HIS BANANA PLANTATION IN CENTRAL COLOMBIA.HE WAS RELEASED THREE MONTHS LATER AFTER A REPORTED RANSOM OF $125,000WAS PAID.APRIL, 1983:KIDNAPPED A U.S. CITIZEN FROM HER FARM IN SOUTHERN META DEPARTMENT.FEBRUARY, 1985:BOMBED SEVEN BUSINESSES IN A MIDNIGHT ATTACK IN MEDELLIN, INCLUDING IBM,GENERAL TELEPHONE AND ELECTRONICS, UNION CARBIDE, AND XEROX.AUGUST, 1985:KIDNAPPED FOUR ENGINEERS AND THIRTY WORKERS OF A CONSTRUCTION FIRM INHUILA DEPARTMENT.OCTOBER, 1985:KIDNAPPED FOUR MISSIONARIES. THE FARC MET WITH A DELEGATION FROM THEGOVERNMENT'S PEACE COMMISSION AND AGREED TO FREE THE HOSTAGES.DECEMBER, 1985:KIDNAPPED A VENEZUELAN RANCHER WHO WAS RESCUED BY THE VENEZUELAN POLICEIN FEBRUARY, 1986. THE SIX KIDNAPPERS WERE KILLED.JANUARY, 1986:DEMANDED $100 MILLION FROM THE SHELL OIL COMPANY TO CONTINUE OPERATINGIN THE MAGALEAS VALLEY, BUT THE FIRM SUSPENDED ITS OPERATIONS INTHE REGION INSTEAD OF MEETING THE EXTORTION DEMAND.FEBRUARY, 1986:ATTACKED THE TOWN OF RION SUCIO IN THE NORTHERN CHOCO DEPARTMENT,KILLING ONE POLICE OFFICER AND WOUNDING ANOTHER. DESTROYED THREEBUILDINGS.NOVEMBER, 1986:THE REMAINS OF SOME 100 MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN WERE FOUND IN AMASS GRAVE IN TURBO; THEY WERE THOUGHT TO HAVE BEEN MURDERED BY THEFARC.APRIL, 1987:KIDNAPPED SEVEN EMPLOYEES OF A RANCHER IN BOGOTA; ONE BODY WASFOUND LATER.JUNE, 1987:IN VIOLATION OF A TRUCE, THE FARC AMBUSHED AN ARMY ROAD BUILDINGCREW KILLING TWENTY-SEVEN.DECEMBER, 1987:APPROXIMATELY FIFTY FARC MEMBERS ATTACKED THE TOWN OF GAITANIA,KILLING TWO POLICE OFFICERS AND WOUNDING FIVE. THE FARC USEDGRENADES, AUTOMATIC WEAPONS, LIGHT ANTITANK ROCKETS, AND MOLOTOVCOCKTAILS.JANUARY, 1988:TWO HUNDRED MILES SOUTHWEST OF BOGOTA, FORTY FARC MEMBERS HIJACKEDA HELICOPTER OPERATED BY A COLOMBIAN AIR CHARTER SERVICE ANDCHARTERED BY A U.S. OIL EXPLORATION COMPANY. THE COMPANY WASFORCED TO PAY RANSOM AND TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE ITS EXPLORATION CAMP.OCTOBER, 1988:ATTACK ON TOWNS IN A JOINT OPERATION WITH THE ELN (NATIONALLIBERATION ARMY). THREE POLICEMEN AND ONE CIVILIAN KILLED. A NUN,PRIEST, AND FIFTEEN POLICEMEN WERE KIDNAPPED.NOVEMBER, 1988:TOWN ATTACKED IN A JOINT OPERATION WITH M-19 (APRIL 19 MOVEMENT).NOVEMBER, 1988:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF THECOLOMBIAN MINISTER OF DEFENSE. A REMOTE CONTROLLED BOMB DESTROYEDA TRUCK CARRYING THE MINISTER'S BODYGUARDS, KILLING THREE ANDINJURING TWO. THE MINISTER WAS UNHURT.DECEMBER, 1988:TOWN ATTACKED. ONE POLICE OFFICER, ONE CIVILIAN, AND TWO FARCMEMBERS KILLED.FEBRUARY, 1989:TOWN ATTACKED IN A JOINT OPERATION WITH THE NATIONAL LIBERATIONARMY (ELN) AND THE POPULAR LIBERATION ARMY (EPL). FIVE POLICEMENWERE KILLED AND ELEVEN POLICE OFFICERS WERE KIDNAPPED.APRIL, 1989:TOWN ATTACKED. SIX CIVILIANS KILLED.MAY, 1989:TOWN ATTACKED. TWO CIVILIANS SOUGHT OUT AND MURDERED. ANOTHERCIVILIAN KILLED.OCTOBER, 1989:TOWN ATTACKED IN JOINT OPERATION WITH THE NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY(ELN). TWO JAIL INMATES MURDERED IN A SETTLING OF SCORES, POLICEATTACKED, HELICOPTER DELIVERING MONEY TO BANK SHOT DOWN, MONEYSTOLEN.OCTOBER, 1990:TOWN ATTACKED AND OCCUPIED. FARC TOOK OVER THE TOWN WITHOUTRESISTANCE AFTER POLICE FLED. MURDERED THE MAYOR AND HIS BROTHER.NOVEMBER, 1990:TWO TOWNS ATTACKED IN A JOINT OPERATION WITH THE NATIONALLIBERATION ARMY (ELN). NINE SOLDIERS AND FIFTEEN FARC REBELS WEREKILLED.DECEMBER, 1990:ATTACKED AN OIL EXPLORATION CAMP, DESTROYING A HELICOPTER ANDDRILLING EQUIPMENT.DECEMBER, 1990:SEIZED AN AIRCRAFT SHORTLY AFTER IT LANDED AT A SMALL TOWN, FORCEDTHE PASSENGERS AND CREW TO DEPLANE AND BURNED THE PLANE.DECEMBER, 1990:KIDNAPPED TWO SWISS CITIZENS AND A COLOMBIAN PHYSICIAN IN METADEPARTMENT. ALL WERE RELEASED TWO WEEKS LATER WITH A MESSAGE TOTHE GOVERNMENT.DECEMBER, 1990:KIDNAPPED TWO COLOMBIAN ENGINEERS AT AN OIL PRODUCTION CAMP. THEYWERE RELEASED TWO DAYS LATER WITH A MESSAGE FOR THE GOVERNMENT.JANUARY, 1991:BOMBED FIVE OIL PIPELINES.JANUARY, 1991:HIJACKED A HELICOPTER LEASED BY A U.S. OIL EXPLORATION FIRM.THE PILOT AND THE AIRCRAFT WERE RETURNED.JANUARY, 1991:STAGED A JOINT ATTACK WITH THE NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY (ELN) ON AMAJOR COLOMBIA-FRENCH CONSTRUCTION PROJECT NEAR SEGOVIA. FORTYVEHICLES AND PIECES OF HEAVY MACHINERY WERE DESTROYED, THE CAMP'SSECURITY CHIEF WAS KILLED AND THREE FRENCH ENGINEERS WEREKIDNAPPED (RELEASED IN JULY, 1991).FEBRUARY, 1991:CONDUCTED A WAVE OF FIFTY ATTACKS ON TOWNS, ENERGY AND POWERFACILITIES, BANKS, POLICE, AND MILITARY. AT LEAST FORTY SOLDIERS,POLICEMEN, CIVILIANS AND INSURGENTS WERE KILLED.MARCH, 1991:ATTACKED A VILLAGE, KILLING FIVE POLICEMEN AND A CIVILIAN ANDKIDNAPPING TWELVE POLICE OFFICERS.MAY, 1991:AN AMERICAN EXPATRIATE, WHO HAD BEEN KIDNAPPED BY FARC, WASMURDERED BY HIS ABDUCTORS DURING AN ATTEMPT BY THE POLICE TORESCUE HIM.JULY, 1991:THE FARC ATTEMPTED TO ASSASSINATE THE PRESIDENT OF COLOMBIA BYPLACING AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE NEAR THE PRESIDENTIAL HELICOPTER'SLANDING AREA. POLICE DISARMED THE DEVICE. FARC DENIED ITSINVOLVEMENT.AUGUST, 1991:TWO JAPANESE ENGINEERS AT AN OIL PRODUCTION CAMP WERE KIDNAPPED.THEY WERE RELEASED UNHARMED IN DECEMBER, 1991, FOLLOWING THEPAYMENT OF A RANSOM.NOVEMBER, 1991:A COLOMBIAN JUDICIAL TEAM OF EIGHT PEOPLE, INCLUDING A JUDGE,WERE LURED TO A RURAL AREA WHERE ONE CAR OF THEIR THREE CARCONVOY WAS DESTROYED BY A REMOTELY DETONATED DEVICE AND THESURVIVORS SPRAYED WITH MACHINEGUN FIREJUNE, 1992:FARC ISSUED A COMMUNIQUE STATING THAT MULTI-NATIONAL CORPORATIONSWERE "LEGITIMATE" TARGETS.JUNE, 1992:BOMBED THE SPANISH CONSULATE IN BARRANQUILLA, INJURING THESPANISH CONSUL GENERAL.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DEFENSEDEPARTMENT, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)</name>
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card_128630.xml
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<text>Red Brigades (BR) Description Formed in 1969, the Marxist-Leninist BR seeks to create a revolutionary state through armed struggle and to separate Italy from the Western Alliance. In 1984 split into two factions: the Communist Combatant Party (BR-PCC) and the Union of Combatant Communists (BR-UCC). Activities Original group concentrated on assassination and kidnapping of Italian Government and private-sector targets; it murdered former Prime Minister Aldo Moro in 1978, kidnapped US Army BGen. James Dozier in 1981, and claimed responsibility for murdering Leamon Hunt, US chief of the Sinai Multinational Force and Observer Group, in 1984. The group had been largely inactive since Italian and French authorities arrested many of its members in 1989. Strength Probably fewer than 50, plus an unknown number of supporters. Location/Area of Operation Based and operates in Italy. Some members probably living clandestinely in other European countries. External Aid Currently unknown; original group apparently was self-sustaining but probably received weapons from other Western European terrorist groups and from the PLO. </text>
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<name>Red Brigades (BR)</name>
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card_128259.xml
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<text>Red Army Faction (RAF) Description The small and disciplined RAF is the successor to the Baader-Meinhof Gang, which originated in the student protest movement in the 1960s. Ideology is an obscure mix of Marxism and Maoism; committed to armed struggle. organized into hardcore cadres that carry out terrorist attacks and a network of supporters who provide logistic and propaganda support. Has survived despite numerous arrests of top leaders over the years. Activities Bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, and robberies. With decline of world communism, has had trouble recruiting replacements for jailed members. Now concentrating on domestic targets, particularly officials involved in German or European unification and German security and justice officials. Carried out one operation in 1993, destroying a new prison with 600 pounds of commercial explosives. Police shootout with two members ended in death of GSG-9 officer and group member Wolfgang Grams. Group temporarily gaivanized afterward. RAF has targeted US and NATO facilities in the past. During Gulf war, RAF shot up US Embassy in Bonn with assault rifle rounds. There were no casualties, however. Strength Ten to 20, plus several hundred supporters. Location/Area of Operations Germany. External Aid Self-sustaining, but during Baader-Meinhof period received support from Middle Eastern terrorists. East Germany gave logistic support, sanctuary, and training during the 1980s. 2 September 1993Italy Three terrorists threw a handgrenade over the fence and also fired shots at the U.S. Air Force Base at Aviano. The Red Brigades terrorist group later claimed responsibility. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYMAY, 1972:CARRIED OUT SIX SEPARATE BOMBING ATTACKS, KILLING ONE AND INJURINGTHIRTEEN, AT A U.S. OFFICERS CLUB IN FRANKFURT; BOMBED THEVEHICLE OF GERMAN SUPREME COURT JUSTICE BUDDENBURG, SERIOUSLYINJURING HIS WIFE; AND KILLED THREE AND WOUNDED FIVE IN A BLAST ATTHE U.S. ARMY EUROPEAN HEADQUARTERS IN HEIDELBERG.NOVEMBER, 1974:MURDERED GERMAN SUPREME COURT PRESIDENT GUENTHER VON DRENKMANN.FEBRUARY, 1975:KIDNAPPED TWO LEADING GERMAN POLITICIANS TO FORCE THE RELEASE OFSIX IMPRISONED TERRORISTS.APRIL, 1977:AMBUSHED AND MURDERED GERMAN FEBERAL PROSECUTOR SIEGFRIED BUBACK,HIS CHAUFFEUR, AND A POLICE BODYGUARD.SEPTEMBER, 1977:KIDNAPPED GERMAN BUSINESSMAN HANNS-MARTIN SCHLEYER AND KILLED HISCHAUFFEUR AND THREE POLICE GUARDS. WHILE THE RAF WAS HOLDINGSCHLEYER, THE POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINEHIJACKED A LUFTHANSA AIRCRAFT IN A SUPPORTING OPERATION. AFTERGERMAN COUNTER TERRORIST FORCES SUCCESSFULLY FOILED THE HIJACKINGAT MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, THE RAF MURDERED SCHLEYER.JUNE, 1979:ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF NATO COMMANDER GENERAL ALEXANDER HAIG,WITH A BOMB CONCEALED UNDER A BRIDGE IN OBOURG, BELGIUM. THE BOMBEXPLODED BETWEEN GENERAL HAIG'S CAR AND AN ESCORT VEHICLE, WOUNDINGTWO GUARDS.AUGUST, 1981:BOMBED THE U.S. AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS IN RAMSTEIN, INJURING 18AMERICANS AND TWO GERMANS.SEPTEMBER, 1981:FIRED TWO RPG-7 GRENADES AT U.S. ARMY EUROPEAN COMMANDING GENERALKROESSEN'S CAR, SLIGHTLY INJURING THE GENERAL AND HIS WIFE.DECEMBER, 1984:BOMBED THE EMBASSY OF FRANCE IN BONN AND ATTEMPTED TO BOMB THE NATOSCHOOL IN OBERAMMERGAU.JANUARY, 1985:FIREBOMBED THE HOME OF THE U.S. CONSUL GENERAL IN FRANKFURT AND THEU.S. AIRFIELD AT HEIDELBERG. ALSO FIREBOMBED A NUMBER OF WESTGERMAN GOVERNMENT FACILITIES THROUGHOUT GERMANY.FEBRUARY, 1985:INVADED THE HOME OF WEST GERMAN BUSINESSMAN ERNST ZIMMERMANN ANDSHOT HIM IN THE HEAD.MARCH, 1985:INJURED NINE WITH A BOMB BLAST AT A DEPARTMENT STORE IN DORTMUND.AUGUST, 1985:DETONATED A CAR BOMB AT THE RHEIN MAIN AIR BASE, KILLING TWO ANDINJURING SEVENTEEN. THE TERRORISTS KILLED AN OFF DUTY U.S.SERVICEMAN THE NIGHT BEFORE THE BOMBING AND USED HIS MILITARYIDENTIFICATION TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE BASE.APRIL, 1986:BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR BOMBING THE NATO PIPELINE NEAR VOLLERSODE.MAY, 1986:SEVERELY DAMAGED A U.S. MILITARY FUEL PUMPING STATION ANDDESTROYED TWO TRUCKS WITH A BOMB THAT ALSO IGNITED OVER 1,000GALLONS OF FUEL.JULY, 1986:MURDERED KARL-HEINZ BECKURTS, DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH OF THE SIEMENSELECTRONICS COMPANY, AND HIS CHAUFFEUR, WITH A REMOTELY DETONATEDBOMB. THE RAF CLAIMED THAT IT HAD CARRIED OUT THE OPERATIONBECAUSE OF BECKURTS' ADVOCACY OF NUCLEAR ENERGY AND HIS RESEARCHPARTICIPATION IN THE STRATEGIC DEFENSE INITIATIVE (SDI) PROJECT.OCTOBER, 1986:MURDERED GEROLD VON BRAUNMUEHL, HEAD OF THE FOREIGN MINISTRY'SPOLITICAL DEPARTMENT. HE WAS SHOT IN FRONT OF HIS HOME IN BONN.SEPTEMBER, 1988:ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF WEST GERMAN FINANCE MINISTER.NOVEMBER, 1989:ALFRED HERRHAUSEN, DIRECTOR OF THE DEUTSCHE BANK, WESTGERMANY'S LARGEST BANK, MURDERED WHEN THE RAF DETONATED A ROAD SIDEBOMB AS THE VICTIM'S CAR PASSED.JULY, 1990:ATTEMPTED TO ASSASSINATE AN OFFICIAL OF THE GERMAN MINISTRY OFTHE INTERIOR.FEBRUARY, 1991:FIRED SEVERAL SHOTS AT THE COMPOUND OF THE U.S. EMBASSY IN BONN.APRIL, 1991:ASSASSINATED DETLEV ROHWEDDER, THE CHIEF OF THE GERMAN GOVERNMENTAGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR SELLING-OFF STATE OWNED PROPERTY IN THEFORMER GERMAN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC (EAST GERMANY).JULY, 1991:CONDUCTED AN ARSON ATTACK ON A RENAULT DELIVERY FACILITY INBRUEHL (NEAR COLOGNE).-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OFDEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>Red Army Faction (RAF)</name>
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card_128042.xml
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<text>Puka Inti (Sol Rojo, Red Sun) Description Small but violent subversive group probably formed from dissident members of AVC guerrilla organization, which made peace with the Ecuadoran Government in 1989. Believed to be anti-US. Activities Series of bombings of government buildings have been attributed to Puka Inti, but group appears to lack resources to expand much beyond current strength. Strength Very small, perhaps fewer than 50. External Aid None. </text>
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<name>Puka Inti (Sol Rojo, Red Sun)</name>
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card_127834.xml
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<text>Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) aka: The Provos Description A radical terrorist group formed in 1969 as the clandestine armed wing of Sinn Fein, a legal political movement dedicated to removing British forces from Northern Ireland and unifying Ireland. Has a Marxist orientation. Organized into small, tightly knit cells under the leadership of the Army Council. Activities Bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, extortion, and robberies. Targets senior British Government officials, British military and police in Northern Ireland, and Northern Irish Loyalist paramilitary groups. PIRA's operations on mainland Britain in 1993 included a large truck bombing in London's financial district and a major bombing campaign against train and subway stations and shopping areas. Strength Several hundred, plus several thousand sympathizers. Location/Area of Operation Northern Ireland, Irish Republic, Great Britain, and Western Europe. External Aid Has received aid from a variety of groups and countries and considerable training and arms from Libya and, at one time, the PLO. Also is suspected of receiving funds and arms from sympathizers in the United States. Similarities in operations suggest links with ETA. </text>
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<name>Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA)</name>
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card_127167.xml
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<text>Palestine Liberation Front (PLF) Description Terrorist group that broke away from the PFLP-GC in mid-1970s. Later split again into pro-PLO, pro-Syrian, and pro-Libyan factions. Pro-PLO faction led by Muhammad Abbas (Abu Abbas), who became member of PLO Executive Committee in 1984 but left the Executive Committee in 1991. Activities Abu Abbas-led faction carried out abortive seaborne attack staged from Libya against Israel on 30 May 1990. Abbas's group was also responsible for October 1985 attack on the cruise ship Achille Lauro and the murder of US citizen Leon Klinghoffer. A warrant for Abu Abbas's arrest is outstanding in Italy. Others involved in the hijacking are wanted elsewhere. Openly supported Iraq during Gulf war. Strength At least 50. Location/Area of Operation PLO faction based in Tunisia until Achille Lauro attack. Now based in Iraq. External Aid Receives logistic and military support mainly from PLO, but also Libya and Iraq. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYJULY, 1978:KIDNAPPED 51 UNIFIL SOLDIERS IN TYRE; FORCED BY FATAH TO RELEASETHEM SEVERAL HOURS LATER.SEPTEMBER, 1978:THREE PLF TERRORISTS WERE CAPTURED IN NORTHERN ISRAEL. THEY HADINTENDED A HOSTAGE TAKING OPERATION WITH THE GOAL OF SEEKING THERELEASE OF PLF PRISONERS HELD IN ISRAEL.APRIL, 1979:FOUR PLF OPERATIVES LANDED FROM THE SEA NEAR NAHARIYAH, INTENDINGTO SEIZE ISRAELI HOSTAGES TO BE USED IN EXCHANGE FOR TERRORISTSBEING HELD BY THE ISRAELIS. THE TERRORISTS KILLED A MAN AND HISDAUGHTER IN THEIR APARTMENT, AS WELL AS AN ISRAELI POLICEMAN. TWOTERRORISTS WERE KILLED DURING THE FIGHTING AND TWO WERE CAPTURED.AUGUST, 1979:ATTEMPTED UNSUCCESSFULLY TO INFILTRATE ISRAEL BY SEA NEAR ROSHHANIQRA. THREE TERRORISTS WERE CAPTURED AND ONE KILLED.JULY, 1980:ATTEMPTED UNSUCCESSFULLY TO INFILTRATE ISRAEL USING A HOT-AIRBALLOON. THE BALLOON EXPLODED AFTER TAKING OFF, KILLING ONETERRORIST.MARCH, 1981:ATTEMPTED TO SEND TWO ONE-MAN HANG GLIDERS INTO ISRAEL. BOTH WERECAPTURED.APRIL, 1981:ATTEMPTED UNSUCCESSFULLY TO INFILTRATE ISRAEL USING A HOT-AIRBALLOON. THE BALLOON WAS SHOT DOWN, AND TWO PLF OPERATIVES WEREKILLED. DOCUMENTS FOUND ON THE TERRORISTS INDICATED THAT THEIRMISSION WAS TO TAKE HOSTAGES IN EXCHANGE FOR IMPRISONED PLFMEMBERS IN ISRAEL.JUNE, 1984:A SQUAD FROM THE GHANEM FACTION OF THE PLF WAS CAPTURED IN NORTHERNISRAEL, BELIEVED TO BE ON A HOSTAGE-TAKING OPERATION.OCTOBER, 1985:HIJACKED THE ITALIAN CRUISE SHIP "ACHILLE LAURO." AFTER HOLDINGHOSTAGES FOR 2 DAYS AND MURDERING ONE WHEELCHAIR-BOUND U.S.PASSENGER, THE TERRORIST TEAM AND ABU ABBAS SURRENDERED TO THEEGYPTIANS IN EXCHANGE FOR A PROMISE OF SAFE PASSAGE. THEY WEREAPPREHENDED AT A NATO AIR BASE IN SICILY AFTER U.S. AIRCRAFTINTERCEPTED AND FORCED DOWN THE EGYPTIAN AIRLINER THAT WAS FLYINGTHE TERRORISTS TO SAFEHAVEN. ABU ABBAS WAS SOON RELEASED BY THEITALIANS. THE FOUR PLF TERRORISTS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HIJACKINGWERE CONVICTED OF THEIR CRIMES AND SENTENCED TO PRISON.MAY, 1990:ISRAELI MILITARY FORCES FOILED AN ATTEMPT BY PLF TERRORISTS TO LANDON AN ISRAELI BEACH. THE PLAN OF THE TERRORISTS WERE TO ATTACKAND OCCUPY HOTELS ON THE TEL AVIV BEACH FRONT.MAY, 1992:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN ATTEMPT TO RAID THE ISRAELI RED SEARESORT OF EILAT. KILLED A SECURITY GUARD BEFORE ISRAELI MILITARYKILLED ONE AND WOUNDED ONE TERRORIST. BELIEVED TO HAVE ATTEMPTEDTO SWIM FROM AQABA IN JORDAN ALONG THE COAST LINE TO EILAT. COMESEXACTLY TWO YEARS AFTER ATTEMPT IN MAY 1990 (5/30) TO ATTACK BEACHAT TEL AVIV.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENTOF DEFENSE AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>PPalestine Liberation Front (PLF)</name>
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card_125067.xml
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<text>Popular Struggle Front (PSF) Description Radical Palestinian terrorist group once closely involved in the Syrian- dominated Palestinian National Salvation Front. Led by Dr. Samir Ghosheh. Rejoined the PLO in September 1991. Group is internally divided over the Declaration of Principles signed in 1993. Activities Terrorist attacks against Israeli, moderate Arab, and PLO targets. Strength Fewer than 300. Location/Area of Operation Mainly Syria and Lebanon, and elsewhere in the Middle East. External Aid Receives support from Syria and may now receive aid from the PLO. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYMAY, 1975:BOMBED EIN FESH'HA, AN ISRAELI RESORT.JUNE-JULY, 1975:KIDNAPPED A U.S. ARMY COLONEL IN BEIRUT AND TURNED HIM OVER TO THETHE POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE - GENERALCOMMAND (PFLP-GC) AFTER FOOD WAS DELIVERED TO PALESTINIAN REFUGEECAMPS IN BEIRUT.MARCH, 1979:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN EXPLOSION ON A TOURIST BUS AT THEINTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL IN JERUSALEM, AND ATTEMPTED AN OPERATION,PROBABLY INTENDED TO BE A HOSTAGE TAKING, ON THE WEST BANK, TOPROTEST THE VISIT OF U.S. PRESIDENT CARTER TO EGYPT AND ISRAEL.JUNE, 1985:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A ROCKET ATTACK ON THE NORTHERN ISRAELTOWN OF METULLAH.SEPTEMBER, 1985:FALSELY CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN ATTACK ON A HOTEL SWIMMINGPOOL IN ATHENS. THE PSF MEMBER WHO MADE THE CLAIM FALSELY STATEDTHAT SEVENTY FIVE AMERICAN SOLDIERS WERE KILLED OR WOUNDED IN THEATTACK. DESPITE THE PSF CLAIM, THE ABU NIDAL ORGANIZATION ISBELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INCIDENT, IN WHICH EIGHTEEN DEAF-MUTEBRITISH TOURISTS WERE WOUNDED.APRIL, 1987:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A ROCKET ATTACK ON NORTHERN ISRAEL.NOVEMBER, 1990:INTERCEPTED BY AN ISRAELI PATROL IN LEBANON'S SOUTHERN REGION -ISRAEL'S SELF DECLARED "SECURITY ZONE." FOUR PSF MEMBERS AND ONEISRAELI SOLDIER WERE KILLED.JANUARY, 1992:THE PPSF CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBING A SUPERMARKET INJERUSALEM. NO INJURIES.APRIL, 1992:SAMIR GHOWSHEH, A MEMBER OF THE PLO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, WASEXPELLED FROM THE PSF.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OFDEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>Popular Struggle Front (PSF)</name>
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card_106178.xml
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<text>Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-Special Command (PFLP-SC) Description Marxist-Leninist group formed by Abu Salim in 1979 after breaking away from the now defunct PFLP-Special Operations Group. Activities Has claimed responsibility for several notorious international terrorist attacks in Western Europe, including the bombing of a restaurant frequented by US servicemen in Torrejon, Spain, in April 1985. Eighteen Spanish civilians were killed in the attack. Strength 50. Location/Area of Operation Operates out of southern Lebanon, in various areas of the Middle East, and in Western Europe. External Aid Probably receives financial and military support from Syria, Libya, and Iraq. </text>
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<name>Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-Special Command (PFLP-SC)</name>
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card_105811.xml
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<text>Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC) Description Split from the PFLP in 1968, claiming that it wanted to focus more on fighting and less on politics. Violently opposed to Arafat's PLO. Led by Ahmed Jabril, a former captain in the Syrian Army. Closely allied with, supported by, and probably directed by Syria. Activities Claims to have specialized in suicide operations. Has carried out numerous cross-border terrorist attacks into Israel, using unusual means, such as hot-air balloons and motorized hang gliders. Hafiz Kassem Dalkamoni, a ranking PFLP-GC official, was convicted in Germany in June 1991 for bombing US troop trains. He faces additional charges in Germany for other terrorist offenses, including manslaughter. Strength Several hundred. Location/Area of Operation Headquarters in Damascus with bases in Lebanon and cells in Europe. External Aid Receives logistic and military support from Syria, its chief sponsor. Financial support from Libya. Safehaven in Syria . Support also from Iran. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------BACKGROUND:AHMED JIBRIL FORMED THE POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE-GENERAL COMMAND IN 1968 WHEN HE BECAME DISENCHANTED WITH GEORGE HABASH'SLEADERSHIP OF THE POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE (PFLP). ANOFFICER IN THE SYRIAN ARMY, JIBRIL WAS INITIALLY INTERESTED IN DEVELOPINGCONVENTIONAL MILITARY CAPABILITIES TO COMPLEMENT PFLP-GC TERRORISTACTIVITIES. AS A RESULT THE PFLP-GC HAS ALWAYS BEEN KNOWN FOR ITSCONVENTIONAL MILITARY EXPERTISE. IN ADDITION TO GROUND INFILTRATIONCAPABILITIES, THE PFLP-GC HAS WORKED TOWARD DEVELOPING AIR AND NAVALINFILTRATION CAPABILITIES AS WELL.PFLP-GC TERRORIST ACTIVITIES HAVE INCLUDED THE USE OF LETTER BOMBS ANDCONDUCTING MAJOR CROSS-BORDER OPERATIONS DIRECTED AT ISRAELI TARGETS. THEPFLP-GC HAS ALSO SHARED ITS TERRORIST EXPERTISE WITH OTHER INTERNATIONALTERRORIST GROUPS, SUCH AS THE ARMENIAN SECRET ARMY FOR THE LIBERATION OFARMENIA, AS WELL AS EUROPEAN GROUPS WHICH HAVE SENT MEMBERS TO LEBANON FORTRAINING.THE PFLP-GC ARSENAL INCLUDES SOPHISTICATED WEAPONRY SUCH AS SOVIET SA-7ANTIAIRCRAFT MISSILES, HEAVY ARTILLERY, AND LIGHT AIRCRAFT SUCH AS MOTORIZEDHANG GLIDERS AND ULTRA LIGHTS. THE COMMUNIST BLOC COUNTRIES PROVIDED SMALLARMS SUCH AS KALASHNIKOV ASSAULT RIFLES AND RPG-7 ANTITANK ROCKETS, BUT SYRIAAND LIBYA MAY HAVE SERVED AS CONDUITS FOR SUCH SUPPORT.THE PFLP-GC ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN THE LEBANESE CONFLICT, INCLUDINGSNIPING ATTACKS THAT INJURED U.S. MARINES WHO WERE MEMBERS OF THE PEACEKEEPING FORCES IN BEIRUT IN 1982-83. IN ADDITION, THE GROUP ATTACKEDISRAELI CITIZENS AND INTERESTS THROUGH OPERATIONS LAUNCHED FROM LEBANON. THEPFLP-GC HAS ALSO OCCASIONALLY RECRUITED WEST BANK PALESTINIANS TO CONDUCTTERROROIST OPERATIONS INSIDE ISRAEL.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYJULY, 1968:HIJACKED AN EL AL AIRLINER ENROUTE FROM ROME TO TEL AVIV, DIVERTINGIT TO ALGERIA. THE HIJACKERS DEMANDED THE RELEASE OF 1,000PRISONERS HELD IN ISRAEL. WEEKS LATER, THE GOVERNMENT OF ISRAELRELEASED 16 ARAB INFILTRATORS AS A "HUMANITARIAN" GESTURE."FEBRUARY, 1969:MACHINEGUNNED AN EL AL AIRLINER AS IT WAS ABOUT TO TAKE OFF FROMZURICH TO TEL AVIV.AUGUST, 1969:HIJACKED A TWA AIRLINER ENROUTE TO ATHENS AND TEL AVIV AND FORCEDIT TO LAND IN DAMASCUS, WHERE THE PASSENGERS WERE EVACUATED AND THEAIRCRAFT DESTROYED WITH AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE.APRIL, 1974:ATTACKED QIRYAT SHEMONA, ISRAEL, KILLING EIGHTEEN AND WOUNDINGSIXTEEN IN AN APARTMENT BUILDING. THE THREE TERRORISTS ALSO KILLEDTWO MEMBERS OF THE ISRAELI ASSAULT FORCE THAT ENGAGED IN A FOURHOUR GUN BATTLE WITH THE TERRORISTS. ALL THREE TERRORISTS WEREKILLED, PROBABLY BY THEIR OWN GRENADES. THE INTENTION OF THEOPERATION WAS TO SECURE THE RELEASE OF 100 CAPTURED PALESTINIANSBEING HELD IN ISRAELI PRISONS.APRIL, 1978:KIDNAPPED AN ISRAELI SOLDIER IN SOUTHERN LEBANON. IN MARCH, 1979,ISRAEL EXCHANGED SIXTY SIX ARAB PRISONERS FOR THE SOLDIER AND TENOTHERS IN THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES.SEPTEMBER, 1982:SEIZED THREE ISRAELI SOLDIERS IN BEIRUT, HOLDING THEM UNTIL MAY,1985, AND THEN EXCHANGED THEM FOR 1,150 PALESTINIAN PRISONERS HELDBY ISRAEL.APRIL, 1986:A MEMBER OF THE PFLP-GC THREW A FIRE BOMB AT A BUS IN JERUSALEM.THE GROUP CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY IN DAMASCUS.NOVEMBER, 1987:A MEMBER OF THE GROUP SUCCESSFULLY INFILTRATED ISRAEL FROM LEBANONUSING A HANG GLIDER, KILLING SIX ISRAELI SOLDIERS AND WOUNDINGSEVEN BEFORE BEING KILLED.OCTOBER, 1988:WEST GERMAN POLICE ARRESTED 14 MEMBERS OF THE PFLP-GC, SEIZINGWEAPONS, SEMTEX, AND EXPLOSIVE DEVICES.NOVEMBER, 1990:A PFLP-GC TEAM ATTEMPTED TO INFILTRATE ISRAEL BY A SPEEDBOAT. THETERRORISTS WERE INTERCEPTED BY THE ISRAELIS IN THE MEDITERRANEANSEA NORTH OF TYRE, LEBANON. THE SPEEDBOAT WAS DESTROYED AND ALLFIVE ABOARD WERE KILLED. THE PFLP-GC CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OFDEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC)</name>
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card_105677.xml
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<text>Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) Description Marxist-Leninist group that is a member of the PLO founded in 1967 by George Habash. After Fatah, is the most important military and political organization in the Palestinian movement. Advocates a Pan-Arab revolution. Opposes the Declaration of Principles signed in 1993 and has suspended participation in the PLO. Activities Committed numerous international terrorist attacks between 1970 and 1977. Since the death in 1978 of Wadi Haddad, its terrorist planner, PFLP has carried out numerous attacks against Israeli or moderate Arab tarqets. Strength 800. Location/Area of Operation Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and the occupied territories. External Aid Receives most of its financial and military assistance from Syria and Libya. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYJULY, 1968:HIJACKED AN EL AL AIRLINER ENROUTE FROM ROME TO ISRAEL.SEPTEMBER, 1969:CONDUCTED SIMULTANEOUS HIJACKINGS OF THREE AIRLINERS. TWO WEREFLOWN TO JORDAN AND ONE TO EGYPT, AND ALL THREE WERE BLOWN UPBEFORE TELEVISION CAMERAS.MAY, 1972:EMPLOYED JAPANESE RED ARMY TERRORISTS TO CONDUCT A MACHINEGUNATTACK IN THE ARRIVALS HALL OF THE LOD (BEN GURION) AIRPORTINTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN ISRAEL. TWENTY SEVEN CIVILIANS, INCLUDINGSIXTEEN PUERTO RICAN TOURISTS VISITING THE HOLY LAND, WERE KILLED.JULY, 1973:HIJACKED A JAPANESE AIRLINER TO LIBYA AND BLEW IT UP.DECEMBER, 1974:THREW HANDGRENADES INTO A CROWDED TEL AVIV THEATER, KILLING THREEAND WOUNDING TWENTY-FOUR.JUNE, 1976:HIJACKED AN AIR FRANCE AIRLINER TO ENTEBBE, UGANDA, WHERE FOURCIVILIANS WERE KILLED DURING THE RESCUE OPERATION BY ISRAELIFORCES.AUGUST, 1976:KILLED FOUR PASSENGERS ON AN EL AL AIRLINER IN ISTANBUL.OCTOBER, 1977:HIJACKED A LUFTHANSA AIRLINER TO MOGADISHU, SOMALIA, DEMANDING THERELEASE OF TERRORISTS HELD IN WEST GERMAN PRISONS. WEST GERMANBORDER POLICE TROOPS (GSG-9) STORMED THE PLANE, KILLING THREETERRORISTS AND CAPTURING A FOURTH. THE HIJACKING WAS CONDUCTED BYGERMAN AS WELL AS PFLP OPERATIVES.APRIL, 1979:AFTER A FOILED ATTEMPT TO TAKE OVER AN EL AL AIRCRAFT ATZAVENTEM AIRPORT IN BRUSSELS, THE PFLP OPERATIVES THREW A GASOLINEBOMB AND A HAND GRENADE INTO A VISITOR'S CAFE, WOUNDING FIVEBELGIANS; THEN ENTERED AN AIRPORT RESTAURANT, SHOOTING ANDWOUNDING SEVEN CUSTOMERS.MARCH, 1984:KILLED THREE PASSENGERS IN AN ATTACK ON A BUS IN ASHDOD, ISRAEL.APRIL, 1984:KILLED ONE AND WOUNDED EIGHT PASSENGERS IN A BUS HIJACKING INASHKELON, ISRAEL.MAY, 1985:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBING AN ISRAELI BUS.NOVEMBER, 1986:STABBED TO DEATH A TWENTY TWO YEAR OLD YESHIVA STUDENT ON A STREETIN THE OLD CITY OF JERUSALEM.MAY, 1987:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A ROCKET ATTACK ON THE TOWN OF METALLAHIN THE NORTHERN GALILEE.JUNE, 1989:POSSIBLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE KIDNAPPING OF THE AMERICAN DIRECTOR OFA RELIEF AGENCY IN THE GAZA STRIP. THE VICTIM WAS EVENTUALLYRELEASED UNHARMED. THE KIDNAPPER WAS KILLED IN A SHOOT OUT WITHISRAELI SECURITY FORCES.NOVEMBER, 1990:PFLP GUERRILLAS CLASHED WITH ISRAELI DEFENSE FORCES INSIDE ISRAEL'SSELF-DECLARED SECURITY ZONE IN SOUTHERN LEBANON. FIVE ISRAELISOLDIERS AND TWO PFLP GUERRILLAS WERE KILLED.DECEMBER, 1990:AN ISRAELI BORDER POLICEMAN WAS SHOT AND SERIOUSLY WOUNDED WHILE HEWAS MONITORING A DEMONSTRATION AT A REFUGEE CAMP IN THE GAZA STRIP.THE PFLP CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.JANUARY, 1991:A PAN AMERICAN AIRLINES OFFICE IN TURIN, ITALY WAS FIREBOMBED.A PERSON CLAIMING TO REPRESENT THE PFLP CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.JULY, 1991:AN ISRAELI MOTORIST WAS SHOT AND WOUNDED WHILE DRIVING IN THE GAZA.THE PFLP AND DFLP CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.OCTOBER, 1991:TERRORISTS ATTACKED A BUS IN THE GAZA, KILLING TWO ISRAELI SETTLERSAND WOUNDING FIVE. THE PFLP CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FROM DAMASCUS.JANUARY, 1992:AN ISRAELI BUS AND CAR DRIVING IN THE WEST BANK WERE ATTACKED NEARTHE TOWN OF RAMALLAH. SIX SETTLERS WERE WOUNDED. BOTH THE PFLPAND THE PIJ CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DEFENSE DEPARTMENTAND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)</name>
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card_105419.xml
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<text>Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) Description The PIJ originated among militant Palestinian fundamentalists in the Gaza Strip during the 1970s. The PIJ is a series of loosely affiliated factions, rather than a cohesive group. The PIJ is committed to the creation of an Islamic Palestinian state and the destruction of Israel through holy war. Because of its strong support for Israel, the United States has been identified as an enemy of the PIJ. The PIJ also opposes moderate Arab governments that it believes have been tainted by Western secularism. Activities The PIJ demonstrated its terrorist credentials when it attacked a tour bus in Egypt in February 1990 and killed 11 people, including nine Israelis. The PIJ also has carried out crossborder raids against Israeli targets in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The PIJ has threatened to attack US interests in Jordan. PIJ agents were arrested in Egypt in September 1991 while attempting to enter the country to conduct terrorism. Strength Unknown. Location/Area of operation Primarily Israel and the occupied territories and other parts of the Middle East, including Jordan and Lebanon. External Aid Uncertain, possibly Iran and Syria. 1994:More than 100 civilians died in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza last year dueto activities of HAMAS or PIJ (Palestinian Islamic Jihad).-----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYJULY, 1989:A PASSENGER ON A BUS GRABBED THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING IT TO CRASHKILLING SIXTEEN AND INJURING TWENTY FIVE ON THE ROAD BETWEEN TELAVIV AND JERUSALEM. THE ARAB ATTACKER SURVIVED AND WAS SENTENCEDTO SIXTEEN LIFE SENTENCES. THE PIJ CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEATTACK; HOWEVER, THE AFFILIATION OF THE PERPETRATOR HAS NOT BEENDEFINITIVELY ESTABLISHED.FEBRUARY, 1990:PIJ CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK OF AN ISRAELI TOUR BUSENROUTE FROM RAFFAH, ISRAEL TO CAIRO EGYPT. THE ATTACK TOOK PLACEIN THE SINAI PENINSULA. ELEVEN PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND SEVENTEENWERE WOUNDED.MAY, 1990:A SUSPECTED PIJ MEMBER STABBED A SOVIET JEWISH IMMIGRANT TO DEATHIN EAST JERUSALEM.MAY, 1990:SUSPECTED PIJ OPERATIVES ATTACKED A BUS IN AMMAN, JORDAN WOUNDINGNINE FRENCH TOURISTS. ONE PALESTINIAN MAN WAS ARRESTED SHORTLYAFTER THE ATTACK AND FIVE PIJ MEMBERS WERE ARRESTED IN JUNE, 1990,FOR INVOLVEMENT IN THE ATTACK. THERE WERE NO CLAIMS OFRESPONSIBILITY.MAY, 1990:A PIPE-BOMB DETONATED AT A MARKET IN JERUSALEM, KILLING ONE ANDINJURING NINE PERSONS. PIJ AND SIX OTHER PALESTINIAN GROUPS CLAIMEDRESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK.OCTOBER, 1990:A TERRORIST STABBED THREE ISRAELIS TO DEATH AND WOUNDED ANOTHER INJERUSALEM. CLAIMED BY PIJ AND FORCE 17.NOVEMBER, 1990:A TERRORIST INFILTRATED ISRAEL FROM JORDAN AND KILLED AN ISRAELISOLDIER NEAR THE ALLENBY BRIDGE. A FACTION OF THE PIJ CLAIMEDRESPONSIBILITY.SEPTEMBER, 1991:TWO PIJ MEMBERS WERE ARRESTED BY EGYPTIAN AUTHORITIES AT THE PORTOF NUWAYBI. TWO ROCKET LAUNCHERS WERE SEIZED. THE SUSPECTSADMITTED THAT THEY PLANNED TO ATTACK AN EGYPTIAN CRUISE SHIP ON THENILE. THE PIJ ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE SUSPECTS WERE MEMBERS OF THEGROUP.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND PUBLIC MEDIASOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)</name>
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card_105030.xml
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<text>Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) On September 9, 1993, in letters to Israeli Prime Minister Rabin and Norwegian Foreign Minister Holst, PLO Chairman Arafat committed the PLO to cease all violence and terrorism. On September 13, 1993, the Declaration of Principles between the Israelis and Palestinians was signed in Washington, D.C. Bewteen September 9 and December 31, the PLO factions loyal to Arafat complied with this commitment except for one, perhaps two, instances in which the responsible individuals apparently acted independently. Two groups under the PLO unbrella, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine - Hawatmeh faction (DFLP-H), suspended their participation in the PLO in protest of the agreement and continued their campaign of violence. The United States Government continues to monitor closely PLO compliance with its commitment to abandon terrorism and violence. </text>
<text>New People's Army (NPA) Description The guerrilla arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines, an avowedly Maoist group formed in December 1969 with the aim of overthrowing the government through protracted guerrilla warfare. Although primarily a rural-based guerrilla group, the NPA has an active urban infrastructure to carry out terrorism; uses citybased assassination squads called sparrow units. Derives most of its funding from contributions of supporters and so- called revolutionary taxes extorted from local businesses. Activities The NPA is in disarray because of a split in the CPP, a lack of money, and successful government operations. With US military gone from the country, NPA has engaged in urban terrorism against the police, corrupt politicians, drug traffickers, and other targets that evoked popular anger. Has vowed to kill US citizens involved in counterinsurgency campaign. Has assassinated 10 US military and private citizens since 1987. Has also attacked US businesses in rural areas that refused to pay so-called revolutionary taxes. Strength 16,000, plus support groups. Location/Area of Operation Philippines. External Aid Receives funding from overseas fundraisers in Western Europe and elsewhere; also linked to Libya. Diverts some funding of humanitarian aid. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYAPRIL, 1974:MURDERED THREE U.S. NAVAL PERSONNEL NEAR SUBIC BAY NAVAL BASE.SEPTEMBER, 1978:MURDERED THE MAYOR OF KALINGA APAYO.FEBRUARY, 1979:MURDERED THE SON OF THE THEN-COMMANDING GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINEARMY.DECEMBER, 1981:IMPLICATED IN KIDNAPPING THE SON-IN-LAW OF PRESIDENT FERDINANDMARCOS; THE NPA DENIED INVOLVEMENT.APRIL, 1982:MURDERED THE MAYOR OF CALBAYOG CITY.JULY, 1982:IMPLICATED IN THE MURDERS OF THE MAYORS OF RIZAL AND DIGOS.APRIL, 1983:MURDERED THE POLICE CHIEF AND FIVE POLICE OFFICERS IN BARANGAYTIBLAWAN.NOVEMBER, 1983:MURDERED THE MAYOR OF LUBA.MAY, 1984:ASSASSINATED BRIGADIER GENERAL KARNIXAL, POLICE COMMANDER OFQUEZON CITY. CLAIMED BY THE ALEX BONCAYO BRIGADE, AN ELITE SPARROWUNIT OF THE NPA.SEPTEMBER, 1984:INFILTRATED A PRISON ARMORY ON LEYTE ISLAND, SEIZING AN UNSPECIFIEDNUMBER OF WEAPONS.NOVEMBER, 1984 - JANUARY, 1985:ASSASSINATED THE MAYORS OF ZAMBOANGA CITY AND SANTA ANA, THEDEPUTY MAYOR OF LAPUYAN, AND THE POLICE CHIEF OF NUEVA ECIJA.OCTOBER, 1987:MURDERED TWO AMERICAN SERVICEMEN, AN AMERICAN RETIREE, AND AFILIPINO BYSTANDER. CLAIMED BY THE ALEX BONCAYO BRIGADE, AND LATERBY THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT ON BEHALF OF THE NPA.NOVEMBER, 1987:TWO HUNDRED NPA GUERRILLAS ATTACKED TWO U.S. OWNED AND OPERATEDBANANA PLANTATIONS BURNING WAREHOUSES AND OTHER EQUIPMENT. THISWAS THE SECOND NPA ATTACK ON THIS PLANTATION; THE FIRST HAVINGTAKEN PLACE IN AUGUST, 1987.FEBRUARY, 1989:NPA GUERRILLAS ATTACKED A MINING COMPANY OPERATION WITH MORTARS ANDSMALL ARMS. THE FACILITY WAS RANSACKED AND THE ARMORY WAS LOOTED.FIFTEEN SECURITY GUARDS, TWO CIVILIANS, AND EIGHT NPA REBELS DIEDIN THE ATTACK.APRIL, 1989:THE NPA ATTEMPTED TO AMBUSH A CONVOY OF U.S. AIR FORCE SECURITYPOLICE NEAR CLARK AIR FORCE BASE. THE AMBUSH WAS ABORTED WHEN THECONVOY ARRIVED EARLY. THE NPA GUERRILLAS FLED.APRIL, 1989:THE NPA ATTACKED A U.S.-PHILIPPINE COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY ATOPMOUNT CABUYO. THREE ELECTRICAL POWER PYLONS AND A COMMUNICATIONSTRAILER WERE DAMAGED.APRIL, 1989:AN NPA UNIT ASSASSINATED U.S. ARMY COLONEL JAMES N. ROWE. THEVICTIM WAS ATTACKED WHILE BEING DRIVEN TO WORK. THE DRIVER OF THEVICTIM'S VEHICLE WAS WOUNDED.APRIL, 1989:NPA REBELS ATTACKED AN INTER-CITY FERRY FROM SPEED BOATS, ROBBINGPASSENGERS.MAY, 1989:KIDNAPPED A JAPANESE AID WORKER.SEPTEMBER, 1989:ASSASSINATED TWO FORD AEROSPACE TECHNICIANS AS THE VICTIMS DROVEHOME FROM THEIR JOB AT CLARK AIR FORCE BASE.DECEMBER, 1989:TWO RIFLE GRENADES WERE FIRED INTO THE U.S. EMBASSY COMPOUND. NOINJURIES.DECEMBER, 1989:CARRIED OUT A RIFLE GRENADE AND SMALL ARMS ATTACK ON THE UNITEDSTATES INFORMATION SERVICE (USIS) LIBRARY IN DAVAO CITY. NOINJURIES.JANUARY, 1990:DETONATED THREE BOMBS IN DAVAO CITY IN ONE DAY. ONE OF THEDEVICES DETONATED AT THE USIS FACILITY.FEBRUARY, 1990:ASSASSINATED AN AMERICAN CITIZEN, HIS FILIPINO WIFE AND HISFATHER-IN-LAW NEAR THE CITY OF TAGBILARAN.MARCH, 1990:MURDERED AN ELDERLY AMERICAN RANCHER FOR VICTIM'S REFUSAL TO PAYTHE NPA REVOLUTIONARY TAXES.MAY, 1990:A UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER WAS MURDEREDBY THE NPA IN OLONGAPO CITY NEAR SUBIC BAY NAVAL BASE.MAY, 1990:TWO U.S. AIR FORCE PERSONNEL WERE KILLED AND A THIRD ESCAPED UNHURTWHEN THE NPA AMBUSHED THE THREE NEAR CLARK AIR FORCE BASE.MAY, 1990:TWO RIFLE GRENADES FIRED AT THE THOMAS JEFFERSON CULTURAL CENTER,A USIS FACILITY, IN MANILA.JUNE, 1990:A U.S. PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER WAS KIDNAPPED, HELD 49 DAYS, ANDRELEASED UNHARMED.JULY, 1990:SUSPECTED NPA MEMBERS DROVE BY THE USIS FACILITY IN DAVAO CITY,SPRAYING IT WITH SMALL ARMS FIRE. NO INJURIES.SEPTEMBER, 1990:NPA TERRORISTS BOMBED THE VOICE OF AMERICA (VOA) TRANSMITTERANTENNA SITE IN TARLAC PROVINCE. NO INJURIES.NOVEMBER, 1990:FIRED TWO RIFLE GRENADES AT THE U.S. EMBASSY IN MANILA. NOINJURIES.JANUARY, 1991:FIFTY NPA REBELS ATTACKED A PHILIPPINE POLICE BARRACKS NEAR THESITE OF A VOICE OF AMERICA TRANSMITTER SITE. ATTEMPTED TO PLACEEXPLOSIVE DEVICES ON TRANSMITTER ANTENNAS, BUT THE DEVICES WEREDISARMED.NOVEMBER, 1991:AMBUSHED A PHILIPPINE ARMY PATROL, KILLING TWENTY TWO.FEBRUARY, 1992:AN NPA UNIT AMBUSHED A PHILIPPINE ARMY PATROL OF 100 TROOPS. ATLEAST THIRTY-SEVEN OF THE TROOPS WERE KILLED. RELIABLE REPORTINGINDICATES THAT THE ATTACK WAS PARTICULARLY SAVAGE, WITH MANY OFVICTIMS' CORPSES SHOWING CLEAR SIGNS OF MUTILATION.MARCH, 1992:PHILIPPINE POLICE RESCUED AN AMERICAN BUSINESSMAN WHO HAD BEENKIDNAPPED AND HELD HOSTAGE BY A GROUP CALLING ITSELF "RED SCORPION"BELIEVED TO BE A FACTION OF THE NPA.MARCH, 1992:NPA IS SUSPECTED IN THE MURDER OF AN ASSISTANT DEAN OF AUNIVERSITY LOCATED IN MANILA. THE VICTIM WAS SHOT IN THE HEAD ASHE WALKED TO WORK.JUNE, 1992:AN NPA UNIT RAIDED AN AMERICAN-OWNED FOOD PROCESSING PLANT INDAVAO, WRECKING EQUIPMENT AND KIDNAPPING FILIPINO EMPLOYEES.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OFDEFENSE AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>New People's Army (NPA)</name>
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card_104252.xml
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<text>NESTOR PAZ ZAMORA COMMISSION10/28/92GP00015KEY WORDS: CNPZDESCRIPTION:A RADICAL LEFTIST TERRORIST ORGANIZATION THAT FIRST APPEARED INOCTOBER, 1990. IT IS NAMED AFTER THE DECEASED BROTHER OF PRESIDENT PAZZAMORA. IT CURRENTLY OPERATES UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF THE ELN (BOLIVIA); ANDIS A VIOLENT, EXTREMELY ANTI-U.S., MARXIST-LENINIST ORGANIZATION.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------STRENGTH:UNKNOWN. PROBABLY FEWER THAN 100.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------EXTERNAL AID:PERU'S MTRA (TUPAC AMARU) HAS PROVIDED TRAINING, LIMITED FUNDING, ANDLOGISTIC SUPPORT.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHHRONOLOGYJUNE, 1990:THE BOLIVIAN OWNER OF THE LA PAZ COCA-COLA BOTTLING COMPANY WASKIDNAPPED WHILE HE WAS BEING DRIVEN TO WORK IN DOWNTOWN LA PAZ. THEVICTIM WAS MURDERED BY HIS CAPTORS ON DECEMBER 5, 1990, DURING ARESCUE ATTEMPT BY BOLIVIA POLICE.OCTOBER, 1990:ATTACKED THE RESIDENCE OF THE U.S. EMBASSY'S MARINE SECURITY GUARDDETACHMENT IN LA PAZ WITH AUTOMATIC WEAPONS AND EXPLOSIVES. ONEBOLIVIAN POLICE OFFICER STANDING GUARD AT THE MARINE HOUSE WASKILLED AND ANOTHER POLICE OFFICER WAS SERIOUSLY WOUNDED. NONE OFTHE MARINES WERE INJURED.OCTOBER, 1990:BOMBED A MONUMENT TO U.S. PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY IN LA PAZ.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND PUBLIC MEDIASOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>NESTOR PAZ ZAMORA COMMISSION</name>
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card_104008.xml
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<text>National Liberation Army (ELN)--Colombia Description Rural-based, anti-US, Maoist-Marxist-Leninist guerrilla group formed in 1963. Attempted peace talks with the government ended in May 1992. Activities Periodically kidnaps foreign employees of large corporations and holds them for large ransom payments. Conducts frequent assaults on oil infrastructure and has inflicted major damage on pipelines since 1986. Extortion and bombings against US and other foreign businesses, especially the petroleum industry. Strength Has fallen off in recent years and now estimated at only about 700 combatants. Location/Area of Operation Colombia. External Aid None. 23 February 1993Colombia Eight ELN terrorists kidnapped U.S. citizen Lewis Manning, an employee of the Colombian gold-mining company Oresom, in the Choco area. In December, the International Committee of the Red Cross received a photograph of the hostage as proof that he was still alive. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYJANUARY, 1980:KIDNAPPED AN ENGLISHWOMAN AND HER SON FROM THEIR FARM IN CESARDEPARTMENT, DEMANDING A $300,000 RANSOM.JANUARY, 1982:KIDNAPPED A DIPLOMAT ATTACHED TO THE EMBASSY OF HONDURAS INBOGOTA TO PROTEST ALLEGED HONDURAN INTERFERENCE IN THE DOMESTICAFFAIRS OF NICARAGUA AND EL SALVADOR.JULY, 1983:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A SERIES OF DYNAMITE ATTACKS IN COLOMBIAAS PART OF "OPERATION FREE CENTRAL AMERICA." THE SALVADORANCONSULATE IN MEDELLIN AND TWO LOCAL POLICE OFFICES WERE THETARGETS.NOVEMBER, 1983:KIDNAPPED THE BROTHER OF THE PRESIDENT OF COLOMBIA; BUT AFTER FIDELCASTRO INTERVENED, THE VICTIM WAS RETURNED UNHARMED FIFTEEN DAYSLATER.MAY, 1984:SIX ELN MEMBERS RAIDED A GOLD MINE NEAR THE NORTHWESTERN TOWN OFSEGOVIA AND SEIZED THE EQUIVALENT OF ALMOST $90,000.JUNE, 1985:AMBUSHED AND KILLED EIGHT POLICEMEN NEAR THE VENEZUELAN BORDER.NOVEMBER, 1986:BOMBED A DREDGE IN THE NECHI RIVER IN COLOMBIA AND TEMPORARILYPARALYZED GOLD PRODUCTION IN THE AREA.DECEMBER, 1986:MADE NUMEROUS RAIDS AGAINST U.S.- ASSOCIATED OIL PRODUCTIONSUBSIDIARIES, DESTROYING EQUIPMENT AND STEALING EXPLOSIVES.JANUARY-JUNE, 1987:CONTINUED TO TARGET COLOMBIA'S OIL PRODUCTION BY BLOWING UPSECTIONS OF PIPELINE AND ATTACKING OIL CAMPS. DURING THIS PERIOD,THE ELN MAY HAVE ATTAINED THE LEADERSHIP POSITION WITHIN THENATIONAL GUERRILLA COORDINATOR, REPLACING M-19.APRIL-AUGUST, 1987:BOMBED OIL OPERATION LOCATIONS AND U.S.-COLOMBIAN TARGETS, CAUSINGCONSIDERABLE PROPERTY DAMAGE.JUNE, 1987:AMBUSHED A VENEZUELAN NATIONAL GUARD UNIT ON AN ANTI-NARCOTICSMISSION NEAR THE COLOMBIAN BORDER.SEPTEMBER, 1987:ATTACKED A VENEZUELAN ARMY BORDER OUTPOST TO CAPTURE WEAPONS.OCTOBER, 1987:BOMBED THREE MORMON CHURCHES IN BOYACA AND A NAVAL FACILITY INBARRANCABERMEJA.NOVEMBER, 1987:MURDERED SEVENTEEN POLICEMEN AND FOUR SOLDIERS IN SEPARATEAMBUSHES.FEBRUARY, 1988:DETONATED A CAR BOMB AT THE BOGOTA OFFICE OF A U.S. PETROLEUMCOMPANY.MARCH, 1988:BOMBED A COLOMBIAN SUBSIDIARY OF A MAJOR U.S. BANKING FIRM INBOGOTA.MAY, 1988:KIDNAPPED THE GERMAN HONORARY CONSULS IN MEDELLIN ANDBUCARAMANGA, THE PRESIDENT OF THE SANTANDER DEPARTMENTAL ASSEMBLYIN BUCARAMANGA, THREE COLOMBIA JOURNALISTS IN BUCARAMANGA, THEFRENCH PRESS ATTACHE IN BOGOTA. FAILED TO CARRY OUT PLAN TO KIDNAPTHE FRENCH HONORARY COUNSEL IN CALI AND THE PANAMANIAN CONSULGENERAL IN CARTAGENA. ALL HOSTAGES RELEASED UNHARMED DURING MAY,1988.JUNE, 1988:KIDNAPPED AN AMERICAN EMPLOYEE OF AN AMERICAN COMPANY. RELEASEDUNHARMED IN NOVEMBER, 1988 AFTER REPORTED PAYMENT OF RANSOM.SEPTEMBER, 1988DETONATED A CAR BOMB UNDER THE ARMORED VEHICLE OF A CANADIANOIL COMPANY EXECUTIVE IN DOWNTOWN BOGOTA. THE TARGET WAS UNHURT,BUT A PASSERBY WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED.OCTOBER, 1988:TOWNS ATTACKED IN JOINT OPERATION WITH THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMEDFORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC). AT LEAST THREE POLICE OFFICERS AND ONECIVILIAN WERE KILLED. FIFTEEN POLICE OFFICERS, A PRIEST AND A NUNWERE KIDNAPPED.OCTOBER, 1988:KIDNAPPED A COLOMBIAN ANTHROPOLOGIST OF AMERICAN ORIGIN IN ANORTHERN JUNGLE AREA. THE VICTIM HAD BEEN ACCUSED OF BEING A CIAAGENT BECAUSE OF HIS WORK WITH THE INDIGENOUS POPULATION. HE WASRELEASED UNHARMED IN JULY, 1989.DECEMBER, 1988:TOWN ATTACKED - ONE POLICE OFFICER AND THREE CIVILIANS WERE KILLED.FEBRUARY, 1989:TOWN ATTACKED IN A JOINT OPERATION WITH THE REVOLUTIONARY ARMEDFORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC) AND THE POPULAR LIBERATION ARMY (EPL).FIVE POLICE OFFICERS WERE KILLED AND ELEVEN POLICE OFFICERS WEREKIDNAPPED.MARCH, 1989:KIDNAPPED AN AMERICAN FROM HER FAMILY'S RANCH. RELEASED UNHURT INJUNE, 1989 AFTER A RANSOM PAYMENT.MARCH, 1989:KIDNAPPED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF COLOMBIAN OILDISTRIBUTORS. STATUS REMAINS UNKNOWN.APRIL, 1989:KIDNAPPED FOUR SPANISH AND ITALIAN ENGINEERS EMPLOYED AT AHYDROELECTRIC PROJECT. STATUS REMAINS UNKNOWN.APRIL, 1989:KIDNAPPED FIVE COLOMBIAN JOURNALISTS. RELEASED WITHIN A WEEK WITHA MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC.JUNE, 1989:KIDNAPPED TWO COLOMBIAN AND ONE SPANISH JOURNALISTS. THEIR STATUSREMAINS UNKNOWN.OCTOBER, 1989:KIDNAPPED A SPANISH BUSINESSMAN IN QUITO, ECUADOR. THE VICTIM HADEXTENSIVE BUSINESS HOLDINGS IN COLOMBIA. RELEASED AFTER A RANSOMWAS REPORTEDLY PAID.OCTOBER, 1989:TOWNS ATTACKED IN JOINT OPERATIONS WITH FARC AND THE EPL.DECEMBER, 1989:KIDNAPPED A BRITISH CITIZEN RESIDENT IN COLOMBIA WHO WAS INVOLVEDIN SUPPLYING ELECTRICAL POWER SUBSTATIONS TO OIL COMPANIES. HISSTATUS REMAINS UNKNOWN.FEBRUARY, 1990:KIDNAPPED THREE RESIDENT AMERICANS AS A PROTEST TO THEATTENDANCE OF PRESIDENT BUSH TO THE CARTAGENA DRUG SUMMIT.VICTIMS RELEASED UNHARMED APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS AFTER THEYHAD BEEN ABDUCTED.MAY, 1990:ATTACKED A CANADIAN-OWNED GOLD MINE NEAR ZARAGOZA, KILLED ACOLOMBIAN ENGINEER AND KIDNAPPED THREE COMPANY EXECUTIVES (TWOCOLOMBIANS AND A PERUVIAN). THE ELN PROMISED TO RELEASE THEIRHOSTAGES IF THE COMPANY WOULD CLOSE ITS DOORS. THE COMPANYSTATED ITS INTENTION TO COMPLY AND THE HOSTAGES WERE RELEASEDUNHARMED TWO WEEKS AFTER THEY HAD BEEN ABDUCTED.NOVEMBER, 1990:KIDNAPPED TWO COLOMBIAN AND THREE AMERICAN EMPLOYEES OF ANAMERICAN COMPANY. ONE COLOMBIAN WAS QUICKLY RELEASED WITH AMESSAGE TO THE AUTHORITIES. THE OTHER VICTIMS WERE RELEASEDUNHARMED SEVERAL DAYS LATER AFTER THE REPORTED PAYMENT OF RANSOM.JANUARY, 1991:CONDUCTED A JOINT ATTACK WITH FARC ON A MAJOR FRENCH-COLOMBIANOIL PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT. FORTY VEHICLES AND PIECES OFHEAVY MACHINERY WERE DESTROYED, THE COLOMBIAN SECURITY CHIEF WASKILLED, AND THREE FRENCH ENGINEERS WERE KIDNAPPED. THEY WERERELEASED UNHARMED IN JULY, 1991.MAY, 1991:KIDNAPPED SEVEN COLOMBIAN JOURNALISTS. THREE DAYS AFTER THEY WEREABDUCTED, THE SEVEN WERE RELEASED AFTER BEING "INSTRUCTED."SEPTEMBER, 1991:MURDERED A SECURITY GUARD EMPLOYED BY A U.S. COMPANY.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------NOTETHE ELN HAS A LONG-STANDING STRATEGY OF CONDUCTING OPERATIONSAGAINST THE ENERGY SECTOR. ITS OBJECTIVE IS TWO-FOLD: TODEPRIVE THE GOVERNMENT OF REVENUES AND TO DRIVE OUT FOREIGNFIRMS WHICH SYMBOLIZE COLOMBIA'S ALLEGED SUBSERVIENCE TO"IMPERIALISM." MANY OF THE ELN'S ATTACKS HAVE TARGETED THECANO LIMON-COVENAS CRUDE OIL PIPELINE. THESE ATTACKS HAVEBEEN SO NUMEROUS THAT IT WOULD BE UNWIELDY TO LIST THEMINDIVIDUALLY.YEAR PIPELINE ATTACKS1987 101988 521989 321990 311991 60-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS DERIVED FROM STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OFDEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>National Liberation Army (ELN)--Colombia</name>
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card_103701.xml
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<text>MOZAMBICAN NATIONAL RESISTANCE10/28/92GP00002KEY WORDS: RENAMO; RESISTENCIA NACIONAL MOCAMBICANADESCRIPTION:ESTABLISHED IN 1976 BY THE RHODESIAN SECURITY SERVICES, PRIMARILY TOOPERATE AGAINST ANTI-RHODESIAN GUERRILLAS BASED IN MOZAMBIQUE. SOUTH AFRICASUBSEQUENTLY DEVELOPED RENAMO INTO AN INSURGENT GROUP OPPOSING FRELIMO, THEFRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF MOZAMBIQUE.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------ACTIVITIES:RENAMO OPERATES AS A GUERRILLA INSURGENCY AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT OFMOZAMBIQUE AS WELL AS CIVILIAN TARGETS; FREQUENTLY AND INCREASINGLY RUNSCROSS-BORDER OPERATIONS INTO ZIMBABWE, MALAWI, AND ZAMBIA, WHERE IT HASMURDERED AND KIDNAPPED NUMEROUS CIVILIANS AND DESTROYED PROPERTY.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------STRENGTH:20,000 GUERRILLAS.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------EXTERNAL AID:ASSISTANCE PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED FROM SOUTH AFRICA AS WELL AS FROM PRIVATEINDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS IN EUROPE AND ELSEWHERE.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYSEPTEMBER, 1985:SUSPECTED RENAMO MEMBERS ATTACKED A U.S. OWNED FIRM. THIS WAS THEFIRST ATTACK ON A U.S. FIRM REPORTED IN MOZAMBIQUE.MARCH, 1986:SUSPECTED RENAMO MEMBERS KIDNAPPED A PORTUGESE NATIONAL AND ANITALIAN NUN. RENAMO CLAIMED TO HAVE RELEASED THE HOSTAGES INDECEMBER, 1986.NOVEMBER, 1986:RENAMO REBELS KIDANPPED THREE WEST GERMANS, A PORTUGESE, AND ABRITON, RELEASING THEM IN DECEMBER, 1986.MAY, 1987:RENAMO MEMBERS KIDNAPPED SEVEN FOREIGN MEDICAL RELIEF WORKERS. THEVICTIMS WERE RELEASED THREE MONTHS LATER IN MALAWI.DECEMBER, 1988:A MINE PLANTED BY RENAMO KILLED TWO PASSENGERS ON A TRAIN ANDINJURED THIRTY-THREE OTHERS.JANUARY, 1989:RENAMO GUERRILLAS AMBUSHED AND KILLED A PORTUGESE CATHOLIC PRIEST.FEBRUARY, 1989:SEVEN PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND FORTY ONE WOUNDED DURING AN ATTACK ONA PASSENGER TRAIN BY RENAMO.MARCH, 1989:TWO ITALIAN MISSIONARIES AND EIGHT SOLDIERS WERE KILLED, ALONG WITHAN UNDETERMINED NUMBER OF VILLAGERS IN THE COURSE OF A RAID BYRENAMO.APRIL, 1989:SEVEN MINERS WERE KILLED AND THREE WERE WOUNDED DURING A RENAMORAID. FOUR LOCOMOTIVES WERE DESTROYED IN THE ATTACK.APRIL, 1989:EIGHTEEN PEOPLE WERE KILLED DURING A RENAMO RAID ON A PASSENGERBUS.JUNE, 1989:EIGHTEEN PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND MORE THAN TWENTY WERE INJURED INTHE COURSE OF TWO SEPARATE RENAMO ATTACKS.JULY, 1989:RENAMO IS BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR THE AMBUSH AND MURDER OF ABRAZILIAN ENGINEER.NOVEMBER, 1989:RENAMO IS BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR AN ATTACK ON A SPANISH TUGBOATAND THE KIDNAPPING OF FOUR CREW MEMBERS.MAY, 1990:A SWISS PHYSICIAN WAS AMBUSHED AND MURDERED BY SUSPECTED RENAMOGUERRILLAS.JUNE,1990TWO OFFICIALS OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS(ICRC) WERE ABDUCTED BY RENAM0. THEY WERE RELEASED UNHARMED AFTERBEING HELD FOR TWO WEEKS.AUGUST, 1990:RENAMO INSURGENTS KILLED FOUR SOLDIERS AND WOUNDED EIGHT DURING ARAID ON A PASSENGER/CARGO TRAIN.OCTOBER, 1990:RENAMO REBELS KILLED ELEVEN PEOPLE WHEN THEY LAUNCHED AN ATTACK ONA TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL.NOVEMBER, 1990:RENAMO REBELS KILLED FOUR PEOPLE AND ABDUCTED TWENTY-FIVE CHILDRENDURING A RAID ON A WEDDING PARTY.JANUARY, 1991:RENAMO REBELS AMBUSHED AND KILLED A PORTUGESE MISSIONARY.FEBRUARY, 1991:A COLOMBIAN PRIEST WAS MURDERED AND TWO CHILDREN WERE WOUNDED BYRENAMO.MARCH, 1991:RENAMO REBELS SABOTAGED RAIL LINES CAUSING THE DERAILMENT OF AFREIGHT TRAIN.MARCH, 1991:RENAMO REBELS AMBUSHED A TRUCK AND KILLED EIGHT PASSENGERS.APRIL, 1991:RENAMO REBELS MASSACRED FORTY VILLAGERS AND WOUNDED THIRTEENOTHERS.NOVEMBER, 1991:SUSPECTED RENAMO FORCES ATTACKED THE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ATBEIRA, KILLING TWO PEOPLE AND DAMAGING THE AIRPORT'S COMMUNICATIONSCENTER.FEBRUARY, 1992:RENAMO REBELS ATTACKED A CONVOY CARRYING RELIEF SUPPLIES TO ADROUGHT-STRICKEN AREA KILLING THIRTY-THREE PERSONS, INCLUDING SIXSOLDIERS.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND PUBLIC MEDIASOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>MOZAMBICAN NATIONAL RESISTANCE</name>
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card_103595.xml
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<text> Macheteros (Machete Wielders) Date Formed: 1978. Estimated Membership: Unknown. Headquarters: Unknown Area of Operations: Puerto Rico. Leadership: Unknown. Other Names: Ejercito Popular de Boricua (EPB), Boricua Popular Army. (Boricua refers to rural inland Puerto Ricans.) Sponsors: None known.Political Objectives/Target Audiences: * Wage a terrorist war against "U.S. colonialist imperialism." * Create public support for creation of a separate Puerto Rican nation.Background The Macheteros are a tightly organized and extremely violent Puerto Rican separatist group that has targeted primarily U.S. military personnel and Puerto Rican police. The group has tight internal security procedures and precisely executes its attacks. The Macheteros appear to be fiercely dedicated to total Puerto Rican independence. Nothing short of that is likely to cause them to cease terrorist operations. The stated position of the group is that they have "declared war" on the United States. Direct ties of the Macheteros to other groups operating in Latin America have not been established. There is apparent cooperation with another Puerto Rican separatist group called the Organization of Volunteers for the Puerto Rican Revolution. The two have made joint claims following some attacks. The Macheteros probably also have links to the Armed Forces of National Liberation, a Puerto Rican separatist group that has conducted anti-U.S. attacks for over three decades. Robberies and thefts evidently provide a major source of funds. The Macheteros also may receive donations from ideological backers.Selected Incident Chronology August 1978 - Killed a policeman during a robbery. December 1979 - Killed two sailors in an attack on a U.S. Navy bus. March 1980 - Fired on a bus carrying three ROTC instructors from the University of Puerto Rico. January 1981 - Destroyed eight aircraft and damaged two others in a carefully executed multiple bombing attack on the Air National Guard airfield. Damage was estimated at $40 million. May 1982 - Killed one sailor and wounded three others in an ambush outside a San Juan nightclub. September 1983 - Robbed a Wells Fargo armored truck depot in Hartford, Connecticut. The $7.2 million heist was the second largest in U.S. history. October 1983 - Fired an antitank rocket into the new Federal Building in San Juan to protest U.S. rescue operations in Grenada. January 1985 - Fired an antitank rocket into the Federal Courthouse in San Juan. November 1985 - Shot and wounded a U.S. Army recruiting officer in an ambush while he was on his way to work. October 1986 - Placed some ten explosive devices at military and military-related facilities across the island. November 1986 - Placed a bomb at a National Guard building in old San Juan. December 1986 - Bombed a vehicle at the National Guard Center at Yauco. May 1992 - The leader of the macheteros was convicted in absentia of masterminding a $7.1 million robbery of an armored- car depot in 1983. Filiberto Ojeda Rios, 59, was convicted on charges including bank robbery and conspiracy. May 1992 - Filiberto Ojeda Rios was sentenced in absentia to 55 years.</text>
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<name>Macheteros (Machete Wielders) </name>
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card_103357.xml
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<text>Morazanist Patriotic Front (FPM) Description A radical, leftist terrorist group that first appeared in the late 1980s. Attacks made in protest of US intervention in Honduran economic and political affairs. Activities Attacks on US, mainly military, personnel in Honduras. Claimed responsibility for attack on a bus in March 1990 that wounded seven US servicemen. Claimed bombing of Peace Corps office in December 1988, bus bombing that wounded three US servicemen in February 1989, attack on US convoy in April 1989, and grenade attack that wounded seven US soldiers in La Ceiba in July 1989. Strength Unknown, probably relatively small. Location/Area of Operation Honduras. External Aid Had ties to former Government of Nicaragua and possibly Cuba. </text>
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<name>Morazanist Patriotic Front (FPM)</name>
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card_103067.xml
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<text>Manuel Rodriguez Patriotic Front (FPMR) Description Original FPMR was founded in 1983 as armed wing of Chilean Communist Party and named for hero of Chile's war of independence against Spain. Group splintered into two factions in late 1980s, one of which became a political party in 1991. Activities FPMR/D frequently attacks civilians and international targets, including US businesses and Mormon churches. In 1993, FPMR/D bombed two McDonalds' outlets and a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise. Successful government counterterrorist operations have significantly undercut organization. Strength Now believed to have fewer than 500 members. Location/Area of Operation Chile. External Aid None. Selected Incident Chronology March 1984 - Carried out simultaneous bombing attacks in Santiago, Valparaiso, Concepcion, and San Antonio. Considerable property damage was done, seven people were injured, and dozens were arrested in riots that followed. April 1984 - Bombed a Santiago subway station, wounding 20. August 1984 - Bombed the U.S. Cultural Center in Valparaiso and two U.S. businesses in Santiago as part of a series of bomb attacks throughout central Chile. December 1984 - Kidnaped the assistant director of a pro-Government newspaper. March 1985 - Bombed offices of two U.S. banks, Citibank and Republic National, along with several Chilean facilities in Santiago and other cities. January 1986 - Believed responsible for the bombing of the US-Chilean Cultural Institute in Vina del Mar. April 1986 - Blacked out major portions of central Chile in an attack on electrical power facilities. April 1986 - Detonated a bomb by the perimeter wall of the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Santiago. August 1986 - Kidnaped a Chilean Army colonel - the first abduction of a high-ranking military officer since the 1973 coup. He was released three days later. August 1986 - Arms caches containing more than 3,100 weapons of U.S. and other manufacture were discovered in the area of Copiapo and Santiago. Witnesses presented by the Chilean Government indicate the weapons were smuggled ashore from Cuban fishing trawlers off the coast of Chile. September 1986 - Attempted to assassinate Chilean President Pinochet. Weapons used were of the same type found in the arms caches. November 1986 - Conducted a series of dynamite attacks against power lines, blacking out the main cities in central and southern Chile. February-March 1987 - Set off dynamite explosions at pylons and towers of the national high-voltage power network, blacking out areas of Santiago, Valparaiso, and Vina del Mar. March incident occurred as President Pinochet spoke on radio and television. April 1987 - Santiago police deactivated a powerful bomb discovered in the office of the prosecutor who tried 14 FPMR members and held them for five months. April 1987 - Gunmen briefly seized control of eight radio stations in four cities with the objective of playing a clandestine broadcast, ending a self-proclaimed truce during the visit of Pope John Paul II. An off-duty guard was killed attempting to stop the gunmen's escape. May 1987 - Detonated bombs that destroyed four high-tension towers, resulting in a general power outage at Copiapo and Valdivia. June 1987 - Conducted a machinegun and bomb attack at a Santiago printing company, injuring three. Two other incidents that day at two National Intelligence Center barracks caused little damage and no injuries. June 1987 - Ambushed police patrol cars in Santiago with machineguns and firebombs. These separate evening attacks wounded two policemen and several passersby. June 1987 - Staged several machinegun, bomb, and firebomb attacks against police, pro-Government media, and Government offices in Santiago and Talca, causing five injuries and costly damage. Although the FPMR attempted to use rockets in three incidents, two were deactivated before being remotely fired and one failed to explode when triggered. (The June attacks may have been retaliatory for the killing of 12 FPMR members by security agents on June 16.) July 1987 - Four gunmen shot and killed a policeman waiting for a bus on a Santiago street. (Possible FPMR responsibility.) September 1987 - Kidnaped Chilean Army Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Carreno in Santiago. He was released in December 1987 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. June 1990 - Assassinated Police Col. Luis Fontaine, former head of the antiterrorist department. February 1991 - Launched crude nonexplosive rockets at the Israeli Embassy and Ambassador Daniel Mokady's residence in apparent simpathy towards Iraq. July 1992 - The three alleged members of the left-wing Manuel Rodriguez Patriotic Front, arrested in October 1986, were sentenced to life in prison.</text>
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<name>Manuel Rodriguez Patriotic Front (FPMR)</name>
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card_102865.xml
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<text>Lautaro Youth Movement (MJL) aka: The Lautaro faction of the United Popular Action Movement (MAPU/L) or Lautaro Popular Rebel Forces (FRPL) Description Violent, anti-US extremist group that advocates the overthrow of the Chilean Government. Leadership largely from leftist elements but includes criminals and alienated youths. Became active in late 1980s, but has been seriously weakened by government counterterrorist successes in recent years. Activities Has been linked to assassinations of policemen, bank robberies, and attacks on Mormon churches. Strength Unknown. Location/Area of operation Chile; mainly Santiago. External Aid None. 13 May 1993Chile Three terrorists entered a Mormon church in Santiago, overpowered the Bishop, sprayed the church with fuel and set it afire. The church was completely destroyed. The terrorists left pamphlets at the scene in which the Mapu Lautaro group -- United Popular Action Movement -- claimed responsibility. </text>
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<name>Lautaro Youth Movement (MJL)</name>
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card_102435.xml
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<text>Kurdistan Workers Party aka: Kurdistan Labor Party (PKK) Description Marxist-Leninist insurgent group comprised of Turkish Kurds established in 1974. In recent years has moved beyond rural- based insurgent activities to include urban terrorism. Seeks to set up an independent Marxist state in southeastern Turkey, where there is a predominantly Kurdish population. Activities Primary targets are Turkish Government forces and civilians in eastern Turkey but becoming increasingly active in Western Europe against Turkish targets. Conducted coordinated attacks on Turkish diplomatic and commercial facilities in dozens of Western European cities on 24 June and 4 November. In May 1993 began a campaign against Turkish tourism industry and kidnapped 19 Western tourists traveling in eastern Turkey in summer 1993; released all unharmed. Also bombed tourist sites and hotels in coastal resort cities. Strength Approximately 10,000 to 15,000 full-time guerrillas, 5,000 to 6,000 of whom are in Turkey; 60,000 to 75,000 part-time guerrillas; and hundreds of thousands of sympathizers in Turkey and Europe. Location/Area of Operation Operates in Turkey and Western Europe. External Aid Receives safehaven and modest aid from Syria, Iraq, and Iran. May 1995:Abdullah Ocalan leader of PKK negotiates with Turkey.Turkey's 11 struggle with PKK has cost 15,000 lives.April 1995:Released two journalists held for two months.March 1995:Turkey sends 35,00 troops to find the PKK in northern Iraq.4 November 1993Western Europe The PKK staged a second round of coordinated attacks against Turkish diplomatic and commercial facilities in six Western European countries. The assaults consisted mainly of firebombings and vandalism, but one person was killed and about 20 injured. 5 July to 14 October 1993Turkey In eight separate incidents within this period, the PKK kidnapped a total of 19 Western tourists traveling in southeastern Turkey. The hostages, including U.S. citizen Colin Patrick Starger, were released unharmed after spending several weeks in captivity. 27 June 1993Turkey Terrorists threw handgrenades at a number of hotels and restaurants frequented by tourists in the Mediterranean resort area of Antalya. Twelve foreigners were among the 28 persons injured. Earlier, on 9 June, PKK leader Abdulla Ocalan threatened that his group would start to use violence against tourist facilities in Western Turkey. 24 June 1993Western Europe Terrorists from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) staged a wave of coordinated attacks in more than 30 cities in six Western European countries. The attacks consisted primarily of vandalism against Turkish diplomatic and commercial targets, and included the take-over of one Turkish consulate. </text>
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<name>Kurdistan Workers Party or Kurdistan Labor Party (PKK)</name>
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card_102152.xml
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<text>Jihad Group aka: al-Jihad, Islamic Jihad, New Jihad Group, Vanguards of Conquest, Talaa'al-Fateh) Description An Egyptian Islamic extremist group active since the late 1970s; appears to be divided into at least two separate factions: remnants of the original iihad led by Abbud al-Zumar, currently imprisoned in Egypt, and a new faction calling itself Vanguards of Conquest (Talaa'al al-Fateh or the New Jihad Group), which appears to be led by Dr. Ayman al-Zawahiri, who is currently outside Egypt, specific whereabouts unknown. In addition to the Islamic Group, the Jihad factions regard Shaykh Omar Abdel Rahman as their spiritual leader. The goal of all Jihad factions is to overthrow the government of President Hosni Mubarak and replace it with an Islamic state. Activities The Jihad groups specialize in armed attacks against high-level Egyptian Government officials. The original iihad was responsible for the 1981 assassination of President Sadat. More recently, the newer iihad group led by Zawahiri claimed responsibility for the 18 August 1993 bomb attack in Cairo, which wounded Egyptian Interior Minister Hassan al-Alfi and killed five others, and the 25 November 1993 car-bomb attack in Cairo on Prime Minister Sidqi; although Sidqi was unhurt, a teenage girl was killed and 18 others were injured. Unlike the Islamic Group--which mainly targets mid-and lower-level security personnel, Coptic Christians, and Western tourists -- the Jihad group appears to concentrate primarily on high-level, high-profile Egyptian Government officials, including Cabinet Ministers. It also seems more technically sophisticated in its attacks than the al-Gama'a al- Islamiyya--notably in its use of car bombs. Strength Not known, but probably several thousand hardcore members and another several thousand sympathizers among the various factions. Location/Area of Operation Operates mainly in the Cairo area. Also appears to have members outside Egypt, probably in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sudan. External Aid Not known. The Egyptian Government claims that Iran, Sudan, and militant Islamic groups in Afghanistan support the Jihad factions. 25 November 1993Egypt A carbomb exploded near the motorcade of Prime Minister Atif Sedki; the prime Minister was unhurt but one bystander, a teen-aged girl, was killed and at least 18 persons wounded. The "Jihad Group" later claimed responsibility. </text>
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<name>Jihad Group</name>
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card_102007.xml
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<text>Japanese Red Army (JRA) aka: Anti-Imperialist International Brigade (AIIB) Description An international terrorist group formed around 1970 after breaking away from japanese communist League Red Army Faction. Now led by Fusako Shigenobu, believed to be in Syrian-garrisoned area of Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. Stated goals are to overthrow Japanese Government and monarchy and to help foment world revolution. Organization unclear but may control or at least have ties to Anti-Imperialist International Brigade (AIIB); may also have links to Antiwar Democratic Front--an overt leftist political organization--inside Japan. Details released following November 1987 arrest of leader Osamu Maruoka indicate that JRA may be organizing cells in Asian cities, such as Manila and Singapore. Has had close and longstanding relations with Palestinian terrorist groups--based and operating outside Japan--since its inception. Activities Before 1977, JRA carried out a series of brutal attacks over a wide geographical area, including the massacre of passengers at Lod airport in Israel (1972) and two Japanese airliner hijackings (1973 and 1977). Anti-US attacks include attempted takeover of US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur (1975). Since mid-1960s has carried out several crude rocket and mortar attacks against a number of US embassies. In April 1988, JRA operative Yu Kikumura was arrested with explosives on the New Jersey Turnpike, apparently planning an attack to coincide with the bombing of a USO club in Naples, a suspected JRA operation that killed five, including a us servicewoman. He was convicted of these charges and is serving a lengthy prison sentence in the United States. Strength About 30 hardcore members; undetermined number of sympathizers. Location/Area of Operation Based in Syrian-controlled areas of Lebanon; often transits Damascus. External Aid Receives aid, including training and base camp facilities, from radical Palestinian terrorists, especially the PFLP. May also receive aid from Libya. Suspected of having sympathizers and support apparatus in Japan. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYMAY, 1972:CARRIED OUT A MACHINEGUN AND GRENADE ATTACK AT LOD AIRPORT. THREEJRA MEMBERS KILLED 26 PEOPLE, INCLUDING 16 PUERTO RICAN PILGRIMS TOTHE HOLY LAND.JANUARY - FEBRUARY, 1974:ATTACKED SHELL OIL REFINERY STORAGE TANKS IN SINGAPORE AND SEIZEDA FERRYBOAT CREW AND HOSTAGES, ALL OF WHICH WERE RELEASED UNHARMED.SEPTEMBER, 1984:SEIZED 11 HOSTAGES AT THE FRENCH EMBASSY IN THE HAGUE. THETERRORISTS DEMANDED, AND WERE PROVIDED, AN AIRLINER FOR TRANSPORTTO SYRIA. TWO DUTCH POLICE OFFICERS WERE WOUNDED IN THE COURSE OFTHE INCIDENT.AUGUST, 1975:TEN MEMBERS OF THE JAPANESE RED ARMY TOOK OVER THE U.S. CONSULATEIN KUALA LUMPUR, AND SEIZED 52 HOSTAGES, INCLUDING THE CONSULGENERAL AND THE SWEDISH CHARGE. THE TERRORISTS THREATENED TO BLOWUP THE BUILDING AND KILL THE HOSTAGES UNLESS SEVEN JRA PRISONERS INJAPAN WERE RELEASED AND PROVIDED SAFE PASSAGE TO THE MIDDLE EAST.ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN WAS WILLING TO RELEASE THEPRISONERS, ONLY FIVE WERE WILLING TO GO; THEY WERE FLOWN TOTRIPOLI, LIBYA, BY WAY OF KUALA LUMPUR.SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER, 1977:HIJACKED A JAPAN AIRLINES PLANE IN BOMBAY AND FORCED IT TO LAND INDHAKA, BANGLADESH. THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN AGREED TO RELEASE NINEIMPRISONED TERRORISTS AND TO PAY $6 MILLION IN EXCHANGE FOR THERELEASE OF THE 159 HOSTAGES ABOARD THE PLANE. AFTER PAYMENT OF THERANSOM AND THE RELEASE OF SIX JRA PRISONERS, THE HIJACKERS WEREFLOWN TO ALGERIA.MAY, 1986:JRA MEMBER YU KIKUMURA, 33, WAS ARRESTED FOR HAVING A BOMB IN HISLUGGAGE AT THE SCHIPHOL AIRPORT IN AMSTERDAM. HE WAS LATERDEPORTED TO JAPAN. HE HAD BEEN A MEMBER OF THE "BLACK HELMET"(KURO HERO) RADICAL ORGANIZATION IN JAPAN BEFORE THAT GROUP JOINEDFORCES WITH THE THE JRA IN THE SUMMER OF 1971.JUNE, 1986:INDONESIAN POLICE RELEASED PHOTOGRAPHS OF TSUTOMU SHIROSAKI, 38, AJRA MEMBER WHOSE FINGERPRINTS WERE FOUND IN A HOTEL ROOM FROM WHICHCRUDE MORTARS WERE FIRED AT THE JAPANESE AND U.S. EMBASSYBUILDINGS IN JAKARTA. SHIROSAKI WAS ALSO WANTED FOR A CAR BOMBINGOUTSIDE THE CANADIAN EMBASSY IN JAKARTA IN MAY, 1986. THEANTI-IMPERIALIST INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE (AIIB) CLAIMEDRESPONSIBILITY.JUNE, 1987:FIRED TWO ROCKETS AT THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN ROME. ABOUT THIRTYMINUTES LATER, JRA DETONATED A CAR BOMB ACROSS THE STREET FROM THEU.S. EMBASSY; AND WITHIN MINUTES LAUNCHED TWO HOME-MADE ROCKETS ATTHE FRONT OF THE U.S. EMBASSY COMPOUND FROM A HOTEL BALCONY.NOVEMBER, 1987:OSAMU MARUOKA, A HIGH-RANKING JRA MEMBER, WAS ARRESTED IN TOKYO.EVIDENCE INDICATED THAT HE MAY HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO ESTABLISH ABROADER BASE OF OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT IN EAST ASIA, POSSIBLY UNDERTHE NAME OF THE "ANTIWAR DEMOCRATIC FRONT (ADF)."APRIL, 1988:JRA MEMBER YU KIKUMURA WAS ARRESTED IN NEW JERSEY WITH THREE BOMBSIN HIS POSSESSION. IT IS BELIEVED THAT HE PLANNED TO BOMB A TARGETIN THE NEW YORK AREA TO COINCIDE WITH THE JRA BOMBING IN NAPLES(SEE NEXT INCIDENT ENTRY).APRIL, 1988:A BOMB DETONATED IN FRONT OF THE U.S. SERVICEMEN'S CLUB IN NAPLES,ITALY, KILLING FIVE PERSONS, INCLUDING A U.S. SERVICEWOMAN. TWOJRA MEMBERS ARE THE MAIN SUSPECTS IN THE BOMBING, WHICH COINCIDEDWITH THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. BOMBING RAID ON LIBYA IN 1986.JULY, 1988:ATTEMPTED TWO ROCKET ATTACKS, WITH MAKESHIFT LAUNCHERS, AGAINST THEU.S. EMBASSY IN MADRID, SPAIN. AIIB CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.NOTE: THE JRA HAS NOT CLAIMED ANY OF THESE MOST RECENT ATTACKS BUT ISSUSPECTED OF ACTING IN THE NAME OF THE ANTI-IMPERIALIALIST INTERNATIONALBRIGADE (AIIB). THE AIIB HAS CARRIED OUT ROCKET ATTACKS ON THE U.S.EMBASSIES IN JAKARATA IN 1986 AND MADRID IN 1988, AS WELL AS A COORDINATEDBOMB AND ROCKET ATTACK ON THE U.S. EMBASSY IN ROME IN JUNE 1987.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------INFORMATION DERIVED FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SOURCEDOCUMENTS.</text>
</content>
<name>Japanese Red Army (JRA)</name>
<script></script>
</card>
card_101859.xml
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" ?>
<!DOCTYPE card PUBLIC "-//Apple, Inc.//DTD card V 2.0//EN" "" >
<text> Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) Date Formed: 1975. Estimated Membership: Less than 20. Headquarters: Dublin. Area of Operations: No significant rural presence in Northern Ireland, but active in urban areas such as Belfast and Londonderry. Leadership: Dominic McGlinchey (killed in 1987), Harry Flynn (arrested in France in 1986), Gerard Steenson (killed in 1987), Thomas Power (killed in 1987). Other Names: None. Sponsors: None Known.Political Objectives/Target Audiences: * Form a united 32-county Socialist Republic in Ireland. * Oust the British from Northern Ireland through violence, and overthrow the elected Government of the Republic of Ireland.Background The INLA is the military arm of the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP), a political splinter group of the Official Irish Republican Army (OIRA). The late Seamus Costello, the OIRA Adjutant General, was expelled from the OIRA in 1974 and that same year, with other OIRA dissidents, founded the IRSP The IRSP denies its connection with the INLA, but its newspaper The Starry Plough, reports INLA military operations, and the relationship between the two groups is clear. The INLA is widely regarded as more Marxist in orientation than the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA). In the first few years following its creation, the INLA feuded with both wings (the OIRA and the PIRA) of the Irish Republican Army. Many militants were killed, including the IRSP's founder Seamus Costello, who was gunned down in 1977. Despite ideological and tactical differences, the INLA has collaborated with the PIRA. At one time, this cooperation reportedly involved regular weekly meetings. Occasional friction between the groups continues to occur, but their differences no longer erupt into the bloody killing seen in the mid-1970s. Although the INLA has engaged in bombings and shootings since 1975, it achieved widespread notoriety only after the March 1979 assassination of leading British Conservative Party member Airey Neave in Great Britain. This INLA action shocked British authorities. The attack was noteworthy because it represented an expansion of INLA activities outside of Ireland, and it used a sophisticated explosive device. In Northern Ireland, typical INLA operations include bombings and shootings, targeting British soldiers, members of Northern Ireland's security forces, Ulster government officials, and members of loyalist political parties and paramilitary groups. The INLA has used a wide variety of handguns, machineguns, and grenades and tends to use commercially available explosives in its bombings. Bank, payroll, and train robberies both in Ulster and the Republic of Ireland appear to be the primary sources of INLA funding. The group apparently does not have the access to the international funding enjoyed by the PIRA and may have begun to resort to extortion to meet operational expenses. There is evidence of INLA contacts with the West German Revolutionary Cells and the French Direct Action (AD). RZ and INLA militants reportedly have exchanged visits. British sources claim that the explosives to have been used in INLA's aborted 1985 plot to bomb the Chelsea Barracks in London were stolen by AD members in France in 1984. In accordance with its Marxist ideology, the INLA also has expressed solidarity with numerous national liberation and terrorist movements throughout the world. Numerous arrests of INLA terrorists and testimony by "supergrass" informers (INLA and PIRA militants who inform on their former comrades) have reduced INLA operational capabilities significantly and caused the group to limit its activities. Problems in permitting the use of "supergrass" testimony in court, however led to the release in 1987 of many captured INLA militants. Upon their release, a bloody feud erupted over whether to disband the organization, and many militants were killed. Despite this preoccupation with internal leadership conflicts, the INLA remains a brutal and unpredictable organization.Selected Incident Chronology March 1979 - Assassinated Airey Neave, British Conservative Party member and spokesman on Northern Ireland, with a car bomb. November 1979 - Bombed the British Consulate in Antwerp, Belgium. April 1981 - Attempted to assassinate Kenneth Shimeld, Permanent Secretary of the Northern Ireland Office, with a booby-trap bomb. December 1982 - Bombed a crowded nightclub frequented by British soldiers in Ballykelly; 17 people were killed, 12 of them soldiers, and 66 were wounded. November 1983 - Fired into the congregation of the Mountain Lodge Gospel Hall in Dardley. Three people were killed and seven were injured. March 1985 - Exploded a car bomb near the Belfast site of an England-Northern Ireland soccer match. Police were alerted ahead of time and no injuries resulted. September 1986 - Placed a 50-pound bomb outside the British Legion Hall in County Down; it was defused by British Army personnel. January 1987 - Attempted to assassinate David Calvert, a prominent Unionist politician in Northern Ireland. January-June 1987 - At least six persons were murdered and three injured in internal power struggles among factions of the INLA. August 1992 - Alledged to have slain Jimmy Brown, leader of the rival Irish People's Liberation Organization</text>
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<name>Irish National Liberation Army (INLA)</name>
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card_101379.xml
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<text>IRAULTZA10/28/92GP00034KEY WORDS: BASQUE ARMED REVOLUTIONARY WORKER'S ORGANIZATION; REVOLUTION; IRAULTZA-ASKE;IA; FREE REVOLUTION.DATE FORMED:1982-----------------------------------------------------------------------------ESTIMATED MEMBERSHIP:LESS THAN 2 DOZEN-----------------------------------------------------------------------------AREA OF OPERATION:BASQUE PROVINCES OF SPAIN: VIZCAYA; ALAVA; NAVARRA; GUIPUZCOA-----------------------------------------------------------------------------POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCE:* ESTABLISH AN INDEPENDENT, MARXIST BASQUE NATION;* END FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN THE BASQUE REGION;* PROTEST U.S. FOREIGN POLICY, ESPECIALLY IN LATIN AMERICA.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------BACKGROUND:LITTLE IS KNOWN ABOUT IRAULTZA, AND ITS ORIGINS ARE OBSCURE. MARXISTAND STRONGLY ANTI-U.S., IRAULTZA SEEKS TO ESTABLISH AN INDEPENDENT, MARXISTBASQUE NATION AND TO END FOREIGN, ESPECIALLY U.S., INVESTMENT IN THE BASQUEREGION. IN ADDITION, THE GROUP OPPOSES U.S. FOREIGN POLICY; PARTICULARLYTOWARD LATIN AMERICA, EXPRESSING SOLIDARITY WITH RADICAL LEFTISTS THERE.ALTHOUGH IRAULTZA IS BELIEVED TO BE QUITE A SMALL ORGANIZATION, IT HASCOMMITTED BOMBINGS AGAINST U.S. AND FRENCH ECONOMIC AND CORPORATE INTERESTSIN THE BASQUE REGION. THE GROUP HAS PROBABLY COMMITTED MORE BOMBINGS AGAINSTU.S. BUSINESS INTERESTS THAN ANY OTHER EUROPEAN TERRORIST GROUP. ANONYMOUSCALLERS CLAIMING RESPONSIBILITY FOR IRAULTZA BOMBINGS HAVE VOICED OPPOSITIONTO U.S. AID TO THE NICARAGUAN RESISTANCE, U.S. ACTIONS IN GRENADA ANDLEBANON, AND SPAIN'S PARTICIPATION IN NATO.IRAULTZA MEMBERS TYPICALLY PLACE SMALL, UNSOPHISTICATED BOMBS ON THESIDEWALK OR IN THE STREET OUTSIDE THE INTENDED TARGET, OFTEN LATE AT NIGHT.ALTHOUGH AN ANONYMOUS CALLER THEN USUALLY WARNS THE POLICE OF THE BOMB'SPRESENCE, THERE HAS USUALLY NOT BEEN ENOUGH TIME FOR THE AUTHORITIES TOREACT BEFORE THE BOMB DETONATES. WHILE INTENDING TO CAUSE ONLY PROPERTYDAMAGE, IRAULTZA "MIDNIGHT" BOMBS HAVE INJURED AND KILLED SEVERAL PEOPLE.THERE IS LITTLE OR NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE GROUP'S LEADERSHIP,ORGANIZATION, OR SOURCES OF FUNDING. SINCE THE GROUP IS QUITE SMALL AND ITSBOMBS ARE SIMPLE, IRAULTZA LIKELY SURVIVES ON MONEY SUPPLIED BY SUPPORTERSAND POSSIBLY THROUGH SMALL-SCALE EXTORTION. ALTHOUGH CURRENTLY CONSIDERED AMINOR GROUP, IRAULTZA HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME A MORE SERIOUS THREAT.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYMAY, 1982:BOMBED THE STOCK MARKET AND A BANK IN BILBAO - NO INJURIES.FEBRUARY, 1983:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN ATTEMPTED BOMBING OF THE RANK XEROXOFFICES IN BILBAO. POLICE DISARMED THE BOMB.APRIL, 1983:BOMBED THE RANK XEROX OFFICE IN PAMPLONA - NO INJURIES.MAY, 1983:BOMBED THREE BANKS IN THE BASQUE PROVINCE OF GUIPUZCOA.MAY, 1983:BOMBED THE RANK XEROX OFFICE IN BILBAO - NO INJURIES.JUNE, 1983:BOMBED A GENERAL MOTORS AFFILIATED COMPANY IN SAN SEBASTIAN TOPROTEST U.S. INVESTMENT IN THE BASQUE REGION AND A VISIT BY THEPRIME MINISTER OF SPAIN TO THE UNITED STATES. THERE WERE NOINJURIES.NOVEMBER, 1983:BOMBED THE BILBAO OFFICES OF THE BANK OF AMERICA AND RANK XEROX INPROTEST OF U.S. ACTIONS IN GRENADA AND THE PRESENCE OF U.S.MARINES IN LEBANON. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.NOVEMBER, 1983:BOMBED A COCA COLA BOTTLING PLANT IN SAN SEBASTIAN. THERE WERE NOINJURIES.DECEMBER, 1983:BOMBED THE IBM OFFICE IN VITORIA, THE 3M OFFICE IN BILBAO, AND THENCR AND COCA COLA OFFICES IN SAN SEBASTIAN. THERE WERE NOINJURIES.DECEMBER, 1983:BOMBED THE HISPANOAMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER IN BILBAO. THERE WERENO INJURIES. THE CENTER IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE GOVERNMENT OFTHE UNITED STATES.JANUARY, 1984:BOMBED A FORD DEALERSHIP IN BILBAO. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.NOVEMBER, 1984:BOMBED THE IBM OFFICES IN BILBAO. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.JANUARY, 1985:BOMBED A BILBAO MOVIE THEATRE THAT WAS SHOWING AN AMERICAN WARFILM. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.FEBRUARY, 1985:BOMBED THE FIRESTONE OFFICE IN BILBAO TO COMMEMORATE THE DEATH OF AGROUP MEMBER AND "IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE PEOPLE OF LATIN AMERICAAND ITS STRUGGLE AGAINST US IMPERIALISM." THERE WERE NO INJURIES.MAY, 1985:BOMBED THE HERTZ AND AVIS OFFICES IN SAN SEBASTIAN. THERE WERE NOINJURIES.NOVEMBER, 1985:BOMBED THE OFFICES OF HONEYWELL BULL IN SAN SEBASTIAN - NOINJURIES.JANUARY, 1986:BOMBED THE OFFICES OF RANK XEROX IN BILBAO. THERE WERE NOINJURIES.FEBRUARY, 1986:BOMBED THE VITORIA CITY BRANCH OF THE CITIBANK ON "BEHALF OF THEANTI-NATO MOVEMENT." THERE WERE NO INJURIES.JUNE, 1986:BOMBED THE OFFICES OF 3M IN BILBAO TO PROTEST U.S. AID TO THENICARAGUAN RESISTANCE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.JUNE, 1986:BOMBED A BILBAO CONSTRUCTION SITE TO PROTEST THE BUILDING OF AWASTE TREATMENT PLANT, KILLING A WORKER WHEN THE BOMB, SET TODETONATE AT NIGHT, EXPLODED DURING WORKING HOURS.MARCH, 1987:BOMBED THE NCR OFFICES IN BILBAO. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.MARCH, 1988:BOMBED A FORD SHOWROOM IN VITORIA. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.JUNE, 1989:BOMBED A CITIBANK OFFICE IN SAN SEBASTIAN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.DECEMBER, 1989:BOMBED A FORD DEALERSHIP IN VITORIA. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.JANUARY, 1990:BOMBED A FORD DEALERSHIP IN BILBAO. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.MAY, 1990:BOMBED TWO TRUCKS AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE OF THE NAVARRA-GUIPUZCOAHIGHWAY PROJECT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.APRIL, 1991:THREE PERSONS WERE KILLED NEAR BILBAO WHEN THE BOMB THEY WERECARRYING EXPLODED PREMATURELY. THE THREE WERE MEMBERS OF IRAULTZA.OCTOBER, 1991:A BANK IN A BILBAO SUBURB WAS FIREBOMBED. POLICE ATTRIBUTED THEINCIDENT TO A GROUP CALLING ITSELF "IRAULTZA-ASKE" (IA) OR "FREE"IRAULTZA, WHICH IS A NEW FACTION OF IRAULTZA AND IS CONSIDERED BYPOLICE AS POTENTIALLY THE MOST VIOLENT FACTION OF THE GROUP-----------------------------------------------------------------------------INFORMATION DERIVED FROM DEFENSE DEPARTMENT AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCEDOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>IRAULTZA</name>
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card_101251.xml
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<text>Hizballah (Party of God) aka: Islamic Jihad, Revolutionary Justice Organization, Organization of the Oppressed on Earth, Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine Description Radical Shia group formed in Lebanon; dedicated to creation of Iranian-style Islamic republic in Lebanon and removal of all non-Islamic influences from area. Strongly anti-West and antiIsrael. Closely allied with, and often directed by, Iran, but may have conducted rogue operations that were not approved by Tehran. Activities Known or suspected to have been involved in numerous anti-US terrorist attacks, including the suicide truck-bombing of the US Embassy and US Marine barracks in Beirut in October 1983 and the US Embassy annex in Beirut in September 1984. Group also hijacked TWA 847 in 1985. Elements of the group were responsible for the kidnapping and detention of most, if not all, US and other Western hostages in Lebanon. Islamic Jihad publicly claimed responsibility for the carbombing of Israel's Embassy in Buenos Aires in March 1992. Strength Several thousand. Location/Area of Operation Operates in the Bekaa valley, the southern suburbs of Beirut, and southern Lebanon: has established cells in Europe, Africa, South America, North America, and elsewhere. External Aid Receives substantial amounts of financial, training, weapons, explosives, political, diplomatic, and organizational aid from Iran. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYAPRIL,1983:COMMITTED SUICIDE CAR BOMB ATTACK ON THE U.S. EMBASSY IN BEIRUT,KILLING FORTY NINE AND WOUNDING 120. ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMEDRESPONSIBILITY.OCTOBER, 1983:SUICIDE DRIVERS DROVE TWO TRUCKS CARRYING HIGH EXPLOSIVES INTO THEU.S. MARINE AND FRENCH MILITARY BARRACKS IN BEIRUT, KILLING 241U.S. AND 56 FRENCH. ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.NOVEMBER, 1983:A HIZBALLAH OPERATIVE DROVE A CAR BOMB INTO THE ISRAELIHEADQUARTERS IN TYRE, CAUSING NUMEROUS CASUALTIES.DECEMBER, 1983:STAGED A SERIES OF CAR BOMB ATTACKS AGAINST THE U.S. AND FRENCHEMBASSIES IN KUWAIT.JANUARY, 1984:MURDERED AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT PRESIDENT MALCOLM KERR, AU.S. CITIZEN. ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.JANUARY, 1984:KIDNAPPED A SAUDI DIPLOMAT; RELEASED MAY, 1985.FEBRUARY, 1984:BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ASSASSINATION OF FORMER IRANIANGENERAL GHOLAM REZA OVEISI (MARTIAL LAW ADMINISTRATOR FOR TEHRANUNDER THE SHAH) AND HIS BROTHER IN PARIS.FEBRUARY, 1984:KIDNAPPED U.S. PROFESSOR FRANK REIGER; RESCUED APRIL 1984.MARCH, 1984:KIDNAPPED U.S. JOURNALIST JEREMY LEVIN; ESCAPED FEBRUARY 1985.MARCH, 1984:KIDNAPPED WILLIAM BUCKLEY, U.S. DIPLOMAT STATIONED IN BEIRUT. HEWAS REPORTED KILLED IN 1985. ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.BUCKLEY'S REMAINS WERE RETURNED TO THE U.S. EMBASSY IN 12/91.MAY, 1984:KIDNAPPED REVEREND BENJAMIN WEIR, A U.S. CITIZEN; RELEASED INSEPTEMBER, 1985.SEPTEMBER, 1984:COMMITTED SUICIDE TRUCK BOMBING OF THE U.S. EMBASSY ANNEX IN EASTBEIRUT. TWENTY THREE PERSONS, INCLUDING TWO AMERICANS, WEREKILLED. ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.DECEMBER, 1984:HIJACKED KUWAIT AIR FLIGHT #221 TO TEHRAN. MURDERED TWO OFFICIALSOF THE U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.JANUARY, 1985:KIDNAPPED FATHER LAWRENCE JENCO, U.S. CITIZEN; RELEASED IN JULY1986. ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.MARCH, 1985:KIDNAPPED GEOFFREY NASH, UK CITIZEN; RELEASED SHORTLY THEREAFTER.MARCH, 1985:KIDNAPPED BRIAN LEVICK, UK CITIZEN, RELEASED SHORTLY THEREAFTER.MARCH, 1985:KIDNAPPED AP JOURNALIST TERRY ANDERSON, U.S. CITIZEN. RELEASED INDECEMBER, 1991.MAY, 1985:KIDNAPPED TWO FRENCH CITIZENS; ONE WAS KILLED IN MARCH, 1986 ANDTHE OTHER WAS SUBSEQUENTLY RELEASED.MAY, 1985:KIDNAPPED DAVID JACOBSON, U.S. CITIZEN, OFFICIAL AT AMERICANUNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT; RELEASED NOVEMBER, 1986. ISLAMIC JIHADCLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.MAY, 1985:MURDER OF DENNIS HILL, U.K. CITIZEN. HIZBALLAH SUSPECTED.JUNE, 1985:KIDNAPPED THOMAS SUTHERLAND, U.S. CITIZEN, OFFICIAL AT AMERICANUNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT. RELEASED IN NOVEMBER, 1991. ISLAMIC JIHADCLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.JUNE, 1985:HIJACKED TWA FLIGHT #847 EN ROUTE TO ATHENS. U.S. NAVY DIVERROBERT STETHEM MURDERED. HIZBALLAH AND AMAL HELD 39 U.S.CITIZENS HOSTAGE FOR 17 DAYS IN BEIRUT BEFORE THEY WERE RELEASED.JULY, 1985:ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOMBINGS OF AN AIRLINEOFFICE AND A SYNAGOGUE IN COPENHAGEN. ONE PERSON WAS KILLED ANDTWENTY SIX WERE INJURED.DECEMBER, 1985:IMPLICATED IN A SERIES OF BOMBINGS IN PARIS.MARCH, 1986:KIDNAPPED FOUR FRENCH TELEVISION NEWS TEAM MEMBERS. THEY WERERELEASED BETWEEN JUNE, 1986 AND NOVEMBER, 1987.SEPTEMBER, 1986:KIDNAPPED FRANK REED, U.S. CITIZEN. RELEASED APRIL, 1990.SEPTEMBER, 1986:KIDNAPPED U.S. CITIZEN JOSEPH CICIPPIO. RELEASED DECEMBER, 1991.SEPTEMBER, 1986:HIZBALLAH SUSPECTED IN THE MURDER OF COLONEL CHRISTIAN GOUTIERRE,FRENCH MILITARY ATTACHE IN BEIRUT.SEPTEMBER, 1986:SUSPECTED IN A SERIES OF PARIS BOMBINGS.OCTOBER, 1986:KIDNAPPED EDWARD AUSTIN TRACY, U.S. CITIZEN. RELEASED AUGUST 1991.REVOLUTIONARY JUSTICE ORGANIZATION CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.JANUARY, 1987:KIDNAPPED ANGLICAN CHURCH ENVOY TERRY WAITE. RELEASED NOVEMBER1991.JANUARY, 1987:KIDNAPPED BEIRUT UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS JESSE TURNER, ALAN STEEN,ROBERT POLHILL - U.S. CITIZENS - AND M. SINGH. SINGH WASRELEASED IN OCTOBER, 1988. TURNER WAS RELEASED IN OCTOBER 1991,STEEN WAS RELEASED IN DECEMBER 1991, AND POLHILL WAS RELEASED INAPRIL 1990. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE OPPRESSED OF THE EARTH CLAIMEDRESPONSIBILITY.JULY, 1987:A SUSPECTED HIZBALLAH MEMBER HIJACKED AN AIR AFRIQUE FLIGHT BETWEENROME AND PARIS. THE SUSPECT HAD BOARDED THE FLIGHT IN BRAZZAVILLE.ONE FRENCH CITIZEN WAS MURDERED BEFORE THE HIJACKER WAS OVER-POWERED BY A MEMBER OF THE CABIN CREW.FEBRUARY, 1988:KIDNAPPED UNITED NATIONS MILITARY OBSERVER AND U.S. MARINE LT.COLONEL RICHARD HIGGINS. LTC HIGGINS WAS SUBSEQUENTLY MURDERED(DATE UNKNOWN). HIS REMAINS WERE HANDED OVER TO THE AMERICANEMBASSY IN BEIRUT IN DECEMBER 1991.APRIL, 1988:HIJACKED KUWAITI AIRWAYS FLIGHT #422 ENROUTE FROM BANGKOK TOKUWAIT. PLANE INITIALLY DIVERTED TO MASHAD, IRAN, THEN TO CYPRUS,AND FINALLY TO ALGIERS. TWO HOSTAGES WERE MURDERED DURING THEINCIDENT. THE HIJACKERS ESCAPED IN ALGIERS.OCTOBER, 1990:ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A CAR BOMBING IN ANKARA,TURKEY, WHICH SERIOUSLY WOUNDED A SAUDI DIPLOMAT.NOVEMBER, 1990:ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MURDER IN BEIRUT OFA SAUDI DIPLOMAT.MARCH, 1991:ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A CAR BOMBING IN ANKARA,IN WHICH AN IRAQI DIPLOMAT WAS INJURED.MARCH, 1992:ISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOMBING OF THEISRAELI EMBASSY IN BUENOS AIRES, IN WHICH 29 PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND252 INJURED.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENTOF DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>Hizballah (Party of God)</name>
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</card>
card_101119.xml
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<text>HAWARI GROUP10/28/92GP00036KEY WORDS: FATAH SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP; MARTYRS OF TAL AL ZA'ATAR; AMN ARAISSIDESCRIPTION:PART OF ARAFAT'S FATAH APPARATUS, THE GROUP IS NAMED AFTER ITS LEADER,COMMONLY KNOWN AS COLONEL HAWARI, WHO DIED IN AN AUTOMOBILE CRASH IN MAY,1991, WHILE TRAVELING FROM BAGHDAD TO JORDAN. THE GROUP HAS TIESHISTORICALLY TO IRAQ. MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES FORMER MEMBERS OF THE RADICALPALESTINIAN 15 MAY ORGANIZATION.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------ACTIVITIES:CARRIED OUT SEVERAL ATTACKS IN 1985 AND 1986, MAINLY IN EUROPE ANDUSUALLY AGAINST SYRIAN TARGETS. THE HAWARI GROUP HAS ALSO TARGETEDAMERICANS, MOST NOTABLY IN THE APRIL 1986 BOMBING OF TWA FLIGHT #840 OVERGREECE IN WHICH FOUR AMERICANS WERE KILLED. THE FUTURE OF THE GROUP ISUNCERTAIN FOLLOWING HAWARI'S DEATH.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------STRENGTH:UNKNOWN-----------------------------------------------------------------------------EXTERNAL AID:THE PLO IS THE MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPORT.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM STATE DEPARTMENT DOCUMENTATION.</text>
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<name>HAWARI GROUP</name>
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</card>
card_100820.xml
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<text>HAMAS (Islamic Resistance Movement) Description HAMAS was formed in late 1987 as an outgrowth of the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood and has become Fatah's principal political rival in the occupied territories. Various elements of HA-KAS have used both political and violent means, including terrorism, to pursue the goal of establishing an Islamic Palestinian state in place of Israel. HAMAS is loosely structured, with some elements working openly through mosques and social service institutions to recruit members, raise money, organize activities, and distribute propaganda. Militant elements of HAMAS, operating clandestinely, have advocated and used violence to advance their goals. HAMAS's strength is concentrated in the Gaza Strip and a few areas of the West Bank. It has also engaged in peaceful political activity, such as running candidates in West Bank chamber of commerce elections. Activities HAMAS activists--especially those in the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Forces--have conducted many attacks against Israeli civilian and military targets, suspected Palestinian collaborators, and Fatah rivals. Strength Unknown number of hardcore members; tens of thousands of supporters and sympathizers. Location/Area of Operations Primarily the occupied territories, Israel, and Jordan. External Aid Receives funding from Palestinian expatriates, Iran, and private benefactors in Saudi Arabia and other moderate Arab states. Some fundraising and propaganda activity take place in Western Europe and North America. June 26 1995:Suicide bomber detonated a cart wounding three Israeli soldiers. Ma'wya Roka was said to be a member of HAMAS.June 6, 1995:45 activists of the militant Islamic group HAMAS arrested.May 15, 1995:Sayid Abu Musameh, a high-ranking Hamas official, was convicted and sentencedfor writing "seditious" newspaper articles.March 1995:Abd a-Samed Harizat, of HAMAS, died in detention at the hands Shin Bet.1994:More than 100 civilians died in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza last year dueto activities of HAMAS or PIJ (Palestinian Islamic Jihad).</text>
</content>
<name>HAMAS (Islamic Resistance Movement)</name>
<script></script>
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card_100241.xml
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<text> Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity (URNG) Date Formed: 1982. Estimated Membership: An estimated 1,500 guerrillas from various groups. The URNG is a loose coalition of three of the major insurgent groups in Guatemala that have used terrorist tactics - the Revolutionary Organization of the People in Arms (ORA), the Guerrilla Army of the Poor (EGP), and the Rebel Armed Forces (FAR). Headquarters: Delegations in Mexico City, Havana, and Managua. Area of Operations: Rural Guatemala, with the OPR in the southwest, the EGP mainly in the northwest highlands, and the FAR in the extreme north in Peten Department. Leadership: Leaders of each group are believed to form the joint leadership of the URNG, including Rodrigo Asturias Amado ("Gaspar Ilom") of the ORPA, Jorge Soto Garcia ("Pablo Monsanto") of the FAR, and Ricardo Ramirez de Leon ("Rolando Moran") of the EGP. Other Names: Political arm is known as the Guatemalan Committee for Patriotic Unity (CGUP). Sometimes claims operations in the name of any of its individual component groups. Sponsors: Cuba.Political Objectives/Target Audiences: * Unit the guerrillas and revolutionary front organizations into a broad coalition to achieve the unity necessary to launch a "people's revolutionary war." * Defeat the "power of national and foreign wealth and install a patriotic, revolutionary, and democratic people's government."Background In 1980, the three groups of the URNG signed a unity agreement that was a precondition for increased Cuban support. The URNG was formalized in Havana in February 1982. As a result, the Government of Guatemala launched a large counteroffensive in an attempt to eliminate the guerrillas' popular support base. By the end of that year, the guerrillas were on the defensive and decreased activity for the next two years. In February 1985, they announced "a new stage of military struggle" but showed no evidence of being able to expand their operations. Cooperation and coordination among the groups is incomplete and irregular. Nonetheless, the URNG stresses joint political-military operations and coordination among its member groups on matters pertaining to territorial responsibilities, tactics, strategy, and external support. Cooperation between groups seems to work best in rural areas, mainly among the ORPA and the FAR. Cuba has assisted the URNG by supplying various groups with Western-made weapons such as assault rifles, recoilless rifles, machineguns, grenade launchers, and mortars, as well as Chinese-made Type-56 RPG-2 rocket launchers. In the 1960s, Cuba provided a great deal of aid, including weapons, training, logistic, political, and propaganda support to the FAR, the first of the Guatemalan groups to be formed. Recent Cuban support is suspected to be limited to minor financial aid for black market arms purchases. Nicaragua is believed to provide some aid. URNG groups also have ties with various Latin American terrorist organizations and solidarity movements in Latin America, Canada, the United States, and Europe. All three member groups of the URNG are anti-U.S. and have taken part in operations such as assassinations of civilians and economic sabotage, though most of their activities have been directed at the Army. The FAR is the oldest and most established of the organizations and seems to recover rapidly from serious losses, though it has not been as severely threatened as have the ORPA and the EGP. When guerrilla activity is too difficult to undertake, the FAR seems the most willing to resort to terrorist operations to remind the country that it still exists. A separate list of the FAR's activities is provided below.Selected Incident Chronology December 1983 - Hurled a fragmentation grenade at the Salvadoran Embassy in Guatemala City, causing material damage only. January 1984 - Attacked the official residence of junta leader General Oscar Mejia Victores with machineguns and grenade launchers. January 1985 - Occupied four towns in El Peten Department during a 3-day period and destroyed a Government vehicle transporting road construction materials. October 1985 - Blew up a light aircraft when it tried to land on a mined airstrip of the Panama Farm in Suchitepquez Department, killing the Norwegian Consul in Guatemala.FAR Attacks January 1968 - Machine-gunned and killed the head of the U.S. Military Mission and the U.S. Naval Attache in Guatemala City. Two other members of the U.S. Military Mission were wounded in the attack. August 1968 - Assassinated U.S. Ambassador John Gordon Mein on a Guatemala City street after he resisted an apparent kidnaping attempt. March 1979 - Assassinated an industrialist/landowner in Guatemala City who was the manager of two Us-owned enterprises in Huehuetenango. February 1985 - Occupied seven villages and terrorized a U.S. oil company camp in El Peten Department. July 1985 - Occupied the camp of a foreign oil company, two towns, and two highway sections. Clashed with Army troops in northern El Peten. February 1986 - Occupied the Hispanoil oil-drilling camp in El Peten and carried out sabotage actions. March 1986 - Occupied the Chinaja oil well in Alta Verapaz Department and carried out sabotage actions. May 1986 - Occupied several towns, sabotaged a pipeline, and attacked an Army company in El Peten. March 1991 - Admitted firing on the helicopter carrying Guatemala's new president, Jorge Serrano Elias, but claimed they thought the helicopter was carrying out rocket attacks against guerrilla columns.</text>
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<name>Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity (URNG)</name>
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card_100043.xml
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<text>GRAPO10/28/92GP00033KEY WORDS: OCTOBER 1ST ANTIFASCIST RESISTANCE GROUP; FIRST OF OCTOBER ANTIFASCISTRESISTANCE GROUP; GRUPO DE RESISTENCIA ANTIFASCISTA, PRIMERO DE OCTUBRE-----------------------------------------------------------------------------DESCRIPTION:A SMALL, MAOIST URBAN TERRORIST GROUP THAT RECRUITED MEMBERS FROM THESPANISH COMMUNIST PARTY - RECONSTITUTED (PCE-R). SEEKS TO REMOVE U.S.MILITARY FORCES FROM SPAIN AND TO ESTABLISH A REVOLUTIONARY REGIME.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------ACTIVITIES:CARRIED OUT SMALL-SCALE BOMBINGS ON U.S. AND NATO FACILITIES IN THEEARLY 1980S. SINCE THEN, SOME OF THE MEMBERS ARRESTED IN 1985 HAVE BEENRELEASED FROM PRISON AND HAVE RETURNED TO ACTION, INCLUDING KILLING ASPANISH BUSINESSMAN IN 1988. DURING 1990, GRAPO CARRIED OUT BOMBINGS INMADRID, BARCELONA, AND TARRAGONA. IN MARCH, 1990 GRAPO MURDERED A PHYSICIANINVOLVED IN FORCE-FEEDING GRAPO PRISONERS WHO WERE WAGING A HUNGER STRIKE. INMARCH, 1992, FERNANDO SILVA, ONE OF THE LEADERS OF GRAPO, ESCAPED FROM HISSPANISH PRISON CELL.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------STRENGTH:PROBABLY FEWER THAN A DOZEN ACTIVE OPERATIVES.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------EXTERNAL AID:REPORTED TO HAVE HAD TIES TO ACTION DIRECTE IN FRANCE AND TO THE REDBRIGADES IN ITALY. GRAPO MAY ALSO HAVE TIES TO THE RED ARMY FACTION INGERMANY.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------DATE FORMED:1975-----------------------------------------------------------------------------POLITICAL OBJECTIVES/TARGET AUDIENCES:* VIOLENTLY OVERTHROW THE SPANISH GOVERNMENT AND ESTABLISH A MAOISTSTATE;* OPPOSE SPAIN'S PARTICIPATION IN NATO AND U.S. PRESENCE IN SPAIN.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------BACKGROUND:GRAPO WAS ESTABLISHED AS THE "MILITARY" ARM OF THE OUTLAWED COMMUNISTPARTY OF SPAIN - RECONSTITUTED (PCE-R), WHICH IS A SPLINTER GROUP OF THEOFFICIAL AND RECOGNIZED COMMUNIST PARTY OF SPAIN (PCE). AN URBAN-ORIENTEDGROUP, GRAPO HAS COMMITTED ASSASSINATIONS, BOMBINGS, AND KIDNAPPINGS AGAINSTSPANISH PERSONNEL AND FACILITIES. ON OCCASION IT ALSO HAS ATTACKED U.S.INTERESTS. THE GROUP APPEARS TO HAVE PREFERRED AMBUSHES USING AUTOMATICWEAPONS.LIKE THE ETA, THE OTHER MAJOR SPANISH TERRORIST GROUP, GRAPO HASFINANCED ITS OPERATIONS THROUGH KIDNAPS FOR RANSOM, BANK ROBBERIES, ANDEXTORTING "REVOLUTIONARY TAXES" FROM INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES. THESESOURCES OF FUNDS HAVE PROVEN ADEQUATE FOR FINANCING GRAPO'S RANGE OFOPERATIONS AND FOR PROCURING WEAPONS AND EXPLOSIVES.DIRECT TIES BETWEEN GRAPO AND FOREIGN TERRORIST GROUPS OR STATESPONSORS HAVE NOT BEEN DEFINITIVELY ESTABLISHED. GRAPO, HOWEVER, HAS MADEPUBLIC STATEMENTS IN SUPPORT OF A NUMBER OF OTHER TERRORIST GROUPS, INCLUDINGTHE RED BRIGADES AND THE RED ARMY FACTION.GRAPO'S STRUCTURE HAS BEEN BASED ON A CELLULAR CONCEPT FOR MAXIMUMINTERNAL SECURITY. THESE CELLS ARE PROBABLY QUITE SMALL IN VIEW OF THEGROUP'S LIMITED NUMBERS. GRAPO MEMBERS ARE EITHER "LEGAL COMMANDOS" OR"LIBERATED COMMANDOS." THE LEGAL COMMANDOS, UNKNOWN TO POLICE, LEADAPPARENTLY NORMAL LIVES AND PERIODICALLY CARRY OUT TERRORIST ACTIONS.THE LIBERATED COMMANDOS ARE FULL-TIME MEMBERS WHO ARE KNOWN TO THEAUTHORITIES AND WHO LIVE UNDERGROUND. SUCCESSFUL SPANISH POLICE OPERATIONSIN RECENT YEARS HAVE LED TO THE ARREST OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT GRAPOMEMBERS.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYJANUARY, 1977:KIDNAPPED THE PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME MILITARY TRIBUNAL AND THEFORMER ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF. HE WAS RESCUED IN A POLICE RAID THEFOLLOWING MONTH.MAY, 1977:BOMBED THE U.S. CULTURAL CENTER IN MADRID ON THE DAY THAT VICEPRESIDENT WALTER MONDALE ARRIVED FOR AN OFFICIAL VISIT.MARCH, 1978:ASSASSINATED THE DIRECTOR OF PENAL INSTITUTIONS IN MADRID.MARCH, 1979:ASSASSINATED A SEMI-RETIRED SPANISH BRIGADIER GENERAL IN MADRID ANDCLAIMED THE ATTACK WAS IN PROTEST TO SPAIN'S PENDING ENTRY INTONATO.MAY, 1979:KILLED 8 AND WOUNDED 40 IN A BOMBING AT A MADRID CAFE FREQUENTEDBY RIGHTISTS.SEPTEMBER, 1980:KILLED A GENERAL AND WOUNDED HIS AIDE AND DRIVER IN AMACHINEGUN ATTACK IN BARCELONA.APRIL, 1982:AMBUSHED TWO POLICE OFFICERS IN BARCELONA, KILLING ONE ANDWOUNDING THE OTHERAUGUST, 1982:BOMBED THE BANK OF AMERICA IN MADRID AND THE SEARS BUILDING INBARCELONA.MAY, 1983:SHOT AND KILLED A CIVIL GUARDSMAN IN A SCHOOLBUS IN LA CORUNA,NORTHERN SPAIN.JANUARY, 1984:SHOT AND KILLED TWO POLICEMEN IN MADRID.APRIL, 1984:KIDNAPPED A BANK OFFICIAL AND RELEASED HIM AFTER A LARGE RANSOM WASREPORTEDLY PAID.JULY, 1984:ROBBED THE FRENCH BANK CREDIT LYONNAIS IN BARCELONA OF 300,000PESETAS. THE ROBBERS DETONATED A BOMB THATCOMPLETELY DESTROYED THE BANK AND INJURED ONE PERSON.JULY-AUGUST, 1984:DETONATED A SERIES OF 15 BOMBS IN SEVERAL CITIES, CAUSINGEXTENSIVE PROPERTY DAMAGE TO A FRENCH BANK, A FRENCH CONSULATE, ANDTHE GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY, AMONG OTHERS. NO INJURIES WERESUSTAINED.SEPTEMBER, 1984:MURDERED THE PRESIDENT OF THE SEVILLE ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESSMEN.SEPTEMBER, 1984:IN MADRID, MURDERED THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF A LARGE REAL ESTATECOMPANY.SEPTEMBER, 1984:KIDNAPPED THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF A COMPANY, WHO WAS FORCED TOWRITE A BANK DRAFT FOR ABOUT $30,000. A COMPANY EMPLOYEE WAS THENKIDNAPPED AND FORCED TO CASH THE DRAFT. THE VICTIMS WERE THENRELEASED AND THE TERRORISTS ESCAPED.JULY, 1987:SHOT AND SEVERELY INJURED A POLICE OFFICER WHO WAS STANDING WATCHIN FRONT OF A POLICE STATION.MARCH, 1989:TWO CIVIL GUARDS MEMBERS WERE SHOT TO DEATH IN THE COURSE OF ABANK ROBBERY BY GRAPO MEMBERS.DECEMBER, 1989:TWO CIVIL GUARD MEMBERS WERE SHOT TO DEATH WHILE THEY WERE ONGUARD AT A GOVERNMENT BUILDING IN GIJON.MARCH, 1990:GRAPO TERRORISTS SHOT AND KILLED A PHYSICIAN WHO WAS INVOLVED INTHE FORCED FEEDING OF AN IMPRISONED GRAPO TERRORIST WHO WASENGAGED IN A HUNGER STRIKE.SEPTEMBER, 1990:THREE BUILDINGS IN MADRID WERE BOMBED: THE STOCK EXCHANGE, INWHICH SIX PERSONS WERE INJURED; THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMY ANDFINANCE; AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT BUILDING.NOVEMBER, 1990:GRAPO BOMBED TWO GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS IN BARCELONA AS POLICE ANDSECURITY OFFICIALS BEGAN A TWO DAY MEETING TO DISCUSS SECURITY FORTHE BARCELONA OLYMPICS.DECEMBER, 1990:A GRAPO CAR BOMB KILLED SIX POLICE OFFICERS, AND WOUNDED TWOOFFICERS AND EIGHT CIVILIANS IN THE CITY OF SABADELL, 18 MILESNORTH OF BARCELONA.NOVEMBER, 1991:SPANISH SECURITY OFFICIALS ANNOUNCED THAT TWO GRAPO MEMBERS WHOWERE ARRESTED IN MADRID HAD PLANNED TO CARRY OUT A BOMB ATTACK ATTHE SITE OF EXPO 92 IN SEVILLE.FEBRUARY, 1992:GRAPO CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBING A GAS PIPELINE WHICH RUNSBETWEEN ZARAGOZA AND ROTA. A PORTION OF THE ZARAGOZA-VALENCIAHIGHWAY WAS FORCED TO CLOSE FOR SEVERAL HOURS, AND APPROXIMATELY50,000 HOMES WERE TEMPORARILY WITHOUT GAS.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENTOF DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>GRAPO</name>
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card_99689.xml
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<text>Force 17 Description Formed in early 1970s as a personal security force for Arafat and other PLO leaders. Activities According to press sources, in 1985 expanded operations to include terrorist attacks against Israeli targets. No confirmed terrorist activity outside Israel and the occupied territories since September 1985, when it claimed responsibility for killing three Israelis in Cyprus, an incident that was followed by Israeli air raids on PLO bases in Tunisia. Strength Unknown. Location/Area of Operation Based in Beirut before 1982. Since then, dispersed in several Arab countries. Now operating in Lebanon, other Middle Eastern countries, and Europe. External Aid PLO is main source of support. </text>
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<name>Force 17</name>
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card_99338.xml
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<text>Devrimci Sol (Revolutionary Left) aka: Dev Sol Description Formed in 1978 as a splinter faction of the Turkish People's Liberation Party/Front. Espouses a Marxist ideology, intensely xenophobic, and virulently anti-US and anti-NATO; seeks to unify the proletariat to stage a national revolution. Finances its activities chiefly through armed robberies and extortion. Activities Since late 1980s has concentrated attacks against current and retired Turkish security and military officials. Began new campaign against foreign interests in 1990. Protesting Gulf war, claimed assassination of two US military contractors, attempted assassination of a US Air Force officer. Launched rockets at US Consulate in Istanbul in April and July 1992. Terrorist activities in 1993 were less ambitious as Dev Sol worked to recover from internal factionalism and police raids that netted several operatives and large weapons caches. Strength Several hundred members, several dozen armed militants. Location/Area of Operation Carries out attacks in Turkey--primarily in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Adana. Conducts fundraising operations in Western Europe. External Aid Possible training support from radical Palestinians. 2 February 1995:TUNCELI, Turkey 13 soldiers ambushed on the way to a staged meeting with PKK.9 September 1993Chile Terrorists placed small bombs at two McDonalds outlets and a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet in the Santiago area. The two bombs in the McDonalds outlets exploded, causing some damage but no casualties. The bomb in the Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet was found and deactivated. In all three instances, a male claiming to be a member of the Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED RECENT INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYNOVEMBER, 1988:SIX BANKS IN ISTANBUL WERE TARGETS OF MOLOTOV COCKTAILS AND/ORSUSPECTED ARSON ATTACKS DURING ONE EVENING. THERE WERE NOINJURIES REPORTED.JUNE, 1990:A FORMER MILITARY OFFICER WAS SHOT TO DEATH IN HIS ISTANBUL OFFICE.NOVEMBER, 1990:A PUBLIC PROSECUTOR ASSIGNED TO A PRISON IN ISTANBUL, WAS SHOT DEADWHILE HIS CAR WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC.JANUARY, 1991:A BOMB WAS THROWN AT A U.S. MILITARY FACILITY IN DOWNTOWN ISTANBUL.JANUARY, 1991:TWO PRIVATE AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS - A PUBLISHING COMPANY AND AMARITIME ORGANIZATION WERE BOMBED. ONE EMPLOYEE OF THE MARITIMEORGANIZATION WAS WOUNDED.JANUARY, 1991:THE U.S. CONSULATE AND THE TURKISH-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION WEREBOMBED ON THE SAME DAY.JANUARY, 1991:A RETIRED TURKISH ARMY GENERAL, WHO WAS A SENIOR SECURITY ADVISORTO THE PRIME MINISTER, WAS SHOT DEAD NEAR HIS HOME IN ANKARA.FEBRUARY, 1991:AN AMERICAN EMPLOYEE OF AN AMERICAN FIRM WAS ASSASSINATED IN FRONTOF HIS APARTMENT IN ADANA.FEBRUARY, 1991:A U.S. AIR FORCE OFFICER WAS SHOT AND WOUNDED IN AN ASSASSINATIONATTEMPT AS HE ENTERED HIS APARTMENT IN IZMIR.MARCH, 1991:THE AMERICAN OFFICE MANAGER OF A U.S. FIRM WAS ASSASSINATED IN HISISTANBUL OFFICE BY THREE MEN POSING AS POLICE OFFICERS.APRIL, 1991:A RETIRED TURKISH ARMY GENERAL WAS ASSASSINATED IN HIS ISTANBULHOME. THREE MEN, ONE DISGUISED AS AN ARMY LIEUTENANT, ENTERED THEVICTIM'S HOME, TIED UP THE VICTIM AND HIS WIFE, AND THEN SHOT THEGENERAL.APRIL, 1991:A MANIFESTO, REPORTEDLY ISSUED BY DEV SOL, STATED THAT DEV SOLWOULD "ACT AGAINST" TURKS WORKING FOR U.S. FIRMS AS IF THEY WEREAMERICANS. THE DOCUMENT WARNED THAT ANYONE ACCEPTING EMPLOYMENTWITH A U.S. FIRM RISKED BEING KILLED.APRIL, 1991:A POLICE STATION IN IZMIR WAS BOMBED.JUNE, 1991:ONE PERSON WAS KILLED AND FOUR WERE WOUNDED IN A SERIES OFBOMBINGS IN ISTANBUL, ALL OF WHICH OCCURRED ON THE SAME DAY (6/13)AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TIME.JULY, 1991:FIVE TURKISH BANKS WERE BOMBED IN ISTANBUL ON THE NIGHT OF 7/18-19.THE BOMBINGS WERE SAID TO BE A PROTEST TO THE VISIT TO TURKEY OFU.S. PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH.JULY, 1991:THREE TURKISH NATIONAL POLICE OFFICERS WERE KILLED IN ISTANBUL INTWO SEPARATE ATTACKS. ONE OF THE VICTIMS WAS KILLED AS HE LEFT HISHOME FOR WORK. THE OTHER TWO VICTIMS WERE SHOT DEAD AS THEY SAT INTHEIR UNMARKED POLICE CAR.AUGUST, 1991:A BRITISH NATIONAL WAS MURDERED IN ISTANBUL. THE VICTIM WASEMPLOYED BY A BRITISH-OWNED INSURANCE FIRM WHOSE ISTANBUL OFFICESHAD BEEN BOMBED BY DEV SOL IN JANUARY, 1991.OCTOBER, 1991:IN TWO INCIDENTS OCCURRING ONLY HOURS APART FIVE POLICE OFFICERSWERE KILLED AND TWO WERE WOUNDED IN SHOOTING ATTACKS IN ISTANBUL.DECEMBER, 1991:THE DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF OF ISTANBUL AND HIS DRIVER WERE SHOT DEADIN AN ATTACK ON THEIR VEHICLE IN ISTANBUL.FEBRUARY, 1992:FIVE GUNMEN AMBUSHED AND MURDERED THREE TURKISH POLICE OFFICERSIN ISTANBUL'S RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC.MARCH, 1992:A SUSPECTED DEV SOL OPERATIVE WAS KILLED WHEN A BOMB HE WASCARRYING DETONATED PREMATURELY. POLICE SPECULATED THAT HE WASABOUT TO PLACE THE BOMB IN A MOSQUE IN THE NORTHERN TURKISH CITYOF ZONGULDAK WHEN THE DEVICE EXPLODED.MARCH, 1992:DEV SOL CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR AN ATTACK ON A BUS IN ISTANBUL.THE BUS WAS CARRYING TURKISH GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES. TWO PEOPLE WEREKILLED AND AT LEAST FIVE WERE INJURED.APRIL, 1992:A DEV SOL TEAM ATTACKED A POLICE BUS IN IZMIR, KILLING TWO ANDWOUNDING NINE PERSONS.APRIL, 1992:DEV SOL ISSUED A BULLETIN STATING THEIR MAIN TARGETS AS:"...LOCAL AND FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVES WHO SERVE THE IMPERIALISTSAND THEIR POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, AND MILITARY BASES...PROMINENTBUSINESSMEN AND COMPANIES...OFFICERS AND NCOS OF THE TURKISHMILITARY...THE TURKISH INTELLIGENCE SERVICE; TURKISH NATIONALPOLICE...." ETC.APRIL, 1992:A ROCKET PROPELLED GRENADE (RPG) WAS FIRED AT A REAR WALL OF THECOMPOUND HOUSING THE AMERICAN CONSULATE IN ISTANBUL. THERE WERE NOINJURIES. DEV SOL CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.APRIL, 1992:TWO POLICE OFFICERS WERE SHOT DEAD IN ISTANBUL AS THEY WAITED ON ASTREET CORNER FOR A RIDE. DEV SOL CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.APRIL, 1992:A POLICE OFFICER AND A CONSTRUCTION WORKER WERE SHOT DEAD AT A BUSSTOP IN ISTANBUL. DEV SOL CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT AND PUBLICMEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>Devrimci Sol (Revolutionary Left)</name>
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card_99271.xml
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<text>Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) Description Marxist group that split from the PFLP in 1969. Believes Palestinian national goals can be achieved only through revolution of the masses. Opposes the Declaration of Principles (DOP) signed in 1993. In early 1980s, occupied political stance midway between Arafat and the rejectionists. Split into two factions in 1991, one pro-Arafat and another more hardline faction headed by Nayif Hawatmah (which has suspended participation in the PLO). Activities In the 1970s, carried out numerous small bombings and minor assaults and some more spectacular operations in Israel and the occupied territories, concentrating on Israeli targets such as the 1974 massacre in Malalot in which 27 Israelis were killed and more than 100 wounded. Involved only in border raids since 1988. Strength Estimated at 500 (total for both factions). Location/Area of Operation Syria, Lebanon, and the Israeli occupied territories; attacks have taken place entirely in Israel and the occupied territories. External Aid Receives financial and military aid from Syria and Libya. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYMAY, 1974:TOOK OVER A SCHOOLHOUSE AND MASSACRED ISRAELI HOSTAGES AFTERINFILTRATING USING UNIFORMS RESEMBLING THOSE OF THE ISRAEL DEFENSEFORCES (IDF). MURDERED 27 AND WOUNDED 124.NOVEMBER, 1974:ATTACKED THE TOWN OF BET SHE'AN IN ISRAEL. THREE TERRORISTSBARRICADED THEMSELVES IN A BUILDING CARRYING HAND GRENADES ANDKALASHNIKOVS (AK-47). THEY HAD DEMANDED THE RELEASE OF 15PALESTINIANS.JULY, 1977:IMPLICATED IN SEVERAL TEL AVIV AND JERUSALEM BOMBINGS.JANUARY, 1979:ATTEMPTED TO SEIZE 230 CIVILIANS AS HOSTAGES IN A GUEST HOUSE INMA'ALOT. THREE TERRORISTS, ARMED WITH KALASHNIKOVS AND GRENADES,WERE KILLED BU ISRAELI DEFENSE FORCES (IDF).MARCH, 1979:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR PLANTING BOMBS IN ISRAELI BUSES TOPROTEST PRESIDENT CARTER'S VISIT TO ISRAEL.MARCH, 1982:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A GRENADE ATTACK IN THE GAZA STRIP THATKILLED AN ISRAELI SOLDIER AND WOUNDED THREE OTHERS.FEBRUARY, 1984:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A GRENADE EXPLOSION IN JERUSALEM WHICHWOUNDED TWENTY ONE PERSONS.SEPTEMBER, 1985:ATTACKED AN ISRAELI BUS NEAR HEBRON.MARCH, 1986:SEVERAL DFLP GUERRILLAS, WEARING IDF UNIFORMS, ATTEMPTED TOINFILTRATE FROM LEBANON INTO ISRAEL, BUT WERE INTERCEPTED BY THEIDF.MAY, 1988:THREW MOLOTOV COCKTAILS AT TRADE AND INDUSTRY MINISTER ARIELSHARON'S CAR.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT ANDDEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SOURCE DOCUMENTS</text>
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<name>Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP)</name>
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card_99029.xml
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<text>Commission (CNPZ) Description ELN claims to be resuscitation of group established by Che Guevara in 1960S. Includes numerous small factions of indigenous subversive groups, including CNPZ, which is largely inactive today. Activities ELN and CNPZ have attacked US interests in past years but focused almost exclusively on Bolivian domestic targets in 1993. Strength Unknown; probably fewer than 100. Location/Area of Operation Bolivia. External Aid None. </text>
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<name>Commission (CNPZ)</name>
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card_98617.xml
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<text>Chukaku-Ha (Nucleus or Middle Core Faction) Description An ultraleftist/radical group with origins in the fragmentation of the Japanese Communist Party in 1957. Largest domestic militant group; has political arm plus small, covert action wing called Kansai Revolutionary Army. Funding derived from membership dues, sales of its newspapers, and fundraising campaigns. Activities Participates in mass street demonstrations and commits sporadic attacks using crude rockets and incendiary devices usually designed to cause property damage rather than casualties. Protests Japan's imperial system, Western "imperialism," and events like the Gulf war and the expansion of Tokyo's Narita airport. Launched at least four rockets at the Us army base at Zama, near Tokyo, at the start of the G-7 Summit in July 1993. Strength 3,500. Location/Area of operation Japan. External Aid None known. 7 July 1993Japan Terrorists exploded a home-made bomb at the United Nations Technology Center in Osaka, causing minor damage and no casualties. On 9 July the Chukaku-Ha terrorist group claimed responsibility. SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYJUNE, 1979:BURNED TWO VEHICLES AND CUT COMMUNICATIONS LINES TO TOKYO'S HANEDAAIRPORT WHEN PRESIDENT CARTER ARRIVED.SEPTEMBER, 1984:ATTACKED THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY HEADQUARTERS WITH A TRUCK-MOUNTED FLAME-THROWER AND DETONATED A TIME BOMB NEAR THE EMBASSY OFISRAEL.APRIL, 1985:USED A MORTAR-LIKE WEAPON IN SIMULTANEOUS ATTACKS ON NARITA ANDHAMEDA AIRPORTS. THERE WERE NO CASUALTIES BUT MAJOR DAMAGE TO ATLEAST ONE BUILDING.NOVEMBER, 1985:STORMED AND SET ABLAZE SEVERAL OF JAPAN'S LARGEST RAILWAYSTATIONS.MARCH, 1986:LAUNCHED PROJECTILES AT THE IMPERIAL PALACE.MAY, 1986:LAUNCHED PROJECTILES AT THE BUILDINGS HOUSING THE ECONOMIC (G-7)SUMMIT MEETING. THE IMPROVISED MISSILES FLEW APPROXIMATELY 3,500METERS.SEPTEMBER, 1986:UNIDENTIFIED ATTACKERS, SUSPECTED OF BEING MEMBERS OF CHUKAKU-HABATTERED A RAILWAY TRADE UNION OFFICIAL TO DEATH AND SERIOUSLYINJURED EIGHT OTHERS IN A SERIES OF ATTACKS IN THEIR HOMES.OCTOBER, 1986:POLICE ARRESTED SEVEN SUSPECTED MEMBERS OF THE GROUP AND DISCOVEREDA BOMB FACTORY IN NORTHERN JAPAN.NOVEMBER, 1986:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR TWO TIMED INCENDIARY DEVICES THATEXPLODED AT THE RESIDENCE OF A FORMER EXECUTIVE OF THE AIRPORTPUBLIC CORPORATION.MARCH, 1987:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A SERIES OF BOMBINGS INTENDED TO STOPCONSTRUCTION COMPANIES INVOLVED WITH EXPANSION WORK AT NARITA.JULY, 1987:TARGETED VEHICLES INVOLVED IN CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW KANSAIINTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN OSAKA, AND EXPANDING NARITA; USED TIMEDINCENDIARY DEVICES IN THIRTEEN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS OF THE SAME DAY.AUGUST, 1987:LAUNCHED FOUR INCENDIARY DEVICES FROM THE BED OF A STOLEN TRUCK INTHE DIRECTION OF THE IMPERIAL PALACE.JANUARY, 1988:FIRED FIVE ROCKET BOMBS TOWARD THE NEW TOKYO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTAT NARITA. THE ROCKETS WERE LAUNCHED FROM A TRUCK PARKED ON ANEMPTY LOT. NO DAMAGE OR INJURIES WERE REPORTED.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENTOF DEFENSE AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>Chukaku-Ha (Nucleus or Middle Core Faction)</name>
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card_98329.xml
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<text>Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) Description Founded in 1959 with the aim of creating an independent homeland in Spain's Basque region. Has muted commitment to Marxism. Activities Chiefly bombings and assassinations of Spanish Government targets, especially security forces. Since arrest of ETA members in France in March 1992, ETA also has attacked French interests. Finances activities through kidnappings, robberies, and extortion. Strength Unknown; may have hundreds of members, plus supporters. Location/Area of operations Operates primarily in the Basque autonomous regions of northern Spain and southwest France but also has bombed Spanish interests in Italy and Germany and French interests in Italy. External Aid Has received training at various times in Libya, Lebanon, and Nicaragua. Also appears to have close ties to PIRA. SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYDECEMBER, 1973:ASSASSINATED SPANISH PRIME MINISTER LUIS CARRERO BLANCO, HISCHAUFFER, AND A SECURITY OFFICER WITH A REMOTE-CONTROLLEDEXPLOSIVE DEVICE.SEPTEMBER, 1974:BOMBED A CROWDED CAFE NEXT TO A SECURITY HEADQUARTERS IN MADRID.THIRTEEN CIVILIANS WERE KILLED AND SEVENTY WERE WOUNDED.OCTOBER, 1976:ASSASSINATED A SENIOR ADVISER TO KING JUAN CARLOS, HIS DRIVER, ANDTHREE SECURITY GUARDS.MARCH, 1978:DETONATED A POWERFUL BOMB AT THE BILBAO NUCLEAR POWERPLANT, KILLINGTWO AND WOUNDING FOURTEEN.JUNE/JULY, 1979:INITIATED A "TOURIST WAR" IN SPANISH SEASIDE RESORT AREAS.FOURTEEN TIME BOMBS WERE DETONATED, INJURING TWO AND CAUSINGEXTENSIVE PROPERTY DAMAGE.NOVEMBER, 1979:KIDNAPPED A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT IN MADRID. THE VICTIM WASRELEASED AFTER THE GOVERNMENT AGREED TO REVIEW AND EXPEDITE CASESAGAINST BASQUE PRISONERS AND TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OFTORTURE.FEBRUARY, 1980:FIRED AN ANTI-TANK ROCKET AT THE PRIME MINISTER'S RESIDENCE INMADRID. THE ROCKET MISSED THE BUILDING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.JANUARY, 1981:KIDNAPPED ONE OF THE WEALTHIEST MEN IN SPAIN, RELEASING HIM AFTER58 DAYS AND PAYMENT OF A RANSOM REPORTED AT $3.29 MILLION.JANUARY, 1982:KIDNAPPED A LEADING INDUSTRIALIST AND HELD HIM FOR A MONTH BEFORERECEIVING A REPORTED RANSOM PAYMENT OF $1.3 MILLION.OCTOBER, 1982:DETONATED NEARLY TWO DOZEN BOMBS AT SEVERAL BANKS IN THEBASQUE PROVINCES.FEBRUARY, 1983:KILLED THREE AND WOUNDED NINE IN THE BOMBING OF A BILBAO BANK THATHAD REFUSED TO PAY "REVOLUTIONARY TAXES."APRIL, 1984:KILLED A RETIRED POLICE OFFICER IN PAMPLONA. A BOOBYTRAP IN THEGETAWAY CAR DETONATED WHILE IT WAS BEING EXAMINED, KILLING TWOPOLICE OFFICERS.DECEMBER, 1984:BOMBED SECTIONS OF THE ROTA-ZARAGOZA MILITARY PETROLEUM PIPELINE.CLAIMED THE ACT WAS AGAINST THE SPANISH MILITARY.JULY, 1985:SHOT AND KILLED SPAIN'S DIRECTOR OF DEFENSE POLICY, SERIOUSLYWOUNDING HIS CHAUFFER - IN MADRID.SEPTEMBER, 1985:DETONATED A CAR BOMB BY REMOTE CONTROL IN MADRID, INJURING TENMEMBERS OF THE CIVIL GUARD. AN AMERICAN BYSTANDER WAS KILLED.FEBRUARY, 1986:MURDERED VICE ADMIRAL CRISTOBOL COLON AND HIS CHAUFFER IN MADRIDIN A MACHINE GUN AND GRENADE ATTACK.JULY, 1986:REMOTE CONTROLLED DETONATION OF A DEVICE HIDDEN IN A PARKED VANIN MADRID. THE 100 POUND DEVICE DETONATED AS A BUS CARRYING CIVILGUARD CADETS WAS PASSING. TEN CADETS WERE KILLED AND SEVERALDOZEN WERE INJURED.JULY, 1986:DETONATED A BOMB IN MADRID, KILLING NINE PEOPLE.JULY, 1986:FIRED A DOZEN ANTI-TANK ROCKETS BY REMOTE CONTROL FROM A HOME MADELAUNCHER AT THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE IN MADRID, INJURING TWOMILITARY OFFICERS. AFTER THE ATTACK, THE CAR TO WHICH THE LAUNCHERWAS ATTACHED EXPLODED, INJURING TEN.OCTOBER, 1986:MURDERED THE GOVERNOR OF GUIPUZCOA PROVINCE BY DETONATING ANEXPLOSIVE DEVICE THAT HAD BEEN PLACED ON THE ROOF OF THE VICTIM'SCAR. THE VICTIM'S WIFE AND CHILDREN WERE ALSO KILLED.DECEMBER, 1986:KIDNAPPED A SPANISH BUSINESSMAN AND HELD HIM FOR 69 DAYS BEFORERECEIVING A REPORTED RANSOM PAYMENT OF $1.5 MILLION.JANUARY, 1987:DETONATED A CAR BOMB, DESTROYING A PASSING MILITARY BUS INZARAGOZA, KILLING AN ARMY OFFICER AND THE CIVILIAN DRIVER OF THEBUS. FORTY PERSONS WERE WOUNDED.JANUARY/FEBRUARY, 1987:PERPETRATED A SERIES OF ARSON AND BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST FRENCHINTERESTS IN MONDRAGON, BILBAO, AND LASARTE. BELIEVED TO BEIN PROTEST OF FRANCE'S DEPORTATION OF BASQUE GUERRILLAS TO SPAIN.MARCH, 1987:STAGED A SUBMACHINE GUN ATTACK IN VITORIA, SERIOUSLY WOUNDING ANARMY OFFICER.MARCH, 1987:DETONATED AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE BARCELONAPORT. ONE CIVIL GUARDSMAN WAS KILLED AND FIFTEEN PERSONS WEREINJURED.MARCH/APRIL, 1987:CONTINUED ARSON AND BOMBING ATTACKS AIMED MAINLY AT FRENCH TARGETS.APRIL, 1987:DETONATED A CAR BOMB NEAR A BARCELONA CIVIL GUARD BARRACKS, KILLINGONE AND INJURING SEVEN.MAY, 1987:DETONATED THREE CAR BOMBS NEAR THE MADRID HEADQUARTERS OF THESPANISH NAVY, AIR FORCE, AND CIVIL GUARD, KILLING ONE ANDINJURING NINE.JUNE, 1987:IN SAN SEBASTIAN, DETONATED A CAR BOMB AS TWO POLICE VANS PASSED,INJURING SIX.JUNE, 1987:DETONATED TWO EXPLOSIVE DEVICES AT A STATE-OWNED PETRO-CHEMICALPLANT. DAMAGE ESTIMATES VARIED BETWEEN $8 TO $16 MILLION.JUNE, 1987:DETONATED A CAR BOMB IN A PARKING GARAGE UNDER A SUPERMARKET INBARCELONA, KILLING TWENTY ONE AND INJURING MANY OTHERS.AUGUST, 1987:DETONATED AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE IN VITORIA AS A NATIONAL POLICEVEHICLE PASSED; TWO PERSONS WERE KILLED AND ONE WAS INJURED.AUGUST, 1987:DETONATED A CAR BOMB IN EIBAR, INJURING THIRTEEN.SEPTEMBER, 1987:DETONATED A CAR BOMB IN SAN SEBASTIAN AS TWO NATIONAL POLICE VANSPASSED. ONE POLICE OFFICER WAS KILLED AND SIX PEOPLE WERE HURT.DECEMBER, 1987:DETONATED A CAR BOMB IN FRONT OF A SPANISH CIVIL GUARD APARTMENTCOMPLEX, KILLING ELEVEN AND INJURING FORTY.APRIL, 1989:DETONATED AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE ON A SECONDARY RAILROAD LINEFIFTY MILES SOUTH OF MADRID, CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE AND NOINJURIES.JULY, 1989:MURDERED TWO ARMY OFFICERS IN MADRID.SEPTEMBER, 1989:MURDERED A GOVERNMENT PROSECUTER IN MADRID.SEPTEMBER, 1989:POSTMAN KILLED BY A PARCEL BOMB.JANUARY, 1990:A FRENCH AUTO DEALERSHIP IN THE BASQUE PROVINCE OF ALAVA IS BOMBED.JANUARY, 1990:A NATIONAL POLICEMAN WAS KILLED BY A BOMB PLACED NEXT TO HISPERSONAL AUTO.FEBRUARY, 1990:AT LEAST THREE LETTER/PARCEL BOMBS WERE SENT BY ETA. ONE SERIOUSLYINJURED THE SENIOR JUDGE OF THE NATIONAL HIGH COURT OF SPAIN, ONEINJURED TWO POSTAL WORKERS, AND A THIRD WAS DISARMED.APRIL, 1990:A MEMBER OF THE CIVIL GUARD WAS SHOT DEAD AS HE RETURNED TO HISHOME FROM WORK.APRIL, 1990:ETA PUBLISHED A COMMUNIQUE IN THE BASQUE LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER"EGIN" STATING THAT IT WOULD ENGAGE IN ATTACKS ON THE SEVILLEWORLD'S FAIR - EXPO 92.JUNE, 1990:A RETIRED SPANISH ARMY COLONEL WAS SHOT DEAD IN SAN SEBASTIAN.JUNE, 1990:A MAN WAS SHOT DEAD IN A CAFE IN A SUBURB OF THE BASQUE CITY OFBILBAO. ETA CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK, APOLOGIZINGTO THE VICTIM'S FAMILY FOR HAVING MURDERED THE WRONG PERSON.JUNE, 1990:A FRENCH AUTO DEALERSHIP IN THE BASQUE PROVINCE OF VIZCAYA WASBOMBED.JUNE, 1990:AN OFFICE BUILDING IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, WAS BOMBED BYETA. THE BUILDING HOUSED THE OFFICES OF IBERIAN AIR, THE SPANISHNATIONAL CARRIER.JULY, 1990:A SPANISH BANK IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, WAS BOMBED BY ETA.A DUTCH NEWSPAPER PUBLISHED AN INTERVIEW WITH A BASQUE ACTIVISTWHO CLAIMED THAT ETA BOMBINGS IN HOLLAND WERE INTENDED AS "LESSONS"TO THE DUTCH GOVERNMENT FOR ITS COOPERATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT OFSPAIN.AUGUST, 1990:A SERIES OF BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST RAIL LINES THROUGHOUT SPAINTOOK PLACE.SEPTEMBER, 1990:A CAR BOMB DETONATED AT A CIVIL GUARD FACILITY IN BILBAO. ACIVIL GUARDSMAN AND A CIVILIAN WERE KILLED. TWO GUARDSMEN WEREINJURED.SEPTEMBER, 1990:A CAR BOMB DETONATED IN THE CITY OF CARTAGENA OUTSIDE THE LIVINGQUARTERS OF 400 CIVIL GUARD PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES.SEVENTEEN PERSONS WERE INJURED.NOVEMBER, 1990:TWO POLICEMEN WERE KILLED AND TWO WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED WHEN ATRUCK BOMB DETONATED AS THE VICTIMS' VEHICLE PASSED IN A BILBAOSUBURB.FEBRUARY, 1991:ETA WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BOMBING OF A SPANISH NAVY PATROL BOATIN THE PORT OF FUENTTERRABIA.MARCH, 1991:ETA CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MURDER OF A SPANISH CONSTRUCTIONCOMPANY EXECUTIVE IN VALENCIA.APRIL, 1991:A SPANISH POLICE OFFICER WAS KILLED, AND HIS WIFE WAS SERIOUSLYINJURED WHEN A CAR BOMB DETONATED UNDER THEIR AUTOMOBILE. TWOBYSTANDERS WERE ALSO INJURED IN THE BOMBING WHICH OCCURED INA SUBURB OF BILBAO.APRIL, 1991:A SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD DAUGHTER OF A NATIONAL POLICE OFFICER WASKILLED IN SAN SEBASTIAN BY A BOMB THAT HAD BEEN PLACED UNDER HERFATHER'S CAR. THE BLAST INJURED THE FATHER AND THREE OTHERCHILDREN. ETA CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.MAY, 1991:NINE PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND APPROXIMATELY 50 INJURED IN A TOWN NEARBARCELONA WHEN A CAR BOMB DETONATED. FOUR OF THE DEAD WERECHILDREN.JUNE, 1991:A SPANISH AIR FORCE OFFICER WAS KILLED, AND FOUR CHILDRED WEREINJURED WHEN A BOMB PLANTED UNDER THE OFFICER'S CAR DETONATED.JUNE, 1991:A PRISON OFFICER, TWO INMATES, AND A VISITING FAMILY MEMBER WEREKILLED AND MORE THAN TWENTY PERSONS WERE INJURED WHEN A PARCEL BOMBDETONATED IN A PRISON'S ENTRY CONTROL ROOM.JULY, 1991:ETA ISSUED A WARNING TO FRENCH TRAVEL AGENCIES STATING THAT TOURISMWOULD BE CONSIDERED A LEGITIMATE "MILITARY" TARGET BY ETA.JULY, 1991:A SPANISH TOUR BUS WAS FIREBOMBED IN ROME.AUGUST, 1991:ETA BOMBED RAIL LINES AT SEVERAL LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SPAIN.AUGUST, 1991:TWO BOMBS WERE PLANTED OUTSIDE SPANISH TRAVEL AGENCIES IN ROME.BOTH BOMBS WERE DISARMED BY THE POLICE.OCTOBER, 1991:TWO MEMBERS OF THE SPANISH CIVIL GUARD WERE SHOT DEAD IN THECITY OF SAN SEBASTIAN.NOVEMBER, 1991:A BOMB PLANTED IN THE CAR OF A CIVIL GUARDSMAN IN BILBAO KILLED THETWO YEAR OLD SON OF THE INTENDED VICTIM. THE CIVIL GUARDSMAN ANDANOTHER CHILD WERE INJURED IN THE ATTACK.DECEMBER, 1991:TWO PLAINCLOTHES SPANISH POLICE OFFICERS WERE SHOT DEAD INBARCELONA.DECEMBER, 1991:THE ETA BOMBED THE LEADING LUXURY HOTEL IN THE SOUTHERN CITYOF SEVILLE, THE SITE OF EXPO 92.JANUARY, 1992:A SPANISH AIR FORCE MAJOR WAS SHOT DEAD IN AN AMBUSH IN BARCELONA.JANUARY, 1992:A FORMER SENATOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE BASQUE AUTONOMOUSREGIONS WAS ASSASSINATED NEAR THE UNIVERSITY OF VALENCIA.JANUARY, 1992:TWO MEMBERS OF A SPANISH MILITARY BAND WERE SHOT DEAD INTHE CENTER OF BARCELONA.FEBRUARY, 1992:FIVE PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND AT LEAST SIX WERE INJURED WHEN A BOMBDESTROYED A POLICE VAN IN CENTRAL MADRID.MARCH, 1992:A RETIRED SPANISH ARMY COLONEL WAS KILLED BY A LETTER BOMB THAT HADBEEN SENT TO HIM IN MADRID.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENT OFDEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA)</name>
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card_98102.xml
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<text>Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA) aka: The Orly Group, 3rd October Organization Description Marxist-Leninist Armenian terrorist group formed in 1975 with stated intention to compel the Turkish Government to acknowledge publicly its alleged responsibility for the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians in 1915, pay reparations, and cede territory for an Armenian homeland. Led by Hagop Hagopian until he was assassinated in Athens in April 1988. Activities Initial bombing and assassination attacks directed against Turkish targets. Later attacked French and Swiss targets to force release of imprisoned comrades. Made several minor bombing attacks against US airline offices in Western Europe in early 1980S. Bombing of Turkish airline counter at Orly Airport in Paris in 1983--eight killed and 55 wounded--led to split in group over rationale for causing indiscriminate casualties. Suffering from internal schisms, group has been relatively inactive over past four years, although recently claimed an unsuccessful attack on Turkish Ambassador to Hungary. Strength A few hundred members and sympathizers. Location/Area of Operation Lebanon, Western Europe, Armenia, United States, and Middle East. External Aid Has received aid, including training and safehaven, from Syria. May also receive some aid from Libya. Has extensive ties to radical Palestinian groups, including the PFLP and PFLP-GC. SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYJANUARY, 1975:BOMBED THE BEIRUT HEADQAURTERS OF THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHESBECAUSE OF ITS ROLE IN ASSISTING ARMENIANS TO EMIGRATE TO OTHERCOUNTRIES.OCTOBER, 1975:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MURDER OF THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR TOAUSTRIA. THE OPERATION WAS ALSO CLAIMED BY THE JUSTICE COMMANDOSOF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE (JCAG).OCTOBER, 1975:CLAIMED RESPONSIBLITY FOR THE MURDERS OF THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR TOFRANCE AND HIS CHAUFFER, WHO WERE MACHINE-GUNNED TO DEATH WHILEENROUTE TO THE TURKISH EMBASSY.FEBRUARY, 1976:ASSASSINATED THE FIRST SECRETARY OF THE TURKSIH EMBASSY IN BEIRUT.OCTOBER, 1976:DETONATED TWO BOMBS IN ISTANBUL, KILLING ONE AND WOUNDING FOUR.NOVEMBER, 1979:BOMB THE TWA OFFICE IN MADRID.DECEMBER, 1979:BOMBED THE TURKISH AIRLINES OFFICE IN LONDON. IN CLAIMINGRESPONSIBILITY, ASALA EXPRESSED SOLIDARITY WITH THE TERRORISTMOVEMENTS IN NORTHERN IRELAND.DECEMBER, 1979:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MURDER OF THE TURKISH PRESS ATTACHEIN PARIS.MARCH, 1980:BOMBED THE OFFICES HOUSING THE TURKISH AIRLINES AND THE TOURISTBUREAU IN ROME, KILLING TWO PERSONS.JUNE, 1980:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MURDER OF A TURKISH CONSULAREMPLOYEE IN GENEVA.OCTOBER, 1980:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOMBING OF THE ALITALIA OFFICE INMADRID.OCTOBER, 1980:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOMBING OF THE TURKISH AIRLINESOFFICE IN LONDON.NOVEMBER, 1980:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BOMBING OF THE SWISSAIR OFFICE INMADRID.JANUARY, 1981:BOMBED THE SWISSAIR OFFICE AND THE SWISS CONSULATE IN MILAN INRETALIATION FOR THE ARREST OF TWO ARMENIAN MILITANTS IN GENEVA.MARCH, 1981:ASSASSINATED THE TURKISH LABOR ATTACHE AND CONSUL FOR RELIGIOUSAFFAIRS IN PARIS.SEPTEMBER, 1981:STORMED THE TURKISH CONSULATE IN PARIS, KILLING A GUARD ANDSERIOUSLY WOUNDING A VICE-CONSUL. THE TERRORISTS HELD 51 PERSONSHOSTAGE FOR FIFTEEN HOURS BEFORE SURRENDERING.JUNE, 1982:ATTEMPTED TO BOMB THE AIR CANADA FREIGHT OFFICE AT LOS ANGELESINTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. POLICE DISARMED THE DEVICE FIFTEENMINUTES BEFORE IT WAS SET TO DETONATE.AUGUST, 1982:ATTACKED ISTANBUL'S ESENBOGA AIRPORT, KILLING SEVEN AND WOUNDINGSEVENTY TWO.JUNE, 1983:CARRIED OUT A GRENADE AND MACHINE GUN ATTACK ON THE ISTANBULBAZAAR, KILLING TWO.JULY, 1983:BOMBED THE TURKISH AIRLINES COUNTER AT ORLY, PARIS, KILLING SEVEN.MARCH, 1984:WOUNDED THE FIRST SECRETARY AND THE DEPUTY MILITARY ATTACHE OFTHE TURKISH EMBASSY IN TEHRAN.JANUARY-MAY, 1986:STAGED FIVE INCIDENTS IN LEBANON, RESULTING IN ONE KIDNAPPING, NINEDEATHS, TWO INJURIES, AND PROPERTY DAMAGE RESULTING FROM BOMBINGSAGAINST "DASHNAG" (RIGHT WING) ARMENIAN POLITICAL PARTY MEMBERS.ASALA CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY OR WAS SUSPECTED IN ALL OF THEOPERATIONS.SEPTEMBER, 1986:SUSPECTED OF INVOLVEMENT IN THE PARIS BOMBING CAMPAIGN.OCTOBER, 1987:IN EAST BEIRUT, LEBANON, GUNMEN ATTACKED THREE MEMBERS OF THEFRENCH EMBASSY GUARD FORCE, KILLING TWO AND WOUNDING ONE. ASALACLAIMED THE ATTACK WAS CARRIED OUT TO PRESSURE THE GOVERNMENT OFFRANCE TO RELEASE ASALA PRISONERS HELD IN FRANCE.APRIL, 1988:ASALA LEADER HAGOP HAGOPIAN KILLED IN ATHENS.DECEMBER, 1991:A LONE GUNMAN OPEENED FIRE ON A LIMOSINE IN WHICH THE TURKISHAMBASSADOR TO HUNGARY WAS RIDING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. ACALLER CLAIMING TO REPRESENT ASALA TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEATTACK.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT ANDDEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<name>Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA)</name>
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card_97954.xml
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<text>Algerian Terrorism Description Terrorism in Algeria is conducted by a number of indigenous Islamic militant groups seeking to overthrow the current secular regime and establish an Islamic state. Algerian violence began following the ouster of President Bendjedid in 1992 and the follow-on regime's voiding of the Islamic Salvation Front's (FIS) victory in parliamentary elections of December 1991. Following a government crackdown in which many FIS leaders were imprisoned or exiled, the Islamic movement in Algeria splintered into numerous militant groups, not all of which are affiliated with the FIS. Groups that have been responsible for terrorist attacks are the Armed Islamic Group (AIG), the Movement for an Islamic State (MIS), the Army of the Prophet Muhammad, the United Company of Jihad, and the Armed Islamic Movement (AIM). Activities Frequent attacks against regime targets, particularly police, security personnel, and government officials; these include assassinations and bombings. Algerian terrorists have turned increasingly to violence against civilians. Since June 1993, for example, they have killed seven Algerian journalists. In September 1993, Algerian terrorists began targeting foreign nationals in Algeria, murdering two Frenchmen. In October, they killed five foreign nationals and kidnapped several more, including three French Consular officials, and threatened to begin indiscriminate attacks on all foreign residents by December. Since 1992, at least 1,500 people have died in Algerian violence. Strength Unknown Location/Area of operation Algeria External Aid Algerian expatriates, many of whom reside in Western Europe, probably provide some financial support. In addition, Algiers accuses Iran and Sudan of supporting Algerian extremists and severed diplomatic relations with Iran in March 1993. 14 December 1993Algeria A large group of armed terrorists attacked a work camp of a hydro-electric project in Tamezguida. Fourteen Croatian citizens were taken out of the camp. Twelve were murdered by having their throats slit, but two others escaped with injuries. On 16 December the Armed Islamic Group claimed responsibility, stating that the attack was part of an ongoing campaign to rid Algeria of all foreigners and to avenge Muslims killed in Bosnia. 24 October 1993Algeria Three French diplomats were kidnapped as they left their apartment in Algiers. A police officer who attempted to prevent the kidnapping was shot and killed. On 26 October the Armed Islamic Group claimed responsibility for the incident. The three diplomats were released unharmed on the night of 30 October. 19 October 1993Algeria Terrorists kidnapped a Peruvian, a Filipino, and a Colombian from the cafeteria of an Italian construction firm in Tiaret. The three were technicians employed by the firm. On 21 October the three were found dead some fifty kilometers from the abduction site. Their throats had been cut. On 26 October, the extremist Armed Islamic Group claimed responsibility for this and other attacks against foreigners. </text>
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<name>Algerian Terrorism</name>
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card_97540.xml
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<text>Al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya (aka: The Islamic Group) Description An indigenous Egyptian Islamic extremist group active since the late 1970s; appears to be loosely organized with no single readily identifiable operational leader. Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman is the preeminent spiritual leader. Goal is to overthrow the government of President Hosni Mubarak and replace it with an Islamic state. Activities Armed attacks against Egyptian security and other officials, coptic Christians, Western tourists, and Egyptian opponents of Islamic extremism. It assassinated the speaker of the Egyptian assembly in October 1990 and launched a series of attacks on tourists in Egypt in 1992. The group wounded the Egyptian Information Minister in an assassination attempt in April 1993. Strength Not known, but probably several thousand hardcore nembers and another several thousand sympathizers. Location/Area of Operation operates mainly in the Al Minya, Asyut, and Qina Governorates of southern Egypt. It also appears to have support in Cairo, Alexandria, and other urban locations, particularly among unemployed graduates and students. External Aid Not known. Egyptian Government believes that Iran, Sudan, and Afghan militant Islamic groups support the group. January - May 1995:Mallawi, about 160 miles south of Cairo has been the seen of clashes betweenAl-Gama'a al-Islamiyya and the Egyptian government. At least 150 persons have been reported killed.January 1995:Over 670 policemen have been killed in political violence since 1992.9 December 1993Egypt A police officer was killed and six others injured when a group of terrorists opened fire on two movie houses which were showing foreign films. On 12 December Al-Gam'a al-Islamiyya claimed responsibility, stating that the attack was in retaliation for the screening of "immoral" films. 20 April 1993Egypt Terrorists attempted to assassinate Egyptian Information Minister Safwat Sharif in Cairo by firing shots at his motorcade. The Minister was slightly injured and his bodyguard seriously wounded. Al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya claimed responsibility for the attack. </text>
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<name>Al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya</name>
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card_97517.xml
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<text>Al-Fatah aka: Al-'Asifa. Description Headed by Yasser Arafat, Fatah joined the PLO in 1968 and won the leadership role in 1969. Its commanders were expelled from Jordan following violent confrontations with Jordanian forces during the period 1970-71, beginning with Black September in 1970. The Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 led to the group's dispersal to several Middle Eastern countries, including Tunisia, Yemen, Algeria, Iraq, and others. Maintains several military and intelligence wings that have carried out terrorist attacks, including Force 17 and the Western Sector. Two of its leaders, Abu Jihad and Abu Iyad, were assassinated in recent years. Activities In the 1960s and the 1970s, Fatah offered training to a wide range of European, Middle Eastern, Asian, and African terrorist and insurgent groups. Carried out numerous acts of international terrorism in western Europe and the Middle East in the early-tomiddle 1970s. Arafat signed the Declaration of Principles (DOP) with Israel in 1993 and renounced terrorism and violence. There has been no authorized terrorist operation since that time. Strength 6,000 to 8,000 Location/Area of Operation Headquartered in Tunisis, with bases in Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries. External Aid Has had close political and financial ties to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other moderate Gulf states. These relations were disrupted by the Gulf crisis of 1990-91. Also had links to Jordan. Received weapons, explosives, and training from the former USSR and the former Communist regimes of East European states. China and North Korea have reportedly provided some weapons. SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYNOTE: MANY OF THE INCIDENTS RELATED BELOW WERE CARRIED OUT AND IN MANY CASESCLAIMED BY COVERT FATAH SURROGATES, SUCH AS BLACK SEPTEMBER, FORCE 17, THEHAWARI GROUP, ETC.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------MARCH, 1971:A FIVE MAN FATAH TEAM DESTROYED FUEL TANKS AT THE OIL DOCKFACILITIES IN ROTTERDAM.JULY, 1971:ATTACKED AN ALIA (ROYAL JORDANIAN AIRLINES) OFFICE IN ROME.JULY, 1971:ATTACKED AN ALIA PLANE AT CAIRO.AUGUST, 1971:HIJACKED AN ALIA FLIGHT TO ALGERIA.SEPTEMBER, 1971:ATTEMPTED HIJACKING OF AN ALIA FLIGHT FROM BEIRUT TO CAIRO.NOVEMBER, 1971:ASSASSINATED THE JORDANIAN PRIME MINISTER, WASFI EL-TAL, IN CAIRO.CLAIMED BY BLACK SEPTEMBER.DECEMBER, 1971:ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF THE JORDANIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITEDKINGDOM IN LONDON.FEBRUARY, 1972:ASSASSINATED FIVE PALESTINIANS AND ONE JORDANIAN IN WEST GERMANY.MARCH, 1972:ATTEMPTED ATTACK AGAINST THE LONDON RESIDENCE OF JORDAN'S KINGHUSSEIN.SEPTEMBER, 1972:EIGHT BLACK SEPTEMBER TERRORISTS SEIZED THE DORMITORY OF ISRAELIATHLETES AT THE OLYMPIC VILLAGE IN MUNICH. WHEN THE INCIDENT WASEVENTUALLY RESOLVED, ELEVEN ISRAELI ATHLETES AND COACHES WERE DEAD,A GERMAN POLICEMAN WAS DEAD, FIVE TERRORISTS HAD BEEN KILLED, ANDTHREE CAPTURED. THE ARRESTED TERRORISTS WERE SUBSEQUENTLY RELEASEDBY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY FOLLOWING ALUFTHANSA HIJACKING IN OCTOBER, 1972.SEPTEMBER, 1972:SENT LETTER BOMBS FROM AMSTERDAM TO ISRAEL AND TO ISRAELIEMBASSIES AND CONSULATES IN PARIS, GENEVA, MONTREAL, VIENNA,OTTAWA, BRUSSELS, KINSHASA, BUENOS AIRES, AND WASHINGTON.NOVEMBER, 1972:ASSASSINATED A SYRIAN JOURNALIST IN FRANCE.DECEMBER, 1972:CAPTURED THE ISRAELI EMBASSY IN BANGKOK. TERRORISTS HELD SIXEMPLOYEES HOSTAGE, BUT RELEASED THEM AFTER 19 HOURS.JANUARY, 1973:ATTACKED THE JEWISH AGENCY IN PARIS.MARCH, 1973:OCCUPIED THE SAUDI EMBASSY IN SUDAN. THREE WESTERN DIPLOMATSINCLUDING THE AMERICAN AMBASSADOR, THE AMERICAN DEPUTY CHIEF OFMISSION, AND THE BELGIAN CHARGE, WERE MURDERED.SEPTEMBER, 1973:ATTEMPTED MISSILE ATTACK AGAINST AN EL AL AIRCRAFT IN ROME.SEPTEMBER, 1975:SEIZED AND OCCUPIED THE EGYPTIAN EMBASSY IN MADRID. THE TERRORISTSTOOK SIX DIPLOMATS HOSTAGE WHOM THEY THREATENED TO KILL UNLESSEGYPT WITHDREW FROM PEACE TALKS IN GENEVA AND CONDEMNED INTERIMAGREEMENTS WITH ISRAEL. THE TERRORISTS TOOK THEIR HOSTAGES TOALGIERS, WHERE THEY WERE RELEASED.JULY, 1978:ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF THE IRAQI AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITEDKINGDOM.AUGUST, 1978:ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF THE IRAQI CONSUL IN KARACHI.APRIL, 1985:THE COASTAL FREIGHTER "ATAVARIUS" WAS INTERCEPETED AND SUNK WHILEATTEMPTING TO INFILTRATE A FATAH RAIDING PARTY INTO ISRAEL.TWENTY RAIDERS WERE KILLED AND EIGHT WERE CAPTURED.SEPTEMBER, 1985:FORCE 17 OPERATIVES SEIZED A PRIVATE PLEASURE BOAT IN LARNACA,CYPRUS, TOOK THREE ISRAELIS ON BOARD HOSTAGE, AND BEFORESURRENDERING, MURDERED THEM.OCTOBER, 1985:FORCE 17 MURDERED TWO ISRAELI MERCHANT SEAMEN IN BARCELONA.FEBRUARY, 1986:FORCE 17 CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A BUS BOMBING IN ISRAEL THATWOUNDED SIX.JULY, 1986:FATAH OPERATIVES BELONGING TO THE HAWARI ORGANIZATION WEREARRESTED IN MOROCCO WHILE PLANNING A TERRORIST OPERATION.SEPTEMBER, 1986:AN ISRAELI CITIZEN WAS STABBED TO DEATH IN A MARKET IN GAZA. FORCE17 CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ATTACK.FEBRUARY, 1987:NINE PEOPLE WERE INJURED BY A BOMB ABOARD A BUS ENROUTE TOJERUSALEM FROM HAIFA. FORCE 17 CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.JULY, 1987:FORCE 17 CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A BUS BOMBING IN ISRAEL THATINJURED TWO PEOPLE.JULY, 1987:AN ANTI-ARAFAT CARTOONIST WAS MURDERED IN LONDON. FORCE 17 HASBEEN IMPLICATED IN THE ATTACK.MARCH, 1988:A BUS WAS HIJACKED BETWEEN BEERSHEBA AND DIMONA, ISRAEL. THREEPASSENGERS WERE KILLED BEFORE ISRAELI SECURITY FORCES STORMED THEBUS. FORCE 17 CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.OCTOBER, 1990:THREE ISRAELIS WERE STABBED TO DEATH AND ONE WAS WOUNDED. PERSONSCLAIMING TO REPRESENT FORCE SEVENTEEN AS WELL AS THE PALESTINIANISLAMIC JIHAD CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------PLEASE NOTE THAT FURTHER INFORMATION ON FATAH TERRORIST OPERATIONS MAY BEFOUND IN THE PROFILES OF VARIOUS FATAH SURROGATES SUCH AS FORCE 17.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT, DEPARTMENTOF DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<text>Abu Nidal Organization (ANO) aka: Fatah Revolutionary Council, Arab Revolutionary Council, Arab Revolutionary Brigades, Black September, Revolutionary Organization of Socialist Muslims. Description International terrorist organization led by Sabri al-Banna. Split from PLO in 1974. Made up of various functional committees, including political, military, and financial. Activities Has carried out over 90 terrorist attacks since 1974 in 20 countries, killing or injuring almost 900 people. Targets the united States, the United Kingdom, France, Israel, moderate Palestinians, the PLO, and various Arab countries, depending on which state is sponsoring it at the time. Major attacks include Rome and Vienna airports in December 1985, the Neve Shalom synagogue in Istanbul, the Pan Am Flight 73 hijacking in Karachi in September 1986, and The City of Poros day-excursion ship attack in July 1988 in Greece. Suspected of carrying out assassination on 14 January 1991 in Tunis of PLO deputy chief Abu Iyad and PLO security chief Abu Hul. ANO members also attacked and seriously wounded a senior ANO dissident in Algeria in March 1990. Strength Several hundred plus "militial" in Lebanon and overseas support structure. Location/Area of Operation Headquartered in Iraq (1974-83) and Syria (1983-87); currently headquartered in Libya with substantial presence in Lebanon (in the Bekaa Valley and several Palestinian refugee camps in coastal areas of Lebanon). Also has presence in Algeria. Has demonstrated ability to operate over wide area, including Middle East, Asia, and Europe. External Aid Has received considerable support, including safehaven, training, logistic assistance, and financial aid from Iraq and Syria (until 1987); continues to receive aid from Libya, in addition to close support for selected operations. Also has a presence in Sudan. SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYSEPTEMBER, 1973 - WHILE STILL AFFILIATED WITH FATAH, ABU NIDAL MOUNTED ANOPERATION, SEIZING THE EMBASSY OF SAUDI ARABIA IN PARIS, ANDDEMANDING THE RELEASE OF ABU DAWUD, A FATAH TERRORIST BEING HELDIN JORDAN.OCTOBER, 1974:ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF FATAH OFFICIAL ABU MAZIM. ABU NIDALWAS SENTENCED TO DEATH IN ABSENTIA BY FATAH FOR THIS ATTEMPT.SEPTEMBER, 1976:ATTACK AND TAKEOVER OF THE SEMIRAMIS HOTEL IN DAMASCUSOCTOBER, 1976:ATTACKS ON SYRIAN EMBASSIES IN ISLAMABAD AND ROME.NOVEMBER, 1976:ATTACK ON THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL IN AMMAN.DECEMBER, 1976:FAILED ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AGAINST SYRIAN FORTEIGN MINISTER INDAMASCUS.OCTOBER, 1977:ANOTHER FAILED ATTEMPT TO ASSASSINATE THE SYRIAN FOREIGN MINISTER,THIS TIME IN ABU DHABI. THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES MINISTER OFSTATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS WAS KILLED.AUGUST, 1978:ATTACK ON THE OFFICES OF THE PLO IN PAKISTAN.JULY, 1980:ATTACK ON THE CHILDREN OF A JEWISH SCHOOL IN ANTWERP.JULY, 1980:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MURDER OF THE ISRAELI COMMERCIALATTACHE IN BRUSSELS.MAY, 1981:MURDERED A VIENNA CITY COUNCILMAN AND THREATENED TO KILL AUSTRIANCHANCELLOR KREISKY.AUGUST, 1981:MACHINEGUNNED A VIENNA SYNAGOGUE, KILLING TWO AND WOUNDINGSEVENTEEN PEOPLE.JUNE, 1982:ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF SHLOMO ARGOV, ISRAELI AMBASSADOR TO THEUNITED KINGDOM.JUNE, 1982:MURDERED A PLO OFFICIAL IN ROME WITH A CAR BOMB.AUGUST, 1982:ATTEMPTED TO MURDER THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE) CONSUL INBOMBAY.SEPTEMBER, 1982:ASSASSINATED A KUWAITI DIPLOMAT IN MADRID.OCTOBER, 1982:KILLED ONE CHILD AND INJURED TEN PEOPLE IN A GRENADE ANDMACHINE-GUN ATTACK ON A SYNAGOGUE IN ROME.APRIL, 1983:MURDERED PLO OFFICIAL ISSAM SARTAWI AT THE SOCIALIST INTERNATIONALCONFERENCE IN LISBON.OCTOBER, 1983:ATTEMPTED TO MURDER THE JORDANIAN AMBASSADOR TO ITALY IN ROME.OCTOBER, 1983:SEVERELY WOUNDED THE JORDANIAN AMBASSADOR TO INDIA IN NEW DELHI.NOVEMBER, 1983:ATTACKED SECURITY GUARDS ASSIGNED TO THE JORDANIAN EMBASSY INATHENS, KILLING ONE AND WOUNDING ANOTHER.DECEMBER, 1983:BELIEVED RESPONSIBLE FOR BOMBING THE FRENCH CULTURAL CENTER INIZMIR, TURKEY.FEBRUARY, 1984:IMPLICATED IN THE PARIS MURDER OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESAMBASSADOR TO FRANCE.MARCH, 1984:ASSASSINATED A BRITISH DIPLOMAT IN ATHENS.NOVEMBER, 1984:ASSASSINATED THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER IN BOMBAY, INDIA.DECEMBER, 1984:MURDERED ARAFAT SUPPORTER ISMAIL DARWISH IN ROME.MARCH, 1985:KIDNAPPED BRITISH JOURNALIST ALEC COLLETT IN BEIRUT; COLLETT WASREPORTED TO HAVE BEEN MURDERED ONE YEAR LATER, BUT INFORMATION ISINCONCLUSIVE.MARCH, 1985:ATTACKED THE ROME OFFICES OF ALIA, THE ROYAL JORDANIAN AIRLINES,WOUNDING THREE PEOPLE. ALSO BELIEVED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THESIMULTANEOUS ATTACKS ON ALIA OFFICES IN ATHENS AND NICOSIA.APRIL, 1985:FIRED A ROCKET AT AN ALIA AIRLINER AS IT TOOK OFF FROM ATHENSAIRPORT. ALTHOUGH THE ROCKET DID NOT DETONATE, IT LEFT A HOLE INTHE FUSELAGE.JULY, 1985:BOMBED THE BRITISH AIRWAYS OFFICE IN MADRID, KILLING ONE ANDWOUNDING TWENTY SEVEN. FIVE MINUTES LATER ATTACKED THE MADRIDOFFICES OF ALIA, TWO BLOCKS AWAY, WOUNDING TWO PERSONS.SEPTEMBER, 1985:GRENADE ATTACK AGAINST THE CAFE DE PARIS IN ROME, WOUNDING THIRTYEIGHT PEOPLE.SEPTEMBER, 1985:HIJACKED AN EGYPTIAN AIRLINER TO MALTA, WHERE SIXTY PEOPLE WEREKILLED DURING A RESCUE ATTEMPT BY EGYPTIAN FORCES.DECEMBER, 1985:ATTACKED THE AIRPORTS AT ROME AND VIENNA, KILLING SIXTEEN ANDWOUNDING SCORES. CLAIMED BY THE CELLS OF THE ARAB FEDAYEEN.SEPTEMBER, 1986:ATTEMPTED HIJACKING OF PAN AMERICAN FLIGHT #73 AT KARACHI, KILLINGTWENTY TWO PERSONS.SEPTEMBER, 1986:LESS THAN TWENTY FOUR HOURS AFTER THE KARACHI ATTACK, ANOOPERATIVES ATTACKED THE NEVE SHALOM SYNAGOGUE IN ISTANBUL, KILLINGMORE THAN TWENTY WORSHIPPERS.JULY, 1987:CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR BOMBING A RESTAURANT ON THE WEST BANK OFTHE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES, WOUNDING FIFTEEN.NOVEMBER, 1987:CLAIMED TO HAVE SEIZED A YACHT OFF THE COAST OF ISRAEL AND TAKENITS EIGHT OCCUPANTS HOSTAGE.MARCH, 1988:A LONE GUNMAN ATTACKED AN ALITALIA AIRLINES CREW ABOARD A COMMUTERBUS IN BOMBAY, SERIOUSLY WOUNDING THE CREW CAPTAIN.MAY, 1988:IN KHARTOUM, SUDAN, ANO OPERATIVES KILLED EIGHT AND WOUNDEDTWENTY ONE IN SIMULTANEOUS ATTACKS ON THE ACROPOLE HOTEL AND THESUDAN CLUB.JULY, 1988:FOLLOWING THE PREMATURE DETONATION OF A CAR BOMB AT AN ATHENS PIER,IN WHICH TWO ANO OPERATIVES WERE KILLED, ANO GUNMEN ABOARD THE DAYCRUISE SHIP "CITY OF POROS" ATTACKED THE PASSENGERS, KILLING NINEAND WOUNDING NINETY EIGHT.JANUARY, 1991:ABU IYAD, CONSIDERED THE SECOND MOST SENIOR OFFICIAL OF FATAH AFTERYASSIR ARAFAT; AND ABU HUL, COMMANDER OF THE WESTERN SECTOR FORCESOF FATAH, WERE ASSASSINATED BY AN ABU NIDAL OPERATIVE.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT,DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<text><span class="style5">5 May OrganizationAbu Nidal Organization (ANO)Al-FatahAl-Gama'a al-IslamiyyaAlgerian TerrorismArmenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA)Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA)Chukaku-Ha (Nucleus or Middle Core Faction)Commission (CNPZ)Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP)Devrimci Sol (Revolutionary Left)Force 17GRAPOGuatemalan National Revolutionary Unity (URNG)HAMAS (Islamic Resistance Movement)HAWARI GROUPHizballah (Party of God)IRAULTZAIrish National Liberation Army (INLA)Japanese Red Army (JRA)Jihad GroupKurdistan Workers Party or Kurdistan Labor Party (PKK)Lautaro Youth Movement (MJL)Manuel Rodriguez Patriotic Front (FPMR)Morazanist Patriotic Front (FPM)Macheteros (Machete Wielders) MOZAMBICAN NATIONAL RESISTANCENational Liberation Army (ELN)--ColombiaNESTOR PAZ ZAMORA COMMISSIONNew People's Army (NPA)Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC)Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-Special Command (PFLP-SC)Popular Struggle Front (PSF)PPalestine Liberation Front (PLF)Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA)Puka Inti (Sol Rojo, Red Sun)Red Army Faction (RAF)Red Brigades (BR)Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)Revolutionary Organization 17 November (17 November)Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path, SL)Sikh TerrorismTERRA LLIUREThe Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)The Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK)Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA)Tupac Katari Guerrilla Army (EGTK)</span></text>
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<text>15 May Organization Description Formed in 1979 from remnants of Wadi Haddad's Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-Special Operations Group (PFLP-SOG). Led by Muhammad al-Umari, who is known throughout Palestinian circles as Abu Ibrahim or the bomb man. Group was never part of PLO. Reportedly disbanded in the mid-1980s when several key members joined Colonel Hawari's Special Operations Group of Fatah. Activities Claimed responsibility for several bombings in the early-to-middle 1980s, including hotel bombing in London (1980), El Al's Rome and Istanbul offices (1981), and Israeli Embassies in Athens and Vienna (1981). Anti-US attacks include an attempted bombing of a Pan Am airliner in Rio de Janeiro and a bombing on board a Pan Am flight from Tokyo to Honolulu in August 1982. (The accused bomber in this last attack, Mohammed Rashid, is currently awaiting trial in the United States for the bombing, which killed a Japanese teenager.) Strength 50 to 60 in early 1980s. Location/Area of Operation Baghdad until 1984. Before disbanding, operated in Middle East, Europe, and East Asia. Abu Ibrahim is reportedly in Iraq. External Aid Probably received logistic and financial support from Iraq until 1984. SELECTED INCIDENT CHRONOLOGYJANUARY, 1980:KILLED A 22 YEAR OLD ARAB STUDENT AND WOUNDED A GERMAN NATIONAL INA BOMBING OF THE MOUNT ROYAL HOTEL IN LONDON.MAY, 1981:DETONATED AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE OUTSIDE THE ROME OFFICE OF EL ALAIRLINES.AUGUST, 1981:DETONATED AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE NEAR THE EL AL OFFICE AT LEONARDO DAVINCI AIRPORT IN ROME.AUGUST, 1981:DETONATED AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE NEAR THE EMBASSY OF ISRAEL IN ATHENS.JANUARY, 1982:KILLED ONE CHILD AND WOUNDED 46 PERSONS IN THE BOMBING OF A JEWISHRESTAURANT IN WEST BERLIN.AUGUST, 1982:KILLED ONE PERSON AND INJURED FOURTEEN WITH A TIME-DELAY EXPLOSIVEDEVICE THAT DETONATED ON A PAN AMERICAN AIRCRAFT SHORTLY BEFORE ITLANDED IN HAWAII.DECEMBER, 1983:ATTEMPTED TO BLOW UP THREE AIRLINERS IN FLIGHT. EXPLOSIVE DEVICESWERE DISCOVERED ABOARD TWO ISRAEL-BOUND FLIGHTS AND A SUITCASE BOMBWAS DISCOVERED PRIOR TO BEING LOADED ABOARD A ROME-NEW YORK FLIGHT.JANUARY, 1984:ATTEMPTED TO BLOW UP AN EL AL FLIGHT FROM TEL AVIV TO ATHENS WITH ASUITCASE BOMB. THE ATTEMPT FAILED DUE TO A TECHNICAL MALFUNCTIONIN THE DEVICE.OCTOBER, 1985:ITALIAN POLICE ARRESTED TWO MEMBERS OF MAY 15 AND SEIZED DEVICESFOR USE IN ATTACKS ON AMERICAN EXPRESS AND THE AMERICAN EMBASSY INROME.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE ABOVE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM MULTIPLE STATE DEPARTMENT,DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, AND PUBLIC MEDIA SOURCE DOCUMENTS.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Taiwan GeographyLocation: Eastern Asia, islands bordering the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, north of the Philippines, off the southeastern coast of ChinaMap references: Southeast AsiaArea: total area: 35,980 sq km land area: 32,260 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland and Delaware combined note: includes the Pescadores, Matsu, and QuemoyLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 1,448 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: involved in complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; Paracel Islands occupied by China, but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; Japanese-administered Senkaku-shoto (Senkaku Islands/Diaoyu Tai) claimed by China and TaiwanClimate: tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August); cloudiness is persistent and extensive all yearTerrain: eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently rolling plains in westNatural resources: small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and asbestosLand use: arable land: 24% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 5% forest and woodland: 55% other: 15%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: water pollution from industrial emissions, raw sewage; air pollution; contamination of drinking water supplies; trade in endangered species natural hazards: earthquakes and typhoons international agreements: signed, but not ratified - Marine Life Conservation THE WORLD FACTBOOK Taiwan PeoplePopulation: 21,500,583 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 24% (female 2,543,134; male 2,665,878) 15-64 years: 68% (female 7,191,964; male 7,482,814) 65 years and over: 8% (female 734,535; male 882,258) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.93% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 15.33 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.71 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -0.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 5.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.47 years male: 72.17 years female: 78.93 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.81 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Chinese (singular and plural) adjective: ChineseEthnic divisions: Taiwanese 84%, mainland Chinese 14%, aborigine 2%Religions: mixture of Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist 93%, Christian 4.5%, other 2.5%Languages: Mandarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialectsLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980) total population: 86% male: 93% female: 79%Labor force: 7.9 million by occupation: industry and commerce 53%, services 22%, agriculture 15.6%, civil administration 7% (1989) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Taiwan GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Taiwan local long form: none local short form: T'ai-wanDigraph: TWType: multiparty democratic regime; opposition political parties legalized in March, 1989Capital: TaipeiAdministrative divisions: some of the ruling party in Taipei claim to be the government of all China; in keeping with that claim, the central administrative divisions include 2 provinces (sheng, singular and plural) and 2 municipalities* (shih, singular and plural) - Fu-chien (some 20 offshore islands of Fujian Province including Quemoy and Matsu), Kao-hsiung*, T'ai-pei*, and Taiwan (the island of Taiwan and the Pescadores islands); the more commonly referenced administrative divisions are those of Taiwan Province - 16 counties (hsien, singular and plural), 5 municipalities* (shih, singular and plural), and 2 special municipalities** (chuan-shih, singular and plural); Chang-hua, Chia-i, Chia-i*, Chi-lung*, Hsin-chu, Hsin-chu*, Hua-lien, I-lan, Kao-hsiung, Kao-hsiung**, Miao-li, Nan-t'ou, P'eng-hu, P'ing-tung, T'ai-chung, T'ai-chung*, T'ai-nan, T'ai-nan*, T'ai-pei, T'ai-pei**, T'ai-tung, T'ao-yuan, and Yun-lin; the provincial capital is at Chung-hsing-hsin-ts'un note: Taiwan uses the Wade-Giles system for romanizationNational holiday: National Day, 10 October (1911) (Anniversary of the Revolution)Constitution: 1 January 1947, amended in 1992, presently undergoing revisionLegal system: based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 20 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President LI Teng-hui (since 13 January 1988); Vice President LI Yuan-zu (since 20 May 1990) head of government: Premier (President of the Executive Yuan) LIEN Chan (since 23 February 1993); Vice Premier (Vice President of the Executive Yuan) HSU Li-teh (since 23 February 1993); presidential election last held 21 March 1990 (next election will probably be a direct popular election and will be held NA March 1996); results - President LI Teng-hui was reelected by the National Assembly; vice presidential election last held 21 March 1990; results - LI Yuan-zu was elected by the National Assembly cabinet: Executive Yuan; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch: unicameral Legislative Yuan and unicameral National Assembly THE WORLD FACTBOOK Taiwan Government Legislative Yuan: elections last held 19 December 1992 (next to be held NA December 1995); results - KMT 60%, DPP 31%, independents 9%; seats - (304 total, 161 elected) KMT 96, DPP 50, independents 15 National Assembly: first National Assembly elected in November 1946 with a supplementary election in December 1986; second and present National Assembly elected in December 1991; seats - (403 total) KMT 318, DPP 75, other 10; (next election to be held probably in 1996 and will be a direct popular election)Judicial branch: Judicial YuanPolitical parties and leaders: Kuomintang (KMT, Nationalist Party), LI Teng-hui, chairman; Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), SHIH Ming-teh, chairman; Chinese New Party (CNP); Labor Party (LP)Other political or pressure groups: Taiwan independence movement, various environmental groups note: debate on Taiwan independence has become acceptable within the mainstream of domestic politics on Taiwan; political liberalization and the increased representation of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan's legislature have opened public debate on the island's national identity; advocates of Taiwan independence, both within the DPP and the ruling Kuomintang, oppose the ruling party's traditional stand that the island will eventually unify with mainland China; the aims of the Taiwan independence movement include establishing a sovereign nation on Taiwan and entering the UN; other organizations supporting Taiwan independence include the World United Formosans for Independence and the Organization for Taiwan Nation BuildingMember of: expelled from UN General Assembly and Security Council on 25 October 1971 and withdrew on same date from other charter-designated subsidiary organs; expelled from IMF/World Bank group April/May 1980; seeking to join GATT; attempting to retain membership in INTELSAT; suspended from IAEA in 1972, but still allows IAEA controls over extensive atomic development, APEC, AsDB, BCIE, ICC, IOC, WCLDiplomatic representation in US: none; unofficial commercial and cultural relations with the people of the US are maintained through a private instrumentality, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) with headquarters in Taipei and field offices in Washington and 10 other US citiesUS diplomatic representation: unofficial commercial and cultural relations with the people of Taiwan are maintained through a private institution, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), which has offices in Taipei at #7, Lane 134, Hsin Yi Road, Section 3, telephone [886] (2) 709-2000, and in Kao-hsiung at #2 Chung Cheng 3d Road, telephone [886] (7) 224-0154 through 0157, and the American Trade Center at Room 3207 International Trade Building, Taipei World Trade Center, 333 Keelung Road Section 1, Taipei 10548, telephone [886] (2) 720-1550Flag: red with a dark blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a white sun with 12 triangular rays THE WORLD FACTBOOK Taiwan EconomyOverview: Taiwan has a dynamic capitalist economy with considerable government guidance of investment and foreign trade and partial government ownership of some large banks and industrial firms. Real growth in GNP has averaged about 9% a year during the past three decades. Export growth has been even faster and has provided the impetus for industrialization. Inflation and unemployment are remarkably low. Agriculture contributes about 4% to GDP, down from 35% in 1952. Taiwan currently ranks as number 13 among major trading countries. Traditional labor-intensive industries are steadily being replaced with more capital- and technology-intensive industries. Taiwan has become a major investor in China, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The tightening of labor markets has led to an influx of foreign workers, both legal and illegal.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $257 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 6% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $12,070 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.2% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 1.6% (1994)Budget: revenues: $30.3 billion expenditures: $30.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991 est.)Exports: $93 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: electrical machinery 19.7%, electronic products 19.6%, textiles 10.9%, footwear 3.3%, foodstuffs 1.0%, plywood and wood products 0.9% (1993 est.) partners: US 27.6%, Hong Kong 21.7%, EC countries 15.2%, Japan 10.5% (1994 est.)Imports: $85.1 billion (c.i.f., 1994) commodities: machinery and equipment 15.7%, electronic products 15.6%, chemicals 9.8%, iron and steel 8.5%, crude oil 3.9%, foodstuffs 2.1% (1993 est.) partners: Japan 30.1%, US 21.7%, EC countries 17.6% (1993 est.)External debt: $620 million (1992 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 4.5% (1994 est.); accounts for more than 40% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 21,460,000 kW production: 108 billion kWh consumption per capita: 4,789 kWh (1993)Industries: electronics, textiles, chemicals, clothing, food processing, plywood, sugar milling, cement, shipbuilding, petroleum refining THE WORLD FACTBOOK Taiwan EconomyAgriculture: accounts for 4% of GDP and 16% of labor force (includes part-time farmers); heavily subsidized sector; major crops - vegetables, rice, fruit, tea; livestock - hogs, poultry, beef, milk; not self-sufficient in wheat, soybeans, corn; fish catch increasing, reached 1.4 million metric tons in 1988Illicit drugs: an important heroin transit point; also a major drug money laundering centerEconomic aid: recipient: US, including Ex-Im (FY46-82), $4.6 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $500 millionCurrency: 1 New Taiwan dollar (NT$) = 100 centsExchange rates: New Taiwan dollars per US$1 - 26.2 (1994), 26.6 (1993), 25.4 (1992), 25.748 (1991), 27.108 (1990), 26.407 (1989)Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June THE WORLD FACTBOOK Taiwan TransportationRailroads: total: 4,600 km; note - 1,075 km in common carrier service and about 3,525 km is dedicated to industrial use narrow gauge: 4,600 km 1.067-mHighways: total: 20,041 km paved: bituminous, concrete pavement 17,095 km unpaved: crushed stone, gravel 2,371 km; graded earth 575 kmPipelines: petroleum products 615 km; natural gas 97 kmPorts: Chi-lung (Keelung), Hua-lien, Kao-hsiung, Su-ao, T'ai-chungMerchant marine: total: 198 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,635,682 GRT/8,652,111 DWT ships by type: bulk 55, cargo 30, chemical tanker 1, combination bulk 2, combination ore/oil 1, container 78, oil tanker 17, passenger-cargo 1, refrigerated cargo 12, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1Airports: total: 41 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 8 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 11 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 6 with paved runways under 914 m: 8 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 2 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Taiwan CommunicationsTelephone system: 7,800,000 telephones; best developed system in Asia outside of Japan local: NA intercity: extensive microwave radio relay links on east and west coasts international: 2 INTELSAT (1 Pacific Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) earth stations; submarine cable links to Japan (Okinawa), Philippines, Guam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Australia, Middle East, and Western EuropeRadio: broadcast stations: AM 91, FM 23, shortwave 0 radios: 8.62 millionTelevision: broadcast stations: 15 (repeaters 13) televisions: 6.386 million (color 5,680,000, monochrome 706,000) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Taiwan Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy (includes Marines), Air Force, Coastal Patrol and Defense Command, Armed Forces Reserve Command, Military Police CommandManpower availability: males age 15-49 6,293,884; males fit for military service 4,863,014; males reach military age (19) annually 201,191 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $9.8 billion, 3.4% of GDP (FY94/95); $9.77 billion proposed for FY95/96 budget billion proposed for FY95/96 budgetAfghanis.0Albania.1Algeria.2American.3Andorra.4Angola.5Anguilla.6Antarcti.7Antigua_.8Arctic_O.9Argentin.10Armenia.11Aruba.12Ashmore_.13Atlantic.14Australi.15Austria.16Azerbaij.17The_Baha.18Bahrain.19Baker_Is.20Banglade.21Barbados.22Bassas_d.23Belarus.24Belgium.25Belize.26Benin.27Bermuda.28Bhutan.29Bolivia.30Bosnia_a.31Botswana.32Bouvet_I.33Brazil.34British_.35Brunei.36Bulgaria.37Burkina.38Burma.39Burundi.40Cambodia.41Cameroon.42Canada.43Cape_Ver.44Cayman_I.45Central_.46Chad.47Chile.48China.49Christma.50Clippert.51Cocos__K.52Colombia.53Comoros.54Congo.55Cook_Isl.56Coral_Se.57Costa_Ri.58Cote_d'I.59Croatia.60Cuba.61Cyprus.62Czech_Re.63Denmark.64Djibouti.65Dominica.66Ecuador.67Egypt.68El_Salva.69Equatori.70Eritrea.71Estonia.72Ethiopia.73Europa_I.74Falkland.75Faroe_Is.76Fiji.77Finland.78France.79French_G.80French_P.81French_S.82Gabon.83The_Gamb.84Gaza_Str.85Georgia.86Germany.87Ghana.88Gibralta.89Glorioso.90Greece.91Greenlan.92Grenada.93Guadelou.94Guam.95Guatemal.96Guernsey.97Guinea.98Guinea_B.99Guyana.100Haiti.101Heard_Is.102Holy_See.103Honduras.104Hong_Kon.105Howland_.106Hungary.107Iceland.108India.109Indian_O.110Indonesi.111Iran.112Iraq.113Ireland.114Israel.115Italy.116Jamaica.117Jan_Maye.118Japan.119Jarvis_I.120Jersey.121Johnston.122Jordan.123Juan_de_.124Kazakhst.125Kenya.126Kingman_.127Kiribati.128Korea__N.129Korea__S.130Kuwait.131Kyrgyzst.132Laos.133Latvia.134Lebanon.135Lesotho.136Liberia.137Libya.138Liechten.139Lithuani.140Luxembou.141Macau.142Macedoni.143Madagasc.144Malawi.145Malaysia.146Maldives.147Mali.148Malta.149Man__Isl.150Marshall.151Martiniq.152Mauritan.153Mauritiu.154Mayotte.155Mexico.156Micrones.157Midway_I.158Moldova.159Monaco.160Mongolia.161Montserr.162Morocco.163Mozambiq.164Namibia.165Nauru.166Navassa_.167Nepal.168Netherla.169New_Cale.170New_Zeal.171Nicaragu.172Niger.173Nigeria.174Niue.175Norfolk_.176Northern.177Norway.178Oman.179Pacific_.180Pakistan.181Palau.182Palmyra_.183Panama.184Papua_Ne.185Paracel_.186Paraguay.187Peru.188Philippi.189Pitcairn.190Poland.191Portugal.192Puerto_R.193Qatar.194Reunion.195Romania.196Russia.197Rwanda.198Saint_He.199Saint_Ki.200Saint_Lu.201Saint_Pi.202Saint_Vi.203San_Mari.204Sao_Tome.205Saudi_Ar.206Senegal.207Serbia_a.208Seychell.209Sierra_L.210Singapor.211Slovakia.212Slovenia.213Solomon_.214Somalia.215South_Af.216South_Ge.217Spain.218Spratly_.219Sri_Lank.220Sudan.221Suriname.222Svalbard.223Swazilan.224Sweden.225Switzerl.226Syria.227Tajikist.228Tanzania.229Thailand.230Togo.231Tokelau.232Tonga.233Trinidad.234Tromelin.235Tunisia.236Turkey.237Turkmeni.238Turks_an.239Tuvalu.240Uganda.241Ukraine.242United_A.243United_K.244United_S.245Uruguay.246Uzbekist.247Vanuatu.248Venezuel.249Vietnam.250Virgin_I.251Wake_Isl.252Wallis_a.253West_Ban.254Western_.255World.256Yemen.257Zaire.258Zambia.259Zimbabwe.260Taiwan.261</text>
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<text>TAIWAN - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 5 days. AIDS test mandatory for anyone staying over 3 months; U.S. test sometimesaccepted. For business travel, longer stays or other informationcontact Coordination Council for North American Affairs (CCNAA), 4201 WisconsinAvenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016-2137 (202/895-1800). Additionaloffices are in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Guam, Honolulu, Houston,Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Taiwan============================================================Taiwan - Consular Information Sheet February 27, 1995Country Description: Taiwan is continuing its transition toward democracy and has a strong and well-developed economy. Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Visas are not required for stays up to fourteen days, provided that the traveler's passport is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, and the traveler is in possession of a return air ticket. Visas for stays of up to two months are free of charge and must be obtained prior to entry. For specific visa information, travelers may contact the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO), 4201 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016-2137; telephone: (202) 895-1800. TECRO also has offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Guam, Honolulu, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.Medical Facilities: Health facilities in Taiwan are fully adequate for routine medical treatment. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental overseas medical insurance, including coverage for medical evacuation, has proven useful. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide payment of medical services outside the United States. The international traveler's hotline at the Centers for Disease Control (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: The overall crime rate on Taiwan is low. Residential burglaries and thefts are the predominant types of crimes which affect foreigners on Taiwan, but other more serious street crimes do occasionally occur. Generally, U.S. citizen visitors to Taiwan should follow the basic security precautions that they would follow in a large city. Local police assistance throughout Taiwan is considered to be good. Local police departments all have foreign affairs sections which are normally staffed by English-speaking officers. Police contact numbers for the major cities on Taiwan are as follows: Taipei - (02) 556-6007, Kaohsiung - (07) 221-5796, Tainan - (06) 222-9704, Taichung - (04) 220-3032. Some foreign businesses have also been the victims of criminal extortion attempts. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police, and to the American Institute in Taiwan, in either the Taipei or the Kaohsiung office. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country or area in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and/or large fines.Registration: Americans who register at the American Institute in Taiwan may obtain updated information on travel and security within Taiwan. The American Institute in Taiwan does not issue U.S. passports directly; passport applications are sent to the American Consulate General in Hong Kong for processing. Processing time for U.S. passports takes three weeks. If immediate travel is necessary, the American Institute in Taiwan can issue a travel letter for travel to Hong Kong or the U.S., but not for any other destination.Embassy Location: Unofficial relations with the people of Taiwan are conducted through the American Institute in Taiwan whose offices are authorized by law to perform American citizen services. For assistance, U.S. citizen travelers can contact the American Institute in Taiwan at No. 7 Lane 134, Hsin Yi Road Section 3 Taipei, Taiwan; Telephone: (886-2) 709-2000 or the American Institute in Taiwan at No. 2 Chung Cheng 3rd Road, 5th floor, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, telephone: [886-7] 224-0154. In case of emergencies after working hours, the duty officer at Taipei can be contacted at (886-2) 709-2013. No. 95-033This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 19, 1994, provides current requirements for entry into Taiwan, and introduces the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO), formerly known as the Coordination Council for North American Affairs (CCNAA).----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zimbabwe GeographyLocation: Southern Africa, northeast of BotswanaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 390,580 sq km land area: 386,670 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than MontanaLand boundaries: total 3,066 km, Botswana 813 km, Mozambique 1,231 km, South Africa 225 km, Zambia 797 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: quadripoint with Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia is in disagreementClimate: tropical; moderated by altitude; rainy season (November to March)Terrain: mostly high plateau with higher central plateau (high veld); mountains in eastNatural resources: coal, chromium ore, asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron ore, vanadium, lithium, tin, platinum group metalsLand use: arable land: 7.25% permanent crops: 0.25% (coffee is a permanent crop) meadows and pastures: 12.5% forest and woodland: 49% other: 31%Irrigated land: 2,250 sq km (1993 est.)Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; land degradation; air and water pollution; the black rhinoceros herd - once the largest concentration of the species in the world - has been significantly reduced by poaching natural hazards: recurring droughts; floods and severe storms are rare international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - DesertificationNote: landlocked THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zimbabwe PeoplePopulation: 11,139,961 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 47% (female 2,588,193; male 2,617,485) 15-64 years: 51% (female 2,915,697; male 2,723,511) 65 years and over: 2% (female 151,635; male 143,440) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.78% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 36.35 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 18.54 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.) note: following the settlement of hostilities in Mozambique in 1992, refugees from the fighting there began to return to their homes; this process continues at a lesser rate in 1995; there is a small but steady flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa in search of better paid employmentInfant mortality rate: 72.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 41.35 years male: 39.73 years female: 43.01 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 4.93 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Zimbabwean(s) adjective: ZimbabweanEthnic divisions: African 98% (Shona 71%, Ndebele 16%, other 11%), white 1%, mixed and Asian 1%Religions: syncretic (part Christian, part indigenous beliefs) 50%, Christian 25%, indigenous beliefs 24%, Muslim and other 1%Languages: English (official), Shona, SindebeleLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1982) total population: 78% male: 84% female: 72%Labor force: 3.1 million by occupation: agriculture 74%, transport and services 16%, mining, manufacturing, construction 10% (1987) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zimbabwe GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Zimbabwe conventional short form: Zimbabwe former: Southern RhodesiaDigraph: ZIType: parliamentary democracyCapital: HarareAdministrative divisions: 8 provinces; Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Masvingo (Victoria), Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, MidlandsIndependence: 18 April 1980 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 18 April (1980)Constitution: 21 December 1979Legal system: mixture of Roman-Dutch and English common lawSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: Executive President Robert Gabriel MUGABE (since 31 December 1987); Co-Vice President Simon Vengai MUZENDA (since 31 December 1987); Co-Vice President Joshua M. NKOMO (since 6 August 1990); election last held 28-30 March 1990 (next to be held NA March 1996); results - Robert MUGABE 78.3%, Edgar TEKERE 21.7% cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president; responsible to ParliamentLegislative branch: unicameral Parliament: elections last held 8-9 April 1995 (next to be held NA March 2000); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (150 total, 120 elected) ZANU-PF 118, ZANU-S 2Judicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), Robert MUGABE; Zimbabwe African National Union-Sithole (ZANU-S), Ndabaningi SITHOLE; Zimbabwe Unity Movement (ZUM), Edgar TEKERE; Democratic Party (DP), Emmanuel MAGOCHE; Forum Party of Zimbabwe, Enock DUMBUTSHENA; United Parties, Abel MUZOREWAMember of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-15, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, OAU, PCA, SADC, UN, UNAMIR, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMUR, UNOSOM, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Amos Bernard Muvengwa MIDZI chancery: 1608 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zimbabwe Government telephone: [1] (202) 332-7100 FAX: [1] (202) 483-9326US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Johnny CARSON embassy: 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare mailing address: P. O. Box 3340, Harare telephone: [263] (4) 794521 FAX: [263] (4) 796488Flag: seven equal horizontal bands of green, yellow, red, black, red, yellow, and green with a white equilateral triangle edged in black based on the hoist side; a yellow Zimbabwe bird is superimposed on a red five-pointed star in the center of the triangle THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zimbabwe EconomyOverview: Agriculture employs three-fourths of the labor force and supplies almost 40% of exports. The manufacturing sector, based on agriculture and mining, produces a variety of goods and contributes 35% to GDP. Mining accounts for only 5% of both GDP and employment, but minerals and metals account for about 40% of exports. Severe drought caused GDP to drop 8% in 1992, with growth rebounding to 2% in 1993 and 3.5% in 1994. Despite the lingering effects of the drought on economic and social conditions, the government is continuing to push its IMF/World Bank structural adjustment program aimed at encouraging exports and foreign investment.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $17.4 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 3.5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $1,580 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 22% (December 1994 est.)Unemployment rate: at least 45% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $1.7 billion expenditures: $2.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $253 million (FY92/93)Exports: $1.8 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: agricultural 35% (tobacco 30%, other 5%), manufactures 25%, gold 12%, ferrochrome 10%, textiles 8% (1992) partners: UK 14%, Germany 11%, South Africa 10%, Japan 7%, US 5% (1991)Imports: $1.8 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment 41%, other manufactures 23%, chemicals 16%, fuels 12% (1991) partners: South Africa 25%, UK 15%, Germany 9%, US 6%, Japan 5% (1991)External debt: $3.5 billion (December 1992 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 2.3% (1992); accounts for 35% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 2,040,000 kW production: 9 billion kWh consumption per capita: 913 kWh (1993)Industries: mining, steel, clothing and footwear, chemicals, foodstuffs, fertilizer, beverage, transportation equipment, wood productsAgriculture: accounts for 20% of GDP; 40% of land area divided into 4,500 large commercial farms and 42% in communal lands; crops - corn (food staple), cotton, tobacco, wheat, coffee, sugarcane, peanuts; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats, pigs; self-sufficient in food THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zimbabwe EconomyEconomic aid: NACurrency: 1 Zimbabwean dollar (Z$) = 100 centsExchange rates: Zimbabwean dollars (Z$) per US$1 - 8.3752 (January 1995), 8.1500 (1994), 6.4725 (1993), 5.1046 (1992), 3.4282 (1991), 2.4480 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zimbabwe TransportationRailroads: total: 2,745 km narrow gauge: 2,745 km 1.067-m gauge (355 km electrified; 42 km double track)Highways: total: 85,237 km paved: 15,800 km unpaved: crushed stone, gravel, stabilized earth 39,090 km; improved earth 23,097 km; unimproved earth 7,250 kmInland waterways: Lake Kariba is a potential line of communicationPipelines: petroleum products 212 kmPorts: Binga, KaribaAirports: total: 471 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 13 with paved runways under 914 m: 222 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 223 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zimbabwe CommunicationsTelephone system: 247,000 telephones; system was once one of the best in Africa, but now suffers from poor maintenance local: NA intercity: consists of microwave links, open-wire lines, and radio communications stations international: 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 8, FM 18, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 8 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zimbabwe Defense ForcesBranches: Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Republic Police (includes Police Support Unit, Paramilitary Police)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 2,435,931; males fit for military service 1,514,068 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $175 million, 3.1% of GDP (FY94/95)</text>
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<text>ZIMBABWE - Passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient fundsrequired. Visitors must declare currency upon arrival. Forregulations check with Embassy of Zimbabwe, 1608 New Hampshire Ave., N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/332-7100)STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Zimbabwe============================================================Zimbabwe - Consular Information Sheet January 20, 1995Country Description: Zimbabwe is a landlocked southern African country with extensive tourist facilities.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Although no visa is required to enter Zimbabwe, immigration authorities require a firm itinerary, sufficient funds to support the visit, and a return ticket to the United States. Onward tickets to non-U.S. destinations may not suffice. If these requirements are not met, immigration authorities may order departure by the next available flight. Departing air travelers must pay a $20 departure tax. Travelers may obtain further information regarding entry requirements by contacting the Embassy of Zimbabwe, 1608 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone (202) 332-7100.Areas of Instability: Land mines along the Mozambique border, which is outside the main tourist areas, make travel to the border area potentially hazardous.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Zimbabwe are limited. Some medicine is in short supply. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. Zimbabwe is suffering greatly from the AIDS pandemic. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Muggings, purse snatchings and break-ins are an increasing problem in Harare and Bulawayo. Thieves often operate in downtown Harare, especially in crowded areas, and on public transportation. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.In-Country Travel: Intercity bus travel can be dangerous due to overloaded buses, inadequate maintenance, unskilled drivers and occasional cases of drivers operating buses while intoxicated. When driving in cities, individuals generally keep windows rolled up and doors locked. Scheduled air travel is available to several cities and tourist destinations throughout Zimbabwe.Currency Regulations: Travelers to Zimbabwe are required to pay for all lodging with foreign currency or credit cards. Zimbabwe currency, even if obtained by exchanging foreign cash or travelers' checks in Zimbabwe, will not be accepted for payment of hotel bills. Restrictions on Photography: Zimbabwean authorities are extremely sensitive about photographing certain locations and buildings, including government offices, airports, military installations, official residences and embassies.Arrest or Detention: U.S. consular officials are not always granted quick access to Americans detained by Zimbabwean police. Embassy protests to the Government of Zimbabwe have not improved this situation.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security in Zimbabwe.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, P.O. Box 3340, in the capital city of Harare. The telephone number is (263-4) 794-521. In emergency situations during non-working hours, a duty officer can be contacted through the Marine Security Guard on duty at the Embassy. No. 95-006This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 18, 1993, to revise information concerning medical facilities and currency regulations.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zambia GeographyLocation: Southern Africa, east of AngolaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 752,610 sq km land area: 740,720 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than TexasLand boundaries: total 5,664 km, Angola 1,110 km, Malawi 837 km, Mozambique 419 km, Namibia 233 km, Tanzania 338 km, Zaire 1,930 km, Zimbabwe 797 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: quadripoint with Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe is in disagreement; Tanzania-Zaire-Zambia tripoint in Lake Tanganyika may no longer be indefinite since it is reported that the indefinite section of the Zaire-Zambia boundary has been settledClimate: tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to April)Terrain: mostly high plateau with some hills and mountainsNatural resources: copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, coal, emeralds, gold, silver, uranium, hydropower potentialLand use: arable land: 7% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 47% forest and woodland: 27% other: 19%Irrigated land: 320 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: air pollution and resulting acid rain in the mineral extraction and refining region; poaching seriously threatens rhinoceros and elephant populations; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; lack of adequate water treatment presents human health risks natural hazards: tropical storms (November to April) international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - DesertificationNote: landlocked THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zambia PeoplePopulation: 9,445,723 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 50% (female 2,331,820; male 2,363,319) 15-64 years: 48% (female 2,332,798; male 2,193,363) 65 years and over: 2% (female 112,484; male 111,939) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.7% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 45.47 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 18.42 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -0.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 86 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 42.88 years male: 42.74 years female: 43.03 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.62 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Zambian(s) adjective: ZambianEthnic divisions: African 98.7%, European 1.1%, other 0.2%Religions: Christian 50%-75%, Muslim and Hindu 24%-49%, indigenous beliefs 1%Languages: English (official) note: about 70 indigenous languagesLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 73% male: 81% female: 65%Labor force: 3.4 million by occupation: agriculture 85%, mining, manufacturing, and construction 6%, transport and services 9% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zambia GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Zambia conventional short form: Zambia former: Northern RhodesiaDigraph: ZAType: republicCapital: LusakaAdministrative divisions: 9 provinces; Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka, Northern, North-Western, Southern, WesternIndependence: 24 October 1964 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 24 October (1964)Constitution: 2 August 1991Legal system: based on English common law and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in an ad hoc constitutional council; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Frederick CHILUBA (since 31 October 1991); Vice President General Godfrey MIYANDA (since NA August 1994; he replaced Levy MWANAWASA who was elected 31 October 1991 and resigned in NA August 1994) election last held 31 October 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - Frederick CHILUBA 84%, Kenneth KAUNDA 16% cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president from members of the National AssemblyLegislative branch: unicameral National Assembly: elections last held 31 October 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (150 total) MMD 125, UNIP 25; note - the MMD's majority was weakened by the defection of 13 of its parliamentary members during 1993 and the defeat of its candidates in 4 of the resulting by-electionsJudicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), Frederick CHILUBA; United National Independence Party (UNIP), Kebby MUSOKATWANE; National Party (NP), Inonge MBIKUSITA-LEWANIKA;Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-19, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, NAM, OAU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Dunstan Weston KAMANA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zambia Government chancery: 2419 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 265-9717 through 9719 FAX: [1] (202) 332-0826US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Roland K. KUCHEL embassy: corner of Independence Avenue and United Nations Avenue, Lusaka mailing address: P. O. Box 31617, Lusaka telephone: [260] (1) 228595, 228601, 228602, 228603 FAX: [260] (1) 261538Flag: green with a panel of three vertical bands of red (hoist side), black, and orange below a soaring orange eagle, on the outer edge of the flag THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zambia EconomyOverview: Prior to 1993 the economy had been in decline for more than a decade with falling imports and growing foreign debt. Economic difficulties stemmed largely from a chronically depressed level of copper production and weak copper prices, generally ineffective economic policies, and high inflation. An annual population growth of 3% brought a decline in per capita GDP of 50% over the decade. However, economic reforms enacted since 1992 have helped reduce inflation, have begun to strengthen the social safety net, and have been accompanied by GDP growth at an estimated 6.8% in 1993 and 4% in 1994. The huge external debt remains a key problem.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $7.9 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 4% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $860 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 89% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $665 million expenditures: $767 million, including capital expenditures of $300 million (1991 est.)Exports: $1.01 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: copper, zinc, cobalt, lead, tobacco partners: EC countries, Japan, South Africa, US, IndiaImports: $1.13 billion (c.i.f., 1993 est.) commodities: machinery, transportation equipment, foodstuffs, fuels, manufactures partners: EC countries, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, USExternal debt: $7.3 billion (1993)Industrial production: growth rate -1% (1992); accounts for 42% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 2,440,000 kW production: 7.8 billion kWh consumption per capita: 650 kWh (1993)Industries: copper mining and processing, construction, foodstuffs, beverages, chemicals, textiles, and fertilizerAgriculture: accounts for 12% of GDP and 85% of labor force; crops - corn (food staple), sorghum, rice, peanuts, sunflower, tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, cassava; cattle, goats, beef, eggsIllicit drugs: increasingly a regional transshipment center for methaqualone and heroin THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zambia EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (1970-89), $4.8 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.8 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $60 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $533 millionCurrency: 1 Zambian kwacha (ZK) = 100 ngweeExchange rates: Zambian kwacha (ZK) per US$1 - 672.8 (September 1994), 434.78 (1993), 156.25 (1992), 61.7284 (1991), 28.9855 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zambia TransportationRailroads: total: 1,273 km narrow gauge: 1,273 km 1.067-m gauge (13 km double track) note: not a part of Zambia Railways is the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), which operates 1,860 km of 1.067-m narrow gauge track between Dar es Salaam and New Kapiri M'poshi where it connects to the Zambia Railways system; 891 km of the TAZARA line transit ZambiaHighways: total: 36,370 km paved: 6,500 km unpaved: crushed stone, gravel, stabilized earth 7,000 km; improved, unimproved earth 22,870 kmInland waterways: 2,250 km, including Zambezi and Luapula Rivers, Lake TanganyikaPipelines: crude oil 1,724 kmPorts: MpulunguAirports: total: 113 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 4 with paved runways under 914 m: 39 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 4 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 57 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zambia CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; facilities are among the best in Sub-Saharan Africa local: NA intercity: high capacity micrwave radio relay connects most larger towns and cities international: 2 INTELSAT earth stations (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean)Radio: broadcast stations: AM 11, FM 5, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 9 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zambia Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Air Force, PoliceManpower availability: males age 15-49 1,953,967; males fit for military service 1,028,113 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $45 million, 1.4% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>ZAMBIA - Passport and visa required. Obtain visa in advance. Visavalid up to 6 months, requires $10 fee (no personal checks), 2 applicationforms and 2 photos. Business visa also requires company letter. Yellowfever and cholera immunizations recommended. Apply Embassy of the Republicof Zambia, 2419 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008(202/265-9717-21).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Zambia============================================================Zambia - Consular Information Sheet June 16, 1995Country Description: Zambia is a developing African country. Tourist facilities outside of well-known game parks are not fully developed.Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens must have a passport and a Zambia visa prior to entering the country. Further entry information can be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia, 2419 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 265-9717.Areas of Instability: Tourist destinations, including national parks located in eastern Zambia, are visited without incident by large numbers of tourists, including Americans. However, visitors' security is uncertain in border areas, especially on the Great East Road along the Mozambique border, the northern border with Zaire, and in the west near Angola.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited. Cholera and yellow fever are endemic. Malaria is widespread. U.S. medical insurance does not always provide coverage outside of the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside of the United States. Travelers have found supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage to be useful. Additional information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Crime is prevalent in Zambia. Armed carjackings, muggings and petty theft are commonplace in Lusaka, especially on Cairo Road, in other commercial areas, and housing compounds. Armed residential break-ins are frequent occurrences in many neighborhoods. Travel at night is considered particularly risky, both in Lusaka and on roads outside of the city. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Other Information: Zambia Airways, the country's national airline, suspended all flight operations and went into liquidation in December 1994. Other international air carriers service Lusaka, and another domestic airline flies between some Zambia cities. Public ground transportation is generally unreliable and unsafe.Travel to military areas and photographing military facilities are prohibited. Photography of any area other than tourist attractions may be challenged by authorities. Wearing of apparel that could be mistaken for a military uniform can cause problems for visitors. Foreigners are sometimes detained by Zambia police and security forces for no apparent reason. In arrest cases, Zambia authorities are often slow in informing embassies of their citizens' detention.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy upon arrival in Lusaka may obtain updated information on travel and security in the country.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at the corner of Independence and United Nations Avenues in the capital city of Lusaka. The mailing address isP.O. Box 31617, Lusaka, Zambia. The telephone number is (260-1) 250-955; the fax number is (260-1) 252-225. No. 95-072This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 14, 1994, to update the sections on medical facilities and information on crime.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Zambia============================================================Zambia - Consular Information Sheet June 16, 1995Country Description: Zambia is a developing African country. Tourist facilities outside of well-known game parks are not fully developed.Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens must have a passport and a Zambia visa prior to entering the country. Further entry information can be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia, 2419 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 265-9717.Areas of Instability: Tourist destinations, including national parks located in eastern Zambia, are visited without incident by large numbers of tourists, including Americans. However, visitors' security is uncertain in border areas, especially on the Great East Road along the Mozambique border, the northern border with Zaire, and in the west near Angola.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited. Cholera and yellow fever are endemic. Malaria is widespread. U.S. medical insurance does not always provide coverage outside of the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside of the United States. Travelers have found supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage to be useful. Additional information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Crime is prevalent in Zambia. Armed carjackings, muggings and petty theft are commonplace in Lusaka, especially on Cairo Road, in other commercial areas, and housing compounds. Armed residential break-ins are frequent occurrences in many neighborhoods. Travel at night is considered particularly risky, both in Lusaka and on roads outside of the city. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Other Information: Zambia Airways, the country's national airline, suspended all flight operations and went into liquidation in December 1994. Other international air carriers service Lusaka, and another domestic airline flies between some Zambia cities. Public ground transportation is generally unreliable and unsafe.Travel to military areas and photographing military facilities are prohibited. Photography of any area other than tourist attractions may be challenged by authorities. Wearing of apparel that could be mistaken for a military uniform can cause problems for visitors. Foreigners are sometimes detained by Zambia police and security forces for no apparent reason. In arrest cases, Zambia authorities are often slow in informing embassies of their citizens' detention.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy upon arrival in Lusaka may obtain updated information on travel and security in the country.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at the corner of Independence and United Nations Avenues in the capital city of Lusaka. The mailing address isP.O. Box 31617, Lusaka, Zambia. The telephone number is (260-1) 250-955; the fax number is (260-1) 252-225. No. 95-072This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 14, 1994, to update the sections on medical facilities and information on crime.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zaire GeographyLocation: Central Africa, northeast of AngolaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 2,345,410 sq km land area: 2,267,600 sq km comparative area: slightly more than one-quarter the size of USLand boundaries: total 10,271 km, Angola 2,511 km, Burundi 233 km, Central African Republic 1,577 km, Congo 2,410 km, Rwanda 217 km, Sudan 628 km, Uganda 765 km, Zambia 1,930 kmCoastline: 37 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: boundaries with neighbors territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: Tanzania-Zaire-Zambia tripoint in Lake Tanganyika may no longer be indefinite since it is reported that the indefinite section of the Zaire-Zambia boundary has been settled; long section with Congo along the Congo River is indefinite (no division of the river or its islands has been made)Climate: tropical; hot and humid in equatorial river basin; cooler and drier in southern highlands; cooler and wetter in eastern highlands; north of Equator - wet season April to October, dry season December to February; south of Equator - wet season November to March, dry season April to OctoberTerrain: vast central basin is a low-lying plateau; mountains in eastNatural resources: cobalt, copper, cadmium, petroleum, industrial and gem diamonds, gold, silver, zinc, manganese, tin, germanium, uranium, radium, bauxite, iron ore, coal, hydropower potentialLand use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 78% other: 15%Irrigated land: 100 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: poaching threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; deforestation; 1.2 million Rwandan refugees are responsible for significant deforestation, soil erosion, and wildlife poaching in eastern Zaire natural hazards: periodic droughts in south; volcanic activity THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zaire Geography international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Environmental ModificationNote: straddles Equator; very narrow strip of land that controls the lower Congo River and is only outlet to South Atlantic Ocean; dense tropical rain forest in central river basin and eastern highlands THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zaire PeoplePopulation: 44,060,636 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 48% (female 10,522,368; male 10,527,451) 15-64 years: 50% (female 11,211,353; male 10,630,118) 65 years and over: 2% (female 647,307; male 522,039) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.18% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 48.33 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 16.57 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.) note: in 1994, more than one million refugees fled into Zaire to escape the fighting between the Hutus and the Tutsis in Rwanda and Burundi; a small number of these are returning to their homes in 1995 despite fear of the ongoing violence; additionally, Zaire is host to 105,000 Angolan, more than 250,000 Burundian and 100,000 Sudanese refugees; repatriation of Angolan refugees was suspended in May 1994 because of the recurrence of fighting in Angola; if present peace accords hold, repatriation of Angolans may recommenceInfant mortality rate: 108.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 47.54 years male: 45.68 years female: 49.46 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.7 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Zairian(s) adjective: ZairianEthnic divisions: over 200 African ethnic groups, the majority are Bantu; four largest tribes - Mongo, Luba, Kongo (all Bantu), and the Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic) make up about 45% of the populationReligions: Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%, Kimbanguist 10%, Muslim 10%, other syncretic sects and traditional beliefs 10%Languages: French, Lingala, Swahili, Kingwana, Kikongo, TshilubaLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 72% male: 84% female: 61% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zaire PeopleLabor force: 15 million (25% of the labor force comprises wage earners) by occupation: agriculture 75%, industry 13%, services 12% (1985) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zaire GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Zaire conventional short form: Zaire local long form: Republique du Zaire local short form: Zaire former: Belgian Congo Congo/Leopoldville Congo/KinshasaDigraph: CGType: republic with a strong presidential systemCapital: KinshasaAdministrative divisions: 10 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 town* (ville); Bandundu, Bas-Zaire, Equateur, Haut-Zaire, Kasai-Occidental, Kasai-Oriental, Kinshasa*, Maniema, Nord-Kivu, Shaba, Sud-KivuIndependence: 30 June 1960 (from Belgium)National holiday: Anniversary of the Regime (Second Republic), 24 November (1965)Constitution: 24 June 1967, amended August 1974, revised 15 February 1978; amended April 1990; new transitional constitution promulgated in April 1994Legal system: based on Belgian civil law system and tribal law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsoryExecutive branch: chief of state: President Marshal MOBUTU Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa Za Banga (since 24 November 1965) election last held 29 July 1984 (next to be held by 9 July 1995); results - President MOBUTU was reelected without opposition head of government: Prime Minister Leon KENGO wa Dondo (since 14 June 1994) cabinet: National Executive Council; appointed by mutual agreement of the president and the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral parliament: a single body consisting of the High Council of the Republic and the Parliament of the Transition with membership equally divided between presidential supporters and opponentsJudicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Political parties and leaders: sole legal party until January 1991 - Popular Movement of the Revolution (MPR); other parties include Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), Etienne TSHISEKEDI wa Mulumba; Democratic Social Christian Party (PDSC); Union of Federalists and Independent Republicans (UFERI); Unified Lumumbast Party (PALU), Antoine GIZENGA; Union of Independent Democrats (UDI), Leon KENGO wa Dondo THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zaire GovernmentMember of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador TATANENE Manata chancery: 1800 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 234-7690, 7691US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: (vacant); Charge d'Affaires John M. YATES embassy: 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa mailing address: Unit 31550, Kinshasha; APO AE 09828 telephone: [243] (12) 21532, 21628 FAX: [243] (12) 21534 ext. 2308, 21535 ext. 2308; (88) 43805, 43467Flag: light green with a yellow disk in the center bearing a black arm holding a red flaming torch; the flames of the torch are blowing away from the hoist side; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zaire EconomyOverview: Zaire's economy has continued to disintegrate although Prime Minister KENGO has had some success in slowing the rate of economic decline. While meaningful economic figures are difficult to come by, Zaire's hyperinflation, chronic large government deficits, and plunging mineral production have made the country one of the world's poorest. Most formal transactions are conducted in hard currency as indigenous bank notes have lost almost all value, and a barter economy now flourishes in all but the largest cities. Most individuals and families hang on grimly through subsistence farming and petty trade. The government has not been able to meet its financial obligations to the International Monetary Fund or put in place the financial measures advocated by the IMF. Although short-term prospects for improvement are dim, improved political stability would boost Zaire's long-term potential to effectively exploit its vast wealth of mineral and agricultural resources.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $18.8 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 4% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $440 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 40% per month (1993 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports: $362 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: copper, coffee, diamonds, cobalt, crude oil partners: US, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, UK, Japan, South AfricaImports: $356 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: consumer goods, foodstuffs, mining and other machinery, transport equipment, fuels partners: South Africa, US, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UKExternal debt: $9.2 billion (May 1992 est.)Industrial production: growth rate -20% (1993); accounts for 16% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 2,830,000 kW production: 6.2 billion kWh consumption per capita: 133 kWh (1993)Industries: mining, mineral processing, consumer products (including textiles, footwear, cigarettes, processed foods and beverages), cement, diamonds THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zaire EconomyAgriculture: cash crops - coffee, palm oil, rubber, quinine; food crops - cassava, bananas, root crops, cornIllicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis, mostly for domestic consumptionEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.1 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $6.9 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $35 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $263 million note: except for humanitarian aid to private organizations, no US assistance has been given to Zaire since 1992Currency: 1 zaire (Z) = 100 makutaExchange rates: new zaires (Z) per US$1 - 3,275.71 (December 1994), 1,194.12 (1994), 2.51 (1993); zaire (Z) per US$1 - 645,549 (1992), 15,587 (1991), 719 (1990) note: on 22 October 1993 the new zaire, equal to 3,000,000 old zaires, was introducedFiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zaire TransportationRailroads: total: 5,138 km; note - severely reduced trackage in use because of civil strife narrow gauge: 3,987 km 1.067-m gauge (858 km electrified); 125 km 1.000-m gauge; 1,026 km 0.600-m gaugeHighways: total: 146,500 km paved: 2,800 km unpaved: gravel, improved earth 46,200 km; unimproved earth 97,500 kmInland waterways: 15,000 km including the Congo, its tributaries, and unconnected lakesPipelines: petroleum products 390 kmPorts: Banana, Boma, Bukavu, Bumba, Goma, Kalemie, Kindu, Kinshasa, Kisangani, Matadi, MbandakaMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 270 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 4 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 15 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 with paved runways under 914 m: 97 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 22 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 127 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zaire CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones local: NA intercity: NA barely adequate wire and microwave service in and between urban areas; 14 domestic earth stations international: 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 10, FM 4, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 18 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Zaire Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, paramilitary Civil Guard, Special Presidential DivisionManpower availability: males age 15-49 9,479,245; males fit for military service 4,828,367 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $46 million, 1.5% of GDP (1990)</text>
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<text>ZAIRE Passport and visa required. Visa must be obtained beforearrival. Transit visa for stay up to 8 days, single-entry $45; double-entry $70.Tourist/business visa, valid 1 month $75-120, 2 months $140-180, 3months $190-220 and 6 months $264-360, requires 3 photos, 3 applications,yellow fever immunization and onward/return ticket. Business visa alsorequires company letter accepting financial responsibility for traveler. Nopersonal checks, send money order and enclose SASE for return ofpassport by mail. Apply Embassy of the Republic of Zaire, 1800 New HampshireAve., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/234-7690/1) or Permanent Mission tothe U.N., 747 Third Ave., New York, NY 10017 (212/754-1966).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Zaire============================================================Zaire - Consular Information Sheet November 9, 1995Country Description: Zaire is the largest Sub-Saharan African country. Despite plentiful human and natural resources, it is in a deep political and economic crisis which has resulted in the dramatic deterioration of its physical infrastructure, insecurity and increased crime in cities, occasional official hostility to U.S. citizens and other expatriates, periodic shortages of basic items such as gasoline, chronic shortages of medical supplies, high inflation, corruption, and in some areas, serious malnutrition. Tourism facilities are minimal and only essential travel is recommended.Entry Requirements: A visa must be obtained in advance. Travelers should obtain the latest information from the Zairan Embassy, 1800 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 at (202) 234-7690 or 234-7691, or Zaire's Permanent Mission to the U.N. at 2 Henry Avenue, North Caldwell, New Jersey 07006, telephone (201) 812-1636. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Zarian Embassy or Consulate.Areas of Instability:(North and South Kivu Provinces) - Rwandan refugees near the cities of Goma and Bukavu still number in the hundreds of thousands. Foreigners have been the subject of attacks by armed bandits, some of which have resulted in fatalities. Explosive incidents in the Goma region, many involving landmines, have increased dramatically in recent months.(Urban Areas) - Military mutinies in 1991 and 1993 caused many deaths and major property loss, damage, and destruction in Kinshasa and elsewhere. The underlying causes of these mutinies -- the inability of the Zairan government to pay the military enough to support themselves and their families -- have not been resolved. Civil disturbances, including looting and the possibility of physical harm, can occur without warning in all urban areas.Corrupt Zairan security personnel may seek bribes to perform their duties, or single out foreigners and stop them on the street for proof of immigration status. Travelers are advised not to be belligerent if confronted with these situations and to contact the U.S. Embassy if taken into custody.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited and medicine is in short supply. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment in full for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid or accepted outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance, with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage, has proven useful. For additional information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's International Travelers hotline (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: The deterioration of Zaire's economy has led to an increase in crime. Vehicle thefts, including armed carjackings, occur, as do burglaries and other crimes. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20420.In Country Travel: Intercity roads are difficult at all times and often impassable in the rainy season. When driving in cities, individuals should keep windows up and doors locked. At roadblocks or checkpoints, documents are shown through closed windows. Visitors to the interior may be required to obtain a "mining permit" in Kinshasa before continuing the trip, regardless of the purpose of the trip.(Zaire/Congo Border Crossing) - A special exit permit from Zaire's immigration department and a visa from an embassy of the Congo are required to cross the Congo River from Kinshasa to Brazzaville.(Zaire/Central African Republic Border Crossing) - Ferry service to the Central African Republic is not reliable.Currency Regulations: The foreign exchange office at N'Djili airport in Kinshasa is closed. U.S. dollars and travelers checks can, in theory, be exchanged for local currency (New Zaire's) at banks, but there is often insufficient new Zaire cash on hand to make transactions. Visitors may be given an unfavorable rate of exchange, making any daily necessities extremely expensive. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside of a few major hotels. Taking Zairan currency out of the country is illegal. With the continued devaluation of the new Zaire currency, U.S. dollar cash has become a popular means for unofficial transactions greater than 100 dollars. Participating in unofficial money exchanges, however, is illegal. Foreigners have been picked up for infractions and had their money confiscated. Large denominations of U.S. currency may not be widely accepted.Photography Restrictions: Photography of public buildings, military installations, and the banks of the Congo River is forbidden. Offenders can expect to be arrested, held for at least several hours, and fined. Film and cameras may also be confiscated.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, and trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Civil Aviation Oversight: In November 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration assessed Zaire's civil aviation authority as not in compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards for Zaire's carriers operating to and from the U.S. Typically, the same level of safety oversight is applied to operations to other destinations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Zaire. The U.S. Embassy is at 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa. The telephone number is (243-12) 21532 or 21628. The Consular section of the Embassy is located at Avenue d'Isiro, Mobil Building; the telephone number is (243-12) 21532, extension 2376. Telephone service is often unreliable and cellular phones are becoming increasing popular. The Embassy's cellular switchboard phone number is (243-88) 43608. American staff left the Consulate General in Lubumbashi in 1991; the caretaker staff at the Consulate cannot provide consular assistance. No. 95-145This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 2, 1994 to update paragraphs on entry requirements, areas of instability, crime information, in country travel and Embassy phone numbers.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Zaire============================================================Zaire - Public Announcement May 11, 1995U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman For Immediate ReleaseThe U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa has updated the information on the Public Announcement issued May 8, 1995, regarding the possible outbreak of a hemorrhagic fever in Zaire. The Embassy reports the cause of the hemorrhagic fever outbreak in the Kikwit area of Bandundu Province, Zaire, is a strain of the Ebola virus, as confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta. The Ebola virus is communicable and fatal to a high percentage of those infected. No known cure is available at this time. In addition, there is an ongoing outbreak of bloody diarrhea, which is treatable but has also caused several deaths. Zairian authorities, assisted by international health organizations, are working to contain the outbreak. The area is now reportedly under quarantine by the Zairian military. Anyone planning to travel to or near the affected area should postpone such travel. The U.S. Embassy will continue to monitor the situation and report new developments as necessary.Individuals requiring additional information on the Ebola virus may contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta at (404) 332-4559 or (404) 639-3534.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories-----STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Zaire============================================================Zaire - Consular Information Sheet November 9, 1995Country Description: Zaire is the largest Sub-Saharan African country. Despite plentiful human and natural resources, it is in a deep political and economic crisis which has resulted in the dramatic deterioration of its physical infrastructure, insecurity and increased crime in cities, occasional official hostility to U.S. citizens and other expatriates, periodic shortages of basic items such as gasoline, chronic shortages of medical supplies, high inflation, corruption, and in some areas, serious malnutrition. Tourism facilities are minimal and only essential travel is recommended.Entry Requirements: A visa must be obtained in advance. Travelers should obtain the latest information from the Zairan Embassy, 1800 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 at (202) 234-7690 or 234-7691, or Zaire's Permanent Mission to the U.N. at 2 Henry Avenue, North Caldwell, New Jersey 07006, telephone (201) 812-1636. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Zarian Embassy or Consulate.Areas of Instability:(North and South Kivu Provinces) - Rwandan refugees near the cities of Goma and Bukavu still number in the hundreds of thousands. Foreigners have been the subject of attacks by armed bandits, some of which have resulted in fatalities. Explosive incidents in the Goma region, many involving landmines, have increased dramatically in recent months.(Urban Areas) - Military mutinies in 1991 and 1993 caused many deaths and major property loss, damage, and destruction in Kinshasa and elsewhere. The underlying causes of these mutinies -- the inability of the Zairan government to pay the military enough to support themselves and their families -- have not been resolved. Civil disturbances, including looting and the possibility of physical harm, can occur without warning in all urban areas.Corrupt Zairan security personnel may seek bribes to perform their duties, or single out foreigners and stop them on the street for proof of immigration status. Travelers are advised not to be belligerent if confronted with these situations and to contact the U.S. Embassy if taken into custody.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited and medicine is in short supply. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment in full for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid or accepted outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance, with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage, has proven useful. For additional information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's International Travelers hotline (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: The deterioration of Zaire's economy has led to an increase in crime. Vehicle thefts, including armed carjackings, occur, as do burglaries and other crimes. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20420.In Country Travel: Intercity roads are difficult at all times and often impassable in the rainy season. When driving in cities, individuals should keep windows up and doors locked. At roadblocks or checkpoints, documents are shown through closed windows. Visitors to the interior may be required to obtain a "mining permit" in Kinshasa before continuing the trip, regardless of the purpose of the trip.(Zaire/Congo Border Crossing) - A special exit permit from Zaire's immigration department and a visa from an embassy of the Congo are required to cross the Congo River from Kinshasa to Brazzaville.(Zaire/Central African Republic Border Crossing) - Ferry service to the Central African Republic is not reliable.Currency Regulations: The foreign exchange office at N'Djili airport in Kinshasa is closed. U.S. dollars and travelers checks can, in theory, be exchanged for local currency (New Zaire's) at banks, but there is often insufficient new Zaire cash on hand to make transactions. Visitors may be given an unfavorable rate of exchange, making any daily necessities extremely expensive. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside of a few major hotels. Taking Zairan currency out of the country is illegal. With the continued devaluation of the new Zaire currency, U.S. dollar cash has become a popular means for unofficial transactions greater than 100 dollars. Participating in unofficial money exchanges, however, is illegal. Foreigners have been picked up for infractions and had their money confiscated. Large denominations of U.S. currency may not be widely accepted.Photography Restrictions: Photography of public buildings, military installations, and the banks of the Congo River is forbidden. Offenders can expect to be arrested, held for at least several hours, and fined. Film and cameras may also be confiscated.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, and trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Civil Aviation Oversight: In November 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration assessed Zaire's civil aviation authority as not in compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards for Zaire's carriers operating to and from the U.S. Typically, the same level of safety oversight is applied to operations to other destinations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Zaire. The U.S. Embassy is at 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa. The telephone number is (243-12) 21532 or 21628. The Consular section of the Embassy is located at Avenue d'Isiro, Mobil Building; the telephone number is (243-12) 21532, extension 2376. Telephone service is often unreliable and cellular phones are becoming increasing popular. The Embassy's cellular switchboard phone number is (243-88) 43608. American staff left the Consulate General in Lubumbashi in 1991; the caretaker staff at the Consulate cannot provide consular assistance. No. 95-145This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 2, 1994 to update paragraphs on entry requirements, areas of instability, crime information, in country travel and Embassy phone numbers.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. 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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Yemen GeographyLocation: Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea, between Oman and Saudi ArabiaMap references: Middle EastArea: total area: 527,970 sq km land area: 527,970 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than twice the size of Wyoming note: includes Perim, Socotra, the former Yemen Arab Republic (YAR or North Yemen), and the former People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY or South Yemen)Land boundaries: total 1,746 km, Oman 288 km, Saudi Arabia 1,458 kmCoastline: 1,906 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 18 nm in the North; 24 nm in the South continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: undefined section of boundary with Saudi Arabia; a treaty with Oman defining the Yemeni-Omani boundary was ratified in December 1992Climate: mostly desert; hot and humid along west coast; temperate in western mountains affected by seasonal monsoon; extraordinarily hot, dry, harsh desert in eastTerrain: narrow coastal plain backed by flat-topped hills and rugged mountains; dissected upland desert plains in center slope into the desert interior of the Arabian PeninsulaNatural resources: petroleum, fish, rock salt, marble, small deposits of coal, gold, lead, nickel, and copper, fertile soil in westLand use: arable land: 6% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 30% forest and woodland: 7% other: 57%Irrigated land: 3,100 sq km (1989 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Yemen GeographyEnvironment: current issues: very limited natural fresh water resources; inadequate supplies of potable water; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification natural hazards: sandstorms and dust storms in summer international agreements: party to - Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate ChangeNote: controls Bab el Mandeb, the strait linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, one of world's most active shipping lanes THE WORLD FACTBOOK Yemen PeoplePopulation: 14,728,474 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 50% (female 3,551,953; male 3,776,358) 15-64 years: 48% (female 3,505,735; male 3,508,229) 65 years and over: 2% (female 216,210; male 169,989) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 4.02% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 44.85 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 8.01 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 3.39 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 58.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 62.51 years male: 61.57 years female: 63.5 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 7.15 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Yemeni(s) adjective: YemeniEthnic divisions: predominantly Arab; Afro-Arab concentrations in western coastal locations; South Asians in southern regions; small European communities in major metropolitan areasReligions: Muslim including Sha'fi (Sunni) and Zaydi (Shi'a), small numbers of Jewish, Christian, and HinduLanguages: ArabicLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 38% male: 53% female: 26%Labor force: no reliable estimates exist, most people are employed in agriculture and herding or as expatriate laborers; services, construction, industry, and commerce account for less than half of the labor force THE WORLD FACTBOOK Yemen GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Yemen conventional short form: Yemen local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Yamaniyah local short form: Al YamanDigraph: YMType: republicCapital: SanaaAdministrative divisions: 17 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Abyan, Adan, Al Bayda, Al Hudaydah, Al Jawf, Al Mahrah, Al Mahwit, Dhamar, Hadramaut, Hajjah, Ibb, Lahij, Marib, Sadah, Sana, Shabwah, Taizz note: there may be a new governorate for the capital city of SanaaIndependence: 22 May 1990 Republic of Yemen was established on 22 May 1990 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}; previously North Yemen had become independent on NA November 1918 (from the Ottoman Empire) and South Yemen had become independent on 30 November 1967 (from the UK)National holiday: Proclamation of the Republic, 22 May (1990)Constitution: 16 May 1991Legal system: based on Islamic law, Turkish law, English common law, and local tribal customary law; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Ali Abdallah SALIH (since 22 May 1990, the former president of North Yemen); Vice President Abd al-Rab Mansur al-HADI (since NA October 1994) head of government: Prime Minister Abd al-Aziz ABD AL-GHANI (since NA October 1994) cabinet: Council of MinistersLegislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives: elections last held 27 April 1993 (next to be held NA 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (301 total) GPC 124, Islaah 61, YSP 55, others 13, independents 47, election nullified 1Judicial branch: Supreme Court THE WORLD FACTBOOK Yemen GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: over 40 political parties are active in Yemen, but only three project significant influence; since the May-July 1994 civil war, President SALIH's General People's Congress (GPC) and Shaykh Abdallah bin Husayn al-AHMAR's Yemeni Grouping for Reform, or Islaah, have joined to form a coalition government; the Yemeni Socialist Party (YSP), headed by Ali Salih UBAYD, has regrouped as a loyal oppositionOther political or pressure groups: NAMember of: ACC, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Muhsin Ahmad al-AYNI chancery: Suite 705, 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: [1] (202) 965-4760, 4761 FAX: [1] (202) 337-2017US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador David NEWTON embassy: Dhahr Himyar Zone, Sheraton Hotel District, Sanaa mailing address: P. O. Box 22347 Sanaa; Sanaa, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-6330 telephone: [967] (1) 238843 through 238852 FAX: [967] (1) 251563Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black; similar to the flag of Syria which has two green stars and of Iraq which has three green stars (plus an Arabic inscription) in a horizontal line centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Egypt which has a symbolic eagle centered in the white band THE WORLD FACTBOOK Yemen EconomyOverview: Whereas the northern city Sanaa is the political capital of a united Yemen, the southern city Aden, with its refinery and port facilities, is the economic and commercial capital. Future economic development depends heavily on Western-assisted development of the country's moderate oil resources. Former South Yemen's willingness to merge stemmed partly from the steady decline in Soviet economic support. The low level of domestic industry and agriculture has made northern Yemen dependent on imports for practically all of its essential needs. Once self-sufficient in food production, northern Yemen has become a major importer. Land once used for export crops - cotton, fruit, and vegetables - has been turned over to growing a shrub called qat, whose leaves are chewed for their stimulant effect by Yemenis and which has no significant export market. Economic growth in former South Yemen has been constrained by a lack of incentives, partly stemming from centralized control over production decisions, investment allocation, and import choices. Yemen's large trade deficits have been compensated for by remittances from Yemenis working abroad and by foreign aid. Since the Gulf crisis, remittances have dropped substantially. Growth in 1994-95 is constrained by low oil prices, rapid inflation, and political deadlock that are causing a lack of economic cooperation and leadership. However, a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia in February 1995 and the expectation of a rise in oil prices brighten Yemen's economic prospects.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $23.4 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: -1.4% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $1,955 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 145% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 30% (December 1994)Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports: $1.75 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: crude oil, cotton, coffee, hides, vegetables, dried and salted fish partners: Germany 28%, Japan 15%, UK 9%, Austria 7%, China 7% (1992)Imports: $2.65 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: textiles and other manufactured consumer goods, petroleum products, sugar, grain, flour, other foodstuffs, cement, machinery, chemicals partners: US 16%, UK 7%, Japan 6%, France 6%, Italy 6% (1992)External debt: $7 billion (1993)Industrial production: growth rate NA%, accounts for 18% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 810,000 kW production: 1.8 billion kWh THE WORLD FACTBOOK Yemen Economy consumption per capita: 149 kWh (1993)Industries: crude oil production and petroleum refining; small-scale production of cotton textiles and leather goods; food processing; handicrafts; small aluminum products factory; cementAgriculture: accounts for 26% of GDP; products - grain, fruits, vegetables, qat (mildly narcotic shrub), coffee, cotton, dairy, poultry, meat, fish; not self-sufficient in grainEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $389 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $3.2 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.4 billionCurrency: Yemeni rial (new currency); 1 North Yemeni riyal (YR) = 100 fils; 1 South Yemeni dinar (YD) = 1,000 fils note: following the establishment of the Republic of Yemen on 22 May 1990, the North Yemeni riyal and the South Yemeni dinar are to be replaced with a new Yemeni rialExchange rates: Yemeni rials per US$1 - 12.0 (official); 90 (market rate, December 1994)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Yemen TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 51,390 km paved: 4,830 km unpaved: 46,560 km (1992 est.)Pipelines: crude oil 644 km; petroleum products 32 kmPorts: Aden, Al Hudaydah, Al Mukalla, Mocha, NishtunMerchant marine: total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 12,059 GRT/18,563 DWT ships by type: cargo 1, oil tanker 2Airports: total: 46 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 4 with unpaved runways over 3,047 m: 2 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 10 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 12 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Yemen CommunicationsTelephone system: 65,000 telephones; since unification in 1990, efforts are still being made to create a national domestic civil telecommunications network local: NA intercity: the network consists of microwave radio relay, cable, and troposcatter international: 3 INTELSAT (2 Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean), 1 Intersputnik, and 2 ARABSAT earth stations; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and DjiboutiRadio: broadcast stations: AM 4, FM 1, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 10 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Yemen Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary (includes Police)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 3,135,649; males fit for military service 1,771,226; males reach military age (14) annually 181,057 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.65 billion, 7.1% of GDP (1993)</text>
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<text>YEMEN REPUBLIC OF- Passport and visa required. Visa valid 30 days fromdate of issuance for single entry, requires 1 application form and 2photos. For tourist visa need proof of onward/return transportationand employment and $20 fee. Visitors visa requires letter of invitationand $20 fee. Business visa requires $20, company letter stating purpose oftrip. Payment by money order only and include postage for return ofpassport by registered mail. Entry not granted to passports showingIsraeli or South African visas. Yellow fever and cholera vaccinationsand malaria suppressants recommended. Check information with Embassy ofthe Republic Yemen , Suite 705, 2600 Virginia Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.20037 (202/965-4760) or Yemen Mission to the U.N., 866 United NationsPlaza, Rm. 435, New York, NY 10017 (212/355-1730).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Yemen============================================================Yemen - Public Announcement May 17, 1994U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the SpokesmanFor Immediate ReleaseThe U. S. government has learned that Islamic extremists may be planning to initiate a hostage-taking against Westerners in Yemen. U.S. citizens could be at risk as potential targets. U.S. government agencies continue to evaluate this report and will provide additional information as available.U.S. citizens continue to be warned that they should avoid travel to Yemen and should depart the country if already there.-----STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Yemen============================================================Yemen - Consular Information Sheet January 24, 1995Country Description: Yemen is a republic governed by a presidential council, prime minister and cabinet, and a constitutional parliament. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. Yemen is a developing country, and modern tourist facilities, except in the major cities, are not widely available.Entry Requirements: Passports and visas are required. Entry to Yemen may be denied to persons with passports showing Israeli visas or entry/exit stamps. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended. Chloroquine-resistant malaria suppressants are recommended for travel to areas outside the city of Sanaa. For more details, the traveler can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen, Suite 705, 2600 Virginia Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037, telephone (202) 965-4760; or the Yemen Mission to the U.N., 866 United Nations Plaza, Room 435, New York, N.Y. 10017, telephone (212) 355-1730.Areas of Instability: Travel within Yemen, particularly to the tribal areas north and east of Sanaa, can be dangerous. Disputes between different tribal groups and between tribal groups and the government have sometimes led to violent incidents. These disputes have sometimes led to the kidnapping of westerners, including Americans. The situation is now exacerbated by the political involvement of rival groups. Yemeni security officials advise against casual travel to rural areas. If travel to these areas is necessary, the risk to personal security may be reduced if such travel is undertaken by air or with an armed escort.Travel to the Yemeni-Saudi border area can also be dangerous. Clashes have been reported along the border area to the north and east of Sanaa and in the far east of Yemen, near Oman. Tensions along the Yemeni-Saudi border can escalate quickly, and Americans contemplating travel to border areas should contact the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa for the latest information.Armed hijackings of vehicles, accompanied in some instances by violence, occur in many parts of the country, including the capital. Urban violence has been a problem in the past. Foreign embassies and Yemeni government buildings have been the targets of bombs and rockets planted or fired by unknown individuals or groups. Such incidents present a danger to U.S. citizens in Yemen.Other potential hazards to travelers are land mines and unexploded ordnance left over from the 1994 civil war in areas where fighting took place in the six southern provinces.Medical Facilities: Basic medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities of Yemen, but not necessarily in outlying areas. The altitude of Sanaa (7200 feet) and lack of adequate medical facilities can cause problems for some visitors. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, telephone (404) 332-4559, has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: The most serious crime problem affecting travelers to Yemen is the armed, at times violent, hijacking of vehicles. Travelers occasionally have been victims of petty street crime. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa." They are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Dual Nationality: The government of Yemen may not recognize the U.S. citizenship of persons who are citizens of both Yemen and the United States. This may hinder the ability of U.S. consular officials to assist persons who do not enter Yemen on a U.S. passport. Dual nationals may also be subject to national obligations, such as taxes or military service. Travelers can contact an embassy or consulate of Yemen for further information on possible dual nationality.Photography Restrictions: Specific permission is required for the use of video cameras. Photography of military installations, equipment, or troops is forbidden, and in the past has led to the arrest of U.S. citizens. Such sites are not always obvious; if in doubt, it is useful to ask specific permission.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within Yemen.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen is located at Dhahr Himyar Zone, Sheraton Hotel District, P.O. Box 22347. The telephone number is (967) (1) 238-843 through 852. The workweek in Yemen is Saturday through Wednesday. No. 95-010This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 29, 1994, to revise the section on areas of instability.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK World GeographyMap references: World, Time ZonesArea: total area: 510.072 million sq km land area: 148.94 million sq km water area: 361.132 million sq km comparative area: land area about 16 times the size of the US note: 70.8% of the world is water, 29.2% is landLand boundaries: the land boundaries in the world total 250,883.64 km (not counting shared boundaries twice)Coastline: 356,000 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm claimed by most but can vary continental shelf: 200-m depth claimed by most or to depth of exploitation, others claim 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm claimed by most but can vary exclusive economic zone: 200 nm claimed by most but can vary territorial sea: 12 nm claimed by most but can vary note: boundary situations with neighboring states prevent many countries from extending their fishing or economic zones to a full 200 nm; 43 nations and other areas that are landlocked include Afghanistan, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Holy See (Vatican City), Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malawi, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Paraguay, Rwanda, San Marino, Slovakia, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tajikistan, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, West Bank, Zambia, ZimbabweClimate: two large areas of polar climates separated by two rather narrow temperate zones from a wide equatorial band of tropical to subtropical climatesTerrain: highest elevation is Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters and lowest depression is the Dead Sea at 392 meters below sea level; greatest ocean depth is the Marianas Trench at 10,924 metersNatural resources: the rapid using up of nonrenewable mineral resources, the depletion of forest areas and wetlands, the extinction of animal and plant species, and the deterioration in air and water quality (especially in Eastern Europe and the former USSR) pose serious long-term problems that governments and peoples are only beginning to addressLand use: arable land: 10% permanent crops: 1% THE WORLD FACTBOOK World Geography meadows and pastures: 24% forest and woodland: 31% other: 34%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: large areas subject to overpopulation, industrial disasters, pollution (air, water, acid rain, toxic substances), loss of vegetation (overgrazing, deforestation, desertification), loss of wildlife, soil degradation, soil depletion, erosion natural hazards: large areas subject to severe weather (tropical cyclones), natural disasters (earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions) international agreements: 23 selected international environmental agreements included under the Environment entry for each country and in Appendix E: Selected International Environmental Agreements THE WORLD FACTBOOK World PeoplePopulation: 5,733,687,096 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 31.6% (female 882,809,689; male 928,121,801) 15-64 years: 62% (female 1,752,393,539; male 1,802,004,124) 65 years and over: 6.4% (female 209,437,234; male 158,246,581) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.5% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 24 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 64 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 62 years male: 61 years female: 64 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 3.1 children born/woman (1995 est.)Labor force: 2.24 billion (1992) by occupation: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK World GovernmentDigraph: XXAdministrative divisions: 265 nations, dependent areas, other, and miscellaneous entriesLegal system: varies by individual country; 186 (note including Yugoslavia) are parties to the United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ or World Court) THE WORLD FACTBOOK World EconomyOverview: Led by recovery in Western Europe and strong performances by the US, Canada, and key Third World countries, real global output - gross world product (GWP) - rose 3% in 1994 compared with 2% in 1993. Results varied widely among regions and countries. Average growth of 3% in the GDP of industrialized countries (60% of GWP in 1994) and average growth of 6% in the GDP of less developed countries (34% of GWP) were partly offset by a further 11% drop in the GDP of the former USSR/Eastern Europe area (now only 6% of GWP). With the notable exception of Japan at 2.9%, unemployment was typically 5%-12% in the industrial world. The US accounted for 22% of GWP in 1994; Western Europe accounted for another 22%; and Japan accounted for 8%. These are the three "economic superpowers" which are presumably destined to compete for mastery in international markets on into the 21st century. As for the less developed countries, China, India, and the Four Dragons - South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore - once again posted records of 5% growth or better; however, many other countries, especially in Africa, continued to suffer from drought, rapid population growth, inflation, and civil strife. Central Europe made considerable progress in moving toward "market-friendly" economies, whereas the 15 ex-Soviet countries (with the notable exceptions of the three Baltic states) typically experienced further declines in output, sometimes as high as 30%. Externally, the nation-state, as a bedrock economic-political institution, is steadily losing control over international flows of people, goods, funds, and technology. Internally, the central government in a number of cases is losing control over resources as separatist regional movements - typically based on ethnicity - gain momentum, e.g., in the successor states of the former Soviet Union, in the former Yugoslavia, and in India. In Western Europe, governments face the difficult political problem of channeling resources away from welfare programs in order to increase investment and strengthen incentives to seek employment. The addition of nearly 100 million people each year to an already overcrowded globe is exacerbating the problems of pollution, desertification, underemployment, epidemics, and famine. Because of their own internal problems, the industrialized countries have inadequate resources to deal effectively with the poorer areas of the world, which, at least from the economic point of view, are becoming further marginalized. (For the specific economic problems of each country, see the individual country entries in this volume.)National product: GWP (gross world product) - purchasing power parity - $30.7 trillion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 3.2% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $5,400 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): all countries: 25% developed countries: 5% developing countries: 50% (1994 est.) note: national inflation rates vary widely in individual cases, from stable prices to hyperinflationUnemployment rate: 30% combined unemployment and underemployment in many non-industrialized countries; developed countries typically 5%-12% unemploymentExports: $4 trillion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK World Economy commodities: the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and services partners: in value, about 75% of exports from the developed countriesImports: $4.1 trillion (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and services partners: in value, about 75% of imports by the developed countriesExternal debt: $1 trillion for less developed countries (1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 5% (1994 est.)Electricity: capacity: 2,773,000,000 kW production: 11.601 trillion kWh consumption per capita: 1,937 kWh (1993)Industries: industry worldwide is dominated by the onrush of technology, especially in computers, robotics, telecommunications, and medicines and medical equipment; most of these advances take place in OECD nations; only a small portion of non-OECD countries have succeeded in rapidly adjusting to these technological forces, and the technological gap between the industrial nations and the less-developed countries continues to widen; the rapid development of new industrial (and agricultural) technology is complicating already grim environmental problemsAgriculture: the production of major food crops has increased substantially in the last 20 years; the annual production of cereals, for instance, has risen by 50%, from about 1.2 billion metric tons to about 1.8 billion metric tons; production increases have resulted mainly from increased yields rather than increases in planted areas; while global production is sufficient for aggregate demand, about one-fifth of the world's population remains malnourished, primarily because local production cannot adequately provide for large and rapidly growing populations, which are too poor to pay for food imports; conditions are especially bad in Africa where drought in recent years has intensified the consequences of overpopulationEconomic aid: $NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK World TransportationRailroads: total: 1,201,337 km includes about 190,000 to 195,000 km of electrified routes of which 147,760 km are in Europe, 24,509 km in the Far East, 11,050 km in Africa, 4,223 km in South America, and 4,160 km in North America; note - fastest speed in daily service is 300 km/hr attained by France's SNCF TGV-Atlantique line broad gauge: 251,153 km standard gauge: 710,754 km narrow gauge: 239,430 kmHighways: total: NA paved: NA unpaved: NAPorts: Chiba, Houston, Kawasaki, Kobe, Marseille, Mina' al Ahmadi (Kuwait), New Orleans, New York, Rotterdam, YokohamaMerchant marine: total: 25,364 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 435,458,296 GRT/697,171,651 DWT ships by type: barge carrier 39, bulk 5,202, cargo 8,121, chemical tanker 911, combination bulk 293, combination ore/oil 290, container 1,903, liquefied gas 675, livestock carrier 48, multifunction large-load carrier 53, oil tanker 4,332, passenger 287, passenger-cargo 114, railcar carrier 24, refrigerated cargo 1,023, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1,047, short-sea passenger 465, specialized tanker 77, vehicle carrier 460 (April 1995) THE WORLD FACTBOOK World CommunicationsTelephone system: local: NA intercity: NA international: NARadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: NA televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK World Defense ForcesBranches: ground, maritime, and air forces at all levels of technologyDefense expenditures: a further decline in 1994, by perhaps 5%-10%, to roughly three-quarters of a trillion dollars, or 2.5% of gross world product (1994 est.)</text>
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card_88470.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Western Samoa GeographyLocation: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New ZealandMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 2,860 sq km land area: 2,850 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Rhode IslandLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 403 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; rainy season (October to March), dry season (May to October)Terrain: narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in interiorNatural resources: hardwood forests, fishLand use: arable land: 19% permanent crops: 24% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 47% other: 10%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: soil erosion natural hazards: occasional typhoons; active volcanism international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea THE WORLD FACTBOOK Western Samoa PeoplePopulation: 209,360 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 40% (female 41,503; male 42,844) 15-64 years: 56% (female 55,683; male 61,065) 65 years and over: 4% (female 4,323; male 3,942) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.37% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 31.74 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.88 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -2.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 35.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.38 years male: 65.99 years female: 70.88 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 4.04 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Western Samoan(s) adjective: Western SamoanEthnic divisions: Samoan 92.6%, Euronesians 7% (persons of European and Polynesian blood), Europeans 0.4%Religions: Christian 99.7% (about one-half of population associated with the London Missionary Society; includes Congregational, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Latter Day Saints, Seventh-Day Adventist)Languages: Samoan (Polynesian), EnglishLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1971) total population: 97% male: 97% female: 97%Labor force: NA by occupation: agriculture 60% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Western Samoa GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Independent State of Western Samoa conventional short form: Western SamoaDigraph: WSType: constitutional monarchy under native chiefCapital: ApiaAdministrative divisions: 11 districts; A'ana, Aiga-i-le-Tai, Atua, Fa'asaleleaga, Gaga'emauga, Gagaifomauga, Palauli, Satupa'itea, Tuamasaga, Va'a-o-Fonoti, VaisiganoIndependence: 1 January 1962 (from UN trusteeship administered by New Zealand)National holiday: National Day, 1 June (1962)Constitution: 1 January 1962Legal system: based on English common law and local customs; judicial review of legislative acts with respect to fundamental rights of the citizen; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 21 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Chief Susuga Malietoa TANUMAFILI II (Co-Chief of State from 1 January 1962 until becoming sole Chief of State on 5 April 1963) head of government: Prime Minister TOFILAU Eti Alesana (since 7 April 1988) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the head of state with the prime minister's adviceLegislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly (Fono): elections last held 5 April 1991 (next to be held by NA 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (47 total) HRPP 28, SNDP 18, independents 1 note: only matai (head of family) are able to run for the Legislative AssemblyJudicial branch: Supreme Court, Court of AppealPolitical parties and leaders: Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), TOFILAU Eti Alesana, chairman; Samoan National Development Party (SNDP), TAPUA Tamasese Efi, chairmanMember of: ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), IOC, ITU, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Tuiloma Neroni SLADE chancery: 820 Second Avenue, Suite 800, New York, NY 10017 telephone: [1] (212) 599-6196, 6197 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Western Samoa Government FAX: [1] (212) 599-0797US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: the ambassador to New Zealand is accredited to Western Samoa embassy: 5th floor, Beach Road, Apia mailing address: P.O. Box 3430, Apia telephone: [685] 21631 FAX: [685] 22030Flag: red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side quadrant bearing five white five-pointed stars representing the Southern Cross constellation THE WORLD FACTBOOK Western Samoa EconomyOverview: Agriculture employs more than half of the labor force, contributes 50% to GDP, and furnishes 90% of exports. The bulk of export earnings comes from the sale of coconut oil and copra. The economy depends on emigrant remittances and foreign aid to support a level of imports much greater than export earnings. Tourism has become the most important growth industry. The economy continued to falter in 1994, as remittances and tourist earnings remained low. Production of taro, the primary food export crop, has dropped 97% since a fungal disease struck the crop in 1993. The rapid growth in 1994 of the giant African snail population in Western Samoa is also threatening the country's basic food crops, such as bananas and coconuts.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $400 million (1992 est.)National product real growth rate: -4.3% (1992 est.)National product per capita: $2,000 (1992 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 14% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $95.3 million expenditures: $76.7 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1994 est.)Exports: $6.4 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: coconut oil and cream, taro, copra, cocoa partners: New Zealand 34%, American Samoa 21%, Germany 18%, Australia 11%Imports: $11.5 million (c.i.f., 1992 est.) commodities: intermediate goods 58%, food 17%, capital goods 12% partners: New Zealand 37%, Australia 25%, Japan 11%, Fiji 9%External debt: $141 million (June 1993)Industrial production: growth rate -0.3% (1992 est.); accounts for 16% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 29,000 kW production: 50 million kWh consumption per capita: 200 kWh (1993)Industries: timber, tourism, food processing, fishingAgriculture: accounts for about 50% of GDP; coconuts, fruit (including bananas, taro, yams)Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $18 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $306 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $4 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK Western Samoa EconomyCurrency: 1 tala (WS$) = 100 seneExchange rates: tala (WS$) per US$1 - 2.4600 (January 1995), 2.5349 (1994), 2.5681 (1993), 2.4655 (1992), 2.3975 (1991), 2.3095 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Western Samoa TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 2,042 km paved: 375 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, earth 1,667 kmPorts: Apia, Asau, Mulifanua, SalelologaMerchant marine: total: 1 roll-on/roll-off cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,838 GRT/5,536 DWTAirports: 3 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 2 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Western Samoa CommunicationsTelephone system: 7,500 telephones local: NA intercity: NA international: 1 INTELSAT (Pacific Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: 70,000Television: broadcast stations: 0 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Western Samoa Defense ForcesBranches: no regular armed services; Western Samoa Police ForceDefense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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<text>WESTERN SAMOA - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa notrequired for stay up to 30 days. For longer stays contact the WesternSamoa Mission to the U.N., 820 2nd Avenue, Suite 800, New York, NY(212/599-6196).</text>
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card_88147.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Western Sahara GeographyLocation: Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Mauritania and MoroccoMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 266,000 sq km land area: 266,000 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than ColoradoLand boundaries: total 2,046 km, Algeria 42 km, Mauritania 1,561 km, Morocco 443 kmCoastline: 1,110 kmMaritime claims: contingent upon resolution of sovereignty issueInternational disputes: claimed and administered by Morocco, but sovereignty is unresolved and the UN is attempting to hold a referendum on the issue; the UN-administered cease-fire has been currently in effect since September 1991Climate: hot, dry desert; rain is rare; cold offshore air currents produce fog and heavy dewTerrain: mostly low, flat desert with large areas of rocky or sandy surfaces rising to small mountains in south and northeastNatural resources: phosphates, iron oreLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 19% forest and woodland: 0% other: 81%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: sparse water and arable land natural hazards: hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind can occur during winter and spring; widespread harmattan haze exists 60% of time, often severely restricting visibility international agreements: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Western Sahara PeoplePopulation: 217,211 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NAPopulation growth rate: 2.48% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 46.9 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 18.52 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -3.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 148.95 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 46.31 years male: 45.34 years female: 47.59 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.91 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Sahrawi(s), Sahraoui(s) adjective: Sahrawian, SahraouianEthnic divisions: Arab, BerberReligions: MuslimLanguages: Hassaniya Arabic, Moroccan ArabicLiteracy: NA%Labor force: 12,000 by occupation: animal husbandry and subsistence farming 50% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Western Sahara GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Western SaharaDigraph: WIType: legal status of territory and question of sovereignty unresolved; territory contested by Morocco and Polisario Front (Popular Front for the Liberation of the Saguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro), which in February 1976 formally proclaimed a government in exile of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR); territory partitioned between Morocco and Mauritania in April 1976, with Morocco acquiring northern two-thirds; Mauritania, under pressure from Polisario guerrillas, abandoned all claims to its portion in August 1979; Morocco moved to occupy that sector shortly thereafter and has since asserted administrative control; the Polisario's government in exile was seated as an OAU member in 1984; guerrilla activities continued sporadically, until a UN-monitored cease-fire was implemented 6 September 1991Capital: noneAdministrative divisions: none (under de facto control of Morocco)Executive branch: noneMember of: noneDiplomatic representation in US: noneUS diplomatic representation: none THE WORLD FACTBOOK Western Sahara EconomyOverview: Western Sahara, a territory poor in natural resources and having little rainfall, depends on pastoral nomadism, fishing, and phosphate mining as the principal sources of income for the population. Most of the food for the urban population must be imported. All trade and other economic activities are controlled by the Moroccan Government. Incomes and standards of living are substantially below the Moroccan level.National product: GDP $NANational product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $NAInflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports: $8 million (f.o.b., 1982 est.) commodities: phosphates 62% partners: Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, so trade partners are included in overall Moroccan accountsImports: $30 million (c.i.f., 1982 est.) commodities: fuel for fishing fleet, foodstuffs partners: Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, so trade partners are included in overall Moroccan accountsExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 60,000 kW production: 79 million kWh consumption per capita: 339 kWh (1993)Industries: phosphate mining, handicraftsAgriculture: limited largely to subsistence agriculture and fishing; some barley is grown in nondrought years; fruit and vegetables are grown in the few oases; food imports are essential; camels, sheep, and goats are kept by the nomadic natives; cash economy exists largely for the garrison forcesEconomic aid: $NACurrency: 1 Moroccan dirham (DH) = 100 centimes THE WORLD FACTBOOK Western Sahara EconomyExchange rates: Moroccan dirhams (DH) per US$1 - 8.892 (January 1995), 9.203 (1994), 9.299 (1993), 8.538 (1992), 8.707 (1991), 8.242 (1990)Fiscal year: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Western Sahara TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 6,200 km unpaved: gravel 1,450 km; improved, unimproved earth, tracks 4,750 kmPorts: Ad Dakhla, Cabo Bojador, El AaiunAirports: total: 14 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 3 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 7 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Western Sahara CommunicationsTelephone system: 2,000 telephones; sparse and limited system local: NA intercity: NA international: tied into Morocco's system by microwave radio relay, troposcatter, and 2 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stations linked to Rabat, MoroccoRadio: broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 2 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Western Sahara Defense ForcesBranches: NADefense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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card_87982.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK West Bank Header The Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements ("the DOP"), signed in Washington on 13 September 1993, provides for a transitional period not exceeding five years of Palestinian interim self-government in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Under the DOP, final status negotiations are to begin no later than the beginning of the third year of the transitional period. THE WORLD FACTBOOK West Bank GeographyLocation: Middle East, west of JordanMap references: Middle EastArea: total area: 5,860 sq km land area: 5,640 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Delaware note: includes West Bank, Latrun Salient, and the northwest quarter of the Dead Sea, but excludes Mt. Scopus; East Jerusalem and Jerusalem No Man's Land are also included only as a means of depicting the entire area occupied by Israel in 1967Land boundaries: total 404 km, Israel 307 km, Jordan 97 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli occupied with interim status subject to Israeli/Palestinian negotiations - final status to be determinedClimate: temperate, temperature and precipitation vary with altitude, warm to hot summers, cool to mild wintersTerrain: mostly rugged dissected upland, some vegetation in west, but barren in eastNatural resources: negligibleLand use: arable land: 27% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 32% forest and woodland: 1% other: 40%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NANote: landlocked; highlands are main recharge area for Israel's coastal aquifers; there are 199 Jewish settlements and civilian land use sites in the West Bank and 25 in East Jerusalem (August 1994 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK West Bank PeoplePopulation: 1,319,991 (July 1995 est.) note: in addition, there are 122,000 Jewish settlers in the West Bank and 149,000 in East Jerusalem (August 1994 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 46% (female 293,269; male 308,775) 15-64 years: 51% (female 335,193; male 337,722) 65 years and over: 3% (female 25,759; male 19,273) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.5% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 39.83 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 4.84 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 29.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.42 years male: 69.91 years female: 73 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 5.34 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: NA adjective: NAEthnic divisions: Palestinian Arab and other 83%, Jewish 17%Religions: Muslim 75% (predominantly Sunni), Jewish 17%, Christian and other 8%Languages: Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by Israeli settlers), English (widely understood)Literacy: NA%Labor force: NA by occupation: construction 28.2%, agriculture 21.8%, industry 14.5%, commerce, restaurants, and hotels 12.6%, other services 22.9% (1991) note: excluding Jewish settlers THE WORLD FACTBOOK West Bank GovernmentNote: Under the Israeli-PLO Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arragements ("the DOP"), Israel agreed to transfer certain powers and responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority, and subsequently to an elected Palestinian Council, as part of interim self-governing arrangements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. A transfer of powers and responsibilities for the Gaza Strip and Jericho has taken place pursuant to the Israel-PLO 4 May 1994 Cairo Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area. A transfer of powers and responsibilities in certain spheres for the rest of the West Bank has taken place pursuant to the Israel-PLO 29 August 1994 Agreement on Preparatory Transfer of Powers and Responsibilities. The DOP provides that Israel will retain responsibility during the transitional period for external security and for internal security and public order of settlements and Israelis. Final status is to be determined through direct negotiations within five years.Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: West BankDigraph: WE THE WORLD FACTBOOK Overview: Economic progress in the West Bank has been hampered by Israeli military administration and the effects of the Palestinian uprising (intifadah). Industries using advanced technology or requiring sizable investment have been discouraged by a lack of local capital and restrictive Israeli policies. Capital investment consists largely of residential housing, not productive assets that would enable local Palestinian firms to compete with Israeli industry. GDP has been substantially supplemented by remittances of workers employed in Israel and Persian Gulf states. Such transfers from the Gulf dropped after Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990. In the wake of the Persian Gulf crisis, many Palestinians have returned to the West Bank, increasing unemployment, and export revenues have dropped because of the decline of markets in Jordan and the Gulf states. Israeli measures to curtail the intifadah also have added to unemployment and lowered living standards. The area's economic situation has worsened since Israel's partial closure of the territories in 1993.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $4 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $2,800 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.8% (1993)Unemployment rate: 35% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $43.4 million expenditures: $43.7 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY89/90)Exports: $217 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: olives, fruit, vegetables partners: Jordan, IsraelImports: $867 million (c.i.f., 1992) commodities: food, consumer goods, construction materials partners: Jordan, IsraelExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: NA kW production: NA kWh consumption per capita: NA kWh THE WORLD FACTBOOK West Bank Economy note: most electricity imported from Israel; East Jerusalem Electric Company buys and distributes electricity to Palestinians in East Jerusalem and its concession in the West Bank; the Israel Electric Company directly supplies electricity to most Jewish residents and military facilities; at the same time, some Palestinian municipalities, such as Nabulus and Janin, generate their own electricity from small power plantsIndustries: generally small family businesses that produce cement, textiles, soap, olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs; the Israelis have established some small-scale modern industries in the settlements and industrial centersAgriculture: olives, citrus and other fruits, vegetables, beef, and dairy productsEconomic aid: $NACurrency: 1 new Israeli shekel (NIS) = 100 new agorot; 1 Jordanian dinar (JD) = 1,000 filsExchange rates: new Israeli shekels (NIS) per US$1 - 3.0270 (December 1994), 3.0111 (1994), 2.8301 (1993), 2.4591 (1992), 2.2791 (1991), 2.0162 (1990); Jordanian dinars (JD) per US$1 - 0.6995 (January 1995), 0.6987 (1994), 0.6928 (1993), 0.6797 (1992), 0.6808 (1991), 0.6636 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year (since 1 January 1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK West Bank TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: NA paved: NA unpaved: NA note: small road network; Israelis have developed many highways to service Jewish settlementsPorts: noneAirports: total: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK West Bank CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; note - 8% of Palestinian households have telephones (1992 est.) local: NA intercity: NA international: NA note: Israeli company BEZEK is responsible for communication services in the West BankRadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NA; note - 82% of Palestinian households have radios (1992 est.)Television: broadcast stations: 0; note - 1 planned for Jericho televisions: NA; note - 54% of Palestinian households have televisions (1992 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK West Bank Defense ForcesBranches: NADefense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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card_87680.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Wallis and Futuna HeaderAffiliation: (overseas territory of France) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Wallis and Futuna GeographyLocation: Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New ZealandMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 274 sq km land area: 274 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Washington, DC note: includes Ile Uvea (Wallis Island), Ile Futuna (Futuna Island), Ile Alofi, and 20 isletsLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 129 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; hot, rainy season (November to April); cool, dry season (May to October)Terrain: volcanic origin; low hillsNatural resources: negligibleLand use: arable land: 5% permanent crops: 20% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 75%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: deforestation (only small portions of the original forests remain) largely as a result of the continued use of wood as the main fuel source; as a consequence of cutting down the forests, the mountainous terrain of Futuna is particularly prone to erosion; there are no permanent settlements on Alofi because of the lack of natural fresh water resources natural hazards: NA international agreements: NANote: both island groups have fringing reefs THE WORLD FACTBOOK Wallis and Futuna PeoplePopulation: 14,499 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NAPopulation growth rate: 1.11% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 25.06 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.14 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -8.85 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 24.92 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.24 years male: 71.62 years female: 72.9 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 3.11 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Wallisian(s), Futunan(s), or Wallis and Futuna Islanders adjective: Wallisian, Futunan, or Wallis and Futuna IslanderEthnic divisions: PolynesianReligions: Roman CatholicLanguages: French, Wallisian (indigenous Polynesian language)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1969) total population: 50% male: 50% female: 51%Labor force: NA by occupation: agriculture, livestock, and fishing 80%, government 4% (est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Wallis and Futuna GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands conventional short form: Wallis and Futuna local long form: Territoire des Iles Wallis et Futuna local short form: Wallis et FutunaDigraph: WFType: overseas territory of FranceCapital: Mata-Utu (on Ile Uvea)Administrative divisions: none (overseas territory of France)Independence: none (overseas territory of France)Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)Legal system: French legal systemSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) head of government: High Administrator Philippe LEGRIX (since NA); President of the Territorial Assembly Soane Mani UHILA (since NA March 1992) cabinet: Council of the Territory consists of 3 kings and 3 members appointed by the high administrator on advice of the Territorial Assembly note: there are three traditional kings with limited powersLegislative branch: unicameral Territorial Assembly (Assemblee Territoriale): elections last held 15 March 1987 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (20 total) RPR 7, UPL 5, UDF 4, UNF 4 French Senate: elections last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held by NA September 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) RPR 1 French National Assembly: elections last held 21 and 28 March 1992 (next to be held by NA September 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) MRG 1; note - Wallis and Futuna elect one deputyJudicial branch: none; justice generally administered under French law by the chief administrator, but the three traditional kings administer customary law and there is a magistrate in Mata-UtuPolitical parties and leaders: Rally for the Republic (RPR); Union Populaire Locale (UPL); Union Pour la Democratie Francaise (UDF); Lua kae tahi (Giscardians); Mouvement des Radicaux de Gauche (MRG)Member of: FZ, SPC THE WORLD FACTBOOK Wallis and Futuna GovernmentDiplomatic representation in US: none (overseas territory of France)US diplomatic representation: none (overseas territory of France)Flag: the flag of France is used THE WORLD FACTBOOK Wallis and Futuna EconomyOverview: The economy is limited to traditional subsistence agriculture, with about 80% of the labor force earning its livelihood from agriculture (coconuts and vegetables), livestock (mostly pigs), and fishing. About 4% of the population is employed in government. Revenues come from French Government subsidies, licensing of fishing rights to Japan and South Korea, import taxes, and remittances from expatriate workers in New Caledonia. Wallis and Futuna imports food - particularly sugar and beef - fuel, clothing, machinery, and transport equipment, but its exports are negligible, consisting of copra and handicrafts.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $28.7 million (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $2,000 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $2.7 million expenditures: $2.7 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1983 est.)Exports: $6.6 million (f.o.b., 1986) commodities: copra, handicrafts partners: NAImports: $13.3 million (c.i.f., 1984) commodities: foodstuffs, manufactured goods, transportation equipment, fuel, clothing partners: France, Australia, New ZealandExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 1,200 kW production: 1 million kWh consumption per capita: 70 kWh (1990)Industries: copra, handicrafts, fishing, lumberAgriculture: dominated by coconut production, with subsistence crops of yams, taro, bananas, and herds of pigs and goatsEconomic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $118 millionCurrency: 1 CFP franc (CFPF) = 100 centimes THE WORLD FACTBOOK Wallis and Futuna EconomyExchange rates: Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (CFPF) per US$1 - 96.25 (January 1995), 100.94 (1994), 102.96 (1993), 96.24 (1992), 102.57 (1991), 99.0 (1990); note - linked at the rate of 18.18 to the French francFiscal year: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Wallis and Futuna TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 120 km (Ile Uvea 100 km, Ile Futuna 20km) paved: 16 km (on Il Uvea) unpaved: 104 km (Ile Uvea 84 km, Ile Futuna 20 km)Inland waterways: nonePorts: Leava, Mata-UtuMerchant marine: total: 1 oil tanker (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 26,000 GRT/40,000 DWTAirports: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Wallis and Futuna CommunicationsTelephone system: 225 telephones local: NA intercity: NA international: NARadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 0 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Wallis and Futuna Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of France</text>
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card_87354.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Wake Island HeaderAffiliation: (territory of the US) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Wake Island GeographyLocation: Oceania, island in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to the Northern Mariana IslandsMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 6.5 sq km land area: 6.5 sq km comparative area: about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 19.3 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: claimed by the Republic of the Marshall IslandsClimate: tropicalTerrain: atoll of three coral islands built up on an underwater volcano; central lagoon is former crater, islands are part of the rim; average elevation less than 4 metersNatural resources: noneLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100%Irrigated land: 0 sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: occasional typhoons international agreements: NANote: strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; emergency landing location for transpacific flights THE WORLD FACTBOOK Wake Island PeoplePopulation: 302 (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0% (1995 est.)Birth rate: NA births/1,000 populationDeath rate: NA deaths/1,000 populationNet migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 populationInfant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live birthsLife expectancy at birth: total population: NA years male: NA years female: NA yearsTotal fertility rate: NA children born/woman THE WORLD FACTBOOK Wake Island GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Wake IslandDigraph: WQType: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Army and Strategic Defense Command since 1 October 1994Capital: none; administered from Washington, DCIndependence: none (territory of the US)Flag: the US flag is used THE WORLD FACTBOOK Wake Island EconomyOverview: Economic activity is limited to providing services to US military personnel and contractors located on the island. All food and manufactured goods must be imported.Electricity: supplied by US military THE WORLD FACTBOOK Wake Island TransportationRailroads: 0 kmPorts: none; two offshore anchorages for large shipsMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1Note: formerly an important commercial aviation base, now used by US military, some commercial cargo planes, as well as the US Army Space and Strategic Defense Command for missile launches THE WORLD FACTBOOK Wake Island CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; satellite communications; 1 Autovon circuit off the Overseas Telephone System (OTS) local: NA intercity: NA international: NA note: Armed Forces Radio/Television Service (AFRTS) radio and television service provided by satelliteRadio: broadcast stations: AM 0, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: NA note: Armed Forces Radio/Television Service (AFRTS) radio and television service provided by satelliteTelevision: broadcast stations: NA televisions: NA note: Armed Forces Radio/Television Service (AFRTS) radio and television service provided by satelliteNote: formerly an important commercial aviation base, now used by US military, as well as the US Army Space and Strategic Defense Command for missile launches THE WORLD FACTBOOK Wake Island Defense Forces defense is the responsibility of the US</text>
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card_87086.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Virgin Islands HeaderAffiliation: (territory of the US) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Virgin Islands GeographyLocation: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto RicoMap references: Central America and the CaribbeanArea: total area: 352 sq km land area: 349 sq km comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 188 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: subtropical, tempered by easterly tradewinds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season May to NovemberTerrain: mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level landNatural resources: sun, sand, sea, surfLand use: arable land: 15% permanent crops: 6% meadows and pastures: 26% forest and woodland: 6% other: 47%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: lack of natural freshwater resources natural hazards: rarely affected by hurricanes; frequent and severe droughts, floods, and earthquakes international agreements: NANote: important location along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best natural, deepwater harbors in the Caribbean THE WORLD FACTBOOK Virgin Islands PeoplePopulation: 97,229 (July 1995 est.) note: West Indian (45% born in the Virgin Islands and 29% born elsewhere in the West Indies) 74%, US mainland 13%, Puerto Rican 5%, other 8%Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NAPopulation growth rate: -0.29% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 18.49 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.2 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -16.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 12.54 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.29 years male: 73.6 years female: 77.2 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.41 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Virgin Islander(s) adjective: Virgin IslanderEthnic divisions: black 80%, white 15%, other 5%Religions: Baptist 42%, Roman Catholic 34%, Episcopalian 17%, other 7%Languages: English (official), Spanish, CreoleLiteracy: NA%Labor force: 45,500 (1988) by occupation: tourism 70% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Virgin Islands GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Virgin Islands of the United States conventional short form: Virgin IslandsDigraph: VQType: organized, unincorporated territory of the US administered by the Office of Territorial and International Affairs, US Department of the InteriorCapital: Charlotte AmalieAdministrative divisions: none (territory of the US)National holiday: Transfer Day, 31 March (1917) (from Denmark to US)Constitution: Revised Organic Act of 22 July 1954Legal system: based on USSuffrage: 18 years of age; universal; note - indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential electionsExecutive branch: chief of state: President William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice President Albert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993) head of government: Governor Dr. Roy L. SCHNEIDER (since 5 January 1995); Lieutenant Governor Kenneth E. MAPP (since 5 January 1995); election last held 22 November 1994 (next to be held NA November 1998); results - Dr. Roy L. SCHNEIDER (Independent) 54.7%, former Lieutenant Governor Derek HODGE 42.6%Legislative branch: unicameral Senate: elections last held 8 November 1994 (next to be held 5 November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total) Democrats 7, Independents 7, Republican 1 US House of Representatives: elections last held 8 November 1994 (next to be held 5 November 1996); results - Victor O. FRAZER (Independent) 54.5%, Eileen R. PETERSON (Democrat) 45.5%; seats - (1 total) Independent 1; note - the Virgin Islands elects one representative to the US House of RepresentativesJudicial branch: US District Court: handles civil matters over $50,000, felonies (persons 15 years of age and over), and federal cases Territorial Court: handles civil matters up to $50,000, small claims, juvenile, domestic, misdemeanors, and traffic casesPolitical parties and leaders: Democratic Party, Marilyn STAPLETON; Independent Citizens' Movement (ICM), Virdin C. BROWN; Republican Party, Charlotte-Poole DAVISMember of: ECLAC (associate), IOCDiplomatic representation in US: none (territory of the US)US diplomatic representation: none (territory of the US) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Virgin Islands GovernmentFlag: white with a modified US coat of arms in the center between the large blue initials V and I; the coat of arms shows an eagle holding an olive branch in one talon and three arrows in the other with a superimposed shield of vertical red and white stripes below a blue panel THE WORLD FACTBOOK Virgin Islands EconomyOverview: Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for more than 70% of GDP and 70% of employment. The manufacturing sector consists of textile, electronics, pharmaceutical, and watch assembly plants. The agricultural sector is small, most food being imported. International business and financial services are a small but growing component of the economy. One of the world's largest petroleum refineries is at Saint Croix.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $1.2 billion (1987 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $11,000 (1987)Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: 3.7% (1992)Budget: revenues: $364.4 million expenditures: $364.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990 est.)Exports: $2.8 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: refined petroleum products partners: US, Puerto RicoImports: $3.3 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: crude oil, foodstuffs, consumer goods, building materials partners: US, Puerto RicoExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate 12% (year NA); accounts for NA% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 320,000 kW production: 970 million kWh consumption per capita: 9,172 kWh (1993)Industries: tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronicsAgriculture: truck gardens, food crops (small scale), fruit, sorghum, Senepol cattleEconomic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $42 millionCurrency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 centsExchange rates: US currency is used THE WORLD FACTBOOK Virgin Islands EconomyFiscal year: 1 October - 30 September THE WORLD FACTBOOK Virgin Islands TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 856 km paved: NA unpaved: NAPorts: Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Cruz Bay, Port AlucroixMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 note: international airports on Saint Thomas and Saint Croix THE WORLD FACTBOOK Virgin Islands CommunicationsTelephone system: 58,931 telephones; modern telephone system using fiber-optic cable, submarine cable, microwave radio, and satellite facilities local: NA intercity: NA international: NARadio: broadcast stations: AM 4, FM 8, shortwave 0 (1988) radios: 98,000Television: broadcast stations: 4 (1988) televisions: 63,000 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Virgin Islands Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of the US</text>
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<text>VIRGIN_</text>
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<text>English (American)</text>
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<name>Virgin Islands</name>
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card_86872.xml
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<text>VIETNAM</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vietnam GeographyLocation: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South China Sea, between China and CambodiaMap references: Southeast AsiaArea: total area: 329,560 sq km land area: 325,360 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than New MexicoLand boundaries: total 3,818 km, Cambodia 982 km, China 1,281 km, Laos 1,555 kmCoastline: 3,444 km (excludes islands)Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: maritime boundary with Cambodia not defined; involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and possibly Brunei; unresolved maritime boundary with Thailand; maritime boundary dispute with China in the Gulf of Tonkin; Paracel Islands occupied by China but claimed by Vietnam and TaiwanClimate: tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (mid-May to mid-September) and warm, dry season (mid-October to mid-March)Terrain: low, flat delta in south and north; central highlands; hilly, mountainous in far north and northwestNatural resources: phosphates, coal, manganese, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil deposits, forestsLand use: arable land: 22% permanent crops: 2% meadows and pastures: 1% forest and woodland: 40% other: 35%Irrigated land: 18,300 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: logging and slash-and-burn agricultural practices are contributing to deforestation; soil degradation; water pollution and overfishing threatening marine life populations; inadequate supplies of potable water because of groundwater contamination THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vietnam Geography natural hazards: occasional typhoons (May to January) with extensive flooding international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Nuclear Test Ban THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vietnam PeoplePopulation: 74,393,324 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 36% (female 13,225,916; male 13,918,321) 15-64 years: 59% (female 22,353,710; male 21,223,739) 65 years and over: 5% (female 2,236,453; male 1,435,185) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.71% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 26.25 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 7.6 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -1.51 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 44.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 65.72 years male: 63.66 years female: 67.91 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 3.21 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Vietnamese (singular and plural) adjective: VietnameseEthnic divisions: Vietnamese 85%-90%, Chinese 3%, Muong, Thai, Meo, Khmer, Man, ChamReligions: Buddhist, Taoist, Roman Catholic, indigenous beliefs, Islam, ProtestantLanguages: Vietnamese (official), French, Chinese, English, Khmer, tribal languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989) total population: 88% male: 93% female: 83%Labor force: 32.7 million by occupation: agricultural 65%, industrial and service 35% (1990 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vietnam GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Socialist Republic of Vietnam conventional short form: Vietnam local long form: Cong Hoa Chu Nghia Viet Nam local short form: Viet NamAbbreviation: SRVDigraph: VMType: Communist stateCapital: HanoiAdministrative divisions: 50 provinces (tinh, singular and plural), 3 municipalities* (thu do, singular and plural); An Giang, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Bac Thai, Ben Tre, Binh Dinh, Binh Thuan, Can Tho, Cao Bang, Dac Lac, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Gia Lai, Ha Bac, Ha Giang, Ha Noi*, Ha Tay, Ha Tinh, Hai Hung, Hai Phong*, Ho Chi Minh*, Hoa Binh, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Kon Tum, Lai Chau, Lam Dong, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Long An, Minh Hai, Nam Ha, Nghe An, Ninh Binh, Ninh Thuan, Phu Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Nam-Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Quang Ninh, Quang Tri, Soc Trang, Son La, Song Be, Tay Ninh, Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa, Thua Thien-Hue, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh, Tuyen Quang, Vinh Long, Vinh Phu, Yen BaiIndependence: 2 September 1945 (from France)National holiday: Independence Day, 2 September (1945)Constitution: 15 April 1992Legal system: based on Communist legal theory and French civil law systemSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Le Duc ANH (since 23 September 1992) head of government: Prime Minister Vo Van KIET (since 9 August 1991); First Deputy Prime Minister Phan Van KHAI (since 10 August 1991); Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen KHANH (since NA February 1987); Deputy Prime Minister Tran Duc LUONG (since NA February 1987) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president on proposal of the prime minister and ratification of the AssemblyLegislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Quoc-Hoi): elections last held 19 July 1992 (next to be held NA July 1997); results - VCP is the only party; seats - (395 total) VCP or VCP-approved 395Judicial branch: Supreme People's CourtPolitical parties and leaders: only party - Vietnam Communist Party (VCP), DO MUOI, general secretary THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vietnam GovernmentMember of: ACCT, AsDB, ASEAN (observer), CCC, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Liaison Officer Le Van BANG liaison office: address NA, Washington, DC mailing address: NA telephone: NA FAX: NA note: negotiations between representatives of the US and Vietnam concluded 28 January 1995 with the signing of an agreement to establish liaison offices in Hanoi and WashingtonUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Liaison Officer James HALL liaison office: address NA, Hanoi mailing address: NA telephone: NA FAX: NA note: negotiations between representatives of the US and Vietnam concluded 28 January 1995 with the signing of an agreement to establish liaison offices in Hanoi and WashingtonFlag: red with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vietnam EconomyOverview: Vietnam has made significant progress in recent years moving away from the planned economic model toward a more effective market-based economic system. Most prices are now fully decontrolled, and the Vietnamese currency has been effectively devalued and floated at world market rates. In addition, the scope for private sector activity has been expanded, primarily through decollectivization of the agricultural sector and introduction of laws giving legal recognition to private business. Nearly three-quarters of export earnings are generated by only two commodities, rice and crude oil. Led by industry and construction, the economy did well in 1993 and 1994 with output rising 7% and 9% respectively. However, the industrial sector remains burdened by noncompetitive state-owned enterprises the government is unwilling or unable to privatize. Unemployment looms as a serious problem with roughly 20% of the work force without jobs and with population growth swelling the ranks of the labor force yearly.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $83.5 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 8.8% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $1,140 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 14.4% (1994)Unemployment rate: 20% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $3.6 billion expenditures: $4.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1994 est.)Exports: $3.6 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: petroleum, rice, agricultural products, marine products, coffee partners: Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, France, South KoreaImports: $4.2 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: petroleum products, machinery and equipment, steel products, fertilizer, raw cotton, grain partners: Singapore, Japan, South Korea, France, Hong Kong, TaiwanExternal debt: $4 billion Western countries; $4.5 billion CEMA debts primarily to Russia;Industrial production: growth rate 13% (1994 est.); accounts for 21% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 2,200,000 kW production: 9.7 billion kWh consumption per capita: 125 kWh (1993)Industries: food processing, textiles, machine building, mining, cement, chemical fertilizer, glass, tires, oil THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vietnam EconomyAgriculture: accounts for 36% of GDP; paddy rice, corn, potatoes make up 50% of farm output; commercial crops (rubber, soybeans, coffee, tea, bananas) and animal products 50%; since 1989 self-sufficient in food staple rice; fish catch of 943,100 metric tons (1989 est.); note - the third largest exporter of rice in the World, behind the US and ThailandIllicit drugs: opium producer and increasingly important transit point for Southeast Asian heroin destined for the US and Europe; growing opium addiction; small-scale heroin producerEconomic aid: recipient: $2 billion in credits and grants pledged by international donors for 1995, Japan largest contributor with $650 million pledged for 1995Currency: 1 new dong (D) = 100 xuExchange rates: new dong (D) per US$1 - 11,000 (October 1994), 10,800 (November 1993), 8,100 (July 1991), 7,280 (December 1990), 3,996 (March 1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vietnam TransportationRailroads: total: 3,059 km (including 224 km not restored to service after war damage) standard gauge: 151 km 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 2,454 km 1.000-m gauge other gauge: 230 km NA-m dual gauge (three rails)Highways: total: 85,000 km paved: 9,400 km unpaved: gravel, improved earth 48,700 km; unimproved earth 26,900 kmInland waterways: 17,702 km navigable; more than 5,149 km navigable at all times by vessels up to 1.8 meter draftPipelines: petroleum products 150 kmPorts: Da Nang, Haiphong, Ho Chi Minh City, Hon Gai, Qui Nhon, Nha TrangMerchant marine: total: 109 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 449,963 GRT/932,837 DWT ships by type: bulk 3, cargo 92, oil tanker 10, refrigerated cargo 3, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1Airports: total: 48 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 8 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 13 with paved runways under 914 m: 7 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 5 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 5 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vietnam CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; 2 telephones/1,000 persons; the inadequacies of the obsolete switching equipment and cable system are a serious constraint on the business sector and on economic growth, and restrict access to the international links that Vietnam has established with most major countries; the telephone system is not generally available for private use local: NA intercity: NA international: 3 satellite earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM 228, shortwave 0 radios: 7 million (1991)Television: broadcast stations: 36 (repeaters 77) televisions: 2.5 million (1991) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vietnam Defense ForcesBranches: People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN; includes Ground forces, Navy (includes Naval Infantry), and Air ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 18,799,370; males fit for military service 11,913,116; males reach military age (17) annually 742,394 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $435 million, 2.5% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>VIETNAM - Passport and visa required. Tourist visa, valid 30 days,requires application form(s), 2 photos and $90 fee. Allow at least 3weeks for processing. (Visas are not being issued in the U.S. at this time. You must apply in a country that maintains diplomatic relations withVietnam.) For other types of travel and more information contact the VietnamesePermanent Mission to the U.N., 20 Waterside Plaza, New York, NY 10010(212/679-3779).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Vietnam============================================================Vietnam - Consular Information Sheet October 3, 1995Country Description: Vietnam is a poor agrarian country controlled by a communist government. Tourist facilities are not well established, but are improving.Entry Requirements: U.S. passports are valid for travel in Vietnam. Visas are required. Visa information may be obtained from the Vietnamese Embassy, 1233 20th Street N.W., Suite 501, Washington, DC 20036 (telephone 202-861-0737) or from a travel agent that organizes travel to Vietnam.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities do not meet U.S. standards and frequently lack medicines and supplies. The Vietnamese National Administration of Tourism has created a program to provide emergency medical assistance, including evacuations, to all visitors holding valid tourist visas and traveling in groups. Specific questions regarding health matters can be directed to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven to be useful. In cases of death of foreigners, charges for cremation or shipment of remains have generally been very high.Information on Crime: Petty crime is a problem in Ho Chi Minh City. Petty theft, briefcase and purse snatching, and pickpocketing are common, particularly on the city's main streets, and around the major hotels. Assaults have been reported in outlying areas. Some pedicab drivers have reportedly kidnapped passengers and extorted money; it therefore may be risky to hire pedicabs not associated with reputable hotels or other establishments such as restaurants. There has been an increase in petty theft in Hanoi. In view of the increasing theft, passports should be kept in hotel safes or other secure location. Lost or stolen passports should be reported to the local police and the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. Useful information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict. Long jail sentences and fines are common, and foreigners have been executed for drug smuggling.Consular Access: U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry photocopies of passport data and photo pages with them at all times so that, if questioned by Vietnamese officials, proof of U.S. citizenship is readily available. U.S. Consular officers in Vietnam are not always promptly notified when a U.S. citizen has been arrested or detained. Moreover, the Vietnamese government does not always grant U.S. consular officers access to incarcerated U.S. citizens in a timely manner. This is particularly true when the U.S. citizen is also a dual national and is considered by the Vietnamese government to be a citizen of Vietnam. U.S. citizens have rights to consular access and should insist upon contact with the U.S. Embassy. The U.S. and Vietnam have agreed upon each other's rights of access to detained nationals bearing their respective passports, and that bearers of U.S. passports who enter Vietnam with a Vietnamese visa will be regarded as U.S. citizens for purposes of access. Dual nationals who enter Vietnam on Vietnamese passports may be denied consular access to U.S. consular officials.Security: Security personnel at times may place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. Large gatherings, such as those forming at the scene of traffic accidents, can become violent. Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with authorities.Foreign visitors to Vietnam have been arbitrarily arrested, detained or expelled for activities that would not be considered crimes in the U.S. Visitors deemed suspicious may be detained, along with their Vietnamese contacts, relatives, and friends. Involvement in politics, possession of political material or unsanctioned religious activities can result in detention.Passport Seizures/Exit Bans: The Vietnamese government has seized the passports and blocked the departure of foreigners involved in commercial disputes. Passports should not be used as security for rental of vehicles. Several U.S. citizens have been unable to regain their passports when motorcycles have been damaged or stolen until they have paid for the damage or loss. In such circumstances, the U.S. government may re-issue a passport to an American citizen who applies for one. The Vietnamese exit ban, however, would remain in effect, preventing departure. Americans involved in traffic accidents have not been allowed to leave the country before paying compensation -- often determined arbitrarily -- for property damage or injuries to Vietnamese nationals.Other Seizures: Authorities have seized documents, audio and video tapes, compact discs, literature, and letters which they deem to be religious, pornographic, or political in nature or intended for religious proselytizing. They have detained and expelled individuals believed to be engaged in such Property Issues and Lifting of Sanctions: On January 28, 1995, the U.S. and Vietnam signed agreements resolving diplomatic property issues and settling outstanding claims between the two countries. For more information contact: Assistant Legal Adviser for International Claims and Investment Disputes, Department of State, SA-44, Room 205, Washington, DC 20520, telephone 202-776-8360.Pursuant to the February 3, 1994 lifting of sanctions against Vietnam, U.S. visitors to Vietnam are no longer subject to spending limitations. Vietnam is now listed under U.S. export controls applicable to Country Group Y. Business representatives must comply with all normal Commerce Department export requirements. For additional information contact: The Bureau of Export Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1400 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20230, telephone (202) 482-4811.Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who were born in Vietnam or are former citizens of Vietnam, and their children, while required to obtain visas as foreigners, are treated in criminal matters as Vietnamese nationals by Vietnamese authorities. They also have been subjected to laws that impose special obligations upon Vietnamese nationals, such as military service and taxes. Specific questions on dual nationality may be directed to the Vietnamese Embassy or to the Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, telephone (202) 647-5226.U.S. Embassy Location: On August 6, 1995, the U.S. Liaison Office was upgraded to an Embassy, after the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Vietnam. The U.S. Embassy provides most consular functions except for immigrant visa issuance, which continues to be handled by the Orderly Departure Program at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand. The U.S. Embassy provides limited visa services (for diplomatic, professional, and education program travel only.) Their hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The address is 7 Lang Ha, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, telephone (84-4) 431500. There is presently no U.S. government office in Ho Chi Minh City. No. 95-120This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued on May 8, 1995, to reflect the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam and the upgrade of the Liaison Offices to Embassy status, and to add and update the categories of consular access, security and document seizures.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Vietnam============================================================Vietnam - Consular Information Sheet October 3, 1995Country Description: Vietnam is a poor agrarian country controlled by a communist government. Tourist facilities are not well established, but are improving.Entry Requirements: U.S. passports are valid for travel in Vietnam. Visas are required. Visa information may be obtained from the Vietnamese Embassy, 1233 20th Street N.W., Suite 501, Washington, DC 20036 (telephone 202-861-0737) or from a travel agent that organizes travel to Vietnam.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities do not meet U.S. standards and frequently lack medicines and supplies. The Vietnamese National Administration of Tourism has created a program to provide emergency medical assistance, including evacuations, to all visitors holding valid tourist visas and traveling in groups. Specific questions regarding health matters can be directed to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven to be useful. In cases of death of foreigners, charges for cremation or shipment of remains have generally been very high.Information on Crime: Petty crime is a problem in Ho Chi Minh City. Petty theft, briefcase and purse snatching, and pickpocketing are common, particularly on the city's main streets, and around the major hotels. Assaults have been reported in outlying areas. Some pedicab drivers have reportedly kidnapped passengers and extorted money; it therefore may be risky to hire pedicabs not associated with reputable hotels or other establishments such as restaurants. There has been an increase in petty theft in Hanoi. In view of the increasing theft, passports should be kept in hotel safes or other secure location. Lost or stolen passports should be reported to the local police and the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. Useful information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict. Long jail sentences and fines are common, and foreigners have been executed for drug smuggling.Consular Access: U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry photocopies of passport data and photo pages with them at all times so that, if questioned by Vietnamese officials, proof of U.S. citizenship is readily available. U.S. Consular officers in Vietnam are not always promptly notified when a U.S. citizen has been arrested or detained. Moreover, the Vietnamese government does not always grant U.S. consular officers access to incarcerated U.S. citizens in a timely manner. This is particularly true when the U.S. citizen is also a dual national and is considered by the Vietnamese government to be a citizen of Vietnam. U.S. citizens have rights to consular access and should insist upon contact with the U.S. Embassy. The U.S. and Vietnam have agreed upon each other's rights of access to detained nationals bearing their respective passports, and that bearers of U.S. passports who enter Vietnam with a Vietnamese visa will be regarded as U.S. citizens for purposes of access. Dual nationals who enter Vietnam on Vietnamese passports may be denied consular access to U.S. consular officials.Security: Security personnel at times may place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. Large gatherings, such as those forming at the scene of traffic accidents, can become violent. Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with authorities.Foreign visitors to Vietnam have been arbitrarily arrested, detained or expelled for activities that would not be considered crimes in the U.S. Visitors deemed suspicious may be detained, along with their Vietnamese contacts, relatives, and friends. Involvement in politics, possession of political material or unsanctioned religious activities can result in detention.Passport Seizures/Exit Bans: The Vietnamese government has seized the passports and blocked the departure of foreigners involved in commercial disputes. Passports should not be used as security for rental of vehicles. Several U.S. citizens have been unable to regain their passports when motorcycles have been damaged or stolen until they have paid for the damage or loss. In such circumstances, the U.S. government may re-issue a passport to an American citizen who applies for one. The Vietnamese exit ban, however, would remain in effect, preventing departure. Americans involved in traffic accidents have not been allowed to leave the country before paying compensation -- often determined arbitrarily -- for property damage or injuries to Vietnamese nationals.Other Seizures: Authorities have seized documents, audio and video tapes, compact discs, literature, and letters which they deem to be religious, pornographic, or political in nature or intended for religious proselytizing. They have detained and expelled individuals believed to be engaged in such Property Issues and Lifting of Sanctions: On January 28, 1995, the U.S. and Vietnam signed agreements resolving diplomatic property issues and settling outstanding claims between the two countries. For more information contact: Assistant Legal Adviser for International Claims and Investment Disputes, Department of State, SA-44, Room 205, Washington, DC 20520, telephone 202-776-8360.Pursuant to the February 3, 1994 lifting of sanctions against Vietnam, U.S. visitors to Vietnam are no longer subject to spending limitations. Vietnam is now listed under U.S. export controls applicable to Country Group Y. Business representatives must comply with all normal Commerce Department export requirements. For additional information contact: The Bureau of Export Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1400 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20230, telephone (202) 482-4811.Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who were born in Vietnam or are former citizens of Vietnam, and their children, while required to obtain visas as foreigners, are treated in criminal matters as Vietnamese nationals by Vietnamese authorities. They also have been subjected to laws that impose special obligations upon Vietnamese nationals, such as military service and taxes. Specific questions on dual nationality may be directed to the Vietnamese Embassy or to the Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, telephone (202) 647-5226.U.S. Embassy Location: On August 6, 1995, the U.S. Liaison Office was upgraded to an Embassy, after the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Vietnam. The U.S. Embassy provides most consular functions except for immigrant visa issuance, which continues to be handled by the Orderly Departure Program at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand. The U.S. Embassy provides limited visa services (for diplomatic, professional, and education program travel only.) Their hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The address is 7 Lang Ha, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, telephone (84-4) 431500. There is presently no U.S. government office in Ho Chi Minh City. No. 95-120This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued on May 8, 1995, to reflect the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Vietnam and the upgrade of the Liaison Offices to Embassy status, and to add and update the categories of consular access, security and document seizures.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Venezuela GeographyLocation: Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and GuyanaMap references: South AmericaArea: total area: 912,050 sq km land area: 882,050 sq km comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of CaliforniaLand boundaries: total 4,993 km, Brazil 2,200 km, Colombia 2,050 km, Guyana 743 kmCoastline: 2,800 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 15 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: claims all of Guyana west of the Essequibo River; maritime boundary dispute with Colombia in the Gulf of VenezuelaClimate: tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlandsTerrain: Andes Mountains and Maracaibo Lowlands in northwest; central plains (llanos); Guiana Highlands in southeastNatural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other minerals, hydropower, diamondsLand use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 20% forest and woodland: 39% other: 37%Irrigated land: 2,640 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: sewage pollution of Lago de Valencia; oil and urban pollution of Lago de Maracaibo; deforestation; soil degradation; urban and industrial pollution, especially along the Caribbean coast natural hazards: subject to floods, rockslides, mudslides; periodic droughts THE WORLD FACTBOOK Venezuela Geography international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Hazardous Wastes, Marine DumpingNote: on major sea and air routes linking North and South America THE WORLD FACTBOOK Venezuela PeoplePopulation: 21,004,773 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 35% (female 3,650,705; male 3,795,032) 15-64 years: 60% (female 6,350,466; male 6,313,887) 65 years and over: 5% (female 486,020; male 408,663) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.1% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 25.11 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 4.57 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 26.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.31 years male: 70.48 years female: 76.29 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.97 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Venezuelan(s) adjective: VenezuelanEthnic divisions: mestizo 67%, white 21%, black 10%, Amerindian 2%Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%Languages: Spanish (official), native dialects spoken by about 200,000 Amerindians in the remote interiorLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 90% male: 91% female: 89%Labor force: 7.6 million by occupation: services 63%, industry 25%, agriculture 12% (1993) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Venezuela GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Venezuela conventional short form: Venezuela local long form: Republica de Venezuela local short form: VenezuelaDigraph: VEType: republicCapital: CaracasAdministrative divisions: 21 states (estados, singular - estado), 1 territory* (territorio), 1 federal district** (distrito federal), and 1 federal dependency*** (dependencia federal); Amazonas*, Anzoategui, Apure, Aragua, Barinas, Bolivar, Carabobo, Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, Dependencias Federales***, Distrito Federal**, Falcon, Guarico, Lara, Merida, Miranda, Monagas, Nueva Esparta, Portuguesa, Sucre, Tachira, Trujillo, Yaracuy, Zulia note: the federal dependency consists of 11 federally controlled island groups with a total of 72 individual islandsIndependence: 5 July 1811 (from Spain)National holiday: Independence Day, 5 July (1811)Constitution: 23 January 1961Legal system: based on Napoleonic code; judicial review of legislative acts in Cassation Court only; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Rafael CALDERA Rodriguez (since 2 February 1994); election last held 5 December 1993 (next to be held NA December 1998); results - Rafael CALDERA (National Convergence) 30.45%, Claudio FERMIN (AD) 23.59%, Oswaldo ALVAREZ PAZ (COPEI) 22.72%, Andres VELASQUEZ (Causa R) 21.94%, other 1.3% cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch: bicameral Congress of the Republic (Congreso de la Republica) Senate (Senado): elections last held 5 December 1993 (next to be held NA December 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (53 total) AD 18, COPEI 15, Causa R 9, MAS 5, National Convergence 6; note - 3 former presidents (2 from AD, 1 from COPEI) hold lifetime senate seats Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados): elections last held 5 December 1993 (next to be held NA December 1998); results - AD 27.9%, COPEI 26.9%, MAS 12.4%, National Convergence 12.9%, Causa R 19.9%; seats - (203 total) AD 55, COPEI 53, MAS 24, National Convergence 26, Causa R 40, other 5Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) Roberto YEPES, President THE WORLD FACTBOOK Venezuela GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: National Convergence (Convergencia), Jose Miguel UZCATEGUI, president, Juan Jose CALDERA, national coordinator; Social Christian Party (COPEI), Luis HERRERA Campins, president, and Donald RAMIREZ, secretary general; Democratic Action (AD), Pedro PARIS Montesinos, president, and Luis ALFARO Ucero, secretary general; Movement Toward Socialism (MAS), Gustavo MARQUEZ, president, and Enrique OCHOA Antich, secretary general; Radical Cause (La Causa R), Pablo MEDINA, secretary generalOther political or pressure groups: FEDECAMARAS, a conservative business group; Venezuelan Confederation of Workers (CTV, labor organization dominated by the Democratic Action); VECINOS groupsMember of: AG, BCIE, CARICOM (observer), CDB, CG, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, MINURSO, NAM, OAS, ONUSAL, OPANAL, OPEC, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIH, UNPROFOR, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Pedro Luis ECHEVERRIA chancery: 1099 30th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 342-2214 consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Jeffrey DAVIDOW embassy: Avenida Francisco de Miranda and Avenida Principal de la Floresta, Caracas mailing address: P. O. Box 62291, Caracas 1060-A; APO AA 34037 telephone: [58] (2) 285-2222, 3111 FAX: [58] (2) 285-0366Flag: three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), blue, and red with the coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band and an arc of seven white five-pointed stars centered in the blue band THE WORLD FACTBOOK Venezuela EconomyOverview: Despite efforts to broaden the base of the economy, petroleum continues to play a dominant role. In 1994, as GDP declined 3.3%, the oil sector - which accounts for 24% of the total - enjoyed a 6% expansion, provided 45% of the budget revenues, and generated 70% of the export earnings. President CALDERA, who assumed office in February 1994, has used an interventionist, reactive approach to managing the economy, instituting price and foreign exchange controls in mid-year to slow inflation and stop the loss of foreign exchange reserves. The government claims it will remove these controls once inflationary pressures abate, but the $8 billion bailout of the banking sector in 1994 has made it difficult for the government to make good on its promise. Economic controls, coupled with political uncertainty driven by recurrent coup rumors, continue to deter foreign and domestic investment; private forecasters see the recession persisting for a third year in 1995.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $178.3 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: -3.3% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $8,670 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 71% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 9% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $10.3 billion expenditures: $14.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $103 million (1994 est.)Exports: $15.2 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: petroleum 72%, bauxite and aluminum, steel, chemicals, agricultural products, basic manufactures partners: US and Puerto Rico 55%, Japan, Netherlands, ItalyImports: $7.6 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: raw materials, machinery and equipment, transport equipment, construction materials partners: US 40%, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, CanadaExternal debt: $40.1 billion (1994)Industrial production: growth rate -1.4% (1993 est.); accounts for 41% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 18,740,000 kW production: 72 billion kWh consumption per capita: 3,311 kWh (1993)Industries: petroleum, iron-ore mining, construction materials, food processing, textiles, steel, aluminum, motor vehicle assembly THE WORLD FACTBOOK Venezuela EconomyAgriculture: accounts for 6% of GDP; products - corn, sorghum, sugarcane, rice, bananas, vegetables, coffee, beef, pork, milk, eggs, fish; not self-sufficient in food other than meatIllicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis, opium, and coca leaf for the international drug trade on a small scale; however, large quantities of cocaine and heroin transit the country from Colombia; important money-laundering hubEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-86), $488 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $10 millionCurrency: 1 bolivar (Bs) = 100 centimosExchange rates: bolivares (Bs) per US$1 - 169.570 (January 1995), 148.503 (1994), 90.826 (1993), 68.38 (1992), 56.82 (1991), 46.90 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Venezuela TransportationRailroads: total: 542 km (363 km single track; 179 km privately owned) standard gauge: 542 km 1.435-m gaugeHighways: total: 81,000 km paved: 31,200 km unpaved: gravel 24,800 km; earth and unimproved earth 25,000 kmInland waterways: 7,100 km; Rio Orinoco and Lago de Maracaibo accept oceangoing vesselsPipelines: crude oil 6,370 km; petroleum products 480 km; natural gas 4,010 kmPorts: Amuay, Bajo Grande, El Tablazo, La Guaira, La Salina, Maracaibo, Matanzas, Palua, Puerto Cabello, Puerto la Cruz, Puerto Ordaz, Puerto Sucre, Punta CardonMerchant marine: total: 39 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 686,811 GRT/1,110,829 DWT ships by type: bulk 4, cargo 11, combination bulk 1, liquefied gas tanker 2, oil tanker 15, passenger-cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 4, short-sea passenger 1Airports: total: 431 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 4 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 11 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 34 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 65 with paved runways under 914 m: 191 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 12 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 114 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Venezuela CommunicationsTelephone system: 1,440,000 telephones; modern and expanding local: NA intercity: 3 domestic satellite earth stations international: 3 submarine coaxial cables; 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 181, FM 0, shortwave 26 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 59 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Venezuela Defense ForcesBranches: National Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas Nacionales or FAN) includes Ground Forces or Army (Fuerzas Terrestres or Ejercito), Naval Forces (Fuerzas Navales or Armada), Air Force (Fuerzas Aereas or Aviacion), Armed Forces of Cooperation or National Guard (Fuerzas Armadas de Cooperation or Guardia Nacional)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 5,491,524; males fit for military service 3,981,190; males reach military age (18) annually 227,292 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.95 billion, 4% of GDP (1991)</text>
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<text>VENEZUELA - Passport and tourist card required. Tourist card can beobtained from airlines serving Venezuela, no charge, valid 60 days,cannot be extended. Multiple-entry visa valid up to 1 year, extendable,available from any Venezuelan Consulate, requires $30 fee (money order or companycheck), 1 application form, 1 photo, onward/return ticket, proof ofsufficient funds and certification of employment. For business visa,need letter from company stating purpose of trip, responsibility fortraveler, name and address of companies to be visited in Venezuela and $60 fee. All travelers must pay departure tax ($12) at airport. Business travelersmust present a Declaration of Income Tax in the Ministerio de Hacienda(Treasury Department). For additional information contact the Consular Sectionof the Embassy of Venezuela, 1099 30th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20007(202/342-2214) or the nearest Consulate: CA (415/512-8340), FL(305/577-3834), IL (312/236-9655), LA (504/522-3284), MA(617/266-9355), NY (212/826-1660), PR (809/766-4250) or TX (713/961-5141).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Venezuela============================================================Venezuela - Consular Information Sheet November 22, 1995Country Description: Venezuela is a middle-income country with a well-developed transportation infrastructure. Scheduled air service and good all-weather roads, some poorly marked and congested around urban centers, connect major cities and all regions of the country. Its tourism infrastructure varies in quality according to location and price.Entry requirements: A valid passport and a visa or tourist card are required. Tourist cards are issued on flights from the U.S. to Venezuela. For current information concerning entry, tax, and customs requirements for Venezuela, contact the Venezuelan Embassy at 1099 30th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007; tel: (202) 342-2214, or the consulates in New York, Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston, Houston, San Francisco, and San Juan.Areas of Instability: Cross-border violence occurs frequently in remote areas along the Colombian border in Zulia, Tachira, Apure and Amazonas states. U.S. citizens should consult the U.S. Embassy if they plan to visit these areas. There have been no recent terrorist actions against visitors. In July 1995, however, the U.S. Embassy received information indicating that U.S. citizens in the region bordering Colombia may be targets for kidnapping by Colombian guerrillas.Health and Medical facilities: Medical care in Caracas is very good at private hospitals and clinics. Cash payment is usually demanded. Most hospitals and clinics, however, accept credit cards. In rural areas outside Caracas, physicians and medical supplies may be minimal.U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Medicare/Medicaid do not provide payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Most crime is economically motivated. Pickpockets concentrate in and around crowded bus and subway stations, along with the area around "Parque Simon Bolivar" near the "Capitolio" in downtown Caracas. There have been cases of theft from hotel safe deposit boxes. The "Barrios" (the poor neighborhoods that cover the hills around Caracas) and isolated urban parks such as "El Calvario" in the "El Silencio" area of Caracas can be very dangerous. Most criminals are armed with guns or knives, and will use force. There is potential for theft of unattended valuables on the beach, and from rental cars parked in isolated areas or on city streets. A guarded garage is not always a guarantee against theft.Highway Travel: Outside the major cities, night driving can be dangerous because of unmarked road damage or repairs in progress, unlighted vehicles, and livestock. Stops at national guard and local police checkpoints ("Alcabalas") are mandatory. Drivers should follow all national guard instructions and be prepared to show vehicle and insurance papers and passports. Vehicles may be searched. Very economical but less safe bus service is available to most locations.Currency Restrictions: In July 1994, currency restrictions were imposed. Foreign exchange transactions must take place through commercial banks and exchange houses at the official rate. There are limits on the amount of local currency that can be exchanged for dollars when leaving the country. Credit cards are accepted at most upscale tourist establishments. Outside the major cities, a good supply of Venezuelan currency is necessary.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs in Venezuela are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Prison conditions are abject.Other Information: Sporadic political demonstrations occur in urban centers. These tend to focus primarily on or near university campuses or secondary schools, and sometimes turn violent. Most tourist destinations, however, remain unaffected. The number and intensity of demonstrations have fluctuated widely. Merida, a major tourist destination in the Andes, is traditionally the scene of regular student demonstrations.Travelers may keep informed of local developments by following the local press (including "The Daily Journal," an English language newspaper), radio and TV, and consulting their local hosts, including U.S. and Venezuelan business contacts, hotels, tour guides, and travel organizers for current information on demonstrations, the purpose and location of which are usually announced in advance.U.S. citizens visiting certain areas along the border with Colombia may be subject to search and seizure, as well as restrictions as to where they may travel in those areas, due to the suspension of several constitutional guarantees in order to permit the military to act expeditiously against potential cross-border guerrilla incursions. Constitutional guarantees have been restored in other parts of the country, however. For further information regarding travel to these areas, contact the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. A number of U.S. citizens have reported that Venezuelan officials at airports, immigration offices, and police stations have demanded bribes. U.S. citizens should report immediately to the U.S. Embassy any such demand.U.S. citizens who do not have Venezuelan cedulas (national identity cards) must carry their passports with them at all times. Photocopies of passports prove valuable in facilitating their replacement if lost or stolen.Information on Venezuelan adoption procedures and the U.S. immigrant visa application process is available from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy, or the Office of Children's Issues, CA/OCS/CI, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, (202) 647-2688.Civil Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in May 1995, the FAA has found the government of Venezuela's Civil Aviation Authority not to be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Venezuelan air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, Venezuelan air carriers are permitted to conduct operations to the U.S. subject to heightened FAA surveillance. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens may register at the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, and may also obtain updated information on travel and security within Venezuela. The U.S. Embassy is located at Calle Suspure and Calle F, Colinas de Valle Arriba, tel. (58-2) 977-2011. A part-time Consular Agent has been approved for western Venezuela to replace services lost when the Consulate in Maracaibo was closed in February 1994. The U.S. Embassy anticipates that the Consular Agent will begin providing services during the first quarter of calendar year 1996. No. 95-149This replaces the consular information sheet dated September 2, 1994 to update information on aviation oversight, crime, areas of instability, health and medical facilities, currency restrictions, and the location of the U.S. Embassy.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Venezuela============================================================Venezuela - Public Announcement May 12, 1994U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the SpokesmanFor Immediate ReleaseThe U. S. Embassy in Caracas issued a notice informing U.S. citizens that there are demonstrations and some looting in various sections of Caracas. U.S. citizens should avoid known trouble spots such as the University and "Centro" areas. Travelers should be alert to their surroundings and turn around and go the other way if they see a demonstration forming or in progress. It is anticipated that these demonstrations will continue. Travelers may contact the U.S. Embassy in Caracas for up-to-date information. No. 94-vvv-----STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Venezuela============================================================Venezuela - Consular Information Sheet November 22, 1995Country Description: Venezuela is a middle-income country with a well-developed transportation infrastructure. Scheduled air service and good all-weather roads, some poorly marked and congested around urban centers, connect major cities and all regions of the country. Its tourism infrastructure varies in quality according to location and price.Entry requirements: A valid passport and a visa or tourist card are required. Tourist cards are issued on flights from the U.S. to Venezuela. For current information concerning entry, tax, and customs requirements for Venezuela, contact the Venezuelan Embassy at 1099 30th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007; tel: (202) 342-2214, or the consulates in New York, Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston, Houston, San Francisco, and San Juan.Areas of Instability: Cross-border violence occurs frequently in remote areas along the Colombian border in Zulia, Tachira, Apure and Amazonas states. U.S. citizens should consult the U.S. Embassy if they plan to visit these areas. There have been no recent terrorist actions against visitors. In July 1995, however, the U.S. Embassy received information indicating that U.S. citizens in the region bordering Colombia may be targets for kidnapping by Colombian guerrillas.Health and Medical facilities: Medical care in Caracas is very good at private hospitals and clinics. Cash payment is usually demanded. Most hospitals and clinics, however, accept credit cards. In rural areas outside Caracas, physicians and medical supplies may be minimal.U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Medicare/Medicaid do not provide payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Most crime is economically motivated. Pickpockets concentrate in and around crowded bus and subway stations, along with the area around "Parque Simon Bolivar" near the "Capitolio" in downtown Caracas. There have been cases of theft from hotel safe deposit boxes. The "Barrios" (the poor neighborhoods that cover the hills around Caracas) and isolated urban parks such as "El Calvario" in the "El Silencio" area of Caracas can be very dangerous. Most criminals are armed with guns or knives, and will use force. There is potential for theft of unattended valuables on the beach, and from rental cars parked in isolated areas or on city streets. A guarded garage is not always a guarantee against theft.Highway Travel: Outside the major cities, night driving can be dangerous because of unmarked road damage or repairs in progress, unlighted vehicles, and livestock. Stops at national guard and local police checkpoints ("Alcabalas") are mandatory. Drivers should follow all national guard instructions and be prepared to show vehicle and insurance papers and passports. Vehicles may be searched. Very economical but less safe bus service is available to most locations.Currency Restrictions: In July 1994, currency restrictions were imposed. Foreign exchange transactions must take place through commercial banks and exchange houses at the official rate. There are limits on the amount of local currency that can be exchanged for dollars when leaving the country. Credit cards are accepted at most upscale tourist establishments. Outside the major cities, a good supply of Venezuelan currency is necessary.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs in Venezuela are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Prison conditions are abject.Other Information: Sporadic political demonstrations occur in urban centers. These tend to focus primarily on or near university campuses or secondary schools, and sometimes turn violent. Most tourist destinations, however, remain unaffected. The number and intensity of demonstrations have fluctuated widely. Merida, a major tourist destination in the Andes, is traditionally the scene of regular student demonstrations.Travelers may keep informed of local developments by following the local press (including "The Daily Journal," an English language newspaper), radio and TV, and consulting their local hosts, including U.S. and Venezuelan business contacts, hotels, tour guides, and travel organizers for current information on demonstrations, the purpose and location of which are usually announced in advance.U.S. citizens visiting certain areas along the border with Colombia may be subject to search and seizure, as well as restrictions as to where they may travel in those areas, due to the suspension of several constitutional guarantees in order to permit the military to act expeditiously against potential cross-border guerrilla incursions. Constitutional guarantees have been restored in other parts of the country, however. For further information regarding travel to these areas, contact the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. A number of U.S. citizens have reported that Venezuelan officials at airports, immigration offices, and police stations have demanded bribes. U.S. citizens should report immediately to the U.S. Embassy any such demand.U.S. citizens who do not have Venezuelan cedulas (national identity cards) must carry their passports with them at all times. Photocopies of passports prove valuable in facilitating their replacement if lost or stolen.Information on Venezuelan adoption procedures and the U.S. immigrant visa application process is available from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy, or the Office of Children's Issues, CA/OCS/CI, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, (202) 647-2688.Civil Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in May 1995, the FAA has found the government of Venezuela's Civil Aviation Authority not to be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Venezuelan air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, Venezuelan air carriers are permitted to conduct operations to the U.S. subject to heightened FAA surveillance. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens may register at the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, and may also obtain updated information on travel and security within Venezuela. The U.S. Embassy is located at Calle Suspure and Calle F, Colinas de Valle Arriba, tel. (58-2) 977-2011. A part-time Consular Agent has been approved for western Venezuela to replace services lost when the Consulate in Maracaibo was closed in February 1994. The U.S. Embassy anticipates that the Consular Agent will begin providing services during the first quarter of calendar year 1996. No. 95-149This replaces the consular information sheet dated September 2, 1994 to update information on aviation oversight, crime, areas of instability, health and medical facilities, currency restrictions, and the location of the U.S. Embassy.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vanuatu GeographyLocation: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to AustraliaMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 14,760 sq km land area: 14,760 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Connecticut note: includes more than 80 islandsLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 2,528 kmMaritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; moderated by southeast trade windsTerrain: mostly mountains of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plainsNatural resources: manganese, hardwood forests, fishLand use: arable land: 1% permanent crops: 5% meadows and pastures: 2% forest and woodland: 1% other: 91%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: a majority of the population does not have access to a potable and reliable supply of water natural hazards: tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanism causes minor earthquakes THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vanuatu Geography international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vanuatu PeoplePopulation: 173,648 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 41% (female 34,819; male 36,128) 15-64 years: 56% (female 47,320; male 50,456) 65 years and over: 3% (female 2,217; male 2,708) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.22% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 31.26 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 9.06 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 66.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 59.71 years male: 57.9 years female: 61.61 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 4.14 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural) adjective: Ni-VanuatuEthnic divisions: indigenous Melanesian 94%, French 4%, Vietnamese, Chinese, Pacific IslandersReligions: Presbyterian 36.7%, Anglican 15%, Catholic 15%, indigenous beliefs 7.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6.2%, Church of Christ 3.8%, other 15.7%Languages: English (official), French (official), pidgin (known as Bislama or Bichelama)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1979) total population: 53% male: 57% female: 48%Labor force: NA by occupation: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vanuatu GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Vanuatu conventional short form: Vanuatu former: New HebridesDigraph: NHType: republicCapital: Port-VilaAdministrative divisions: 6 provinces; Malampa, Penama, Sanma, Shefa, Tafea, TorbaIndependence: 30 July 1980 (from France and UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 30 July (1980)Constitution: 30 July 1980Legal system: unified system being created from former dual French and British systemsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Jean Marie LEYE (since 2 March 1994) head of government: Prime Minister Maxime CARLOT Korman (since 16 December 1991); Deputy Prime Minister Sethy REGENVANU (since 17 December 1991) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the prime minister, responsible to parliamentLegislative branch: unicameral Parliament: elections last held 2 December 1991 (next to be held NA November 1995); note - after election, a coalition was formed by the Union of Moderate Parties and the National United Party to form a new government on 16 December 1991, but political party associations are fluid; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (46 total) UMP 19, NUP 10, VP 10, MPP 4, TUP 1, Nagriamel 1, Friend 1 note: the National Council of Chiefs advises on matters of custom and landJudicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: Vanuatu Party (VP), Donald KALPOKAS; Union of Moderate Parties (UMP), Maxime CARLOT Korman; Melanesian Progressive Party (MPP), Barak SOPE; National United Party (NUP), Walter LINI; Tan Union Party (TUP), Vincent BOULEKONE; Nagriamel Party, Jimmy STEVENS; Friend Melanesian Party, leader NA; People's Democratic Party (PDP), Sethy REGENVANU note: the VP, MPP, TUP, and Nagriamel Party have formed a coalition called the United Front (UF) heading into the November 1995 elections THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vanuatu GovernmentMember of: ACCT, ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS (associate), IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), IOC, ITU, NAM, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: Vanuatu does not have a mission in the USUS diplomatic representation: the ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to VanuatuFlag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a black isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) all separated by a black-edged yellow stripe in the shape of a horizontal Y (the two points of the Y face the hoist side and enclose the triangle); centered in the triangle is a boar's tusk encircling two crossed namele leaves, all in yellow THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vanuatu EconomyOverview: The economy is based primarily on subsistence farming which provides a living for about 80% of the population. Fishing and tourism are the other mainstays of the economy, with 43,000 visitors in 1992. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum deposits. A small light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $200 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $1,200 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.3% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $90 million expenditures: $103 million, including capital expenditures of $45 million (1989 est.)Exports: $14.9 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: copra, beef, cocoa, timber, coffee partners: Netherlands, Japan, France, New Caledonia, BelgiumImports: $74 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: machines and vehicles, food and beverages, basic manufactures, raw materials and fuels, chemicals partners: Australia 36%, Japan 13%, NZ 10%, France 8%, Fiji 8%External debt: $40 million (yearend 1992)Industrial production: growth rate 8.1% (1990); accounts for about 10% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 17,000 kW production: 30 million kWh consumption per capita: 181 kWh (1993)Industries: food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canningAgriculture: export crops - coconuts, cocoa, coffee, fish; subsistence crops - taro, yams, coconuts, fruits, vegetablesEconomic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $606 millionCurrency: 1 vatu (VT) = 100 centimes THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vanuatu EconomyExchange rates: vatu (VT) per US$1 - 112.42 (December 1994), 116.41 (1994), 121.58 (1993), 113.39 (1992), 111.68 (1991), 116.57 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vanuatu TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 1,027 km paved: 240 km unpaved: 787 kmPorts: Forari, Port-Vila, Santo (Espiritu Santo)Merchant marine: total: 116 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,874,698 GRT/2,758,783 DWT ships by type: bulk 52, cargo 18, chemical tanker 3, combination bulk 1, container 4, liquefied gas tanker 5, livestock carrier 1, oil tanker 5, refrigerated cargo 17, vehicle carrier 10 note: a flag of convenience registry; includes 21 countries among which are ships of the US 117, Japan 39, Netherlands 12, China 11, UAE 6, Greece 6, Canada 6, Hong Kong 4, Russia 2, Australia 2Airports: total: 31 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 17 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 11 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vanuatu CommunicationsTelephone system: 3,000 telephones local: NA intercity: NA international: 1 INTELSAT (Pacific Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 0 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Vanuatu Defense ForcesBranches: no regular military forces; Vanuatu Police Force (VPF; includes the paramilitary Vanuatu Mobile Force or VMF)Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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<text>VANUATU - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa notrequired for stay up to 30 days. For further information consult the BritishEmbassy (202/986-0205).Vanuatu - Consular Information SheetJuly 9, 1993Country Description: Vanuatu consists of 80 islands located in a Y-shapedarchipelago, 1300 miles northeast of Sydney, Australia. It is an independentparliamentary democracy and member of the British Commonwealth, with aprimarily agricultural economy. The capital is Port Vila, located on theisland of Efate.Entry Requirements: A passport and an onward/return ticket is required.Visas are not required for stays of up to 30 days. For further information,travelers may consult the British Embassy at 3100 Massachusetts Avenue N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 462-1340 or British consulates inLos Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, New York, Cleveland and Houston.Medical facilities: Medical facilities and services are adequate, butlimited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment forhealth services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside theUnited States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseascoverage has proved useful. Additional information on health matters can beobtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelershotline at (404) 332-4559.Information on crime: Major crime is rare in Vanuatu. Petty crimes againstproperty are fairly common. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passportshould be reported immediately to the local police, and the nearest U.S.embassy or consulate. Useful information on guarding valuables andprotecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in theDepartment of State pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available fromthe Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, WashingtonD.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of thecountry in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use and traffickingin illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jailsentences and fines.Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy at Port Moresby inPapua New Guinea, or with the U.S. Consul in Honiara, Solomon Islands, mayobtain updated information on travel and security in the area.Embassy Location: Because there is no U.S. embassy or other diplomatic postin Vanuatu, Americans seeking assistance may contact the U.S. Embassy inPort Moresby, Papua New Guinea, which is located on Armit Street. There isalso a U.S. Consul resident in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The mailingaddress is c/o American Embassy, P.O. Box 561, Honiara, Solomon Islands,tel. (677) 23-890.No. 93-196This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued on November 13, 1992 toinclude information on reporting the loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uzbekistan GeographyLocation: Central Asia, north of AfghanistanMap references: Commonwealth of Independent States - Central Asian StatesArea: total area: 447,400 sq km land area: 425,400 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than CaliforniaLand boundaries: total 6,221 km, Afghanistan 137 km, Kazakhstan 2,203 km, Kyrgyzstan 1,099 km, Tajikistan 1,161 km, Turkmenistan 1,621 kmCoastline: 0 km note: Uzbekistan borders the Aral Sea (420 km)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: noneClimate: mostly midlatitude desert, long, hot summers, mild winters; semiarid grassland in eastTerrain: mostly flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes; broad, flat intensely irrigated river valleys along course of Amu Darya and Sirdaryo Rivers; Fergana Valley in east surrounded by mountainous Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; shrinking Aral Sea in westNatural resources: natural gas, petroleum, coal, gold, uranium, silver, copper, lead and zinc, tungsten, molybdenumLand use: arable land: 10% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 47% forest and woodland: 0% other: 42%Irrigated land: 41,550 sq km (1990)Environment: current issues: drying up of the Aral Sea is resulting in growing concentrations of chemical pesticides and natural salts; these substances are then blown from the increasingly exposed lake bed and contribute to desertification; water pollution from industrial wastes and the heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides is the cause of many human health disorders; increasing soil salinization; soil contamination from agricultural chemicals, including DDT natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Ozone Layer Protection THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uzbekistan GeographyNote: landlocked THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uzbekistan PeoplePopulation: 23,089,261 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 40% (female 4,553,432; male 4,670,496) 15-64 years: 55% (female 6,400,578; male 6,384,862) 65 years and over: 5% (female 656,933; male 422,960) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.08% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 29.45 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.44 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -2.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 52 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.79 years male: 65.5 years female: 72.24 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 3.67 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Uzbek(s) adjective: UzbekEthnic divisions: Uzbek 71.4%, Russian 8.3%, Tajik 4.7%, Kazakh 4.1%, Tatar 2.4%, Karakalpak 2.1%, other 7%Religions: Muslim 88% (mostly Sunnis), Eastern Orthodox 9%, other 3%Languages: Uzbek 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajik 4.4%, other 7.1%Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989) total population: 97% male: 98% female: 96%Labor force: 8.234 million by occupation: agriculture and forestry 43%, industry and construction 22%, other 35% (1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uzbekistan GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Uzbekistan conventional short form: Uzbekistan local long form: Uzbekiston Respublikasi local short form: none former: Uzbek Soviet Socialist RepublicDigraph: UZType: republicCapital: Tashkent (Toshkent)Administrative divisions: 12 wiloyatlar (singular - wiloyat), 1 autonomous republic* (respublikasi), and 1 city** (shahri); Andijon Wiloyati, Bukhoro Wiloyati, Jizzakh Wiloyati, Farghona Wiloyati, Qoraqalpoghiston* (Nukus), Qashqadaryo Wiloyati (Qarshi), Khorazm Wiloyati (Urganch), Namangan Wiloyati, Nawoiy Wiloyati, Samarqand Wiloyati, Sirdaryo Wiloyati (Guliston), Surkhondaryo Wiloyati (Termiz), Toshkent Shahri**, Toshkent Wiloyati note: an administrative division has the same name as its administrative center (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)Independence: 31 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)National holiday: Independence Day, 1 September (1991)Constitution: new constitution adopted 8 December 1992Legal system: evolution of Soviet civil law; still lacks independent judicial systemSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Islam KARIMOV (since NA March 1990); election last held 29 December 1991 (next to be held NA); results - Islam KARIMOV 86%, Mukhammad SOLIKH 12%, other 2%; note - a 26 March 1995 referendum extended KARIMOV's term until 2000 (99.6% approval) head of government: Prime Minister Abdulhashim MUTALOV (since 13 January 1992), First Deputy Prime Minister Ismail DJURABEKOV (since NA); Deputy Prime Ministers Viktor CHIZHEN, Bakhtiyar HAMIDOV, Kayim KHAKKULOV, Yuriy PAYGIN, Saidmukhtar SAIDKASYMOV, Utkur SULTANOV, Mirabror USMANOV, Murat SHARIFKHOJAYEV (since NA) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers; appointed by the president with approval of the Supreme AssemblyLegislative branch: unicameral THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uzbekistan Government Supreme Council: elections last held 25 December 1994 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (250 total) People's Democratic Party 207, Fatherland Progress Party 12, other 31; note - final runoffs were held 22 January 1995; seating was as follows: People's Democratic Party 69, Fatherland Progress Party 14, Social Democratic Party 47, local government 120Judicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: People's Democratic Party (PDP; formerly Communist Party), Islam A. KARIMOV, chairman; Fatherland Progress Party (FPP), Anwar YULDASHEV, chairman; Social Democratic Party, Anvar JORABAYEV, chairman; Erk (Freedom) Democratic Party (EDP), Muhammad SOLIKH, chairman (in exile); note - EDP was banned 9 December 1992Other political or pressure groups: Birlik (Unity) People's Movement (BPM), Abdul Rakhim PULATOV, chairman (in exile); Islamic Rebirth Party (IRP), Abdullah UTAYEV, chairman; Adolat-94 (formed by former Vice President Shukhrat MIRSAIDOV and Ibragim BURIEV note: PULATOV (BPM) is in exile in the West; UTAYEV (IRP) is either in prison or in exileMember of: AsDB, CCC, CIS, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, NACC, NAM, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Fatikh TESHABAYEV chancery: (temporary) Suites 619 and 623, 1511 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 telephone: [1] (202) 638-4266, 4267 FAX: [1] (202) 638-4268 consulate(s) general: New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Henry L. CLARKE embassy: 82 Chilanzarskaya, Tashkent mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [7] (3712) 77-14-07, 77-10-81 FAX: [7] (3712) 77-69-53Flag: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and green separated by red fimbriations with a crescent moon and 12 stars in the upper hoist-side quadrant THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uzbekistan EconomyOverview: Uzbekistan is a dry, landlocked country of which 10% consists of intensely cultivated, irrigated river valleys. It is one of the poorest states of the former USSR with 60% of its population living in overpopulated rural communities. Nevertheless, Uzbekistan is the world's third largest cotton exporter, a major producer of gold and natural gas, and a regionally significant producer of chemicals and machinery. Since independence, the government has sought to prop up the Soviet-style command economy with subsidies and tight controls on prices and production. Such policies have buffered the economy from the sharp declines in output and high inflation experienced by many other former Soviet republics. They had become increasingly unsustainable, however, as inflation moves along at 14% per month and as Russia has forced the Uzbek government to introduce its own currency. Faced with mounting economic problems, the government has begun to move on a reform agenda and cooperate with international financial institutions, announced an acceleration of privatization, and stepped up efforts to attract foreign investors. Nevertheless, the regime is likely to find it difficult to sustain its drive for economic reform.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $54.5 billion (1994 estimate as extrapolated from World Bank estimate for 1992)National product real growth rate: -4% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $2,400 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 14% per month (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 0.3% includes only officially registered unemployed; large numbers of underemployed workers (December 1994)Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports: $943.7 million to outside the FSU countries (1994) commodities: cotton, gold, natural gas, mineral fertilizers, ferrous metals, textiles, food products partners: Russia, Ukraine, Eastern Europe, USImports: $1.15 billion from outside the FSU countries (1994) commodities: grain, machinery and parts, consumer durables, other foods partners: principally other FSU countries, Czech RepublicExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate 1% (1994 est.)Electricity: capacity: 11,690,000 kW production: 47.5 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,130 kWh (1994) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uzbekistan EconomyIndustries: textiles, food processing, machine building, metallurgy, natural gasAgriculture: cotton, vegetables, fruits, grain, livestockIllicit drugs: illicit cultivator of cannabis and opium poppy; mostly for CIS consumption; limited government eradication programs; used as transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western EuropeEconomic aid: recipient: the IMF has established a Systemic Transformation Facility of $74 million and the World Bank has made a rehabilitation loan of $160 million with other project loans pending; estimated annual external financing requirements for 1995-96 of $600 million to $700 millionCurrency: introduced provisional som-coupons 10 November 1993 which circulated parallel to the Russian rubles; became the sole legal currency 31 January 1994; was replaced in July 1994 by the som currencyExchange rates: soms per US$1 - 25 (yearend 1994)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uzbekistan TransportationRailroads: total: 3,460 km in common carrier service; does not include industrial lines broad gauge: 3,460 km 1.520-m gauge (1990)Highways: total: 78,400 km paved and graveled: 67,000 km unpaved: earth 11,400 km (1990)Pipelines: crude oil 250 km; petroleum products 40 km; natural gas 810 km (1992)Ports: TermizAirports: total: 261 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 6 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 14 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 8 with paved runways under 914 m: 5 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 7 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 216 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uzbekistan CommunicationsTelephone system: 1,458,000 telephones; 63 telephones/1,000 persons (1995); poorly developed local: NMT-450 analog cellular network established in Tashkent intercity: NA international: linked by landline or microwave with CIS member states and by leased connection via the Moscow international gateway switch to other countries; new INTELSAT links to Tokyo and Ankara give Uzbekistan international access independent of Russian facilities; Orbita and INTELSAT earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: NA televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uzbekistan Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Air and Air Defense, Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), National GuardManpower availability: males age 15-49 5,567,580; males fit for military service 4,537,455; males reach military age (18) annually 222,506 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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<text>UZBEKISTAN - Passport and visa required. Apply Uzbekistan Consulate,866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 326, New York, NY 10017 (212/486-7570).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Uzbekistan============================================================Uzbekistan - Consular Information Sheet July 28, 1995Country Description: Uzbekistan is a newly independent nation in the midst of profound political and economic change. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Internal travel and travel to other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), including both air and land routes, can be erratic and disrupted by fuel shortages, overcrowding and other problems.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Private travel must be arranged through a travel agency which has a relationship with Uzbektourism or via an invitation from a private Uzbekistani citizen, business, or organization which requests visa issuance through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at least one month in advance. Visas are issued at Uzbekistani embassies and consulates abroad or, in countries where Uzbekistan does not have diplomatic representation, at Russian embassies and consulates. Visas also are issued upon arrival at Tashkent Airport, but only through the prior arrangement of the sponsoring Uzbekistani citizen or organization. The U.S. Embassy cannot act as a sponsor for private American travelers. Travelers with CIS visas are permitted entry to Uzbekistan for genuine transit only, with proof of onward transportation within 72 hours. Travelers without a proper visa cannot register in hotels and will be fined and required to leave the country immediately. Visas for U.S. citizens are valid for travel to all cities within Uzbekistan. Further visa information is available at the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 1511 K Street, NW, Suite 619, Washington, D.C. 20005; telephone (202) 638-4266.Registration Requirements: All travelers present in Uzbekistan for even one day must register with OVIR, the Office of Visas and Registration. Hotel guests are registered automatically, but all other travelers are responsible for registering themselves. Visitors without proper registration are subjected to fines and possible harassment by local authorities. Visitors are required to carry a medical certificate proving they are not HIV infected, but this requirement is only sporadically enforced.Medical Facilities: Medical care in Uzbekistan is below Western standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Most resident Americans travel to the West for their medical needs; such travel can be very expensive if undertaken under emergency conditions. Therefore, travelers may want to purchase supplemental overseas medical insurance which includes coverage for medical evacuations. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at particular risk due to inadequate medical facilities.Health Concerns: Diseases contracted by foreigners include salmonella, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies and meningitis. Other food and waterborn diseases are common. Recommended vaccinations include basic DT, MMR, OPV/PV, gamma globulin, hepatitis, typhoid, rabies and meningitis. Travelers are advised to drink only boiled water and to peel all fruits and vegetables, and to avoid undercooked meat. Due to inappropriate sanitation conditions, travelers should avoid eating dairy products and most food sold in the streets. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, Telephone (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Uzbekistan has a low rate of violent crime, but common street crime has increased, especially at night. In urban areas, travelers are urged to take the same precautions against crime that they would take in a large American city. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and to the U.S. Embassy. The Department of State's phamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Additional information on the region can be found in the Department of State's brochure "Tips for Travelers to Russia." Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Currency Regulations: Most transactions are conducted on a cash-only, local currency (SOM) basis. Credit cards are accepted only at the main hotel in Tashkent; traveler's checks can be cashed only into SOM at the National Bank of Uzbekistan. Travelers may wish to bring plenty of dollars to exchange into SOM to cover their expenses. Old bills (prior to 1990)and those in poor condition (with tears, writing, or stamps) are not accepted. Although payment in U.S. dollars is required for certain hotel charges, plane tickets, and visa fees, other dollar transactions, as well as black market currency exchanges, are prohibited.General Standards of Conduct: Uzbekistan is an Islamic nation. Although modest Western-style clothing is appropriate in Tashkent, women should be prepared to dress conservatively in areas outside the capital. In rural areas, women in shorts, pants, short skirts, or sleeveless blouses risk harassment. Men do not wear shorts or sleeveless shirts in public.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in December 1994, the FAA has found the Government of Uzbekistan's Civil Aviation Authority to be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Uzbekistani air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1 (800) 322-7873.Registration: Americans are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy to obtain updated information on travel and security within Uzbekistan.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan is located at Ulitsa Chilanzarskaya, 82 in Tashkent. The main Embassy telephone number is (7-3712) 77-14-07; the consular section's direct line is (7-3712) 77-22-31. No. 95-081This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 29, 1994, to add information on Country Description, Entry Requirements, Aviation Oversight, and to update currency data.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Uzbekistan============================================================Uzbekistan - Consular Information Sheet July 28, 1995Country Description: Uzbekistan is a newly independent nation in the midst of profound political and economic change. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Internal travel and travel to other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), including both air and land routes, can be erratic and disrupted by fuel shortages, overcrowding and other problems.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Private travel must be arranged through a travel agency which has a relationship with Uzbektourism or via an invitation from a private Uzbekistani citizen, business, or organization which requests visa issuance through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at least one month in advance. Visas are issued at Uzbekistani embassies and consulates abroad or, in countries where Uzbekistan does not have diplomatic representation, at Russian embassies and consulates. Visas also are issued upon arrival at Tashkent Airport, but only through the prior arrangement of the sponsoring Uzbekistani citizen or organization. The U.S. Embassy cannot act as a sponsor for private American travelers. Travelers with CIS visas are permitted entry to Uzbekistan for genuine transit only, with proof of onward transportation within 72 hours. Travelers without a proper visa cannot register in hotels and will be fined and required to leave the country immediately. Visas for U.S. citizens are valid for travel to all cities within Uzbekistan. Further visa information is available at the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 1511 K Street, NW, Suite 619, Washington, D.C. 20005; telephone (202) 638-4266.Registration Requirements: All travelers present in Uzbekistan for even one day must register with OVIR, the Office of Visas and Registration. Hotel guests are registered automatically, but all other travelers are responsible for registering themselves. Visitors without proper registration are subjected to fines and possible harassment by local authorities. Visitors are required to carry a medical certificate proving they are not HIV infected, but this requirement is only sporadically enforced.Medical Facilities: Medical care in Uzbekistan is below Western standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Most resident Americans travel to the West for their medical needs; such travel can be very expensive if undertaken under emergency conditions. Therefore, travelers may want to purchase supplemental overseas medical insurance which includes coverage for medical evacuations. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at particular risk due to inadequate medical facilities.Health Concerns: Diseases contracted by foreigners include salmonella, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies and meningitis. Other food and waterborn diseases are common. Recommended vaccinations include basic DT, MMR, OPV/PV, gamma globulin, hepatitis, typhoid, rabies and meningitis. Travelers are advised to drink only boiled water and to peel all fruits and vegetables, and to avoid undercooked meat. Due to inappropriate sanitation conditions, travelers should avoid eating dairy products and most food sold in the streets. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, Telephone (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Uzbekistan has a low rate of violent crime, but common street crime has increased, especially at night. In urban areas, travelers are urged to take the same precautions against crime that they would take in a large American city. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and to the U.S. Embassy. The Department of State's phamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Additional information on the region can be found in the Department of State's brochure "Tips for Travelers to Russia." Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Currency Regulations: Most transactions are conducted on a cash-only, local currency (SOM) basis. Credit cards are accepted only at the main hotel in Tashkent; traveler's checks can be cashed only into SOM at the National Bank of Uzbekistan. Travelers may wish to bring plenty of dollars to exchange into SOM to cover their expenses. Old bills (prior to 1990)and those in poor condition (with tears, writing, or stamps) are not accepted. Although payment in U.S. dollars is required for certain hotel charges, plane tickets, and visa fees, other dollar transactions, as well as black market currency exchanges, are prohibited.General Standards of Conduct: Uzbekistan is an Islamic nation. Although modest Western-style clothing is appropriate in Tashkent, women should be prepared to dress conservatively in areas outside the capital. In rural areas, women in shorts, pants, short skirts, or sleeveless blouses risk harassment. Men do not wear shorts or sleeveless shirts in public.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in December 1994, the FAA has found the Government of Uzbekistan's Civil Aviation Authority to be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Uzbekistani air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1 (800) 322-7873.Registration: Americans are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy to obtain updated information on travel and security within Uzbekistan.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan is located at Ulitsa Chilanzarskaya, 82 in Tashkent. The main Embassy telephone number is (7-3712) 77-14-07; the consular section's direct line is (7-3712) 77-22-31. No. 95-081This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 29, 1994, to add information on Country Description, Entry Requirements, Aviation Oversight, and to update currency data.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uruguay GeographyLocation: Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Argentina and BrazilMap references: South AmericaArea: total area: 176,220 sq km land area: 173,620 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Washington StateLand boundaries: total 1,564 km, Argentina 579 km, Brazil 985 kmCoastline: 660 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation territorial sea: 200 nm; overflight and navigation guaranteed beyond 12 nmInternational disputes: short section of boundary with Argentina is in dispute; two short sections of the boundary with Brazil are in dispute - Arroyo de la Invernada (Arroio Invernada) area of the Rio Cuareim (Rio Quarai) and the islands at the confluence of the Rio Cuareim (Rio Quarai) and the Uruguay RiverClimate: warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknownTerrain: mostly rolling plains and low hills; fertile coastal lowlandNatural resources: soil, hydropower potential, minor mineralsLand use: arable land: 8% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 78% forest and woodland: 4% other: 10%Irrigated land: 1,100 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: substantial pollution from Brazilian industry along border; one-fifth of country affected by acid rain generated by Brazil; water pollution from meat packing/tannery industry; inadequate solid/hazardous waste disposal natural hazards: seasonally high winds (the pampero is a chilly and occasional violent wind which blows north from the Argentine pampas), droughts, floods; because of the absence of mountains, which act as weather barriers, all locations are particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in weather fronts THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uruguay Geography international agreements: party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, 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, Marine Life Conservation THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uruguay PeoplePopulation: 3,222,716 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 25% (female 392,262; male 409,580) 15-64 years: 63% (female 1,026,314; male 995,492) 65 years and over: 12% (female 233,377; male 165,691) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.74% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 17.57 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 9.27 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -0.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 16.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.46 years male: 71.24 years female: 77.83 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.41 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Uruguayan(s) adjective: UruguayanEthnic divisions: white 88%, mestizo 8%, black 4%Religions: Roman Catholic 66% (less than half adult population attends church regularly), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, nonprofessing or other 30%Languages: Spanish, Brazilero (Portuguese-Spanish mix on the Brazilian frontier)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 96% male: 97% female: 96%Labor force: 1.355 million (1991 est.) by occupation: government 25%, manufacturing 19%, agriculture 11%, commerce 12%, utilities, construction, transport, and communications 12%, other services 21% (1988 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uruguay GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Oriental Republic of Uruguay conventional short form: Uruguay local long form: Republica Oriental del Uruguay local short form: UruguayDigraph: UYType: republicCapital: MontevideoAdministrative divisions: 19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Artigas, Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandu, Rio Negro, Rivera, Rocha, Salto, San Jose, Soriano, Tacuarembo, Treinta y TresIndependence: 25 August 1828 (from Brazil)National holiday: Independence Day, 25 August (1828)Constitution: 27 November 1966, effective February 1967, suspended 27 June 1973, new constitution rejected by referendum 30 November 1980Legal system: based on Spanish civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsoryExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Julio Maria SANGUINETTI (since 1 March 1995); Vice President Hugo BATALLA (since 1 March 1995); election last held 27 November 1994 (next to be held NA November 1999) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch: bicameral General Assembly (Asamblea General) Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores): elections last held 27 November 1994 (next to be held NA November 1999); results - Colorado 36%, Blanco 34 %, Encuentro Progresista 27%, New Sector 3%; seats - (30 total) Colorado 11, Blanco 10, Encuentro Progresista 8, New Sector 1 Chamber of Representatives (Camera de Representantes): elections last held 27 November 1994 (next to be held NA November 1999); results - Colorado 32%, Blanco 31%, Encuentro Progresista 31%, New Sector 5%; seats - (99 total) Colorado 32, Blanco 31, Encuentro Progresista 31, New Sector 5Judicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: National (Blanco) Party; Colorado Party, Jorge BATLLE; Broad Front Coalition, Gen. Liber SEREGNI Mosquera; New Sector Coalition, Hugo BATALLA; Encuentro Progresista THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uruguay GovernmentMember of: AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, MERCOSUR, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNAMIR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMOGIP, UNOMIL, UNOMOZ, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Eduardo MACGILLYCUDDY chancery: 1918 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20006 telephone: [1] (202) 331-1313 through 1316 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, Miami, and New York consulate(s): New OrleansUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas J. DODD embassy: Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo mailing address: APO AA 34035 telephone: [598] (2) 23 60 61, 48 77 77 FAX: [598] (2) 48 86 11Flag: nine equal horizontal stripes of white (top and bottom) alternating with blue; there is a white square in the upper hoist-side corner with a yellow sun bearing a human face known as the Sun of May and 16 rays alternately triangular and wavy THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uruguay EconomyOverview: Uruguay's economy is a small one with favorable climate, good soils, and substantial hydropower potential. Economic development has been restrained in recent years by excessive government regulation of economic detail and 40% to 130% inflation. Although the GDP growth rate slowed in 1993 to 1.7%, following a healthy expansion to 7.5% in 1992, it rebounded in 1994 to an estimated 4%, spurred mostly by increasing agricultural and other exports and a surprise reversal of the downward trend in industrial production. In a major step toward regional economic cooperation, Uruguay confirmed its commitment to the Southern Cone Common Market (MERCOSUR) customs union by implementing MERCOSUR's common external tariff on most tradables on 1 January 1995. Inflation in 1994 declined for the third consecutive year, yet, at 44%, it remains the highest in the region; analysts predict that the expanding fiscal deficit and wage indexation will force the inflation rate back toward the 50% mark in 1995.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $23 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 4% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $7,200 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 44% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 9% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $2.9 billion expenditures: $3 billion, including capital expenditures of $388 million (1991 est.)Exports: $1.78 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: wool and textile manufactures, beef and other animal products, leather, rice partners: Brazil, Argentina, US, China, ItalyImports: $2.461 billion (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery and equipment, vehicles, chemicals, minerals, plastics partners: Brazil, Argentina, US, NigeriaExternal debt: $4.2 billion (1993)Industrial production: growth rate 3.9% (1992); accounts for 28% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 2,070,000 kW production: 9 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,575 kWh (1993)Industries: meat processing, wool and hides, sugar, textiles, footwear, leather apparel, tires, cement, petroleum refining, wineAgriculture: accounts for 12% of GDP; large areas devoted to livestock grazing; wheat, rice, corn, sorghum; fishing; self-sufficient in most basic foodstuffs THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uruguay EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $105 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $420 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $69 millionCurrency: 1 Uruguayan peso ($Ur) = 100 centesimosExchange rates: Uruguayan pesos ($Ur) per US$1 - 5.6 (January 1995), 4.4710 (January 1994), 3.9484 (1993), 3.0270 (1992), 2.0188 (1991), 1.1710 (1990) note: on 1 March 1993 the former New Peso (N$Ur) was replaced as Uruguay's unit of currency by the Peso which is equal to 1,000 of the New PesosFiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uruguay TransportationRailroads: total: 3,000 km standard gauge: 3,000 km 1.435-m gaugeHighways: total: 49,900 km paved: 6,700 km unpaved: gravel 3,000 km; earth 40,200 kmInland waterways: 1,600 km; used by coastal and shallow-draft river craftPorts: Fray Bentos, Montevideo, Nueva Palmira, Paysandu, Punta del EsteMerchant marine: total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 71,405 GRT/110,939 DWT ships by type: cargo 1, container 1, oil tanker 1Airports: total: 85 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 8 with paved runways under 914 m: 54 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 14 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uruguay CommunicationsTelephone system: 337,000 telephones; telephone density 10/100 persons; some modern facilities local: most modern facilities concentrated in Montevideo intercity: new nationwide microwave network international: 2 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 99, FM 0, shortwave 9 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 26 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uruguay Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy (includes Naval Air Arm, Coast Guard, Marines), Air Force, Grenadier Guards, Coracero Guard, PoliceManpower availability: males age 15-49 775,060; males fit for military service 629,385 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $216 million, 2.3% of GDP (1991 est.)</text>
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<text>URUGUAY - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 3months. For additional information consult Embassy of Uruguay, 1918 F St.,N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/331-1313-6) or nearest Consulate: CA(213/394-5777), FL (305/358-9350), IL (312/236-3366), LA (504/525-8354)or NY (212/753-8191/2).Uruguay - Consular Information SheetSeptember 2, 1994Country Description: Uruguay is a medium-income nation with a developingeconomy. The quality of facilities for tourism varies according to priceand area.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. U.S. citizens do not need avisa for a three-month stay. For current information concerning entry andcustoms requirements for Uruguay, travelers can contact the UruguayanEmbassy at 1918 F Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006, tel: (202) 331-1313or the nearest consulate in Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, or NewYork.Medical Facilities: Facilities for medical care are limited. Doctors andhospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S.medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. TheMedicare/Medicaid program does not provide payment of medical servicesoutside the United States. In some cases, medical insurance with specificoverseas and medical evacuation coverage has proved to be useful. Foradditional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for DiseaseControl's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Street crime, including pickpocketing, is on theincrease. Persons carrying items of value in open display have beenvictimized by teenage muggers in the downtown area of Montevideo and nearthe old city and port. While criminals often have weapons at theirdisposal, to date foreigners have remained relatively free from assault.The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediatelyto the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Usefulinformation on guarding valuables and protecting personal security whiletraveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A SafeTrip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Also available from thesame address is the Department of State's publication, "Tips for Travelersto Central and South America."Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. Penalties in Uruguay for possession, use andtrafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expectlengthy jail sentences and fines.Civil Aviation Oversight: In September 1993, the U.S. Federal AviationAdministration assessed Uruguay's civil aviation authority as not incompliance with international aviation safety oversight standards forUruguay's carriers operating to and from the U.S. Typically, the same levelof safety oversight is applied to operations to other destinations. Forfurther information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportationat 1-800-322-7873.Embassy Location/Registration: Americans who register with the ConsularSection of the U.S. Embassy in Montevideo at Lauro Muller 1776, telephone:(598-2) 23-60-61, may obtain updated information on travel and securitywithin Uruguay.No. 94-212This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 9, 1994 to addinformation on aviation oversight.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK United States GeographyLocation: North America, bordering both the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Pacific Ocean, between Canada and MexicoMap references: North AmericaArea: total area: 9,372,610 sq km land area: 9,166,600 sq km comparative area: about half the size of Russia; about three-tenths the size of Africa; about one-half the size of South America (or slightly larger than Brazil); slightly smaller than China; about two and one-half times the size of Western Europe note: includes only the 50 states and District of ColumbiaLand boundaries: total 12,248 km, Canada 8,893 km (including 2,477 km with Alaska), Cuba 29 km (US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay), Mexico 3,326 kmCoastline: 19,924 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 12 nm continental shelf: not specified exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: maritime boundary disputes with Canada (Dixon Entrance, Beaufort Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca, Machias Seal Island); US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay is leased from Cuba and only mutual agreement or US abandonment of the area can terminate the lease; Haiti claims Navassa Island; US has made no territorial claim in Antarctica (but has reserved the right to do so) and does not recognize the claims of any other nation; Republic of Marshall Islands claims Wake IslandClimate: mostly temperate, but tropical in Hawaii and Florida and arctic in Alaska, semiarid in the great plains west of the Mississippi River and arid in the Great Basin of the southwest; low winter temperatures in the northwest are ameliorated occasionally in January and February by warm chinook winds from the eastern slopes of the Rocky MountainsTerrain: vast central plain, mountains in west, hills and low mountains in east; rugged mountains and broad river valleys in Alaska; rugged, volcanic topography in HawaiiNatural resources: coal, copper, lead, molybdenum, phosphates, uranium, bauxite, gold, iron, mercury, nickel, potash, silver, tungsten, zinc, petroleum, natural gas, timberLand use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 0% THE WORLD FACTBOOK United States Geography meadows and pastures: 26% forest and woodland: 29% other: 25%Irrigated land: 181,020 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: air pollution resulting in acid rain in both the US and Canada; the US is the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels; water pollution from runoff of pesticides and fertilizers; very limited natural fresh water resources in much of the western part of the country require careful management; desertification natural hazards: tsunamis, volcanoes, and earthquake activity around Pacific Basin; hurricanes along the Atlantic coast; tornadoes in the midwest; mudslides in California; forest fires in the west; flooding; permafrost in northern Alaska is a major impediment to development international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Antarctic Treaty, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Tropical Timber 94Note: world's fourth-largest country (after Russia, Canada, and China) THE WORLD FACTBOOK United States PeoplePopulation: 263,814,032 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 22% (female 28,391,451; male 29,845,630) 15-64 years: 65% (female 86,454,415; male 85,474,002) 65 years and over: 13% (female 19,949,978; male 13,698,559) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.02% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 15.25 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 8.38 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 3.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 7.88 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.99 years male: 72.8 years female: 79.7 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.08 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: American(s) adjective: AmericanEthnic divisions: white 83.4%, black 12.4%, Asian 3.3%, Native American 0.8% (1992)Religions: Protestant 56%, Roman Catholic 28%, Jewish 2%, other 4%, none 10% (1989)Languages: English, Spanish (spoken by a sizable minority)Literacy: age 15 and over has completed five or more years of schooling (1979) total population: 97% male: 97% female: 97%Labor force: 131.056 million (includes unemployed) (1994) by occupation: managerial and professional 27.5%, technical, sales and administrative support 30.3%, services 13.7%, manufacturing, mining, transportation, and crafts 25.5%, farming, forestry, and fishing 2.9% THE WORLD FACTBOOK United States GovernmentNames: conventional long form: United States of America conventional short form: United StatesAbbreviation: US or USADigraph: USType: federal republic; strong democratic traditionCapital: Washington, DCAdministrative divisions: 50 states and 1 district*; Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia*, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, WyomingDependent areas: American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Wake Island note: from 18 July 1947 until 1 October 1994, the US has administered the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, but recently entered into a new political relationship with all four political units: the Northern Mariana Islands is a Commonwealth in political union with the US (effective 3 November 1986); Palau concluded a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 1 October 1994); the Federated States of Micronesia signed a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 3 November 1986); the Republic of the Marshall Islands signed a Compact of Free Association with the US (effective 21 October 1986)Independence: 4 July 1776 (from England)National holiday: Independence Day, 4 July (1776)Constitution: 17 September 1787, effective 4 March 1789Legal system: based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice President Albert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993); election last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held 5 November 1996); results - William Jefferson CLINTON (Democratic Party) 43.2%, George BUSH (Republican Party) 37.7%, Ross PEROT (Independent) 19.0%, other 0.1% cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president with Senate approvalLegislative branch: bicameral Congress THE WORLD FACTBOOK United States Government Senate: elections last held 8 November 1994 (next to be held 5 November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (100 total) Republican Party 54, Democratic Party 46 House of Representatives: elections last held 8 November 1994 (next to be held 5 November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (435 total) Republican Party 231, Democratic Party 203, independent 1Judicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: Republican Party, Haley BARBOUR, national committee chairman; Jeanie AUSTIN, co-chairman; Democratic Party, David C. WILHELM, national committee chairman; several other groups or parties of minor political significanceMember of: AfDB, AG (observer), ANZUS, APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CP, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, ESCAP, FAO, G- 2, G- 5, G- 7, G- 8, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OSCE, PCA, SPC, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMIH, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCFlag: thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing 50 small white five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars; the 50 stars represent the 50 states, the 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies; known as Old Glory; the design and colors have been the basis for a number of other flags including Chile, Liberia, Malaysia, and Puerto Rico THE WORLD FACTBOOK United States EconomyOverview: The US has the most powerful, diverse, and technologically advanced economy in the world, with a per capita GDP of $25,850, the largest among major industrial nations. The economy is market oriented with most decisions made by private individuals and business firms and with government purchases of goods and services made predominantly in the marketplace. In 1989 the economy enjoyed its seventh successive year of substantial growth, the longest in peacetime history. The expansion featured moderation in wage and consumer price increases and a steady reduction in unemployment to 5.2% of the labor force. In 1990, however, growth slowed to 1% because of a combination of factors, such as the worldwide increase in interest rates, Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August, the subsequent spurt in oil prices, and a general decline in business and consumer confidence. In 1991 output fell by 0.6%, unemployment grew, and signs of recovery proved premature. Growth picked up to 2.3% in 1992 and to 3.1% in 1993. Unemployment, however, declined only gradually, the increase in GDP being mainly attributable to gains in output per worker. The year 1994 witnessed a solid 4% gain in real output, a low inflation rate of 2.6%, and a drop in unemployment below 6%. The capture of both houses of Congress by the Republicans in the elections of 8 November 1994 means substantial changes are likely in US economic policy, including changes in the ways the US will address its major economic problems in 1995-96. These problems include inadequate investment in economic infrastructure, rapidly rising medical costs of an aging population, and sizable budget and trade deficits.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $6.7384 trillion (1994)National product real growth rate: 4.1% (1994)National product per capita: $25,850 (1994)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.6% (1994)Unemployment rate: 5.5% (March 1995)Budget: revenues: $1.258 trillion expenditures: $1.461 trillion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1994)Exports: $513 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: capital goods, automobiles, industrial supplies and raw materials, consumer goods, agricultural products partners: Western Europe 24.3%, Canada 22.1%, Japan 10.5% (1993)Imports: $664 billion (c.i.f., 1994) commodities: crude oil and refined petroleum products, machinery, automobiles, consumer goods, industrial raw materials, food and beverages partners: Canada, 19.3%, Western Europe 18.1%, Japan 18.1% (1993)External debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate 5.4% (1994 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK United States EconomyElectricity: capacity: 695,120,000 kW production: 3.1 trillion kWh consumption per capita: 11,236 kWh (1993)Industries: leading industrial power in the world, highly diversified and technologically advanced; petroleum, steel, motor vehicles, aerospace, telecommunications, chemicals, electronics, food processing, consumer goods, lumber, miningAgriculture: accounts for 2% of GDP and 2.9% of labor force; favorable climate and soils support a wide variety of crops and livestock production; world's second largest producer and number one exporter of grain; surplus food producer; fish catch of 4.4 million metric tons (1990)Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for domestic consumption with 1987 production estimated at 3,500 metric tons or about 25% of the available marijuana; ongoing eradication program aimed at small plots and greenhouses has not reduced productionEconomic aid: donor: commitments, including ODA and OOF, (FY80-89), $115.7 billionCurrency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 centsExchange rates: British pounds: (#) per US$ - 0.6350 (January 1995), 0.6529 (1994), 0.6033 (1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5603 (1990) Canadian dollars: (Can$) per US$ - 1.4129 (January 1995), 1.3656 (1994), 1.2901 (1993), 1.2087 (1992), 1.1457 (1991), 1.1668 (1990) French francs: (F) per US$ - 5.2943 (January 1995), 5.5520 (1994), 5.6632 (1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990) Italian lire: (Lit) per US$ - 1,609.5 (January 1995), 1,612.4 (1994), 1,573.7 (1993), 1,232.4 (1992), 1,240.6 (1991), 1,198.1 (1990) Japanese yen: (Y) per US$ - 99.75 (January 1995), 102.21 (1994), 111.20 (1993), 126.65 (1992), 134.71 (1991), 144.79 (1990) German deutsche marks: (DM) per US$ - 1.5313 (January 1995), 1.6228 (1994), 1.6533 (1993), 1.5617 (1992), 1.6595 (1991), 1.6157 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September THE WORLD FACTBOOK United States TransportationRailroads: total: 240,000 km mainline routes (nongovernment owned) standard gauge: 240,000 km 1.435-m gauge (1989)Highways: total: 6,243,163 km paved: 3,633,520 km (including 84,865 km of expressways) unpaved: 2,609,643 km (1990)Inland waterways: 41,009 km of navigable inland channels, exclusive of the Great Lakes (est.)Pipelines: petroleum 276,000 km; natural gas 331,000 km (1991)Ports: Anchorage, Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Chicago, Duluth, Hampton Roads, Honolulu, Houston, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Port Canaveral, Portland (Oregon), Prudhoe Bay, San Francisco, Savannah, Seattle, Tampa, ToledoMerchant marine: total: 354 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 11,462,000 GRT/16,477,000 DWT ships by type: bulk 22, cargo 28, chemical tanker 16, intermodal 130, liquefied gas tanker 13, passenger-cargo 2, tanker 130, tanker tug-barge 13 note: in addition, there are 189 government-owned vesselsAirports: total: 15,032 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 181 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 208 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1,242 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2,489 with paved runways under 914 m: 8,994 with unpaved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 180 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1,730 THE WORLD FACTBOOK United States CommunicationsTelephone system: 126,000,000 telephones; 7,557,000 cellular telephones local: NA intercity: large system of fiber-optic cable, microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, and domestic satellites international: 16 satellites and 24 ocean cable systems in use; 61 INTELSAT (45 Atlantic Ocean and 16 Pacific Ocean) earth stations (1990)Radio: broadcast stations: AM 4,987, FM 4,932, shortwave 0 radios: 530 millionTelevision: broadcast stations: 1,092 (about 9,000 cable TV systems) televisions: 193 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK United States Defense ForcesBranches: Department of the Army, Department of the Navy (includes Marine Corps), Department of the Air ForceDefense expenditures: $284.4 billion, 4.2% of GDP (1994 est.)</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Kingdom GeographyLocation: Western Europe, islands including the northern one-sixth of the island of Ireland between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, northwest of FranceMap references: EuropeArea: total area: 244,820 sq km land area: 241,590 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Oregon note: includes Rockall and Shetland IslandsLand boundaries: total 360 km, Ireland 360 kmCoastline: 12,429 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: as defined in continental shelf orders or in accordance with agreed upon boundaries exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: Northern Ireland question with Ireland; Gibraltar question with Spain; Argentina claims Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas); Argentina claims South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; Mauritius claims island of Diego Garcia in British Indian Ocean Territory; Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Denmark, Iceland, and Ireland (Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary agreement in the Rockall area); territorial claim in Antarctica (British Antarctic Territory)Climate: temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current; more than half of the days are overcastTerrain: mostly rugged hills and low mountains; level to rolling plains in east and southeastNatural resources: coal, petroleum, natural gas, tin, limestone, iron ore, salt, clay, chalk, gypsum, lead, silicaLand use: arable land: 29% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 48% forest and woodland: 9% other: 14%Irrigated land: 1,570 sq km (1989) THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Kingdom GeographyEnvironment: current issues: sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants contribute to air pollution; some rivers polluted by agricultural wastes and coastal waters polluted because of large-scale disposal of sewage at sea natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, DesertificationNote: lies near vital North Atlantic sea lanes; only 35 km from France and now linked by tunnel under the English Channel; because of heavily indented coastline, no location is more than 125 km from tidal waters THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Kingdom PeoplePopulation: 58,295,119 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 19% (female 5,572,189; male 5,843,192) 15-64 years: 65% (female 18,723,583; male 18,935,931) 65 years and over: 16% (female 5,471,383; male 3,748,841) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.27% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 13.18 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 10.66 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 7 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77 years male: 74.18 years female: 79.95 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.82 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Briton(s), British (collective plural) adjective: BritishEthnic divisions: English 81.5%, Scottish 9.6%, Irish 2.4%, Welsh 1.9%, Ulster 1.8%, West Indian, Indian, Pakistani, and other 2.8%Religions: Anglican 27 million, Roman Catholic 9 million, Muslim 1 million, Presbyterian 800,000, Methodist 760,000, Sikh 400,000, Hindu 350,000, Jewish 300,000 (1991 est.) note: the UK does not include a question on religion in its censusLanguages: English, Welsh (about 26% of the population of Wales), Scottish form of Gaelic (about 60,000 in Scotland)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1991 est.) total population: 99%Labor force: 28.048 million by occupation: services 62.8%, manufacturing and construction 25.0%, government 9.1%, energy 1.9%, agriculture 1.2% (June 1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Kingdom GovernmentNames: conventional long form: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland conventional short form: United KingdomAbbreviation: UKDigraph: UKType: constitutional monarchyCapital: LondonAdministrative divisions: 47 counties, 7 metropolitan counties, 26 districts, 9 regions, and 3 islands areas England: 39 counties, 7 metropolitan counties*; Avon, Bedford, Berkshire, Buckingham, Cambridge, Cheshire, Cleveland, Cornwall, Cumbria, Derby, Devon, Dorset, Durham, East Sussex, Essex, Gloucester, Greater London*, Greater Manchester*, Hampshire, Hereford and Worcester, Hertford, Humberside, Isle of Wight, Kent, Lancashire, Leicester, Lincoln, Merseyside*, Norfolk, Northampton, Northumberland, North Yorkshire, Nottingham, Oxford, Shropshire, Somerset, South Yorkshire*, Stafford, Suffolk, Surrey, Tyne and Wear*, Warwick, West Midlands*, West Sussex, West Yorkshire*, Wiltshire Northern Ireland: 26 districts; Antrim, Ards, Armagh, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Banbridge, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Castlereagh, Coleraine, Cookstown, Craigavon, Down, Dungannon, Fermanagh, Larne, Limavady, Lisburn, Londonderry, Magherafelt, Moyle, Newry and Mourne, Newtownabbey, North Down, Omagh, Strabane Scotland: 9 regions, 3 islands areas*; Borders, Central, Dumfries and Galloway, Fife, Grampian, Highland, Lothian, Orkney*, Shetland*, Strathclyde, Tayside, Western Isles* Wales: 8 counties; Clwyd, Dyfed, Gwent, Gwynedd, Mid Glamorgan, Powys, South Glamorgan, West GlamorganDependent areas: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Hong Kong (scheduled to become a Special Administrative Region of China on 1 July 1997), Jersey, Isle of Man, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Turks and Caicos IslandsIndependence: 1 January 1801 (United Kingdom established)National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday in June)Constitution: unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practiceLegal system: common law tradition with early Roman and modern continental influences; no judicial review of Acts of Parliament; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Heir Apparent Prince CHARLES (son of the Queen, born 14 November 1948) THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Kingdom Government head of government: Prime Minister John MAJOR (since 28 November 1990) cabinet: Cabinet of MinistersLegislative branch: bicameral Parliament House of Lords: consists of a 1,200-member body, four-fifths are hereditary peers, 2 archbishops, 24 other senior bishops, serving and retired Lords of Appeal in Ordinary, other life peers, Scottish peers House of Commons: elections last held 9 April 1992 (next to be held by NA April 1997); results - Conservative 41.9%, Labor 34.5%, Liberal Democratic 17.9%, other 5.7%; seats - (651 total) Conservative 336, Labor 271, Liberal Democratic 20, other 24Judicial branch: House of LordsPolitical parties and leaders: Conservative and Unionist Party, John MAJOR; Labor Party, Anthony (Tony) Blair; Liberal Democrats (LD), Jeremy (Paddy) ASHDOWN; Scottish National Party, Alex SALMOND; Welsh National Party (Plaid Cymru), Dafydd Iwan WIGLEY; Ulster Unionist Party (Northern Ireland), James MOLYNEAUX; Democratic Unionist Party (Northern Ireland), Rev. Ian PAISLEY; Ulster Popular Unionist Party (Northern Ireland); Social Democratic and Labor Party (SDLP, Northern Ireland), John HUME; Sinn Fein (Northern Ireland), Gerry ADAMSOther political or pressure groups: Trades Union Congress; Confederation of British Industry; National Farmers' Union; Campaign for Nuclear DisarmamentMember of: AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, C, CCC, CDB (non-regional), CE, CERN, EBRD, EC, ECA (associate), ECE, ECLAC, EIB, ESA, ESCAP, FAO, G- 5, G- 7, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OECD, OSCE, PCA, SPC, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNPROFOR, UNRWA, UNU, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Sir Robin William RENWICK chancery: 3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 462-1340 FAX: [1] (202) 898-4255 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, consulate(s): Dallas, Miami, and SeattleUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Adm. William W. CROWE embassy: 24/31 Grosvenor Square, London, W. 1A1AE mailing address: PSC 801, Box 40, FPO AE 09498-4040 telephone: [44] (71) 499-9000 THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Kingdom Government FAX: [44] (71) 409-1637 consulate(s) general: Belfast, EdinburghFlag: blue with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) edged in white superimposed on the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland) which is superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron saint of Scotland); known as the Union Flag or Union Jack; the design and colors (especially the Blue Ensign) have been the basis for a number of other flags including dependencies, Commonwealth countries, and others THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Kingdom EconomyOverview: The UK is one of the world's great trading powers and financial centers, and its economy ranks among the four largest in Western Europe. The economy is essentially capitalistic; over the past 13 years the ruling Tories have greatly reduced public ownership and contained the growth of social welfare programs. Agriculture is intensive, highly mechanized, and efficient by European standards, producing about 60% of food needs with only 1% of the labor force. The UK has large coal, natural gas, and oil reserves, and primary energy production accounts for 12% of GDP, one of the highest shares of any industrial nation. Services, particularly banking, insurance, and business services, account by far for the largest proportion of GDP while industry continues to decline in importance, now employing only 25% of the work force and generating only 21% of GDP. The economy registered 4.2% GDP growth in 1994, its fastest annual rate for six years. Exports and manufacturing output are the primary engines of growth. Unemployment is gradually falling. Inflation is at the lowest level in 27 years, but British monetary authorities raised interest rates to 6.25% in 1994 in a preemptive strike on emerging inflationary pressures such as higher taxes and rising manufacturing costs. The combination of a buoyant economy and fiscal tightening is projected to trim the FY94/95 budget shortfall to about $50 billion - down from about $75 billion in FY93/94. The major economic policy question for Britain in the 1990s is the terms on which it participates in the financial and economic integration of Europe.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $1.0452 trillion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 4.2% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $17,980 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.4% (1994)Unemployment rate: 9.3% (1994)Budget: revenues: $325.5 billion expenditures: $400.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $33 billion (FY93/94 est.)Exports: $200 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: manufactured goods, machinery, fuels, chemicals, semifinished goods, transport equipment partners: EU countries 56.7% (Germany 14.0%, France 11.1%, Netherlands 7.9%), US 10.9%Imports: $215 billion (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: manufactured goods, machinery, semifinished goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods partners: EU countries 51.7% (Germany 14.9%, France 9.3%, Netherlands 8.4%), US 11.6%External debt: $16.2 billion (June 1992)Industrial production: growth rate 5.6% (1994)Electricity: capacity: 65,360,000 kW THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Kingdom Economy production: 303 billion kWh consumption per capita: 5,123 kWh (1993)Industries: production machinery including machine tools, electric power equipment, automation equipment, railroad equipment, shipbuilding, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, electronics and communications equipment, metals, chemicals, coal, petroleum, paper and paper products, food processing, textiles, clothing, and other consumer goodsAgriculture: accounts for only 1.5% of GDP; wide variety of crops and livestock productsIllicit drugs: gateway country for Latin American cocaine entering the European market; producer of synthetic drugs; transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin; money-laundering centerEconomic aid: donor: ODA and OOF commitments (1992-93), $3.2 billionCurrency: 1 British pound (#) = 100 penceExchange rates: British pounds (#) per US$1 - 0.6350 (January 1995), 0.6529 (1994), 0.6033 (1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5603 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Kingdom TransportationRailroads: total: 16,888 km; note - several additional small standard-gauge and narrow-gauge lines are privately owned and operated broad gauge: 330 km 1.600-m gauge (190 km double track) standard gauge: 16,558 km 1.435-m gauge (4,950 km electrified; 12,591 km double or multiple track)Highways: total: 360,047 km (includes Northern Ireland) paved: 360,047 km (includes Northern Ireland; Great Britain has 3,100 km limited access divided highway)Inland waterways: 2,291 total; British Waterways Board, 606 km; Port Authorities, 706 km; other, 979 kmPipelines: crude oil (almost all insignificant) 933 km; petroleum products 2,993 km; natural gas 12,800 kmPorts: Aberdeen, Belfast, Bristol, Cardiff, Grangemouth, Hull, Leith, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Medway, Sullom Voe, Tees, TyneMerchant marine: total: 155 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,249,823 GRT/3,978,336 DWT ships by type: bulk 11, cargo 24, chemical tanker 2, container 23, liquefied gas tanker 3, oil tanker 56, passenger 7, passenger-cargo 1, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 13, short-sea passenger 13, specialized tanker 1Airports: total: 505 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 10 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 30 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 174 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 91 with paved runways under 914 m: 172 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 27 THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Kingdom CommunicationsTelephone system: 30,200,000 telephones; technologically advanced domestic and international system local: NA intercity: NA equal mix of buried cables, microwave and optical-fiber systems international: 40 coaxial submarine cables; 10 INTELSAT (7 Atlantic Ocean and 3 Indian Ocean), 1 INMARSAT, and 1 EUTELSAT earth satellite; at least 8 large international switching centersRadio: broadcast stations: AM 225, FM 525 (mostly repeaters), shortwave 0 radios: 70 millionTelevision: broadcast stations: 207 (repeaters 3,210) televisions: 20 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Kingdom Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Royal Navy (includes Royal Marines), Royal Air ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 14,429,485; males fit for military service 12,041,935 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $35.1 billion, 3.1% of GDP (FY95/96)</text>
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<text>UNITED KINGDOM (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) -Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 6 months. AIDS testrequired for anyone staying over 6 months and for resident and work visas;U.S. test usually accepted. For additional information consult the ConsularSection of the British Embassy, 19 Observatory Circle, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/986-0205) or nearest Consulate General: CA(310/477-3322), GA (404/524-5856), IL (312/346-1810), MA (617/437-7160), NY(212/752-8400), OH (216/621-7674) or TX (713/659-6210).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - United Kingdom============================================================United Kingdom - Consular Information Sheet April 5, 1995Country Description: The United Kingdom is a highly developed European nation with a modern economy. Tourist facilities throughout the United Kingdom are highly developed.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Tourists are not required to obtain a visa for stays up to six months. For further information concerning entry requirements travelers can contact the Consular Section of the Embassy of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland at 19 Observatory Circle, Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: 202-986-0205, or the nearest consulate in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, New York, Cleveland, Seattle, Houston, or Dallas.Quarantine Requirements: The United Kingdom has particularly rigorous quarantine restrictions on the importation of pets and livestock. There is a six-month quarantine, for example, on importation of dogs and cats.Medical Facilities: Good medical care is widely available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: The incidence of criminal activity in the United Kingdom is generally low, though many major cities have areas where caution should be exercised. Visitors generally lock vehicles and guard their personal possessions. As in any developed country, the United Kingdom has higher incidents of criminal activity in urban areas than in the countryside. Incidents of violent crimes such as murder, armed robbery, and rape are minimal. Firearms are strictly controlled, making weapons-related offenses far less frequent than in large U.S. metropolitan areas. Large cities in England do have areas where the level of crime is significant.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" which is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Terrorist Activities: The United Kingdom is a stable, modern democracy. Political demonstrations in the United Kingdom are generally orderly and well policed. There is, however, a history of terrorist violence related to the political situation in Northern Ireland, a part of the United Kingdom. The ceasefire announced on August 31, 1994 by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the October 1994 ceasefire announced by "Loyalist" paramilitaries have greatly reduced the threat of violence, as both ceasefires have held.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or at a U.S. Consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security in the United Kingdom.U.S. Embassy and Consulate Locations:U.S. Embassy London: 24/31 Grosvenor Square, tel: (44-71) 499-9000.U.S. Consulate: Edinburgh, Scotland: 3 Regent Terrace, tel: (44-31) 556-8315,U.S. Consulate: Belfast, Northern Ireland: Queen's House, 14 Queen Street, tel: (44-232) 328239, fax: (44-232) 248482. No. 95-095This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated March 15, 1994, to include an update on the reduced threat of terrorist activity.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Arab Emirates GeographyLocation: Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi ArabiaMap references: Middle EastArea: total area: 75,581 sq km land area: 75,581 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than MaineLand boundaries: total 867 km, Oman 410 km, Saudi Arabia 457 kmCoastline: 1,318 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: location and status of boundary with Saudi Arabia is not final; no defined boundary with most of Oman, but Administrative Line in far north; claims two islands in the Persian Gulf occupied by Iran (Jazireh-ye Tonb-e Bozorg or Greater Tunb, and Jazireh-ye Tonb-e Kuchek or Lesser Tunb); claims island in the Persian Gulf jointly administered with Iran (Jazireh-ye Abu Musa or Abu Musa); in 1992, the dispute over Abu Musa and the Tunb islands became more acute when Iran unilaterally tried to control the entry of third country nationals into the UAE portion of Abu Musa island, Tehran subsequently backed off in the face of significant diplomatic support for the UAE in the regionClimate: desert; cooler in eastern mountainsTerrain: flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast desert wasteland; mountains in eastNatural resources: petroleum, natural gasLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 2% forest and woodland: 0% other: 98%Irrigated land: 50 sq km (1989 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Arab Emirates GeographyEnvironment: current issues: lack of natural freshwater resources being overcome by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil spills natural hazards: frequent sand and dust storms international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Law of the SeaNote: strategic location along southern approaches to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Arab Emirates PeoplePopulation: 2,924,594 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 35% (female 499,559; male 521,415) 15-64 years: 64% (female 643,819; male 1,229,730) 65 years and over: 1% (female 10,296; male 19,775) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 4.55% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 27.02 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 3.03 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 21.53 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 21 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.51 years male: 70.42 years female: 74.71 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 4.53 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Emirian(s) adjective: EmirianEthnic divisions: Emirian 19%, other Arab 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes Westerners and East Asians) 8% (1982) note: less than 20% are UAE citizens (1982)Religions: Muslim 96% (Shi'a 16%), Christian, Hindu, and other 4%Languages: Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, UrduLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write but definition of literary not available (1985) total population: 71% male: 72% female: 69%Labor force: 580,000 (1986 est.) by occupation: industry and commerce 85%, agriculture 5%, services 5%, government 5% note: 80% of labor force is foreign (est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Arab Emirates GovernmentNames: conventional long form: United Arab Emirates conventional short form: none local long form: Al Imarata al Arabiyah al Muttahidah local short form: none former: Trucial StatesAbbreviation: UAEDigraph: TCType: federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE central government and other powers reserved to member emiratesCapital: Abu DhabiAdministrative divisions: 7 emirates (imarat, singular - imarah); Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi), 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Dubai, Ra's al Khaymah, Sharjah, Umm al QaywaynIndependence: 2 December 1971 (from UK)National holiday: National Day, 2 December (1971)Constitution: 2 December 1971 (provisional)Legal system: secular codes are being introduced by the UAE Government and in several member emirates; Islamic law remains influentialSuffrage: noneExecutive branch: chief of state: President ZAYID bin Sultan Al Nuhayyan (since 2 December 1971), ruler of Abu Dhabi; Vice President Shaykh MAKTUM bin Rashid al-Maktum (since 8 October 1990), ruler of Dubayy head of government: Prime Minister Shaykh MAKTUM bin Rashid al-Maktum (since 8 October 1990), ruler of Dubayy; Deputy Prime Minister SULTAN bin Zayid Al Nuhayyan (since 20 November 1990) Supreme Council of Rulers: composed of the seven emirate rulers, the council is the highest constitutional authority in the UAE; establishes general policies and sanctions federal legislation, Abu Dhabi and Dubayy rulers have veto power; council meets four times a year cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch: unicameral Federal National Council (Majlis Watani Itihad); no electionsJudicial branch: Union Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: noneOther political or pressure groups: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Arab Emirates GovernmentMember of: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GATT, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Muhammad bin Husayn al-SHAALI chancery: Suite 600, 3000 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 338-6500US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador William A. RUGH embassy: Al-Sudan Street, Abu Dhabi mailing address: P. O. Box 4009, Abu Dhabi; American Embassy Abu Dhabi, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-6010 (pouch) telephone: [971] (2) 436691, 436692 FAX: [971] (2) 434771 consulate(s) general: Dubayy (Dubai)Flag: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and black with a thicker vertical red band on the hoist side THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Arab Emirates EconomyOverview: The UAE has an open economy with one of the world's highest incomes per capita and with a sizable annual trade surplus. Its wealth is based on oil and gas output (about 40% of GDP), and the fortunes of the economy fluctuate with the prices of those commodities. Since 1973, the UAE has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. At present levels of production, crude oil reserves should last for over 100 years. Although much stronger economically than most Gulf states, the UAE faces similar problems with weak international oil prices and the pressures for cuts in OPEC oil production quotas. The UAE government is encouraging increased privatization within the economy.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $62.7 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: -0.5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $22,480 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.1% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: NEGL% (1988)Budget: revenues: $4.3 billion expenditures: $4.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1993 est)Exports: $24 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: crude oil 66%, natural gas, re-exports, dried fish, dates partners: Japan 35%, South Korea 5%, Iran 4%, Oman 4%, Singapore 4% (1993)Imports: $20 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, food partners: Japan 12%, UK 10%, US 9%, Germany 7%, South Korea 5% (1993)External debt: $11.6 billion (1994 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 1.7% (1992 est.); accounts for 50% of GDP, including petroleumElectricity: capacity: 4,760,000 kW production: 16.5 billion kWh consumption per capita: 5,796 kWh (1993)Industries: petroleum, fishing, petrochemicals, construction materials, some boat building, handicrafts, pearlingAgriculture: accounts for 2% of GDP and 5% of labor force; cash crop - dates; food products - vegetables, watermelons, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish; only 25% self-sufficient in foodIllicit drugs: growing role as heroin transshipment and money-laundering center THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Arab Emirates EconomyEconomic aid: donor: pledged in bilateral aid to less developed countries (1979-89) $9.1 billionCurrency: 1 Emirian dirham (Dh) = 100 filsExchange rates: Emirian dirhams (Dh) per US$1 - 3.6710 (fixed rate)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Arab Emirates TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 2,000 km paved: 1,800 km unpaved: gravel, graded earth 200 kmPipelines: crude oil 830 km; natural gas, including natural gas liquids, 870 kmPorts: Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Das Island, Khawr Fakkan, Mina' Jabal' Ali, Mina' Khalid, Mina' Rashid, Mina' Saqr, Mina' Zayid, Umm al QiwainMerchant marine: total: 57 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,128,253 GRT/1,938,770 DWT ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 18, chemical tanker 1, container 10, liquefied gas tanker 1, livestock carrier 1, oil tanker 21, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 3Airports: total: 41 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 9 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 12 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 3 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 8 THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Arab Emirates CommunicationsTelephone system: 386,600 telephones; modern system consisting of microwave and coaxial cable; key centers are Abu Dhabi and Dubayy local: NA intercity: microwave and coaxial cable international: 3 INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean) and 1 ARABSAT earth station; submarine cables to Qatar, Bahrain, India, and Pakistan; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi ArabiaRadio: broadcast stations: AM 8, FM 3, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 12 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK United Arab Emirates Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary (includes Federal Police Force)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 1,072,261; males fit for military service 583,967; males reach military age (18) annually 19,266 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.59 billion, 4.3% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - Passport and visa required. Tourist visa mustbe obtained by relative/sponsor in UAE, and sponsor must meet visitor atairport. Business visas issued only by Embassy, and require companyletter and sponsor in UAE to send a fax or telex to Embassy confirming trip.Single-entry visa valid 2 months for stay up to 30 days, $18 fee.Multiple-entry visa (for business only), valid 6 months from date ofissue for maximum stay of 30 days per entry, $225 fee, paid by cash, moneyorder or certified check. Submit 2 application forms, 2 photo and prepaidenvelope for return of passport by certified/registered mail. AIDStest required for work or residence permits; testing must be performed uponarrival; U.S. test not accepted. For further information contactEmbassy of the United Arab Emirates, Suite 740, 600 New Hampshire Ave., N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20037 (202/338-6500).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - United Arab Emirates============================================================United Arab Emirates - Consular Information Sheet July 21, 1995Country Description: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven independent emirates, each with its own ruler. The federal government exists as a constitutional republic, headed by a president and council of ministers. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. The UAE is a modern, developed country, and tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. In addition, an AIDS test is required for work or residence permits; testing must be performed after arrival. A U.S. AIDS test is not accepted. For further information, travelers can contact the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Suite 740, 600 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037, telephone (202) 338-6500.Medical Facilities: Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities of the UAE, but not necessarily in outlying areas. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, telephone (404) 332-4559, has additional health information.Information on Crime: Crime is generally not a problem for travelers in the UAE. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa." They are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug and Crime Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict in the United Arab Emirates and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Crimes of fraud, including passing bad checks and non-payment of bills (including hotel bills), are regarded seriously in the UAE and can result in imprisonment, in addition to fines. Pending legislation, scheduled to go into effect in early 1996, will impose the death sentence for convicted drug traffickers. Penalties are generally assessed according to Islamic (Shariah) law. In the case of imprisonment, bail is generally not available to non-residents of the UAE.Dual Nationality/Child Custody: The UAE government does not recognize dual nationality. Children of UAE fathers automatically acquire UAE citizenship at birth and must enter and leave the UAE on UAE passports. UAE authorities will usually confiscate the U.S. passports of dual (UAE/U.S.) nationals. This does not constitute loss of citizenship, but should be reported to the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai. Child custody decisions are based on Islamic law. It is difficult for an American woman, even a Muslim, to obtain custody of her dual national (UAE/U.S.) children through the UAE courts.Business Disputes: American citizens may become involved in disputes of a commercial nature involving the withholding of the American citizen's passport by the local individual or firm. It is customary for a local sponsor to hold an employee's passport, but it is not required under UAE law. Most such disputes can be avoided by clearly establishing all terms and conditions of employment or sponsorship in the labor contract at the beginning of any employment. Should a dispute still arise, the UAE Ministry of Labor has established a special department to review and arbitrate labor claims. A list of local attorneys capable of representing Americans in such matters is available from the consular and commercial sections of the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the Embassy or the Consulate General can obtain updated information on travel and security within the UAE.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is located on Al-Sudan St., P.O. Box 4009. The telephone number is (971) (2) 436-691. The U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is located at the Dubai International Trade Center, P.O. Box 9343. The telephone number is (971)(4) 313-115. The workweek in the UAE is Saturday through Wednesday. No. 95-080This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 26, 1994, to add information on criminal penalties, dual nationality and child custody, and business disputes.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - United Arab Emirates============================================================United Arab Emirates - Consular Information Sheet July 21, 1995Country Description: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven independent emirates, each with its own ruler. The federal government exists as a constitutional republic, headed by a president and council of ministers. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. The UAE is a modern, developed country, and tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. In addition, an AIDS test is required for work or residence permits; testing must be performed after arrival. A U.S. AIDS test is not accepted. For further information, travelers can contact the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Suite 740, 600 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037, telephone (202) 338-6500.Medical Facilities: Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities of the UAE, but not necessarily in outlying areas. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, telephone (404) 332-4559, has additional health information.Information on Crime: Crime is generally not a problem for travelers in the UAE. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa." They are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug and Crime Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict in the United Arab Emirates and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Crimes of fraud, including passing bad checks and non-payment of bills (including hotel bills), are regarded seriously in the UAE and can result in imprisonment, in addition to fines. Pending legislation, scheduled to go into effect in early 1996, will impose the death sentence for convicted drug traffickers. Penalties are generally assessed according to Islamic (Shariah) law. In the case of imprisonment, bail is generally not available to non-residents of the UAE.Dual Nationality/Child Custody: The UAE government does not recognize dual nationality. Children of UAE fathers automatically acquire UAE citizenship at birth and must enter and leave the UAE on UAE passports. UAE authorities will usually confiscate the U.S. passports of dual (UAE/U.S.) nationals. This does not constitute loss of citizenship, but should be reported to the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai. Child custody decisions are based on Islamic law. It is difficult for an American woman, even a Muslim, to obtain custody of her dual national (UAE/U.S.) children through the UAE courts.Business Disputes: American citizens may become involved in disputes of a commercial nature involving the withholding of the American citizen's passport by the local individual or firm. It is customary for a local sponsor to hold an employee's passport, but it is not required under UAE law. Most such disputes can be avoided by clearly establishing all terms and conditions of employment or sponsorship in the labor contract at the beginning of any employment. Should a dispute still arise, the UAE Ministry of Labor has established a special department to review and arbitrate labor claims. A list of local attorneys capable of representing Americans in such matters is available from the consular and commercial sections of the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the Embassy or the Consulate General can obtain updated information on travel and security within the UAE.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is located on Al-Sudan St., P.O. Box 4009. The telephone number is (971) (2) 436-691. The U.S. Consulate General in Dubai is located at the Dubai International Trade Center, P.O. Box 9343. The telephone number is (971)(4) 313-115. The workweek in the UAE is Saturday through Wednesday. No. 95-080This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 26, 1994, to add information on criminal penalties, dual nationality and child custody, and business disputes.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ukraine GeographyLocation: Eastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Poland and RussiaMap references: Commonwealth of Independent States - European StatesArea: total area: 603,700 sq km land area: 603,700 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than TexasLand boundaries: total 4,558 km, Belarus 891 km, Hungary 103 km, Moldova 939 km, Poland 428 km, Romania (southwest) 169 km, Romania (west) 362 km, Russia 1,576 km, Slovakia 90 kmCoastline: 2,782 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: undefined territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: certain territory of Moldova and Ukraine - including Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina - are considered by Bucharest as historically a part of Romania; this territory was incorporated into the former Soviet Union following the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact in 1940; potential dispute with Russia over Crimea; has made no territorial claim in Antarctica (but has reserved the right to do so) and does not recognize the claims of any other nationClimate: 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; summers are warm across the greater part of the country, hot in the southTerrain: most of Ukraine consists of fertile plains (steppes) and plateaux, mountains being found only in the west (the Carpathians), and in the Crimean Peninsula in the extreme southNatural resources: iron ore, coal, manganese, natural gas, oil, salt, sulphur, graphite, titanium, magnesium, kaolin, nickel, mercury, timberLand use: arable land: 56% permanent crops: 2% meadows and pastures: 12% forest and woodland: 0% other: 30%Irrigated land: 26,000 sq km (1990) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ukraine GeographyEnvironment: current issues: inadequate supplies of potable water; air and water pollution; deforestation; radiation contamination in the northeast from 1986 accident at Chornobyl' Nuclear Power Plant natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the SeaNote: strategic position at the crossroads between Europe and Asia; second largest country in Europe THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ukraine PeoplePopulation: 51,867,828 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 21% (female 5,217,850; male 5,407,450) 15-64 years: 65% (female 17,563,924; male 16,334,299) 65 years and over: 14% (female 4,976,893; male 2,367,412) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.04% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 12.31 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 12.67 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 20.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.11 years male: 65.59 years female: 74.87 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.81 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Ukrainian(s) adjective: UkrainianEthnic divisions: Ukrainian 73%, Russian 22%, Jewish 1%, other 4%Religions: Ukrainian Orthodox - Moscow Patriarchate, Ukrainian Orthodox - Kiev Patriarchate, Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox, Ukrainian Catholic (Uniate), Protestant, JewishLanguages: Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian, Polish, HungarianLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989) total population: 98% male: 100% female: 97%Labor force: 23.55 million (January 1994) by occupation: industry and construction 33%, agriculture and forestry 21%, health, education, and culture 16%, trade and distribution 7%, transport and communication 7%, other 16% (1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ukraine GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Ukraine local long form: none local short form: Ukrayina former: Ukrainian Soviet Socialist RepublicDigraph: UPType: republicCapital: Kiev (Kyyiv)Administrative divisions: 24 oblasti (singular - oblast'), 1 autonomous republic* (avtomnaya respublika), and 2 municipalites (mista, singular - misto) with oblast status**; Cherkas'ka (Cherkasy), Chernihivs'ka (Chernihiv), Chernivets'ka (Chernivtsi), Dnipropetrovs'ka (Dnipropetrovs'k), Donets'ka (Donets'k), Ivano-Frankivs'ka (Ivano-Frankivs'k), Kharkivs'ka (Kharkiv), Khersons'ka (Kherson), Khmel'nyts'ka (Khmel'nyts'kyy), Kirovohrads'ka (Kirovohrad), Kyyiv**, Kyyivs'ka (Kiev), Luhans'ka (Luhans'k), L'vivs'ka (L'viv), Mykolayivs'ka (Mykolayiv), Odes'ka (Odesa), Poltavs'ka (Poltava), Respublika Krym* (Simferopol'), Rivnens'ka (Rivne), Sevastopol'**, Sums'ka (Sevastopol'), Ternopil's'ka (Ternopil'), Vinnyts'ka (Vinnytsya), Volyns'ka (Luts'k), Zakarpats'ka (Uzhhorod), Zaporiz'ka (Zaporizhzhya), Zhytomyrs'ka (Zhytomyr) note: names in parentheses are administrative centers when name differs from oblast' nameIndependence: 1 December 1991 (from Soviet Union)National holiday: Independence Day, 24 August (1991)Constitution: using 1978 pre-independence constitution; new constitution currently being draftedLegal system: based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative actsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Leonid D. KUCHMA (since 19 July 1994); election last held 26 June and 10 July 1994 (next to be held NA 1999); results - Leonid KUCHMA 52.15%, Leonid KRAVCHUK 45.06% head of government: Acting Prime Minister Yeuben MARCHUK (since 3 March 1995); First Deputy Prime Ministers Yevhen MARCHUK and Viktor PYNZENYK (since 31 October 1994) and six deputy prime ministers cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president and approved by the Supreme Council THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ukraine Government National Security Council: originally created in 1992, but signficantly revamped and strengthened under President KUCHMA; members include the president, prime minister, Ministers of Finance, Environment, Justice, Internal Affairs, Foreign Economic Relations, Economic and Foreign Affairs; the NSC staff is tasked with developing national security policy on domestic and international matters and advising the president Presidential Administration: helps draft presidential edicts and provides policy support to the president Council of Regions: advisory body created by President KUCHMA in September 1994; includes the Chairmen of Oblast and Kiev and Sevastopol City Supreme CouncilsLegislative branch: unicameral Supreme Council: elections last held 27 March 1994 with repeat elections continuing through December 1998 to fill empty seats (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (450 total) Communists 91, Rukh 22, Agrarians 18, Socialists 15, Republicans 11, Congress of Ukrainian Nationalists 5, Labor 5, Party of Democratic Revival 4, Democrats 2, Social Democrats 2, Civil Congress 2, Conservative Republicans 1, Party of Economic Revival of Crimea 1, Christian Democrats 1, independents 225; note - 405 deputies have been elected; run-off elections for the remaining 45 seats to be held by December 1998Judicial branch: joint commission formed in April 1995 to define a program of judicial reform by year-endPolitical parties and leaders: Green Party of Ukraine, Vitaliy KONONOV, leader; Liberal Party of Ukraine; Liberal Democratic Party of Ukraine, Volodymyr KLYMCHUK, chairman; Democratic Party of Ukraine, Volodymyr Oleksandrovych YAVORIVSKIY, chairman; People's Party of Ukraine, Leopol'd TABURYANSKYY, chairman; Peasants' Party of Ukraine, Serhiy DOVHRAN', chairman; Party of Democratic Rebirth (Revival) of Ukraine, Volodymyr FILENKO, chairman; Social Democratic Party of Ukraine, Yuriy VUZDUHAN, chairman; Socialist Party of Ukraine, Oleksandr MOROZ, chairman; Ukrainian Christian Democratic Party, Vitaliy ZHURAVSKYY, chairman; Ukrainian Conservative Republican Party, Stepan KHMARA, chairman; Ukrainian Labor Party, Valentyn LANDYK, chairman; Ukrainian Party of Justice, Mykhaylo HRECHKO, chairman; Ukrainian Peasants' Democratic Party, Serhiy PLACHINDA, chairman; Ukrainian Republican Party, Mykhaylo HORYN', chairman; Ukrainian National Conservative Party, Viktor RADIONOV, chairman; Ukrainian People's Movement for Restructuring (Rukh), Vyacheslav CHORNOVIL, chairman; Ukrainian Communist Party, Petr SYMONENKO; Agrarian Party; Congress of Ukrainian Nationalists, S. STESTKO; Civil Congress, O. BAZYLUK; Party of Economic Revival of Crimea; Democratic Party Of Ukraine, Serhiy DOVMAN', chairmanOther political or pressure groups: New Ukraine (Nova Ukrayina); Congress of National Democratic ForcesMember of: BSEC, CCC, CE (guest), CEI (associate members), CIS, EBRD, ECE, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NACC, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNPROFOR, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Yuriy SHCHERBAK chancery: 3350 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 333-0606 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ukraine Government FAX: [1] (202) 333-0817 consulate(s) general: Chicago and New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador William Green MILLER embassy: 10 Yuria Kotsyubinskovo, 252053 Kiev 53 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [7] (044) 244-73-49, 244-37-45 FAX: [7] (044) 244-73-50Flag: two equal horizontal bands of azure (top) and golden yellow represent grainfields under a blue sky THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ukraine EconomyOverview: After Russia, the Ukrainian republic was far and away the most important economic component of the former Soviet Union, producing more than three times the output of the next-ranking republic. Its fertile black soil generated 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 equipment and raw materials to industrial and mining sites in other regions of the former USSR. In early 1992, 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. Loose monetary and fiscal policies pushed inflation to hyperinflationary levels in late 1993. Greater monetary and fiscal restraint lowered inflation in 1994, but also contributed to an accelerated decline in industrial output. Since his election in July 1994, President KUCHMA has developed - and parliament has approved - a comprehensive economic reform program, maintained financial discipline, and reduced state controls over prices, the exchange rate, and foreign trade. Implementation of KUCHMA's economic agenda will encounter considerable resistance from parliament, entrenched bureaucrats, and industrial interests and will contribute to further declines in output and rising unemployment which will sorely test the government's ability to stay the course on reform in 1995.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $189.2 billion (1994 estimate as extrapolated from World Bank estimate for 1992)National product real growth rate: -19% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $3,650 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 14% per month (1994)Unemployment rate: 0.4% officially registered; large number of unregistered or underemployed workersBudget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports: $11.8 billion (1994) commodities: coal, electric power, ferrous and nonferrous metals, chemicals, machinery and transport equipment, grain, meat partners: FSU countries, China, Italy, SwitzerlandImports: $14.2 billion (1994) commodities: energy, machinery and parts, transportation equipment, chemicals, textiles partners: FSU countries, Germany, Poland, Czech RepublicExternal debt: $7.5 billion (yearend 1994)Industrial production: growth rate -28% (1994 est.); accounts for 50% of GDP THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ukraine EconomyElectricity: capacity: 54,380,000 kW production: 182 billion kWh consumption per capita: 3,200 kWh (1994)Industries: coal, electric power, ferrous and nonferrous metals, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food-processing (especially sugar)Agriculture: accounts for about 25% of GDP; grain, vegetables, meat, milk, sugar beetsIllicit drugs: illicit cultivator of cannabis and opium poppy; mostly for CIS consumption; limited government eradication program; used as transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western EuropeEconomic aid: $550 million economic aid and $350 million to help disassemble the atomic weapons from the US in 1994Currency: Ukraine withdrew the Russian ruble from circulation on 12 November 1992 and declared the karbovanets (plural karbovantsi) sole legal tender in Ukrainian markets; Ukrainian officials claim this is an interim move toward introducing a new currency - the hryvnya - possibly in mid-1995Exchange rates: karbovantsi per 1$US - 107,900 (end December 1994), 130,000 (April 1994)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ukraine TransportationRailroads: total: 23,350 km broad gauge: 23,350 km 1.524-m gauge (8,600 km electrified)Highways: total: 273,700 km paved and graveled: 236,400 km unpaved: earth 37,300 kmInland waterways: 1,672 km perennially navigable (Pryp''yat' and Dnipro Rivers)Pipelines: crude oil 2,010 km; petroleum products 1,920 km; natural gas 7,800 km (1992)Ports: Berdyans'k, Illichivs'k, Izmayil, Kerch, Kherson, Kiev (Kyyiv), Mariupol', Mykolayiv, Odesa, Pivdenne, ReniMerchant marine: total: 379 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,799,253 GRT/5,071,175 DWT ships by type: barge carrier 7, bulk 55, cargo 221, chemical tanker 2, container 20, multifunction large-load carrier 1, oil tanker 10, passenger 12, passenger-cargo 5, railcar carrier 2, refrigerated cargo 5, roll-on/roll-off cargo 32, short-sea passenger 7Airports: total: 706 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 14 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 55 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 34 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 57 with unpaved runways over 3,047 m: 7 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 16 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 37 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 476 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ukraine CommunicationsTelephone system: 7,886,000 telephone circuits; about 151.4 telephone circuits/1,000 persons (1991); the telephone system is inadequate both for business and for personal use; 3.56 million applications for telephones had not been satisfied as of January 1991; electronic mail services have been established in Kiev, Odesa, and Luhans'k by Sprint local: an NMT-450 analog cellular telephone network operates in Kiev (Kyyiv) and allows direct dialing of international calls through Kiev's EWSD digital exchange intercity: NA international: calls to other CIS countries are carried by land line or microwave; other international calls to 167 countries are carried by satellite or by the 150 leased lines through the Moscow gateway switch; INTELSAT, INMARSAT, and Intersputnik earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: 15 millionTelevision: broadcast stations: NA televisions: 20 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ukraine Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), National GuardManpower availability: males age 15-49 12,324,832; males fit for military service 9,667,642; males reach military age (18) annually 359,546 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: 544.3 billion karbovantsi, less than 4% of GDP (forecast for 1993); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results</text>
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<text>UKRAINE - Passport and visa required. Visas may be obtained at theUkraine Embassy in the U.S. (visas limited to 3 days may be obtained atairports in Ukraine, or at any border crossing point). Visa requires 1 form, 1photo and $30-100 fee, depending upon processing time (company check ormoney order only). AIDS test may be required for anyone staying over 3months. U.S. test is sometimes accepted. For additional informationcontact Embassy of Ukraine, 3350 M St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007(202/333-7507) or the nearest Consulate: IL (312/384-6632) or NY(212/505-1409).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Ukraine============================================================Ukraine - Consular Information Sheet February 3, 1995Country Description: Ukraine is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change. It is a newly independent nation still in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring countries. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Except for the cities of Sevastopol and Balaklava, which remain formally closed to foreigners and non-residents, travel within Ukraine is unrestricted. Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted by fuel shortages and other problems.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Visas can be obtained in advance from the Embassy of Ukraine, located at 3350 M Street NW, Washington D.C. 20007, tel.(202) 333-0606 or 333-7507, or fax (202) 333-0817. Visas are also available from the Ukrainian Consulates in Chicago and New York. A letter of invitation from a person, company, or organization in Ukraine or a tour company voucher, is currently required to obtain a visa. Travelers who arrive without a visa must obtain one either at the border point or within 24 hours of arrival. Visas valid for 72 hours only are issued at Kiev's Borispil Airport, at the airports of Lviv, Simferopol and Odesa, and at the following border checkpoints: Chop, Uzhhorod, Mostyska, Yalta, and Vadul-Syret. Travelers who cannot obtain visas as they enter Ukraine must apply within 24 hours at a local "Visas, Permits and Passport Department" office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (VVIR). Visas obtained in Ukraine cost substantially more than visas obtained prior to travel--as much as $150.00 U.S. dollars for a single entry visa. The duration of stay will be determined by the traveler's letter of invitation.Note: Travelers who intend to visit Russia from Ukraine must have a Russian visa. The Russian Embassy in Ukraine is located at Prospekt Kutuzova 8, Kiev, tel: (7-044) 294-6701.Ukraine Registration: All foreigners visiting Ukraine are required to register their passports with local law enforcement authorities. Visitors who do not register may experience delays when leaving Ukraine, or difficulty when trying to extend visas. The registration requirement is automatically met when foreigners stay in hotels, or when resident business persons register their businesses, or when students register under established exchange programs. Private visitors must have their hosts, relatives or landlords register their U.S. passport at the local "Visas, Permits and Passport Department" office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (VVIR) office. Foreigners staying three working days or less need not register. A fee of 10 U.S. dollars or the Ukrainian equivalent is usually charged for visa extensions or passport registration. Since December, 1993, foreign missionaries with expired Ukrainian visas may only renew them with the support of the committee on religious affairs of the city administration of the city in which their sponsoring organization is registered.Medical Facilities: Medical care in Ukraine is limited. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of English speaking physicians in the area. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. There have been isolated cases of diphtheria, typhoid and cholera in Ukraine. Adequate vaccination usually protects against these diseases. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Some travelers, for instance, the elderly, may wish to purchase insurance that covers the cost of medical air evacuation. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: The deteriorated state of the Ukrainian economy has led to an increase in economically motivated crimes. Inflation, unemployment, and the breakdown of the country's social fabric have contributed to an ever increasing and violent crime rate. Westerners and their residences are increasingly being viewed by the local criminal element as a target-rich environment. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Additional information on the region can be found in the brochure "Tips for Travelers to Russia". Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Internal Travel: Roads in Ukraine are in generally poor condition. Gasoline and diesel fuel may be very difficult to obtain and repair services are often unsatisfactory. Many Westerners who choose to travel by automobile often rent a car and driver, although some self-drive rental cars are available. A few isolated cases of carjackings of Western-made or foreign-registered cars in particular have been reported in western Ukraine near the Polish border. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of documented reports of criminal acts occurring on Ukrainian trains; these acts include gassings and robberies. Make sure passenger compartment doors are shut at night.Aviation Oversight: In March 1993, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration assessed Ukraine's civil aviation authority as in compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards for Ukraine carriers operating to and from the U.S. The same level of safety oversight would typically be applied to operations to other destinations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.Currency Regulations: Ukraine is a cash economy. Travelers' checks and credit cards are rarely accepted, including for major purchases such as airline tickets. Customs regulations prohibit sending money through the international mail system to Ukraine. Money sent through the mail is subject to confiscation. In Ukraine, changing U.S. dollars for Ukrainian coupons or another currency is legal only at banks, currency exchange desks at hotels and at licensed exchange booths.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within Ukraine.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Kiev, Ukraine is located at Yuria Kotsubinskoho 10, telephone (7-044) 244-7354. The U.S. Embassy's 24-hour emergency number (answered only in English after working hours) is (7-044) 244-7345. No. 95-018This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Ukraine dated September 7, 1994, to delete information on the winter energy crisis and information on radiation levels. Added information includes, Ukraine registration requirements, internal travel, local crime information, and notes a new after-hours phone number for the U.S. Embassy.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uganda GeographyLocation: Eastern Africa, west of KenyaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 236,040 sq km land area: 199,710 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than OregonLand boundaries: total 2,698 km, Kenya 933 km, Rwanda 169 km, Sudan 435 km, Tanzania 396 km, Zaire 765 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to February, June to August); semiarid in northeastTerrain: mostly plateau with rim of mountainsNatural resources: copper, cobalt, limestone, saltLand use: arable land: 23% permanent crops: 9% meadows and pastures: 25% forest and woodland: 30% other: 13%Irrigated land: 90 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: draining of wetlands for agricultural use; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching is widespread natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Environmental ModificationNote: landlocked THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uganda PeoplePopulation: 19,573,262 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 49% (female 4,792,164; male 4,834,757) 15-64 years: 49% (female 4,802,650; male 4,704,159) 65 years and over: 2% (female 215,648; male 223,884) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.25% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 48.03 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 24.35 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.) note: Uganda is host to refugees from a number of neighboring countries, including Zaire, Sudan, and Rwanda; probably in excess of 100,000 southern Sudanese fled to Uganda during the past year; many of the 8,000 Rwandans who took refuge in Uganda have returned homeInfant mortality rate: 112.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 36.58 years male: 36.26 years female: 36.91 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.7 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Ugandan(s) adjective: UgandanEthnic divisions: Baganda 17%, Karamojong 12%, Basogo 8%, Iteso 8%, Langi 6%, Rwanda 6%, Bagisu 5%, Acholi 4%, Lugbara 4%, Bunyoro 3%, Batobo 3%, European, Asian, Arab 1%, other 23%Religions: Roman Catholic 33%, Protestant 33%, Muslim 16%, indigenous beliefs 18%Languages: English (official), Luganda, Swahili, Bantu languages, Nilotic languagesLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1991) total population: 56% male: 68% female: 45%Labor force: 4.5 million (est.) by occupation: agriculture over 80% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uganda GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Uganda conventional short form: UgandaDigraph: UGType: republicCapital: KampalaAdministrative divisions: 39 districts; Apac, Arua, Bundibugyo, Bushenyi, Gulu, Hoima, Iganga, Jinja, Kabale, Kabarole, Kalangala, Kampala, Kamuli, Kapchorwa, Kasese, Kibale, Kiboga, Kisoro, Kitgum, Kotido, Kumi, Lira, Luwero, Masaka, Masindi, Mbale, Mbarara, Moroto, Moyo, Mpigi, Mubende, Mukono, Nebbi, Ntungamo, Pallisa, Rakai, Rukungiri, Sototi, TororoIndependence: 9 October 1962 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 9 October (1962)Constitution: 8 September 1967, in process of constitutional revisionLegal system: government plans to restore system based on English common law and customary law and reinstitute a normal judicial system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (since 29 January 1986); Vice President Dr. Specioza Wandira KAZIBWE (since 18 November 1994) head of government: Prime Minister Kintu MUSOKE (since 18 November 1994) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch: unicameral National Resistance Council: elections last held 28 March 1993 (next to be held end of 1995); results - 284 non-partisan delegates elected to an interim Constituent Assembly with the principal task of writing a final draft of a new constitution for Uganda on the basis of which a regular Constituent Assembly will be elected note: first free and fair election in 30 years is to be held by end of 1995Judicial branch: Court of Appeal, High CourtPolitical parties and leaders: only party - National Resistance Movement (NRM), Yoweri MUSEVENI note: Ugandan People's Congress (UPC), Milton OBOTE; Democratic Party (DP), Paul SSEMOGEERE; and Conservative Party (CP), Joshua S. MAYANJA-NKANGI continue to exist but are all proscribed from conducting public political activitiesOther political or pressure groups: Lord's Resistance Army (LRA); Ruwenzori Movement THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uganda GovernmentMember of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, EADB, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGADD, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen Kapimpina KATENTA-APULI chancery: 5911 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011 telephone: [1] (202) 726-7100 through 7102, 0416 FAX: [1] (202) 726-1727US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador E. Michael SOUTHWICK embassy: Parliament Avenue, Kampala mailing address: P. O. Box 7007, Kampala telephone: [256] (41) 259792, 259793, 259795 FAX: [256] (41) 259794Flag: six equal horizontal bands of black (top), yellow, red, black, yellow, and red; a white disk is superimposed at the center and depicts a red-crested crane (the national symbol) facing the staff side THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uganda EconomyOverview: Uganda has substantial natural resources, including fertile soils, regular rainfall, and sizable mineral deposits of copper and cobalt. Agriculture is the most important sector of the economy, employing over 80% of the work force. Coffee is the major export crop and accounts for the bulk of export revenues. Since 1986 the government - with the support of foreign countries and international agencies - has acted to rehabilitate and stabilize the economy by undertaking currency reform, raising producer prices on export crops, increasing prices of petroleum products, and improving civil service wages. The policy changes are especially aimed at dampening inflation and boosting production and export earnings. In 1990-94, the economy turned in a solid performance based on continued investment in the rehabilitation of infrastructure, improved incentives for production and exports, and gradually improving domestic security. The economy again prospered in 1994 with rapid growth, low inflation, growing foreign investment, a trimmed bureaucracy, and the continued return of exiled Indian-Ugandan entrepreneurs.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $16.2 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 6% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $850 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $365 million expenditures: $545 million, including capital expenditures of $165 million (1989 est.)Exports: $237 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: coffee 97%, cotton, tea partners: US 25%, UK 18%, France 11%, Spain 10%Imports: $696 million (c.i.f., 1993 est.) commodities: petroleum products, machinery, cotton piece goods, metals, transportation equipment, food partners: Kenya 25%, UK 14%, Italy 13%External debt: $2.9 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 1.5% (1992); accounts for 5% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 160,000 kW production: 780 million kWh consumption per capita: 32 kWh (1993)Industries: sugar, brewing, tobacco, cotton textiles, cement THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uganda EconomyAgriculture: mainly subsistence; accounts for 57% of GDP and over 80% of labor force; cash crops - coffee, tea, cotton, tobacco; food crops - cassava, potatoes, corn, millet, pulses; livestock products - beef, goat meat, milk, poultry; self-sufficient in foodEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (1970-89), $145 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.4 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $60 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $169 millionCurrency: 1 Ugandan shilling (USh) = 100 centsExchange rates: Ugandan shillings (USh) per US$1 - 1,195 (December 1994), 1,195.0 (1993), 1.133.8 (1992), 734.0 (1991), 428.85 (1990), 223.1 (1989)Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uganda TransportationRailroads: total: 1,300 km single track narrow gauge: 1,300 km 1.000-m-gaugeHighways: total: 26,200 km paved: 1,970 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone 5,849 km; earth, tracks 18,381 kmInland waterways: Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, Lake Kyoga, Lake George, Lake Edward; Victoria Nile, Albert Nile; principal inland water ports are at Jinja and Port Bell, both on Lake VictoriaPorts: Entebbe, Jinja, Port BellMerchant marine: total: 3 roll-on/roll-off cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,091 GRT/NA DWTAirports: 29 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 9 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 6 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 9 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uganda CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; fair system local: NA intercity: microwave and radio communications stations international: 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 10, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 9 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Uganda Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air WingManpower availability: males age 15-49 4,231,019; males fit for military service 2,298,654 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $55 million, 1.7% of budget (FY93/94)</text>
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<text>UGANDA - Passport required. Immunization certificates for yellowfever and cholera are required (typhoid and malaria suppressantsrecommended). For business visa and other information contact Embassy of the Republic of Uganda, 5909 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011 (202/726-7100-02) or Permanent Mission to the U.N. (212/949-0110).Uganda - Consular Information SheetSeptember 21, 1994Country Description: Uganda is a developing East African nation. Tourismfacilities are adequate in Kampala, but are limited in other areas.Entry Requirements: A passport is required; a visa is not required for U.S.citizens. Evidence of immunization for yellow fever, cholera and typhoid isoften requested. Uganda levies a 20 US-dollar departure tax, payable incash (dollars or shillings) at Entebbe Airport. Further entry informationmay be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda, 5909 16thStreet, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011, telephone (202) 726-7100, or theUgandan Permanent Mission to the United Nations, telephone (212) 949-0110.Areas of Instability: Because of a resurgence of rebel and bandit activityand renewed fighting in the area along the Sudanese border, travel in thenorthern part of Uganda is extremely dangerous. There have been at leasttwo instances of land mine explosions in the roads north of Gulu.Additionally, random acts of violence involving American and other touristshave occurred in northern Uganda, such as a grenade attack at a touristhotel in Arua.The area affected encompasses the entire northern part of Uganda (Arua,Moyo, Gulu, Nebbi, Kitgum, Lira, Apac, Kotido, Moroto and Soroti districts). Travel in this area, whether by private vehicle, in convoys or by officialvehicle (UN program vehicle, etc.) is unsafe. Vehicles have been stoppedand destroyed, and passengers have been robbed and/or killed. The inabilityof the Ugandan government to ensure the safety of visitors to these areasmakes travel dangerous and unwise.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Uganda are limited. Medicalsupplies, equipment and medication are often in short supply or notavailable. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the UnitedStates. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage andmedical evacuation provisions has proved useful. Information on healthmatters may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's internationaltravelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Incidents of armed vehicle hijackings and armedhighway robbery are frequent throughout the country. Although these attacksare often violent, victims are generally injured only if they resist. InKampala, less violent crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching andthefts from parked vehicles or vehicles stalled in traffic jams are a commonproblem. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reportedimmediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-SaharanAfrica" provide useful information on protecting personal security whiletraveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are availablefrom the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,Washington, D.C. 20402.Highway Travel: Many roads in Uganda are poor, and bandit activity in someareas is both frequent and unpredictable. Highway travel at night isparticularly dangerous.Photography Prohibition: Photographing security forces or governmentinstallations is prohibited.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking inillegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentencesand fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section at theU.S. Embassy in Kampala may obtain updated information on travel andsecurity in Uganda.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located on Parliament Avenue in thecapital city of Kampala, P.O. Box 7007; telephone (256-41) 259792/3/5.No. 94-222This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued August 29, 1994, toprovide new information on the dangers in northern Uganda.</text>
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<text>UGANDA</text>
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<text>English (British)</text>
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card_84310.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tuvalu GeographyLocation: Oceania, island group consisting of nine coral atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to AustraliaMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 26 sq km land area: 26 sq km comparative area: about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 24 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (March to November); westerly gales and heavy rain (November to March)Terrain: very low-lying and narrow coral atollsNatural resources: fishLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% note: Tuvalu's nine coral atolls have enough soil to grow coconuts and support subsistence agricultureIrrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: since there are no streams or rivers and groundwater is not potable, all water needs must be met by catchment systems with storage facilities; beachhead erosion because of the use of sand for building materials; excessive clearance of forest undergrowth for use as fuel; damage to coral reefs from the spread of the crown of thorns starfish natural hazards: severe tropical storms are rare THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tuvalu Geography international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Law of the Sea THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tuvalu PeoplePopulation: 9,991 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 36% (female 1,787; male 1,852) 15-64 years: 59% (female 3,105; male 2,764) 65 years and over: 5% (female 258; male 225) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.58% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 24.82 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 9.01 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 27.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 63.15 years male: 61.87 years female: 64.34 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 3.11 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Tuvaluans(s) adjective: TuvaluanEthnic divisions: Polynesian 96%Religions: Church of Tuvalu (Congregationalist) 97%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1.4%, Baha'i 1%, other 0.6%Languages: Tuvaluan, EnglishLiteracy: NA%Labor force: NA by occupation: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tuvalu GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Tuvalu former: Ellice IslandsDigraph: TVType: democracy; began debating republic status in 1992Capital: FunafutiAdministrative divisions: noneIndependence: 1 October 1978 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 1 October (1978)Constitution: 1 October 1978Legal system: NASuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Tulaga MANUELLA (since NA June 1994) head of government: Prime Minister Kamuta LATASI (since 10 December 1993); Deputy Prime Minister Otinielu TAUSI (since 10 December 1993) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the governor general on recommendation of the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Palamene): elections last held 25 November 1993 (next to be held by NA 1997); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (12 total)Judicial branch: High CourtPolitical parties and leaders: noneMember of: ACP, AsDB, C (special), ESCAP, IFRCS (associate), INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, UPU, WHODiplomatic representation in US: Tuvalu has no mission in the USUS diplomatic representation: noneFlag: light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the outer half of the flag represents a map of the country with nine yellow five-pointed stars symbolizing the nine islands THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tuvalu EconomyOverview: Tuvalu consists of a scattered group of nine coral atolls with poor soil. The country has no known mineral resources and few exports. Subsistence farming and fishing are the primary economic activities. The islands are too small and too remote for development of a tourist industry. Government revenues largely come from the sale of stamps and coins and worker remittances. Substantial income is received annually from an international trust fund established in 1987 by Australia, NZ, and the UK and supported also by Japan and South Korea.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $7.8 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $800 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.9% (1989)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $4.3 million expenditures: $4.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989 est.)Exports: $165,000 (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: copra partners: Fiji, Australia, NZImports: $4.4 million (c.i.f., 1989) commodities: food, animals, mineral fuels, machinery, manufactured goods partners: Fiji, Australia, NZExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 2,600 kW production: 3 million kWh consumption per capita: 330 kWh (1990)Industries: fishing, tourism, copraAgriculture: coconuts and fishEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $1 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $101 millionCurrency: 1 Tuvaluan dollar ($T) or 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tuvalu EconomyExchange rates: Tuvaluan dollars ($T) or Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3058 (January 1995), 1.3667 (1994), 1.4704 (1993), 1.3600 (1992), 1.2835 (1991), 1.2799 (1990)Fiscal year: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tuvalu TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 8 km unpaved: gravel 8 kmPorts: Funafuti, NukufetauMerchant marine: total: 8 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 44,473 GRT/73,652 DWT ships by type: cargo 1, chemical tanker 4, oil tanker 1, passenger-cargo 1, refrigerated cargo 1Airports: total: 1 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tuvalu CommunicationsTelephone system: 108 telephones; 300 radiotelephones local: NA intercity: NA international: NARadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: 4,000Television: broadcast stations: 0 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tuvalu Defense ForcesBranches: no military forces; Police ForceDefense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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<text>TUVALU - Passport and onward/return ticket and proof of sufficientfunds required. Visitors permit issued on arrival. For further informationconsult British Embassy (202/986-0205).</text>
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<text>TUVALU</text>
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card_84170.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turks and Caicos Islands HeaderAffiliation: (dependent territory of the UK) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turks and Caicos Islands GeographyLocation: Caribbean, two island groups in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of The BahamasMap references: Central America and the CaribbeanArea: total area: 430 sq km land area: 430 sq km comparative area: slightly less than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 389 kmMaritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds; sunny and relatively dryTerrain: low, flat limestone; extensive marshes and mangrove swampsNatural resources: spiny lobster, conchLand use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 98%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: limited natural fresh water resources, private cisterns collect rainwater natural hazards: frequent hurricanes international agreements: NANote: 30 islands (eight inhabited) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turks and Caicos Islands PeoplePopulation: 13,941 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NAPopulation growth rate: 2.41% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 13.46 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.16 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 15.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 12.63 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.37 years male: 73.44 years female: 77.04 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.3 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: none adjective: noneEthnic divisions: AfricanReligions: Baptist 41.2%, Methodist 18.9%, Anglican 18.3%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1.7%, other 19.9% (1980)Languages: English (official)Literacy: age 15 and over has ever attended school (1970) total population: 98% male: 99% female: 98%Labor force: NA by occupation: majority engaged in fishing and tourist industries; some subsistence agriculture THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turks and Caicos Islands GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Turks and Caicos IslandsDigraph: TKType: dependent territory of the UKCapital: Grand TurkAdministrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK)Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK)National holiday: Constitution Day, 30 August (1976)Constitution: introduced 30 August 1976, suspended in 1986, restored and revised 5 March 1988Legal system: based on laws of England and Wales with a small number adopted from Jamaica and The BahamasSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1953), represented by Governor Martin BOURKE (since NA February 1993) head of government: Chief Minister Derek H. TAYLOR (since 31 January 1995) cabinet: Executive Council; consists of three ex-officio members and five appointed by the governor from the Legislative CouncilLegislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council: elections last held 31 January 1995 (next to be held by NA 2000); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (20 total, 13 elected) PDM 8, PNP 4, independent (Norman SAUNDERS) 1Judicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: Progressive National Party (PNP), Washington MISSICK; People's Democratic Movement (PDM), Derek H. TAYLOR; National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Ariel MISSICKMember of: CARICOM (associate), CDB, INTERPOL (subbureau)Diplomatic representation in US: none (dependent territory of the UK)US diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK)Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the colonial shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the shield is yellow and contains a conch shell, lobster, and cactus THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turks and Caicos Islands EconomyOverview: The economy is based on fishing, tourism, and offshore banking. Only subsistence farming - corn, cassava, citrus, and beans - exists on the Caicos Islands, so that most foods, as well as nonfood products, must be imported.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $80.8 million (1992 est.)National product real growth rate: -1.5% (1992)National product per capita: $6,000 (1992 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: 12% (1992)Budget: revenues: $20.3 million expenditures: $44 million, including capital expenditures of $23.9 million (1989 est.)Exports: $6.8 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: lobster, dried and fresh conch, conch shells partners: US, UKImports: $42.8 million (1993) commodities: food and beverages, tobacco, clothing, manufactures, construction materials partners: US, UKExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 9,050 kW production: 11.1 million kWh consumption per capita: 860 kWh (1992)Industries: fishing, tourism, offshore financial servicesAgriculture: subsistence farming prevails, based on corn and beans; fishing more important than farming; not self-sufficient in foodIllicit drugs: transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the USEconomic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $110 millionCurrency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 centsExchange rates: US currency is used THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turks and Caicos Islands EconomyFiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turks and Caicos Islands TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 121 km (including 24 km tarmac) paved: NA unpaved: NAPorts: Cockburn Harbour, Grand Turk, Providenciales, Salt CayMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 7 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turks and Caicos Islands CommunicationsTelephone system: 1,446 telephones; fair cable and radio services local: NA intercity: NA international: 2 submarine cables; 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: NA televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turks and Caicos Islands Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of the UK</text>
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<text>TURKS AND CAICOS - (See West Indies, British.)</text>
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<text>TURKS_A</text>
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card_83919.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkmenistan GeographyLocation: Central Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and KazakhstanMap references: Commonwealth of Independent States - Central Asian StatesArea: total area: 488,100 sq km land area: 488,100 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than CaliforniaLand boundaries: total 3,736 km, Afghanistan 744 km, Iran 992 km, Kazakhstan 379 km, Uzbekistan 1,621 kmCoastline: 0 km note: Turkmenistan borders the Caspian Sea (1,768 km)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: Caspian Sea boundaries are not yet determinedClimate: subtropical desertTerrain: flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes rising to mountains in the south; low mountains along border with Iran; borders Caspian Sea in westNatural resources: petroleum, natural gas, coal, sulphur, saltLand use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 69% forest and woodland: 0% other: 29%Irrigated land: 12,450 sq km (1990)Environment: current issues: contamination of soil and groundwater with agricultural chemicals, pesticides; salinization, water-logging of soil due to poor irrigation methods; Caspian Sea pollution; diversion of a large share of the flow of the Amu Darya into irrigation contributes to that river's inability to replenish the Aral Sea; desertification natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Ozone Layer ProtectionNote: landlocked THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkmenistan PeoplePopulation: 4,075,316 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 40% (female 798,620; male 821,550) 15-64 years: 56% (female 1,155,392; male 1,128,844) 65 years and over: 4% (female 105,424; male 65,486) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.97% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 29.93 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 7.34 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -2.92 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 68.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 65.35 years male: 61.85 years female: 69.02 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 3.72 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Turkmen(s) adjective: TurkmenEthnic divisions: Turkmen 73.3%, Russian 9.8%, Uzbek 9%, Kazakh 2%, other 5.9%Religions: Muslim 87%, Eastern Orthodox 11%, unknown 2%Languages: Turkmen 72%, Russian 12%, Uzbek 9%, other 7%Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989) total population: 98% male: 99% female: 97%Labor force: 1.642 million (January 1994) by occupation: agriculture and forestry 44%, industry and construction 20%, other 36% (1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkmenistan GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Turkmenistan local long form: none local short form: Turkmenistan former: Turkmen Soviet Socialist RepublicDigraph: TXType: republicCapital: AshgabatAdministrative divisions: 5 welayatlar (singular - welayat): Ahal Welayaty (Ashgabat), Balkan Welayaty (Nebitdag), Dashhowuz Welayaty (formerly Tashauz), Lebap Welayaty (Charjew), Mary Welayaty note: names in parentheses are administrative centers when name differs from welayat nameIndependence: 27 October 1991 (from the Soviet Union)National holiday: Independence Day, 27 October (1991)Constitution: adopted 18 May 1992Legal system: based on civil law systemSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Saparmurad NIYAZOV (since NA October 1990); election last held 21 June 1992 (next to be held NA 2002); results - Saparmurad NIYAZOV 99.5% (ran unopposed); note - a 15 January 1994 referendum extended NIYAZOV's term an additional five years until 2002 (99.99% approval) head of government: Prime Minister (vacant); Deputy Prime Ministers Orazgeldi AYDOGDIYEV (since NA), Babamurad BAZAROV (since NA), Khekim ISHANOV (since NA), Valeriy OTCHERTSOV (since NA), Yagmur OVEZOV (since NA), Matkarim RAJAPOV (since NA), Abad RIZAYEVA (since NA), Rejep SAPAROV (since NA), Boris SHIKHMURADOV (since NA), Batyr SARJAYEV (since NA) cabinet: Council of MinistersLegislative branch: under 1992 constitution there are two parliamentary bodies, a unicameral People's Council (Halk Maslahaty - having more than 100 members and meeting infrequently) and a 50-member unicameral Assembly (Majlis) Assembly (Majlis): elections last held 11 December 1994 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (50 total) Democratic Party 45, other 5; note - all 50 preapproved by President NIYAZOVJudicial branch: Supreme Court THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkmenistan GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, Saparmurad NIYAZOV; Party for Democratic Development, Durdymurat HOJA-MUKHAMMED, chairman; Agzybirlik, Nurberdy NURMAMEDOV, cochairman, Hubayberdi HALLIYEV, cochairman note: formal opposition parties are outlawed; unofficial, small opposition movements exist underground or in foreign countriesMember of: CCC, CIS, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, IBRD, ICAO, IDB, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NACC, OIC, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Khalil UGUR chancery: 1511 K Street NW, Suite 412, Washington, DC 20005 telephone: [1] (202) 737-4800 FAX: [1] (202) 737-1152US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph S. HULINGS III embassy: 6 Teheran Street, Yubilenaya Hotel, Ashgabat mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [7] (3632) 24-49-25, 24-49-22 FAX: [7] (3632) 25-53-79Flag: green field, including a vertical stripe on the hoist side, with a claret vertical stripe in between containing five white, black, and orange carpet guls (an assymetrical design used in producing rugs) associated with five different tribes; a white crescent and five white stars in the upper left corner to the right of the carpet guls THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkmenistan EconomyOverview: Turkmenistan is largely desert country with nomadic cattle raising, intensive agriculture in irrigated oases, and huge gas and oil resources. Half its irrigated land is planted in cotton making it the world's tenth largest producer. It also has the world's fifth largest reserves of natural gas and significant oil resources. Until the end of 1993, Turkmenistan had experienced less economic disruption than other former Soviet states because its economy received a boost from higher prices for oil and gas and a sharp increase in hard currency earnings. In 1994, Russia's refusal to export Turkmen gas to hard currency markets and mounting debts of its major customers in the former USSR for gas deliveries contributed to a sharp fall in industrial production and caused the budget to shift from a surplus to a slight deficit. Furthermore, with an authoritarian ex-Communist regime in power and a tribally-based social structure, Turkmenistan has taken a cautious approach to economic reform, hoping to use gas and cotton sales to sustain its inefficient economy. With the onset of economic hard times, even cautious moves toward economic restructuring and privatization have slowed down. For 1995, Turkmenistan will face continuing constraints on its earnings because of its customers' inability to pay for their gas and a low average cotton crop in 1994. Turkmenistan is working hard to open new gas export channels through Iran and Turkey, but these may take many years to realize.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $13.1 billion (1994 estimate as extrapolated from World Bank estimate for 1992)National product real growth rate: -24% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $3,280 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 25% per month (1994)Unemployment rate: NABudget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports: $382 million to states outside the FSU (1994) commodities: natural gas, cotton, petroleum products, electricity, textiles, carpets partners: Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Eastern Europe, Turkey, ArgentinaImports: $304 million from states outside the FSU (1994) commodities: machinery and parts, grain and food, plastics and rubber, consumer durables, textiles partners: Russia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, TurkeyExternal debt: NEGLIndustrial production: growth rate -25% (1994)Electricity: capacity: 2,480,000 kW THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkmenistan Economy production: 10.5 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,600 kWh (1994)Industries: natural gas, oil, petroleum products, textiles, food processingAgriculture: cotton, grain, animal husbandryIllicit drugs: illicit cultivator of cannabis and opium poppy; mostly for CIS consumption; limited government eradication program; used as transshipment point for illicit drugs from Southwest Asia to Western EuropeEconomic aid: recipient: Turkmenistan has received about $200 million in bilateral aid creditsCurrency: Turkmenistan introduced its national currency, the manat, on 1 November 1993Exchange rates: manats per US$1 - multiple rate system: 10 (official) and 230 (permitted in transactions between the government and individuals)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkmenistan TransportationRailroads: total: 2,120 km in common carrier service; does not include industrial lines broad gauge: 2,120 km 1.520-m gauge (1990)Highways: total: 23,000 km paved and graveled: 18,300 km unpaved: earth 4,700 km (1990)Pipelines: crude oil 250 km; natural gas 4,400 kmPorts: Turkmenbashi (formerly Krasnowodsk)Airports: total: 64 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 13 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 8 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 7 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 35 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkmenistan CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; only 7.5 telephones/100 persons (1991); poorly developed local: NA intercity: NA international: linked by cable and microwave to other CIS republics and to other countries by leased connections to the Moscow international gateway switch; a new telephone link from Ashgabat to Iran has been established; a new exchange in Ashgabat switches international traffic through Turkey via INTELSAT; 1 Orbita and 1 INTELSAT earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: NA televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkmenistan Defense ForcesBranches: National Guard, Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), Joint Command Turkmenistan/Russia (Ground, Air, and Air Defense)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 993,321; males fit for military service 810,392; males reach military age (18) annually 40,430 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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<text>TURKMENISTAN - Passport and visa required. At the time of publication,visa issuances are being handled by the Russian Consulate. The visaprocess must be initiated in Turkmenistan by the sponsoring agency orby the travel agent involved; no visa request is initiated at the RussianConsulate. Visas are not issued until an approval cable arrives fromthe Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Turkmenistan to the Russian Consulate.STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Turkmenistan============================================================Turkmenistan - Consular Information Sheet July 28, 1995Country Description: Smallest in population of the former Soviet Republics, Turkmenistan in many ways remains unchanged from the old regime. It is a country where tourist facilities are not highly developed and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other European countries are not yet available. Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted unexpectedly and on short notice.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Without a visa, travelers cannot register at hotels and will be required to leave the country immediately via the route by which they entered. Visas for Turkmenistan are issued at the Embassy of Turkmenistan, 1511 K Street, N.W., Suite 412, Washington, D.C. 20005, telephone (202) 737-4800. Visas may also be obtained on arrival at the airport for approximately 20 dollars for a ten day stay, without presenting an invitation letter. Extensions may be authorized by applying at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A letter of invitation should then be furnished by the traveler's host to support the application. American citizens who arrive in Turkmenistan without visas by car or train at the land border crossing points should obtain the visas at the Velayat Hiakimliks (regional mayor's offices). Americans arriving in Turkmenistan from Azerbaijan on a ferry should find a Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative at the seaport of Turkmenbashi.Medical Facilities: Medical care in Turkmenistan is limited. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of English speaking physicians in the area. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Turkmenistan has a low rate of violent crime, but common street crime has increased, especially at night. The U.S. Embassy recommends that westerners, especially women, not walk or take public transportation or taxis alone, especially after dark. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Additional information on the region can be found in the brochure, "Tips for Travelers to Russia." Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Currency Regulations: Turkmenistan is a cash only economy, although several new hotels accept credit cards. Vneshekonombank accepts travelers checks. Commercial and other checks require from one to two months to clear. Vnesheconombank accepts Mastercard, Visa and Eurocards for cash advances. Travelers are advised to take only new, clean dollar bills with them (1990 and newer). Banks frequently do not have small bills for change. More detailed information is available at the U.S. Embassy.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. There is no allowable blood alcohol content for drivers. A driver who has taken one detectable drink may be fined or jailed. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration and Embassy Location: Americans are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy where they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Turkmenistan. The U.S. Embassy is located in Ashgabat at Pushkin Street, No. 9, telephones: (7-3632) 35-00-45, (7-3632) 35-00-46. No. 95-083This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Turkmenistan dated July 29, 1994 to add information on entry requirements, currency regulations, drug penalties and U.S. Embassy location and telephone numbers.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Turkmenistan============================================================Turkmenistan - Consular Information Sheet July 28, 1995Country Description: Smallest in population of the former Soviet Republics, Turkmenistan in many ways remains unchanged from the old regime. It is a country where tourist facilities are not highly developed and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other European countries are not yet available. Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted unexpectedly and on short notice.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Without a visa, travelers cannot register at hotels and will be required to leave the country immediately via the route by which they entered. Visas for Turkmenistan are issued at the Embassy of Turkmenistan, 1511 K Street, N.W., Suite 412, Washington, D.C. 20005, telephone (202) 737-4800. Visas may also be obtained on arrival at the airport for approximately 20 dollars for a ten day stay, without presenting an invitation letter. Extensions may be authorized by applying at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A letter of invitation should then be furnished by the traveler's host to support the application. American citizens who arrive in Turkmenistan without visas by car or train at the land border crossing points should obtain the visas at the Velayat Hiakimliks (regional mayor's offices). Americans arriving in Turkmenistan from Azerbaijan on a ferry should find a Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative at the seaport of Turkmenbashi.Medical Facilities: Medical care in Turkmenistan is limited. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of English speaking physicians in the area. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Turkmenistan has a low rate of violent crime, but common street crime has increased, especially at night. The U.S. Embassy recommends that westerners, especially women, not walk or take public transportation or taxis alone, especially after dark. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Additional information on the region can be found in the brochure, "Tips for Travelers to Russia." Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Currency Regulations: Turkmenistan is a cash only economy, although several new hotels accept credit cards. Vneshekonombank accepts travelers checks. Commercial and other checks require from one to two months to clear. Vnesheconombank accepts Mastercard, Visa and Eurocards for cash advances. Travelers are advised to take only new, clean dollar bills with them (1990 and newer). Banks frequently do not have small bills for change. More detailed information is available at the U.S. Embassy.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. There is no allowable blood alcohol content for drivers. A driver who has taken one detectable drink may be fined or jailed. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration and Embassy Location: Americans are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy where they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Turkmenistan. The U.S. Embassy is located in Ashgabat at Pushkin Street, No. 9, telephones: (7-3632) 35-00-45, (7-3632) 35-00-46. No. 95-083This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Turkmenistan dated July 29, 1994 to add information on entry requirements, currency regulations, drug penalties and U.S. Embassy location and telephone numbers.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkey GeographyLocation: Southwestern Asia (that part west of the Bosporus is sometimes included with Europe), bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and SyriaMap references: Middle EastArea: total area: 780,580 sq km land area: 770,760 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than TexasLand boundaries: total 2,627 km, Armenia 268 km, Azerbaijan 9 km, Bulgaria 240 km, Georgia 252 km, Greece 206 km, Iran 499 km, Iraq 331 km, Syria 822 kmCoastline: 7,200 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: in Black Sea only - to the maritime boundary agreed upon with the former USSR territorial sea: 6 nm in the Aegean Sea, 12 nm in the Black Sea and in the Mediterranean SeaInternational disputes: complex maritime, air and territorial disputes with Greece in Aegean Sea; Cyprus question; Hatay question with Syria; ongoing dispute with downstream riparians (Syria and Iraq) over water development plans for the Tigris and Euphrates RiversClimate: temperate; hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters; harsher in interiorTerrain: mostly mountains; narrow coastal plain; high central plateau (Anatolia)Natural resources: antimony, coal, chromium, mercury, copper, borate, sulphur, iron oreLand use: arable land: 30% permanent crops: 4% meadows and pastures: 12% forest and woodland: 26% other: 28%Irrigated land: 22,200 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: water pollution from dumping of chemicals and detergents; air pollution, particularly in urban areas; deforestation natural hazards: very severe earthquakes, especially in northern Turkey, along an arc extending from the Sea of Marmara to Lake Van THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkey Geography international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Desertification, Environmental ModificationNote: strategic location controlling the Turkish Straits (Bosporus, Sea of Marmara, Dardanelles) that link Black and Aegean Seas THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkey PeoplePopulation: 63,405,526 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 35% (female 10,815,288; male 11,203,723) 15-64 years: 60% (female 18,723,772; male 19,391,037) 65 years and over: 5% (female 1,764,363; male 1,507,343) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.97% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 25.33 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.64 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 45.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.48 years male: 69.11 years female: 73.96 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 3.12 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Turk(s) adjective: TurkishEthnic divisions: Turkish 80%, Kurdish 20%Religions: Muslim 99.8% (mostly Sunni), other 0.2% (Christian and Jews)Languages: Turkish (official), Kurdish, ArabicLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 79% male: 90% female: 68%Labor force: 20.4 million by occupation: agriculture 44%, services 41%, industry 15% note: between 1.5 million and 1.8 million Turks work abroad (1994) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkey GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Turkey conventional short form: Turkey local long form: Turkiye Cumhuriyeti local short form: TurkiyeDigraph: TUType: republican parliamentary democracyCapital: AnkaraAdministrative divisions: 73 provinces (iller, singular - il); Adana, Adiyaman, Afyon, Agri, Aksaray, Amasya, Ankara, Antalya, Artvin, Aydin, Balikesir, Batman, Bayburt, Bilecik, Bingol, Bitlis, Bolu, Burdur, Bursa, Canakkale, Cankiri, Corum, Denizli, Diyarbakir, Edirne, Elazig, Erzincan, Erzurum, Eskisehir, Gazi Antep, Giresun, Gumushane, Hakkari, Hatay, Icel, Isparta, Istanbul, Izmir, Kahraman Maras, Karaman, Kars, Kastamonu, Kayseri, Kirikkale, Kirklareli, Kirsehir, Kocaeli, Konya, Kutahya, Malatya, Manisa, Mardin, Mugla, Mus, Nevsehir, Nigde, Ordu, Rize, Sakarya, Samsun, Sanli Urfa, Siirt, Sinop, Sirnak, Sivas, Tekirdag, Tokat, Trabzon, Tunceli, Usak, Van, Yozgat, ZonguldakIndependence: 29 October 1923 (successor state to the Ottoman Empire)National holiday: Anniversary of the Declaration of the Republic, 29 October (1923)Constitution: 7 November 1982Legal system: derived from various continental legal systems; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 21 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Suleyman DEMIREL (since 16 May 1993) head of government: Prime Minister Tansu CILLER (since 5 July 1993); Deputy Prime Minister Hikmet CETIN (since 27 March 1995) National Security Council: advisory body to the President and the Cabinet cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president on nomination of the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral Grand National Assembly of Turkey: (Turkiye Buyuk Millet Meclisi) elections last held 20 October 1991 (next to be held NA October 1996); results - DYP 27.03%, ANAP 24.01%, SHP 20.75%, RP 16.88%, DSP 10.75%, SBP 0.44%, independent 0.14%; seats - (450 total) DYP 178, ANAP 115, SHP 86, RP 40, MCP 19, DSP 7, other 5 note: seats held by various parties are subject to change due to defections, creation of new parties, and ouster or death of sitting deputies; present seats by party are as follows: DYP 183, ANAP 97, RP 38, CHP 65, MHP 17, BBP 7, DSP 10, YP 3, MP 2, independents 6, vacant 22 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkey GovernmentJudicial branch: Court of CassationPolitical parties and leaders: True Path Party (DYP), Tansu CILLER; Motherland Party (ANAP), Mesut YILMAZ; Welfare Party (RP), Necmettin ERBAKAN; Democratic Left Party (DSP), Bulent ECEVIT; Nationalist Action Party (MHP - members also regroup under the name of National Labor Party or MCP), Alparslan TURKES; Socialist Unity Party (SBP), Sadun AREN; New Party (YP), Yusuf Bozkurt OZAL; Republican People's Party (CHP), Hikmet CETIN; note - Social Democrat Populist Party (SHP) has merged with CHP; Workers Party (IP), Dogu PERINCEK; Nation Party (MP), Aykut EDIBALI; Democrat Party (DP), Aydin MENDERES; Grand Unity Party (BBP), Muhsin YAZICIOGLU; Rebirth Party (YDP), Hasan Celal GUZEL; People's Democracy Party (HADEP), Murat BOZLAK; Main Path Party (ANAYOL), Gurcan BASER; Democratic Target Party (DHP), Abdulkadir Yasar TURK; Liberal Party (LP), Besim TIBUK; New Democracy Movement (YDH), Cem BOYNER; Democracy and Change Party (DDP), Ibrahim AKSOYOther political or pressure groups: Turkish Confederation of Labor (TURK-IS), Bayram MERAL; Confederation of Revolutionary Workers Unions (DISK), Ridvan BUDAK; Moral Rights Workers Union (HAK-IS), Negati CECIK; Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD), Halis KOMILI; Turkish Union of Chambers of Commerce and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB), Yalim EREZ; Turkish Confederation of Employers' Unions (TISK), Refik BAYDURMember of: AsDB, BIS, BSEC, CCC, CE, CERN (observer), EBRD, ECE, ECO, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NACC, NATO, NEA, OECD, OIC, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNRWA, UPU, WEU (associate), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Nuzhet KANDEMIR chancery: 1714 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 659-8200 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Marc GROSSMAN embassy: 110 Ataturk Boulevard, Ankara mailing address: PSC 93, Box 5000, Ankara; APO AE 09823 telephone: [90] (312) 468-6110 through 6128 FAX: [90] (312) 467-0019 consulate(s) general: Istanbul consulate(s): AdanaFlag: red with a vertical white crescent (the closed portion is toward the hoist side) and white five-pointed star centered just outside the crescent opening THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkey EconomyOverview: In early 1995, after an impressive economic performance through most of the 1980s, Turkey continues to suffer through its most damaging economic crisis in the last 15 years. Sparked by the downgrading in January 1994 of Turkey's international credit rating by two US credit rating agencies, the crisis stems from years of loose fiscal and monetary policies that had exacerbated inflation and allowed the public debt, money supply, and current account deficit to explode. In April 1994, Prime Minister CILLER introduced an austerity package aimed at restoring domestic and international confidence in her fragile coalition government. Three months later the IMF endorsed the program, paving the way for a $740 million IMF standby loan. Although the economy showed signs of improvement following the stabilization measures, CILLER has been unable to overcome the political obstacles to tough structural reforms necessary for sustained, longer-term growth. As a consequence, the economy is suffering the worst of both worlds: at the end of 1994, inflation hit a record 126% (annual rate), and real GDP dropped an estimated 5% for the year as a whole, the worst decline in Turkey's post-war history. At the same time, the government missed key 1994 targets stipulated in the IMF agreement: the budget deficit is estimated to have overshot the government's goal by 47%; the total public sector borrowing requirement likely reached 10%-12% of GDP, rather than 8.5% called for in the program; and the Turkish lira's value fell 5% to 7% more than expected. The unprecedented effort by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) to raise the economic costs of its insurgency against the Turkish state is adding to Turkey's economic problems. Attacks against tourists have jeopardized tourist revenues, which account for about 3% of GDP, while economic activity in southeastern Turkey, where most of the violence occurs, has dropped considerably. Turkish officials are now negotiating a new letter of intent with the IMF that will stipulate more realistic macroeconomic goals for 1995 and allow the release of remaining funds of the standby agreement.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $305.2 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: -5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $4,910 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 106% (1994)Unemployment rate: 12.6% (1994)Budget: revenues: $28.3 billion expenditures: $33.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $3.2 billion (1995)Exports: $15.3 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: manufactured products 72%, foodstuffs 23%, mining products 4% (1993) partners: Germany 24%, Russia 7%, US 7%, UK 6% (1993)Imports: $27.6 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: manufactured products 71%, fuels 14%, foodstuffs 6% (1993) partners: Germany 15%, US 11%, Italy 9%, Russia 8% (1993)External debt: $66.6 billion (1994) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkey EconomyIndustrial production: growth rate 6.7% (1993); accounts for 26% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 18,710,000 kW production: 71 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,079 kWh (1993)Industries: textiles, food processing, mining (coal, chromite, copper, boron), steel, petroleum, construction, lumber, paperAgriculture: accounts for 16% of GDP; products - tobacco, cotton, grain, olives, sugar beets, pulses, citrus fruit, variety of animal products; self-sufficient in food most yearsIllicit drugs: major transit route for Southwest Asian heroin and hashish to Western Europe and the US via air, land, and sea routes; major Turkish, Iranian, and other international trafficking organizations operate out of Istanbul; laboratories to convert imported morphine base into heroin are in remote regions of Turkey as well as near Istanbul; government maintains strict controls over areas of legal opium poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw concentrateEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $2.3 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.1 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $665 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $4.5 billion note: aid for Persian Gulf war efforts from coalition allies (1991), $4.1 billion; aid pledged for Turkish Defense Fund, $2.5 billionCurrency: 1 Turkish lira (TL) = 100 kurusExchange rates: Turkish liras (TL) per US$1 - 37,444.1 (December 1994), 29,608.7 (1994), 10,984.6 (1993), 6,872.4 (1992), 4,171.8 (1991), 2,608.6 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkey TransportationRailroads: total: 10,413 km standard gauge: 10,413 km 1.435-m gauge (1,033 km electrified)Highways: total: 320,611 km paved: 29,915 km (including 862 km of expressways) unpaved: 290,696 km (1992)Inland waterways: about 1,200 kmPipelines: crude oil 1,738 km; petroleum products 2,321 km; natural gas 708 kmPorts: Gemlik, Hopa, Iskenderun, Istanbul, Izmir, Izmit, Mersin, Samsun, TrabzonMerchant marine: total: 423 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,014,004 GRT/8,695,636 DWT ships by type: bulk 113, cargo 203, chemical tanker 14, combination bulk 7, combination ore/oil 12, container 2, liquefied gas tanker 4, livestock carrier 1, oil tanker 46, passenger-cargo 1, refrigerated cargo 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 9, short-sea passenger 7, specialized tanker 2Airports: total: 116 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 16 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 20 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 12 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 21 with paved runways under 914 m: 34 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 11 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkey CommunicationsTelephone system: 3,400,000 telephones; fair domestic and international systems local: NA intercity: trunk radio relay microwave network; limited open wire network international: 2 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 EUTELSAT earth station; 1 submarine cableRadio: broadcast stations: AM 15, FM 94, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 357 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Turkey Defense ForcesBranches: Land Forces, Navy (includes Naval Air and Naval Infantry), Air Force, Coast Guard, GendarmerieManpower availability: males age 15-49 16,519,152; males fit for military service 10,067,089; males reach military age (20) annually 625,476 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $6.9 billion, 4.1% of GDP (1993); note - figures do not include about $7 billion for the government's counterinsurgency efforts against the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)</text>
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<text>TURKEY - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/businessstay up to 3 months. For other travel, visa required and must be obtained inadvance. For further information contact Embassy of the Republic ofTurkey, 1714 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/659-0742) ornearest Consulate: CA (213/937-0118), IL (312/263-0644), NY(212/949-0160) or TX (713/622-5849).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Turkey============================================================Turkey - Consular Information Sheet November 24, 1995Country Description: Turkey is a moderately developed nation with extensive tourist facilities of all classes in the main tourist destinations.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Business and tourist visas cost $20.00. Visas may be obtained prior to travel from a Turkish embassy or consulate, or at the port of entry. Bearers of U.S. diplomatic and official passports must obtain visas at a Turkish Embassy prior to arrival. For further information, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey at 1714 Massachusetts Avenue, NW,Washington, D.C. 20036, tel: (202) 659-8200, or the nearest Turkish Consulate in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, or New York.Areas of Instability: For years, urban and rural acts of terrorism throughout Turkey have caused injury and loss of life to government officials and civilians, including some foreign tourists. While most incidents have occurred in Eastern Turkey, one terrorist group, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has begun to target tourist sites and tourist-oriented facilities in western Turkey in an effort to inflict economic harm on Turkey. In 1994, PKK bomb attacks at some of Istanbul's most popular tourist attractions, including St. Sophia and the covered bazaar, resulted in the death of two foreign tourists. In July 1995, a leftist youth group took control of the Galata Tower restaurant in Istanbul which was occupied by a number of foreign tourists, including three Americans. All were released unharmed after a brief time. In August 1995, several bombings in Istanbul resulted in two deaths and 36 injuries.Intermittent terrorist bombings have also occurred elsewhere, including Ankara, causing damage to property and loss of life. Due to PKK bombings on local intercity buses, travelers may be subject to security baggage screening by the Turkish National Police. Some terrorist groups have also targeted the personnel and property of organizations with official and commercial ties to the United States.Eastern Provinces: With the exception of the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts, travel to eastern Turkey is hazardous. Terrorist acts by the PKK continue throughout the eastern provinces. These attacks are not only against Turkish police and military installations but also against civilian targets including public ground transportation. While most attacks have been at night, day-time attacks are increasingly frequent. Since 1984, several thousand Turkish civilians and security personnel have been killed in terrorist attacks. The PKK has kidnapped foreigners in eastern Turkey to generate media attention for their separatist cause. A number of foreigners, including Americans, have been held by the PKK and eventually released. In 1995, Mt. Ararat was declared a special military zone and access is now prohibited. In light of the dangerous security conditions for travelers in eastern Turkey, the U.S. military has advised its personnel to avoid all tourist travel to this region. U.S. Embassy and Consulate personnel travel to eastern Turkey only for essential U.S. government business and only with prior approval.Medical Information: Medical facilities are available, but may be limited outside urban areas. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. The reported number of cases of cholera and other water-borne diseases in the metropolitan Istanbul area has decreased. In the southeastern city of Diyarbakir, there are recurring outbreaks of dysentery, typhoid fever, meningitis and other contagious diseases. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: As in other large metropolitan areas throughout the world, there is some crime against tourists, including pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging. In Istanbul, some tourists have been robbed by other English or French-speaking foreigners who first befriended them, then drugged them using tea, juice, alcohol or food. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad.Public Safety: Travel by road in Turkey can be hazardous since local drivers do not always obey traffic rules or take appropriate safety measures. Turkey has a very high rate of accident fatalities. It is imperative to drive very defensively and avoid driving at night, especially in rural areas. Driving conditions off the main highways and in remote areas are particularly dangerous. In the eastern provinces, the incidence of terrorism poses additional risks for road travelers. Turkish authorities expect travelers to cooperate with travel restrictions, security check points and other security measures.Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who are also considered to be Turkish citizens may be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of Turkish law while in Turkey. Those who may be affected can inquire at a Turkish Embassy or Consulate to determine status. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. government efforts to provide protection abroad.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. In Turkey, the penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are extremely strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Other Pertinent Information: Unauthorized purchase or removal from Turkey of antiquities or other important cultural artifacts is strictly forbidden. Violation of this law may result in imprisonment. At the time of departure, travelers who purchase such items may be asked to present a receipt from the seller as well as the official museum export certificate required by law.Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in March 1995, the FAA has found the Government of Turkey's Civil Aviation Authority to not be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Turkish air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, Turkish air carriers are permitted to conduct limited operations to the United States subject to heightened FAA surveillance. The FAA is not providing heightened surveillance for operations to destinations other than the United States. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.Registration and Embassy and Consulate Location: U.S. citizens who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or one of the U.S. Consulates may obtain updated information on travel and security in Turkey.The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, telephone (90-312) 468-6110.The U.S. Consulate in Istanbul is located at 104-108 Mesrutiyet Caddesi, Tepebasl, tel: (90-212) 251-3602.The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at the corner of Vali Yolu and Ataturk Caddesi, tel: (90-322) 453-9106.There is a Consular Agent in Izmir at the Turkish American Association, Sehit Nevres Boulevard, No. 23, Alsancak, telephone (90-232) 421-3643 or 3644. No. 95-150This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 25, 1995, to update information on Areas of Instability.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Turkey============================================================Turkey-Public Announcement June 16, 1995U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATEOffice of the SpokesmanFor Immediate Release(Dev Sol Anniversary Date)The U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey has issued a notice to remind U.S. citizens that July 12 is a significant anniversary date for the Dev Sol terrorist group in Turkey. On that day in 1991, 11 members of the Dev Sol terrorist organization were killed during a series of Turkish national police (TNP) operations conducted in Istanbul. On July 11, 1992, a rocket propelled device was launched at the American Consulate General in Istanbul. Responsibility for this incident was claimed by Dev Sol which said that the attack was in retaliation for the TNP operations of July 12, 1991, in which its members were killed. Also on July 12, 1992 there was an attempted car bombing of a private American citizen in Istanbul. No group or individual claimed responsibility for this attempted car bombing. At this time, there is no information which indicates that Americans or American interests will again be specifically targeted by Dev Sol on this date. However, the possibility still exists.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories-----STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Turkey============================================================Turkey - Consular Information Sheet November 24, 1995Country Description: Turkey is a moderately developed nation with extensive tourist facilities of all classes in the main tourist destinations.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Business and tourist visas cost $20.00. Visas may be obtained prior to travel from a Turkish embassy or consulate, or at the port of entry. Bearers of U.S. diplomatic and official passports must obtain visas at a Turkish Embassy prior to arrival. For further information, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey at 1714 Massachusetts Avenue, NW,Washington, D.C. 20036, tel: (202) 659-8200, or the nearest Turkish Consulate in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, or New York.Areas of Instability: For years, urban and rural acts of terrorism throughout Turkey have caused injury and loss of life to government officials and civilians, including some foreign tourists. While most incidents have occurred in Eastern Turkey, one terrorist group, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has begun to target tourist sites and tourist-oriented facilities in western Turkey in an effort to inflict economic harm on Turkey. In 1994, PKK bomb attacks at some of Istanbul's most popular tourist attractions, including St. Sophia and the covered bazaar, resulted in the death of two foreign tourists. In July 1995, a leftist youth group took control of the Galata Tower restaurant in Istanbul which was occupied by a number of foreign tourists, including three Americans. All were released unharmed after a brief time. In August 1995, several bombings in Istanbul resulted in two deaths and 36 injuries.Intermittent terrorist bombings have also occurred elsewhere, including Ankara, causing damage to property and loss of life. Due to PKK bombings on local intercity buses, travelers may be subject to security baggage screening by the Turkish National Police. Some terrorist groups have also targeted the personnel and property of organizations with official and commercial ties to the United States.Eastern Provinces: With the exception of the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts, travel to eastern Turkey is hazardous. Terrorist acts by the PKK continue throughout the eastern provinces. These attacks are not only against Turkish police and military installations but also against civilian targets including public ground transportation. While most attacks have been at night, day-time attacks are increasingly frequent. Since 1984, several thousand Turkish civilians and security personnel have been killed in terrorist attacks. The PKK has kidnapped foreigners in eastern Turkey to generate media attention for their separatist cause. A number of foreigners, including Americans, have been held by the PKK and eventually released. In 1995, Mt. Ararat was declared a special military zone and access is now prohibited. In light of the dangerous security conditions for travelers in eastern Turkey, the U.S. military has advised its personnel to avoid all tourist travel to this region. U.S. Embassy and Consulate personnel travel to eastern Turkey only for essential U.S. government business and only with prior approval.Medical Information: Medical facilities are available, but may be limited outside urban areas. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. The reported number of cases of cholera and other water-borne diseases in the metropolitan Istanbul area has decreased. In the southeastern city of Diyarbakir, there are recurring outbreaks of dysentery, typhoid fever, meningitis and other contagious diseases. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: As in other large metropolitan areas throughout the world, there is some crime against tourists, including pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging. In Istanbul, some tourists have been robbed by other English or French-speaking foreigners who first befriended them, then drugged them using tea, juice, alcohol or food. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. It provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad.Public Safety: Travel by road in Turkey can be hazardous since local drivers do not always obey traffic rules or take appropriate safety measures. Turkey has a very high rate of accident fatalities. It is imperative to drive very defensively and avoid driving at night, especially in rural areas. Driving conditions off the main highways and in remote areas are particularly dangerous. In the eastern provinces, the incidence of terrorism poses additional risks for road travelers. Turkish authorities expect travelers to cooperate with travel restrictions, security check points and other security measures.Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who are also considered to be Turkish citizens may be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of Turkish law while in Turkey. Those who may be affected can inquire at a Turkish Embassy or Consulate to determine status. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. government efforts to provide protection abroad.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. In Turkey, the penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are extremely strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Other Pertinent Information: Unauthorized purchase or removal from Turkey of antiquities or other important cultural artifacts is strictly forbidden. Violation of this law may result in imprisonment. At the time of departure, travelers who purchase such items may be asked to present a receipt from the seller as well as the official museum export certificate required by law.Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in March 1995, the FAA has found the Government of Turkey's Civil Aviation Authority to not be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Turkish air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, Turkish air carriers are permitted to conduct limited operations to the United States subject to heightened FAA surveillance. The FAA is not providing heightened surveillance for operations to destinations other than the United States. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.Registration and Embassy and Consulate Location: U.S. citizens who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or one of the U.S. Consulates may obtain updated information on travel and security in Turkey.The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, telephone (90-312) 468-6110.The U.S. Consulate in Istanbul is located at 104-108 Mesrutiyet Caddesi, Tepebasl, tel: (90-212) 251-3602.The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at the corner of Vali Yolu and Ataturk Caddesi, tel: (90-322) 453-9106.There is a Consular Agent in Izmir at the Turkish American Association, Sehit Nevres Boulevard, No. 23, Alsancak, telephone (90-232) 421-3643 or 3644. No. 95-150This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 25, 1995, to update information on Areas of Instability.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tunisia GeographyLocation: Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and LibyaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 163,610 sq km land area: 155,360 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than GeorgiaLand boundaries: total 1,424 km, Algeria 965 km, Libya 459 kmCoastline: 1,148 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: maritime boundary dispute with Libya; land boundary dispute with Algeria settled in 1993; Malta and Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil explorationClimate: temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in southTerrain: mountains in north; hot, dry central plain; semiarid south merges into the SaharaNatural resources: petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, saltLand use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 10% meadows and pastures: 19% forest and woodland: 4% other: 47%Irrigated land: 2,750 sq km (1989)Environment: current issues: toxic and hazardous waste disposal is ineffective and presents human health risks; water pollution from raw sewage; limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Marine Life Conservation THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tunisia GeographyNote: strategic location in central Mediterranean THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tunisia PeoplePopulation: 8,879,845 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 35% (female 1,507,866; male 1,563,411) 15-64 years: 60% (female 2,665,586; male 2,672,712) 65 years and over: 5% (female 226,201; male 244,069) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.69% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 22.52 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 4.86 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -0.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 32.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.25 years male: 71.16 years female: 75.44 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.73 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Tunisian(s) adjective: TunisianEthnic divisions: Arab-Berber 98%, European 1%, Jewish less than 1%Religions: Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish 1%Languages: Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989) total population: 57% male: 69% female: 45%Labor force: 2.25 million by occupation: agriculture 32% note: shortage of skilled labor THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tunisia GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Tunisia conventional short form: Tunisia local long form: Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah local short form: TunisDigraph: TSType: republicCapital: TunisAdministrative divisions: 23 governorates; Beja, Ben Arous, Bizerte, Gabes, Gafsa, Jendouba, Kairouan, Kasserine, Kebili, L'Ariana, Le Kef, Mahdia, Medenine, Monastir, Nabeul, Sfax, Sidi Bou Zid, Siliana, Sousse, Tataouine, Tozeur, Tunis, ZaghouanIndependence: 20 March 1956 (from France)National holiday: National Day, 20 March (1956)Constitution: 1 June 1959; amended 12 July 1988Legal system: based on French civil law system and Islamic law; some judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court in joint sessionSuffrage: 20 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Zine el Abidine BEN ALI (since 7 November 1987); election last held 20 March 1994 (next to be held NA 1999); results - President Zine el Abidine BEN ALI was reelected without opposition head of government: Prime Minister Hamed KAROUI (since 26 September 1989) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch: unicameral Chamber of Deputies (Majlis al-Nuwaab): elections last held 20 March 1994 (next to be held NA 1999); results - RCD 97.7%, MDS 1.0%, others 1.3%; seats - (163 total) RCD 144, MDS 10, others 9; note - the government changed the electoral code to guarantee that the opposition won seatsJudicial branch: Court of Cassation (Cour de Cassation)Political parties and leaders: Constitutional Democratic Rally Party (RCD), President BEN ALI (official ruling party); Movement of Democratic Socialists (MDS), Mohammed MOUAADA; five other political parties are legal, including the Communist PartyOther political or pressure groups: the Islamic fundamentalist party, An Nahda (Rebirth), is outlawed THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tunisia GovernmentMember of: ABEDA, ACCT, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, NAM, OAPEC (withdrew from active membership in 1986), OAS (observer), OAU, OIC, UN, UNAMIR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIH, UNPROFOR, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed Azzouz ENNAIFER chancery: 1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005 telephone: [1] (202) 862-1850US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Mary Ann CASEY embassy: 144 Avenue de la Liberte, 1002 Tunis-Belvedere mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [216] (1) 782-566 FAX: [216] (1) 789-719Flag: red with a white disk in the center bearing a red crescent nearly encircling a red five-pointed star; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tunisia EconomyOverview: Tunisia has a diverse economy, with important agricultural, mining, energy, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Detailed governmental control of economic affairs has gradually lessened over the past decade, including increasing privatization of trade and commerce, simplification of the tax structure, and a cautious approach to debt. Real growth has averaged roughly 5% in 1991-94, and inflation has been moderate. Growth in tourism and IMF support have been key elements in this solid record. Further privatization and further improvements in government administrative efficiency are among the challenges for the future.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $37.1 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 4.4% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $4,250 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.5% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate: 16.2% (1993 est.)Budget: revenues: $4.3 billion expenditures: $5.5 billion, including capital expenditures to $NA (1993 est.)Exports: $4.6 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: hydrocarbons, agricultural products, phosphates and chemicals partners: EC countries 75%, Middle East 10%, Algeria 2%, India 2%, US 1%Imports: $6.5 billion (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: industrial goods and equipment 57%, hydrocarbons 13%, food 12%, consumer goods partners: EC countries 70%, US 5%, Middle East 2%, Japan 2%, Switzerland 1%, Algeria 1%External debt: $7.7 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 5% (1989); accounts for 22% of GDP, including petroleumElectricity: capacity: 1,410,000 kW production: 5.4 billion kWh consumption per capita: 595 kWh (1993)Industries: petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate and iron ore), tourism, textiles, footwear, food, beveragesAgriculture: accounts for 16% of GDP and one-third of labor force; output subject to severe fluctuations because of frequent droughts; export crops - olives, dates, oranges, almonds; other products - grain, sugar beets, wine grapes, poultry, beef, dairy; not self-sufficient in food THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tunisia EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $730 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89) $52 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $684 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $410 millionCurrency: 1 Tunisian dinar (TD) = 1,000 millimesExchange rates: Tunisian dinars (TD) per US$1 - 0.9849 (January 1995), 1.0116 (1994), 1.0037 (1993), 0.8844 (1992), 0.9246 (1991), 0.8783 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tunisia TransportationRailroads: total: 2,260 km standard gauge: 492 km 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 1,758 km 1.000-m gauge dual gauge: 10 km 1.000-m and 1.435-m gaugesHighways: total: 29,183 km paved: bituminous 17,510 km unpaved: improved, unimproved earth 11,673 kmPipelines: crude oil 797 km; petroleum products 86 km; natural gas 742 kmPorts: Bizerte, Gabes, La Goulette, Sfax, Sousse, Tunis, ZarzisMerchant marine: total: 19 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 129,035 GRT/168,032 DWT ships by type: bulk 6, cargo 5, chemical tanker 4, oil tanker 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2, short-sea passenger 1Airports: total: 31 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 8 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 7 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tunisia CommunicationsTelephone system: 233,000 telephones; 28 telephones/1,000 persons; the system is above the African average; key centers are Sfax, Sousse, Bizerte, and Tunis local: NA intercity: facilities consist of open-wire lines, coaxial cable, and microwave radio relay international: 5 submarine cables; 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 ARABSAT earth station with back-up control station; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Algeria and LibyaRadio: broadcast stations: AM 7, FM 8, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 19 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tunisia Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary forces, National GuardManpower availability: males age 15-49 2,294,912; males fit for military service 1,317,642; males reach military age (20) annually 93,601 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $549 million, 3% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>TUNISIA - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visas notrequired for tourist/business stay up to 4 months. For further informationconsult Embassy of Tunisia, 1515 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005(202/862-1850) or nearest Consulate: San Francisco (415/922-9222) orNew York (212/272-6962).Tunisia - Consular Information SheetAugust 31, 1993Country Description: Tunisia is a presidential republic with a developingeconomy. Tourist facilities and means of transportation are widelyavailable, but vary in quality depending on price and location.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. A visa is not required for astay of up to four months. For further information concerning entryrequirements for Tunisia, travelers may contact the Embassy of Tunisia at1515 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. (202) 862-1850, or theTunisian Consulate General in New York, telephone (212) 742-6585, or in SanFrancisco, telephone (415) 922-9222.Medical Facilities: Medical care in Tunisia is available, but limited;specialized care or treatment may not be available. Doctors and hospitalsexpect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medicalinsurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplementalmedical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including medicalevacuation, has proved useful. Specific health questions can be addressedto the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline,telephone (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Tunisia has a moderate crime rate in urban areas.Criminals have targeted tourists for thefts, pickpocketings, and scams,though crimes are usually non-confrontational in nature. The loss or theftof a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to local police andthe nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on safeguardingvaluables, protecting personal security, and other matters while travelingabroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe TripAbroad" and "Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa." Theyare available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government PrintingOffice, Washington, D.C. 20402.Currency Regulations: Travelers checks and credit cards are accepted atsome establishments in Tunisia, mainly in urban or tourist areas. TheTunisian dinar is not yet a fully convertible currency. Tunisian lawprohibits the export or import of Tunisian banknotes or coins. Tourists areexpected to make foreign exchange transactions at authorized banks ordealers and to retain receipts for dinars obtained. Under new foreigncurrency exchange regulations, a tourist can reconvert to foreign currency30 percent of what has been exchanged into dinars, up to a maximum of $100.Declaring currency upon entering Tunisia and obtaining a receipt for dinarspurchased thereafter will facilitate reconverting dinars to U.S. dollars.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws and legal practicesof the country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use, ortrafficking in illegal drugs are severe in Tunisia, and convicted offenderscan expect jail sentences and fines.Security Concerns: Tunisia has open borders with Libya and Algeria.(Please refer to Consular Information Sheets for those countries.) Thepresence of the headquarters of the Palestinian Liberation Organization inTunis makes the possibility of terrorism a concern. However, there havebeen no instances where U.S. citizens or facilities in Tunisia have beensubject to terrorist attacks. The government of Tunisia takes many securitymeasures for the benefit of the many tourists who visit Tunisia.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the Consular Section of theU.S. Embassy may be enrolled in the Embassy's emergency alert network, andcan obtain updated information on travel and security within Tunisia.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Tunisia is located at 144 Avenue dela Liberte, 1002 Tunis-Belvedere, in the capital city of Tunis, telephone(216-1) 782-566, fax (216-1) 789-719.No. 93-226This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Tunisia dated January 8,1993 to update the section on security, to include new Tunisian currencyregulations, and to add information on reporting the loss or theft of a U.S.passport abroad.</text>
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card_83130.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tromelin Island HeaderAffiliation: (possession of France) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tromelin Island GeographyLocation: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of MadagascarMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 1 sq km land area: 1 sq km comparative area: about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 3.7 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 12 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: claimed by Madagascar, Mauritius, and SeychellesClimate: tropicalTerrain: sandyNatural resources: fishLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% (scattered bushes)Irrigated land: 0 sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NANote: climatologically important location for forecasting cyclones; wildlife sanctuary THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tromelin Island PeoplePopulation: uninhabited THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tromelin Island GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Tromelin Island local long form: none local short form: Ile TromelinDigraph: TEType: French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic, resident in ReunionCapital: none; administered by France from ReunionIndependence: none (possession of France) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tromelin Island EconomyOverview: no economic activity THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tromelin Island TransportationPorts: none; offshore anchorage onlyAirports: total: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tromelin Island CommunicationsNote: important meteorological station THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tromelin Island Defense Forces defense is the responsibility of France</text>
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card_82848.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Trinidad and Tobago GeographyLocation: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of VenezuelaMap references: Central America and the CaribbeanArea: total area: 5,130 sq km land area: 5,130 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than DelawareLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 362 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; rainy season (June to December)Terrain: mostly plains with some hills and low mountainsNatural resources: petroleum, natural gas, asphaltLand use: arable land: 14% permanent crops: 17% meadows and pastures: 2% forest and woodland: 44% other: 23%Irrigated land: 220 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: water pollution from agricultural chemicals, industrial wastes, and raw sewage; oil pollution of beaches; deforestation; soil erosion natural hazards: outside usual path of hurricanes and other tropical storms international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity THE WORLD FACTBOOK Trinidad and Tobago PeoplePopulation: 1,271,159 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 31% (female 191,627; male 198,225) 15-64 years: 64% (female 399,726; male 407,495) 65 years and over: 5% (female 40,577; male 33,509) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.12% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 16.62 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.88 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -8.59 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 18.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.14 years male: 67.75 years female: 72.6 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.01 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s) adjective: Trinidadian, TobagonianEthnic divisions: black 43%, East Indian (a local term - primarily immigrants from northern India) 40%, mixed 14%, white 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1%Religions: Roman Catholic 32.2%, Hindu 24.3%, Anglican 14.4%, other Protestant 14%, Muslim 6%, none or unknown 9.1%Languages: English (official), Hindi, French, SpanishLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 97% male: 98% female: 96%Labor force: 463,900 by occupation: construction and utilities 18.1%, manufacturing, mining, and quarrying 14.8%, agriculture 10.9%, other 56.2% (1985 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Trinidad and Tobago GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago conventional short form: Trinidad and TobagoDigraph: TDType: parliamentary democracyCapital: Port-of-SpainAdministrative divisions: 8 counties, 3 municipalities*, and 1 ward**; Arima*, Caroni, Mayaro, Nariva, Port-of-Spain*, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint Patrick, San Fernando*, Tobago**, VictoriaIndependence: 31 August 1962 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 31 August (1962)Constitution: 1 August 1976Legal system: based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Noor Mohammed HASSANALI (since 18 March 1987) head of government: Prime Minister Patrick Augustus Mervyn MANNING (since 17 December 1991) cabinet: Cabinet; responsible to parliamentLegislative branch: bicameral Parliament Senate: consists of a 31-member body appointed by the president House of Representatives: elections last held 16 December 1991 (next to be held by December 1996); results - PNM 32%, UNC 13%, NAR 2%; seats - (36 total) PNM 21, UNC 13, NAR 2Judicial branch: Court of Appeal, Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: People's National Movement (PNM), Patrick MANNING; United National Congress (UNC), Basdeo PANDAY; National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR), Selby WILSON; Movement for Social Transformation (MOTION), David ABDULLAH; National Joint Action Committee (NJAC), Makandal DAAGA; Republican Party, Nello MITCHELL; National Development Party (NDP), Carson CHARLES; Movement for Unity and Progress (MUP), Hulsie BHAGGANMember of: ACP, C, CARICOM, CCC, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Corinne Averille McKNIGHT chancery: 1708 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Trinidad and Tobago Government telephone: [1] (202) 467-6490 FAX: [1] (202) 785-3130 consulate(s) general: New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Brian DONNELLY (since September 1994) embassy: 15 Queen's Park West, Port-of-Spain mailing address: P. O. Box 752, Port-of-Spain telephone: [1] (809) 622-6372 through 6376, 6176 FAX: [1] (809) 628-5462Flag: red with a white-edged black diagonal band from the upper hoist side THE WORLD FACTBOOK Trinidad and Tobago EconomyOverview: Trinidad and Tobago's petroleum-based economy still enjoys a high per capita income by Latin American standards, even though output and living standards are substantially below the boom years of 1973-82. The country suffers from widespread unemployment, large foreign-debt payments, and periods of low international oil prices. The government has begun to make progress in its efforts to diversify exports and to liberalize its trade regime, making 1994 the first year of substantial growth since the early 1980s.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $15 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 3% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $11,280 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10.1% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 18.1% (1994 )Budget: revenues: $1.6 billion expenditures: $1.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $158 million (1993 est.)Exports: $1.9 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, steel products, fertilizer, sugar, cocoa, coffee, citrus, flowers partners: US 44%, CARICOM 15%, Latin America 9%, EC 5% (1993)Imports: $996 million (c.i.f., 1994) commodities: machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, live animals partners: US 43%, Venezuela 10%, UK 8%, other EC 8% (1993)External debt: $2 billion (1994)Industrial production: growth rate 1% (1994 est.); accounts for 39% of GDP, including petroleumElectricity: capacity: 1,150,000 kW production: 3.9 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,740 kWh (1993)Industries: petroleum, chemicals, tourism, food processing, cement, beverage, cotton textilesAgriculture: accounts for 3% of GDP; major crops - cocoa, sugarcane; sugarcane acreage is being shifted into rice, citrus, coffee, vegetables; poultry sector most important source of animal protein; must import large share of food needsIllicit drugs: transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe and producer of cannabis THE WORLD FACTBOOK Trinidad and Tobago EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $373 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $518 millionCurrency: 1 Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$) = 100 centsExchange rates: Trinidad and Tobago dollars (TT$) per US$1 - 5.8758 (January 1995), 5.9160 (1994), 5.3511 (1993), 4.2500 (fixed rate 1989-1992); note - effective 13 April 1993, the exchange rate of the TT dollar is market-determined as opposed to the prior fixed relationship to the US dollarFiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Trinidad and Tobago TransportationRailroads: note: minimal agricultural railroad system near San FernandoHighways: total: 8,000 km paved: 4,000 km unpaved: improved earth 1,000 km; unimproved earth 3,000 kmPipelines: crude oil 1,032 km; petroleum products 19 km; natural gas 904 kmPorts: Pointe-a-Pierre, Point Fortin, Point Lisas, Port-of-Spain, Scarborough, TembladoraMerchant marine: total: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 12,507 GRT/21,923 DWTAirports: 6 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Trinidad and Tobago CommunicationsTelephone system: 109,000 telephones; excellent international service via tropospheric scatter links to Barbados and Guyana; good local service local: NA intercity: NA international: 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth station; linked to Barbados and Guyana by tropospheric scatter systemRadio: broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 4, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 5 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Trinidad and Tobago Defense ForcesBranches: Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (includes Ground Forces, Coast Guard, and Air Wing), Trinidad and Tobago Police ServiceManpower availability: males age 15-49 347,841; males fit for military service 249,904 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $83 million, 1.5% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - Passport required. Visa not required fortourist/business stay up to 3 months. Business visa requires passportand company letter. For further information consult Embassy of Trinidadand Tobago, 1708 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/467-6490) ornearest Consulate in New York (212/682-7272).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Trinidad & Tobago============================================================Trinidad & Tobago - Consular Information Sheet August 24, 1995Country Description: Trinidad and Tobago is a developing nation comprised of two islands. Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: A passport is required for travel to Trinidad and Tobago. Visas are not required for tourist or business stays of up to three months. Work permits are required for certain types of compensated and non-compensated employment, including missionary work. The immigration regulations of Trinidad and Tobago have been amended to allow persons entering the country to engage in gainful employment in any trade, profession or occupation without a work permit for a period not exceeding 30 days. For further information concerning entry and customs requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago at 1708 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, tel: (202) 467-6490 or the Consulate in New York City.Medical Facilities: Medical care is limited. Care at public health facilities is significantly below U.S standards for serious injuries and illness. Care at some private facilities is better than most public health facilities, but doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Ambulance service is extremely limited both in the quality of emergency care and availability of vehicles in many parts of the country. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside of the United States. Supplementary medical insurance with specific coverage for outside of the United States has proved useful, particularly when medical evacuation, which is extremely expensive, is necessary. For additional health information, travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: The government of Trinidad and Tobago has taken several initiatives to curb the growing crime rate, which is a major concern among the populace. The occurrence of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery and assault, is on the rise. Foreign visitors have been the victims of these types of crime in both urban and isolated areas. Serious crimes have occured on major public beaches after dark. While crime is significantly lower on the island of Tobago, which is the destination of most tourists, travelers may wish to exercise normal precautions.The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Birth certificates and/or driver's licences generally cannot be replaced outside of the United States. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." This publication, as well as "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean", is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Criminal penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are severe and strictly enforced. Many of the Americans convicted for drug offenses in Trinidad and Tobago were caught taking suitcases or packages containing drugs out of the country. Even if the package or suitcase is being carried for someone else, the traveler is liable for its contents. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in June 1994, the FAA has found the government of Trinidad and Tobago's Civil Aviation Authority to not be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Trinidad and Tobago air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, Trinidad and Tobago air carriers are permitted to conduct limited operations to the U.S. subject to heightened FAA surveillance. The FAA is not providing heightened surveillance for operations to destinations other than the U.S. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens may register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy, located at 15 Queen's Park West in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad; telephone (809) 622-6372. U.S. citizens may obtain from the U.S. Embassy updated information on travel and security in Trinidad and Tobago. No. 95-102This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated January 13, 1995, to include Aviation Oversight information.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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card_82624.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tonga GeographyLocation: Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New ZealandMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 748 sq km land area: 718 sq km comparative area: slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 419 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December)Terrain: most islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral formation; others have limestone overlying volcanic baseNatural resources: fish, fertile soilLand use: arable land: 25% permanent crops: 55% meadows and pastures: 6% forest and woodland: 12% other: 2%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: deforestation results as more and more land is being cleared for agriculture and settlement; some damage to coral reefs from starfish and indiscriminate coral and shell collectors; overhunting threatens native sea turtle populations natural hazards: cyclones (October to April); earthquakes and volcanic activity on Fonuafo'ou international agreements: party to - Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test BanNote: archipelago of 170 islands (36 inhabited) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tonga PeoplePopulation: 105,600 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NAPopulation growth rate: 0.78% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 24.37 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.75 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -9.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 20.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.16 years male: 65.8 years female: 70.62 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 3.56 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Tongan(s) adjective: TonganEthnic divisions: Polynesian, Europeans about 300Religions: Christian (Free Wesleyan Church claims over 30,000 adherents)Languages: Tongan, EnglishLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write simple message in Tongan or English (1976) total population: 100% male: 100% female: 100%Labor force: NA by occupation: agriculture 70%, mining (600 engaged in mining) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tonga GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Kingdom of Tonga conventional short form: Tonga former: Friendly IslandsDigraph: TNType: hereditary constitutional monarchyCapital: Nuku'alofaAdministrative divisions: three island groups; Ha'apai, Tongatapu, Vava'uIndependence: 4 June 1970 (emancipation from UK protectorate)National holiday: Emancipation Day, 4 June (1970)Constitution: 4 November 1875, revised 1 January 1967Legal system: based on English lawSuffrage: 21 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: King Taufa'ahau TUPOU IV (since 16 December 1965) head of government: Prime Minister Baron VAEA (since 22 August 1991); Deputy Prime Minister S. Langi KAVALIKU (since 22 August 1991) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the king Privy Council: consists of the king and the cabinetLegislative branch: unicameral; consists of twelve cabinet ministers sitting ex-officio, nine nobles selected by the country's thirty-three nobles, and nine people's representatives elected by the populace Legislative Assembly (Fale Alea): elections last held 3-4 February 1993 (next to be held NA February 1996); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (30 total, 9 elected) 6 proreform, 3 traditionalistJudicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: Tonga People's Party, Viliami FUKOFUKAMember of: ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHODiplomatic representation in US: Ambassador Sione KITE, resides in London consulate(s) general: San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation: the US has no offices in Tonga; the ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tonga THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tonga GovernmentFlag: red with a bold red cross on a white rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tonga EconomyOverview: The economy's base is agriculture, which employs about 70% of the labor force and contributes 40% to GDP. Squash, coconuts, bananas, and vanilla beans are the main crops, and agricultural exports make up two-thirds of total exports. The country must import a high proportion of its food, mainly from New Zealand. The manufacturing sector accounts for only 11% of GDP. Tourism is the primary source of hard currency earnings, but the country also remains dependent on sizable external aid and remittances to offset its trade deficit. The economy continued to grow in 1993-94 largely because of a rise in squash exports, increased aid flows, and several large construction projects. The government is now turning its attention to further development of the private sector and the reduction of the budget deficit.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $214 million (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $2,050 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3% (1993)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $36.4 million expenditures: $68.1 million, including capital expenditures of $33.2 million (1991 est.)Exports: $11.3 million (f.o.b., FY92/93) commodities: squash, vanilla, fish, root crops, coconut oil partners: Japan 34%, US 17%, Australia 13%, NZ 13% (FY90/91)Imports: $56 million (c.i.f., FY92/93) commodities: food products, machinery and transport equipment, manufactures, fuels, chemicals partners: NZ 33%, Australia 22%, US 8%, Japan 8% (FY90/91)External debt: $47.5 million (FY90/91)Industrial production: growth rate 1.5% (FY91/92); accounts for 11% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 6,000 kW production: 30 million kWh consumption per capita: 231 kWh (1993)Industries: tourism, fishingAgriculture: accounts for 40% of GDP; dominated by coconut, copra, and banana production; vanilla beans, cocoa, coffee, ginger, black pepper THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tonga EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $16 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $258 millionCurrency: 1 pa'anga (T$) = 100 senitiExchange rates: pa'anga (T$) per US$1 - 1.2653 (January 1995), 1.3202 (1994), 1.3841 (1993), 1.3471 (1992), 1.2961 (1991), 1.2800 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tonga TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 366 km paved: 272 km (198 km on Tongatapu; 74 km on Vava'u) unpaved: 94 km (usable only in dry weather)Ports: Neiafu, Nuku'alofa, PangaiMerchant marine: total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,440 GRT/8,984 DWT ships by type: cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1Airports: total: 6 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 2 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tonga CommunicationsTelephone system: 3,529 telephones local: NA intercity: NA international: 1 INTELSAT (Pacific Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: 66,000Television: broadcast stations: 0 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tonga Defense ForcesBranches: Tonga Defense Services, Maritime Division, Royal Tongan Marines, Tongan Royal Guards, PoliceDefense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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<text>TONGA - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa not requiredfor stay up to 30 days. For additional information consult the ConsulateGeneral of Tonga, 360 Post St., Suite 604, San Francisco, CA 94108(415/781-0365).Tonga - Consular Information SheetJuly 20, 1994Country Description: Tonga is a stable constitutional monarchy with ties tothe United Kingdom. Its agrarian economy is developing, and its touristindustry, although limited, is growing. Tourist facilities are concentratedin and around the main islands of Tongatapu (where the capital Nuku'alofa islocated) and Vava'u.Entry Requirements: A passport and onward/return ticket are required. Avisa is not required for stays of up to thirty days. For specificinformation regarding entry requirements, travelers may consult theConsulate General of Tonga, 360 Post Street, Suite 604, San Francisco,California 94108, telephone (415) 781-0365.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Tonga are limited. The cities ofNuku'alofa, and Neiafu have hospitals with emergency and outpatientfacilities. Local residents and visitors with serious medical problems areoften referred to New Zealand for treatment. Medical practitioners andhospitals usually expect payment upon treatment or prior to release. U.S.medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved tobe useful. For additional health information the traveler can contact theinternational travelers hotline of the Centers for Disease Control at (404)332-4559.Information on Crime: Tonga has a low crime rate. The loss or theft abroadof a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police, andthe nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on guardingvaluables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad isprovided in the Department of State pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad." It isavailable from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government PrintingOffice, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices ofthe country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use, or dealingin illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jailsentences and fines.Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy in Fiji can obtainupdated information on travel and security in Tonga.Embassy Location: There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in Tonga. Forassistance U.S. citizens may contact the U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji,telephone (679) 314-466.No. 94-118This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 9, 1993, reissuedwithout change following a annual review.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tokelau HeaderAffiliation: (territory of New Zealand) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tokelau GeographyLocation: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New ZealandMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 10 sq km land area: 10 sq km comparative area: about 17 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 101 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; moderated by trade winds (April to November)Terrain: coral atolls enclosing large lagoonsNatural resources: negligibleLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: very limited natural resources and overcrowding are contributing to emigration to New Zealand natural hazards: lies in Pacific typhoon belt international agreements: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tokelau PeoplePopulation: 1,503 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NAPopulation growth rate: -1.3% (1995 est.)Birth rate: NA births/1,000 populationDeath rate: NA deaths/1,000 populationNet migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 populationInfant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live birthsLife expectancy at birth: total population: NA years male: NA years female: NA yearsTotal fertility rate: NA children born/womanNationality: noun: Tokelauan(s) adjective: TokelauanEthnic divisions: PolynesianReligions: Congregational Christian Church 70%, Roman Catholic 28%, other 2% note: on Atafu, all Congregational Christian Church of Samoa; on Nukunonu, all Roman Catholic; on Fakaofo, both denominations, with the Congregational Christian Church predominantLanguages: Tokelauan (a Polynesian language), EnglishLabor force: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tokelau GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: TokelauDigraph: TLType: territory of New ZealandCapital: none; each atoll has its own administrative centerAdministrative divisions: none (territory of New Zealand)Independence: none (territory of New Zealand)National holiday: Waitangi Day, 6 February (1840) (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand)Constitution: administered under the Tokelau Islands Act of 1948, as amended in 1970Legal system: British and local statutesSuffrage: NAExecutive branch: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) Head of Government: Administrator Graham ANSELL (since NA 1990; appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in New Zealand); Official Secretary Casimilo J. PEREZ (since NA), Office of Tokelau Affairs; Tokelau's governing Council will elect its first head of governmentLegislative branch: unicameral Council of Elders (Taupulega) on each atollJudicial branch: High Court in Niue, Supreme Court in New ZealandPolitical parties and leaders: NAMember of: SPC, WHO (associate)Diplomatic representation in US: none (territory of New Zealand)US diplomatic representation: none (territory of New Zealand)Flag: the flag of New Zealand is used THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tokelau EconomyOverview: Tokelau's small size, isolation, and lack of resources greatly restrain economic development and confine agriculture to the subsistence level. The people must rely on aid from New Zealand to maintain public services, annual aid being substantially greater than GDP. The principal sources of revenue come from sales of copra, postage stamps, souvenir coins, and handicrafts. Money is also remitted to families from relatives in New Zealand.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $1.5 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $1,000 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $430,830 expenditures: $2.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $37,300 (1987 est.)Exports: $98,000 (f.o.b., 1983) commodities: stamps, copra, handicrafts partners: NZImports: $323,400 (c.i.f., 1983) commodities: foodstuffs, building materials, fuel partners: NZExternal debt: $0Industrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 200 kW production: 300,000 kWh consumption per capita: 180 kWh (1990)Industries: small-scale enterprises for copra production, wood work, plaited craft goods; stamps, coins; fishingAgriculture: coconuts, copra; basic subsistence crops - breadfruit, papaya, bananas; pigs, poultry, goatsEconomic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $24 millionCurrency: 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tokelau EconomyExchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.5601 (January 1995), 1.6844 (1994), 1.8495 (1993), 1.8584 (1992), l.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tokelau TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: NA paved: NA unpaved: NAPorts: none; offshore anchorage onlyMerchant marine: noneAirports: none; lagoon landings by amphibious aircraft from Western Samoa THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tokelau CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones local: NA intercity: radiotelephone service between islands international: radiotelephone service to Western SamoaRadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: NA televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tokelau Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Togo GeographyLocation: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Benin and GhanaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 56,790 sq km land area: 54,390 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than West VirginiaLand boundaries: total 1,647 km, Benin 644 km, Burkina 126 km, Ghana 877 kmCoastline: 56 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 30 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in northTerrain: gently rolling savanna in north; central hills; southern plateau; low coastal plain with extensive lagoons and marshesNatural resources: phosphates, limestone, marbleLand use: arable land: 25% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 28% other: 42%Irrigated land: 70 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: deforestation attributable to slash-and-burn agriculture and the use of wood for fuel; recent droughts affecting agriculture natural hazards: hot, dry harmattan wind can reduce visibility in north during winter; periodic droughts international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Tropical Timber 94 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Togo PeoplePopulation: 4,410,370 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 49% (female 1,069,171; male 1,079,999) 15-64 years: 49% (female 1,121,685; male 1,043,000) 65 years and over: 2% (female 51,392; male 45,123) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.58% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 46.78 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 11.01 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 86.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 57.42 years male: 55.29 years female: 59.6 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.83 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Togolese (singular and plural) adjective: TogoleseEthnic divisions: 37 tribes; largest and most important are Ewe, Mina, and Kabye, European and Syrian-Lebanese under 1%Religions: indigenous beliefs 70%, Christian 20%, Muslim 10%Languages: French (official and the language of commerce), Ewe and Mina (the two major African languages in the south), Dagomba and Kabye (the two major African languages in the north)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 43% male: 56% female: 31%Labor force: NA by occupation: agriculture 80% note: about 88,600 wage earners, evenly divided between public and private sectors THE WORLD FACTBOOK Togo GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Togo conventional short form: Togo local long form: Republique Togolaise local short form: none former: French TogoDigraph: TOType: republic under transition to multiparty democratic ruleCapital: LomeAdministrative divisions: 23 circumscriptions (circonscriptions, singular - circonscription); Amlame (Amou), Aneho (Lacs), Atakpame (Ogou), Badou (Wawa), Bafilo (Assoli), Bassar (Bassari), Dapango (Tone), Kande (Keran), Klouto (Kloto), Pagouda (Binah), Lama-Kara (Kozah), Lome (Golfe), Mango (Oti), Niamtougou (Doufelgou), Notse (Haho), Pagouda, Sotouboua, Tabligbo (Yoto), Tchamba, Nyala, Tchaoudjo, Tsevie (Zio), Vogan (Vo) note: the 23 units may now be called prefectures (singular - prefecture) and reported name changes for individual units are included in parenthesesIndependence: 27 April 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship)National holiday: Independence Day, 27 April (1960)Constitution: multiparty draft constitution approved by High Council of the Republic 1 July 1992; adopted by public referendum 27 September 1992Legal system: French-based court systemSuffrage: NA years of age; universal adultExecutive branch: chief of state: President Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA (since 14 April 1967); election last held 25 August 1993 (next election to be held NA 1998); all major opposition parties boycotted the election; Gen. EYADEMA won 96.5% of the vote head of government: Prime Minister Edem KODJO (since April 1994) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president and the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral National Assembly: elections last held 6 and 20 February 1994 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (81 total) CAR 36, RPT 35, UTD 7, UJD 2, CFN 1 note: the Supreme Court ordered new elections for 3 seats of the Action Committee for Renewal (CAR) and the Togolese Union for Democracy (UTD), lowering their total to 34 and 6 seats, respectively; the remaining 3 seats have not been filled THE WORLD FACTBOOK Togo GovernmentJudicial branch: Court of Appeal (Cour d'Appel), Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Political parties and leaders: Rally of the Togolese People (RPT), President Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA; Coordination des Forces Nouvelles (CFN), Joseph KOFFIGOH; The Togolese Union for Democracy (UTD), Edem KODJO; The Action Committee for Renewal (CAR), Yao AGBOYIBOR; The Union for Democracy and Solidarity (UDS), Antoine FOLLY; The Pan-African Sociodemocrats Group (GSP), an alliance of three radical parties: The Democratic Convention of African Peoples (CDPA), Leopold GNININVI; The Party for Democracy and Renewal (PDR), Zarifou AYEVA; The Pan-African Social Party (PSP), Francis AGBAGLI; The Union of Forces for Change (UFC), Gilchrist OLYMPIO (in exile); Union of Justice and Democracy (UJD), Lal TAXPANDJAN note: Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) led by President EYADEMA was the only party until the formation of multiple parties was legalized 12 April 1991Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO (observer), ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, MINURSO, NAM, OAU, UN, UNAMIR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Charge d'Affaires Edem Frederic HEGBE chancery: 2208 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 234-4212 FAX: [1] (202) 232-3190US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Johnny YOUNG (since September 1994) embassy: Rue Pelletier Caventou and Rue Vauban, Lome mailing address: B. P. 852, Lome telephone: [228] 21 77 17, 21 29 91 through 21 29 94 FAX: [228] 21 79 52Flag: five equal horizontal bands of green (top and bottom) alternating with yellow; there is a white five-pointed star on a red square in the upper hoist-side corner; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia THE WORLD FACTBOOK Togo EconomyOverview: The economy is heavily dependent on subsistence agriculture, which accounts for about half of GDP and provides employment for 80% of the labor force. Primary agricultural exports are cocoa, coffee, and cotton, which together generate about 30% of total export earnings. Togo is self-sufficient in basic foodstuffs when harvests are normal. In the industrial sector phosphate mining is by far the most important activity, although it has suffered from the collapse of world phosphate prices and increased foreign competition. Togo serves as a regional commercial and trade center. The government's decade-long IMF and World Bank supported effort to implement economic reform measures to encourage foreign investment and bring revenues in line with expenditures has stalled. Political unrest, including private and public sector strikes throughout 1992 and 1993, has jeopardized the reform program, shrunk the tax base, and disrupted vital economic activity. Although strikes had ended in 1994, political unrest and lack of funds prevented the government from taking advantage of the 50% currency devaluation of January 1994. Resumption of World Bank and IMF flows will depend on implementation of several controversial moves toward privatization and on downsizing the military, on which the regime depends to stay in power.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $3.3 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $800 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.5% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $284 million expenditures: $407 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991 est.)Exports: $221 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: phosphates, cotton, cocoa, coffee partners: EC 40%, Africa 16%, US 1% (1990)Imports: $292 million (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: machinery and equipment, consumer goods, food, chemical products partners: EC 57%, Africa 17%, US 5%, Japan 4% (1990)External debt: $1.3 billion (1991)Industrial production: growth rate 9% (1991 est.); accounts for 20% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 30,000 kW production: 60 million kWh consumption per capita: 83 kWh (1993) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Togo EconomyIndustries: phosphate mining, agricultural processing, cement, handicrafts, textiles, beveragesAgriculture: accounts for 49% of GDP; cash crops - coffee, cocoa, cotton; food crops - yams, cassava, corn, beans, rice, millet, sorghum; livestock production not significant; annual fish catch of 10,000-14,000 tonsIllicit drugs: increasingly used as transit hub by heroin traffickersEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $142 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-90), $2 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $35 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $51 millionCurrency: 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimesExchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 529.43 (January 1995), 555.20 (1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990) note: the official rate is pegged to the French franc, and 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 1948Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Togo TransportationRailroads: total: 532 km narrow gauge: 532 km 1.000-m gaugeHighways: total: 6,462 km paved: 1,762 km unpaved: unimproved earth 4,700 kmInland waterways: 50 km Mono RiverPorts: Kpeme, LomeMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 9 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways under 914 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 5 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Togo CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; fair system based on network of radio relay routes supplemented by open wire lines local: NA intercity: microwave radio relay and open wire lines international: 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 SYMPHONIE earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 3 (relays 2) televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Togo Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, GendarmerieManpower availability: males age 15-49 936,270; males fit for military service 491,578 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $48 million, 2.9% of GDP (1993)</text>
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<text>TOGO - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 3 months.Americans travelling in remote areas in Togo occasionally requirevisas. Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are required. Check furtherinformation with Embassy of the Republic of Togo, 2208 Mass. Ave.,N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/234-4212/3).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Togo============================================================CORRECTED COPYTogo - Consular Information Sheet August 29, 1995Country Description: Togo is a small West African nation with a developing economy. Tourism facilities are limited, especially outside the capital city.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. No visa is required for a stay of less than three months. Yellow fever immunizations are required. Further information regarding entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Togo, 2208 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008. The telephone number is (202) 234-4212.Areas of Instability: Togo has experienced periodic violence and strikes over the past five years. Although the situation is calm, the potential exists for unsettled political conditions.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Togo are limited. Some medicines are available through local pharmacies. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Petty crime, including pickpocketing, has increased. Business fraud stemming from Nigerian scam operations target Americans and pose dangers of financial loss and physical harm. Persons contemplating business deals in Togo with individuals promoting investment in Nigeria, especially the Central Bank of Nigeria or the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, are strongly urged to check with the U.S. Department of State before providing any information, making financial commitments, or traveling to Togo.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. In Togo, the penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens who register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at the intersection of Rue Pelletier Caventou and Rue Vauban, Lome, telephone (228) 21-29-91 thru 94, may obtain updated information on travel and security within Togo. The U.S. Embassy's fax is (228) 21-79-52 and the mailing address is B.P. 852, Lome. No. 95-105This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 9, 1995, to include information on the prevalence of Nigerian business scams operating in Togo.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Togo============================================================Togo - Consular Information Sheet August 29, 1995Country Description: Togo is a small West African nation with a developing economy. Tourism facilities are limited, especially outside the capital city.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. No visa is required for a stay of less than three months. Yellow fever immunizations are required. Further information regarding entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Togo, 2208 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008. The telephone number is (202) 234-4212.Areas of Instability: Togo has experienced periodic violence and strikes over the past five years. Although the situation is calm, the potential exists for unsettled political conditions.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Togo are limited. Some medicines are available through local pharmacies. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Petty crime, including pickpocketing, has increased. Business fraud stemming from Nigerian scam operations target Americans and pose dangers of financial loss and physical harm. Persons contemplating business deals in Togo with individuals promoting investment in Nigeria, especially the Central Bank of Nigeria or the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, are strongly urged to check with the U.S. Department of State before providing any information, making financial commitments, or traveling to Togo.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. In Togo, the penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens who register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at the intersection of Rue Pelletier Caventou and Rue Vauban, Lome, telephone (228) 21-29-91 thru 94, may obtain updated information on travel and security within Togo. The U.S. Embassy's fax is (228) 21-79-52 and the mailing address is B.P. 852, Lome. No. 95-105This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 9, 1995, to include information on the prevalence of Nigerian business scams operating in Togo.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Togo============================================================CORRECTED COPYTogo - Consular Information Sheet August 29, 1995Country Description: Togo is a small West African nation with a developing economy. Tourism facilities are limited, especially outside the capital city.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. No visa is required for a stay of less than three months. Yellow fever immunizations are required. Further information regarding entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Togo, 2208 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008. The telephone number is (202) 234-4212.Areas of Instability: Togo has experienced periodic violence and strikes over the past five years. Although the situation is calm, the potential exists for unsettled political conditions.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Togo are limited. Some medicines are available through local pharmacies. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Petty crime, including pickpocketing, has increased. Business fraud stemming from Nigerian scam operations target Americans and pose dangers of financial loss and physical harm. Persons contemplating business deals in Togo with individuals promoting investment in Nigeria, especially the Central Bank of Nigeria or the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, are strongly urged to check with the U.S. Department of State before providing any information, making financial commitments, or traveling to Togo.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. In Togo, the penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens who register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at the intersection of Rue Pelletier Caventou and Rue Vauban, Lome, telephone (228) 21-29-91 thru 94, may obtain updated information on travel and security within Togo. The U.S. Embassy's fax is (228) 21-79-52 and the mailing address is B.P. 852, Lome. No. 95-105This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 9, 1995, to include information on the prevalence of Nigerian business scams operating in Togo.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Thailand GeographyLocation: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of BurmaMap references: Southeast AsiaArea: total area: 514,000 sq km land area: 511,770 sq km comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of WyomingLand boundaries: total 4,863 km, Burma 1,800 km, Cambodia 803 km, Laos 1,754 km, Malaysia 506 kmCoastline: 3,219 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: boundary dispute with Laos; unresolved maritime boundary with Vietnam; parts of border with Thailand in dispute; maritime boundary with Thailand not clearly definedClimate: tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot and humidTerrain: central plain; Khorat plateau in the east; mountains elsewhereNatural resources: tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum, lignite, fluoriteLand use: arable land: 34% permanent crops: 4% meadows and pastures: 1% forest and woodland: 30% other: 31%Irrigated land: 42,300 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from organic and factory wastes; deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by illegal hunting natural hazards: land subsidence in Bangkok area resulting from the depletion of the water table; droughts THE WORLD FACTBOOK Thailand Geography international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the SeaNote: controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore THE WORLD FACTBOOK Thailand PeoplePopulation: 60,271,300 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 29% (female 8,545,362; male 8,866,271) 15-64 years: 66% (female 19,733,773; male 20,185,392) 65 years and over: 5% (female 1,636,426; male 1,304,076) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.24% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 18.87 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.48 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 35.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.42 years male: 64.94 years female: 72.08 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.04 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Thai (singular and plural) adjective: ThaiEthnic divisions: Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%Religions: Buddhism 95%, Muslim 3.8%, Christianity 0.5%, Hinduism 0.1%, other 0.6% (1991)Languages: Thai, English the secondary language of the elite, ethnic and regional dialectsLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 93% male: 96% female: 91%Labor force: 30.87 million by occupation: agriculture 62%, industry 13%, commerce 11%, services (including government) 14% (1989 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Thailand GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Kingdom of Thailand conventional short form: ThailandDigraph: THType: constitutional monarchyCapital: BangkokAdministrative divisions: 76 provinces (changwat, singular and plural); Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep Mahanakhon, Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong Son, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan, Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, YasothonIndependence: 1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)National holiday: Birthday of His Majesty the King, 5 December (1927)Constitution: new constitution approved 7 December 1991; amended 10 June 1992Legal system: based on civil law system, with influences of common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; martial law in effect since 23 February 1991 military coupSuffrage: 21 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet (since 9 June 1946); Heir Apparent Crown Prince WACHIRALONGKON (born 28 July 1952) head of government: Prime Minister CHUAN Likphai (since 23 September 1992) cabinet: Council of Ministers Privy Council: NALegislative branch: bicameral National Assembly (Rathasatha) Senate (Vuthisatha): consists of a 270-member appointed body House of Representatives (Saphaphoothan-Rajsadhorn): elections last held 13 September 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (360 total) DP 79, TNP 77, NDP 60, NAP 51, Phalang Tham 47, SAP 22, LDP 8, SP 8, Mass Party 4, Thai Citizen's Party 3, People's Party 1, People's Force Party 0Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Sarndika) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Thailand GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Democrat Party (DP), CHUAN Likphai; Thai Nation Party (TNP or Chat Thai Party), Banhan SINLAPA-ACHA; National Development Party (NDP or Chat Phattana), Chatchai CHUNHAWAN; New Aspiration Party (NAP), Gen. Chawalit YONGCHAIYUT; Phalang Tham (Palang Dharma), CHAMLONG Simuang; Social Action Party (SAP), Montri PHONGPHANIT; Liberal Democratic Party (LDP or Seri Tham), Athit URAIRAT; Solidarity Party (SP), Uthai PHIMCHAICHON; Mass Party (Muanchon), Pol. Cpt. Choem YUBAMRUNG; Thai Citizen's Party (Prachakon Thai), Samak SUNTHONWET; People's Party (Ratsadon), Chaiphak SIRIWAT; People's Force Party (Phalang Prachachon), Col. Sophon HANCHAREONMember of: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador MANATPHAT Chuto chancery: 1024 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 944-3600 FAX: [1] (202) 944-3611 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador David F. LAMBERTSON embassy: 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok mailing address: APO AP 96546 telephone: [66] (2) 252-5040 FAX: [66] (2) 254-2990 consulate(s) general: Chiang Mai consulate(s): Udorn (Udon Thani)Flag: five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width), white, and red THE WORLD FACTBOOK Thailand EconomyOverview: Thailand's economy recovered rapidly from the political unrest in May 1992 to post an impressive 7.5% growth rate for the year, 7.8% in 1993, and 8% in 1994. One of the more advanced developing countries in Asia, Thailand depends on exports of manufactures and the development of the service sector to fuel the country's rapid growth. Much of Thailand's recent imports have been for capital equipment, suggesting that the export sector is poised for further growth. With foreign investment slowing, Bangkok is working to increase the generation of domestic capital. Prime Minister CHUAN's government - Thailand's fifth government in less than three years - is pledged to continue Bangkok's probusiness policies, and the return of a democratically elected government has improved business confidence. Even so, CHUAN must overcome divisions within his ruling coalition to complete much needed infrastructure development programs if Thailand is to remain an attractive place for business investment. Over the longer-term, Bangkok must produce more college graduates with technical training and upgrade workers' skills to continue its rapid economic development.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $355.2 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 8% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $5,970 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 3.2% (1993 est.)Budget: revenues: $28.4 billion expenditures: $28.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $9.6 billion (FY94/95 est.)Exports: $46 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery and manufactures 83%, agricultural products and fisheries 16%, others 1% (1994 est.) partners: US 22%, Japan 17%, Singapore 12%, Hong Kong 5%, Germany 4% (1993)Imports: $52.6 billion (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: capital goods 44%, intermediate goods and raw materials 37%, consumer goods 16%, other 3% (1994 est.) partners: Japan 30%, US 12%, Singapore 6%, Germany 5%, Taiwan 5% (1993)External debt: $64.3 billion (1994 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 11.5% (1993 est.); accounts for about 26% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 12,810,000 kW production: 56.8 billion kWh consumption per capita: 909 kWh (1993) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Thailand EconomyIndustries: tourism is the largest source of foreign exchange; textiles and garments, agricultural processing, beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing, such as jewelry; electric appliances and components, integrated circuits, furniture, plastics; world's second-largest tungsten producer and third-largest tin producerAgriculture: accounts for 11% of GDP and 62% of labor force; leading producer and exporter of rice and cassava (tapioca); other crops - rubber, corn, sugarcane, coconuts, soybeans; except for wheat, self-sufficient in foodIllicit drugs: a minor producer of opium and marijuana; major illicit transit point for heroin, particularly from Burma and Laos, for the international drug market; eradication efforts have reduced the area of cannabis cultivation and shifted some production to neighboring countries; opium poppy cultivation has been reduced by eradication efforts; also a major drug money laundering center; rapidly growing role in amphetamine production for regional consumption; increasing indigenous abuse of heroin and cocaineEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $870 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $8.6 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $19 millionCurrency: 1 baht (B) = 100 satangExchange rates: baht (B) per US$1 - 25.074 (January 1995), 25.150 (1994), 25.319 (1993), 25.400 (1992), 25.517 (1991), 25.585 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September THE WORLD FACTBOOK Thailand TransportationRailroads: total: 3,940 km narrow gauge: 3,940 km 1.000-m gauge (99 km double track)Highways: total: 77,697 km paved: 35,855 km (including 88 km of expressways) unpaved: gravel, other stabilization 14,092 km; earth 27,750 km (1988)Inland waterways: 3,999 km principal waterways; 3,701 km with navigable depths of 0.9 m or more throughout the year; numerous minor waterways navigable by shallow-draft native craftPipelines: petroleum products 67 km; natural gas 350 kmPorts: Bangkok, Laem Chabang, Pattani, Phuket, Sattahip, Si Racha, SongkhlaMerchant marine: total: 229 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,231,172 GRT/1,931,117 DWT ships by type: bulk 22, cargo 122, chemical tanker 3, combination bulk 1, container 15, liquefied gas tanker 9, oil tanker 45, passenger 1, refrigerated cargo 7, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2, short-sea passenger 1, specialized tanker 1Airports: total: 105 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 6 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 23 with paved runways under 914 m: 42 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 14 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Thailand CommunicationsTelephone system: 739,500 telephones (1987); service to general public inadequate; bulk of service to government activities provided by multichannel cable and microwave radio relay network local: NA intercity: microwave radio relay and multichannel cable; domestic satellite system being developed international: 2 INTELSAT (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 200 (in government-controlled network), FM 100 (in government-controlled network), shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 11 (in government-controlled network) televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Thailand Defense ForcesBranches: Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy (includes Royal Thai Marine Corps), Royal Thai Air Force, Paramilitary ForcesManpower availability: males age 15-49 17,297,854; males fit for military service 10,489,564; males reach military age (18) annually 585,009 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $4.0 billion, 2.5% of GNP (FY94/95)</text>
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<text>THAILAND - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa not neededfor stay up to 15 days if arrive and depart from Don Muang Airport inBangkok. For longer stays obtain visa in advance. Transit visa, for stay up to30 days, $10 fee; or tourist visa for stay up to 60 days, $15 fee. Forbusiness visa valid up to 90 days, need $20 fee and company letterstating purpose of visit. Submit 1 application form, 2 photos and postage forreturn of passport by mail. Apply Embassy of Thailand, 2300 KaloramaRd., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/234-5052) or nearest ConsulateGeneral: CA (213/937-1894), IL (312/236-2447) or NY (212/754-1770).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Thailand============================================================Thailand - Consular Information Sheet August 15, 1995Country Description: Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. It is a popular travel destination, and tourist facilities and services are available throughout the country.Entry Requirements: Passports and onward/return tickets are required. Visas are not needed for stays of up to 30 days, but permission to enter Thailand under this provision may only be granted at the international airports in Bangkok, Phuket, Hat Yai, and Chiang Mai. This airport permit to stay may not be extended. For longer stays, or overland entry, travelers can obtain visas in advance from a Thai Embassy or Consulate. For stays of 30 to 60 days a tourist visa is required, the fee for which is 15 U.S. dollars. For more current information travelers may contact the Royal Thai Embassy, 1024 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20007, tel. (202) 944-3600.Medical Facilities: Medical treatment, especially in Bangkok, is good. While the general level of health is good, hepatitis is endemic. Malaria is a problem in rural border areas, but not in Bangkok or other major tourist destinations. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful in many emergencies. The international travelers Hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, tel. (404) 332-4559, has additional useful health information.HIV Virus: Thailand is experiencing a dramatic epidemic of HIV infection and AIDS. The majority of HIV infections in Thailand has resulted from heterosexual transmission. Homosexual contact, however, accounts for a substantial number of HIV infections, along with the use of intravenous drugs. HIV infection is common among prostitutes, who are generally not subject to regular screening for sexually transmitted diseases.Information on Crime and Safety: Petty crimes are common in areas where tourists gather. Many tourists fall victim to gem scams, in which a friendly stranger offers to serve as an informal tour guide. The "guide" offers to show the tourist where to buy gems for resale in the U.S. at a huge profit. The gems turn out to be overpriced and money back guarantees are not honored. Some travelers report being robbed after they were drugged in night clubs or in their hotel rooms by bar girls. Trekking is a popular activity for tourists in Thailand's mountainous areas. The use of licensed, reliable tour guides will enhance security for trekkers. In Bangkok, heavy traffic is constant. Motorist and pedestrian accidents are common. Credit card fraud has also been increasing. Travelers should protect their credit cards and use them only with known or established businesses. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Border Problems: Tourists should cross into neighboring countries only at designated official crossing points. Outside official crossing points, the border is often not clearly marked. Reliable guides will assure that trekkers do not cross into another country inadvertently. In December 1994, fighting broke out between Karen factions in Burma across from Thailand's Mae Hong Son and Tax provinces. As a result of the fighting, travel by boat along the Salween and Moei Rivers, which form the border in this area, is considered dangerous. Fighting between the Burmese army and Karen insurgent groups spilled into areas of Tax and Mae Hong Son provinces adjacent to the Thai/Burma border in the spring of 1995. By late May, the incursions had halted; nevertheless, tourists who wish to travel along the border road from Mar Sot, Tax province, to Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son province, should travel with a licensed, reputable tour company. Prospective travelers may also wish to check with local Thai police and/or the American Consulate General in Chiang Mai.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they travel. Thailand strictly enforces its drug laws, including making arrests for possession of small quantities of marijuana. Thailand has not signed the Vienna Consular Convention, and consequently the U.S. Embassy frequently does not learn of the arrest of American Citizens for minor drug offenses. Prison conditions in Thailand are extremely harsh, and Americans convicted of drug trafficking have received long sentences, often in excess of 50 years. Most Americans serving lengthy sentences have been arrested attempting to depart Thailand with heroin secreted in their suitcases or in carry-on packages. A ruse sometimes used to get American citizens to transport drugs out of the country, knowingly or not, involves offering the American a free vacation to Thailand, then requesting the American's assistance in transporting excess "luggage" or "gifts" back to the U.S. A lack of knowledge that drugs were in a suitcase in the traveler's possession is not considered a sufficient legal defense in Thailand. Thai law bars the transfer of prisoners convicted of serious offenses until the prisoners have served between four and eight years of their sentences in Thailand. American citizens convicted of offenses involving one kilogram or more of heroin are not eligible to benefit from the U.S. - Thailand Prisoner Transfer Treaty.Registration: Americans may wish to register at the U.S Embassy or a Consulate, where they may obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. Lost or stolen passports abroad should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. consulate.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok. The mailing address is APO AP 96546. The telephone number is (66-2) 252-5040. The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai is located at 387 Vidhayanond Road; the mailing address is Box C, APO AP 96546. The telephone number is (66-53) 252-629. The U.S. Consulate in Udorn is located at 35/6 Supakitjanya Road. The mailing address is Box UD, APO AP 96546. The telephone number is (66-42)244-270. The U.S. Consulate in Songkhla was closed in June 1993. No. 95-091This replaces the Consular Information sheet of December 21, 1994 to include new information on travel along the border with Burma and the extended validity of airport visas.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Thailand============================================================Thailand - Public Announcement January 6, 1995U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the SpokesmanFor Immediate ReleaseAs a result of the recent arrests of several leading drug traffickers in Thailand, the State Department is concerned about possible reprisals against American citizens travelling in certain parts of northern Thailand. The areas of greatest concern are Mae Hong Son province and northern Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces. Travellers may refer to the Consular Information Sheet dated December 21, 1994, for additional information on travel in Thailand. American citizens in Thailand may wish to contact the U.S. Embassy or the nearest consulate for updated security information.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories-----STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Thailand============================================================Thailand - Consular Information Sheet August 15, 1995Country Description: Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. It is a popular travel destination, and tourist facilities and services are available throughout the country.Entry Requirements: Passports and onward/return tickets are required. Visas are not needed for stays of up to 30 days, but permission to enter Thailand under this provision may only be granted at the international airports in Bangkok, Phuket, Hat Yai, and Chiang Mai. This airport permit to stay may not be extended. For longer stays, or overland entry, travelers can obtain visas in advance from a Thai Embassy or Consulate. For stays of 30 to 60 days a tourist visa is required, the fee for which is 15 U.S. dollars. For more current information travelers may contact the Royal Thai Embassy, 1024 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20007, tel. (202) 944-3600.Medical Facilities: Medical treatment, especially in Bangkok, is good. While the general level of health is good, hepatitis is endemic. Malaria is a problem in rural border areas, but not in Bangkok or other major tourist destinations. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful in many emergencies. The international travelers Hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, tel. (404) 332-4559, has additional useful health information.HIV Virus: Thailand is experiencing a dramatic epidemic of HIV infection and AIDS. The majority of HIV infections in Thailand has resulted from heterosexual transmission. Homosexual contact, however, accounts for a substantial number of HIV infections, along with the use of intravenous drugs. HIV infection is common among prostitutes, who are generally not subject to regular screening for sexually transmitted diseases.Information on Crime and Safety: Petty crimes are common in areas where tourists gather. Many tourists fall victim to gem scams, in which a friendly stranger offers to serve as an informal tour guide. The "guide" offers to show the tourist where to buy gems for resale in the U.S. at a huge profit. The gems turn out to be overpriced and money back guarantees are not honored. Some travelers report being robbed after they were drugged in night clubs or in their hotel rooms by bar girls. Trekking is a popular activity for tourists in Thailand's mountainous areas. The use of licensed, reliable tour guides will enhance security for trekkers. In Bangkok, heavy traffic is constant. Motorist and pedestrian accidents are common. Credit card fraud has also been increasing. Travelers should protect their credit cards and use them only with known or established businesses. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Border Problems: Tourists should cross into neighboring countries only at designated official crossing points. Outside official crossing points, the border is often not clearly marked. Reliable guides will assure that trekkers do not cross into another country inadvertently. In December 1994, fighting broke out between Karen factions in Burma across from Thailand's Mae Hong Son and Tax provinces. As a result of the fighting, travel by boat along the Salween and Moei Rivers, which form the border in this area, is considered dangerous. Fighting between the Burmese army and Karen insurgent groups spilled into areas of Tax and Mae Hong Son provinces adjacent to the Thai/Burma border in the spring of 1995. By late May, the incursions had halted; nevertheless, tourists who wish to travel along the border road from Mar Sot, Tax province, to Mae Sariang, Mae Hong Son province, should travel with a licensed, reputable tour company. Prospective travelers may also wish to check with local Thai police and/or the American Consulate General in Chiang Mai.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they travel. Thailand strictly enforces its drug laws, including making arrests for possession of small quantities of marijuana. Thailand has not signed the Vienna Consular Convention, and consequently the U.S. Embassy frequently does not learn of the arrest of American Citizens for minor drug offenses. Prison conditions in Thailand are extremely harsh, and Americans convicted of drug trafficking have received long sentences, often in excess of 50 years. Most Americans serving lengthy sentences have been arrested attempting to depart Thailand with heroin secreted in their suitcases or in carry-on packages. A ruse sometimes used to get American citizens to transport drugs out of the country, knowingly or not, involves offering the American a free vacation to Thailand, then requesting the American's assistance in transporting excess "luggage" or "gifts" back to the U.S. A lack of knowledge that drugs were in a suitcase in the traveler's possession is not considered a sufficient legal defense in Thailand. Thai law bars the transfer of prisoners convicted of serious offenses until the prisoners have served between four and eight years of their sentences in Thailand. American citizens convicted of offenses involving one kilogram or more of heroin are not eligible to benefit from the U.S. - Thailand Prisoner Transfer Treaty.Registration: Americans may wish to register at the U.S Embassy or a Consulate, where they may obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. Lost or stolen passports abroad should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. consulate.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok. The mailing address is APO AP 96546. The telephone number is (66-2) 252-5040. The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai is located at 387 Vidhayanond Road; the mailing address is Box C, APO AP 96546. The telephone number is (66-53) 252-629. The U.S. Consulate in Udorn is located at 35/6 Supakitjanya Road. The mailing address is Box UD, APO AP 96546. The telephone number is (66-42)244-270. The U.S. Consulate in Songkhla was closed in June 1993. No. 95-091This replaces the Consular Information sheet of December 21, 1994 to include new information on travel along the border with Burma and the extended validity of airport visas.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tanzania GeographyLocation: Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Kenya and MozambiqueMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 945,090 sq km land area: 886,040 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than twice the size of California note: includes the islands of Mafia, Pemba, and ZanzibarLand boundaries: total 3,402 km, Burundi 451 km, Kenya 769 km, Malawi 475 km, Mozambique 756 km, Rwanda 217 km, Uganda 396 km, Zambia 338 kmCoastline: 1,424 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: boundary dispute with Malawi in Lake Nyasa; Tanzania-Zaire-Zambia tripoint in Lake Tanganyika may no longer be indefinite since it is reported that the indefinite section of the Zaire-Zambia boundary has been settledClimate: varies from tropical along coast to temperate in highlandsTerrain: plains along coast; central plateau; highlands in north, southNatural resources: hydropower potential, tin, phosphates, iron ore, coal, diamonds, gemstones, gold, natural gas, nickelLand use: arable land: 5% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 40% forest and woodland: 47% other: 7%Irrigated land: 1,530 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: soil degradation; deforestation; desertification; destruction of coral reefs threatens marine habitats; recent droughts affected marginal agriculture natural hazards: the tsetse fly and lack of water limit agriculture; flooding on the central plateau during the rainy season international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tanzania GeographyNote: Mount Kilimanjaro is highest point in Africa THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tanzania PeoplePopulation: 28,701,077 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 47% (female 6,724,575; male 6,676,652) 15-64 years: 50% (female 7,462,615; male 7,027,551) 65 years and over: 3% (female 425,211; male 384,473) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.55% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 45.25 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 19.81 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.) note: in February 1995, a fresh influx of refugees from civil strife in Burundi brought the total number of Burundian refugees in Tanzania to about 60,000; in addition, since April 1994 more than a half million refugees from Rwanda have taken refuge in Tanzania to escape civil strife in RwandaInfant mortality rate: 109 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 42.53 years male: 40.88 years female: 44.22 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.15 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Tanzanian(s) adjective: TanzanianEthnic divisions: mainland: native African 99% (consisting of well over 100 tribes), Asian, European, and Arab 1% Zanzibar: NAReligions: mainland: Christian 45%, Muslim 35%, indigenous beliefs 20% Zanzibar: Muslim 99% plusLanguages: Swahili (official; widely understood and generally used for communication between ethnic groups and is used in primary education), English (official; primary language of commerce, administration, and higher education) note: first language of most people is one of the local languagesLiteracy: age 15 and over has ability to read and write a letter or message in Kisahili (1988) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tanzania People total population: 59% male: 71% female: 48%Labor force: 732,200 wage earners by occupation: agriculture 90%, industry and commerce 10% (1986 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tanzania GovernmentNames: conventional long form: United Republic of Tanzania conventional short form: Tanzania former: United Republic of Tanganyika and ZanzibarDigraph: TZType: republicCapital: Dar es Salaam note: some government offices have been transferred to Dodoma, which is planned as the new national capital by the end of the 1990sAdministrative divisions: 25 regions; Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Kigoma, Kilimanjaro, Lindi, Mara, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mtwara, Mwanza, Pemba North, Pemba South, Pwani, Rukwa, Ruvuma, Shinyanga, Singida, Tabora, Tanga, Zanzibar Central/South, Zanzibar North, Zanzibar Urban/West, Ziwa MagharibiIndependence: 26 April 1964; Tanganyika became independent 9 December 1961 (from UN trusteeship under British administration); Zanzibar became independent 19 December 1963 (from UK); Tanganyika united with Zanzibar 26 April 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar; renamed United Republic of Tanzania 29 October 1964National holiday: Union Day, 26 April (1964)Constitution: 25 April 1977; major revisions October 1984Legal system: based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Ali Hassan MWINYI (since 5 November 1985); First Vice President Cleopa MSUYA (since 5 December 1994); Second Vice President and President of Zanzibar Salmin AMOUR (since 9 November 1990) election last held 28 October 1990 (next to be held 29 October 1995); results - Ali Hassan MWINYI was elected without opposition head of government: Prime Minister Cleopa David MSUYA (since 7 December 1994) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president from the National AssemblyLegislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Bunge): elections last held 28 October 1990 (next to be held 29 October 1995); results - CCM was the only party; seats - (241 total, 168 elected) CCM 168Judicial branch: Court of Appeal, High Court THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tanzania GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM or Revolutionary Party), Ali Hassan MWINYI; Civic United Front (CUF), James MAPALALA; National Convention for Construction and Reform (NCCR), Lyatonga (Augustine) MREMA; Union for Multiparty Democracy (UMD), Abdullah FUNDIKIRA; Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), Edwin I. M. MTEI, chairman; Democratic Party (unregistered), Reverend MTIKLAMember of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, EADB, ECA, FAO, FLS, G- 6, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Charles Musama NYIRABU chancery: 2139 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 939-6125 FAX: [1] (202) 797-7408US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Brady ANDERSON embassy: 36 Laibon Road (off Bagamoyo Road), Dar es Salaam mailing address: P. O. Box 9123, Dar es Salaam telephone: [255] (51) 66010 through 66015 FAX: [255] (51) 66701Flag: divided diagonally by a yellow-edged black band from the lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is blue THE WORLD FACTBOOK TanzaniaOverview: Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world. The economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, which accounts for about 58% of GDP, provides 85% of exports, and employs 90% of the work force. Topography and climatic conditions, however, limit cultivated crops to only 5% of the land area. Industry accounts for 8% of GDP and is mainly limited to processing agricultural products and light consumer goods. The economic recovery program announced in mid-1986 has generated notable increases in agricultural production and financial support for the program by bilateral donors. The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and bilateral donors have provided funds to rehabilitate Tanzania's deteriorated economic infrastructure. Growth in 1991-94 has featured a pickup in industrial production and a substantial increase in output of minerals, led by gold. Recent banking reforms have helped increase private sector growth and investment.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $21 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 3% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $750 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 25% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $495 million expenditures: $631 million, including capital expenditures of $118 million (1990 est.)Exports: $462 million (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: coffee, cotton, tobacco, tea, cashew nuts, sisal partners: Germany, UK, Japan, Netherlands, Kenya, Hong Kong, USImports: $1.4 billion (c.i.f., 1994) commodities: manufactured goods, machinery and transportation equipment, cotton piece goods, crude oil, foodstuffs partners: Germany, UK, US, Japan, Italy, DenmarkExternal debt: $6.7 billion (1993)Industrial production: growth rate 9.3% (1990); accounts for 8% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 440,000 kW production: 880 million kWh consumption per capita: 30 kWh (1993)Industries: primarily agricultural processing (sugar, beer, cigarettes, sisal twine), diamond and gold mining, oil refining, shoes, cement, textiles, wood products, fertilizer THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tanzania EconomyAgriculture: accounts for about 58% of GDP; cash crops - coffee, sisal, tea, cotton, pyrethrum (insecticide made from chrysanthemums), cashews, tobacco, cloves (Zanzibar); food crops - corn, wheat, cassava, bananas, fruits, vegetables; small numbers of cattle, sheep, and goats; not self-sufficient in food grain productionIllicit drugs: growing role in transshipment of Southwest Asian heroin destined for European and US marketsEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $400 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $9.8 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $44 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $614 millionCurrency: 1 Tanzanian shilling (TSh) = 100 centsExchange rates: Tanzanian shillings (TSh) per US$1 - 523.40 (December 1994), 509.63 (1994), 405.27 (1993), 297.71 (1992), 219.16 (1991), 195.06 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tanzania TransportationRailroads: total: 2,600 km; note - not a part of Tanzania Railways Corporation is the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), which operates 1,860 km of 1.067-m narrow gauge track between Dar es Salaam and New Kapiri M'poshi in Zambia; 969 km are in Tanzania and 891 km are in Zambia; because of the difference in gauge, this system does not connect to Tanzania Railways narrow gauge: 2,600 km 1.000-m gaugeHighways: total: 81,900 km paved: 3,600 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone 5,600 km; improved, unimproved earth 72,700 kmInland waterways: Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, Lake NyasaPipelines: crude oil 982 kmPorts: Bukoba, Dar es Salaam, Kigoma, Lindi, Mkoani, Mtwara, Musoma, Mwanza, Tanga, Wete, ZanzibarMerchant marine: total: 7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 29,145 GRT/39,186 DWT ships by type: cargo 3, oil tanker 1, passenger-cargo 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1Airports: total: 108 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 30 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 16 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 51 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tanzania CommunicationsTelephone system: 103,800 telephones; fair system operating below capacity local: NA intercity: open wire, microwave radio relay, troposcatter international: 2 satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSATRadio: broadcast stations: AM 12, FM 4, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 2 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tanzania Defense ForcesBranches: Tanzanian People's Defense Force (TPDF; includes Army, Navy, and Air Force), paramilitary Police Field Force Unit, MilitiaManpower availability: males age 15-49 6,188,455; males fit for military service 3,584,912 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $69 million, NA% of GDP (FY94/95)</text>
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<text>TANZANIA - Passport and visa required. Obtain visa before departure.Visas for mainland Tanzania are valid for Zanzibar. Tourist visa(valid 6 months from date of issuance) for 1 entry up to 30 days, may beextended after arrival. Requires 1 application, 1 form and $10.50 fee (nopersonal checks). Enclose prepaid envelope for return of passport by certifiedor registered mail. Yellow fever and cholera immunizations recommended(required if arriving from infected area) and malarial suppressantsadvised. Allow 1 month for processing. For business visa and otherinformation, consult Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania, 2139 RSt., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-6125) or Tanzanian PermanentMission to the U.N. 205 East 42nd St., 13th Floor, New York, NY 10017(212/972-9160).Tanzania - Consular Information SheetOctober 18,1994Country Description: Tanzania is a developing East African nation. Touristfacilities are adequate in major cities, but limited in remote areas.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required for entrance into thecountry. Visas for mainland Tanzania are also valid for Zanzibar. Airportvisas may be obtained only in Zanzibar; they are not available at mainlandairports. Yellow fever and cholera immunizations are required if thevisitor is arriving from an infected area. Airport officials often requirecurrent immunization records from travelers arriving from non-infected areasas well. Further information about entry requirements may be obtained fromthe Tanzanian Embassy at 2139 R Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008,telephone (202) 939-6125 or the Tanzanian Permanent Mission to the U.N. at205 East 42nd Street, 13th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10017, telephone (212) 972-9160.Areas of Instability: The recent influx of refugees from Rwanda and Burundihas created local food shortages and the potential for instability along theTanzanian border shared with those two countries, particularly in NgaraDistrict and Karagwe District, which includes Rumanyika Game Reserve. Majortourist areas, including Gombe Stream National Park on Lake Tanganyika, 12miles south of Burundi, remain unaffected.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited. Some medicines are inshort supply or unavailable. Malaria is endemic in Tanzania and anti-malarial prophylaxes are often utilized. Numerous cases of meningococcalmeningitis and cholera have been reported throughout the country. Whilevisitors have not been affected thus far, the Centers for Disease Control(CDC) in Atlanta recommend that travelers to Tanzania and other affectedcountries receive the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine before enteringthese countries. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash paymentfor health services. Not all U.S. medical insurance is valid outside theUnited States. Travelers have found supplemental medical insurance withspecific overseas coverage to be of use. Information on health matters canbe obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelershotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Crime is a concern in both urban and rural areas ofTanzania. Incidents include muggings, vehicle thefts and residential break-ins. Valuables such as passports, travelers checks, cameras and jewelry areparticular targets for thieves, and are easily stolen if left in luggage atairline check-ins or in hotel lobbies.There has been an increase in the number of armed car-jackings in Tanzania.In particular, thieves target late-model four-wheel drive vehicles stoppedalong mainroads in isolated areas between villages and cities. Travelers are urgednot to stop between populated areas, and to travel in convoys wheneverpossible. Travelers to Tanzania may contact the Consular Section of theEmbassy for the most recent information regarding the specific roads wherethese incidents have occurred.Thieves on buses and trains may steal valuables from inattentive riders.Visitors driving in game parks without an experienced driver or game parkofficial accompanying them may be at risk. Muggers and pickpockets oftenprey on individuals strolling alone on beaches or other isolated areas.Crime and hazardous road conditions make travel by night dangerous.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediatelyto local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The pamphlets"A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provideuseful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroadand on travel in the region in general. Both are available from theSuperintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,D.C. 20402.Photography Restrictions: Photography of military installations isforbidden. Individuals have been detained and/or had their cameras and filmconfiscated for taking pictures of hospitals, schools, bridges, industrialsites and airports.Air Transport: Air Tanzania has had long-term financial difficulties.Travelers with Air Tanzania tickets cannot rely on the airline to completescheduled flights. Several private airlines and air charter companiesprovide reliable transport to most domestic locations.Arrest or Detention of Americans: Tanzanian police and prison officials,especially in rural areas, have consistently failed to inform the U.S.Embassy of the arrest or detention of American citizens.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking inillegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentencesand fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who will be in Tanzania for more than a fewweeks may register at the U.S. Embassy, where all U.S. citizens may obtainupdated information on travel and security in Tanzania.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 30 Laibon Road (offBagamoyo Road) in the capital city of Dar Es Salaam. The mailing address isP.O. Box 9123, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, and the telephone number is (255-51)66010 through 5. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.No. 94-238This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 10, 1994 to addinformation on Areas of Instability and information on crime.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tajikistan HeaderNote: Tajikistan has experienced three changes of government since it gained independence in September 1991. The current president, Emomali RAKHMONOV, was elected to the presidency in November 1994, yet has been in power since 1992. The country is suffering through its third year of a civil war, with no clear end in sight. Underlying the conflict are deeply-rooted regional and clan-based animosities that pit a government consisting of people primarily from the Kulob (Kulyab), Khujand (Leninabad), and Hisor (Hissar) regions against a secular and Islamic-led opposition from the Gharm, Gorno-Badakhshan, and Qurghonteppa (Kurgan-Tyube) regions. Government and opposition representatives have held periodic rounds of UN-mediated peace talks and agreed in September 1994 to a cease-fire. Russian-led peacekeeping troops are deployed throughout the country, and Russian border guards are stationed along the Tajik-Afghan border. THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tajikistan GeographyLocation: Central Asia, west of ChinaMap references: Commonwealth of Independent States - Central Asian StatesArea: total area: 143,100 sq km land area: 142,700 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than WisconsinLand boundaries: total 3,651 km, Afghanistan 1,206 km, China 414 km, Kyrgyzstan 870 km, Uzbekistan 1,161 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: boundary with China in dispute; territorial dispute with Kyrgyzstan on northern boundary in Isfara Valley area; Afghanistan's and other foreign support to Tajik rebels based in northern AfghanistanClimate: midlatitude continental, hot summers, mild winters; semiarid to polar in Pamir MountainsTerrain: Pamir and Altay Mountains dominate landscape; western Fergana Valley in north, Kofarnihon and Vakhsh Valleys in southwestNatural resources: significant hydropower potential, some petroleum, uranium, mercury, brown coal, lead, zinc, antimony, tungstenLand use: arable land: 6% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 23% forest and woodland: 0% other: 71%Irrigated land: 6,940 sq km (1990)Environment: current issues: inadequate sanitation facilities; increasing levels of soil salinity; industrial pollution; excessive pesticides; part of the basin of the shrinking Aral Sea which suffers from severe overutilization of available water for irrigation and associated pollution natural hazards: NA international agreements: NANote: landlocked THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tajikistan PeoplePopulation: 6,155,474 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 43% (female 1,303,627; male 1,340,086) 15-64 years: 53% (female 1,612,429; male 1,624,379) 65 years and over: 4% (female 157,841; male 117,112) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.6% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 34.06 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.58 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -1.44 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 60.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.03 years male: 66.11 years female: 72.1 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 4.55 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Tajik(s) adjective: TajikEthnic divisions: Tajik 64.9%, Uzbek 25%, Russian 3.5% (declining because of emigration), other 6.6%Religions: Sunni Muslim 80%, Shi'a Muslim 5%Languages: Tajik (official), Russian widely used in government and businessLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989) total population: 98% male: 99% female: 97%Labor force: 1.95 million (1992) by occupation: agriculture and forestry 43%, government and services 24%, industry 14%, trade and communications 11%, construction 8% (1990) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tajikistan GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Tajikistan conventional short form: Tajikistan local long form: Jumhurii Tojikistan local short form: none former: Tajik Soviet Socialist RepublicDigraph: TIType: republicCapital: DushanbeAdministrative divisions: 2 oblasts (viloyatho, singular - viloyat) and one autonomous oblast* (viloyati avtonomii); Viloyati Avtonomii Badakhshoni Kuni* (Khorugh - formerly Khorog), Viloyati Khatlon (Qurghonteppa - formerly Kurgan-Tyube), Viloyati Leninobad (Khujand - formerly Leninabad) note: the administrative center names are in parenthesesIndependence: 9 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)National holiday: National Day, 9 September (1991)Constitution: new constitution adopted 6 November 1994Legal system: based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative actsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Emomili RAKHMONOV (since 6 November 1994; was Head of State and Assembly Chairman since NA November 1992); election last held 6 November 1994 (next to be held NA 1998); results - Emomili RAKHMONOV 58%, Abdumalik ABDULLAJANOV 40% head of government: Prime Minister Jamshed KARIMOV (since 2 December 1994) cabinet: Council of MinistersLegislative branch: unicameral Supreme Soviet: elections last held 26 February 1994 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; estimated seats - (181 total) Communist Party and affiliates 100, Popular Party 10, Party of Political and Economic Progress 1, Party of Popular Unity 6, other 64Judicial branch: Prosecutor General THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tajikistan GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Communist Party (People's Party of Tajikistan - PPT), Abdumalik ABDULAJANOV; Party of Economic Freedom (PEF), Abdumalik ABDULAJANOV; Tajik Socialist Party (TSP), Shodi SHABDOLOV; Tajik Democratic Party (TDP), Abdu-Nabi SATARZADE, chairman; note - suspended for six months; Islamic Renaissance Party (IRP), Sayed Abdullo NURI, chairman; Rebirth (Rastokhez), Takhir ABDUZHABOROV; Lali Badakhshan Society, Atobek AMIRBEK; People's Democratic Party (PDP), Abdujalil HAMIDOV, chairman; Tajikistan Party of Economic and Political Renewal (TPEPR), Mukhtor BOBOYEV note: all the above-listed parties except the Communist Party, the Party of National Unity, and the People's Party were banned in June 1993Other political or pressure groups: Tajikistan Opposition Movement based in northern AfghanistanMember of: CIS, EBRD, ECO, ESCAP, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NACC, OIC, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: NA chancery: NA telephone: NAUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Stanley T. ESCUDERO embassy: Interim Chancery, #39 Ainii Street, Oktyabrskaya Hotel, Dushanbe mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [7] (3772) 21-03-56Flag: three horizontal stripes of red (top), a wider stripe of white, and green; a crown surmounted by seven five-pointed stars is located in the center of the white stripe THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tajikistan EconomyOverview: Tajikistan had the next-to-lowest per capita GDP in the former USSR, the highest rate of population growth, and an extremely low standard of living. Agriculture dominates the economy, cotton being the most important crop. Mineral resources, varied but limited in amount, include silver, gold, uranium, and tungsten. Industry is limited to a large aluminum plant, hydropower facilities, and small obsolete factories mostly in light industry and food processing. The Tajik economy has been gravely weakened by three years of civil war and by the loss of subsidies and markets for its products, which has left Tajikistan dependent on Russia and Uzbekistan and on international humanitarian assistance for much of its basic subsistence needs. Moreover, constant political turmoil and the continued dominance by former Communist officials have impeded the introduction of meaningful economic reforms. In the meantime, Tajikistan's efforts to adopt the Russian ruble as its domestic currency despite Russia's unwillingness to supply sufficient rubles left the country in a severe monetary crisis throughout 1994, keeping inflation low but leaving workers and pensioners unpaid for months at a time. The government has announced plans to introduce its own currency in 1995 to help resolve the problem.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $8.5 billion (1994 estimate as extrapolated from World Bank estimate for 1992)National product real growth rate: -12% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $1,415 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: 1.5% includes only officially registered unemployed; also large numbers of underemployed workers and unregistered unemployed people (September 1994)Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports: $320 million to outside the FSU countries (1994) commodities: cotton, aluminum, fruits, vegetable oil, textiles partners: Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, TurkmenistanImports: $318 million from outside the FSU countries (1994) commodities: fuel, chemicals, machinery and transport equipment, textiles, foodstuffs partners: Russia, Uzbekistan, KazakhstanExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate -31% (1994)Electricity: capacity: 3,800,000 kW production: 17 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,800 kWh (1994) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tajikistan EconomyIndustries: aluminum, zinc, lead, chemicals and fertilizers, cement, vegetable oil, metal-cutting machine tools, refrigerators and freezersAgriculture: cotton, grain, fruits, grapes, vegetables; cattle, sheep and goatsIllicit drugs: illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy; mostly for CIS consumption; used as transshipment points for illicit drugs from Southwest Asia to Western Europe and North AmericaEconomic aid: recipient: Russia and Uzbekistan reportedly provided substantial general assistance throughout 1993 and 1994; Western aid and credits promised through the end of 1993 were $700 million but disbursements were only $104 million; large scale development loans await IMF approval of a reform and stabilization planCurrency: 1 ruble (R) = 100 kopeks; Tajikistan uses the Russian ruble as its currency by agreement with Russia; government has plans to introduce its own currency, the Tajik ruble, in 1995Exchange rates: NAFiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tajikistan TransportationRailroads: total: 480 km in common carrier service; does not include industrial lines (1990)Highways: 29,900 km paved: 21,400 km unpaved: earth 8,500 km (1990)Pipelines: natural gas 400 km (1992)Ports: noneAirports: total: 59 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 9 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 36 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tajikistan CommunicationsTelephone system: 303,000 telephones (December 1991); about 55 telephones/1,000 persons (1991); poorly developed and not well maintained; many towns are not reached by the national network local: NA intercity: cable and microwave radio relay international: linked by cable and microwave to other CIS republics, and by leased connections to the Moscow international gateway switch; Dushanbe linked by INTELSAT to international gateway switch in Ankara; 1 Orbita and 2 INTELSAT earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: NA televisions: NA note: 1 INTELSAT earth station provides TV receive-only service from Turkey THE WORLD FACTBOOK Tajikistan Defense ForcesBranches: Army (being formed), National Guard, Security Forces (internal and border troops)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 1,410,229; males fit for military service 1,153,638; males reach military age (18) annually 57,942 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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<text>TAJIKISTAN - Passport and visa required. At the time of publication,visa issuances are being handled by the Russian Consulate. The visa processmust be initiated in Tajikistan by the sponsoring agency or by thetravel agent involved; no visa request is initiated at the Russian Consulate.Visas are not issued until an approval cable arrives from the Ministryof Foreign Affairs in Tajikistan to the Russian Consulate.Tajikistan - Travel WarningJune 8, 1994U.S. citizens are warned against travel to Tajikistan. There are terroristactions in the capital, sporadic fighting along borders, and unsettledconditions in areas of the country. U.S. citizens presently in Tajikistanare advised to exercise extreme caution and to consider departing because ofthe deteriorating security situation.No. 94-023This replaces the Travel Warning for Tajikistan dated April 30, 1993, toadvise U.S. citizens that departure is recommended because of thedeteriorating security situation.Tajikistan - Consular Information SheetApril 30, 1993Warning: U.S. citizens are warned against travel to Tajikistan. There isfighting in border areas, unsettled conditions in some areas of thecountryside, and the potential for terrorist actions in the capital,possibly targeted against Americans. The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe isproviding only emergency consular services.Country Description: Tajikistan is a nation undergoing profound politicaland economic change. It is a newly independent nation still in the processof stabilizing its relations with neighboring states. Tourist facilitiesare not developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted inother countries are not yet available. There is a curfew in parts ofTajikistan, including the capital, Dushanbe. In Dushanbe, the 10pm until6am curfew is strictly enforced by checkpoints staffed by personnel who fireon vehicles that fail to obey orders to stop. These checkpoints operateround-the-clock, and expect adherence to their instructions.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Without a visa,travelers cannot register at hotels and will be required to leave thecountry immediately via the route by which they entered. Visas forTajikistan are issued by a Russian embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens cancontact the Russian Embassy, Consular Division, 1825 Phelps Place, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 939-8907, 8911, 8913, 8918 or theRussian Consulates in New York, San Francisco or Seattle for currentinformation on visa requirements.Internal Travel: Travel to, from and within Tajikistan is difficult andunreliable. Currently, the only regular international air travel to andfrom Dushanbe is a four times weekly connection with Moscow. There areinfrequent and irregular charter flights to other destinations.International train connections can be dangerous because of criminals whooperate on board. Travelers to Uzbekistan must have an Uzbek visa, whichcannot be obtained in Tajikistan.Areas of Instability: Travelers can expect to find checkpoints andperiodically, unsettled conditions in all parts of the country, with thepossible exception of the northern region of Leninabad which was spared thecivil/communal fighting that engulfed most of Tajikistan in 1992. Travelwithin 25 kilometers of the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border remains tightlycontrolled and extremely dangerous due to armed clashes.Medical Facilities: There has been a significant deterioration in themedical infrastructure in Tajikistan with many trained personnel having fledthe country. There is a general scarcity of medical equipment andmedicines. There is a potential for significant disease outbreaks becauseof massive population displacements and a partial breakdown in immunizationactivities. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the UnitedStates. Travelers have found that supplemental medical insurance withspecific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information onhealth matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control'sinternational travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: There have been serious attacks against foreigndiplomats and individuals on main thoroughfares, in broad daylight. Carshave been stolen and houses robbed. The disintegration of local economicconditions, widespread unemployment in Tajikistan, and a less than effectivepolice force are in a large part to blame. The loss or theft abroad of aU.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and thenearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "ASafe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables andprotecting personal security while traveling abroad. Additional informationon the region can be found in the brochure, "Tips for Travelers to Russia."Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Currency Regulations: Tajikistan is a cash-only economy. Internationalbanking services are not available. Major credit cards and travelers checksare rarely accepted. Traveling in Tajikistan with large amounts of cash canbe dangerous.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking inillegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentencesand fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who visit or remain in Tajikistan despite thetravel warning, can register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy andobtain updated information on travel and security within Tajikistan.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, is temporarilylocated on the fourth floor of the Hotel Independence, (formerly known asthe Hotel October), 105A Rudaki Prospect; telephone (7-3772) 248-233. TheU.S. Embassy resumed operation in April, but is providing only emergencyconsular services.No. 93-106This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Tajikistan dated October7, 1992, to note the resumption of operations at the U.S. Embassy inTajikistan, to add information on areas of instability and medicalfacilities, and to add information on reporting the loss or theft abroad ofa U.S. passport.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Syria GeographyLocation: Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Lebanon and TurkeyMap references: Middle EastArea: total area: 185,180 sq km land area: 184,050 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than North Dakota note: includes 1,295 sq km of Israeli-occupied territoryLand boundaries: total 2,253 km, Iraq 605 km, Israel 76 km, Jordan 375 km, Lebanon 375 km, Turkey 822 kmCoastline: 193 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 41 nm territorial sea: 35 nmInternational disputes: separated from Israel by the 1949 Armistice Line; Golan Heights is Israeli occupied; Hatay question with Turkey; ongoing dispute over water development plans by Turkey for the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers; Syrian troops in northern Lebanon since October 1976Climate: mostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and mild, rainy winters (December to February) along coast; cold weather with snow or sleet periodically hits DamascusTerrain: primarily semiarid and desert plateau; narrow coastal plain; mountains in westNatural resources: petroleum, phosphates, chrome and manganese ores, asphalt, iron ore, rock salt, marble, gypsumLand use: arable land: 28% permanent crops: 3% meadows and pastures: 46% forest and woodland: 3% other: 20%Irrigated land: 10,000 sq km (1992)Environment: current issues: deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution from dumping of raw sewage and wastes from petroleum refining; inadequate supplies of potable water natural hazards: dust storms, sandstorms THE WORLD FACTBOOK Syria Geography international agreements: party to - Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Desertification, Environmental ModificationNote: there are 42 Jewish settlements and civilian land use sites in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (August 1994 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Syria PeoplePopulation: 15,451,917 (July 1995 est.) note: in addition, there are 31,000 people living in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights - 16,500 Arabs (15,000 Druze and 1,500 Alawites) and 14,500 Jewish settlers (August 1994 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 48% (female 3,639,776; male 3,826,154) 15-64 years: 49% (female 3,691,862; male 3,854,989) 65 years and over: 3% (female 219,251; male 219,885) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.71% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 43.21 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.07 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 41.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 66.81 years male: 65.67 years female: 68.01 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.55 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Syrian(s) adjective: SyrianEthnic divisions: Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%Religions: Sunni Muslim 74%, Alawite, Druze, and other Muslim sects 16%, Christian (various sects) 10%, Jewish (tiny communities in Damascus, Al Qamishli, and Aleppo)Languages: Arabic (official), Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian, French widely understoodLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 64% male: 78% female: 51%Labor force: 4.3 million (1994 est.) by occupation: miscellaneous and government services 36%, agriculture 32%, industry and construction 32%; note - shortage of skilled labor (1984) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Syria GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Syrian Arab Republic conventional short form: Syria local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Arabiyah as Suriyah local short form: Suriyah former: United Arab Republic (with Egypt)Digraph: SYType: republic under leftwing military regime since March 1963Capital: DamascusAdministrative divisions: 14 provinces (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Hasakah, Al Ladhiqiyah, Al Qunaytirah, Ar Raqqah, As Suwayda', Dar'a, Dayr az Zawr, Dimashq, Halab, Hamah, Hims, Idlib, Rif Dimashq, TartusIndependence: 17 April 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration)National holiday: National Day, 17 April (1946)Constitution: 13 March 1973Legal system: based on Islamic law and civil law system; special religious courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Hafiz al-ASAD (since 22 February 1971 see note); Vice Presidents 'Abd al-Halim ibn Said KHADDAM, Rif'at al-ASAD, and Muhammad Zuhayr MASHARIQA (since 11 March 1984); election last held 2 December 1991 (next to be held NA December 1998); results - President Hafiz al-ASAD was reelected for a fourth seven-year term with 99.98% of the vote; note - President ASAD seized power in the November 1970 coup, assumed presidential powers 22 February 1971, and was confirmed as president in the 12 March 1971 national elections head of government: Prime Minister Mahmud ZU'BI (since 1 November 1987); Deputy Prime Minister Lt. Gen. Mustafa TALAS (since 11 March 1984); Deputy Prime Minister Salim YASIN (since NA December 1981); Deputy Prime Minister Rashid AKHTARINI (since 4 July 1992) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch: unicameral People's Council (Majlis al-Chaab): elections last held 24-25 August 1994 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (250 total) National Progressive Front 167, independents 83Judicial branch: Supreme Constitutional Court, High Judicial Council, Court of Cassation, State Security Courts THE WORLD FACTBOOK Syria GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: National Progressive Front includes: the ruling Arab Socialist Resurrectionist (Ba'th) Party, Hafiz al-ASAD, President of the Republic, Secretary General of the party, and Chairman of the National Progressive Front; Syrian Arab Socialist Party (ASP), 'Abd al-Ghani KANNUT; Arab Socialist Union (ASU), Jamal ATASSI; Syrian Communist Party (SCP), Khalid BAKDASH; Arab Socialist Unionist Movement, Sami SOUFAN; and Democratic Socialist Union Party, leader NAOther political or pressure groups: non-Ba'th parties have little effective political influence; Communist party ineffective; conservative religious leaders; Muslim BrotherhoodMember of: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Walid MUALEM chancery: 2215 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 232-6313 FAX: [1] (202) 234-9548US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher W. S. ROSS embassy: Abou Roumaneh, Al-Mansur Street No. 2, Damascus mailing address: P. O. Box 29, Damascus telephone: [963] (11) 333-2814, 714-108, 333-3788 FAX: [963] (11) 224-7938Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with two small green five-pointed stars in a horizontal line centered in the white band; similar to the flag of Yemen, which has a plain white band and of Iraq, which has three green stars (plus an Arabic inscription) in a horizontal line centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Egypt, which has a symbolic eagle centered in the white band THE WORLD FACTBOOK Syria EconomyOverview: In 1990-93 Syria's state-dominated Ba'thist economy benefited from the Gulf war, increased oil production, good weather, and economic deregulation. Economic growth averaged roughly 10%. The Gulf war provided Syria an aid windfall of nearly $5 billion dollars from Arab, European, and Japanese donors. However, the benefits of the 1990-93 boom were not evenly distributed and the gap between rich and poor is widening. A nationwide financial scandal and increasing inflation were accompanied by a decline in GDP growth to 4% in 1994. For the long run, Syria's economy is still saddled with a large number of poorly performing public sector firms, and industrial productivity remains to be improved. Oil production is likely to fall off dramatically by the end of the decade. Unemployment will become a problem for the government when the more than 60% of the population under the age of 20 enter the labor force.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $74.4 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 4% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $5,000 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 16.3% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate: 7.5% (1993 est.)Budget: NAExports: $3.6 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: petroleum 53%, textiles 22%, cotton, fruits and vegetables, wheat, barley, chickens partners: EC 48%, former CEMA countries 24%, Arab countries 18% (1991)Imports: $4 billion (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: foodstuffs 21%, metal products 17%, machinery 15% partners: EC 37%, former CEMA countries 15%, US and Canada 10% (1991)External debt: $19.4 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 4,160,000 kW production: 13.2 billion kWh consumption per capita: 865 kWh (1993)Industries: textiles, food processing, beverages, tobacco, phosphate rock mining, petroleumAgriculture: accounts for 30% of GDP and one-third of labor force; all major crops (wheat, barley, cotton, lentils, chickpeas) grown mainly on rain-watered land causing wide swings in production; animal products - beef, lamb, eggs, poultry, milk; not self-sufficient in grain or livestock products THE WORLD FACTBOOK Syria EconomyIllicit drugs: a transit country for Lebanese and Turkish refined cocaine going to Europe and heroin and hashish bound for regional and Western marketsEconomic aid: recipient: no US aid; about $4.2 billion in loans and grants from Arab and Western donors 1990-92 as a result of Gulf war stanceCurrency: 1 Syrian pound (#S) = 100 piastresExchange rates: Syrian pounds (#S) per US$1 - 11.2 (official fixed rate), 26.6 (blended rate used by the UN and diplomatic missions), 42.0 (neighboring country rate - applies to most state enterprise imports), 46.0 - 53.0 (offshore rate) (yearend 1993)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Syria TransportationRailroads: total: 1,998 km broad gauge: 1,766 km 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 232 km 1.050-m gaugeHighways: total: 31,569 km paved: 24,308 km (including 670 km of expressways) unpaved: 7,261 kmInland waterways: 870 km; minimal economic importancePipelines: crude oil 1,304 km; petroleum products 515 kmPorts: Baniyas, Jablah, Latakia, TartusMerchant marine: total: 80 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 233,701 GRT/364,714 DWT ships by type: bulk 10, cargo 68, vehicle carrier 2Airports: total: 107 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 5 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 16 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 67 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 3 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 15 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Syria CommunicationsTelephone system: 512,600 telephones; 37 telephones/1,000 persons; fair system currently undergoing significant improvement and digital upgrades, including fiber optic technology local: NA intercity: coaxial cable and microwave radio relay network international: 1 INTELSAT (Indian Ocean) and 1 Intersputnik earth station; 1 submarine cable; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and TurkeyRadio: broadcast stations: AM 9, FM 1, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 17 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Syria Defense ForcesBranches: Syrian Arab Army, Syrian Arab Navy, Syrian Arab Air Force, Syrian Arab Air Defense Forces, Police and Security ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 3,440,030; males fit for military service 1,927,930; males reach military age (19) annually 159,942 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.2 billion, 6% of GDP (1992)</text>
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<text>SYRIA - Passport and visa required. Obtain visa in advance. Single-entry visa valid 6 months or double-entry for 3 months, $15; multiple-entryvisa valid 6 months, $30. Submit 2 application forms, 2 photos (signed) andfee (payment must be money order only). Enclose prepaid envelope (withcorrect postage) for return of passport by mail. AIDS test required forstudents and others staying over 1 year; U.S. test sometimes accepted. Forgroup visas and other information contact Embassy of the Syrian ArabRepublic, 2215 Wyoming Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/232-6313).Syria - Consular Information SheetOctober 5, 1993Country Description: The Syrian Arab Republic has a developing, mixed-sector economy. The ruling Ba'th party espouses a largely secular ideology,but Islamic traditions and beliefs provide a conservative foundation for thecountry's customs and practices. The constitution refers to Islamicjurisprudence as a principal source of legislation, but the legal systemremains influenced by French practice. Tourist facilities are widelyavailable, but vary in quality depending on price and location. The workweek in Syria is Saturday through Thursday. The U.S. Embassy is open Sundaythrough Thursday.Entry Requirements: Passports and visas are required. Visas must beobtained prior to arrival in Syria. Travelers who arrive without validSyrian visas will be denied entry by Syrian immigration officials.According to the Syrian Foreign Ministry, an AIDS test is not required forforeigners prior to arrival in Syria. However, tests are mandatory forforeigners wishing to reside in Syria. A residence permit will not beissued until the absence of the HIV virus has been determined. Foreignerswishing to marry Syrian nationals must also be tested for HIV. Entry toSyria is not granted to persons with passports showing an Israeli visa orentry/exit stamps. For further entry information, travelers may contact theEmbassy of the Syrian Arab Republic, 2215 Wyoming Ave. N.W., Washington,D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 232-6313.Medical Facilities: Basic modern medical care and medicines are availablein the principal cities of Syria, but not necessarily in outlying areas.Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health careservices. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the UnitedStates. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage hasproved useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers forDisease Control, telephone (404) 332-4559, has additional useful healthinformation.Information on Crime: Crime is generally not a serious problem fortravelers in Syria. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should bereported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy orconsulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protectingpersonal security, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided inthe Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips forTravelers to the Middle East and North Africa." They are available from theSuperintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws and legal practicesof the country in which they travel. Penalties for possession of even smallamounts of illegal drugs for personal use, drug trafficking, or drugsmuggling are severe in Syria. In addition to steep fines, convictedoffenders can expect jail terms of three years to life for possession ortrafficking. Drug smuggling can be punishable by death.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtainupdated information on travel and security within Syria.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Damascus, Syria, is located in AbuRoumaneh, Al-Mansur St. No. 2; P.O. Box 29. The telephone numbers are (963-11) 333-2814, 771-4108, or 333-0788. The fax number is (963-11) 224-7938.No. 93-257This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Syria dated August 31, 1993to add information on the work week in Syria and the days the U.S. Embassyis open for business, and to note new phone numbers for the U.S. Embassy.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Switzerland GeographyLocation: Central Europe, east of FranceMap references: EuropeArea: total area: 41,290 sq km land area: 39,770 sq km comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of New JerseyLand boundaries: total 1,852 km, Austria 164 km, France 573 km, Italy 740 km, Liechtenstein 41 km, Germany 334 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: noneClimate: temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; cool to warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showersTerrain: mostly mountains (Alps in south, Jura in northwest) with a central plateau of rolling hills, plains, and large lakesNatural resources: hydropower potential, timber, saltLand use: arable land: 10% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 40% forest and woodland: 26% other: 23%Irrigated land: 250 sq km (1989)Environment: current issues: air pollution from vehicle emissions and open air burning; acid rain; water pollution from increased use of agricultural fertilizers; loss of biodiversity natural hazards: avalanches, landslides, flash floods international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea THE WORLD FACTBOOK Switzerland GeographyNote: landlocked; crossroads of northern and southern Europe; along with southeastern France and northern Italy, contains the highest elevations in Europe THE WORLD FACTBOOK Switzerland PeoplePopulation: 7,084,984 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 17% (female 594,565; male 622,436) 15-64 years: 68% (female 2,375,792; male 2,448,213) 65 years and over: 15% (female 623,136; male 420,842) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.57% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 12.04 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 9.16 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 2.82 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 6.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.36 years male: 74.99 years female: 81.88 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.6 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Swiss (singular and plural) adjective: SwissEthnic divisions: total population: German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other 6% Swiss nationals: German 74%, French 20%, Italian 4%, Romansch 1%, other 1%Religions: Roman Catholic 47.6%, Protestant 44.3%, other 8.1% (1980)Languages: German 65%, French 18%, Italian 12%, Romansch 1%, other 4% note: figures for Swiss nationals only - German 74%, French 20%, Italian 4%, Romansch 1%, other 1%Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) total population: 99%Labor force: 3.48 million (900,000 foreign workers, mostly Italian) by occupation: services 50%, industry and crafts 34%, government 10%, agriculture and forestry 6% (1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Switzerland GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Swiss Confederation conventional short form: Switzerland local long form: Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft (German) Confederation Suisse (French) Confederazione Svizzera (Italian) local short form: Schweiz (German) Suisse (French) Svizzera (Italian)Digraph: SZType: federal republicCapital: BernAdministrative divisions: 26 cantons (cantons, singular - canton in French; cantoni, singular - cantone in Italian; kantone, singular - kanton in German); Aargau, Ausser-Rhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Bern, Fribourg, Geneve, Glarus, Graubunden, Inner-Rhoden, Jura, Luzern, Neuchatel, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Sankt Gallen, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, Thurgau, Ticino, Uri, Valais, Vaud, Zug, ZurichIndependence: 1 August 1291National holiday: Anniversary of the Founding of the Swiss Confederation, 1 August (1291)Constitution: 29 May 1874Legal system: civil law system influenced by customary law; judicial review of legislative acts, except with respect to federal decrees of general obligatory character; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Kaspar VILLIGER (1995 calendar year; presidency rotates annually); Vice President Jean-Pascal DELAMURAZ (term runs concurrently with that of president) cabinet: Federal Council (German - Bundesrat, French - Censeil Federal, Italian - Consiglio Federale); elected by the Federal Assembly from own membersLegislative branch: bicameral Federal Assembly (German - Bundesversammlung, French - Assemblee Federale, Italian - Assemblea Federale) Council of States: German - Standerat, French - Conseil des Etats, Italian - Consiglio degli Stati; elections last held throughout 1991 (next to be held NA 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (46 total) FDP 18, CVP 16, SVP 4, SPS 3, LPS 3, LdU 1, Ticino League 1 National Council: German - Nationalrat, French - Conseil National, Italian - Consiglio Nazionale; elections last held 20 October 1991 (next to be held NA October 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (200 total) FDP 44, SPS 42, CVP 37, SVP 25, GPS 14, LPS 10, AP 8, LdU 6, SD 5, EVP 3, PdA 2, Ticino League 2, other 2Judicial branch: Federal Supreme Court THE WORLD FACTBOOK Switzerland GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Free Democratic Party (FDP), Franz STEINEGGER, president; Social Democratic Party (SPS), Peter BODENMANN, president; Christian Democratic People's Party (CVP), Anton COTTIER, president; Swiss People's Party (SVP), Hans UHLMANN, president; Green Party (GPS), Verena DIENER, president; Freedom Party (FPS), Roland BORER, president; Liberal Party (LPS), Christoph EYMANN, president; Alliance of Independents' Party (LdU), Monica WEBER, president; Ticino League, Giuliano BIGNASCA, president; and other minor parties including the Automobile Party (AP), Swiss Democratic Party (SD), Workers' Party (PdA), and the Evangelical People's Party (EVP); note - see electionsMember of: AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA, FAO, G- 8, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MTCR, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OSCE, PCA, UN (observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIH, UNOMIG, UNPROFOR, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Carlo JAGMETTI chancery: 2900 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 745-7900 FAX: [1] (202) 387-2564 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Pago Pago (American Samoa), and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador M. Larry LAWRENCE embassy: Jubilaeumstrasse 93, 3005 Bern mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [41] (31) 357 70 11 FAX: [41] (31) 357 73 44 branch office: Geneva consulate(s) general: ZurichFlag: red square with a bold, equilateral white cross in the center that does not extend to the edges of the flag THE WORLD FACTBOOK Switzerland EconomyOverview: Switzerland's economy - one of the most prosperous and stable in the world - is nonetheless undergoing a stressful adjustment after both the inflationary boom of the late 1980s and the electorate's rejection of membership in the European Economic Area (EEA) in 1992. So far the decision to remain outside the European single market structure does not appear to have harmed Swiss interests. In December 1994, the Swiss began bilateral negotiations with the EU aimed at establishing closer ties in areas of mutual interest and progressing toward the free circulation of persons, goods, capital, and services between the two parties. The Swiss emerged from a three-year recession in mid-1993 and posted 1.8% GDP growth in 1994. The Swiss central bank's tight monetary policies brought inflation down from about 4% in 1992 to just under 1% in 1994. Unemployment has fallen slightly from 5.1% in 1993 to 4.7% in 1994. Swiss per capita output, living standards, education, and health care remain unsurpassed in Europe. The country has few mineral resources, but its spectacular natural beauty sustains a substantial tourism industry.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $148.4 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 1.8% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $22,080 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.9% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 4.7% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $26.7 billion expenditures: $32 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1994 est.)Exports: $69.6 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery and equipment, precision instruments, metal products, foodstuffs, textiles and clothing partners: Western Europe 63.1% (EU countries 56%, other 7.1%), US 8.8%, Japan 3.4%Imports: $68.2 billion (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: agricultural products, machinery and transportation equipment, chemicals, textiles, construction materials partners: Western Europe 79.2% (EU countries 72.3%, other 6.9%), US 6.4%External debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate 0% (1993 est.)Electricity: capacity: 15,430,000 kW production: 58 billion kWh consumption per capita: 6,699 kWh (1993)Industries: machinery, chemicals, watches, textiles, precision instruments THE WORLD FACTBOOK Switzerland EconomyAgriculture: dairy farming predominates; less than 50% self-sufficient in food; must import fish, refined sugar, fats and oils (other than butter), grains, eggs, fruits, vegetables, meatIllicit drugs: money-laundering centerEconomic aid: donor: ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $3.5 billionCurrency: 1 Swiss franc, franken, or franco (SwF) = 100 centimes, rappen, or centesimiExchange rates: Swiss francs, franken, or franchi (SwF) per US$1 - 1.2880 (January 1995), 1.3677 (1994), 1.4776 (1993), 1.4062 (1992), 1.4340 (1991), 1.3892 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Switzerland TransportationRailroads: total: 5,763 km (1,432 km double track) standard gauge: 3,533 km 1.435-m gauge (99% electrified; 560 km nongovernment owned) narrow gauge: 1,094 km 1.000-m gauge (99% electrified; 1,020 km nongovernment owned) other: 1,136 km NA-m gauge (1994)Highways: total: 71,118 km paved: 71,118 km (including 1,514 km of expressways)Inland waterways: 65 km; Rhine (Basel to Rheinfelden, Schaffhausen to Bodensee); 12 navigable lakesPipelines: crude oil 314 km; natural gas 1,506 kmPorts: BaselMerchant marine: total: 22 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 374,935 GRT/669,353 DWT ships by type: bulk 12, cargo 2, chemical tanker 4, oil tanker 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1, specialized tanker 1Airports: total: 69 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 4 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 5 with paved runways under 914 m: 42 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Switzerland CommunicationsTelephone system: 5,890,000 telephones; excellent domestic, international, and broadcast services local: NA intercity: extensive cable and microwave networks international: 2 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 7, FM 265, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 18 (repeaters 1,322) televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Switzerland Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Air Force and Antiaircraft CommandManpower availability: males age 15-49 1,847,639; males fit for military service 1,582,335; males reach military age (20) annually 41,831 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $4.1 billion, 1.4% of GDP (1995)</text>
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<text>SWITZERLAND - Passport required. Visa not required fortourist/business stay up to 3 months. For further information contact Embassy ofSwitzerland, 2900 Cathedral Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008(202/745-7900) or nearest Consulate General: CA (310/575-1145 or415/788-2272), GA (404/870-2000), IL (312/915-0061), NY (212/758-2560)or TX (713/650-0000).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Switzerland and Liechtenstein============================================================Switzerland and Liechtenstein - Consular Information Sheet June 30, 1995Country Descriptions: Switzerland is a highly developed democracy with a modern economy. Liechtenstein is a stable, democratically-run constitutional monarchy with a modern economy. Tourist services are widely available.Entry Requirements: For both Switzerland and Liechtenstein, a passport is required; a visa is not required for tourist or business stays up to three months. For further information on entry requirements for both countries, travelers may contact the Embassy of Switzerland at 2900 Cathedral Avenue N.W., Washington D.C. 20008, tel (202) 745-7900, or the nearest Swiss Consulate General in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco.Medical Facilities: Good medical care is widely available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Information on specific health matters is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Switzerland has a low rate of violent crime. However, pickpocketing and purse-snatching do occur during peak tourist periods (such as summer and Christmas) and when major conferences, shows, or exhibits are scheduled in major cities. Most crime is restricted to specific localities in major cities that are best avoided by the prudent traveler and residents, such as areas frequented by drug dealers and users, the general vicinity of train and bus stations, and some public parks. Liechtenstein has a low crime rate.Travelers may wish to exercise caution on trains, especially on overnight trains to neighboring countries. Even locked sleeping compartments can be entered by thieves who steal from passengers while they sleep.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. In Switzerland and in Liechtenstein, the penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who are considered to also have Swiss citizenship may be subject to compulsory military service and other requirements while in Switzerland. Those who might be affected may inquire at a Swiss embassy or consulate regarding their status. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. government efforts to provide protection abroad.Registration and Embassy and Consulate Locations: U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section at the below locations may obtain updated information on travel and security in Switzerland.The U.S. Embassy in Bern is located at Jubilaeumstrasse 93, telephone (41-31) 357-7011, fax (41-31) 357-7344. The Consulate General in Zurich is located at Zollikerstrasse 141, telephone (41-1) 422-2733, fax (41-1) 383-9814.Limited consular services for U.S. citizens are offered by a part-time consular agency in Geneva located at the America Center of Geneva, World Trade Center II, Geneva Airport, Route de Pre-Bois 29, telephone (41-22) 798-1605 or 798-1615, fax (41-22) 798-1630.There is no U.S. Embassy or consulate in Liechtenstein. For assistance and information on travel and security in Liechtenstein, U.S. citizens may contact or register at the U.S. Consulate General in Zurich at the address above. No. 95-077This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 10, 1994, to include information on Liechtenstein, note the change of fax number at the Embassy in Bern and the phone number at the Consulate General in Zurich, and provide the new address and telephone numbers for the consular agency in Geneva.JJ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sweden GeographyLocation: Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Skagerrak, between Finland and NorwayMap references: EuropeArea: total area: 449,964 sq km land area: 410,928 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than CaliforniaLand boundaries: total 2,205 km, Finland 586 km, Norway 1,619 kmCoastline: 3,218 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: agreed boundaries or midlines territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly cloudy summers; subarctic in northTerrain: mostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in westNatural resources: zinc, iron ore, lead, copper, silver, timber, uranium, hydropower potentialLand use: arable land: 7% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 2% forest and woodland: 64% other: 27%Irrigated land: 1,120 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: acid rain damaging soils and lakes; pollution of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea natural hazards: ice floes in the surrounding waters, especially in the Gulf of Bothnia, can interfere with maritime traffic THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sweden Geography international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Desertification, Law of the SeaNote: strategic location along Danish Straits linking Baltic and North Seas THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sweden PeoplePopulation: 8,821,759 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 19% (female 810,859; male 854,553) 15-64 years: 64% (female 2,761,060; male 2,856,012) 65 years and over: 17% (female 887,597; male 651,678) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.46% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 13.19 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 10.84 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 2.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 5.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.43 years male: 75.64 years female: 81.39 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.97 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Swede(s) adjective: SwedishEthnic divisions: white, Lapp (Sami), foreign born or first-generation immigrants 12% (Finns, Yugoslavs, Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks)Religions: Evangelical Lutheran 94%, Roman Catholic 1.5%, Pentecostal 1%, other 3.5% (1987)Languages: Swedish note: small Lapp- and Finnish-speaking minorities; immigrants speak native languagesLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1991 est.) total population: 99%Labor force: 4.552 million (84% unionized,1992) by occupation: community, social and personal services 38.3%, mining and manufacturing 21.2%, commerce, hotels, and restaurants 14.1%, banking, insurance 9.0%, communications 7.2%, construction 7.0%, agriculture, fishing, and forestry 3.2% (1991) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sweden GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Kingdom of Sweden conventional short form: Sweden local long form: Konungariket Sverige local short form: SverigeDigraph: SWType: constitutional monarchyCapital: StockholmAdministrative divisions: 24 provinces (lan, singular and plural); Alvsborgs Lan, Blekinge Lan, Gavleborgs Lan, Goteborgs och Bohus Lan, Gotlands Lan, Hallands Lan, Jamtlands Lan, Jonkopings Lan, Kalmar Lan, Kopparbergs Lan, Kristianstads Lan, Kronobergs Lan, Malmohus Lan, Norrbottens Lan, Orebro Lan, Ostergotlands Lan, Skaraborgs Lan, Sodermanlands Lan, Stockholms Lan, Uppsala Lan, Varmlands Lan, Vasterbottens Lan, Vasternorrlands Lan, Vastmanlands LanIndependence: 6 June 1809 (constitutional monarchy established)National holiday: Day of the Swedish Flag, 6 JuneConstitution: 1 January 1975Legal system: civil law system influenced by customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 19 September 1973); Heir Apparent Princess VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree, daughter of the King (born 14 July 1977) head of government: Prime Minister Ingvar CARLSSON (since 6 October 1994); Deputy Prime Minister Mona SAHLIN (since 6 October 1994) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Riksdag): elections last held 18 September 1994 (next to be held NA September 1998); results - Social Democrats 45.4%, Moderate Party (Conservatives) 22.3%, Center Party 7.7%, Liberals 7.2%, Left Party 6.2%, Greens 5.8%, Christian Democrats 4.1%, New Democracy Party 1.2%; seats - (349 total) Social Democrats 162, Moderate Party (Conservatives) 80, Center Party 27, Liberals 26, Left Party 22, Greens 18, Christian Democrats 14; note - the New Democracy Party did not receive a seat because parties require a minimum of 4.8% of votes for a seat in parliamentJudicial branch: Supreme Court (Hogsta Domstolen) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sweden GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Social Democratic Party, Ingvar CARLSSON; Moderate Party (conservative), Carl BILDT; Liberal People's Party, Maria LEISSNER; Center Party, Olof JOHANSSON; Christian Democratic Party, Alf SVENSSON; New Democracy Party, Vivianne FRANZEN; Left Party (VP; Communist), Gudrun SCHYMAN; Communist Workers' Party, Rolf HAGEL; Green Party, no formal leader but party spokesperson is Birger SHLAUGMember of: AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CERN, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 6, G- 8, G- 9, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MTCR, NAM (guest), NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OECD, ONUSAL, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMOGIP, UNOMIG, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR, UNTSO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Carl Henrik Sihver LILJEGREN chancery: 1501 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 telephone: [1] (202) 467-2600 FAX: [1] (202) 467-2699 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas L. SIEBERT embassy: Strandvagen 101, S-115 89 Stockholm mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [46] (8) 783 53 00 FAX: [46] (8) 661 19 64Flag: blue with a yellow cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sweden EconomyOverview: Aided by a long period of peace and neutrality during World War I through World War II, Sweden has achieved an enviable standard of living under a mixed system of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits. It has a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external communications, and a skilled labor force. Timber, hydropower, and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy that is heavily oriented toward foreign trade. Privately owned firms account for about 90% of industrial output, of which the engineering sector accounts for 50% of output and exports. In 1990, agriculture accounted for only 1.2% of GDP and 1.9% of the jobs, Sweden being about 50% sufficient in most products. In the last few years, however, this extraordinarily favorable picture has been clouded by inflation, growing unemployment, and a gradual loss of competitiveness in international markets. Although Prime Minister BILDT's center-right minority coalition had hoped to charge ahead with free-market-oriented reforms, a skyrocketing budget deficit - about 14% of GDP in FY93/94 projections - and record unemployment have forestalled many of the plans. Unemployment in 1994 is estimated at around 9% with another 5% in job training. Continued heavy foreign exchange speculation forced the government to cooperate in late 1992 with the opposition Social Democrats on two crisis packages - one a severe austerity pact and the other a program to spur industrial competitiveness - which basically set economic policy through 1997. In November 1992, Sweden broke its tie to the EC's ECU, and the krona has since depreciated about 25% against the dollar. The boost in export competitiveness from the depreciation helped lift Sweden out of its 3-year recession. To curb the budget deficit and bolster confidence in the economy, the new Social Democratic government is proposing cuts in welfare benefits, subsidies, defense, and foreign aid. Sweden has harmonized its economic policies with those of the EU, which it joined at the start of 1995.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $163.1 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 2.4% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $18,580 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.5% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 8.8% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $47.9 billion expenditures: $70.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY93/94)Exports: $59.9 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: machinery, motor vehicles, paper products, pulp and wood, iron and steel products, chemicals, petroleum and petroleum products partners: EC 55.8% (Germany 15%, UK 9.7%, Denmark 7.2%, France 5.8%), EFTA 17.4% (Norway 8.4%, Finland 5.1%), US 8.2%, Central and Eastern Europe 2.5% (1992)Imports: $49.6 billion (c.i.f., 1994) commodities: machinery, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, motor vehicles, foodstuffs, iron and steel, clothing THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sweden Economy partners: EC 53.6% (Germany 17.9%, UK 6.3%, Denmark 7.5%, France 4.9%), EFTA (Norway 6.6%, Finland 6%), US 8.4%, Central and Eastern Europe 3% (1992)External debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate 9% (1994)Electricity: capacity: 34,560,000 kW production: 141 billion kWh consumption per capita: 14,891 kWh (1993)Industries: iron and steel, precision equipment (bearings, radio and telephone parts, armaments), wood pulp and paper products, processed foods, motor vehiclesAgriculture: animal husbandry predominates, with milk and dairy products accounting for 37% of farm income; main crops - grains, sugar beets, potatoes; 100% self-sufficient in grains and potatoes; Sweden is about 50% self-sufficient in most productsIllicit drugs: transshipment point for narcotics shipped via the CIS and Baltic states for the European marketEconomic aid: donor: ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $10.3 billionCurrency: 1 Swedish krona (SKr) = 100 oereExchange rates: Swedish kronor (SKr) per US$1 - 7.4675 (January 1995), 7.7160 (1994), 7.7834 (1993), 5.8238 (1992), 6.0475 (1991) 5.9188 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sweden TransportationRailroads: total: 12,000 km (includes 953 km of privately owned railways) standard gauge: 10,742 km 1.435-m gauge (7,502 km electrified and 1,152 km double track); 8 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified; privately owned) narrow gauge: 61 km 0.891-m gauge (electrified; privately owned) other: 1,189 km NA-m gauge (1994)Highways: total: 135,859 km paved: 97,818 km (including 936 km of expressways) unpaved: gravel 38,041 km (1991)Inland waterways: 2,052 km navigable for small steamers and bargesPipelines: natural gas 84 kmPorts: Gavle, Goteborg, Halmstad, Helsingborg, Hudiksvall, Kalmar, Karlshamn, Malmo, Solvesborg, Stockholm, SundsvallMerchant marine: total: 157 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,872,350 GRT/2,075,722 DWT ships by type: bulk 10, cargo 24, chemical tanker 25, combination ore/oil 1, container 2, oil tanker 31, railcar carrier 2, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 37, short-sea passenger 8, specialized tanker 4, vehicle carrier 12Airports: total: 253 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 84 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 26 with paved runways under 914 m: 129 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 4 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sweden CommunicationsTelephone system: 8,200,000 telephones; excellent domestic and international facilities; automatic system local: NA intercity: coaxial and multiconductor cable carry most voice traffic; parallel microwave network carries TV, radio, and some additional telephone channels international: 5 submarine coaxial cables; 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 EUTELSAT earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 5, FM 360 (mostly repeaters), shortwave 0 radios: 7 millionTelevision: broadcast stations: 880 (mostly repeaters) televisions: 3.5 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sweden Defense ForcesBranches: Swedish Army, Royal Swedish Navy, Swedish Air ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 2,133,420; males fit for military service 1,864,258; males reach military age (19) annually 52,937 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $5.4 billion, 2.4% of GDP (FY94/95)</text>
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<text>SWEDEN - Valid passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 3months. (Period begins when entering Scandinavian area: Finland,Norway, Denmark, Iceland.) For further information check Embassy of Sweden,Suite 1200, 600 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037(202/944-5600) or nearest Consulate General: Los Angeles (310/575-3383) or New York (212/751-5900).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Sweden============================================================Sweden - Consular Information Sheet April 13, 1995Country Description: Sweden is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. A tourist or business visa is not required for stays up to three months (the 90-day period begins when entering the Nordic area: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland). For further entry requirements for Sweden, travelers can contact the Royal Swedish Embassy at 1501 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005, tel: (202) 467-2600, or the Swedish Consulate General in Los Angeles or New York.Medical Facilities: Medical care is widely available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Sweden has a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare. Most crimes involve theft of personal property in public areas or burglary of vacant residences. However, travelers, especially those who appear affluent, can become targets of pickpockets and purse snatchers. Over the past year, there have been isolated incidents of violence directed against non-European immigrants. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free trip. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are high, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Other information: Driving regulations and signs differ from those in the U.S. Moving violations, especially speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol, are strictly enforced, and fines can be severe.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security in Sweden.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Stockholm is located at Strandvagen 101, telephone (46-8) 783-5300, fax (46-8) 660-5879 or 661-1964. No. 95-050This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 28, 1994, to provide the new address of the Swedish Embassy in Washington, D.C.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Swaziland GeographyLocation: Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South AfricaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 17,360 sq km land area: 17,200 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than New JerseyLand boundaries: total 535 km, Mozambique 105 km, South Africa 430 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: Swaziland has asked South Africa to open negotiations on reincorporating some nearby South African territories that are populated by ethnic Swazis or that were long ago part of the Swazi KingdomClimate: varies from tropical to near temperateTerrain: mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plainsNatural resources: asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talcLand use: arable land: 10.9% permanent crops: 0.2% meadows and pastures: 62.2% forest and woodland: 6.9% other: 19.8%Irrigated land: 640 sq km (1993 est.)Environment: current issues: limited access to potable water; wildlife populations being depleted because of excessive hunting; overgrazing; soil degradation; soil erosion natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Climate Change, Law of the SeaNote: landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa THE WORLD FACTBOOK Swaziland PeoplePopulation: 966,977 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 46% (female 222,544; male 221,003) 15-64 years: 52% (female 261,973; male 238,726) 65 years and over: 2% (female 13,291; male 9,440) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.23% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 43.06 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 10.8 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 90.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 56.84 years male: 52.83 years female: 60.96 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.1 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Swazi(s) adjective: SwaziEthnic divisions: African 97%, European 3%Religions: Christian 60%, indigenous beliefs 40%Languages: English (official; government business conducted in English), siSwati (official)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1986) total population: 67% male: 70% female: 65%Labor force: NA by occupation: private sector about 65%, public sector 35% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Swaziland GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Kingdom of Swaziland conventional short form: SwazilandDigraph: WZType: monarchy; independent member of CommonwealthCapital: Mbabane (administrative); Lobamba (legislative)Administrative divisions: 4 districts; Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, ShiselweniIndependence: 6 September 1968 (from UK)National holiday: Somhlolo (Independence) Day, 6 September (1968)Constitution: none; constitution of 6 September 1968 was suspended 12 April 1973; a new constitution was promulgated 13 October 1978, but has not been formally presented to the peopleLegal system: based on South African Roman-Dutch law in statutory courts, Swazi traditional law and custom in traditional courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: noneExecutive branch: chief of state: King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986) head of government: Prime Minister Prince Jameson Mbilini DLAMINI (since 12 November 1993) cabinet: Cabinet; designated by the monarchLegislative branch: bicameral Parliament is advisory Senate: consists of 30 members (10 appointed by the House of Assembly and 20 appointed by the king) House of Assembly: elections last held NA October 1993 (next to be held NA); results - NA; seats - (65 total, 55 directly elected, 10 appointed by the king) - balloting held on a non-party basisJudicial branch: High Court, Court of AppealPolitical parties and leaders: note: political parties are banned by the Constitution promulgated on 13 October 1978; illegal parties are prohibited from holding large public gatherings illegal parties: Peoples' United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), Kilson SHONOWE; Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYCO), Benedict TSABEDZE; Swaziland Communist Party (SWACOPA), Mphandlana SHONGWEMember of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, PCA, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO THE WORLD FACTBOOK Swaziland GovernmentDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Madzandza Mary KHANYA chancery: 3400 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 362-6683, 6685 FAX: [1] (202) 244-8059US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador John T. SPROTT embassy: Central Bank Building, Warner Street, Mbabane mailing address: P. O. Box 199, Mbabane telephone: [268] 46441 through 46445 FAX: [268] 45959Flag: three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue; the red band is edged in yellow; centered in the red band is a large black and white shield covering two spears and a staff decorated with feather tassels, all placed horizontally THE WORLD FACTBOOK Swaziland EconomyOverview: The economy is based on subsistence agriculture, which occupies more than 60% of the population and contributes nearly 25% to GDP. Manufacturing, which includes a number of agroprocessing factories, accounts for another quarter of GDP. Mining has declined in importance in recent years; high-grade iron ore deposits were depleted by 1978, and health concerns cut world demand for asbestos. Exports of sugar and forestry products are the main earners of hard currency. Surrounded by South Africa, except for a short border with Mozambique, Swaziland is heavily dependent on South Africa, from which it receives 90% of its imports and to which it sends about half of its exports. Remittances from Swazi workers in South African mines may supplement domestically produced income by as much as 20%.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $3.3 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 4.5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $3,490 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 11.3% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate: 15% (1992 est.)Budget: revenues: $342 million expenditures: $410 million, including capital expenditures of $130 million (1994 est.)Exports: $632 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: sugar, edible concentrates, wood pulp, cotton yarn, asbestos partners: South Africa 50% (est.), EC countries, CanadaImports: $734 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: motor vehicles, machinery, transport equipment, petroleum products, foodstuffs, chemicals partners: South Africa 90% (est.), Switzerland, UKExternal debt: $240 million (1992)Industrial production: growth rate 4.2% (1993 est.)Electricity: capacity: 120,000 kW production: 410 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,003 kWh (1993)Industries: mining (coal and asbestos), wood pulp, sugarAgriculture: accounts for over 60% of labor force; mostly subsistence agriculture; cash crops - sugarcane, cotton, maize, tobacco, rice, citrus fruit, pineapples; other crops and livestock - corn, sorghum, peanuts, cattle, goats, sheep; not self-sufficient in grain THE WORLD FACTBOOK Swaziland EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: bilateral aid (1991) $35 million of which US disbursements $12 million, UK disbursements $6 million, and Denmark $2 million; multilateral aid (1991) $24 million of which EC disbursements $8 millionCurrency: 1 lilangeni (E) = 100 centsExchange rates: emalangeni (E) per US$1 -3.5389 (January 1995), 3.5490 (1994), 3.2636 (1993), 2.8497 (1992), 2.7563 (1991), 2.5863 (1990); note - the Swazi emalangeni is at par with the South African randFiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Swaziland TransportationRailroads: total: 297 km; note - includes 71 km which are not in use narrow gauge: 297 km 1.067-m gauge (single track)Highways: total: 2,853 km paved: 510 km unpaved: crushed stone, gravel, stabilized earth 1,230 km; improved earth 1,113 kmPorts: noneAirports: total: 18 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 9 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 8 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Swaziland CommunicationsTelephone system: 17,000 telephones; telephone density is only 17.6 telephones/1,000 persons local: NA intercity: system consists of carrier-equipped open-wire lines and low-capacity radio relay microwave links international: 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 7, FM 6, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 10 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Swaziland Defense ForcesBranches: Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force (Army), Royal Swaziland Police ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 212,239; males fit for military service 122,782 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $22 million, NA% of GDP (FY93/94)</text>
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<text>SWAZILAND - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 60days. Temporary residence permit available in Mbabane for longer stay. Visitors must report to immigration authorities or police station within 48hours unless lodging in a hotel. Yellow fever and cholera immunizationsrequired if arriving from infected area and anti-malarial treatment recommended.For further information consult Embassy of the Kingdom of Swaziland,3400 International Dr., N.W., Suite 3M, Washington, D.C. (202/362-6683).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Swaziland============================================================Swaziland - Consular Information Sheet February 3, 1995Country Description: Swaziland is a small developing nation in southern Africa. Facilities for tourism are available.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Visas are not required for tourists for stays up to 14 days, extendible up to 90 days, in any 12 month period. For stays longer than 90 days, a temporary residence permit is required. Visitors are technically required to report to the police within 48 hours of arrival; as all ports of entry are manned by police officers, such reporting is automatic. Yellow fever and cholera immunizations are required if the visitor is arriving from an infected area. Anti-malarial treatment is recommended. Further information may be obtained from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Swaziland, 3400 International Drive, N.W., Suite 3M, Washington, D.C. 20004, telephone (202) 362-6683.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Petty street crime, primarily theft of money and personal property, occurs with some frequency. Since the mid 1994, occasional armed highjacking of automobiles has taken place in Manzini, and, less frequently, in Mbabane and outlying areas of Swaziland. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the U.S. Embassy. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Mbabane may obtain updated information on travel and security in Swaziland.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located in the Central Bank Building on Warner Street in the capital city of Mbabane. The mailing address is P.O. Box 199, Mbabane, Swaziland. The Embassy telephone number is (268) 46441/5; the fax number is (268) 25959. No. 95-017This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 18, 1994, to update information on entry requirements, medical facilities and crime.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Svalbard HeaderAffiliation: (territory of Norway) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Svalbard GeographyLocation: Northern Europe, islands between the Arctic Ocean, Barents Sea, Greenland Sea, and Norwegian Sea, north of NorwayMap references: Arctic RegionArea: total area: 62,049 sq km land area: 62,049 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than West Virginia note: includes Spitsbergen and Bjornoya (Bear Island)Land boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 3,587 kmMaritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm unilaterally claimed by Norway but not recognized by Russia territorial sea: 4 nmInternational disputes: focus of maritime boundary dispute in the Barents Sea between Norway and RussiaClimate: arctic, tempered by warm North Atlantic Current; cool summers, cold winters; North Atlantic Current flows along west and north coasts of Spitsbergen, keeping water open and navigable most of the yearTerrain: wild, rugged mountains; much of high land ice covered; west coast clear of ice about half the year; fjords along west and north coastsNatural resources: coal, copper, iron ore, phosphate, zinc, wildlife, fishLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% (no trees and the only bushes are crowberry and cloudberry)Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: ice floes often block up the entrance to Bellsund (a transit point for coal export) on the west coast and occasionally make parts of the northeastern coast inaccessible to maritime traffic international agreements: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Svalbard GeographyNote: northernmost part of the Kingdom of Norway; consists of nine main islands; glaciers and snowfields cover 60% of the total area THE WORLD FACTBOOK Svalbard PeoplePopulation: 2,914 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NAPopulation growth rate: -3.5% (1995 est.)Birth rate: NA births/1,000 populationDeath rate: NA deaths/1,000 populationNet migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 populationInfant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live birthsLife expectancy at birth: total population: NA years male: NA years female: NA yearsTotal fertility rate: NA children born/womanEthnic divisions: Russian 64%, Norwegian 35%, other 1% (1981)Languages: Russian, NorwegianLabor force: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Svalbard GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: SvalbardDigraph: SVType: territory of Norway administered by the Ministry of Industry, Oslo, through a governor (sysselmann) residing in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen; by treaty (9 February 1920) sovereignty was given to NorwayCapital: LongyearbyenIndependence: none (territory of Norway)National holiday: NALegal system: NAExecutive branch: Chief of State: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991) Head of Government: Governor Odd BLOMDAL (since NA); Assistant Governor Jan-Atle HANSEN (since NA September 1993)Member of: noneFlag: the flag of Norway is used THE WORLD FACTBOOK Svalbard EconomyOverview: Coal mining is the major economic activity on Svalbard. By treaty (9 February 1920), the nationals of the treaty powers have equal rights to exploit mineral deposits, subject to Norwegian regulation. Although US, UK, Dutch, and Swedish coal companies have mined in the past, the only companies still mining are Norwegian and Russian. The settlements on Svalbard are essentially company towns. The Norwegian state-owned coal company employs nearly 60% of the Norwegian population on the island, runs many of the local services, and provides most of the local infrastructure. There is also some trapping of seal, polar bear, fox, and walrus.Budget: revenues: $13.3 million expenditures: $13.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990 est.)Electricity: capacity: 21,000 kW production: 45 million kWh consumption per capita: 13,860 kWh (1992)Currency: 1 Norwegian krone (NKr) = 100 oereExchange rates: Norwegian kroner (NKr) per US$1 - 6.7014 (January 1995), 7.0469 (1994), 7.0941 (1993), 6.2145 (1992), 6.4829 (1991), 6.2597 (1990) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Svalbard TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: NA paved: NA unpaved: NAPorts: Barentsburg, Longyearbyen, Ny-Alesund, PyramidenMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 4 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 3 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Svalbard CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; local telephone service local: NA intercity: NA international: satellite communication with Norwegian mainlandRadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1 (repeaters 2), shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 1 televisions: NANote: there are 5 meteorological/radio stations THE WORLD FACTBOOK Svalbard Defense Forces demilitarized by treaty (9 February 1920)</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Suriname GeographyLocation: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between French Guiana and GuyanaMap references: South AmericaArea: total area: 163,270 sq km land area: 161,470 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than GeorgiaLand boundaries: total 1,707 km, Brazil 597 km, French Guiana 510 km, Guyana 600 kmCoastline: 386 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: claims area in French Guiana between Litani Rivier and Riviere Marouini (both headwaters of the Lawa Rivier); claims area in Guyana between New (Upper Courantyne) and Courantyne/Koetari Rivers (all headwaters of the Courantyne)Climate: tropical; moderated by trade windsTerrain: mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swampsNatural resources: timber, hydropower potential, fish, shrimp, bauxite, iron ore, and small amounts of nickel, copper, platinum, goldLand use: arable land: NEGL% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 97% other: 3%Irrigated land: 590 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: deforestation as foreign producers obtain timber concessions natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the SeaNote: mostly tropical rain forest; great diversity of flora and fauna which for the most part is not threatened because of the lack of development; relatively small population most of which lives along the coast THE WORLD FACTBOOK Suriname PeoplePopulation: 429,544 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 34% (female 70,845; male 74,330) 15-64 years: 61% (female 130,153; male 133,693) 65 years and over: 5% (female 10,897; male 9,626) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.58% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 24.72 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.91 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 30.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.76 years male: 67.24 years female: 72.41 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.73 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Surinamer(s) adjective: SurinameseEthnic divisions: Hindustani (also known locally as "East" Indians; their ancestors emigrated from northern India in the latter part of the 19th century) 37%, Creole (mixed European and African ancestry) 31%, Javanese 15.3%, "Bush Black" (also known as "Bush Creole" whose ancestors were brought to the country in the 17th and 18th centuries as slaves) 10.3%, Amerindian 2.6%, Chinese 1.7%, Europeans 1%, other 1.1%Religions: Hindu 27.4%, Muslim 19.6%, Roman Catholic 22.8%, Protestant 25.2% (predominantly Moravian), indigenous beliefs 5%Languages: Dutch (official), English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo (Surinamese, sometimes called Taki-Taki, is native language of Creoles and much of the younger population and is lingua franca among others), Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), JavaneseLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 95% male: 95% female: 95%Labor force: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Suriname GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Suriname conventional short form: Suriname local long form: Republiek Suriname local short form: Suriname former: Netherlands Guiana, Dutch GuianaDigraph: NSType: republicCapital: ParamariboAdministrative divisions: 10 districts (distrikten, singular - distrikt); Brokopondo, Commewijne, Coronie, Marowijne, Nickerie, Para, Paramaribo, Saramacca, Sipaliwini, WanicaIndependence: 25 November 1975 (from Netherlands)National holiday: Independence Day, 25 November (1975)Constitution: ratified 30 September 1987Legal system: NASuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Ronald R. VENETIAAN (since 16 September 1991); Prime Minister Jules R. AJODHIA (since 16 September 1991); election last held 6 September 1991 (next to be held NA May 1996); results - elected by the National Assembly - Ronald VENETIAAN (NF) 80% (645 votes), Jules WIJDENBOSCH (NDP) 14% (115 votes), Hans PRADE (DA '91) 6% (49 votes) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers; appointed by the president from members of the National Assembly note: Commander in Chief of the National Army maintains significant powerLegislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale): elections last held 25 May 1991 (next to be held NA May 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (51 total) NF 30, NDP 10, DA '91 9, independents 2Judicial branch: Supreme Court THE WORLD FACTBOOK Suriname GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: The New Front (NF), a coalition of four parties (NPS, VHP, KTPI, SPA), leader Ronald R. VENETIAAN; Progressive Reform Party (VHP), Jaggernath LACHMON; National Party of Suriname (NPS), Ronald VENETIAAN; Party of National Unity and Solidarity (KTPI), Willy SOEMITA; Suriname Labor Party (SPA), Fred DERBY; Democratic Alternative '91 (DA '91), Winston JESSURUN, a coalition of four parties (AF, HPP, Pendawa Lima, BEP) formed in January 1991; Alternative Forum (AF), Gerard BRUNINGS, Winston JESSURUN; Reformed Progressive Party (HPP), Panalal PARMESSAR; Party for Brotherhood and Unity in Politics (BEP), Caprino ALLENDY; Pendawa Lima, Marsha JAMIN; National Democratic Party (NDP), Desire BOUTERSE; Progressive Workers' and Farm Laborers' Union (PALU), Ir Iwan KROLIS, chairman;Other political or pressure groups: Surinamese Liberation Army (SLA), Ronnie BRUNSWIJK, Johan "Castro" WALLY; Union for Liberation and Democracy, Kofi AFONGPONG; Mandela Bushnegro Liberation Movement, Leendert ADAMS; Tucayana Amazonica, Alex JUBITANA, Thomas SABAJOMember of: ACP, CARICOM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS (associate), ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Willem A. UDENHOUT chancery: Suite 108, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 244-7488, 7490 through 7492 FAX: [1] (202) 244-5878 consulate(s) general: MiamiUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Roger R. GAMBLE embassy: Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129, Paramaribo mailing address: P. O. Box 1821, Paramaribo telephone: [597] 472900, 477881, 476459 FAX: [597] 410025Flag: five horizontal bands of green (top, double width), white, red (quadruple width), white, and green (double width); there is a large yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band THE WORLD FACTBOOK Suriname EconomyOverview: The economy is dominated by the bauxite industry, which accounts for 15% of GDP and about 70% of export earnings. Paramaribo has failed to initiate the economic reforms necessary to stabilize the economy or win renewed Dutch aid disbursements. The government continues to finance deficit spending with monetary emissions. As a result, high inflation, high unemployment, widespread black market activity, and hard currency shortfalls continue to mark the economy.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $1.2 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: -0.8% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $2,800 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 225% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: NABudget: revenues: $300 million expenditures: $700 million, including capital expenditures of $70 million (1994 est.)Exports: $443.3 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: alumina, aluminum, shrimp and fish, rice, bananas partners: Norway 33%, Netherlands 26%, US 13%, Japan 6%, Brazil 6%, UK 3% (1992)Imports: $520.5 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs, cotton, consumer goods partners: US 42%, Netherlands 22%, Trinidad and Tobago 10%, Brazil 5% (1992)External debt: $180 million (March 1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 3.5% (1992 est.); accounts for 18% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 420,000 kW production: 1.4 billion kWh consumption per capita: 3,123 kWh (1993)Industries: bauxite mining, alumina and aluminum production, lumbering, food processing, fishingAgriculture: accounts for 15% of GDP and 25% of export earnings; paddy rice planted on 85% of arable land and represents 60% of total farm output; other products - bananas, palm kernels, coconuts, plantains, peanuts, beef, chicken; shrimp and forestry products of increasing importance; self-sufficient in most foodsIllicit drugs: transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe THE WORLD FACTBOOK Suriname EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-83), $2.5 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.5 billionCurrency: 1 Surinamese guilder, gulden, or florin (Sf.) = 100 centsExchange rates: Surinamese guilders, gulden, or florins (Sf.) per US$1 - 1.7850 (fixed rate); parallel rate 510 (December 1994), 109 (January 1994)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Suriname TransportationRailroads: total: 166 km (single track) standard gauge: 80 km 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 86 km 1.000-m gaugeHighways: total: 8,800 km paved: 500 km unpaved: bauxite, gravel, crushed stone 5,400 km; improved and unimproved earth 2,900 kmInland waterways: 1,200 km; most important means of transport; oceangoing vessels with drafts ranging up to 7 m can navigate many of the principal waterwaysPorts: Albina, Moengo, Nieuw Nickerie, Paramaribo, Paranam, WageningenMerchant marine: total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,421 GRT/2,990 DWT ships by type: cargo 1, container 1Airports: total: 46 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 38 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 7 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Suriname CommunicationsTelephone system: 27,500 telephones; international facilities good local: NA intercity: microwave radio relay network international: 2 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 5, FM 14, shortwave 1 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 6 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Suriname Defense ForcesBranches: National Army (includes small Navy and Air Force elements), Civil PoliceManpower availability: males age 15-49 116,456; males fit for military service 69,011 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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<text>SURINAME - Passport and visa required. Multiple-entry visa requires 2application forms and 2 photos. Business visa requires letter fromsponsoring company. For return of passport by mail, send $5 forregistered mail or $9.95 for Express Mail. For additional requirements contactEmbassy of the Republic of Suriname, Suite 108, 4301 Conn. Ave., N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/244-7488 and 7490) or the Consulate: Miami (305/593-2163).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Suriname============================================================Suriname - Consular Information Sheet August 2, 1995Country Description: Suriname is a developing nation. Transportation, communications and other infrastructure elements do not meet U.S. standards. Roads in the interior are poorly maintained and often unpassable. Tourist facilities vary, depending on price and area. The government of Suriname and private tourism companies have expanded tourism in the interior by establishing several guest houses and tour packages.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required for travel to Suriname. A business visa requires a letter from the sponsoring company. The Surinamese government has implemented a requirement that visitors exchange a certain amount of money, currently the equivalent of 300 Dutch Guilders (approximately $180.00). The exchange may be made at the office of the Central Bank or at commercial banks in Paramaribo. Visitors will receive a receipt for the exchange, which must be presented at the airport or border when departing Suriname. For further information concerning entry requirements, including up to date information on the exchange requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Suriname, 4301 Connecticut Avenue N.W., Suite 108, Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 244-7488 or the Suriname Consulate in Miami.Areas on Instability: While the situation in the countryside is at present stable, there is insufficient police authority over much of the interior of Suriname to offer assistance in an emergency. Unaccompanied travel to the interior, particularly the East-West Highway between Paramaribo and Albina, is considered risky due to the high incidence of robberies and assaults along this route. Isolated acts of violence, particularly in, but not limited to the interior, may occur. Travelers to remote areas of the interior of Suriname should be aware that they may encounter difficulties because of the lack of government authority throughout the interior and inadequate medical facilities in some areas. The ability of the U.S. Embassy to assist in an emergency situation may be hampered by limited transportation and communications in some areas.Medical Facilities: Medical care is limited and does not meet U.S. standards. Americans visiting Suriname who are injured or become ill during their visit will not be admitted to the only hospital with emergency and intensive care facilities unless they pay an advance deposit equal to ten days stay (payable only in U.S. dollars) or provide proof of adequate insurance coverage in a form acceptable to the hospital. Daily room charges currently range from 675 to 1,130 U.S. dollars. Comparable fees are imposed by all other hospitals in Suriname. Some health insurance policies limit or exclude reimbursement for medical expenses incurred outside of the U.S. Travelers can consult their health insurance company for information about reimbursement for medical expenses incurred outside of the U.S. In some cases, supplementary medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: The rate of violent crime has increased. Burglary and armed robbery are increasingly common in the capital city of Paramaribo, as well as in the outlying areas. Banditry occurs along routes in the interior of the country where police protection is inadequate. An increasing number of tourists report being attacked and robbed. Visitors may wish to exercise caution when traveling to the interior without an organized tour group, and secure their belongings carefully while staying in Paramaribo. Visitors may find it useful to carry photocopies of their passport, drivers license, credit cards and other important papers and leave the originals in a safe place.The loss or theft of a U.S. passport overseas should be reported to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens should be aware that birth certificates and/or drivers licenses generally cannot be replaced outside of the United States. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Both this pamphlet and "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America" are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Other Information: Travelers to Suriname may experience disruptions in travel plans because of the unreliability of scheduled airline service to and from that country. Suriname Airways (SLM), operating in conjunction with Antillean Airways, serves as the only direct air link between the United States and Suriname. Limited flight schedules and ongoing technical problems commonly result in delays. Additionally, transportation to the interior is unreliable. Interior flights are often delayed, sometimes for days, because of mechanical difficulties, fuel shortages, and runway conditions. Dutch is the official language of Suriname; however, English is widely used, and most tourist arrangements can be made in English.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Criminal penalties for possession, use and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens may register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Suriname, located at Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129 in Paramaribo; telephone (597) 477-881. At the U.S. Embassy, U.S. citizens can obtain updated information on travel and security in Suriname. This Embassy is also responsible for U.S. interests in French Guiana. No. 95-086This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 18, 1994, to update information on Medical Facilities.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Suriname============================================================Suriname - Consular Information Sheet August 2, 1995Country Description: Suriname is a developing nation. Transportation, communications and other infrastructure elements do not meet U.S. standards. Roads in the interior are poorly maintained and often unpassable. Tourist facilities vary, depending on price and area. The government of Suriname and private tourism companies have expanded tourism in the interior by establishing several guest houses and tour packages.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required for travel to Suriname. A business visa requires a letter from the sponsoring company. The Surinamese government has implemented a requirement that visitors exchange a certain amount of money, currently the equivalent of 300 Dutch Guilders (approximately $180.00). The exchange may be made at the office of the Central Bank or at commercial banks in Paramaribo. Visitors will receive a receipt for the exchange, which must be presented at the airport or border when departing Suriname. For further information concerning entry requirements, including up to date information on the exchange requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Suriname, 4301 Connecticut Avenue N.W., Suite 108, Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 244-7488 or the Suriname Consulate in Miami.Areas on Instability: While the situation in the countryside is at present stable, there is insufficient police authority over much of the interior of Suriname to offer assistance in an emergency. Unaccompanied travel to the interior, particularly the East-West Highway between Paramaribo and Albina, is considered risky due to the high incidence of robberies and assaults along this route. Isolated acts of violence, particularly in, but not limited to the interior, may occur. Travelers to remote areas of the interior of Suriname should be aware that they may encounter difficulties because of the lack of government authority throughout the interior and inadequate medical facilities in some areas. The ability of the U.S. Embassy to assist in an emergency situation may be hampered by limited transportation and communications in some areas.Medical Facilities: Medical care is limited and does not meet U.S. standards. Americans visiting Suriname who are injured or become ill during their visit will not be admitted to the only hospital with emergency and intensive care facilities unless they pay an advance deposit equal to ten days stay (payable only in U.S. dollars) or provide proof of adequate insurance coverage in a form acceptable to the hospital. Daily room charges currently range from 675 to 1,130 U.S. dollars. Comparable fees are imposed by all other hospitals in Suriname. Some health insurance policies limit or exclude reimbursement for medical expenses incurred outside of the U.S. Travelers can consult their health insurance company for information about reimbursement for medical expenses incurred outside of the U.S. In some cases, supplementary medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: The rate of violent crime has increased. Burglary and armed robbery are increasingly common in the capital city of Paramaribo, as well as in the outlying areas. Banditry occurs along routes in the interior of the country where police protection is inadequate. An increasing number of tourists report being attacked and robbed. Visitors may wish to exercise caution when traveling to the interior without an organized tour group, and secure their belongings carefully while staying in Paramaribo. Visitors may find it useful to carry photocopies of their passport, drivers license, credit cards and other important papers and leave the originals in a safe place.The loss or theft of a U.S. passport overseas should be reported to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens should be aware that birth certificates and/or drivers licenses generally cannot be replaced outside of the United States. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Both this pamphlet and "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America" are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Other Information: Travelers to Suriname may experience disruptions in travel plans because of the unreliability of scheduled airline service to and from that country. Suriname Airways (SLM), operating in conjunction with Antillean Airways, serves as the only direct air link between the United States and Suriname. Limited flight schedules and ongoing technical problems commonly result in delays. Additionally, transportation to the interior is unreliable. Interior flights are often delayed, sometimes for days, because of mechanical difficulties, fuel shortages, and runway conditions. Dutch is the official language of Suriname; however, English is widely used, and most tourist arrangements can be made in English.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Criminal penalties for possession, use and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens may register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Suriname, located at Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129 in Paramaribo; telephone (597) 477-881. At the U.S. Embassy, U.S. citizens can obtain updated information on travel and security in Suriname. This Embassy is also responsible for U.S. interests in French Guiana. No. 95-086This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 18, 1994, to update information on Medical Facilities.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sudan GeographyLocation: Northern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Egypt and EritreaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 2,505,810 sq km land area: 2.376 million sq km comparative area: slightly more than one-quarter the size of the USLand boundaries: total 7,687 km, Central African Republic 1,165 km, Chad 1,360 km, Egypt 1,273 km, Eritrea 605 km, Ethiopia 1,606 km, Kenya 232 km, Libya 383 km, Uganda 435 km, Zaire 628 kmCoastline: 853 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 18 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: administrative boundary with Kenya does not coincide with international boundary; administrative boundary with Egypt does not coincide with international boundary creating the "Hala'ib Triangle," a barren area of 20,580 sq km, tensions over this disputed area began to escalate in 1992 and remain highClimate: tropical in south; arid desert in north; rainy season (April to October)Terrain: generally flat, featureless plain; mountains in east and westNatural resources: small reserves of petroleum, iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, tungsten, mica, silver, goldLand use: arable land: 5% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 24% forest and woodland: 20% other: 51%Irrigated land: 18,900 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: inadequate supplies of potable water; wildlife populations threatened by excessive hunting; soil erosion; desertification natural hazards: dust storms THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sudan Geography international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, DesertificationNote: largest country in Africa; dominated by the Nile and its tributaries THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sudan PeoplePopulation: 30,120,420 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 46% (female 6,801,001; male 7,124,892) 15-64 years: 52% (female 7,706,864; male 7,830,980) 65 years and over: 2% (female 280,297; male 376,386) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.35% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 41.29 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 11.74 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.) note: the flow of refugees from the civil war in Sudan into neighboring countries continues, often at the rate of tens of thousands annually; Uganda was the main recipient of Sudanese refugees in the past year; repatriation of Eritrean and Ethiopean refugees in Sudan continuesInfant mortality rate: 77.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 54.71 years male: 53.81 years female: 55.65 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Sudanese (singular and plural) adjective: SudaneseEthnic divisions: black 52%, Arab 39%, Beja 6%, foreigners 2%, other 1%Religions: Sunni Muslim 70% (in north), indigenous beliefs 25%, Christian 5% (mostly in south and Khartoum)Languages: Arabic (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, diverse dialects of Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages, English note: program of Arabization in processLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1983) total population: 32% male: 44% female: 21%Labor force: 6.5 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sudan People by occupation: agriculture 80%, industry and commerce 10%, government 6% note: labor shortages for almost all categories of skilled employment (1983 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sudan GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of the Sudan conventional short form: Sudan local long form: Jumhuriyat as-Sudan local short form: As-Sudan former: Anglo-Egyptian SudanDigraph: SUType: ruling military junta - Revolutionary Command Council (RCC) - dissolved on 16 October 1993 and government civilianizedCapital: KhartoumAdministrative divisions: 9 states (wilayat, singular - wilayat or wilayah*); A'ali an Nil, Al Wusta*, Al Istiwa'iyah*, Al Khartum, Ash Shamaliyah*, Ash Sharqiyah*, Bahr al Ghazal, Darfur, Kurdufan note: on 14 February 1994, the 9 states comprising Sudan were divided into 26 new states; the new state boundary alignments are undeterminedIndependence: 1 January 1956 (from Egypt and UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 1 January (1956)Constitution: 12 April 1973, suspended following coup of 6 April 1985; interim constitution of 10 October 1985 suspended following coup of 30 June 1989Legal system: based on English common law and Islamic law; as of 20 January 1991, the now defunct Revolutionary Command Council imposed Islamic law in the northern states; the council is still studying criminal provisions under Islamic law; Islamic law applies to all residents of the northern states regardless of their religion; some separate religious courts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: noneExecutive branch: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Lt. General Umar Hasan Ahmad al-BASHIR (since 16 October 1993); prior to 16 October 1993, BASHIR served concurrently as Chief of State, Chairman of the RCC, Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence (since 30 June 1989); First Vice President Major General al-Zubayr Muhammad SALIH (since 19 October 1993); Second Vice President (Police) Maj. General George KONGOR (since NA February 1994); note - upon its dissolution on 16 October 1993, the RCC's executive and legislative powers were devolved to the President and the Transitional National Assembly (TNA), Sudan's appointed legislative body THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sudan Government cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president; note - on 30 October 1993, President BASHIR announced a new, predominantly civilian cabinet, consisting of 20 federal ministers, most of whom retained their previous cabinet positions; on 9 February 1995, he abolished three ministries and redivided their portfolios to create several new ministries; these changes increased National Islamic Front presence at the ministerial level and consolidated its control over the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; President BASHIR's government is dominated by members of Sudan's National Islamic Front, a fundamentalist political organization formed from the Muslim Brotherhood in 1986; front leader Hasan al-TURABI controls Khartoum's overall domestic and foreign policiesLegislative branch: appointed 300-member Transitional National Assembly; officially assumes all legislative authority for Sudan until the proposed 1995 resumption of national electionsJudicial branch: Supreme Court, Special Revolutionary CourtsPolitical parties and leaders: none; banned following 30 June 1989 coupOther political or pressure groups: National Islamic Front, Hasan al-TURABIMember of: ABEDA, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ahmad SULAYMAN chancery: 2210 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 338-8565 through 8570 FAX: [1] (202) 667-2406US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Donald K. PETTERSON embassy: Shar'ia Ali Abdul Latif, Khartoum mailing address: P. O. Box 699, Khartoum; APO AE 09829 telephone: 74700, 74611 (operator assistance required) FAX: Telex 22619 AMEMSDFlag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist side THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sudan EconomyOverview: Sudan is buffeted by civil war, chronic political instability, adverse weather, high inflation, a drop in remittances from abroad, and counterproductive economic policies. Governmental entities account for more than 70% of new investment. The private sector's main areas of activity are agriculture and trading, with most private industrial investment predating 1980. Agriculture employs 80% of the work force. Industry mainly processes agricultural items. Sluggish economic performance over the past decade, attributable largely to declining annual rainfall, has reduced levels of per capita income and consumption. A large foreign debt and huge arrearages continue to cause difficulties. In 1990 the International Monetary Fund took the unusual step of declaring Sudan noncooperative because of its nonpayment of arrearages to the Fund. After Sudan backtracked on promised reforms in 1992-93, the IMF threatened to expel Sudan from the Fund. To avoid expulsion, Khartoum agreed to make payments on its arrears to the Fund, liberalize exchange rates, and reduce subsidies. These measures have been partially implemented. The government's continued prosecution of the civil war and its growing international isolation led to a further deterioration of the nonagricultural sectors of the economy during 1994. Agriculture, on the other hand, after several disappointing years, enjoyed a bumper fall harvest in 1994; its strong performance produced an overall growth rate in GDP of perhaps 7%.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $23.7 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 7% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $870 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 112% (FY93/94 est.)Unemployment rate: 30% (FY92/93 est.)Budget: revenues: $493 million expenditures: $1.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $225 million (1994 est.)Exports: $419 million (f.o.b., FY93/94) commodities: gum arabic 29%, livestock/meat 24%, cotton 13%, sesame, peanuts partners: Western Europe 46%, Saudi Arabia 14%, Eastern Europe 9%, Japan 9%, US 3% (FY87/88)Imports: $1.7 billion (c.i.f., FY93/94) commodities: foodstuffs, petroleum products, manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, medicines and chemicals, textiles partners: Western Europe 32%, Africa and Asia 15%, US 13%, Eastern Europe 3% (FY87/88)External debt: $17 billion (June 1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 6.8% (FY92/93 est.); accounts for 11% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 500,000 kW THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sudan Economy production: 1.3 billion kWh consumption per capita: 42 kWh (1993)Industries: cotton ginning, textiles, cement, edible oils, sugar, soap distilling, shoes, petroleum refiningAgriculture: accounts for 35% of GDP; major products - cotton, oilseeds, sorghum, millet, wheat, gum arabic, sheep; marginally self-sufficient in most foodsEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.5 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $5.1 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $3.1 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $588 millionCurrency: 1 Sudanese pound (#Sd) = 100 piastresExchange rates: official rate - Sudanese pounds (#Sd) per US$1 - 434.8 (January 1995), 277.8 (1994), 153.8 (1993), 69.4 (1992), 5.4288 (1991), 4.5004 (1990); note - the commercial rate is 300 Sudanese pounds per US$1Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sudan TransportationRailroads: total: 5,516 km narrow gauge: 4,800 km 1.067-m gauge; 716 km 1.6096-m gauge plantation lineHighways: total: 20,703 km paved: bituminous treated 2,000 km unpaved: gravel 4,000 km; improved earth 2,304 km; unimproved earth 12,399 kmInland waterways: 5,310 km navigablePipelines: refined products 815 kmPorts: Juba, Khartoum, Kusti, Malakal, Nimule, Port Sudan, SawakinMerchant marine: total: 5 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 43,024 GRT/122,379 DWT ships by type: cargo 3, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2Airports: total: 70 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 13 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 14 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 33 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sudan CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; large, well-equipped system by African standards, but barely adequate and poorly maintained by modern standards local: NA intercity: consists of microwave radio relay, cable, radio communications, troposcatter, and a domestic satellite system with 14 stations international: 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 ARABSAT earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 11, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 3 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sudan Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Popular Defense Force MilitiaManpower availability: males age 15-49 6,806,588; males fit for military service 4,185,206; males reach military age (18) annually 313,958 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $600 million, 7.3% of GDP (FY93/94 est.)</text>
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<text>SUDAN - Passport and visa required. Visa must be obtained in advance.Transit visa valid up to 7 days, requires $50 fee (cash or moneyorder), onward/return ticket and visa for next destination, if appropriate.Tourist/business visa for single entry up to 3 months (extendable),requires $50 fee, 1 application form, 1 photo, proof of sufficientfunds for stay and SASE for return passport. Business visa requires companyletter stating purpose of visit and invitation from Sudanese officials.Malarial suppressants and vaccinations for yellow fever, cholera, andmeningitis recommended. Visas not granted to passports showing Israelior South African visas. Allow 4 weeks for processing. Travelers mustdeclare currency upon arrival and departure. Check additional currencyregulations for stays longer than 2 months. Contact Embassy of the Republic of theSudan, 2210 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/338-8565 to8570) or Consulate General, 210 East 49th St., New York, NY 10017(212/573-6035).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Sudan============================================================Sudan - Travel Warning January 30, 1995U.S. citizens are warned against all travel to Sudan because of potential violence within the country. Travel anywhere outside the capital city of Khartoum requires the permission of the government of Sudan. No. 95-003This Travel Warning replaces the Warning dated March 3, 1994, to delete information concerning ordered departure of all U.S. Government dependents.Sudan - Consular Information Sheet February 1, 1995Warning: U.S. citizens are warned against all travel to Sudan because of potential violence within the country. Travel anywhere outside the capital city of Khartoum requires the permission of the government of Sudan.Country Description: Sudan is a large under-developed country in northeastern Africa. Tourism facilities are minimal.Entry Requirements: A passport and a visa are required to enter Sudan. The Sudanese government recommends that malarial suppressants be taken, and that yellow fever, cholera and meningitis vaccinations be in order. Visas are not granted in passports showing Israeli visas. Further information concerning entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan, 2210 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008. The telephone numbers are (202) 338-8565 thru 8570. There is also a Sudanese Consulate General at 210 East 49th Street, New York, NY, 10017, telephone (212) 421-2680.Areas of Instability: Travel in all parts of Sudan is considered potentially hazardous. Western interests in Khartoum have been the target several times in recent years of terrorist acts. Civil war persists in southern Sudan in the three provinces of Upper Nile, Bahr El Ghazal and Equatoria. Banditry and incursions by southern Sudanese rebels are common in western Sudan, particularly in Darfur Province along the Chadian and Libyan borders and in southern Kordofan Province.Curfew Rules: The government of Sudan has ordered a curfew with rules that are strictly enforced. Persons who are outside during curfew hours without authorization are subject to arrest. Curfew hours change frequently. The U.S. Embassy's Consular Section, some hotel officials and local police can inform visitors of current curfew hours.Registration with Local Police: Travelers are required to register with police headquarters within three days of arrival. Travelers must obtain police permission before moving to another location in Sudan and must register with police within 24 hours of arrival at the new location. These regulations are strictly enforced. Even with proper documentation, travelers in Sudan have been subjected to delays and detentions by Sudan's security forces, especially when traveling outside Khartoum. Authorities expect roadblocks to be respected.Currency Regulations: Individuals who exchange money at other than an authorized banking institution risk arrest and loss of funds through unscrupulous black marketeers.Photography Restrictions: A permit must be obtained before taking photographs anywhere in Khartoum, as well as in the interior of the country. Photographing military areas, bridges, drainage stations, broadcast stations, public utilities and slum areas or beggars is prohibited.Infrastructure: Disruptions of water and electricity are frequent. Telecommunications are slow and often impossible.Domestic Travel Information: Unforeseen circumstances such as sandstorms and electrical outages may cause flight delays. The Khartoum Airport arrival and departure procedures are lengthy. Passengers usually allow three hours for pre-departure security and other processing at the airport.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who visit or remain in Sudan, despite the warning, may register at the U.S. Embassy and obtain updated information on travel and security.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at Sharia Ali Abdul Latif in the capital city of Khartoum. The mailing address is P.O. Box 699, or APO AE 09829. Telephone numbers are 74700 and 74611. The work week is Sunday through Thursday. No. 95-015This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated March 7, 1994, to delete the restriction relating to dependents of employees assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sri Lanka GeographyLocation: Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of IndiaMap references: AsiaArea: total area: 65,610 sq km land area: 64,740 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than West VirginiaLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 1,340 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October)Terrain: mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interiorNatural resources: limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, clayLand use: arable land: 16% permanent crops: 17% meadows and pastures: 7% forest and woodland: 37% other: 23%Irrigated land: 5,600 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by poaching; coastal degradation from mining activities and increased pollution; freshwater resources being polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff natural hazards: occasional cyclones and tornadoes international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Marine Life Conservation THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sri Lanka GeographyNote: strategic location near major Indian Ocean sea lanes THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sri Lanka PeoplePopulation: 18,342,660 (July 1995 est.) note: since the outbreak of hostilities between the government and armed Tamil separatists in the mid-1980s, several hundred thousand Tamil civilians have fled the island; as of late 1992, nearly 115,000 were housed in refugee camps in south India, another 95,000 lived outside the Indian camps, and more than 200,000 Tamils have sought political asylum in the WestAge structure: 0-14 years: 29% (female 2,597,969; male 2,713,696) 15-64 years: 65% (female 6,042,228; male 5,902,343) 65 years and over: 6% (female 547,715; male 538,709) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.15% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 18.13 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.78 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -0.84 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 21.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.14 years male: 69.58 years female: 74.82 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.08 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Sri Lankan(s) adjective: Sri LankanEthnic divisions: Sinhalese 74%, Tamil 18%, Moor 7%, Burgher, Malay, and Vedda 1%Religions: Buddhist 69%, Hindu 15%, Christian 8%, Muslim 8%Languages: Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil (national language) 18% note: English is commonly used in government and is spoken by about 10% of the populationLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 88% male: 93% female: 84%Labor force: 6.6 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sri Lanka People by occupation: agriculture 45.9%, mining and manufacturing 13.3%, trade and transport 12.4%, services and other 28.4% (1985 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sri Lanka GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka conventional short form: Sri Lanka former: CeylonDigraph: CEType: republicCapital: ColomboAdministrative divisions: 8 provinces; Central, North Central, North Eastern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, WesternIndependence: 4 February 1948 (from UK)National holiday: Independence and National Day, 4 February (1948)Constitution: adopted 16 August 1978Legal system: a highly complex mixture of English common law, Roman-Dutch, Muslim, Sinhalese, and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGA (since 12 November 1994); note - Sirimavo BANDARANAIKE is the Prime Minister; in Sri Lanka the president is considered to be both the chief of state and the head of the government, this is in contrast to the more common practice of dividing the roles between the president and the prime minister when both offices exist; election last held 9 November 1994 (next to be held NA November 2000); results - Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGA (People's Alliance) 62%, Srima DISSANAYAKE (United National Party) 37%, other 1% cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president in consultation with the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral Parliament: elections last held 16 August 1994 (next to be held by August 2000); results - PA 49.0%, UNP 44.0%, SLMC 1.8%, TULF 1.7%, SLPF 1.1%, EPDP 0.3%, UPF 0.3%, PLOTE 0.1%, other 1.7%; seats - (225 total) PA 105, UNP 94, EPDP 9, SLMC 7, TULF 5, PLOTE 3, SLPF 1, UPF 1Judicial branch: Supreme Court THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sri Lanka GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC), C. G. Kumar PONNAMBALAM; Ceylon Workers Congress (CLDC), S. THONDAMAN; Communist Party, K. P. SILVA; Communist Party/Beijing (CP/B), N. SHANMUGATHASAN; Democratic People's Liberation Front (DPLF), leader NA; Democratic United National Front (DUNF), G. M. PREMACHANDRA; Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP), Douglas DEVANANDA; Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front (EPRL), Suresh PREMACHANDRAN; Eelam Revolutionary Organization of Students (EROS), Shankar RAJI; Lanka Socialist Party/Trotskyite (LSSP, or Lanka Sama Samaja Party), Colin R. DE SILVA; Liberal Party (LP), Chanaka AMARATUNGA; New Socialist Party (NSSP, or Nava Sama Samaja Party), Vasudeva NANAYAKKARA; People's Alliance (PA), Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGA; People's Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE), Dharmalingam SIDARTHAN; People's United Front (MEP, or Mahajana Eksath Peramuna), Dinesh GUNAWARDENE; Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), Sirimavo BANDARANAIKE; Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), M. H. M. ASHRAFF; Sri Lanka People's Party (SLMP, or Sri Lanka Mahajana Party), Ossie ABEYGUNASEKERA; Sri Lanka Progressive Front (SLPF), leader NA; Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization (TELO), leader NA; Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF), M. SIVASITHAMBARAM; United National Party (UNP), Ranil WICKREMANSINGHE; Upcountry People's Front (UPF), leader NA; several ethnic Tamil and Muslim parties, represented in either parliament or provincial councils note: the United Socialist Alliance (USA), which was formed in 1987 and included the NSSP, LSSP, SLMP, CP/M, and CP/B, was defunct as of 1993, following the formation of the People's Alliance Party (PA)Other political or pressure groups: Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and other smaller Tamil separatist groups; other radical chauvinist Sinhalese groups; Buddhist clergy; Sinhalese Buddhist lay groups; labor unionsMember of: AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, PCA, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jayantha DHANAPALA chancery: 2148 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 483-4025 through 4028 FAX: [1] (202) 232-7181 consulate(s): New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Teresita C. SCHAFFER embassy: 210 Galle Road, Colombo 3 mailing address: P. O. Box 106, Colombo telephone: [94] (1) 448007 FAX: [94] (1) 437345 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sri Lanka GovernmentFlag: yellow with two panels; the smaller hoist-side panel has two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and orange; the other panel is a large dark red rectangle with a yellow lion holding a sword, and there is a yellow bo leaf in each corner; the yellow field appears as a border that goes around the entire flag and extends between the two panels THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sri Lanka EconomyOverview: Industry - dominated by the fast-growing apparel industry - has surpassed agriculture as the main source of export earnings and accounts for over 16% of GDP. The economy has been plagued by high rates of unemployment since the late 1970s. Economic growth, which has been depressed by ethnic unrest, accelerated in 1991-94 as domestic conditions began to improve and conditions for foreign investment brightened. Currently, however, the new government's emphasis on populist measures has clouded Sri Lanka's economic prospects.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $57.6 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $3,190 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 13.6% (1993 est.)Budget: revenues: $2.3 billion expenditures: $3.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.5 billion (1993)Exports: $2.9 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: garments and textiles, teas, diamonds, other gems, petroleum products, rubber products, other agricultural products, marine products, graphite partners: US 35.2%, Germany, UK, Belgium-Luxembourg, Japan, Netherlands, France (1993)Imports: $4 billion (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: textiles and textile materials, machinery and equipment, transport equipment, petroleum, building materials partners: Japan, India, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, China (1993)External debt: $7.2 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 9% (1993 est.); accounts for 16% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 1,410,000 kW production: 3.2 billion kWh consumption per capita: 168 kWh (1993)Industries: processing of rubber, tea, coconuts, and other agricultural commodities; clothing, cement, petroleum refining, textiles, tobaccoAgriculture: accounts for one-fourth of GDP; field crops - rice, sugarcane, grains, pulses, oilseeds, roots, spices; cash crops - tea, rubber, coconuts; animal products - milk, eggs, hides, meat; not self-sufficient in rice production THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sri Lanka EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $5.1 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $169 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $369 millionCurrency: 1 Sri Lankan rupee (SLRe) = 100 centsExchange rates: Sri Lankan rupees (SLRes) per US$1 - 50.115 (January 1995), 49.415 (1994), 48.322 (1993), 43.830 (1992), 41.372 (1991), 40.063 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sri Lanka TransportationRailroads: total: 1,948 km broad gauge: 1,948 km 1.868-m gauge (102 km double track) (1990)Highways: total: 75,263 km paved: mostly bituminous treated 27,637 km unpaved: crushed stone, gravel 32,887 km; improved, unimproved earth 14,739 kmInland waterways: 430 km; navigable by shallow-draft craftPipelines: crude oil and petroleum products 62 km (1987)Ports: Colombo, Galle, Jaffna, TrincomaleeMerchant marine: total: 26 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 289,115 GRT/453,609 DWT ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 12, container 1, oil tanker 3, refrigerated cargo 8Airports: total: 14 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 7 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sri Lanka CommunicationsTelephone system: 114,000 telephones (1982); very inadequate domestic service, good international service local: NA intercity: NA international: submarine cables extend to Indonesia and Djibouti; 2 INTELSAT (Indian Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 12, FM 5, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 5 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sri Lanka Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Police ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 4,990,661; males fit for military service 3,888,372; males reach military age (18) annually 178,926 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $412 million, 3.6% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>SRI LANKA - Passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficientfunds ($15 per day) required. Tourist visa not required for stay up to 90days. For business or travel on official/diplomatic passport, visa requiredand must be obtained in advance. Business visa valid 1 month, requires 1application form, 2 photos, a company letter, a letter from sponsoringagency in Sri Lanka, a copy of an onward/return ticket, and $5 fee.Include $6 postage for return of passport by registered mail. Yellowfever and cholera immunizations needed if arriving from infected area. Forfurther information contact Embassy of the Democratic SocialistRepublic of Sri Lanka, 2148 Wyoming Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008(202/483-4025) or nearest Consulate: CA (805/323-8975 and 504/362-3232), HI(808/373-2040), NJ (201/627-7855) or NY (212/986-7040).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Sri Lanka============================================================Sri Lanka - Consular Information Sheet September 26, 1995Country Description: Sri Lanka is a parliamentary democracy with a developing economy. Tourist facilities outside the capital and major tourist areas may be limited.Entry and Registration Requirements: A passport and onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds (15 U.S. dollars per day) are required. A tourist visa can be granted at the time of entry into Sri Lanka, and may be valid for a maximum period of 90 days. Business travelers may be granted a landing endorsement at the port of entry for a one month period under certain circumstances. Yellow fever and cholera immunizations are needed if arriving from an infected area. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, 2148 Wyoming Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 483-4025 through 8, or the Sri Lankan Consulate in New York. There are also honorary Sri Lankan consuls in Los Angeles, Honolulu, New Orleans and Newark. Sri Lankan law requires all persons, including foreigners, who are guests in private households to register in person at the nearest local police station. Individuals who stay in private households without registering with the local authorities may be temporarily detained for questioning. This requirement does not apply to individuals staying in hotels or guest houses.Areas of Instability: There is a long-standing armed conflict between the Sri Lankan government and a Tamil separatist group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). A cease fire which had been agreed to between the government and the LTTE in November of 1994 was abrogated by the LTTE in April of 1995. As of September 1995, fighting between government security forces and the LTTE continues in Northern and Eastern areas of the island. Sri Lankan defense regulations restrict travel to much of the island's Northern area. Areas such as Wilpattu and Gal-oya national parks are considered especially unsafe.Random terrorist bombings continue to occur, in or near the capital city of Colombo. While foreign nationals have not been targeted in the on-going conflict thus far, a little known group called the Qellalan Force which claimed responsibility for a June 1995 car bomb at Colombo's Katunayake International Airport has threatened to target foreigners in the future. Since the LTTE apparently has the ability to down military aircraft, commercial commuter flights operating between military airports in Sri Lanka may be at risk.Although foreign travelers have not specifically been the targets of terrorist attacks, there is some risk that tourists or business representatives traveling in Sri Lanka could be inadvertently caught up in random acts of violence. Travelers are advised to keep this risk to a minimum by avoiding travel to the northern and eastern areas of the country, avoiding attending political rallies or other mass gatherings, staying clear of military installations and by using caution when traveling on public buses or trains. Street and highway checkpoints staffed by security personnel are common; travelers should closely follow any instructions given.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. A serious illness or injury may require evacuation to the nearest country where adequate medical facilities or treatment are available, usually Thailand or Singapore. Supplemental medical insurance which would cover medical evacuation expenses is highly recommended. For further information, travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Petty street crime such as purse snatching and pickpocketing is common especially on crowded local transportation. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to South Asia." They are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced in Sri Lanka. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Embassy Location and Registration: Updated information on travel and security within Sri Lanka is available at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo. The mailing address is P.O. Box 106, 210 Galle Road, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka. The Embassy's telephone number during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, is (94) (1) 448-007. The Embassy's after-hours and emergency telephone number is (94)(1) 447-355. The embassy in Colombo also covers the Republic of the Maldives. The consular agency in Male closed on August 9, 1995. U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the Embassy upon arrival in Sri Lanka. No. 95-118This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Sri Lanka dated April 22, 1994, to update information on entry requirements, areas of instability, medical facilities, and the closing of the Consular Agency in the Maldives.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Sri Lanka============================================================Sri Lanka - Public Announcement June 15, 1995 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman For Immediate ReleaseOn June 13, 1995, the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka issued the following notice:"In light of the June 5 attempted car bombing at Katunayake International Airport, the U.S. Embassy believes it is important that American citizens be fully informed of security developments. On June 13, the U.S. Embassy and several commercial organizations received a copy of a message from the Ellalan Force in which that group claimed responsibility for the June 5 bomb which partially exploded at Katunayake. The Ellalan Force in its most recent message threatened further bomb attacks against the Airport and called for tourists not to use the facility. Following the failed car bombing on June 5, the authorities have implemented tighter security measures at Katunayake which remain in effect."----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories-----STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Sri Lanka============================================================Sri Lanka - Consular Information Sheet September 26, 1995Country Description: Sri Lanka is a parliamentary democracy with a developing economy. Tourist facilities outside the capital and major tourist areas may be limited.Entry and Registration Requirements: A passport and onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds (15 U.S. dollars per day) are required. A tourist visa can be granted at the time of entry into Sri Lanka, and may be valid for a maximum period of 90 days. Business travelers may be granted a landing endorsement at the port of entry for a one month period under certain circumstances. Yellow fever and cholera immunizations are needed if arriving from an infected area. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, 2148 Wyoming Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 483-4025 through 8, or the Sri Lankan Consulate in New York. There are also honorary Sri Lankan consuls in Los Angeles, Honolulu, New Orleans and Newark. Sri Lankan law requires all persons, including foreigners, who are guests in private households to register in person at the nearest local police station. Individuals who stay in private households without registering with the local authorities may be temporarily detained for questioning. This requirement does not apply to individuals staying in hotels or guest houses.Areas of Instability: There is a long-standing armed conflict between the Sri Lankan government and a Tamil separatist group, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). A cease fire which had been agreed to between the government and the LTTE in November of 1994 was abrogated by the LTTE in April of 1995. As of September 1995, fighting between government security forces and the LTTE continues in Northern and Eastern areas of the island. Sri Lankan defense regulations restrict travel to much of the island's Northern area. Areas such as Wilpattu and Gal-oya national parks are considered especially unsafe.Random terrorist bombings continue to occur, in or near the capital city of Colombo. While foreign nationals have not been targeted in the on-going conflict thus far, a little known group called the Qellalan Force which claimed responsibility for a June 1995 car bomb at Colombo's Katunayake International Airport has threatened to target foreigners in the future. Since the LTTE apparently has the ability to down military aircraft, commercial commuter flights operating between military airports in Sri Lanka may be at risk.Although foreign travelers have not specifically been the targets of terrorist attacks, there is some risk that tourists or business representatives traveling in Sri Lanka could be inadvertently caught up in random acts of violence. Travelers are advised to keep this risk to a minimum by avoiding travel to the northern and eastern areas of the country, avoiding attending political rallies or other mass gatherings, staying clear of military installations and by using caution when traveling on public buses or trains. Street and highway checkpoints staffed by security personnel are common; travelers should closely follow any instructions given.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. A serious illness or injury may require evacuation to the nearest country where adequate medical facilities or treatment are available, usually Thailand or Singapore. Supplemental medical insurance which would cover medical evacuation expenses is highly recommended. For further information, travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Petty street crime such as purse snatching and pickpocketing is common especially on crowded local transportation. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to South Asia." They are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced in Sri Lanka. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Embassy Location and Registration: Updated information on travel and security within Sri Lanka is available at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo. The mailing address is P.O. Box 106, 210 Galle Road, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka. The Embassy's telephone number during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, is (94) (1) 448-007. The Embassy's after-hours and emergency telephone number is (94)(1) 447-355. The embassy in Colombo also covers the Republic of the Maldives. The consular agency in Male closed on August 9, 1995. U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the Embassy upon arrival in Sri Lanka. No. 95-118This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Sri Lanka dated April 22, 1994, to update information on entry requirements, areas of instability, medical facilities, and the closing of the Consular Agency in the Maldives.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Spratly Islands GeographyLocation: Southeastern Asia, group of reefs in the South China Sea, about two-thirds of the way from southern Vietnam to the southern PhilippinesMap references: Southeast AsiaArea: total area: NA sq km but less than 5 km2 land area: less than 5 sq km comparative area: NA note: includes 100 or so islets, coral reefs, and sea mounts scattered over the South China SeaLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 926 kmMaritime claims: NAInternational disputes: all of the Spratly Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam; parts of them are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines; in 1984, Brunei established an exclusive economic zone, which encompasses Louisa Reef, but has not publicly claimed the islandClimate: tropicalTerrain: flatNatural resources: fish, guano, undetermined oil and natural gas potentialLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100%Irrigated land: 0 sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: typhoons; serious maritime hazard because of numerous reefs and shoals international agreements: NANote: strategically located near several primary shipping lanes in the central South China Sea; includes numerous small islands, atolls, shoals, and coral reefs THE WORLD FACTBOOK Spratly Islands PeoplePopulation: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are scattered garrisons THE WORLD FACTBOOK Spratly Islands GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Spratly IslandsDigraph: PG THE WORLD FACTBOOK Spratly Islands EconomyOverview: Economic activity is limited to commercial fishing. The proximity to nearby oil- and gas-producing sedimentary basins suggests the potential for oil and gas deposits, but the region is largely unexplored, and there are no reliable estimates of potential reserves; commercial exploitation has yet to be developed.Industries: none THE WORLD FACTBOOK Spratly Islands TransportationPorts: noneAirports: total: 4 with paved runways under 914 m: 3 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Spratly Islands CommunicationsTelephone system: local: NA intercity: NA international: NARadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: NA televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Spratly Islands Defense ForcesNote: about 50 small islands or reefs are occupied by China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Spain GeographyLocation: Southwestern Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea, and North Atlantic Ocean, southwest of FranceMap references: EuropeArea: total area: 504,750 sq km land area: 499,400 sq km comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Oregon note: includes Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, and five places of sovereignty (plazas de soberania) on and off the coast of Morocco - Ceuta, Mellila, Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de la GomeraLand boundaries: total 1,903.2 km, Andorra 65 km, France 623 km, Gibraltar 1.2 km, Portugal 1,214 kmCoastline: 4,964 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: Gibraltar question with UK; Spain controls five places of sovereignty (plazas de soberania) on and off the coast of Morocco - the coastal enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, which Morocco contests, as well as the islands of Penon de Alhucemas, Penon de Velez de la Gomera, and Islas ChafarinasClimate: temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coastTerrain: large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills; Pyrenees in northNatural resources: coal, lignite, iron ore, uranium, mercury, pyrites, fluorspar, gypsum, zinc, lead, tungsten, copper, kaolin, potash, hydropowerLand use: arable land: 31% permanent crops: 10% meadows and pastures: 21% forest and woodland: 31% other: 7%Irrigated land: 33,600 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: pollution of the Mediterranean Sea from raw sewage and effluents from the offshore production of oil and gas; air pollution; deforestation; desertification THE WORLD FACTBOOK Spain Geography natural hazards: periodic droughts international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Desertification, Law of the SeaNote: strategic location along approaches to Strait of Gibraltar THE WORLD FACTBOOK Spain PeoplePopulation: 39,404,348 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 17% (female 3,214,606; male 3,446,643) 15-64 years: 68% (female 13,377,839; male 13,457,683) 65 years and over: 15% (female 3,461,367; male 2,446,210) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.27% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 11.21 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 8.86 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 6.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.91 years male: 74.67 years female: 81.39 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.41 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Spaniard(s) adjective: SpanishEthnic divisions: composite of Mediterranean and Nordic typesReligions: Roman Catholic 99%, other sects 1%Languages: Castilian Spanish, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, Basque 2%Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1986) total population: 96% male: 98% female: 94%Labor force: 14.621 million by occupation: services 53%, industry 24%, agriculture 14%, construction 9% (1988) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Spain GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Kingdom of Spain conventional short form: Spain local short form: EspanaDigraph: SPType: parliamentary monarchyCapital: MadridAdministrative divisions: 17 autonomous communities (comunidades autonomas, singular - comunidad autonoma); Andalucia, Aragon, Asturias, Canarias, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Cataluna, Communidad Valencia, Extremadura, Galicia, Islas Baleares, La Rioja, Madrid, Murcia, Navarra, Pais Vasco note: there are five places of sovereignty on and off the coast of Morocco (Ceuta, Mellila, Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera) with administrative status unknownIndependence: 1492 (expulsion of the Moors and unification)National holiday: National Day, 12 OctoberConstitution: 6 December 1978, effective 29 December 1978Legal system: civil law system, with regional applications; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: King JUAN CARLOS I (since 22 November 1975) head of government: Prime Minister Felipe GONZALEZ Marquez (since 2 December 1982); Deputy Prime Minister Narcis SERRA y Serra (since 13 March 1991) cabinet: Council of Ministers; designated by the prime minister Council of State: is the supreme consultative organ of the governmentLegislative branch: bicameral The General Courts or National Assembly (Las Cortes Generales) Senate (Senado): elections last held 6 June 1993 (next to be held by June 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (255 total) PSOE 117, PP 107, CiU 15, PNV 5, IU 2, other 9 Congress of Deputies (Congreso de los Diputados): elections last held 6 June 1993 (next to be held by June 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (350 total) PSOE 159, PP 141, IU 18, CiU 17, PNV 5, CC 4, HB 2, other 4Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Spain GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: principal national parties, from right to left: Popular Party (PP), Jose Maria AZNAR Lopez; Democratic Social Center (CDS), Rafael CALVO Ortega; Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE), Felipe GONZALEZ Marquez, secretary general; Socialist Democracy Party (DS), Ricardo GARCIA Damborenea; Spanish Communist Party (PCE), Julio ANGUITA Gonzalez; United Left (IU - a coalition of parties including the PCE, a branch of the PSOE, and other small parties), Julio ANGUITA Gonzalez chief regional parties: Convergence and Union (CiU), Miquel ROCA i Junyent, secretary general; Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), Xabier ARZALLUS Antia and Jose Antonio ARDANZA; Basque United People (HB), Jon IDIGORAS Guerricabeitia and Inaki ESNAOLA; Canarian Coalition (CC), a coalition of five partiesOther political or pressure groups: on the extreme left, the Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) and the First of October Antifascist Resistance Group (GRAPO) use terrorism to oppose the government; free labor unions (authorized in April 1977) include the Communist-dominated Workers Commissions (CCOO); the Socialist General Union of Workers (UGT), and the smaller independent Workers Syndical Union (USO); business and landowning interests; the Catholic Church; Opus Dei; university studentsMember of: AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, EBRD, EC, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, ESA, FAO, G- 8, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, ONUSAL, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIH, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR, UNU, UPU, WCL, WEU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jaime De OJEDA Eiseley chancery: 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: [1] (202) 452-0100, 728-2340 FAX: [1] (202) 833-5670 consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Richard N. GARDNER embassy: Serrano 75, 28006 Madrid mailing address: APO AE 09642 telephone: [34] (1) 577-4000 FAX: [34] (1) 577-5735 consulate(s) general: Barcelona consulate(s): Bilbao THE WORLD FACTBOOK Spain GovernmentFlag: three horizontal bands of red (top), yellow (double width), and red with the national coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band; the coat of arms includes the royal seal framed by the Pillars of Hercules, which are the two promontories (Gibraltar and Ceuta) on either side of the eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar THE WORLD FACTBOOK Spain EconomyOverview: Spain, with a per capita output approximately two-thirds that of the four leading economies of Western Europe, has shared with these countries the recession of the early 1990s and the upturn of their economic fortunes in 1994. But whereas unemployment in these countries has hovered just above 10%, Spain has been forced to cope with a 25% unemployment rate. Continued political turmoil has complicated the establishment of stable government policies toward budgetary restraint, interest rates, labor law reform, and Spain's role in the evolving economic integration of Western Europe. Because the recession has been so deep, the growth in industrial output, tourism, and other sectors in 1994, while welcome, falls far short of the growth required to bring unemployment down to, say, 10%. The recovery in the economies of major trade partners, the comparatively low inflation rate, lower interest rates, and prospects in the tourist sector suggest that Spain can make substantial progress in 1995.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $515.8 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 1.8% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $13,120 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.9% (1994)Unemployment rate: 24.5% (yearend 1994)Budget: revenues: $97.7 billion expenditures: $128 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1993 est.)Exports: $72.8 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: cars and trucks, semifinished manufactured goods, foodstuffs, machinery partners: EC 71.2%, US 4.8%, other developed countries 7.9% (1992)Imports: $92.5 billion (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: machinery, transport equipment, fuels, semifinished goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, chemicals partners: EC 60.7%, US 7.4%, other developed countries 11.5%, Middle East 5.9% (1992)External debt: $90 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 4% (1994 est.)Electricity: capacity: 43,800,000 kW production: 148 billion kWh consumption per capita: 3,545 kWh (1993)Industries: textiles and apparel (including footwear), food and beverages, metals and metal manufactures, chemicals, shipbuilding, automobiles, machine tools, tourism THE WORLD FACTBOOK Spain EconomyAgriculture: accounts for about 5% of GDP and 14% of labor force; major products - grain, vegetables, olives, wine grapes, sugar beets, citrus fruit, beef, pork, poultry, dairy; largely self-sufficient in food; fish catch of 1.4 million metric tons is among top 20 nationsIllicit drugs: key European gateway country for Latin American cocaine and North African hashish entering the European market; transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroinEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $1.9 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-79), $545 million note: not currently a recipientCurrency: 1 peseta (Pta) = 100 centimosExchange rates: pesetas (Ptas) per US$1 - 132.61 (January 1995), 133.96 (1994), 127.26 (1993), 102.38 (1992), 103.91 (1991), 101.93 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Spain TransportationRailroads: total: 14,400 km broad gauge: 12,111 km 1.668-m gauge (6,404 km electrified; 2,295 km double track) standard gauge: 515 km 1.435-m gauge (515 km electrified) narrow gauge: 1,774 km (privately owned: 1,727 km 1.000-m gauge, 560 km electrified; 28 km 0.914-m gauge, 28 km electrified; government owned: 19 km 1.000-m gauge, all electrified)Highways: total: 331,961 km paved: 328,641 km (2,700 km of expressways) unpaved: 3,320 km (1991)Inland waterways: 1,045 km, but of minor economic importancePipelines: crude oil 265 km; petroleum products 1,794 km; natural gas 1,666 kmPorts: Aviles, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cadiz, Cartagena, Castellon de la Plana, Ceuta, Huelva, La Coruna, Las Palmas (Canary Islands), Malaga, Melilla, Pasajes, Puerto de Gijon, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands), Santander, Tarragona, Valencia, VigoMerchant marine: total: 157 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 868,326 GRT/1,382,335 DWT ships by type: bulk 12, cargo 41, chemical tanker 11, container 9, liquefied gas tanker 4, oil tanker 25, passenger 2, refrigerated cargo 12, roll-on/roll-off cargo 34, short-sea passenger 5, specialized tanker 2Airports: total: 106 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 15 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 11 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 16 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 12 with paved runways under 914 m: 34 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 16 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Spain CommunicationsTelephone system: 15,350,464 telephones; generally adequate, modern facilities local: NA intercity: NA international: 22 coaxial submarine cables; 2 earth stations for INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean); earth stations for working the EUTELSAT, INMARSAT, and MARECS satellite communications systems; microwave tropospheric scatter links to adjacent countriesRadio: broadcast stations: AM 190, FM 406 (repeaters 134), shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 100 (repeaters 1,297) televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Spain Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Civil Guard, National Police, Coastal Civil GuardManpower availability: males age 15-49 10,435,970; males fit for military service 8,434,460; males reach military age (20) annually 335,967 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $8 billion, 1.6% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>SPAIN - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist stay up to 6months. For additional information check with Embassy of Spain, 270015th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/265-0190/1) or nearest ConsulateGeneral: CA (415/922-2995 and 213/658-6050), FL (305/446-5511), IL(312/782-4588), LA (504/525-4951), MA (617/536-2506), NY(212/355-4080), PR (809/758-6090) or TX (713/783-6200).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Spain and Andorra============================================================Spain and Andorra - Consular Information Sheet December 4, 1995Country Descriptions: Spain and Andorra are both highly developed and stable democracies with modern economies. Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: A passport is necessary but a visa is not required for tourist or business stays of up to three months. In Spain, visitors may subsequently apply for an extension of stay at a Spanish immigration office. For further information concerning entry requirements for Spain, travelers may contact the Embassy of Spain at 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20037 tel: (202) 728-2330, or the nearest Spanish consulate in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, or San Juan. Further information on Andorra can also be obtained from the Andorran Mission to the U.N., 2 U.N. Plaza, 25th Floor, New York NY 10018, tel. (212) 750-8064.Medical Facilities: Good medical care is available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559Crime Information: Spain has a very low rate of violent crime. Nevertheless, minor crimes such as pickpocketing, robbery, and theft from cars are frequent, and are often directed against unwary tourists. Thieves often attempt to distract their victims by squirting mustard on their clothing, asking for directions on the street, or otherwise diverting attention from an accomplice. Thefts of small items like radios, luggage, cameras, briefcases, and even cigarettes from parked cars are a common problem. The American Embassy in Madrid has issued a notice to U.S. citizens stating that it frequently receives reports of roadside thieves posing as "Good Samaritans" to persons experiencing car and tire problems. The thieves typically attempt to divert the driver's attention by pointing out a mechanical problem and then steal items from the vehicle while the driver is looking elsewhere. The problem is particularly acute with vehicles rented at Madrid's Barajas airport. The Embassy notice advises drivers to be extremely cautious about accepting help from anyone other than a uniformed Spanish police officer or Civil Guard. Travelers who accept unofficial assistance are advised to protect their valuables by keeping them in sight or locking them in the vehicle. Bags or other articles left unattended in Spain are likely to disappear. Andorra has a low rate of crime.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. In Spain, penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Terrorist Activities: Civil disorder in Spain is rare. Although a few small terrorist groups, including ETA (Basque separatists) and GRAPO (a Marxist group), are still active, their efforts are primarily directed against police, military, and other Spanish government targets. Americans have not been targets of these attacks.Registration and Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Madrid is located at Serrano 75; telephone (34-1) 577-4000. U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section at the U.S. embassy or consulates listed below may obtain updated information on travel and security within Spain. There are U.S. Consulates in Barcelona, at Paseo Reina Elisenda 23-25, telephone (34-3) 280-2227; and in Bilbao, at Lehendakari Aguirre 11-3, telephone (34-4) 475-8300.There are also Consular Agencies in these locations:Malaga, at Centro Comercial "Las Rampas", Fase 2, Planta 1, Locales 12-G-7 and 12-G-8, Fuengirola, telephone (34-952) 474-891, hours 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.;La Coruna, at Canton Grande 16-17, telephone (34-981) 213-233, hours 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.;Las Palmas, at Franchy y Roca 5-5', No. 13, telephone (34-928) 222-552, hours 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.;Palma de Mallorca, at Av. Jaime 111, 26 Entresuelo, 2-H-1 (97), telephone (34-971) 725-051, hours 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.;Seville, at Paseo de Las Delicias 7, telephone (34-954) 231-885, hours 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m.;Valencia, at Cl. de La Paz 6-5, Local 5, telephone (34-96)-351-6973, hours 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.For Andorra, contact the Consulate in Barcelona. No. 95-153This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 26, 1994, to update information on crime, and to merge the Consular Information Sheets on Spain and Andorra.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Spain and Andorra============================================================Spain and Andorra - Consular Information Sheet December 4, 1995Country Descriptions: Spain and Andorra are both highly developed and stable democracies with modern economies. Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: A passport is necessary but a visa is not required for tourist or business stays of up to three months. In Spain, visitors may subsequently apply for an extension of stay at a Spanish immigration office. For further information concerning entry requirements for Spain, travelers may contact the Embassy of Spain at 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20037 tel: (202) 728-2330, or the nearest Spanish consulate in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, or San Juan. Further information on Andorra can also be obtained from the Andorran Mission to the U.N., 2 U.N. Plaza, 25th Floor, New York NY 10018, tel. (212) 750-8064.Medical Facilities: Good medical care is available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559Crime Information: Spain has a very low rate of violent crime. Nevertheless, minor crimes such as pickpocketing, robbery, and theft from cars are frequent, and are often directed against unwary tourists. Thieves often attempt to distract their victims by squirting mustard on their clothing, asking for directions on the street, or otherwise diverting attention from an accomplice. Thefts of small items like radios, luggage, cameras, briefcases, and even cigarettes from parked cars are a common problem. The American Embassy in Madrid has issued a notice to U.S. citizens stating that it frequently receives reports of roadside thieves posing as "Good Samaritans" to persons experiencing car and tire problems. The thieves typically attempt to divert the driver's attention by pointing out a mechanical problem and then steal items from the vehicle while the driver is looking elsewhere. The problem is particularly acute with vehicles rented at Madrid's Barajas airport. The Embassy notice advises drivers to be extremely cautious about accepting help from anyone other than a uniformed Spanish police officer or Civil Guard. Travelers who accept unofficial assistance are advised to protect their valuables by keeping them in sight or locking them in the vehicle. Bags or other articles left unattended in Spain are likely to disappear. Andorra has a low rate of crime.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. In Spain, penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Terrorist Activities: Civil disorder in Spain is rare. Although a few small terrorist groups, including ETA (Basque separatists) and GRAPO (a Marxist group), are still active, their efforts are primarily directed against police, military, and other Spanish government targets. Americans have not been targets of these attacks.Registration and Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Madrid is located at Serrano 75; telephone (34-1) 577-4000. U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section at the U.S. embassy or consulates listed below may obtain updated information on travel and security within Spain. There are U.S. Consulates in Barcelona, at Paseo Reina Elisenda 23-25, telephone (34-3) 280-2227; and in Bilbao, at Lehendakari Aguirre 11-3, telephone (34-4) 475-8300.There are also Consular Agencies in these locations:Malaga, at Centro Comercial "Las Rampas", Fase 2, Planta 1, Locales 12-G-7 and 12-G-8, Fuengirola, telephone (34-952) 474-891, hours 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.;La Coruna, at Canton Grande 16-17, telephone (34-981) 213-233, hours 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.;Las Palmas, at Franchy y Roca 5-5', No. 13, telephone (34-928) 222-552, hours 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.;Palma de Mallorca, at Av. Jaime 111, 26 Entresuelo, 2-H-1 (97), telephone (34-971) 725-051, hours 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.;Seville, at Paseo de Las Delicias 7, telephone (34-954) 231-885, hours 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m.;Valencia, at Cl. de La Paz 6-5, Local 5, telephone (34-96)-351-6973, hours 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.For Andorra, contact the Consulate in Barcelona. No. 95-153This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 26, 1994, to update information on crime, and to merge the Consular Information Sheets on Spain and Andorra.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands HeaderAffiliation: (dependent territory of the UK) THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands GeographyLocation: Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of the tip of South AmericaMap references: Antarctic RegionArea: total area: 4,066 sq km land area: 4,066 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Rhode Island note: includes Shag Rocks, Clerke Rocks, Bird IslandLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: NA kmMaritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: administered by the UK, claimed by ArgentinaClimate: variable, with mostly westerly winds throughout the year, interspersed with periods of calm; nearly all precipitation falls as snowTerrain: most of the islands, rising steeply from the sea, are rugged and mountainous; South Georgia is largely barren and has steep, glacier-covered mountains; the South Sandwich Islands are of volcanic origin with some active volcanoesNatural resources: fishLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% (largely covered by permanent ice and snow with some sparse vegetation consisting of grass, moss, and lichen)Irrigated land: 0 sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: the South Sandwich Islands have prevailing weather conditions that generally make them difficult to approach by ship; they are also subject to active volcanism international agreements: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands GeographyNote: the north coast of South Georgia has several large bays, which provide good anchorage; reindeer, introduced early in this century, live on South Georgia THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands PeoplePopulation: no indigenous population; there is a small military garrison on South Georgia, and the British Antarctic Survey has a biological station on Bird Island; the South Sandwich Islands are uninhabited THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands GovernmentNames: conventional long form: South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands conventional short form: noneDigraph: SXType: dependent territory of the UKCapital: none; Grytviken on South Georgia is the garrison townAdministrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK)Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK)National holiday: Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)Constitution: 3 October 1985Legal system: English common lawExecutive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Commissioner David Everard TATHAM (since August 1992; resident at Stanley, Falkland Islands)Legislative branch: no electionsJudicial branch: none THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands EconomyOverview: Some fishing takes place in adjacent waters. There is a potential source of income from harvesting fin fish and krill. The islands receive income from postage stamps produced in the UK.Budget: revenues: $291,777 expenditures: $451,000, including capital expenditures of $NA (1988 est.)Electricity: capacity: 900 kW production: 2 million kWh consumption per capita: NA kWh (1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands TransportationHighways: total: NA paved: NA unpaved: NAPorts: GrytvikenAirports: none THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; coastal radio station at Grytviken local: NA intercity: NA international: NARadio: broadcast stations: AM 0, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 0 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of the UK</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Africa GeographyLocation: Southern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent of AfricaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 1,219,912 sq km land area: 1,219,912 sq km comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas note: includes Prince Edward Islands (Marion Island and Prince Edward Island)Land boundaries: total 4,750 km, Botswana 1,840 km, Lesotho 909 km, Mozambique 491 km, Namibia 855 km, Swaziland 430 km, Zimbabwe 225 kmCoastline: 2,798 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: Swaziland has asked South Africa to open negotiations on reincorporating some nearby South African territories that are populated by ethnic Swazis or that were long ago part of the Swazi Kingdom;Climate: mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nightsTerrain: vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal plainNatural resources: gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, tin, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt, natural gasLand use: arable land: 10% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 65% forest and woodland: 3% other: 21%Irrigated land: 11,280 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water conservation and control measures; growth in water usage threatens to outpace supply; pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff and urban discharge; air pollution resulting in acid rain; soil erosion; desertification natural hazards: prolonged droughts THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Africa Geography international agreements: party to - Antarctic Treaty, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the SeaNote: South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho and almost completely surrounds Swaziland THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Africa PeoplePopulation: total: 45,095,459 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 40% (female 8,842,764; male 9,091,722) 15-64 years: 56% (female 12,825,617; male 12,508,039) 65 years and over: 4% (female 1,047,285; male 780,032) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: total: 2.61% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 33.39 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 7.42 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 45.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 65.42 years male: 62.68 years female: 68.25 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 4.35 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: South African(s) adjective: South AfricanEthnic divisions: black 75.2%, white 13.6%, Colored 8.6%, Indian 2.6%Religions: Christian (most whites and Coloreds and about 60% of blacks), Hindu (60% of Indians), Muslim 2%Languages: eleven official languages, including Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, ZuluLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980) total population: 76% male: 78% female: 75%Labor force: 13.4 million economically active (1990) by occupation: services 35%, agriculture 30%, industry 20%, mining 9%, other 6% THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Africa GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of South Africa conventional short form: South AfricaAbbreviation: RSADigraph: SFType: republicCapital: Pretoria (administrative); Cape Town (legislative); Bloemfontein (judicial)Administrative divisions: 9 provinces; Eastern Cape, Eastern Transvaal, KwaZulu/Natal, Northern Cape, Northern Transvaal, Northwest, Orange Free State, Gauteng, Western CapeIndependence: 31 May 1910 (from UK)National holiday: Freedom Day, 27 April (1994)Constitution: 27 April 1994 (interim constitution, replacing the constitution of 3 September 1984)Legal system: based on Roman-Dutch law and English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: Executive President Nelson MANDELA (since 10 May 1994); Deputy Executive President Thabo MBEKI (since 10 May 1994); Deputy Executive President Frederik W. DE KLERK (since 10 May 1994) note: any political party that wins 20% or more of the National Assembly votes in a general election is entitled to name a Deputy Executive President cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the Executive PresidentLegislative branch: bicameral National Assembly: elections last held 26-29 April 1994 (next to be held NA); results - ANC 62.6%, NP 20.4%, IFP 10.5%, FF 2.2%, DP 1.7%, PAC 1.2%, ACDP 0.5%, other 0.9%; seats - (400 total) ANC 252, NP 82, IFP 43, FF 9, DP 7, PAC 5, ACDP 2 Senate: the Senate is composed of members who are nominated by the nine provincial parliaments (which are elected in parallel with the National Assembly) and has special powers to protect regional interests, including the right to limited self-determination for ethnic minorities; seats - (90 total) ANC 61, NP 17, FF 4, IFP 5, DP 3 note: when the National Assembly meets in joint session with the Senate to consider the provisions of the constitution, the combined group is referred to as the Constitutional AssemblyJudicial branch: Supreme Court THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Africa GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: African National Congress (ANC), Nelson MANDELA, president; National Party (NP), Frederik W. DE KLERK, president; Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Mangosuthu BUTHELEZI, president; Freedom Front (FF), Constand VILJOEN, president; Democratic Party (DP); Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), Clarence MAKWETU, president; African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), leader NA note: in addition to these seven parties which received seats in the National Assembly, twelve other parties won votes in the national elections in April 1994Other political or pressure groups: NA;;Member of: BIS, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Franklin SONN chancery: 3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 232-4400 consulate(s) general: Beverly Hills (California), Chicago, and New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Princeton N. LYMAN embassy: 877 Pretorius St., Arcadia 0083 mailing address: P.O. Box 9536, Pretoria 0001 telephone: [27] (12) 342-1048 FAX: [27] (12) 342-2244 consulate(s) general: Cape Town, Durban, JohannesburgFlag: two equal width horizontal bands of red (top) and blue separated by a central green band which splits into a horozontal Y, the arms of which end at the corners of the hoist side, embracing a black isoceles triangle from which the arms are separated by narrow yellow bands; the red and blue bands are separated from the green band and its arms by narrow white stripes note: prior to 26 April 1994, the flag was actually four flags in one - three miniature flags reproduced in the center of the white band of the former flag of the Netherlands, which has three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and blue; the miniature flags are a vertically hanging flag of the old Orange Free State with a horizontal flag of the UK adjoining on the hoist side and a horizontal flag of the old Transvaal Republic adjoining on the other side THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Africa EconomyOverview: Many of the white one-seventh of the South African population enjoy incomes, material comforts, and health and educational standards equal to those of Western Europe. In contrast, most of the remaining population suffers from the poverty patterns of the Third World, including unemployment and lack of job skills. The main strength of the economy lies in its rich mineral resources, which provide two-thirds of exports. Economic developments for the remainder of the 1990s will be driven largely by the new government's attempts to improve black living conditions, to set the country on an aggressive export-led growth path, and to cut back the enormous numbers of unemployed. The economy in recent years has absorbed less than 5% of the more than 300,000 workers entering the labor force annually. Local economists estimate that the economy must grow between 5% and 6% in real terms annually to absorb all of the new entrants, much less reduce the accumulated total.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $194.3 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 2% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $4,420 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 32.6% (1994 est.); an additional 11% underemploymentBudget: revenues: $26.3 billion expenditures: $34 billion, including capital expenditures of $2.5 billion (FY93/94 est.)Exports: $25.3 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: gold 27%, other minerals and metals 20%-25%, food 5%, chemicals 3% partners: Italy, Japan, US, Germany, UK, other EU countries, Hong KongImports: $21.4 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: machinery 32%, transport equipment 15%, chemicals 11%, oil, textiles, scientific instruments partners: Germany, US, Japan, UK, ItalyExternal debt: $18 billion (1994 est.)Industrial production: growth rate NA%; accounts for about 40% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 39,750,000 kW production: 163 billion kWh consumption per capita: 3,482 kWh (1993)Industries: mining (world's largest producer of platinum, gold, chromium), automobile assembly, metalworking, machinery, textile, iron and steel, chemical, fertilizer, foodstuffs THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Africa EconomyAgriculture: accounts for about 5% of GDP and 30% of labor force; diversified agriculture, with emphasis on livestock; products - cattle, poultry, sheep, wool, milk, beef, corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; self-sufficient in foodIllicit drugs: transshipment center for heroin and cocaine; cocaine consumption on the rise; world's largest market for illicit methaqualone, usually imported illegally from India through various east African countriesEconomic aid: many aid packages for the new government are still being prepared; current aid pledges include US $600 million over 3 years; UK $150 million over 3 years; Australia $21 million over 3 years; Japan $1.3 billion over 2 yearsCurrency: 1 rand (R) = 100 centsExchange rates: rand (R) per US$1 - 3.5389 (January 1995), 3.5490 (1994), 3.2636 (1993), 2.8497 (1992), 2.7563 (1991), 2.5863 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Africa TransportationRailroads: total: 20,638 km narrow gauge: 20,324 km 1.067-m gauge (substantial electrification); 314 km 0.610-m gaugeHighways: total: 188,309 km paved: 54,013 km unpaved: crushed stone, gravel, improved earth 134,296 kmPipelines: crude oil 931 km; petroleum products 1,748 km; natural gas 322 kmPorts: Cape Town, Durban, East London, Mosselbaai, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, SaldanhaMerchant marine: total: 4 container ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 211,276 GRT/198,602 DWTAirports: 853 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 9 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 47 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 72 with paved runways under 914 m: 327 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 39 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 354 THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Africa CommunicationsTelephone system: over 4,500,000 telephones; the system is the best developed, most modern, and has the highest capacity in Africa local: NA intercity: consists of carrier-equipped open-wire lines, coaxial cables, microwave radio relay links, fiber optic cable, and radiocommunication stations; key centers are Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and Pretoria international: 1 submarine cable; 3 INTELSAT (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 14, FM 286, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 67 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK South Africa Defense ForcesBranches: South African National Defence Force (SANDF; includes Army, Navy, Air Force, and Medical Services), South African Police Service (SAPS)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 10,830,079; males fit for military service 6,601,323; males reach military age (18) annually 439,793 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $3.2 billion, 2.8% of GDP (FY93/94)</text>
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<text>SOUTH AFRICA - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist stayup to 90 days. Malarial suppressants are recommended. For businesstravel, a visa and company letter are required. For more information contact:Embassy of South Africa, Attn: Consular Office, 3201 New Mexico Ave.,N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016 (202/966-1650) or nearest Consulate: CA(310/657-9200), IL (312/939-7929), or NY (212/213-4880).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - South Africa============================================================South Africa - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1995Country Description: Although South Africa is in many respects a developed country, much of its population lives in poverty. There are adequate facilities in all urban centers, game parks and areas most commonly visited by tourists. Food and water are generally safe, and a wide variety of consumer goods and pharmaceuticals are readily available.Entry Requirements: Travelers may obtain information on entry requirements from the Embassy of South Africa, 3201 New Mexico Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016, telephone (202) 966-1650, or the South African consulates in Beverly Hills, Chicago, or New York. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest South African Embassy or Consulate.Areas of Instability: Political violence has significantly decreased in most areas of South Africa since the establishment of a democratically elected government in May 1994. Throughout most of South Africa, the political situation is stabilizing as the country consolidates its transition to non-racial democracy. However, some public gatherings have provoked violent clashes between political factions, which have resulted in casualties. The highest incidence of violence occurs in the province of Kwazulu/Natal, particularly in townships near Durban.Although foreigners have not been specifically targeted in these attacks, some have been caught up in general disturbances. Some townships in the vicinity of major cities, most notably Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, have been scenes of violent demonstrations and factional conflict. Areas most frequented by tourists, such as major hotels, game parks and beaches, have not been affected by political or factional violence.Road conditions are generally good. However, drivers are allowed relatively high rates of speed on major thoroughfares, and the poor lighting on rural roads and insufficient regulatory control regarding driver licensing and vehicle maintenance pose dangers to travelers.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are good in urban areas and in the vicinity of game parks and beaches, but may be limited elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment for health services, but usually accept major credit cards in addition to cash. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside of the U.S. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Although the vast majority of visitors complete their travels in South Africa without incident, visitors should be aware that criminal activity, sometimes violent, is reported on a routine basis. Criminal activity, such as assault and armed robbery, is present in areas surrounding downtown and suburban hotels and public transportation centers, especially in major cities. Car hijacking is also prevalent in the suburbs of major metropolitan areas.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Travel to the former "Independent Homelands": Although the new constitution provides for the reincorporation of Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, Transkei, and Venda into South Africa, at this time many former homeland institutions, notably police authorities, remain in place. Since these structures are not necessarily accustomed to responding to diplomatic and consular representations, the U.S. government may still face some difficulties in providing consular assistance in the former homelands. Until homeland structures are fully incorporated into mainstream South African administration, there are likely to be occasional strikes and unrest which could affect Americans traveling in these areas. The South African police advise against travel to the former Homeland of Transkei, and urge caution while traveling in Ciskei. Travelers may contact U.S. consulates in Cape Town or Durban before embarking on trips to the eastern cape or extreme southern Natal, which have incorporated the territory formerly known as the Homelands of Ciskei and Transkei.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in November 1994, the FAA has found the Government of South Africa's Civil Aviation Authority to be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of South African air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1 (800) 322-7873.Embassy Registration/Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the the Consular Sections at the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate and to obtain updated information on travel and security in South Africa. The U.S. Embassy is located at 877 Pretorius Street in Pretoria, telephone (27-12) 342-1048. Note: The U.S. consulate general in Johannesburg provides most consular services for Americans in the Pretoria area.The Consulate General in Johannesburg is located at Kine Center, 11th Floor, 141 Commissioner Street (intersection with Kruis Street), telephone (27-11) 331-1681. Its consular jurisdiction includes Gauteng, Eastern Transvaal, Northern, North West, and Free State Provinces.The Consulate General in Cape Town is located at Broadway Industries Center, Heerengracht, Foreshore, telephone (27-21) 214-280. Its consular jurisdiction includes Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape Provinces.The Consulate General in Durban is located at Durban House, 29th Floor, 333 Smith Street, telephone (27-31) 304-4737. Its consular jurisdiction includes Kwazulu/Natal province. No. 95-148This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 30, 1995, to revise the paragraphs on Areas of Instability and the Information on Crime.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - South Africa============================================================South Africa - Public Announcement April 18, 1994U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATEOffice of the SpokesmanFor Immediate ReleaseThe U.S. Embassy in Pretoria has issued the following statement:All American mission personnel are cautioned to delay non-essential travel to the central business district of Johannesburg during the week of April 18. The Inkatha Freedom Party has called for "Rolling Mass Action" (demonstrations, marches and sit-ins) for the week. South African Government authorities have denied the IFP permission to march in the city. The possibility of violent clashes between marchers and security forces is great. No. 94-sss-----STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - South Africa============================================================South Africa - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1995Country Description: Although South Africa is in many respects a developed country, much of its population lives in poverty. There are adequate facilities in all urban centers, game parks and areas most commonly visited by tourists. Food and water are generally safe, and a wide variety of consumer goods and pharmaceuticals are readily available.Entry Requirements: Travelers may obtain information on entry requirements from the Embassy of South Africa, 3201 New Mexico Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016, telephone (202) 966-1650, or the South African consulates in Beverly Hills, Chicago, or New York. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest South African Embassy or Consulate.Areas of Instability: Political violence has significantly decreased in most areas of South Africa since the establishment of a democratically elected government in May 1994. Throughout most of South Africa, the political situation is stabilizing as the country consolidates its transition to non-racial democracy. However, some public gatherings have provoked violent clashes between political factions, which have resulted in casualties. The highest incidence of violence occurs in the province of Kwazulu/Natal, particularly in townships near Durban.Although foreigners have not been specifically targeted in these attacks, some have been caught up in general disturbances. Some townships in the vicinity of major cities, most notably Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, have been scenes of violent demonstrations and factional conflict. Areas most frequented by tourists, such as major hotels, game parks and beaches, have not been affected by political or factional violence.Road conditions are generally good. However, drivers are allowed relatively high rates of speed on major thoroughfares, and the poor lighting on rural roads and insufficient regulatory control regarding driver licensing and vehicle maintenance pose dangers to travelers.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are good in urban areas and in the vicinity of game parks and beaches, but may be limited elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment for health services, but usually accept major credit cards in addition to cash. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside of the U.S. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Although the vast majority of visitors complete their travels in South Africa without incident, visitors should be aware that criminal activity, sometimes violent, is reported on a routine basis. Criminal activity, such as assault and armed robbery, is present in areas surrounding downtown and suburban hotels and public transportation centers, especially in major cities. Car hijacking is also prevalent in the suburbs of major metropolitan areas.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Travel to the former "Independent Homelands": Although the new constitution provides for the reincorporation of Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, Transkei, and Venda into South Africa, at this time many former homeland institutions, notably police authorities, remain in place. Since these structures are not necessarily accustomed to responding to diplomatic and consular representations, the U.S. government may still face some difficulties in providing consular assistance in the former homelands. Until homeland structures are fully incorporated into mainstream South African administration, there are likely to be occasional strikes and unrest which could affect Americans traveling in these areas. The South African police advise against travel to the former Homeland of Transkei, and urge caution while traveling in Ciskei. Travelers may contact U.S. consulates in Cape Town or Durban before embarking on trips to the eastern cape or extreme southern Natal, which have incorporated the territory formerly known as the Homelands of Ciskei and Transkei.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in November 1994, the FAA has found the Government of South Africa's Civil Aviation Authority to be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of South African air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1 (800) 322-7873.Embassy Registration/Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the the Consular Sections at the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate and to obtain updated information on travel and security in South Africa. The U.S. Embassy is located at 877 Pretorius Street in Pretoria, telephone (27-12) 342-1048. Note: The U.S. consulate general in Johannesburg provides most consular services for Americans in the Pretoria area.The Consulate General in Johannesburg is located at Kine Center, 11th Floor, 141 Commissioner Street (intersection with Kruis Street), telephone (27-11) 331-1681. Its consular jurisdiction includes Gauteng, Eastern Transvaal, Northern, North West, and Free State Provinces.The Consulate General in Cape Town is located at Broadway Industries Center, Heerengracht, Foreshore, telephone (27-21) 214-280. Its consular jurisdiction includes Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape Provinces.The Consulate General in Durban is located at Durban House, 29th Floor, 333 Smith Street, telephone (27-31) 304-4737. Its consular jurisdiction includes Kwazulu/Natal province. No. 95-148This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 30, 1995, to revise the paragraphs on Areas of Instability and the Information on Crime.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Somalia GeographyLocation: Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, east of EthiopiaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 637,660 sq km land area: 627,340 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than TexasLand boundaries: total 2,366 km, Djibouti 58 km, Ethiopia 1,626 km, Kenya 682 kmCoastline: 3,025 kmMaritime claims: territorial sea: 200 nmInternational disputes: southern half of boundary with Ethiopia is a Provisional Administrative Line; territorial dispute with Ethiopia over the OgadenClimate: principally desert; December to February - northeast monsoon, moderate temperatures in north and very hot in south; May to October - southwest monsoon, torrid in the north and hot in the south, irregular rainfall, hot and humid periods (tangambili) between monsoonsTerrain: mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills in northNatural resources: uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin, gypsum, bauxite, copper, saltLand use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 46% forest and woodland: 14% other: 38%Irrigated land: 1,600 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: famine; use of contaminated water contributes to human health problems; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification natural hazards: recurring droughts; frequent dust storms over eastern plains in summer international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea; signed, but not ratified - Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test BanNote: strategic location on Horn of Africa along southern approaches to Bab el Mandeb and route through Red Sea and Suez Canal THE WORLD FACTBOOK Somalia PeoplePopulation: 7,347,554 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 45% (female 1,653,175; male 1,650,377) 15-64 years: 51% (female 1,845,886; male 1,932,012) 65 years and over: 4% (female 138,264; male 127,840) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 15.58% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 45.53 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 13.3 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 123.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 119.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 55.74 years male: 55.48 years female: 56 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 7.13 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Somali(s) adjective: SomaliEthnic divisions: Somali 85%, Bantu, Arabs 30,000Religions: Sunni MuslimLanguages: Somali (official), Arabic, Italian, EnglishLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 24% male: 36% female: 14%Labor force: 2.2 million (very few are skilled laborers) by occupation: pastoral nomad 70%, agriculture, government, trading, fishing, handicrafts, and other 30% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Somalia GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Somalia former: Somali RepublicDigraph: SOType: noneCapital: MogadishuAdministrative divisions: 18 regions (plural - NA, singular - gobolka); Awdal, Bakool, Banaadir, Bari, Bay, Galguduud, Gedo, Hiiraan, Jubbada Dhexe, Jubbada Hoose, Mudug, Nugaal, Sanaag, Shabeellaha Dhexe, Shabeellaha Hoose, Sool, Togdheer, Woqooyi GalbeedIndependence: 1 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)National holiday: NAConstitution: 25 August 1979, presidential approval 23 September 1979Legal system: NASuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: Somalia has no functioning government; the United Somali Congress (USC) ousted the regime of Maj. Gen. Mohamed SIAD Barre on 27 January 1991; the present political situation is one of anarchy, marked by inter-clan fighting and random banditryLegislative branch: unicameral People's Assembly People's Assembly (Golaha Shacbiga): not functioningJudicial branch: Supreme Court (not functioning)Political parties and leaders: the United Somali Congress (USC) ousted the former regime on 27 January 1991; formerly the only party was the Somali Revolutionary Socialist Party (SRSP), headed by former President and Commander in Chief of the Army Maj. Gen. Mohamed SIAD BarreOther political or pressure groups: numerous clan and subclan factions are currently vying for powerMember of: ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: Somalian Embassy ceased operations on 8 May 1991 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Somalia GovernmentUS diplomatic representation: note: the US Embassy in Mogadishu was evacuated and closed indefinitely in January 1991; Ambassador Daniel SIMPSON, ambassador to Kenya, represents US interests in Somalia liaison office: US Embassy, Nairobi, Kenya address: corner of Moi Avenue and Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi mailing address: P.O. Box 30137, Unit 64100, Nairobi or APO AE 09831 telephone: [254] (2) 334141 FAX: [254] (2) 340838Flag: light blue with a large white five-pointed star in the center; design based on the flag of the UN (Italian Somaliland was a UN trust territory) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Somalia EconomyOverview: One of the world's poorest and least developed countries, Somalia has few resources. Moreover, much of the economy has been devastated by the civil war. Agriculture is the most important sector, with livestock accounting for about 40% of GDP and about 65% of export earnings. Nomads and seminomads who are dependent upon livestock for their livelihood make up about 70% of the population. Crop production generates only 10% of GDP and employs about 20% of the work force. The main export crop is bananas; sugar, sorghum, and corn are grown for the domestic market. The small industrial sector is based on the processing of agricultural products and accounts for less than 10% of GDP; most facilities have been shut down because of the civil strife. The greatly increased political turmoil of 1991-93 has resulted in a substantial drop in agricultural output, with widespread famine. In 1994 economic conditions stabilized in the countryside but may turn worse in 1995 if civil strife intensifies after the UN withdrawal.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $3.3 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $500 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% (1994)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports: $58 million (1990 est.) commodities: bananas, live animals, fish, hides partners: Saudi Arabia, Italy, FRG (1986)Imports: $249 million (1990 est.) commodities: petroleum products, foodstuffs, construction materials partners: US 13%, Italy, FRG, Kenya, UK, Saudi Arabia (1986)External debt: $1.9 billion (1989)Industrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: prior to the civil war, 75,000 kW, but now almost completely shut down due to war damage; note - UN and relief organizations use their own portable power systems production: NA kWh consumption per capita: NA kWhIndustries: a few small industries, including sugar refining, textiles, petroleum refining (mostly shut down) (1994) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Somalia EconomyAgriculture: dominant sector, led by livestock raising (cattle, sheep, goats); crops - bananas, sorghum, corn, mangoes, sugarcane; not self-sufficient in food; distribution of food disrupted by civil strife; fishing potential largely unexploitedEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $639 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.8 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $1.1 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $336 millionCurrency: 1 Somali shilling (So. Sh.) = 100 centsExchange rates: Somali shillings (So. Sh.) per US$1 - approximately 5,000 (1 January 1995), 2,616 (1 July 1993), 4,200 (December 1992), 3,800.00 (December 1990), 490.7 (1989),Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Somalia TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 22,500 km paved: 2,700 km unpaved: gravel 3,000 km; improved, stabilized earth 16,800 km (1992)Pipelines: crude oil 15 kmPorts: Bender Cassim (Boosaaso), Berbera, Chisimayu (Kismaayo), Merca, MogadishuMerchant marine: total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,529 GRT/6,892 DWT ships by type: cargo 1, refrigerated cargo 1Airports: total: 76 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 14 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 16 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 33 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Somalia CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; the public telecommunications system was completely destroyed or dismantled by the civil war factions; all relief organizations depend on their own private systems (1993) local: NA intercity: NA international: NARadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: NA televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Somalia Defense ForcesBranches: no functioning central government military forces; clan militias continue to battle for control of key economic or political prizesManpower availability: males age 15-49 1,736,673; males fit for military service 972,203 (1995 est.Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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<text>SOMALIA - Passport required. For further information contact Consulateof the Somali Democratic Republic in New York (212/688-9410).Message-ID: <940826171845_76702.1202_CHN14-1@CompuServe.COM>STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Somalia============================================================Somalia - Travel Warning August 26, 1994The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to-----STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Somalia============================================================Somalia - Travel Warning April 6, 1995The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Somalia. The United States Liaison Office in Mogadishu relocated to Nairobi, Kenya, in September 1994; there is no way of providing any consular assistance to U.S. citizens in Somalia. U.S. citizens in Somalia were advised to depart the country.All United Nations peacekeeping forces departed Somalia in March 1995. There is a serious risk of renewed fighting in Mogadishu, the capital, as well as throughout Somalia. No. 95-009This replaces the Travel Warning dated February 17, 1995, to note that UN peacekeeping forces are no longer in Somalia. JJSomalia - Consular Information Sheet April 27, 1995Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Somalia. The United States Liaison Office in Mogadishu relocated to Nairobi, Kenya in September 1994; there is no way of providing any consular assistance to U.S. citizens in Somalia. U.S. citizens in Somalia were advised to depart the country.All United Nations peacekeeping forces departed Somalia in March 1995. There is a serious risk of renewed fighting in Mogadishu, the capital, as well as throughout Somalia.Areas of Instability: Looting, banditry, and all forms of violent crime are common in Somalia, particularly in the capital city of Mogadishu. While banditry and inter-clan tension are major problems in many areas of Somalia, these difficulties are less severe in the northern parts of the country. There is no functioning national government, and no U.S. protective service is available. There is no functioning Somali Embassy in Washington D.C.Medical Information: Anyone entering Somalia must receive immunization against cholera, typhoid, and yellow fever, and obtain a doctor's advice regarding any other immunizations that might be necessary. There are virtually no health facilities or medicines available in Somalia. Information on health matters may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559. Electricity, water, food and lodging are unobtainable on a regular basis. Travelers must be completely self-sufficient.Registration: U.S. citizens who plan to enter Somalia may register at the U.S. Liaison Office (USLO) for Somalia, which is located with the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, at the intersection of Moi and Haile Selassie Avenues. The telephone number is (254-2) 334141. The mailing address is the United States Liaison Office for Somalia, P.O. Box 30137, or Unit 64100, APO AE 09831. No. 95-057This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 23, 1995, to revise the Travel Warning for Somalia. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Solomon Islands GeographyLocation: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New GuineaMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 28,450 sq km land area: 27,540 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than MarylandLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 5,313 kmMaritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines continental shelf: 200 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical monsoon; few extremes of temperature and weatherTerrain: mostly rugged mountains with some low coral atollsNatural resources: fish, forests, gold, bauxite, phosphates, lead, zinc, nickelLand use: arable land: 1% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 1% forest and woodland: 93% other: 4%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; much of the surrounding coral reefs are dead or dying natural hazards: typhoons, but they are rarely destructive; geologically active region with frequent earth tremors; volcanic activity international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Law of the Sea THE WORLD FACTBOOK Solomon Islands PeoplePopulation: 399,206 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 46% (female 90,293; male 93,695) 15-64 years: 51% (female 100,183; male 103,374) 65 years and over: 3% (female 5,738; male 5,923) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.4% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 38.48 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 4.51 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 26.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.84 years male: 68.38 years female: 73.41 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 5.59 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Solomon Islander(s) adjective: Solomon IslanderEthnic divisions: Melanesian 93%, Polynesian 4%, Micronesian 1.5%, European 0.8%, Chinese 0.3%, other 0.4%Religions: Anglican 34%, Roman Catholic 19%, Baptist 17%, United (Methodist/Presbyterian) 11%, Seventh-Day Adventist 10%, other Protestant 5%, traditional beliefs 4%Languages: Melanesian pidgin in much of the country is lingua franca, English spoken by 1%-2% of population note: 120 indigenous languagesLiteracy: NA%Labor force: NA by occupation: agriculture, forestry, and fishing 32.4%, services 25%, construction, manufacturing, and mining 7.0%, commerce, transport, and finance 4.7% (1984) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Solomon Islands GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Solomon Islands former: British Solomon IslandsDigraph: BPType: parliamentary democracyCapital: HoniaraAdministrative divisions: 7 provinces and 1 town*; Central, Guadalcanal, Honiara*, Isabel, Makira, Malaita, Temotu, WesternIndependence: 7 July 1978 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 7 July (1978)Constitution: 7 July 1978Legal system: common lawSuffrage: 21 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Moses PITAKAKA (since 10 June 1994) head of government: Prime Minister Solomon MAMALONI (since 7 November 1994); Deputy Prime Minister Dennis LULEI (since 10 November 1994) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the governor general on advice of the prime minister from members of parliamentLegislative branch: unicameral National Parliament: elections last held NA November 1994 (next to be held NA 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (47 total) number of seats by party NAJudicial branch: High CourtPolitical parties and leaders: People's Alliance Party (PAP); United Party (UP), leader NA; Solomon Islands Liberal Party (SILP), Bartholemew ULUFA'ALU; Nationalist Front for Progress (NFP), Andrew NORI; Labor Party (LP), Joses TUHANUKU; National Action Party, leader NA; Christian Fellowship, leader NA; National Unity Group, Solomon MAMALONIMember of: ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), IOC, ITU, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: ambassador traditionally resides in Honiara (Solomon Islands)US diplomatic representation: embassy closed July 1993; the ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to the Solomon Islands THE WORLD FACTBOOK Solomon Islands GovernmentFlag: divided diagonally by a thin yellow stripe from the lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is blue with five white five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern; the lower triangle is green THE WORLD FACTBOOK Solomon Islands EconomyOverview: The bulk of the population depend on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and forestry for at least part of their livelihood. Most manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported. The islands are rich in undeveloped mineral resources such as lead, zinc, nickel, and gold. The economy suffered from a severe cyclone in mid-1986 that caused widespread damage to the infrastructure. In 1993, the government was working with the IMF to develop a structural adjustment program to address the country's fiscal deficit.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $1 billion (1992 est.)National product real growth rate: 8% (1992)National product per capita: $2,590 (1992 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 13% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $48 million expenditures: $107 million, including capital expenditures of $45 million (1991 est.)Exports: $84 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: fish 46%, timber 31%, palm oil 5%, cocoa, copra partners: Japan 39%, UK 23%, Thailand 9%, Australia 5%, US 2% (1991)Imports: $110 million (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: plant and machinery, manufactured goods, food and live animals, fuel partners: Australia 34%, Japan 16%, Singapore 14%, NZ 9%External debt: $128 million (1988 est.)Industrial production: growth rate -3.8% (1991 est.); accounts for 5% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 21,000 kW production: 30 million kWh consumption per capita: 80 kWh (1993)Industries: copra, fish (tuna)Agriculture: including fishing and forestry, accounts for 31% of GDP; mostly subsistence farming; cash crops - cocoa, beans, coconuts, palm kernels, timber; other products - rice, potatoes, vegetables, fruit, cattle, pigs; not self-sufficient in food grains; 90% of the total fish catch of 44,500 metric tons was exported (1988)Economic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $250 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK Solomon Islands EconomyCurrency: 1 Solomon Islands dollar (SI$) = 100 centsExchange rates: Solomon Islands dollars (SI$) per US$1 - 3.3113 (September 1994), 3.1877 (1993), 2.9281 (1992), 2.7148 (1991), 2.5288 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Solomon Islands TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 1,300 km paved: 30 km unpaved: gravel 290 km; earth 980 km note: in addition, there are 800 km of private logging and plantation roads of varied construction (1982)Ports: Aola Bay, Honiara, Lofung, Noro, Viru Harbor, YandinaMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 31 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 19 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 9 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Solomon Islands CommunicationsTelephone system: 3,000 telephones local: NA intercity: NA international: 1 INTELSAT (Pacific Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 4, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 0 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Solomon Islands Defense ForcesBranches: no military forces; Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIP)Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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<text>SOLOMON ISLANDS - Passport, onward/return ticket and proof ofsufficient funds required. Visitors permit issued on arrival for stay up to 2months in 1-year period. For further information consult British Embassy(202/986-0205).Solomon Islands - Consular Information SheetJuly 9, 1993Country Description: The Solomon Islands form an archipelago in thesouthwest Pacific about 1200 miles northeast of Australia. The capital isHoniara on the island of Guadalcanal. The Solomon Islands is aparliamentary democracy within the British Commonwealth. Tourism facilitiesare limited, and outside of Honiara may be of poor quality.Passports, onward/return tickets and proof of sufficient funds are required. Visitors' permits are issued on arrival for stays of up to two months in aone-year period. For further information travelers may consult the BritishEmbassy at 3100 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel.(202) 462-1340 or British consulates in other cities.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are generally adequate. Hospitalsand pharmacies are limited to population centers and missions. Theincidence of malaria is extremely high. Many visitors begin taking malarialsuppressants before arrival. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediatecash payments for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not alwaysvalid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance withspecific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Information on healthmatters is available from the Centers for Disease Control's internationaltravelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Major crimes against travelers are not common, thoughpetty crimes against property frequently occur in the capital city, Honiara. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediatelyto the local police, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Usefulinformation on guarding valuables and protecting personal security whiletraveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet "A SafeTrip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices ofthe country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use andtrafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expectlengthy jail sentences and fines.Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy may obtain updatedinformation on travel and security within the area.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located on Mud Alley in Honiara. Themailing address is P.O. Box 561 Honiara, the Solomon Islands. The telephonenumber is (677) 23-890. There is a consul/charge d'affaires resident inHoniara who performs consular services for U.S. citizens. The U.S.Ambassador is resident in Port Moresby, New Guinea.No. 93-191This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated November 23, 1992 toinclude information on reporting the loss or theft of a U.S. passport.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Slovenia GeographyLocation: Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Croatia and ItalyMap references: Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, EuropeArea: total area: 20,296 sq km land area: 20,296 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than New JerseyLand boundaries: total 1,045 km, Austria 262 km, Croatia 501 km, Italy 199 km, Hungary 83 kmCoastline: 32 kmMaritime claims: NAInternational disputes: dispute with Croatia over fishing rights in the Adriatic and over some border areas; the border issue is currently under negotiationClimate: Mediterranean climate on the coast, continental climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the eastTerrain: a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain region adjacent to Italy, mixed mountain and valleys with numerous rivers to the eastNatural resources: lignite coal, lead, zinc, mercury, uranium, silverLand use: arable land: 10% permanent crops: 2% meadows and pastures: 20% forest and woodland: 45% other: 23%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: Sava River polluted with domestic and industrial waste; pollution of coastal waters with heavy metals and toxic chemicals; forest damage near Koper from air pollution (originating at metallurgical and chemical plants) and resulting acid rain natural hazards: flooding and earthquakes international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change THE WORLD FACTBOOK Slovenia PeoplePopulation: 2,051,522 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 19% (female 191,318; male 200,957) 15-64 years: 69% (female 701,082; male 708,482) 65 years and over: 12% (female 160,662; male 89,021) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.24% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 11.85 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 9.27 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -0.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 7.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.73 years male: 70.91 years female: 78.76 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.64 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Slovene(s) adjective: SlovenianEthnic divisions: Slovene 91%, Croat 3%, Serb 2%, Muslim 1%, other 3%Religions: Roman Catholic 96% (including 2% Uniate), Muslim 1%, other 3%Languages: Slovenian 91%, Serbo-Croatian 7%, other 2%Literacy: NA%Labor force: 786,036 by occupation: agriculture 2%, manufacturing and mining 46% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Slovenia GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Slovenia conventional short form: Slovenia local long form: Republika Slovenije local short form: SlovenijaDigraph: SIType: emerging democracyCapital: LjubljanaAdministrative divisions: 60 provinces (pokajine, singular - pokajina) Ajdovscina, Brezice, Celje, Cerknica, Crnomelj, Dravograd, Gornja Radgona, Grosuplje, Hrastnik Lasko, Idrija, Ilirska Bistrica, Izola, Jesenice, Kamnik, Kocevje, Koper, Kranj, Krsko, Lenart, Lendava, Litija, Ljubljana-Bezigrad, Ljubljana-Center, Ljubljana-Moste-Polje, Ljubljana-Siska, Ljubljana-Vic-Rudnik, Ljutomer, Logatec, Maribor, Metlika, Mozirje, Murska Sobota, Nova Gorica, Novo Mesto, Ormoz, Pesnica, Piran, Postojna, Ptuj, Radlje Ob Dravi, Radovljica, Ravne Na Koroskem, Ribnica, Ruse, Sentjur Pri Celju, Sevnica, Sezana, Skofja Loka, Slovenj Gradec, Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenske Konjice, Smarje Pri Jelsah, Tolmin, Trbovlje, Trebnje, Trzic, Velenje, Vrhnika, Zagorje Ob Savi, ZalecIndependence: 25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)National holiday: Statehood Day, 25 June (1991)Constitution: adopted 23 December 1991, effective 23 December 1991Legal system: based on civil law systemSuffrage: 18 years of age; universal (16 years of age, if employed)Executive branch: chief of state: President Milan KUCAN (since 22 April 1990); election last held 6 December 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - Milan KUCAN reelected by direct popular vote head of government: Prime Minister Janez DRNOVSEK (since 14 May 1992) cabinet: Council of MinistersLegislative branch: bicameral National Assembly State Assembly: elections last held 6 December 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (90 total) LDS 22, SKD 15, United List (former Communists and allies) 14, Slovene National Party 12, SLS 10, Democratic Party 6, ZS 5, SDSS 4, Hungarian minority 1, Italian minority 1 State Council: will become operational after next election in 1996; in the election of 6 December 1992, 40 members were elected to represent local and socioeconomic interestsJudicial branch: Supreme Court, Constitutional Court THE WORLD FACTBOOK Slovenia GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Liberal Democratic (LDS), Janez DRNOVSEK, chairman; Slovene Christian Democrats (SKD), Lozje PETERLE, chairman; Social Democratic Party of Slovenia (SDSS), Janez JANSA, chairman; Slovene People's National Party, Marjan PODOBNIK, chairman; United List (former Communists and allies), Janez KOCJANCIC, chairman; Slovene People's Party (SLS), Ivan OMAN, chairman; Democratic Party, Igor BAVCAR, chairman; Greens of Slovenia (ZS), Dusan PLUT, chairman note: parties have changed as of the December 1992 electionsOther political or pressure groups: noneMember of: CCC, CE, CEI, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM (guest), OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ernest PETRIC chancery: 1525 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 667-5363 FAX: [1] (202) 667-4563 consulate(s) general: New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador E. Allan WENDT embassy: P.O. Box 254, Prazakova 4, 61000 Ljubljana mailing address: American Embassy, Ljubljana, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-7140 telephone: [386] (61) 301-427, 472, 485 FAX: [386] (61) 301-401Flag: three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red with the Slovenian seal (a shield with the image of Triglav in white against a blue background at the center, beneath it are two wavy blue lines depicting seas and rivers, and around it, there are three six-sided stars arranged in an inverted triangle); the seal is located in the upper hoist side of the flag centered in the white and blue bands THE WORLD FACTBOOK Slovenia EconomyOverview: Slovenia appears to be making a solid economic recovery, fulfilling the promise it showed at the time of Yugoslavia's breakup. It was by far the most prosperous of the former Yugoslav republics, with a per capita income more than twice the national average. It also benefited from strong ties to Western Europe and suffered comparatively small physical damage in the dismemberment process. The beginning was difficult, however. Real GDP fell 15% during 1991-92, while inflation jumped to 247% in 1991 and unemployment topped 8% - nearly three times the 1989 level. The turning point came in 1993 when real GDP grew 1%, unemployment leveled off at about 9%, and inflation slowed dramatically to 23%. In 1994, the rate of growth of GDP rose to 4%, unemployment remained stable, and inflation dropped to 20%. This was accomplished, moreover, without balance-of-payments problems. The government gets generally good economic marks from foreign observers, particularly with regard to fiscal policy - the budget deficit in 1994 was only about 1% of GDP, following several years of small surpluses. Prospects for 1995 appear good, with economic growth expected to remain strong while unemployment and inflation may decline slightly. Privatization, sluggish to date, is expected to pick up in 1995.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $16 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 4% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $8,110 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 20% (1994)Unemployment rate: 9% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $9.9 billion expenditures: $9.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1993)Exports: $6.5 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery and transport equipment 27%, intermediate manufactured goods 26%, chemicals 9%, food 4.8%, raw materials 3%, consumer goods 26% (1993) partners: Germany 29.5%, former Yugoslavia 15.8%, Italy 12.4%, France 8.7%, Austria 5.0% (1993)Imports: $6.5 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery and transport equipment 30%, intermediate manufactured goods 17.6%, chemicals 11.5%, raw materials 5.3%, fuels and lubricants 10.8%, food 8.4% (1993) partners: Germany 25.0%, Italy 16.1%, former Yugoslavia 10.7%, France 8.0%, Austria 8.5% (1993)External debt: $2.1 billion (1994)Industrial production: growth rate 6% (1994 est.); accounts for 37% of GDP (1993)Electricity: capacity: 2,700,000 kW THE WORLD FACTBOOK Slovenia Economy production: 8.9 billion kWh consumption per capita: 4,470 kWh (1993)Industries: ferrous metallurgy and rolling mill products, aluminum reduction and rolled products, lead and zinc smelting, electronics (including military electronics), trucks, electric power equipment, wood products, textiles, chemicals, machine toolsAgriculture: accounts for 4.8% of GDP (1993); dominated by stock breeding (sheep and cattle) and dairy farming; main crops - potatoes, hops, hemp, flax; an export surplus in these commodities; Slovenia must import many other agricultural products and has a negative overall trade balance in this sectorIllicit drugs: NAEconomic aid: $NACurrency: 1 tolar (SlT) = 100 stotinsExchange rates: tolars (SIT) per US$1 - 127 (January 1995), 112 (June 1993), 28 (January 1992)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Slovenia TransportationRailroads: total: 1,201 km standard gauge: 1,201 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified 499 km) (1994)Highways: total: 14,726 km paved: 11,046 km (187 km expressways) unpaved: gravel 3,680 km (1992)Inland waterways: NAPipelines: crude oil 290 km; natural gas 305 kmPorts: Izola, Koper, PiranMerchant marine: total: 17 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 265,937 GRT/449,205 DWT (controlled by Slovenian owners) ships by type: bulk 11, cargo 6 note: ships under the flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Liberia; no ships remain under the Slovenian flagAirports: total: 14 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 with paved runways under 914 m: 5 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Slovenia CommunicationsTelephone system: 130,000 telephones local: NA intercity: NA international: NARadio: broadcast stations: AM 6, FM 5, shortwave 0 radios: 370,000Television: broadcast stations: 7 televisions: 330,000 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Slovenia Defense ForcesBranches: Slovene Defense ForcesManpower availability: males age 15-49 542,815; males fit for military service 434,302; males reach military age (19) annually 15,350 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: 13.5 billion tolars, 4.5% of GDP (1993 est.); note - conversion of the military budget into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results</text>
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<text>SLOVENIA - Passport required. Visa not required for stay of up to 90days. Additional information can be obtained from the Embassy of Slovenia,1300 19th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/828-1650).Slovenia - Consular Information SheetOctober 24, 1994Country Description: Slovenia, independent from Yugoslavia since 1991, is amoderately developed European nation which enjoys the highest per capita GNPof the former Communist countries. Essentially unaffected by the war inBosnia-Herzegovina, tourist facilities are available but may be limited,especially in the more rural parts of the country.Entry Requirements: A passport is necessary but no visa is required forstays of up to three months. Persons staying longer than three months mustobtain residence permits from the Ministry of the Interior offices servingthe area where they reside. Additional information may be obtained from theEmbassy of Slovenia at 1525 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036,telephone: (202) 667-5363, fax: (202) 667-4563. Information may also beobtained at the Slovenian consulate in New York, telephone: (212) 370-3006.Medical Facilities: Adequate medical care is readily available. Doctorsand hospitals often expect immediate payment in cash for health services.U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States; hence,travelers have found supplemental medical insurance with specific overseascoverage useful. Information about English-speaking doctors is available atthe U.S. Embassy. Further information on health matters can be obtainedfrom the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline,tel.: (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Crime in Slovenia is rare, but has increased since theonset of civil unrest in neighboring countries. As in any country,travelers, especially those who appear affluent, can become targets ofpickpockets and purse snatchers, especially at railroad stations and airports.The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediatelyto the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. TheDepartment of State's pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from theSuperintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,D.C. 20402. It provides useful information on travel and protectingpersonal security while traveling abroad.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, and trafficking inillegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentencesand fines.Registration: U.S. citizens may register and obtain updated information ontravel and security within Slovenia at the U.S. Embassy.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana is located at Prazakova 4,61000 Ljubljana, telephone (386-61) 301-427, fax (386-61) 301-401.No. 94-250This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 8, 1993, toupdate the country description, add the residence permit requirements andupdate the address of Slovenian Embassy.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Slovakia GeographyLocation: Central Europe, south of PolandMap references: Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, EuropeArea: total area: 48,845 sq km land area: 48,800 sq km comparative area: about twice the size of New HampshireLand boundaries: total 1,355 km, Austria 91 km, Czech Republic 215 km, Hungary 515 km, Poland 444 km, Ukraine 90 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: Gabcikovo Dam dispute with Hungary; unresolved property issues with Czech Republic over redistribution of former Czechoslovak federal propertyClimate: temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid wintersTerrain: rugged mountains in the central and northern part and lowlands in the southNatural resources: brown coal and lignite; small amounts of iron ore, copper and manganese ore; saltLand use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: air pollution from metallurgical plants presents human health risks; acid rain damaging forests natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the SeaNote: landlocked THE WORLD FACTBOOK Slovakia PeoplePopulation: 5,432,383 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 23% (female 609,795; male 638,346) 15-64 years: 66% (female 1,807,312; male 1,778,712) 65 years and over: 11% (female 364,610; male 233,608) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.54% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 14.51 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 9.12 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 10 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.24 years male: 69.15 years female: 77.57 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.93 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Slovak(s) adjective: SlovakEthnic divisions: Slovak 85.7%, Hungarian 10.7%, Gypsy 1.5% (the 1992 census figures underreport the Gypsy/Romany community, which could reach 500,000 or more), Czech 1%, Ruthenian 0.3%, Ukrainian 0.3%, German 0.1%, Polish 0.1%, other 0.3%Religions: Roman Catholic 60.3%, atheist 9.7%, Protestant 8.4%, Orthodox 4.1%, other 17.5%Languages: Slovak (official), HungarianLiteracy: NA%Labor force: 2.484 million by occupation: industry 33.2%, agriculture 12.2%, construction 10.3%, communication and other 44.3% (1990) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Slovakia GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Slovak Republic conventional short form: Slovakia local long form: Slovenska Republika local short form: SlovenskoDigraph: LOType: parliamentary democracyCapital: BratislavaAdministrative divisions: 4 departments (kraje, singular - kraj) Bratislava, Zapadoslovensky, Stredoslovensky, VychodoslovenskyIndependence: 1 January 1993 (from Czechoslovakia)National holiday: Anniversary of Slovak National Uprising, August 29 (1944)Constitution: ratified 1 September 1992, fully effective 1 January 1993Legal system: civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; legal code modified to comply with the obligations of Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theorySuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Michal KOVAC (since 8 February 1993); election last held 8 February 1993 (next to be held NA 1998); results - Michal KOVAC elected by the National Council head of government: Prime Minister Vladimir MECIAR (since 12 December 1994) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president on recommendation of the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral National Council (Narodni Rada): elections last held 30 September-1 October 1994 (next to be held by October 1998); results - HZDS 35%, SDL 10.4%, Hungarian coalition (Hungarian Christian Democrats, Hungarian Civic Party, Coexistence) 10.2%, KDH 10.1%, DU 8.6%, ZRS 7.3%, SNS 5.4%; seats - (150 total) governing coalition 83 (HZDS 61, ZRS 13, SNS 9), opposition 67 (SDL 18, Hungarian coalition 17, KDH 17, DU 15)Judicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (HZDS), Vladimir MECIAR, chairman; Common Choice/Party of the Democratic Left (SDL), Peter WEISS, chairman; Hungarian Christian Democrats, Vojtech BUGAR; Hungarian Civic Party; Coexistence, Miklos DURAY, chairman; Christian Democratic Movement (KDH), Jan CARNOGURSKY; Democratic Union (DU), Jozef MORAVCIK, chairman; Association of Slovak Workers (ZRS), Jan LUPTAK, chairman; Slovak National Party (SNS), Jan SLOTA, chairman THE WORLD FACTBOOK Slovakia GovernmentOther political or pressure groups: Green Party; Social Democratic Party of Slovakia; Slovak Christian UnionMember of: Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE (guest), CEI, CERN, EBRD, ECE, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NACC, NSG, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMIL, UNOMUR, UNPROFOR, UPU, WEU (associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Branislav LICHARDUS chancery: (temporary) Suite 380, 2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 965-5161 FAX: [1] (202) 965-5166US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Theodore E. RUSSELL embassy: Hviezdoslavovo Namestie 4, 81102 Bratislava mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [42] (7) 330-861, 333-338 FAX: [42] (7) 330-096Flag: three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red superimposed with the Slovak cross in a shield centered on the hoist side; the cross is white centered on a background of red and blue THE WORLD FACTBOOK Slovakia EconomyOverview: In 1994 macroeconomic performance improved steadily but privatization progressed only in fits and starts. Most of Slovakia's IMF-approved targets were met by an interim government that lasted 9 months. Annual inflation fell from 23% in 1993 to 12%; unemployment at 14.6% was still well below forecasts of 17%; and the budget deficit was around half that in 1993. Slovakia's nearly $200 million trade surplus also compares favorably with a more than $800 million deficit in 1993. Furthermore, after contracting almost 25% in the three years following 1990, GDP grew 4.3% in 1994, according to official statistics. Bratislava in June qualified for a $254 million IMF stand-by loan and the second $90 million tranche of its Systemic Transformation Facility and, in December, received approval for a European Union loan worth about $160 million. By the end of September 1994, the Central Bank's foreign currency reserves had tripled since the end of 1993. Slovakia continued to have difficulty attracting foreign investment, however, because of perceived political instability and halting progress in privatization. The interim government prepared property worth nearly $2 billion for the second wave of coupon privatization and sold participation in the program to over 80% of Slovakia's eligible citizens. Parties controlling the new Parliament in November 1994, however, put the second wave of coupon privatization on hold and suspended sales of 38 firms until the new government could evaluate the interim government's decisions in early 1995. The new government's targets for 1995 include GDP growth of 3%, inflation of 8%-10%, unemployment of 15%, and a budget deficit under 3% of GDP. Continuing economic recovery in western Europe should boost Slovak exports and production, but Slovakia's image with foreign creditors and investors could suffer setbacks in 1995 if progress on privatization stalls or budget deficits mount beyond IMF-recommended levels.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $32.8 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 4.3% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $6,070 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 14.6% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $4.4 billion expenditures: $4.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $350 million (1994 est.)Exports: $6.3 billion (f.o.b., January-November 1994) commodities: machinery and transport equipment; chemicals; fuels, minerals, and metals; agricultural products partners: Czech Republic 37.7%, Germany 17.1%, Hungary 5.3%, Austria 5.3%, Italy 4.6%, Russia 4.0%, Poland 2.6%, Ukraine 1.8%, US 1.6% (January-September 1994)Imports: $6.1 billion (f.o.b., January-November 1994) commodities: machinery and transport equipment; fuels and lubricants; manufactured goods; raw materials; chemicals; agricultural products partners: Czech Republic 29.9%, Russia 19.0%, Germany 13.2%, Austria 5.8%, Italy 4.3%, US 2.6%, Poland 2.4%, Ukraine 1.9%, Hungary 1.6% (January-September 1994) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Slovakia EconomyExternal debt: $4.2 billion hard currency indebtedness (1994 est.)Industrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 6,300,000 kW production: 20.9 billion kWh consumption per capita: 3,609 kWh (1993)Industries: metal and metal products; food and beverages; electricity, gas, and water; coking, oil production, and nuclear fuel production; chemicals and manmade fibers; machinery; paper and printing; earthenware and ceramics; transport vehicles; textiles; electrical and optical apparatus; rubber productsAgriculture: largely self-sufficient in food production; diversified crop and livestock production, including grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit, hogs, cattle, and poultry; exporter of forest productsIllicit drugs: transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin bound for Western EuropeEconomic aid: donor: the former Czechoslovakia was a donor - $4.2 billion in bilateral aid to non-Communist less developed countries (1954-89)Currency: 1 koruna (Sk) = 100 halierovExchange rates: koruny (Sk) per US$1 - 31.14 (September 1994), 32.9 (December 1993), 28.59 (December 1992), 28.26 (1992), 29.53 (1991), 17.95 (1990), 15.05 (1989); note - values before 1993 reflect Czechoslovak exchange rateFiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Slovakia TransportationRailroads: total: 3,660 km (electrified 635 km) broad gauge: 102 km 1.520-m gauge standard gauge: 3,511 km 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 47 km (35 km 1,000-m gauge; 12 km 0.750-m gauge) (1994)Highways: total: 17,650 km (1990) paved: NA unpaved: NAInland waterways: NA kmPipelines: petroleum products NA km; natural gas 2,700 kmPorts: Bratislava, KomarnoMerchant marine: total: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,160 GRT/6,163 DWTAirports: 37 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 with paved runways under 914 m: 4 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 10 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 11 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Slovakia CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones local: NA intercity: NA international: NARadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: NA televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Slovakia Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, Civil Defense, Railroad UnitsManpower availability: males age 15-49 1,443,719; males fit for military service 1,107,453; males reach military age (18) annually 49,045 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: 9.59 billion koruny, 3.1% of GDP (1994 est.); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results</text>
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<text>SLOVAK REPUBLIC - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to30 days. For longer stays and other types of travel contact Embassy ofthe Slovak Republic, 2201 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., Suite 380, Washington, D.C.20007 (202/965-5164).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Slovak Republic============================================================Slovak Republic - Consular Information Sheet November 9, 1995Country Description: The Slovak Republic is a moderately developed European nation undergoing profound economic and political changes. Tourist facilities are not as developed as those found in western Europe and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other European countries are not yet available.Entry Requirements: Travelers to the Slovak Republic can obtain entry information at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic at 2201 Wisconsin Avenue N.W., Suite 380, Washington, DC 20007, telephone (202) 965-5160/1.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are available. However only a limited number of doctors are English speakers. Doctors and hospitals expect cash payment for health services unless the patient can present an insurance number from the Slovak National Insurance Company. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: The Slovak Republic has a low rate of violent crime. However, particularly in the summer, there has been an increase in street crime such as pickpocketing in shopping centers, in the vicinity of major hotels where foreigners stay, near major tourist sites, and on night trains, especially Prague-Bratislava-Budapest or Budapest-Warsaw. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use and dealing in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration and Embassy Location: U.S. citizens may register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava and obtain updated information on travel and security in the Slovak Republic. The U.S. Embassy in Bratislava is located at Hviezdoslavovo Namestie 4, telephone (42-7) 330-861. No. 95-142This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May, 11, 1994 to update information on crime.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Slovak Republic============================================================Slovak Republic - Consular Information Sheet November 9, 1995Country Description: The Slovak Republic is a moderately developed European nation undergoing profound economic and political changes. Tourist facilities are not as developed as those found in western Europe and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other European countries are not yet available.Entry Requirements: Travelers to the Slovak Republic can obtain entry information at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic at 2201 Wisconsin Avenue N.W., Suite 380, Washington, DC 20007, telephone (202) 965-5160/1.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are available. However only a limited number of doctors are English speakers. Doctors and hospitals expect cash payment for health services unless the patient can present an insurance number from the Slovak National Insurance Company. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: The Slovak Republic has a low rate of violent crime. However, particularly in the summer, there has been an increase in street crime such as pickpocketing in shopping centers, in the vicinity of major hotels where foreigners stay, near major tourist sites, and on night trains, especially Prague-Bratislava-Budapest or Budapest-Warsaw. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. It provides useful information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use and dealing in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration and Embassy Location: U.S. citizens may register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava and obtain updated information on travel and security in the Slovak Republic. The U.S. Embassy in Bratislava is located at Hviezdoslavovo Namestie 4, telephone (42-7) 330-861. No. 95-142This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May, 11, 1994 to update information on crime.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Singapore GeographyLocation: Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and IndonesiaMap references: Southeast AsiaArea: total area: 632.6 sq km land area: 622.6 sq km comparative area: slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 193 kmMaritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: within and beyond territorial sea, as defined in treaties and practice territorial sea: 3 nmInternational disputes: two islands in dispute with MalaysiaClimate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy; no pronounced rainy or dry seasons; thunderstorms occur on 40% of all days (67% of days in April)Terrain: lowland; gently undulating central plateau contains water catchment area and nature preserveNatural resources: fish, deepwater portsLand use: arable land: 4% permanent crops: 7% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 5% other: 84%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: industrial pollution; limited natural fresh water resources; limited land availability presents waste disposal problems natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate ChangeNote: focal point for Southeast Asian sea routes THE WORLD FACTBOOK Singapore PeoplePopulation: 2,890,468 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 23% (female 327,417; male 348,345) 15-64 years: 70% (female 991,015; male 1,030,668) 65 years and over: 7% (female 105,081; male 87,942) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.06% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 15.93 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.35 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 5.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.16 years male: 73.28 years female: 79.25 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.87 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Singaporean(s) adjective: SingaporeEthnic divisions: Chinese 76.4%, Malay 14.9%, Indian 6.4%, other 2.3%Religions: Buddhist (Chinese), Muslim (Malays), Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Taoist, ConfucianistLanguages: Chinese (official), Malay (official and national), Tamil (official), English (official)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 89% male: 95% female: 83%Labor force: 1.649 million (1994) by occupation: financial, business, and other services 33.5%, manufacturing 25.6%, commerce 22.9%, construction 6.6%, other 11.4% (1994) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Singapore GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Singapore conventional short form: SingaporeDigraph: SNType: republic within CommonwealthCapital: SingaporeAdministrative divisions: noneIndependence: 9 August 1965 (from Malaysia)National holiday: National Day, 9 August (1965)Constitution: 3 June 1959, amended 1965 (based on preindependence State of Singapore Constitution)Legal system: based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 20 years of age; universal and compulsoryExecutive branch: chief of state: President ONG Teng Cheong (since 1 September 1993); election last held 28 August 1993 (next to be held NA August 1997); results - ONG Teng Cheong was elected with 59% of the vote in the country's first popular election for president head of government: Prime Minister GOH Chok Tong (since 28 November 1990); Deputy Prime Minister LEE Hsien Loong (since 28 November 1990) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president, responsible to parliamentLegislative branch: unicameral Parliament: elections last held 31 August 1991 (next to be held by 31 August 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (81 total) PAP 77, SDP 3, WP 1Judicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: government: People's Action Party (PAP), GOH Chok Tong, secretary general opposition: Workers' Party (WP), J. B. JEYARETNAM; Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), CHEE Soon Juan; National Solidarity Party (NSP), leader NA; Barisan Sosialis (BS, Socialist Front), leader NA; Singapore People's Party (SPP), SIN Kek TongMember of: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNIKOM, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Sellapan Rama NATHAN THE WORLD FACTBOOK Singapore Government chancery: 3501 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 537-3100 FAX: [1] (202) 537-0876US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Timothy A. CHORBA embassy: 30 Hill Street, Singapore 0617 mailing address: FPO AP 96534 telephone: [65] 3380251 FAX: [65] 3384550Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; near the hoist side of the red band, there is a vertical, white crescent (closed portion is toward the hoist side) partially enclosing five white five-pointed stars arranged in a circle THE WORLD FACTBOOK Singapore EconomyOverview: Singapore has an open entrepreneurial economy with strong service and manufacturing sectors and excellent international trading links derived from its entrepot history. The economy registered 10.1% growth in 1994, with prospects for 7.5%-8.5% growth in 1995. In 1994, the manufacturing and financial and business services sectors have led economic growth. Exports boomed, led by the electronics sector, particularly US demand for disk drives. Rising labor costs continue to be a threat to Singapore's competitiveness, but there are indications that productivity is keeping up. In applied technology, per capita output, investment, and labor discipline, Singapore has key attributes of a developed country.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $57 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 10.1% (1994)National product per capita: $19,940 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.6% (1994)Unemployment rate: 2.6% (1994)Budget: revenues: $11.9 billion expenditures: $10.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $3.9 billion (FY93/94 est.)Exports: $96.4 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: computer equipment, rubber and rubber products, petroleum products, telecommunications equipment partners: Malaysia 20%, US 19%, Hong Kong 9%, Japan 7%, Thailand 6% (1994)Imports: $102.4 billion (c.i.f., 1994) commodities: aircraft, petroleum, chemicals, foodstuffs partners: Japan 22%, Malaysia 16%, US 15%, Taiwan 4%, Saudi Arabia 4% (1994)External debt: $20 million (1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 13% (1994 est.); accounts for 28% of GDP (1993)Electricity: capacity: 4,510,000 kW production: 17 billion kWh consumption per capita: 5,590 kWh (1993)Industries: petroleum refining, electronics, oil drilling equipment, rubber processing and rubber products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, entrepot trade, financial services, biotechnologyAgriculture: minor importance in the economy; self-sufficient in poultry and eggs; must import much of other food; major crops - rubber, copra, fruit, vegetables THE WORLD FACTBOOK Singapore EconomyIllicit drugs: transit point for Golden Triangle heroin going to the US, Western Europe, and the Third World; also a major money-laundering centerEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-83), $590 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1 billionCurrency: 1 Singapore dollar (S$) = 100 centsExchange rates: Singapore dollars (S$) per US$1 - 1.4524 (January 1995), 1.5275 (1994), 1.6158 (1993), 1.6290 (1992), 1.7276 (1991), 1.8125 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Singapore TransportationRailroads: total: 38.6 km narrow gauge: 38.6 km 1.000-m gaugeHighways: total: 2,883 km paved: 2,796 km unpaved: 87 km (1991 est.)Ports: SingaporeMerchant marine: total: 563 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 11,167,596 GRT/17,845,687 DWT ships by type: bulk 96, cargo 121, chemical tanker 16, combination bulk 2, combination ore/oil 7, container 78, liquefied gas tanker 6, oil tanker 198, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 12, short-sea passenger 1, specialized tanker 3, vehicle carrier 22 note: a flag of convenience registry; includes 20 countries among which are Japan 35 ships, Denmark 21, Germany 21, Hong Kong 18, Belgium 14, Thailand 11, Sweden 8, US 7, Indonesia 6, and Norway 5; Singapore owns 1 ship under Malaysia registryAirports: total: 10 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Singapore CommunicationsTelephone system: 1,110,000 telephones; good domestic facilities; good international service; good radio and television broadcast coverage local: NA intercity: NA international: submarine cables extend to Malaysia (Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia), Indonesia, and the Philippines; 2 INTELSAT (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 13, FM 4, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 2 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Singapore Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, People's Defense Force, Police ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 860,437; males fit for military service 629,973 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.7 billion, 6% of GDP (1993 est.)</text>
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<text>SINGAPORE - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa notrequired for tourist/business stay up to 2 weeks, extendable to 3 monthsmaximum. AIDS test required for some work visas. U.S. test is not accepted. For additional information contact Embassy of Singapore, 3501 Int'l Place,N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/537-3100).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Singapore============================================================Singapore - Consular Information Sheet June 16, 1995Country Description: Singapore is a small, highly developed parliamentary democracy. Tourist facilities are modern and widely available.Entry Requirements: Passports and onward/return tickets are required. Visas are not required for tourist/business stays of up to two weeks. For more current information, travelers can contact the Embassy of Singapore, 3501 International Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 537-3100.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities and services are good and widely available in Singapore. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. The international traveler's hotline at the Centers for Disease Control can be reached at (404) 332-4559 for additional useful health information.Information on Crime: Major crimes against tourists are not common. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing do occur in tourist areas. Visitors should be aware of Singapore's strict laws and penalties for a variety of offenses that might be considered minor in the United States, including jaywalking, littering, spitting, as well as the importation and sale of chewing gum. Singapore imposes a mandatory caning sentence on males for vandalism offenses. Caning may also be imposed for immigration violations and other offenses. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police, and the U.S. Embassy. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect, at least, a jail sentence and fine. Singapore has a mandatory death penalty for many narcotics offenses.Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 30 Hill Street, Singapore 0617; the mailing address is American Embassy Singapore, FPO AP 96534; telephone (65) 338-0251. No. 95-072This is a reissuance of the Consular Information Sheet dated May 9, 1994.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sierra Leone GeographyLocation: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and LiberiaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 71,740 sq km land area: 71,620 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than South CarolinaLand boundaries: total 958 km, Guinea 652 km, Liberia 306 kmCoastline: 402 kmMaritime claims: territorial sea: 200 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitationInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to December); winter dry season (December to April)Terrain: coastal belt of mangrove swamps, wooded hill country, upland plateau, mountains in eastNatural resources: diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold, chromiteLand use: arable land: 25% permanent crops: 2% meadows and pastures: 31% forest and woodland: 29% other: 13%Irrigated land: 340 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: rapid population growth pressuring the environment; overharvesting of timber, expansion of cattle grazing, and slash-and-burn agriculture have resulted in deforestation and soil exhaustion; civil war depleting natural resources; overfishing natural hazards: dry, sand-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (November to May); sandstorms, dust storms international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Climate Change, Environmental Modification THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sierra Leone PeoplePopulation: 4,753,120 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 44% (female 1,054,826; male 1,020,943) 15-64 years: 53% (female 1,310,506; male 1,216,510) 65 years and over: 3% (female 72,982; male 77,353) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.63% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 44.65 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 18.38 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.) note: thousands of refugees, fleeing the civil strife in Sierra Leone, are taking refuge in GuineaInfant mortality rate: 138.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 46.94 years male: 44.07 years female: 49.89 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 5.9 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Sierra Leonean(s) adjective: Sierra LeoneanEthnic divisions: 13 native African tribes 99% (Temne 30%, Mende 30%, other 39%), Creole, European, Lebanese, and Asian 1%Religions: Muslim 60%, indigenous beliefs 30%, Christian 10%Languages: English (official; regular use limited to literate minority), Mende (principal vernacular in the south), Temne (principal vernacular in the north), Krio (the language of the re-settled ex-slave population of the Freetown area and is lingua franca)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write English, Mende, Temne, or Arabic (1990 est.) total population: 21% male: 31% female: 11%Labor force: 1.369 million (1981 est.) by occupation: agriculture 65%, industry 19%, services 16% (1981 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sierra Leone People note: only about 65,000 wage earners (1985) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sierra Leone GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Sierra Leone conventional short form: Sierra LeoneDigraph: SLType: military governmentCapital: FreetownAdministrative divisions: 3 provinces and 1 area*; Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western*Independence: 27 April 1961 (from UK)National holiday: Republic Day, 27 April (1961)Constitution: 1 October 1991; suspended following 19 April 1992 coupLegal system: based on English law and customary laws indigenous to local tribes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: Chairman of the Supreme Council of State Capt. Valentine E. M. STRASSER (since 29 April 1992) cabinet: Council of Secretaries; responsible to the Supreme Council of State (SCS)Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives (suspended after coup of 29 April 1992); Chairman STRASSER promises multi-party elections sometime in 1995Judicial branch: Supreme Court (suspended after coup of 29 April 1992)Political parties and leaders: status of existing political parties is unknown following 29 April 1992 coupMember of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas Kahota KARGBO chancery: 1701 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 939-9261US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Lauralee M. PETERS embassy: Corner of Walpole and Siaka Stevens Streets, Freetown mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [232] (22) 226481 trough 226485 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sierra Leone Government FAX: [232] (22) 225471Flag: three equal horizontal bands of light green (top), white, and light blue THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sierra Leone EconomyOverview: Sierra Leone has substantial mineral, agricultural, and fishery resources, but the economic and social infrastructure is not well developed. Agriculture generates about 40% of GDP and employs about two-thirds of the working population, with subsistence agriculture dominating the sector. Manufacturing, which accounts for roughly 10% of GDP, consists mainly of the processing of raw materials and of light manufacturing for the domestic market. Diamond mining provides an important source of hard currency. Since 1990, the government has been able to meet its IMF- and World Bank-mandated stabilization targets, holding down fiscal deficits, increasing foreign exchange reserves, and retiring much of its domestic debt - but at a steep cost in terms of capital investments and social spending. Moreover, the economic infrastructure has nearly collapsed due to neglect and war-related disruptions in the mining and agricultural export sectors. The continuing civil war in Liberia has led to a large influx of refugees, who place additional burdens on Sierra Leon's fragile economy.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $4.5 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: 0.7% (1993 est.)National product per capita: $1,000 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 22% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $68 million expenditures: $118 million, including capital expenditures of $28 million (1992 est.)Exports: $149 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: rutile 48%, bauxite 25%, diamonds 16%, coffee, cocoa, fish partners: US, UK, Belgium, Germany, other Western EuropeImports: $149 million (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: foodstuffs 48%, machinery and equipment 32%, fuels 9% partners: US, EC countries, Japan, China, NigeriaExternal debt: $1.15 billion (yearend 1993)Industrial production: growth rate -1.5% (FY91/92); accounts for 11% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 130,000 kW production: 220 million kWh consumption per capita: 44 kWh (1993)Industries: mining (diamonds, bauxite, rutile), small-scale manufacturing (beverages, textiles, cigarettes, footwear), petroleum refinery THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sierra Leone EconomyAgriculture: largely subsistence farming; cash crops - coffee, cocoa, palm kernels; harvests of food staple rice meets 80% of domestic needs; annual fish catch averages 53,000 metric tonsEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $161 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $848 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $18 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $101 millionCurrency: 1 leone (Le) = 100 centsExchange rates: leones (Le) per US$1 - 617.67 (January 1995), 586.74 (1994), 567.46 (1993), 499.44 (1992), 295.34 (1991), 144.9275 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sierra Leone TransportationRailroads: total: 84 km mineral line is used on a limited basis because the mine at Marampa is closed narrow gauge: 84 km 1.067-m gaugeHighways: total: 7,400 km paved: 1,150 km unpaved: crushed stone, gravel 490 km; improved earth 5,760 kmInland waterways: 800 km; 600 km navigable year roundPorts: Bonthe, Freetown, PepelMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 11 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 3 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 4 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sierra Leone CommunicationsTelephone system: 23,650 telephones; telephone density - 5 telephones/1,000 persons; marginal telephone and telegraph service local: NA intercity: national microwave radio relay system made unserviceable by military activities international: 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 1 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sierra Leone Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Police, Security ForcesManpower availability: males age 15-49 1,030,332; males fit for military service 498,945 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $14 million, 2.6% of GDP (FY92/93)</text>
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<text>SIERRA LEONE - Passport and visa required. Single-entry visa valid 3months, requires 1 application form, 1 photo, return/onward ticket andproof of financial support from bank or employer. Cholera and yellowfever immunizations required and malarial suppressants recommended. Adulttravelers (over age 16) must exchange $100 minimum upon arrival anddeclare other foreign currency on an exchange control form (M), certified andstamped at the port of entry. For further information consult Embassyof Sierra Leone, 1701 19th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009(202/939-9261).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Sierra Leone============================================================Sierra Leone - Travel Warning February 1, 1995The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer travel to Sierra Leone. Travel within Sierra Leone should be considered extremely hazardous due to random and sporadic attacks by insurgents. Additional information may be found in the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet on Sierra Leone. No. 95-004Sierra Leone - Consular Information Sheet February 8, 1995Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer travel to Sierra Leone. Travel within Sierra Leone should be considered extremely hazardous due to random and sporadic attacks by insurgents.Country Description: Sierra Leone is a developing country which has few facilities for tourism and poses considerable risks for travelers. Military activity and banditry affect large parts of the country outside Freetown and the western peninsula. Telephone service is unreliable.Entry Requirements: A passport and a visa are required. Visas must be obtained in advance from a Sierra Leonean embassy or consulate. Yellow fever immunizations are required and malaria suppressants are recommended. For current entry information, contact the Embassy of Sierra Leone, 1701 19th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone (202) 939-9261.Areas of Instability: The random and unpredictable nature of military activity makes travel outside Freetown and the tourist areas of the Western Peninsula extremely hazardous. There have been armed attacks on roads and villages in many parts of the country, and as close as within 40 miles of Freetown. Foreigners have been taken hostage during several recent incidents. In addition, foreigners traveling in rural areas and certain areas of Freetown are at risk from neighborhood patrols and committees on the lookout for suspicious strangers. Travelers in rural areas run the risk of being detained, injured or killed. Because many Sierra Leoneans do not speak English, it can be difficult for a foreigner to communicate his or her identity. Travelers may also encounter difficulties at the numerous roadblocks and military checkpoints outside Freetown. The U.S. Embassy has warned Americans not to travel or reside outside Freetown unless directly involved in essential emergency relief work. Only two major European air carriers currently service Lungi Airport. The ferry service between the airport and Freetown is unreliable. In emergencies, the overland route to the airport might be closed by fighting.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities fall far short of U.S. standards. Persons with medical conditions that may require treatment or medications are discouraged from traveling to Sierra Leone. Medicines are in short supply, sterility of equipment is questionable, and treatment is unreliable. Many primary health care workers, especially in rural areas, lack professional training. Instances of misdiagnosis, improper treatment and administration of improper drugs have been reported. International air carriers are reluctant to assist with medical evacuations from Sierra Leone. Private charter evacuations, costing thousands of dollars, may be necessary. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage and medical evacuation coverage has proven to be useful. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Petty crime and theft of wallets and passports are common. Requests for payments at military roadblocks are common. Robberies and burglaries of residences also occur. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Curfew: Localized changes in the security situation in specific areas can lead, without warning, to imposition of a curfew.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Photography Restrictions: Permission is required to photograph government buildings, airports, bridges or official-looking buildings. Areas forbidding photography are not marked or defined.Dual Nationality: Dual nationals who are bearers of Sierra Leone passports are required to present proof of payment of taxes before being granted departure clearance from Sierra Leone. U.S. consular assistance to persons of dual nationality may be extremely limited.Registration: U.S. citizens may register at the U.S. Embassy, at which time they may obtain updated information on travel and security in Sierra Leone. In the event of civil disorder or crisis, U.S. citizens are asked to contact the U.S. Embassy.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at the corner of Walpole and Siaka Stevens streets in the capital city of Freetown. The telephone number is (232-22) 226-481. U.S. consular services are limited to areas under government control; personnel constraints imposed on the U.S. Embassy limit the assistance which can be provided even in those areas. No. 94-128This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 25, 1994, to add a travel warning; to revise the paragraphs on Areas of Instability and Medical Facilities; and to delete information on currency regulations.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Seychelles GeographyLocation: Eastern Africa, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, northeast of MadagascarMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 455 sq km land area: 455 sq km comparative area: slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 491 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: claims Tromelin IslandClimate: tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest monsoon (March to May)Terrain: Mahe Group is granitic, narrow coastal strip, rocky, hilly; others are coral, flat, elevated reefsNatural resources: fish, copra, cinnamon treesLand use: arable land: 4% permanent crops: 18% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 18% other: 60%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: no natural fresh water resources, catchments collect rain water natural hazards: lies outside the cyclone belt, so severe storms are rare; short droughts possible international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - DesertificationNote: 40 granitic and about 50 coralline islands THE WORLD FACTBOOK Seychelles PeoplePopulation: 72,709 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 32% (female 11,630; male 11,811) 15-64 years: 62% (female 23,229; male 21,679) 65 years and over: 6% (female 2,875; male 1,485) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.81% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 21.35 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.7 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -6.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 11.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.08 years male: 66.54 years female: 73.73 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.16 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Seychellois (singular and plural) adjective: SeychellesEthnic divisions: Seychellois (mixture of Asians, Africans, Europeans)Religions: Roman Catholic 90%, Anglican 8%, other 2%Languages: English (official), French (official), CreoleLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1971) total population: 58% male: 56% female: 60%Labor force: 27,700 (1985) by occupation: industry and commerce 31%, services 21%, government 20%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 12%, other 16% (1985) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Seychelles GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Seychelles conventional short form: SeychellesDigraph: SEType: republicCapital: VictoriaAdministrative divisions: 23 administrative districts; Anse aux Pins, Anse Boileau, Anse Etoile, Anse Louis, Anse Royale, Baie Lazare, Baie Sainte Anne, Beau Vallon, Bel Air, Bel Ombre, Cascade, Glacis, Grand' Anse (on Mahe Island), Grand' Anse (on Praslin Island), La Digue, La Riviere Anglaise, Mont Buxton, Mont Fleuri, Plaisance, Pointe Larue, Port Glaud, Saint Louis, TakamakaIndependence: 29 June 1976 (from UK)National holiday: National Day, 18 June (1993) (adoption of new constitution)Constitution: 18 June 1993Legal system: based on English common law, French civil law, and customary lawSuffrage: 17 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President France Albert RENE (since 5 June 1977); election last held 20-23 July 1993 (next to be held NA); results - President France Albert RENE (SPPF) reelected with 59.5% of the vote, Sir James MANCHAM (DP) 36.72% cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch: unicameral People's Assembly (Assemblee du Peuple): elections last held 20-23 July 1993 (next to be held NA); results - SPPF 82%, DP 15%, UO 3%; seats - (33 total, 22 elected, 11 awarded) seats elected - SPPF 21, DP 1; seats awarded - SPPF 6, DP 4, UO 1; total seats by party - SPPF 27, DP 5, UO 1 note: the 11 awarded seats are apportioned according to the share of each party in the total voteJudicial branch: Court of Appeal, Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: ruling party - Seychelles People's Progressive Front (SPPF), France Albert RENE; Democratic Party (DP), Sir James MANCHAM; United Opposition (UO), Annette GEORGES - a coalition of the following parties: Seychelles Party (PS), Wavel RAMKALAWAN; Seychelles Democratic Movement (MSPD), Jacques HONDOUL; Seychelles Liberal Party (SLP), Ogilvie BERLOUIS;;Other political or pressure groups: trade unions; Roman Catholic ChurchMember of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS (associate), ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WTO THE WORLD FACTBOOK Seychelles GovernmentDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Marc R. MARENGO chancery: (temporary) 820 Second Avenue, Suite 900F, New York, NY 10017 telephone: [1] (212) 687-9766, 9767 FAX: [1] (212) 922-9177US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Carl Burton STOKES embassy: 4th Floor, Victoria House, Box 251, Victoria, Mahe mailing address: Box 148, Unit 62501, Victoria, Seychelles; APO AE 09815-2501 telephone: [248] 225256 FAX: [248] 225189Flag: three horizontal bands of red (top), white (wavy), and green; the white band is the thinnest, the red band is the thickest THE WORLD FACTBOOK Seychelles EconomyOverview: Since independence in 1976, per capita output has grown to roughly seven times the old near-subsistence level, led by the tourist sector, which employs about 30% of the labor force and provides more than 70% of hard currency earnings. In recent years the government has encouraged foreign investment in order to upgrade hotels and other services. At the same time, the government has moved to reduce the high dependence on tourism by promoting the development of farming, fishing, and small-scale manufacturing. The vulnerability of the tourist sector was illustrated by the sharp drop in 1991-92 due largely to the Gulf war. Although the industry has rebounded, the government recognizes the continuing need for upgrading the sector in the face of stiff international competition.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $430 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: -2% (1993 est.)National product per capita: $6,000 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.9% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate: 9% (1987)Budget: revenues: $227.4 million expenditures: $263 million, including capital expenditures of $54 million (1993 est.)Exports: $50 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: fish, cinnamon bark, copra, petroleum products (re-exports) partners: France 43%, UK 22%, Reunion 11%, (1992)Imports: $261 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: manufactured goods, food, petroleum products, tobacco, beverages, machinery and transportation equipment partners: Singapore 16%, Bahrain 16%, South Africa, 14%, UK 13% (1992)External debt: $181 million (1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 4% (1992); accounts for 12% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 30,000 kW production: 110 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,399 kWh (1993)Industries: tourism, processing of coconut and vanilla, fishing, coir rope factory, boat building, printing, furniture, beverageAgriculture: accounts for 5% of GDP, mostly subsistence farming; cash crops - coconuts, cinnamon, vanilla; other products - sweet potatoes, cassava, bananas; broiler chickens; large share of food needs imported; expansion of tuna fishing under way THE WORLD FACTBOOK Seychelles EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY78-89), $26 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1978-89), $315 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $5 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $60 millionCurrency: 1 Seychelles rupee (SRe) = 100 centsExchange rates: Seychelles rupees (SRe) per US$1 - 4.9371 (January 1995), 5.0559 (1994), 5.1815 (1993), 5.1220 (1992), 5.2893 (1991), 5.3369 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Seychelles TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 260 km paved: 160 km unpaved: crushed stone, earth 100 kmPorts: VictoriaMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 14 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 5 with paved runways under 914 m: 6 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Seychelles CommunicationsTelephone system: 13,000 telephones; direct radio communications with adjacent islands and African coastal countries local: NA intercity: radio communications international: 1 INTELSAT (Indian Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 2 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Seychelles Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard, Presidential Protection Unit, Police ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 19,829; males fit for military service 10,099 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $12 million, 4% of GDP (1990 est.)</text>
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<text>SEYCHELLES - Passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficientfunds required. Visa issued upon arrival for stay up to 1 month, no charge,extendable up to 1 year. Consult Permanent Mission of Seychelles tothe U.N., 820 Second Ave., Suite 203, New York, NY 10017 (212/687-9766) forfurther information.STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Seychelles============================================================Seychelles - Consular Information Sheet September 18, 1995Country Description: Seychelles is an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa. The principal island of Mahe has a population of about 50,000. The two other islands with significant permanent populations are Praslin and La Digue. Facilities for tourism are generally well developed.Entry Requirements: With a passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for the intended visit, travelers can obtain a Seychelles entry visa valid for a one-month stay upon arrival. There is no charge and the visa may be extended for a period of up to one year. An airport tax must be paid upon departure. For further information, the traveler may consult the Permanent Mission of Seychelles to the United Nations, 820 Second Avenue, Suite 203, New York, N.Y. 10017. The telephone number is (212) 687-9766.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Seychelles are limited, especially in the isolated outer islands, where doctors are often unavailable. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Not all U.S. medical insurance is valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven useful. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Petty crime occurs, although violent crime against tourists is considered to be rare. Travelers who keep valuables in hotel safes and who close and lock hotel windows at night, even while the room is occupied, are less likely to be at risk. It is dangerous, particularly for women, to swim alone at isolated beaches. Boats left unlocked while in Victoria Harbor may be targeted by thieves.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Other Information: The outer islands of Seychelles are extremely isolated, and travel by ship to these areas, including for rescue attempts, may be impossible in stormy weather. The outer islands often have no airstrips for accommodating air traffic.Import Prohibitions: Firearms and spearfishing equipment cannot be imported into Seychelles. Fruits and vegetables cannot be imported by casual travelers. Dogs must undergo a minimum quarantine of six months, which is strictly enforced, before being allowed entry into Seychelles.Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Victoria may obtain updated information on travel and security in Seychelles and vicinity. The U.S. Embassy is located on the fourth floor of Victoria House, in the capital city of Victoria. The mailing address from the United States is, Unit 62501, Box 148, APO AE 09815. The international mailing address is Victoria House, Box 251, Victoria Mahe, Seychelles. The telephone number is (248) 225-256; the fax number is (248) 225-189. No. 95-115This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated June 23, 1994 to amend the sections on entry requirements, medical facilities, and embassy location.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Seychelles============================================================Seychelles - Consular Information Sheet September 18, 1995Country Description: Seychelles is an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa. The principal island of Mahe has a population of about 50,000. The two other islands with significant permanent populations are Praslin and La Digue. Facilities for tourism are generally well developed.Entry Requirements: With a passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for the intended visit, travelers can obtain a Seychelles entry visa valid for a one-month stay upon arrival. There is no charge and the visa may be extended for a period of up to one year. An airport tax must be paid upon departure. For further information, the traveler may consult the Permanent Mission of Seychelles to the United Nations, 820 Second Avenue, Suite 203, New York, N.Y. 10017. The telephone number is (212) 687-9766.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Seychelles are limited, especially in the isolated outer islands, where doctors are often unavailable. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Not all U.S. medical insurance is valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven useful. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Petty crime occurs, although violent crime against tourists is considered to be rare. Travelers who keep valuables in hotel safes and who close and lock hotel windows at night, even while the room is occupied, are less likely to be at risk. It is dangerous, particularly for women, to swim alone at isolated beaches. Boats left unlocked while in Victoria Harbor may be targeted by thieves.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Other Information: The outer islands of Seychelles are extremely isolated, and travel by ship to these areas, including for rescue attempts, may be impossible in stormy weather. The outer islands often have no airstrips for accommodating air traffic.Import Prohibitions: Firearms and spearfishing equipment cannot be imported into Seychelles. Fruits and vegetables cannot be imported by casual travelers. Dogs must undergo a minimum quarantine of six months, which is strictly enforced, before being allowed entry into Seychelles.Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Victoria may obtain updated information on travel and security in Seychelles and vicinity. The U.S. Embassy is located on the fourth floor of Victoria House, in the capital city of Victoria. The mailing address from the United States is, Unit 62501, Box 148, APO AE 09815. The international mailing address is Victoria House, Box 251, Victoria Mahe, Seychelles. The telephone number is (248) 225-256; the fax number is (248) 225-189. No. 95-115This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated June 23, 1994 to amend the sections on entry requirements, medical facilities, and embassy location.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Serbia and Montenegro HeaderNote: Serbia and Montenegro have asserted the formation of a joint independent state, but this entity has not been formally recognized as a state by the US; the US view is that the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) has dissolved and that none of the successor republics represents its continuation THE WORLD FACTBOOK Serbia and Montenegro GeographyLocation: Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Albania and Bosnia and HerzegovinaMap references: Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, EuropeArea: total area: 102,350 sq km land area: 102,136 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Kentucky note: Serbia has a total area and a land area of 88,412 sq km making it slightly larger than Maine; Montenegro has a total area of 13,938 sq km and a land area of 13,724 sq km making it slightly larger than ConnecticutLand boundaries: total 2,246 km, Albania 287 km (114 km with Serbia; 173 km with Montenegro), Bosnia and Herzegovina 527 km (312 km with Serbia; 215 km with Montenegro), Bulgaria 318 km, Croatia (north) 241 km, Croatia (south) 25 km, Hungary 151 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 221 km, Romania 476 km note: the internal boundary between Montenegro and Serbia is 211 kmCoastline: 199 km (Montenegro 199 km, Serbia 0 km)Maritime claims: NAInternational disputes: Sandzak region bordering northern Montenegro and southeastern Serbia - Muslims seeking autonomy; disputes with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia over Serbian populated areas; Albanian majority in Kosovo seeks independence from Serbian RepublicClimate: in the north, continental climate (cold winter and hot, humid summers with well distributed rainfall); central portion, continental and Mediterranean climate; to the south, Adriatic climate along the coast, hot, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall inlandTerrain: extremely varied; to the north, rich fertile plains; to the east, limestone ranges and basins; to the southeast, ancient mountain and hills; to the southwest, extremely high shoreline with no islands off the coastNatural resources: oil, gas, coal, antimony, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, gold, pyrite, chromeLand use: arable land: 30% permanent crops: 5% meadows and pastures: 20% forest and woodland: 25% other: 20%Irrigated land: NA sq km THE WORLD FACTBOOK Serbia and Montenegro GeographyEnvironment: current issues: pollution of coastal waters from sewage outlets, especially in tourist-related areas such as Kotor; air pollution around Belgrade and other industrial cities; water pollution from industrial wastes dumped into the Sava which flows into the Danube natural hazards: destructive earthquakes international agreements: NANote: controls one of the major land routes from Western Europe to Turkey and the Near East; strategic location along the Adriatic coast THE WORLD FACTBOOK Serbia and Montenegro PeoplePopulation: total population: 11,101,833 (July 1995 est.) Montenegro: 708,248 (July 1995 est.) Serbia: 10,393,585 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: Montenegro: *** No data for this item *** 0-14 years: 22% (female 77,498; male 82,005) 15-64 years: 68% (female 236,987; male 241,397) 65 years and over: 10% (female 41,625; male 28,736) (July 1995 est.) Serbia: *** No data for this item *** 0-14 years: 22% (female 1,095,121; male 1,173,224) 15-64 years: 66% (female 3,431,823; male 3,483,066) 65 years and over: 12% (female 699,488; male 510,863) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: Montenegro: 0.79% (1995 est.) Serbia: 0.51% (1995 est.)Birth rate: Montenegro: 14.39 births/1,000 population (1995 est.) Serbia: 14.15 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: Montenegro: 5.7 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.) Serbia: 8.72 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: Montenegro: -0.78 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.) Serbia: -0.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: Montenegro: 9.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.) Serbia: 18.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: Montenegro: *** No data for this item *** total population: 79.56 years male: 76.69 years female: 82.61 years (1995 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Serbia and Montenegro People Serbia: *** No data for this item *** total population: 73.94 years male: 71.4 years female: 76.68 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: Montenegro: 1.79 children born/woman (1995 est.) Serbia: 2 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Serb(s) and Montenegrin(s) adjective: Serbian and MontenegrinEthnic divisions: Serbs 63%, Albanians 14%, Montenegrins 6%, Hungarians 4%, other 13%Religions: Orthodox 65%, Muslim 19%, Roman Catholic 4%, Protestant 1%, other 11%Languages: Serbo-Croatian 95%, Albanian 5%Literacy: NA%Labor force: 2,640,909 by occupation: industry, mining 40% (1990) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Serbia and Montenegro GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Serbia and Montenegro local long form: none local short form: Srbija-Crna GoraDigraph: Serbia: SR Montenegro: MWType: republicCapital: BelgradeAdministrative divisions: 2 republics (pokajine, singular - pokajina); and 2 nominally autonomous provinces*; Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia, Vojvodina*Independence: 11 April 1992 (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia formed as self-proclaimed successor to the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia - SFRY)National holiday: NAConstitution: 27 April 1992Legal system: based on civil law systemSuffrage: 16 years of age, if employed; 18 years of age, universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Zoran LILIC (since 25 June 1993); note - Slobodan MILOSEVIC is president of Serbia (since 9 December 1990); Momir BULATOVIC is president of Montenegro (since 23 December 1990); Federal Assembly elected Zoran LILIC on 25 June 1993 head of government: Prime Minister Radoje KONTIC (since 29 December 1992); Deputy Prime Ministers Jovan ZEBIC (since NA March 1993), Uros KLIKOVAC (since 15 September 1994), Nikola SAINOVIC (since 15 September 1995) cabinet: Federal Executive CouncilLegislative branch: bicameral Federal Assembly Chamber of Republics: elections last held 20 December 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (40 total, 20 Serbian, 20 Montenegrin) seats by party NA Chamber of Citizens: elections last held 20 December 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of votes by party NA; seats - (138 total, 108 Serbian, 30 Montenegrin) SPS 47, SRS 34, Depos 20, DPSCG 17, DS 5, SP 5, NS 4, DZVM 3, other 3Judicial branch: Savezni Sud (Federal Court), Constitutional Court THE WORLD FACTBOOK Serbia and Montenegro GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Serbian Socialist Party (SPS, former Communist Party), Slobodan MILOSEVIC; Serbian Radical Party (SRS), Vojislav SESELJ; Serbian Renewal Movement (SPO), Vuk DRASKOVIC, president; Democratic Party (DS), Zoran DJINDJIC; Democratic Party of Serbia (Depos), Vojlslav KOSTUNICA; Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro (DPSCG), Momir BULATOVIC, president; People's Party of Montenegro (NS), Milan PAROSKI; Liberal Alliance of Montenegro, Slavko PEROVIC; Democratic Community of Vojvodina Hungarians (DZVM), Andras AGOSTON; League of Communists-Movement for Yugoslavia (SK-PJ), Dragan ATANASOVSKI; Democratic Alliance of Kosovo (LDK), Dr. Ibrahim RUGOVA, president; Party of Democratic Action (SDA), Sulejman UGLJANIN; Civic Alliance of Serbia (GSS), Vesna PESIC, chairman; Socialist Party of Montenegro (SP), leader NAOther political or pressure groups: NADiplomatic representation in US: US and Serbia and Montenegro do not maintain full diplomatic relations; the Embassy of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia continues to function in the USUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Rudolf V. PERINA embassy: address NA, Belgrade mailing address: Box 5070, Unit 1310, APO AE 09213-1310 telephone: [381] (11) 645655 FAX: [381] (11) 645221Flag: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and red THE WORLD FACTBOOK Serbia and Montenegro EconomyOverview: The swift collapse of the Yugoslav federation in 1991 has been followed by bloody ethnic warfare, the destabilization of republic boundaries, and the breakup of important interrepublic trade flows. Serbia and Montenegro faces major economic problems; output has dropped sharply, particularly in 1993. First, like the other former Yugoslav republics, it depended on its sister republics for large amounts of foodstuffs, energy supplies, and manufactures. Wide differences in climate, mineral resources, and levels of technology among the republics accentuated this interdependence, as did the communist practice of concentrating much industrial output in a small number of giant plants. The breakup of many of the trade links, the sharp drop in output as industrial plants lost suppliers and markets, and the destruction of physical assets in the fighting all have contributed to the economic difficulties of the republics. One singular factor in the economic situation of Serbia and Montenegro is the continuation in office of a communist government that is primarily interested in political and military mastery, not economic reform. A further complication is the imposition of economic sanctions by the UN in 1992. Hyperinflation ended with the establishment of a new currency unit in June 1993; prices were relatively stable in 1994. Reliable statistics are hard to come by; the GDP estimate of $1,000 per capita in 1994 is extremely rough. Output in 1994 seems to have leveled off after the plunge in 1993.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $10 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $1,000 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 20% (January-November 1994 est.)Unemployment rate: more than 40% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports: $NA commodities: prior to the breakup of the federation, Yugoslavia exported machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, chemicals, food and live animals, raw materials partners: prior to the imposition of UN sanctions trade partners were the other former Yugoslav republics, Italy, Germany, other EC, the FSU countries, East European countries, USImports: $NA commodities: prior to the breakup of the federation, Yugoslavia imported machinery and transport equipment, fuels and lubricants, manufactured goods, chemicals, food and live animals, raw materials including coking coal for the steel industry partners: prior to the imposition of UN sanctions trade partners were the other former Yugoslav republics, the FSU countries, EC countries (mainly Italy and Germany), East European countries, US THE WORLD FACTBOOK Serbia and Montenegro EconomyExternal debt: $4.2 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 10,400,000 kW production: 34 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,400 kWh (1994 est.)Industries: machine building (aircraft, trucks, and automobiles; armored vehicles and weapons; electrical equipment; agricultural machinery), metallurgy (steel, aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, chromium, antimony, bismuth, cadmium), mining (coal, bauxite, nonferrous ore, iron ore, limestone), consumer goods (textiles, footwear, foodstuffs, appliances), electronics, petroleum products, chemicals, and pharmaceuticalsAgriculture: the fertile plains of Vojvodina produce 80% of the cereal production of the former Yugoslavia and most of the cotton, oilseeds, and chicory; Vojvodina also produces fodder crops to support intensive beef and dairy production; Serbia proper, although hilly, has a well-distributed rainfall and a long growing season; produces fruit, grapes, and cereals; in this area, livestock production (sheep and cattle) and dairy farming prosper; Kosovo produces fruits, vegetables, tobacco, and a small amount of cereals; the mountainous pastures of Kosovo and Montenegro support sheep and goat husbandry; Montenegro has only a small agriculture sector, mostly near the coast where a Mediterranean climate permits the culture of olives, citrus, grapes, and riceIllicit drugs: NAEconomic aid: $NACurrency: 1 Yugoslav New Dinar (YD) = 100 parasExchange rates: Yugoslav New Dinars (YD) per US $1 - 102.6 (February 1995 black market rate)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Serbia and Montenegro TransportationRailroads: total: 3,960 km standard gauge: 3,960 km 1.435-m gauge (partially electrified) (1992)Highways: total: 46,019 km paved: 26,949 km unpaved: gravel 10,373 km; earth 8,697 km (1990)Inland waterways: NA kmPipelines: crude oil 415 km; petroleum products 130 km; natural gas 2,110 kmPorts: Bar, Belgrade, Kotor, Novi Sad, Pancevo, TivatMerchant marine: Montenegro: total 35 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 543,511 GRT/891,664 DWT (controlled by Montenegrin beneficial owners) ships by type: bulk 15, cargo 14, container 5, short-sea passenger ferry 1 note: under Maltese and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flags; no ships remain under Yugoslav flag Serbia: total 2 (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 113,471 GRT/212,742 DWT (controlled by Serbian beneficial owners) ships by type: bulk 2 note: all under the flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; no ships remain under Yugoslav flagAirports: total: 54 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 with paved runways under 914 m: 24 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 14 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Serbia and Montenegro CommunicationsTelephone system: 700,000 telephones local: NA intercity: NA international: 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 26, FM 9, shortwave 0 radios: 2.015 millionTelevision: broadcast stations: 18 televisions: 1 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK Serbia and Montenegro Defense ForcesBranches: People's Army (includes Ground Forces with internal and border troops, Naval Forces, and Air and Air Defense Forces), Civil DefenseManpower availability: Montenegro: males age 15-49 194,154; males fit for military service 157,611; males reach military age (19) annually 5,498 (1995 est.) Serbia: males age 15-49 2,652,224; males fit for military service 2,131,894 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: 245 billion dinars, 4% to 6% of GDP (1992 est.); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results</text>
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<text>SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO - Passport required. For further informationcheck with the Embassy of the Former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia &Montenegro), 2410 California St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008(202/462-6566) Attention: U.S. citizens need a Treasury Dept. licensein order to engage in any commercial transactions within Serbia &Montenegro. Before planning any travel to Serbia & Montenegro, U.S. citizens shouldcontact the Licensing Division, Office of Foreign Assets Control,Department of the Treasury, 1331 G St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220(202/622-2480).Serbia & Montenegro - Travel WarningApril 29, 1994The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens not to travel to Serbia andMontenegro because of the potential for rapid changes in the securitysituation there, and the threat of potential repercussions from the ongoingconflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina.No. 94-018This replaces the Travel Warning dated April 22, 1994 to reflect thetermination of ordered departure status for U.S. Embassy dependents and someEmbassy employees from Belgrade.Serbia & Montenegro - Consular Information SheetNovember 2, 1994Warning: The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens not to travel toSerbia and Montenegro because of the potential for rapid changes in thesecurity situation there, and the threat of potential repercussions from theongoing conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina.Country Description: The former Yugoslav republics of Serbia and Montenegroare currently under stringent United Nations economic sanctions; however,international commercial air traffic has been reestablished after a two yearhiatus. Belgrade airport is open for civilian passengers but cargo is stillprohibited. There may be long delays at the border when entering thecountry by car or bus. Internal air travel is possible, but schedules areunreliable. Trains continue to operate, but are often overbooked,unreliable, and unsafe. There have been incidents of assaults and robberieson the trains. Travelers should be aware that essential supplies, includingbasic food items and medicines, often are unavailable, and that traveler'schecks and credit cards are not valid. Rapid changes in the value of localcurrency occur as hyperinflation continues and travelers may experiencepower outages and and heating irregularities. Although automobile travel isgenerally possible, there is a shortage of spare parts and gasoline, and itis wise to make certain that sufficient fuel is available before undertakingsuch travel. Travel after dark on many roads is hazardous because of thepresence of slow, poorly marked vehicles, horse-drawn carts, and worn ornonexistent median lines and shoulder markings. In addition, traffic signsmay be poorly marked and new signs are likely to be written in the cyrillicalphabet in some areas of Serbia. The road between Zagreb and Belgrade isclosed and it is impossible to enter Croatia from Serbia.There are checkpoints throughout the country which are manned generally bypolicemen (militia), but occasionally by undisciplined, untrained reservemilitia groups. Travelers are expected to provide identification andcooperate fully at these checkpoints. Travelers are prohibited fromphotographing police, buildings under police or military guard, bordercrossings, demonstrations, riots, and military personnel, convoys, maneuversand bases. There are marked areas where all photography is prohibited.Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens require a passport and visa. Visasnormally are not granted at the border. The "Federal Republic ofYugoslavia" (FRY), which claims to be the successor state to the SocialistFederal Republic of Yugoslavia, is not fully recognized by the UnitedStates. The FRY maintains an office at 2410 California Street, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 462-6566, which travelers cancontact for updated entry requirements. U.S. travelers overseas can checkwith the nearest FRY consular office.Areas of Instability: U.S. Embassy personnel may not enter the followingareas without prior U.S. government permission: the border areas withCroatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Sandzak region, and Kosovo.The Border with Croatia: Sporadic violence, which can become intense,continues in areas of Croatia along this boundary.The Border with Bosnia-Herzegovina: The ongoing war in Bosnia-Herzegovinamakes this area very dangerous. The danger is especially acute in the DrinaRiver valley of both Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia.Sandzak Region: Heightened ethnic tensions and sporadic acts of violence(particularly near the border with Bosnia-Herzegovina), as well as thepresence in some areas of paramilitary forces, makes travel to this regionof Serbia and Montenegro potentially dangerous. Travel in the borderregions may be especially perilous.Kosovo: Ethnic tensions are especially acute in this southern Serbianprovince (called Kosovo Metohija by Serbian authorities). Demonstrations,sometimes violent, can occur without warning. In recent months, there havebeen several armed attacks on Serbian police, resulting in death and injury. Security forces are at a high state of alert and police check points arewidespread. Travelers are routinely subject to police search andinterrogation.Danube River: There have been recent incidents of both cargo and passengerships on the Danube transiting Serbia being delayed for several days bypurported private organizations protesting U.N. sanctions. Personstraveling on the Danube through Serbia should be prepared for delays andalterations to their plans.The Remainder of Serbia and Montenegro: While this area is generally calm,in some areas, for example, Vojvodina, tensions are high as a result ofbombings, other acts of intimidation and threats by armed paramilitarygroups. The potential for violent incidents exists and will probablyincrease as a result of the political situation and worsening economicconditions. For example, a bomb was detonated in front of the U.S. Embassyin Belgrade in 1993, causing some damage.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited. Many medicines andbasic medical supplies as well as X-ray film often are unavailable.Hospitals usually require payment in hard-currency for all services. U.S.medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Whiletravelers have found that supplemental medical insurance with specificoverseas coverage has proven to be useful, they may be forced to pay firstand then seek reimbursement. Further information on health matters can beobtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelershotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: There is a continuing trend toward lawlessness anddisorder. Murder has increased dramatically with many incidents in broaddaylight and some at popular public places. Crime has increased markedly inthe cities, particularly near railroad and bus stations and on trains. Thepossession of firearms has proliferated greatly and it is estimated that 20percent of the citizens are now armed. Police protection is almost non-existent.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediatelyto the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. TheDepartment of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides usefulinformation on protecting personal security and possessions while travelingabroad. It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Commercial Regulations: United Nations economic sanctions on Serbia andMontenegro, enforced by the United States, prohibit imports, exports and allother commercial transactions. Humanitarian transactions require waiversfrom the U.N. Security Council's Yugoslavia Sanctions Committee. Furtherinformation regarding waivers can be obtained from the U.S. Department ofTreasury. Travel is permitted for personal, non-commercial reasons only.Credit cards, travelers' checks and personal checks are not accepted locallyand their use is prohibited. The only medium of exchange is hard currency,for example, U.S. dollars or German marks. It is illegal to exchangecurrency at other than official banks and institutions. For furtherinformation, travelers can contact the Office of Foreign Assets Control atthe U.S. Treasury Department in Washington, D.C.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking inillegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentencesand fines.Other Information: In compliance with a U.N. resolution mandating thereduction of Embassy staffs, the Department of State has reduced the size ofits mission in Belgrade. Assistance to U.S. citizens may therefore belimited.Registration: U.S. citizens who register with the U.S. Embassy in Belgradecan obtain updated information on travel and security in Serbia andMontenegro. The Embassy will attempt to contact U.S. citizens who haveregistered if the situation worsens.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade is at Kneza Milosa 50,telephone (381-11) 645-655. The after hours telephone number is (381-11) 646-481. The Consular Section fax number is (381-11) 644-053. The alternatefax number is (381-11) 645-221.No. 94-259This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 29, 1994, toreflect the termination of sanctions on international air travel and theopening of Belgrade airport for commercial traffic.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Senegal GeographyLocation: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and MauritaniaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 196,190 sq km land area: 192,000 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than South DakotaLand boundaries: total 2,640 km, The Gambia 740 km, Guinea 330 km, Guinea-Bissau 338 km, Mali 419 km, Mauritania 813 kmCoastline: 531 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: short section of the boundary with The Gambia is indefinite; boundary with Mauritania in dispute;Climate: tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (December to April) has strong southeast winds; dry season (May to November) dominated by hot, dry harmattan windTerrain: generally low, rolling, plains rising to foothills in southeastNatural resources: fish, phosphates, iron oreLand use: arable land: 27% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 30% forest and woodland: 31% other: 12%Irrigated land: 1,800 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: wildlife populations threatened by poaching; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; overfishing natural hazards: lowlands seasonally flooded; periodic droughts THE WORLD FACTBOOK Senegal Geography international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Marine DumpingNote: The Gambia is almost an enclave of Senegal THE WORLD FACTBOOK Senegal PeoplePopulation: 9,007,080 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 45% (female 2,004,514; male 2,021,251) 15-64 years: 52% (female 2,398,609; male 2,301,236) 65 years and over: 3% (female 140,128; male 141,342) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.12% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 42.87 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 11.64 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 73.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 57.16 years male: 55.65 years female: 58.71 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.03 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Senegalese (singular and plural) adjective: SenegaleseEthnic divisions: Wolof 36%, Fulani 17%, Serer 17%, Toucouleur 9%, Diola 9%, Mandingo 9%, European and Lebanese 1%, other 2%Religions: Muslim 92%, indigenous beliefs 6%, Christian 2% (mostly Roman Catholic)Languages: French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Diola, MandingoLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1988) total population: 27% male: 37% female: 18%Labor force: 2.509 million (77% are engaged in subsistence farming; 175,000 wage earners) by occupation: private sector 40%, government and parapublic 60% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Senegal GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Senegal conventional short form: Senegal local long form: Republique du Senegal local short form: SenegalDigraph: SGType: republic under multiparty democratic ruleCapital: DakarAdministrative divisions: 10 regions (regions, singular - region); Dakar, Diourbel, Fatick, Kaolack, Kolda, Louga, Saint-Louis, Tambacounda, Thies, ZiguinchorIndependence: 20 August 1960 (from France; The Gambia and Senegal signed an agreement on 12 December 1981 that called for the creation of a loose confederation to be known as Senegambia, but the agreement was dissolved on 30 September 1989)National holiday: Independence Day, 4 April (1960)Constitution: 3 March 1963, revised 1991Legal system: based on French civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court, which also audits the government's accounting office; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Abdou DIOUF (since 1 January 1981); election last held 21 February 1993 (next to be held NA February 2000); results - Abdou DIOUF (PS) 58.4%, Abdoulaye WADE (PDS) 32.03%, other 9.57% head of government: Prime Minister Habib THIAM (since 7 April 1991) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the presidentLegislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale): elections last held 9 May 1993 (next to be held NA May 1998); results - PS 70%, PDS 23%, other 7%; seats - (120 total) PS 84, PDS 27, LD-MPT 3, Let Us Unite Senegal 3, PIT 2, UDS-R 1Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Political parties and leaders: Socialist Party (PS), President Abdou DIOUF; Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS), Abdoulaye WADE; Democratic League-Labor Party Movement (LD-MPT), Dr. Abdoulaye BATHILY; Independent Labor Party (PIT), Amath DANSOKHO; Senegalese Democratic Union-Renewal (UDS-R), Mamadou Puritain FALL; Let Us Unite Senegal (coalition of African Party for Democracy and Socialism and National Democratic Rally); other small uninfluential partiesOther political or pressure groups: students; teachers; labor; Muslim Brotherhoods THE WORLD FACTBOOK Senegal GovernmentMember of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-15, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UN, UNAMIR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIH, UNOMUR, UPU, WADB, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mamadou Mansour SECK chancery: 2112 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 234-0540, 0541US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Mark JOHNSON embassy: Avenue Jean XXIII at the corner of Avenue Kleber, Dakar mailing address: B. P. 49, Dakar telephone: [221] 23 42 96, 23 34 24 FAX: [221] 22 29 91Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red with a small green five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia THE WORLD FACTBOOK Senegal EconomyOverview: In 1994 Senegal embarked on its most concerted structural adjustment effort yet to exploit the 50% devaluation of the currencies of the 14 Francophone African nations on 12 January. After years of foot-dragging, the government finally passed a liberalized labor code which should significantly help lower the cost of labor and improve the manufacturing sector's competitiveness. Inroads also have been made in closing tax loopholes and eliminating monopoly power in several sectors. At the same time the government is holding the line on current fiscal expenditure under the watchful eyes of international organizations on which it depends for substantial support. A bumper peanut crop - Senegal's main source of foreign exchange - coincided with an improvement of international prices and probably resulted in a doubling of earnings in 1994 over 1993. The country's narrow resource base, environmental degradation, and untamed population growth will continue to hold back growth in living standards over the medium term.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $12.3 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: -2% (1993 est.)National product per capita: $1,450 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): -1.8% (1991 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $1.2 billion expenditures: $1.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $269 million (1992 est.)Exports: $904 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: fish, ground nuts (peanuts), petroleum products, phosphates, cotton partners: France, other EC countries, Cote d'Ivoire, MaliImports: $1.2 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: foods and beverages, consumer goods, capital goods, petroleum partners: France, other EC countries, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Algeria, China, JapanExternal debt: $2.9 billion (1990)Industrial production: growth rate 1.9% (1991); accounts for 15% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 230,000 kW production: 720 million kWh consumption per capita: 79 kWh (1993)Industries: agricultural and fish processing, phosphate mining, petroleum refining, building materials THE WORLD FACTBOOK Senegal EconomyAgriculture: accounts for 20% of GDP; major products - peanuts (cash crop), millet, corn, sorghum, rice, cotton, tomatoes, green vegetables; estimated two-thirds self-sufficient in food; fish catch of 354,000 metric tons in 1990Illicit drugs: transshipment point for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin moving to Europe and North AmericaEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $551 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $5.23 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $589 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $295 millionCurrency: 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimesExchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 529.43 (January 1995), 555.20 (1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990) note: the official rate is pegged to the French franc, and 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 1948Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Senegal TransportationRailroads: total: 905 km narrow gauge: 905 km 1.000-meter gauge (70 km double track)Highways: total: 14,007 km paved: 3,777 km unpaved: crushed stone, improved earth 10,230 kmInland waterways: 897 km total; 785 km on the Senegal, 112 km on the SaloumPorts: Dakar, Kaolack, Matam, Podor, Richard-Toll, Saint-Louis, ZiguinchorMerchant marine: total: 1 bulk ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,995 GRT/3,775 DWTAirports: 24 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 9 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 2 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 4 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 7 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Senegal CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; above-average urban system local: NA intercity: microwave and cable international: 3 submarine cables; 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 8, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 1 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Senegal Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police (Surete Nationale)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 2,021,019; males fit for military service 1,054,855; males reach military age (18) annually 96,589 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $134 million, 2.1% of GDP (1993)</text>
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<text>SENEGAL - Passport required. Visa not needed for stay up to 90 days.U.S. citizens need onward/return ticket and yellow fever vaccination. For further information contact Embassy of the Republic of Senegal, 2112Wyoming Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/234-0540).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Senegal============================================================Senegal- Consular Information Sheet April 25, 1995Country Description: Senegal is a developing West African country. Facilities for tourists are widely available but vary in quality.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Visas are not required for stays of less than 90 days. U.S. citizens need onward/return tickets. Proof of yellow fever immunization may be required by airport officials. There are several types of items which cannot be brought into Senegal without clearance by Senegalese customs. These include computers and computer parts, video cameras and players, stereo equipment, tape players, auto parts, and various tools and spare parts. Such items will be held by airport customs officials if brought in as baggage or carry-on luggage. For further information, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Senegal, 2112 Wyoming Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C., 20008, telephone (202) 234-0540.Areas of Instability: Separatists in the Casamance area of southern Senegal have again become active. A series of violent incidents has resulted in the deaths of some Senegalese citizens. As a result, the U.S. Embassy in Dakar has advised U.S. citizens to avoid travel to southern Senegal south of the Casamance River extending from the Atlantic Ocean east to the town of Tanaf including Ziguinchor and Cap Skirring. Roads in the Casamance are poor, and driving can be extremely hazardous, particularly at night. Travel only on the major (hardsurfaced) routes. In addition, road travel between Mauritania and Senegal is restricted to several designated border crossing points. Long delays at the border are normal.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited, particularly in areas outside the capital, Dakar. Malaria is present in Senegal and travelers may wish to start taking mefloquine, a prescription medication, one week before arrival. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid or accepted outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Street crime in Senegal poses moderate risks for visitors. Most reported incidents involve pickpockets, purse snatchers and street scam artists. Wallets, jewelry and other valuables are subject to theft, especially during times of international meetings or events which draw large crowds. In Dakar, there has been a relatively high incidence of purse snatchings and muggings in a popular restaurant area known locally as "la Petite Corniche" which is located along a three kilometer stretch of coastal road in the southeastern part of the city.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens may obtain updated information on travel and security in Senegal and register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at Avenue Jean XXIII, Dakar, telephone (221) 23-42-96. The mailing address is B.P. 49. No. 95-053This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 17, 1995, to revise the sections on entry requirements, areas of instability, medical facilities, and crime. JJ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saudi Arabia GeographyLocation: Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, north of YemenMap references: Middle EastArea: total area: 1,960,582 sq km land area: 1,960,582 sq km comparative area: slightly less than one-fourth the size of the USLand boundaries: total 4,415 km, Iraq 814 km, Jordan 728 km, Kuwait 222 km, Oman 676 km, Qatar 60 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1,458 kmCoastline: 2,640 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 18 nm continental shelf: not specified territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: large section of boundary with Yemen not defined; status of boundary with UAE not final; Kuwaiti ownership of Qaruh and Umm al Maradim islands is disputed by Saudi ArabiaClimate: harsh, dry desert with great extremes of temperatureTerrain: mostly uninhabited, sandy desertNatural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copperLand use: arable land: 1% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 39% forest and woodland: 1% other: 59%Irrigated land: 4,350 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: desertification; depletion of underground water resources; the lack of perennial rivers or permanent water bodies has prompted the development of extensive seawater desalination facilities; coastal pollution from oil spills natural hazards: frequent sand and dust storms international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saudi Arabia GeographyNote: extensive coastlines on Persian Gulf and Red Sea provide great leverage on shipping (especially crude oil) through Persian Gulf and Suez Canal THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saudi Arabia PeoplePopulation: 18,729,576 (July 1995 est.) note: a 1992 census gives the number of Saudi citizens as 12,304,835 and the number of residents who are not citizens as 4,624,459Age structure: 0-14 years: 43% (female 3,952,573; male 4,065,224) 15-64 years: 55% (female 4,078,001; male 6,219,737) 65 years and over: 2% (female 203,372; male 210,669) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.68% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 38.78 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.54 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 3.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 48.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.5 years male: 66.79 years female: 70.3 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.48 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Saudi(s) adjective: Saudi or Saudi ArabianEthnic divisions: Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%Religions: Muslim 100%Languages: ArabicLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 62% male: 73% female: 48%Labor force: 5 million-6 million by occupation: government 34%, industry and oil 28%, services 22%, agriculture 16% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saudi Arabia GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia conventional short form: Saudi Arabia local long form: Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah local short form: Al Arabiyah as SuudiyahDigraph: SAType: monarchyCapital: RiyadhAdministrative divisions: 13 provinces (mintaqah, singular - mintaqat); Al Bahah, Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah, Al Jawf, Al Madinah, Al Qasim, Ar Riyad, Ash Sharqiyah, Asir, Hail, Jizan, Makkah, Najran, TabukIndependence: 23 September 1932 (unification)National holiday: Unification of the Kingdom, 23 September (1932)Constitution: none; governed according to Shari'a (Islamic law)Legal system: based on Islamic law, several secular codes have been introduced; commercial disputes handled by special committees; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: noneExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: King and Prime Minister FAHD bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 13 June 1982); Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (half-brother to the King, appointed heir to the throne 13 June 1982) cabinet: Council of Ministers; dominated by royal family members appointed by the kingLegislative branch: a consultative council comprised of 60 members and a chairman who are appointed by the King for a term of four yearsJudicial branch: Supreme Council of JusticePolitical parties and leaders: none allowedMember of: ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-19, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador BANDAR bin Sultan Abd al-Aziz Al Saud chancery: 601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: [1] (202) 342-3800 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saudi Arabia Government consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, and New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Raymond E. MABUS, Jr. embassy: Collector Road M, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh mailing address: American Embassy, Unit 61307, Riyadh; International Mail: P. O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693; APO AE 09803-1307 telephone: [966] (1) 488-3800 FAX: [966] (1) 482-4364 consulate(s) general: Dhahran, Jiddah (Jeddah)Flag: green with large white Arabic script (that may be translated as There is no God but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God) above a white horizontal saber (the tip points to the hoist side); green is the traditional color of Islam THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saudi Arabia EconomyOverview: This is a well-to-do oil-based economy with strong government controls over major economic activities. About 46% of GDP comes from the private sector. Economic (as well as political) ties with the US are especially strong. The petroleum sector accounts for roughly 75% of budget revenues, 35% of GDP, and almost all export earnings. Saudi Arabia has the largest reserves of petroleum in the world (26% of the proved total), ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC. For the 1990s the government intends to bring its budget, which has been in deficit since 1983, back into balance, and to encourage private economic activity. Roughly four million foreign workers play an important role in the Saudi economy, for example, in the oil and banking sectors. For about a decade, Saudi Arabia's domestic and international outlays have outstripped its income, and the government has cut its foreign assistance and is beginning to rein in domestic programs. For 1995, the country looks for improvement in oil prices and will continue its policies of restraining public spending and encouraging non-oil exports.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $173.1 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: -3% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $9,510 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate: 6.5% (1992 est.)Budget: revenues: $39 billion expenditures: $50 billion, including capital expenditures of $7.5 billion (1993 est.)Exports: $39.4 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: petroleum and petroleum products 92% partners: US 20%, Japan 18%, Singapore 5%, France 5%, South Korea 5% (1992)Imports: $28.9 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: machinery and equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs, motor vehicles, textiles partners: US 21%, Japan 14%, UK 11%, Germany 8%, Italy 6%, France 5% (1992)External debt: $18.9 billion (December 1989 est., includes short-term trade credits)Industrial production: growth rate 20% (1991 est.); accounts for 35% of GDP, including petroleumElectricity: capacity: 17,550,000 kW production: 46 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,430 kWh (1993)Industries: crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals, cement, two small steel-rolling mills, construction, fertilizer, plastics THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saudi Arabia EconomyAgriculture: accounts for about 10% of GDP, 16% of labor force; subsidized by government; products - wheat, barley, tomatoes, melons, dates, citrus fruit, mutton, chickens, eggs, milk; approaching self-sufficiency in foodIllicit drugs: death penalty for traffickers; increasing consumption of heroin and cocaineEconomic aid: donor: pledged bilateral aid (1979-89), $64.7 billion; pledged $100 million in 1993 to fund reconstruction of LebanonCurrency: 1 Saudi riyal (SR) = 100 halalahExchange rates: Saudi riyals (SR) per US$1 - 3.7450 (fixed rate since late 1986), 3.7033 (1986)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saudi Arabia TransportationRailroads: total: 1,390 km standard gauge: 1,390 km 1.435-m gauge (448 km double track)Highways: total: 151,530 km paved: 60,610 km unpaved: 90,920 km (1992 est.)Pipelines: crude oil 6,400 km; petroleum products 150 km; natural gas 2,200 km (includes natural gas liquids 1,600 km)Ports: Ad Dammam, Al Jubayl, Duba, Jiddah, Jizan, Rabigh, Ras al Khafji, Ras al Mishab, Ras Tanura, Yanbu' al Bahr, Yanbu' al SinaiyahMerchant marine: total: 71 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 855,452 GRT/1,233,477 DWT ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 12, chemical tanker 5, container 3, liquefied gas tanker 1, livestock carrier 4, oil tanker 22, passenger 1, refrigerated cargo 4, roll-on/roll-off cargo 11, short-sea passenger 7Airports: total: 211 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 30 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 12 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 22 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 4 with paved runways under 914 m: 21 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 73 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 43 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saudi Arabia CommunicationsTelephone system: 1,624,000 telephones; modern system local: NA intercity: extensive microwave and coaxial and fiber optic cable systems international: microwave radio relay to Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Yemen, and Sudan; coaxial cable to Kuwait and Jordan; submarine cable to Djibouti, Egypt and Bahrain; earth stations - 5 INTELSAT (3 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean), 1 ARABSAT, and 1 INMARSATRadio: broadcast stations: AM 43, FM 13, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 80 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saudi Arabia Defense ForcesBranches: Land Force (Army), Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Force, National Guard, Coast Guard, Frontier Forces, Special Security Force, Public Security ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 5,303,679; males fit for military service 2,949,842; males reach military age (17) annually 164,220 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $17.2 billion, 13.8% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>SAUDI ARABIA - Passport and visa required. (Tourist visas are notavailable for travel to Saudi Arabia.) Transit visa valid 24 hours forstay in airport, need onward/return ticket. Business visa requires $15 fee (money order only), 1 application form, 1 photo, company letterstating purpose of visit, invitation from Foreign Ministry in Saudi Arabia andSASE for return of passport by mail. Meningitis and cholera vaccinationsare highly recommended. Medical report, including AIDS test, required forwork permits; U.S. test accepted. For details and requirements forfamily visits, contact The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, 601 New HampshireAve., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037 (202/342-3800) or nearest ConsulateGeneral: Los Angeles (213/208-6566), New York (212/752-2740) or Houston(713/785-5577).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Saudi Arabia============================================================Saudi Arabia - Public Announcement December 9, 1995 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman For Immediate Release THREAT TO AMERICAN CITIZENS IN SAUDI ARABIAOn December 7, 1995, the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh released thefollowing message to U.S. citizens:"We have received unconfirmed information that additional bombingsmay be planned against Western interests in Saudi Arabia, includingfacilities and commercial centers occupied and/or frequented byAmericans. These attacks could occur anywhere in the Kingdom. Wecontinue to stress our previous advice that Americans in SaudiArabia should be vigilant of their personal security andsurroundings at all times and under all circumstances, and shouldreport any suspicious activities to the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S.consulate."The Department of State's Public Announcement of November 25, 1995remains in effect.Saudi Arabia - Public Announcement November 25, 1995 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman For Immediate ReleaseFollowing the November 13 bombing of the Saudi Arabian NationalGuard training program building in Riyadh in which Americans werekilled and wounded, threats have been made against American citizensin Saudi Arabia. The U.S Embassy in Saudi Arabia has advisedAmericans in Saudi Arabia to exercise caution, keep a low profile,reduce travel within Saudi Arabia, and treat mail received fromunfamiliar sources with suspicion. Some U.S. military personnel inSaudi Arabia have had their travel and activities within the countryrestricted. Americans in Saudi Arabia should be especially vigilantat all times and under all circumstances of their personal securityand surroundings and should report any suspicious activities to thenearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The government of the UnitedStates and the government of Saudi Arabia are cooperating closely toinvestigate the tragic incident and to assure the security of allAmericans in Saudi Arabia.This announcement replaces the Department's Public Announcement ofNovember 15, 1995.Saudi Arabia - Consular Information Sheet April 10, 1995Country Description: The Saudi Arabian political system is amonarchy. The King is chosen from and by members of the Al-Saudfamily. The King rules through royal decrees issued in conjunctionwith the Council of Ministers, and with advice from the ConsultativeCouncil. Members of both councils are appointed by the King. Islamic law is the basis of the authority of the monarchy, andprovides the foundation of the country's conservative customs andpractices. Saudi Arabia has a modern and well-developedinfrastructure, and facilities for travelers are widely available,although the country does not issue visas for tourism. The workweekin Saudi Arabia is Saturday through Wednesday.Entry Requirements: Passports and visas are required. Touristvisas are not available for travel to Saudi Arabia. Visas arerequired for persons on vessels calling at the port of Jeddah. Visitors must have a business or personal sponsor. Women visitorsand residents are required to be met upon arrival at a Saudi airportby their business or personal sponsor. Residents in Saudi Arabiagenerally must surrender their passports, and the passports offamily members, to the Saudi sponsor while in the kingdom, and arerequired to get an exit/reentry visa each time they leave SaudiArabia. Those on visitor visas do not need an exit visa to leavethe kingdom. Residents carry a Saudi residence permit (iqama) foridentification in place of their passports. The U.S. Embassy andConsulates General cannot sponsor private American citizens forSaudi visas.Visitors to Saudi Arabia generally obtain a meningitis vaccinationprior to arrival. A medical report is required to obtain a work andresidence permit. This includes a medical certification statingthat the individual is free of AIDS. Temporary visitors need notpresent an AIDS-free certification. For further information onentry requirements, travelers may contact the Royal Embassy of SaudiArabia, 601 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037,telephone (202) 333-4595, or a Saudi Arabian Consulate General inLos Angeles (telephone 213-208-6566), New York (telephone212-752-2740) or Houston (telephone 713-785-5577).Exit Permission: Residents in Saudi Arabia may not depart thecountry without obtaining an exit permit, which requires theapproval of their Saudi sponsor. The U.S. Embassy and ConsulatesGeneral cannot apply for an exit permit for a U.S. citizen under anycircumstances. A married woman residing in Saudi Arabia with herhusband must have her husband's permission for herself and herchildren to depart the country, even if they are U.S. citizens. Persons in Saudi Arabia on visitor visas do not need an exit visa toleave the country.Saudi Customs, Religious Police, and General Standards of Conduct: Islam pervades all aspects of life in Saudi Arabia. It is theofficial religion of the country, and observance of any otherreligion is forbidden. Non-Muslim religious services are illegaland public display of non-Islamic religious articles such as crossesand bibles is not permitted. Travel to Mecca andMedina, the cities where the two holy mosques of Islam are located,is forbidden to non-Muslims.The norms for public behavior in Saudi Arabia are extremelyconservative, and religious police, known as mutawwa'iin, arecharged with enforcing these standards. To ensure that conservativestandards of conduct are observed, the Saudi religious police haveharassed, accosted or arrested foreigners, including U.S. citizens,for improper dress or other infractions, such as consumption ofalcohol or association by a female with a non-relative male. Whilemost incidents have resulted only in inconvenience or embarrassment,the potential exists for an individual to be physically harmed ordeported. U.S. citizens who are involved in an incident with themutawwa'iin may report the incident to the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh orthe U.S. Consulates General in Jeddah or Dhahran.The Saudi Embassy in Washington advises women traveling to SaudiArabia to dress in a conservative fashion, wearing ankle-lengthdresses with long sleeves, and not to wear trousers in public. Inmany areas of Saudi Arabia, particularly Riyadh and the central partof the Kingdom, mutawwa'iin pressure women to wear a full-lengthblack covering known as an abaya and to cover their heads. Theresult is that most women in these areas wear the abaya and carry aheadscarf to avoid harassment. Women who appear to be of Arab orAsian ethnic origin, especially Muslims, face a greater risk ofharassment.Some mutawwa'iin try to enforce the rule that men and women who arebeyond childhood years may not mingle in public, unless they arefamily or close relatives. Mutawwa'iin may ask to see proof that acouple is married or related. Women who are arrested forsocializing with a man who is not a relative may be charged withprostitution. Women who are not accompanied by a close malerelative have not been served at some restaurants, particularlyfast-food outlets. In addition, many restaurants no longer have a"family section" in which women are permitted to eat. Theserestrictions are not always posted, and in some cases womenviolating this policy have been arrested.Women are not allowed to drive vehicles or ride bicycles on publicroads. In public, dancing, music, and movies are forbidden. Pornography is strictly forbidden. Homosexual activity is considered to be a criminal offense andthose convicted may be sentenced to lashing and/or a prison sentence.The Hajj: American pilgrims planning to participate in the annualHajj pilgrimage to the holy cities of Makkah (Mecca) and Medinashould be aware of the following travel advice:All travel plans should be made through a travel agent in theUnited States in order to book accommodations in advance. Hajjvisas are required and are valid only for travel to the two holycities. Stopovers in Jeddah or onward travel to Riyadh or othercities in Saudi Arabia are not permitted.King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah is a large andmodern facility, with a special terminal with facilities toaccommodate hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. However, due to theextremely large number of visitors arriving, waiting time at theairport upon arrival during the Hajj may be as long as ten hours. Pilgrims should plan on a lengthy wait before leaving the airport ontheir way to Makkah or Medina. Travelers with only carry-on bagswill find baggage transfer at the airport much easier than withchecked baggage.Before leaving home, travelers should make copies of theirpassports, including the pages stamped with Saudi visas. One copyshould be left with someone at home and one taken with the traveler. Passports are turned over to Saudi officials upon arrival in theKingdom and will be given back immediately prior to departure. Uponarrival, all pilgrims are issued an identification card orwrist-band. Travelers should carry this identification at all times.A money belt or pouch is the best way to carry valuables. Uponarrival it is possible to buy what is known as a "Hajj belt," whichis somewhat larger than American equivalents.Visitors should check with the Centers for Disease Control, theirtravel agent, or a Saudi consulate or the embassy regardingrecommended or required shots.Travelers should expect extremely crowded conditions during theHajj. Temperatures in Makkah range between 80 and 107 degrees inMay. There are many facilities providing water, publicaccommodations, and other amenities. In case of emergency, Hajjpilgrims should contact United Agents Office (Makkah), telephone(02)545-1444, or National Adilla est. (Medina), telephone(04)826-0088, and then contact the American Consulate General inJeddah.Alcohol and Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the lawsof the country in which they are traveling or residing. In SaudiArabia penalties for the import, manufacture, possession andconsumption of alcohol or illegal drugs are severe and convictedoffenders can expect sentences of jail terms, fines, publicflogging, and/or deportation. The penalty for drug trafficking inSaudi Arabia is capital punishment. Saudi officials make noexceptions.Child Custody: In Saudi Arabia, child custody decisions are basedon Islamic law. It is extremely difficult for an American woman,even a Muslim, to obtain custody of her children through a Saudicourt decision. Further information on this subject can be obtainedin the Department of State publications "Marriage to Saudis" and"Child Custody Disputes in Saudi Arabia" which are available fromthe Office of Overseas Citizens Services, Department of State,Washington, D.C. 20520-4818, telephone (202) 736-7000, or from theU.S. Embassy or Consulates General in Saudi Arabia.Business Disputes: Prior to the execution of a final contract,some business persons and contract employees of Saudi companies haveobtained an independent translation of the Arabic-language contract,to ensure a full understanding of all terms, limits and agreements,because the Arabic version usually governs under Saudi law. Settlement of disputes depends on the type of agreement and theagency involved. If the Saudi party in a business dispute files acomplaint with the Saudi authorities, Saudi law permits barring theexit of the foreign party from the country until the dispute issettled. U.S. consular officers can provide lists of localattorneys to help U.S. citizens settle business disputes, butultimate responsibility for the resolution of disputes through theSaudi legal system lies with the parties involved.Medical Facilities: Basic modern medical care and medicines areavailable in several hospitals and health centers in Saudi Arabia. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for healthservices. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside theUnited States. Supplemental medical insurance with specificoverseas coverage has proved useful. The international travelershotline at the Centers for Disease Control, telephone (404)332-4559, has additional health information.Information on Crime: Crime is generally not a problem fortravelers in Saudi Arabia. However, private Saudi citizens whoperceive that conservative standards of conduct are not beingobserved by a foreigner may harass, pursue, or assault the person. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reportedimmediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy orconsulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables andprotecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided inthe Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". Generalinformation about travel to Saudi Arabia can be found in theDepartment of State publication "Tips for Travelers to the MiddleEast and North Africa." Both pamphlets are available from theSuperintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,Washington D.C. 20402.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy orthe U.S. Consulates General may obtain updated information on traveland security within Saudi Arabia.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, islocated at Collector Road M, Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter. The mailingaddress is P.O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693, or AMEMBASSY, Unit 61307,APO AE 09803-1307. The U.S. Embassy telephone number is (966-1)488-3800, fax (966-1) 488-7275.The U.S. Consulate General in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, is locatedbetween Aramco Headquartersand Dhahran International Airport. The mailing address is P.O. Box81, Dhahran Airport 31932, or Unit 66803, APO AE 09858-6803. Thetelephone number is (966-3) 891-3200, FAX (966-3) 891-6816.The Consulate General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is located onPalestine Road, Ruwais. The mailing address is P.O. Box 149, Jeddah;or Unit 62112, APO AE 09811-2112. The telephone number is (966-2)667-0080, FAX (966-2) 669-3078. The workweek in Saudi Arabia isSaturday through Wednesday. No. 95-049This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Saudi Arabia datedApril 22, 1994, to add information on entry requirements for womentravelers, to add the section on Hajj travel, and to update the U.S.Embassy and Consulates' fax numbers.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sao Tome and Principe GeographyLocation: Western Africa, island in the Atlantic Ocean, straddling the equator, west of GabonMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 960 sq km land area: 960 sq km comparative area: slightly less than 5.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 209 kmMaritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May)Terrain: volcanic, mountainousNatural resources: fishLand use: arable land: 1% permanent crops: 20% meadows and pastures: 1% forest and woodland: 75% other: 3%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion and exhaustion natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sao Tome and Principe PeoplePopulation: 140,423 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 40% (female 27,995; male 28,452) 15-64 years: 55% (female 38,846; male 38,619) 65 years and over: 5% (female 3,615; male 2,896) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.62% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 34.94 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 8.7 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 62.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 63.65 years male: 61.76 years female: 65.59 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 4.44 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Sao Tomean(s) adjective: Sao TomeanEthnic divisions: mestico, angolares (descendents of Angolan slaves), forros (descendents of freed slaves), servicais (contract laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde), tongas (children of servicais born on the islands), Europeans (primarily Portuguese)Religions: Roman Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, Seventh-Day AdventistLanguages: Portuguese (official)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1991) total population: 73% male: 85% female: 62%Labor force: most of population mainly engaged in subsistence agriculture and fishing; labor shortages on plantations and of skilled workers THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sao Tome and Principe GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe conventional short form: Sao Tome and Principe local long form: Republica Democratica de Sao Tome e Principe local short form: Sao Tome e PrincipeDigraph: TPType: republicCapital: Sao TomeAdministrative divisions: 2 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Principe, Sao TomeIndependence: 12 July 1975 (from Portugal)National holiday: Independence Day, 12 July (1975)Constitution: approved March 1990; effective 10 September 1990Legal system: based on Portuguese law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Miguel TROVOADA (since 4 April 1991); election last held 3 March 1991 (next to be held NA March 1996); results - Miguel TROVOADA was elected without opposition in Sao Tome's first multiparty presidential election head of government: Prime Minister Carlos da GRACA (since 25 October 1994) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president on the proposal of the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral National People's Assembly: (Assembleia Popular Nacional) parliament dissolved by President TROVOADA in July 1994; early elections held 2 October 1994; results - MLSTP 27%, PCD-GR 25.5%, ADI 25.5%; seats - (55 total) MLSTP 27, PCD-GR 14, ADI 14Judicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: Party for Democratic Convergence-Reflection Group (PCD-GR), Daniel Lima Dos Santos DAIO, secretary general; Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe (MLSTP), Carlos da GRACA; Christian Democratic Front (FDC), Alphonse Dos SANTOS; Democratic Opposition Coalition (CODO), leader NA; Independent Democratic Action (ADI), Gabriel COSTA; other small partiesMember of: ACP, AfDB, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WTO THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sao Tome and Principe GovernmentDiplomatic representation in US: Sao Tome and Principe has no embassy in the US, but does have a Permanent Mission to the UN, headed by First Secretary Domingos AUGUSTO Ferreira, located at 122 East 42nd Street, Suite 1604, New York, NY 10168, telephone [1] (212) 697-4211US diplomatic representation: ambassador to Gabon is accredited to Sao Tome and Principe on a nonresident basis and makes periodic visits to the islandsFlag: three horizontal bands of green (top), yellow (double width), and green with two black five-pointed stars placed side by side in the center of the yellow band and a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sao Tome and Principe EconomyOverview: This small poor island economy has remained dependent on cocoa since independence 20 years ago. Since then, however, cocoa production has gradually declined because of drought and mismanagement, so that by 1987 annual output had fallen from 10,000 tons to 3,900 tons. As a result, a shortage of cocoa for export has created a serious balance-of-payments problem. Production of less important crops, such as coffee, copra, and palm kernels, has also declined. The value of imports generally exceeds that of exports by a ratio of 4:1 or more. The emphasis on cocoa production at the expense of other food crops has meant that Sao Tome has to import 90% of food needs. It also has to import all fuels and most manufactured goods. Over the years, Sao Tome has been unable to service its external debt and has had to depend on concessional aid and debt rescheduling. Considerable potential exists for development of a tourist industry, and the government has taken steps to expand facilities in recent years. The government also has attempted to reduce price controls and subsidies and to encourage market-based mechanisms, e. g., to facilitate the distribution of imported food. Annual GDP growth is estimated in the 3%-4% range for 1994-96.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $133 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $1,000 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 27% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $10.2 million expenditures: $36.8 million, including capital expenditures of $22.5 million (1989 est.)Exports: $5.5 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: cocoa 78%, copra, coffee, palm oil (1992) partners: Netherlands, Germany, China, PortugalImports: $31.5 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: machinery and electrical equipment 44%, food products 18%, petroleum 11% (1992) partners: Portugal, Japan, Spain, France, AngolaExternal debt: $237 million (1993)Industrial production: growth rate 1% (1991); accounts for 7% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 5,000 kW production: 17 million kWh consumption per capita: 105 kWh (1993)Industries: light construction, shirts, soap, beer, fisheries, shrimp processing THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sao Tome and Principe EconomyAgriculture: accounts for 25% of GDP; dominant sector of economy, primary source of exports; cash crops - cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels, coffee; food products - bananas, papaya, beans, poultry, fish; not self-sufficient in food grain and meatEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $8 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $89 millionCurrency: 1 dobra (Db) = 100 centimosExchange rates: dobras (Db) per US$1 - 129.59 (1 July 1993), 230 (1992), 260.0 (November 1991), 122.48 (December 1988), 72.827 (1987)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sao Tome and Principe TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 300 km paved: 200 km unpaved: 100 km note: roads on Principe are mostly unpaved and in need of repairPorts: Santo Antonio, Sao TomeMerchant marine: total: 1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,096 GRT/1,105 DWTAirports: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sao Tome and Principe CommunicationsTelephone system: NA; minimal system local: NA intercity: NA international: 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 0 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Sao Tome and Principe Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, National PoliceManpower availability: males age 15-49 33,789; males fit for military service 17,752 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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<text>SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE - Passport and visa required. Tourist/businessvisa for visit up to 2 weeks, requires 2 application forms, 2 photos andyellow fever immunization card, letter stating purpose of travel and $15 fee(money orders only). Company letter is required for a business visa.Enclose prepaid envelope or postage for return of passport by certifiedor special delivery mail. Apply Permanent Mission of Sao Tome andPrincipe to the U.N., 122 East 42nd Street, Suite 1604, New York, NY 10168(212/697-4211).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Sao Tome and Principe============================================================Sao Tome and Principe - Public AnnouncementAugust 17, 1995U.S. Department of StateOffice of the SpokesmanFor Immediate ReleaseThe U.S. Embassy in Gabon, which has jurisdiction over American interests in the country of Sao Tome and Principe, reports a coup d'etat occurred on August 15 in Sao Tome, the capital city of Sao Tome and Principe. The Embassy further reports the military forces of Sao Tome and Principe took into custody the President, the Prime Minister and other government officials and blocked access around the presidential palace. There have been no reports of gunfire and no evidence of violence. The military has announced an 8:00 p.m. curfew. For further information on travel to Sao Tome and Principe, consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet of August 25, 1994 or contact the U.S. Embassy in Libreville, Gabon, at (241)762003/4 or 743492. No. 95-Sao----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories-----STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Sao Tome & Principe============================================================Sao Tome and Principe - Consular Information Sheet November 15, 1995 Country Description: Sao Tome and Principe is an island nation with a population of 120,000, located off the west coast of Africa. Per capita income is less than $1000 per year. Facilities for tourism are limited but adequate. The national language is Portuguese.Entry Requirements: Information about entry requirements may be obtained from the Permanent Mission of Sao Tome and Principe, 122 East 42nd St., Suite 1604, New York, N.Y. 10168, telephone (212) 697-4211.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Sao Tome and Principe are limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside of the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including a provision for medical evacuation, has proved to be useful. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Incidents of crime occur. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, which is in Libreville, Gabon. U.S. State Department pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.U.S. Representation: There is no U.S. Embassy in Sao Tome and Principe. U.S. citizens in Sao Tome and Principe needing assistance may contact the U.S. Embassy in Libreville, Gabon, located on the Boulevard de la Mer. The mailing address is B.P. 4000, Libreville, Gabon. The telephone is (241) 762003/4 or (214) 743492. No. 95-140This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 25, 1994, to update the country description and the information on crime.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK San Marino GeographyLocation: Southern Europe, an enclave in central ItalyMap references: EuropeArea: total area: 60 sq km land area: 60 sq km comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: total 39 km, Italy 39 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: noneClimate: Mediterranean; mild to cool winters; warm, sunny summersTerrain: rugged mountainsNatural resources: building stoneLand use: arable land: 17% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 83%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: international agreements: NA current issues: NA natural hazards: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Air PollutionNote: landlocked; smallest independent state in Europe after the Holy See and Monaco; dominated by the Apennines THE WORLD FACTBOOK San Marino PeoplePopulation: 24,313 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 16% (female 1,944; male 1,962) 15-64 years: 68% (female 8,243; male 8,354) 65 years and over: 16% (female 2,198; male 1,612) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.88% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 10.98 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 7.61 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 5.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 5.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 81.27 years male: 77.26 years female: 85.29 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.52 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Sammarinese (singular and plural) adjective: SammarineseEthnic divisions: Sammarinese, ItalianReligions: Roman CatholicLanguages: ItalianLiteracy: age 10 and over can read and write (1976) total population: 96% male: 97% female: 95%Labor force: 4,300 (est.) by occupation: industry 42%, agriculture 3% THE WORLD FACTBOOK San Marino GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of San Marino conventional short form: San Marino local long form: Repubblica di San Marino local short form: San MarinoDigraph: SMType: republicCapital: San MarinoAdministrative divisions: 9 municipalities (castelli, singular - castello); Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano, Fiorentino, Monte Giardino, San Marino, SerravalleIndependence: 301 AD (by tradition)National holiday: Anniversary of the Foundation of the Republic, 3 SeptemberConstitution: 8 October 1600; electoral law of 1926 serves some of the functions of a constitutionLegal system: based on civil law system with Italian law influences; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: co-chiefs of state: Captain Regent Marino BOLLINI and Captain Regent Settimio LONFERNINI (for the period 1 April 1995-30 September 1995) head of government: Secretary of State Gabriele GATTI (since July 1986) cabinet: Congress of State note: the popularly elected parliament (Great and General Council) selects two of its members to serve as the Captains Regent (Co-Chiefs of State) for a six-month period; they preside over meetings of the Great and General Council and its cabinet (Congress of State) which has ten other members, all selected by the Great and General Council; assisting the Captains Regent are three Secretaries of State - Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, and Finance - and several additional secretaries; the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has come to assume many of the prerogatives of a prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral Great and General Council: (Consiglio Grande e Generale) elections last held 30 May 1993 (next to be held by NA May 1998); results - PDCS 41.4%, PSS 23.7%, PDP 18.6%, ADP 7.7%, MD 5.3%, RC 3.3%; seats - (60 total) PDCS 26, PSS 14, PDP 11, ADP 4, MD 3, RC 2Judicial branch: Council of Twelve (Consiglio dei XII) THE WORLD FACTBOOK San Marino GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Christian Democratic Party (PDCS), Cesare GASPERONI, secretary general; Democratic Progressive Party (PDP - formerly San Marino Communist Party (PSS)), Stefano MACINA, secretary general; San Marino Socialist Party (PSS), Maurizio RATTINI, secretary general; Democratic Movement (MD), Emilio Della BALDA; Popular Democratic Alliance (ADP); Communist Refoundation (RC), Guiseppe AMICHI, Renato FABBRI; Moderate Group, Alvaro SELVA; Social Democratic PartyMember of: CE, ECE, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM (guest), OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: honorary consulate(s) general: Washington and New York honorary consulate(s): DetroitUS diplomatic representation: no mission in San Marino, but the Consul General in Florence (Italy) is accredited to San MarinoFlag: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and light blue with the national coat of arms superimposed in the center; the coat of arms has a shield (featuring three towers on three peaks) flanked by a wreath, below a crown and above a scroll bearing the word LIBERTAS (Liberty) THE WORLD FACTBOOK San Marino EconomyOverview: The tourist sector contributes over 50% of GDP. In 1993 more than 3 million tourists visited San Marino. The key industries are banking, wearing apparel, electronics, and ceramics. Main agricultural products are wine and cheeses. The per capita level of output and standard of living are comparable to those of Italy, which supplies much of its food.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $380 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: 2.4% (1993 est.)National product per capita: $15,800 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.5% (1993)Unemployment rate: 4.9% (December 1993)Budget: revenues: $275 million expenditures: $275 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)Exports: trade data are included with the statistics for Italy; commodities: building stone, lime, wood, chestnuts, wheat, wine, baked goods, hides, and ceramicsImports: wide variety of consumer manufactures, foodExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%; accounts for 42% of labor forceElectricity: supplied by ItalyIndustries: tourism, textiles, electronics, ceramics, cement, wineAgriculture: employs 3% of labor force; products - wheat, grapes, maize, olives, meat, cheese, hides; small numbers of cattle, pigs, horsesEconomic aid: $NACurrency: 1 Italian lire (Lit) = 100 centesimi; note - also mints its own coinsExchange rates: Italian lire (Lit) per US$1 - 1,609.5 (January 1995), 1,612.4 (1994), 1,573.7 (1993), 1,232.4 (1992), 1,240.6 (1991), 1,198.1 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK San Marino TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 104 km paved: NA unpaved: NAPorts: noneAirports: none THE WORLD FACTBOOK San Marino CommunicationsTelephone system: 11,700 telephones; automatic telephone system completely integrated into Italian system local: NA intercity: NA international: microwave and cable links into Italian networks; no communication satellite facilitiesRadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: NA; note - receives broadcasts from Italy televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK San Marino Defense ForcesBranches: public security or police forceDefense expenditures: $3.7 million (1992 est.), 1% of GDP</text>
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<text>SAN MARINO - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist stay upto 3 months. For additional information contact the nearest HonoraryConsulate of the Republic of San Marino: Washington (1899 L St., N.W., Suite500, Washington, D.C. 20036, 202/223-3517), Detroit (313/528-1190) or NewYork (516/242-2212).</text>
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<name>San Marino</name>
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card_74966.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Vincent and the Grenadines GeographyLocation: Caribbean, islands in the Caribbean Sea, north of Trinidad and TobagoMap references: Central America and the CaribbeanArea: total area: 340 sq km land area: 340 sq km comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 84 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)Terrain: volcanic, mountainous; Soufriere volcano on the island of Saint VincentNatural resources: negligibleLand use: arable land: 38% permanent crops: 12% meadows and pastures: 6% forest and woodland: 41% other: 3%Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: pollution of coastal waters and shorelines from discharges by pleasure yachts and other effluents; in some areas pollution is severe enough to make swimming prohibitive natural hazards: hurricanes; Soufriere volcano is a constant threat international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ship Pollution, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - DesertificationNote: the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Vincent and the Grenadines PeoplePopulation: 117,344 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 34% (female 19,551; male 20,185) 15-64 years: 61% (female 35,565; male 35,573) 65 years and over: 5% (female 3,793; male 2,677) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.65% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 19.62 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.46 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -7.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 17.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.66 years male: 71.15 years female: 74.21 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.08 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Saint Vincentian(s) or Vincentian(s) adjective: Saint Vincentian or VincentianEthnic divisions: African descent, Caucasian, East Indian, Carib IndianReligions: Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Seventh-Day AdventistLanguages: English, French patoisLiteracy: age 15 and over has ever attended school (1970) total population: 96% male: 96% female: 96%Labor force: 67,000 (1984 est.) by occupation: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Vincent and the Grenadines GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesDigraph: VCType: constitutional monarchyCapital: KingstownAdministrative divisions: 6 parishes; Charlotte, Grenadines, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint PatrickIndependence: 27 October 1979 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 27 October (1979)Constitution: 27 October 1979Legal system: based on English common lawSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General David JACK (since 29 September 1989) head of government: Prime Minister James F. MITCHELL (since 30 July 1984); Deputy Prime Minister Parnel CAMPBELL (since NA February 1994); note - governor general appoints leader of the majority party to position of prime minister cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral House of Assembly: elections last held 21 February 1994 (next to be held NA July 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (21 total, 15 elected representatives and 6 appointed senators) NDP 12, ULP 3Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based on Saint Lucia)Political parties and leaders: New Democratic Party (NDP), James MITCHELL (son of Prime Minister James F. MITCHELL); United People's Movement (UPM), Adrian SAUNDERS; National Reform Party (NRP), Joel MIGUEL; Unity Labor Party (ULP),Vincent BEACHE - formed by the coalition of Saint Vincent Labor Party (SVLP) and the Movement for National Unity (MNU)Member of: ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Kingsley C.A. LAYNE chancery: 1717 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 102, Washington, DC 20036 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Government telephone: [1] (202) 462-7806, 7846 FAX: [1] (202) 462-7807US diplomatic representation: no official presence since the Ambassador resides in Bridgetown (Barbados)Flag: three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold (double width), and green; the gold band bears three green diamonds arranged in a V pattern THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Vincent and the Grenadines EconomyOverview: Agriculture, dominated by banana production, is the most important sector of the economy. The services sector, based mostly on a growing tourist industry, is also important. In 1993, economic growth slowed to 1.4%, reflecting a sharp decline in agricultural production caused by drought. The government has been relatively unsuccessful at introducing new industries, and high unemployment rates of 35%-40% continue.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $235 million (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 2% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $2,000 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate: 35%-40% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $66.2 expenditures: $77.3 million, including capital expenditures of $23 million (1993 est.)Exports: $57.1 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: bananas, eddoes and dasheen (taro), arrowroot starch, tennis racquets partners: UK 54%, CARICOM 34%, US 10%Imports: $134.6 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, chemicals and fertilizers, minerals and fuels partners: US 36%, CARICOM 21%, UK 18%, Trinidad and Tobago 13%External debt: $74.9 million (1993)Industrial production: NAElectricity: capacity: 16,600 kW production: 50 million kWh consumption per capita: 436 kWh (1993)Industries: food processing, cement, furniture, clothing, starchAgriculture: accounts for 14% of GDP and 60% of labor force; provides bulk of exports; products - bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes, spices; small numbers of cattle, sheep, hogs, goats; small fish catch used locallyIllicit drugs: transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US and EuropeEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $11 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $81 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Vincent and the Grenadines EconomyCurrency: 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 centsExchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Vincent and the Grenadines TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 1,000 km paved: 300 km unpaved: improved earth 400 km; unimproved earth 300 kmPorts: KingstownMerchant marine: total: 580 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,212,812 GRT/8,530,725 DWT ships by type: bulk 106, cargo 289, chemical tanker 15, combination bulk 10, combination ore/oil 3, container 36, liquefied gas tanker 5, livestock carrier 2, oil tanker 53, passenger 2, passenger-cargo 1, refrigerated cargo 30, roll-on/roll-off cargo 25, short-sea passenger 1, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 1 note: a flag of convenience registry; includes 16 countries among which are Croatia 49 ships, Russia 23, Slovenia 11, China 8, Germany 3, Serbia 2, Latvia 1, Montenegro 1, Georgia 1, UAR 1Airports: total: 6 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 with paved runways under 914 m: 4 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Vincent and the Grenadines CommunicationsTelephone system: 6,500 telephones; islandwide fully automatic telephone system local: NA intercity: VHF/UHF interisland links from Saint Vincent to the other islands of the Grenadines international: VHF/UHF interisland links from Saint Vincent to Barbados; new SHF links to Grenada and to Saint LuciaRadio: broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 1 cable televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Defense ForcesBranches: Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, Coast GuardDefense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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<text>SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES - Proof of U.S. citizenship, photo ID,and onward/return ticket and/or proof of sufficient funds required fortourist stay up to 6 months. For more information consult the Embassy of SaintVincent and the Grenadines, 1717 Mass. Ave., N.W., Suite 102,Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/462-7806 or 7846) or Consulate, 801 Second Ave., 21stFloor, New York, NY 10017 (212/687-4490).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - St. Vincent & the Grenadines============================================================St. Vincent and the Grenadines - Consular Information Sheet October 18, 1995Country Description: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a developing island nation. Tourism facilities are available but in some instances are not highly developed.Entry Requirements: For stays of up to six months, U.S. citizens may enter St. Vincent and the Grenadines without a passport, but must carry an original document proving U.S. citizenship, photo identification, and a return/onward ticket and/or proof of sufficient funds. For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 3216 New Mexico Ave., Washington, D.C. 20016, tel: (202) 342-6734 or the consulate in New York.Medical Facilities: Medical care is limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplementary medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559 or the CDC fax information service at (404) 332-4565.Crime Information: Petty street crime occurs. Objects have also been stolen from yachts in the Grenadines. Valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport overseas should be reported to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. A birth certificate and/or driver's license generally cannot be replaced outside the United States. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Both this pamphlet and "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean" are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Criminal penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.Aviation Oversight: In June 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration assessed St. Vincent and the Grenadines' civil aviation authority as in compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards for Organization of Eastern Caribbean States carriers operating to and from the U.S. However, during its assessment, the FAA noted that the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States' operations to destinations other than the U.S. are not provided a similar level of safety oversight. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1 (800) 322-7873.Embassy Location and Registration: The United States does not maintain an Embassy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. American citizens requiring assistance may contact the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados; telephone (809) 436-4950; the consular section is located in the American Life Insurance Company (Alico) Building, Cheapside, Bridgetown; telephone (809) 431-0225. U.S. citizens may obtain from that Embassy updated information on travel and security in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. No. 95-125This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 7, 1994, with no change following periodic review.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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card_74591.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Pierre and Miquelon HeaderAffiliation: (territorial collectivity of France) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Pierre and Miquelon GeographyLocation: Northern North America, islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland (Canada)Map references: North AmericaArea: total area: 242 sq km land area: 242 sq km comparative area: slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes eight small islands in the Saint Pierre and the Miquelon groupsLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 120 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: focus of maritime boundary dispute between Canada and FranceClimate: cold and wet, with much mist and fog; spring and autumn are windyTerrain: mostly barren rockNatural resources: fish, deepwater portsLand use: arable land: 13% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 4% other: 83%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: persistent fog throughout the year can be a maritime hazard international agreements: NANote: vegetation scanty THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Pierre and Miquelon PeoplePopulation: 6,757 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NAPopulation growth rate: 0.78% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 13.02 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.83 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0.59 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 10.77 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76 years male: 74.4 years female: 77.92 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.67 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women) adjective: FrenchEthnic divisions: Basques and Bretons (French fishermen)Religions: Roman Catholic 98%Languages: FrenchLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1982) total population: 99% male: 99% female: 99%Labor force: 2,850 (1988) by occupation: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Pierre and Miquelon GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Territorial Collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon conventional short form: Saint Pierre and Miquelon local long form: Departement de Saint-Pierre et Miquelon local short form: Saint-Pierre et MiquelonDigraph: SBType: territorial collectivity of FranceCapital: Saint-PierreAdministrative divisions: none (territorial collectivity of France)Independence: none (territorial collectivity of France; has been under French control since 1763)National holiday: National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 JulyConstitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)Legal system: French lawSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) head of government: Commissioner of the Republic Yves HENRY (since NA December 1993); President of the General Council Gerard GRIGNON (since NA April 1994) cabinet: Council of MinistersLegislative branch: unicameral General Council: elections last held NA April 1994 (next to be held NA April 2000); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (19 total) seats by party NA French Senate: elections last held NA September 1986 (next to be held NA September 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) PS 1 French National Assembly: elections last held 21 and 28 March 1993 (next to be held NA June 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) UDF 1Judicial branch: Superior Tribunal of Appeals (Tribunal Superieur d'Appel)Political parties and leaders: Socialist Party (PS), Albert PEN; Union for French Democracy (UDF/CDS), Gerard GRIGNONMember of: FZ, WFTUDiplomatic representation in US: none (territorial collectivity of France)US diplomatic representation: none (territorial collectivity of France) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Pierre and Miquelon GovernmentFlag: the flag of France is used THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Pierre and Miquelon EconomyOverview: The inhabitants have traditionally earned their livelihood by fishing and by servicing fishing fleets operating off the coast of Newfoundland. The economy has been declining, however, because the number of ships stopping at Saint Pierre has dropped steadily over the years. In March 1989, an agreement between France and Canada set fish quotas for Saint Pierre's trawlers fishing in Canadian and Canadian-claimed waters for three years. The agreement settles a longstanding dispute that had virtually brought fish exports to a halt. The islands are heavily subsidized by France. Imports come primarily from Canada and France.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $66 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $10,000 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: 9.6% (1990)Budget: revenues: $18.3 million expenditures: $18.3 million, including capital expenditures of $5.5 million (1989 est.)Exports: $30 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: fish and fish products, fox and mink pelts partners: US 58%, France 17%, UK 11%, Canada, Portugal (1990)Imports: $82 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: meat, clothing, fuel, electrical equipment, machinery, building materials partners: Canada, France, US, Netherlands, UKExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 10,000 kW production: 50 million kWh consumption per capita: 6,013 kWh (1993)Industries: fish processing and supply base for fishing fleets; tourismAgriculture: vegetables, cattle, sheep, pigs for local consumption; fish catch of 20,500 metric tons (1989)Economic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $500 millionCurrency: 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Pierre and Miquelon EconomyExchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.2943 (January 1995), 5.520 (1994), 5.6632 (1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Pierre and Miquelon TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 120 km paved: 60 km unpaved: earth 60 km (1985)Ports: Saint PierreMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 2 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Pierre and Miquelon CommunicationsTelephone system: 3,601 telephones local: NA intercity: NA international: radio communication with most countries in the world; 1 satellite link in French domestic satellite systemRadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 3, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 0 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Pierre and Miquelon Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of France</text>
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<text>ST. PIERRE - Proof of U.S. citizenship and photo ID required for visitup to 3 months. For specific information consult Embassy of France(202/944-6000).</text>
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card_74353.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Lucia GeographyLocation: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Trinidad and TobagoMap references: Central America and the CaribbeanArea: total area: 620 sq km land area: 610 sq km comparative area: slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 158 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season from January to April, rainy season from May to AugustTerrain: volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleysNatural resources: forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice), mineral springs, geothermal potentialLand use: arable land: 8% permanent crops: 20% meadows and pastures: 5% forest and woodland: 13% other: 54%Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion, particularly in the northern region natural hazards: hurricanes and volcanic activity international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Lucia PeoplePopulation: 156,050 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 35% (female 26,710; male 27,255) 15-64 years: 60% (female 47,584; male 46,326) 65 years and over: 5% (female 5,040; male 3,135) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.17% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 22.48 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.1 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -4.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 20.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.88 years male: 66.33 years female: 73.67 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.37 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Saint Lucian(s) adjective: Saint LucianEthnic divisions: African descent 90.3%, mixed 5.5%, East Indian 3.2%, Caucasian 0.8%Religions: Roman Catholic 90%, Protestant 7%, Anglican 3%Languages: English (official), French patoisLiteracy: age 15 and over has ever attended school (1980) total population: 67% male: 65% female: 69%Labor force: 43,800 by occupation: agriculture 43.4%, services 38.9%, industry and commerce 17.7% (1983 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Lucia GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Saint LuciaDigraph: STType: parliamentary democracyCapital: CastriesAdministrative divisions: 11 quarters; Anse La Raye, Castries, Choiseul, Dauphin, Dennery, Gros Islet, Laborie, Micoud, Praslin, Soufriere, Vieux FortIndependence: 22 February 1979 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 22 February (1979)Constitution: 22 February 1979Legal system: based on English common lawSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir Stanislaus Anthony JAMES (since 10 October 1988) head of government: Prime Minister John George Melvin COMPTON (since 3 May 1982) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the governor general on advice of the prime ministerLegislative branch: bicameral Parliament Senate: consists of an 11-member body, 6 appointed on the advice of the prime minister, 3 on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and 2 after consultation with religious, economic, and social groups House of Assembly: elections last held 27 April 1992 (next to be held by April 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (17 total) UWP 11, SLP 6Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: United Workers' Party (UWP), John COMPTON; Saint Lucia Labor Party (SLP), Julian HUNTE; Progressive Labor Party (PLP), Jon ODLUMMember of: ACCT (associate), ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (subscriber), NAM, OAS, OECS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Joseph Edsel EDMUNDS chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 364-6792 through 6795 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Lucia Government FAX: [1] (202) 364-6728 consulate(s) general: New YorkUS diplomatic representation: no official presence since the Ambassador resides in Bridgetown (Barbados)Flag: blue with a gold isosceles triangle below a black arrowhead; the upper edges of the arrowhead have a white border THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Lucia EconomyOverview: Though foreign investment in manufacturing and information processing in recent years has increased Saint Lucia's industrial base, the economy remains vulnerable due to its heavy dependence on banana production, which is subject to periodic droughts and tropical storms. Indeed, the destructive effect of Tropical Storm Debbie in mid-1994 caused the loss of 60% of the year's banana crop. Increased competition from Latin American bananas will probably further reduce market prices, exacerbating Saint Lucia's need to diversify its economy in coming years, e.g., by expanding tourism, manufacturing, and constructionNational product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $610 million (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 2% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $4,200 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.8% (1993)Unemployment rate: 25% (1993 est.)Budget: revenues: $121 million expenditures: $127 million, including capital expenditures of $104 million (1992 est.)Exports: $122.8 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: bananas 60%, clothing, cocoa, vegetables, fruits, coconut oil partners: UK 56%, US 22%, CARICOM 19% (1991)Imports: $276 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: manufactured goods 21%, machinery and transportation equipment 21%, food and live animals, chemicals, fuels partners: US 34%, CARICOM 17%, UK 14%, Japan 7%, Canada 4% (1991)External debt: $96.4 million (1992 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 3.5% (1990 est.); accounts for 12% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 20,000 kW production: 112 million kWh consumption per capita: 693 kWh (1993)Industries: clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated cardboard boxes, tourism, lime processing, coconut processingAgriculture: accounts for 14% of GDP and 43% of labor force; crops - bananas, coconuts, vegetables, citrus fruit, root crops, cocoa; imports food for the tourist industryIllicit drugs: transit country for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Lucia EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $120 millionCurrency: 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 centsExchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Lucia TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 760 km paved: 500 km unpaved: otherwise improved 260 kmPorts: Castries, Vieux FortMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 3 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Lucia CommunicationsTelephone system: 9,500 telephones local: low density (6 telephones/100 persons) but the system is automatically switched intercity: no intercity traffic international: direct microwave link with Martinique and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; interisland troposcatter link to BarbadosRadio: broadcast stations: AM 4, FM 1, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 1 cable televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Lucia Defense ForcesBranches: Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, Coast GuardDefense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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<text>SAINT LUCIA - Passport (or proof of U.S. citizenship and photo ID) andreturn/onward ticket required for stay up to 6 months. For additionalinformation contact Embassy of Saint Lucia, 2100 M St., N.W., Suite309, Washington, D.C. 20037 (202/463-7378/9) or Permanent Mission to theU.N., 820 Second St., 9th Floor, New York, NY 10017 (212/697-9360).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - St. Lucia============================================================St. Lucia - Consular Information Sheet October 18, 1995Country Description: St. Lucia is a developing island nation. Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: For stays of up to six months, U. S. citizens may enter St. Lucia without a passport, but must carry an original document proving U.S. citizenship, photo identification, and a return/onward ticket. For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of St. Lucia, 3216 New Mexico Ave., Washington, D.C. 20016, tel: (202) 364-6792 or the permanent mission to the United Nations in New York.Medical Facilities: Medical care is limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases supplementary medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559 or the CDC fax information service at (404) 332-4565.Crime Information: Petty street crime occurs. Valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport overseas should be reported to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. A birth certificate and/or driver's license generally cannot be replaced outside the United States. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Both this pamphlet and "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean" are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Criminal penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.Aviation Oversight: In June 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration assessed St. Lucia's civil aviation authority as in compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards for Organization of Eastern Caribbean States carriers operating to and from the U.S. However, during its assessment, the FAA noted that the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States' operations to destinations other than the U.S. are not provided a similar level of safety oversight. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1 (800) 322-7873.Embassy Location/Registration: The United States does not maintain an embassy in St. Lucia. U.S. citizens requiring assistance can contact the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados; telephone (809) 436-4950. The Consular Section of the Embassy is located in the American Life Insurance Company (Alico) Building, Cheapside, Bridgetown: telephone (809) 431-0225. U.S. citizens may obtain from that Embassy updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 95-127This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 7, 1994, with no change following periodic review.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - St. Lucia============================================================St. Lucia - Consular Information Sheet October 18, 1995Country Description: St. Lucia is a developing island nation. Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: For stays of up to six months, U. S. citizens may enter St. Lucia without a passport, but must carry an original document proving U.S. citizenship, photo identification, and a return/onward ticket. For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of St. Lucia, 3216 New Mexico Ave., Washington, D.C. 20016, tel: (202) 364-6792 or the permanent mission to the United Nations in New York.Medical Facilities: Medical care is limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases supplementary medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559 or the CDC fax information service at (404) 332-4565.Crime Information: Petty street crime occurs. Valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport overseas should be reported to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. A birth certificate and/or driver's license generally cannot be replaced outside the United States. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Both this pamphlet and "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean" are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Criminal penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.Aviation Oversight: In June 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration assessed St. Lucia's civil aviation authority as in compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards for Organization of Eastern Caribbean States carriers operating to and from the U.S. However, during its assessment, the FAA noted that the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States' operations to destinations other than the U.S. are not provided a similar level of safety oversight. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1 (800) 322-7873.Embassy Location/Registration: The United States does not maintain an embassy in St. Lucia. U.S. citizens requiring assistance can contact the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados; telephone (809) 436-4950. The Consular Section of the Embassy is located in the American Life Insurance Company (Alico) Building, Cheapside, Bridgetown: telephone (809) 431-0225. U.S. citizens may obtain from that Embassy updated information on travel and security within the area. No. 95-127This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 7, 1994, with no change following periodic review.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Kitts and Nevis GeographyLocation: Caribbean, islands in the Caribbean Sea, about one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and TobagoMap references: Central America and the CaribbeanArea: total area: 269 sq km land area: 269 sq km comparative area: slightly more than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 135 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: subtropical tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)Terrain: volcanic with mountainous interiorsNatural resources: negligibleLand use: arable land: 22% permanent crops: 17% meadows and pastures: 3% forest and woodland: 17% other: 41%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: hurricanes (July to October) international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Kitts and Nevis PeoplePopulation: 40,992 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 35% (female 7,072; male 7,430) 15-64 years: 57% (female 11,784; male 11,756) 65 years and over: 8% (female 1,729; male 1,221) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.85% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 23.49 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 9.56 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -5.39 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 19.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 66.51 years male: 63.51 years female: 69.69 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.56 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Kittsian(s), Nevisian(s) adjective: Kittsian, NevisianEthnic divisions: black AfricanReligions: Anglican, other Protestant sects, Roman CatholicLanguages: EnglishLiteracy: age 15 and over has ever attended school (1980) total population: 97% male: 97% female: 98%Labor force: 20,000 (1981) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Kitts and Nevis GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis conventional short form: Saint Kitts and Nevis former: Federation of Saint Christopher and NevisDigraph: SCType: constitutional monarchyCapital: BasseterreAdministrative divisions: 14 parishs; Christ Church Nichola Town, Saint Anne Sandy Point, Saint George Basseterre, Saint George Gingerland, Saint James Windward, Saint John Capisterre, Saint John Figtree, Saint Mary Cayon, Saint Paul Capisterre, Saint Paul Charlestown, Saint Peter Basseterre, Saint Thomas Lowland, Saint Thomas Middle Island, Trinity Palmetto PointIndependence: 19 September 1983 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 19 September (1983)Constitution: 19 September 1983Legal system: based on English common lawSuffrage: NA years of age; universal adultExecutive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir Clement Athelston ARRINDELL (since 19 September 1983, previously Governor General of theWest Indies Associated States since NA November 1981) head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Kennedy Alphonse SIMMONDS (since 19 September 1983, previously Premier of the West Indies Associated States since NA February 1980); Deputy Prime Minister Hugh HEYLIGER (since November 1994) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the governor general in consultation with the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral House of Assembly: elections last held 29 November 1993 (next to be held by 15 November 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (14 total, 11 elected) PAM 4, SKNLP 4, NRP 1, CCM 2Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based on Saint Lucia)Political parties and leaders: People's Action Movement (PAM), Dr. Kennedy SIMMONDS; Saint Kitts and Nevis Labor Party (SKNLP), Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS; Nevis Reformation Party (NRP), Simeon DANIEL; Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), Vance AMORYMember of: ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS (associate), IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, OAS, OECS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Kitts and Nevis GovernmentDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Erstein Mallet EDWARDS chancery: Suite 608, 2100 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: [1] (202) 833-3550 FAX: [1] (202) 833-3553US diplomatic representation: no official presence; covered by embassy in Bridgetown, BarbadosFlag: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a broad black band bearing two white five-pointed stars; the black band is edged in yellow; the upper triangle is green, the lower triangle is red THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Kitts and Nevis EconomyOverview: The economy has traditionally depended on the growing and processing of sugarcane; decreasing world prices have hurt the industry in recent years. Tourism and export-oriented manufacturing have begun to assume larger roles, although they still only account for 7% and 4% of GDP respectively. Growth in the construction and tourism sectors spurred the economic expansion in 1994. Most food is imported.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $210 million (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 4.5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $5,300 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.6% (1993)Unemployment rate: 12.2% (1990)Budget: revenues: $103.2 million expenditures: $102.6 million, including capital expenditures of $50.1 million (1995 est.)Exports: $32.4 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: machinery, food, electronics, beverages and tobacco partners: US 50%, UK 30%, CARICOM nations 11% (1992)Imports: $100 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: machinery, manufactures, food, fuels partners: US 43%, CARICOM nations 18%, UK 12%, Canada 4%, Japan 4%, OECS 4% (1992)External debt: $43.3 million (1992)Industrial production: growth rate 5.9% (1992 est.)Electricity: capacity: 15,800 kW production: 45 million kWh consumption per capita: 990 kWh (1993)Industries: sugar processing, tourism, cotton, salt, copra, clothing, footwear, beveragesAgriculture: accounts for 17% of GDP; cash crop - sugarcane; subsistence crops - rice, yams, vegetables, bananas; fishing potential not fully exploitedIllicit drugs: transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the USEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY85-88), $10.7 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $67 millionCurrency: 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Kitts and Nevis EconomyExchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Kitts and Nevis TransportationRailroads: total: 58 km on Saint Kitts for sugarcane narrow gauge: 58 km 0.760-m gaugeHighways: total: 300 km paved: 125 km unpaved: otherwise improved 125 km; unimproved earth 50 kmPorts: Basseterre, CharlestownMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Kitts and Nevis CommunicationsTelephone system: 2,400 telephones; good interisland VHF/UHF/SHF radio connections and international link via Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Martin local: NA intercity: interisland links are handled by VHF/UHF/SHF radio; within the islands all calls are local international: international calls are carried by radio to Antigua and Barbuda and there switched to submarine cable or to INTELSAT, or carried to Saint Martin by radio and switched to INTELSATRadio: broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 4 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Kitts and Nevis Defense ForcesBranches: Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Police Force, Coast GuardDefense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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<text>SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS - Proof of U.S. citizenship, photo ID andonward/return ticket required for stay up to 6 months. AIDS testrequired for work permit, residency or student visas; U.S. test is accepted. For further information consult Embassy of St. Kitts and Nevis, 2501 M St.,N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037 (202/833-3550) or Permanent Mission to theU.N., 414 East 75th St., Fifth Floor, New York, NY 10021(212/535-1234).St. Kitts & Nevis - Consular Information SheetSeptember 7, 1994Country Description: St. Kitts and Nevis is a developing island nation.Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: For stays of up to six months, U.S. citizens need proofof U.S. citizenship, photo identification, and a return/onward ticket. Forfurther information concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact theEmbassy of St. Kitts and Nevis, 2100 M Street N.W., Suite 608, Washington,D.C. 20037, tel: (202) 833-3550 or the permanent mission to the UnitedNations in New York.Medical Facilities: Medical care is limited. Doctors and hospitals oftenexpect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insuranceis not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplementarymedical insurance specifically covering overseas problems has proved to beuseful. For additional health information, travelers may contact theCenters for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Petty street crime occurs but is unusual. Valuables leftunattended on beaches are subject to theft. The loss or theft of a U.S.passport overseas should be reported to the local police and the nearestU.S. embassy or consulate. A birth certificate and/or driver's licensegenerally cannot be replaced outside of the United States. U.S. citizenscan refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" whichprovides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personalsecurity while traveling abroad. Both this pamphlet and "Tips for Travelersto the Caribbean" are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. Criminal penalties for possession, use, anddealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expectlengthy jail sentences and fines.Civil Aviation Oversight: In June 1992, the U.S. Federal AviationAdministration assessed St. Kitts and Nevis' civil aviation authority as incompliance with international aviation safety oversight standards forOrganization of Eastern Caribbean States' carriers operating to and from theU.S. However, during its assessment, the FAA noted that Organization ofEastern Caribbean States' operations to destinations other than the U.S. arenot provided a similar level of safety oversight. For further information,travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.Embassy Location/Registration: The United States does not maintain anembassy in St. Kitts and Nevis. For assistance, U.S. citizens may contactthe Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, which islocated in the American Life Insurance Company (ALICO) Building, Cheapside,telephone (809) 431-0225. U.S. citizens may obtain from the U.S. Embassyupdated information on travel and security in St. Kitts and Nevis and theother islands for which the U.S. Embassy is responsible.No. 94-195This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 27, 1993 by addinginformation on aviation oversight and to reflect a change in the U.S.Embassy responsible for this jurisdiction.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Helena HeaderAffiliation: (dependent territory of the UK) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Helena GeographyLocation: Southern Africa, island in the South Atlantic Ocean, west of Angola, about two-thirds of the way from South America to AfricaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 410 sq km land area: 410 sq km comparative area: slightly more than 2.3 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes Ascension, Gough Island, Inaccessible Island, Nightingale Island, and Tristan da CunhaLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 60 kmMaritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; marine; mild, tempered by trade windsTerrain: rugged, volcanic; small scattered plateaus and plainsNatural resources: fish; Ascension is a breeding ground for sea turtles and sooty terns, no mineralsLand use: arable land: 7% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 7% forest and woodland: 3% other: 83%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: active volcanism on Tristan da Cunha international agreements: NANote: Napoleon Bonaparte's place of exile and burial (the remains were taken to Paris in 1840); harbors at least 40 species of plants unknown anywhere else in the world THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Helena PeoplePopulation: 6,762 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NAPopulation growth rate: 0.31% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 9.5 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.43 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 36.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.07 years male: 73.01 years female: 76.89 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.13 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Saint Helenian(s) adjective: Saint HelenianEthnic divisions: NAReligions: Anglican (majority), Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman CatholicLanguages: EnglishLiteracy: age 20 and over can read and write (1987) total population: 97% male: 97% female: 98%Labor force: 2,516 by occupation: professional, technical, and related workers 8.7%, managerial, administrative, and clerical 12.8%, sales people 8.1%, farmer, fishermen, etc. 5.4%, craftspersons, production process workers 14.7%, others 50.3% (1987) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Helena GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Saint HelenaDigraph: SHType: dependent territory of the UKCapital: JamestownAdministrative divisions: 1 administrative area and 2 dependencies*; Ascension*, Saint Helena, Tristan da Cunha*Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK)National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen, 10 June 1989 (second Saturday in June)Constitution: 1 January 1989Legal system: NASuffrage: NAExecutive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) head of government: Governor A. N. HOOLE (since NA 1991) cabinet: Executive CouncilLegislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council: elections last held July 1993 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (15 total, 12 elected) independents 15Judicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: noneMember of: ICFTUDiplomatic representation in US: none (dependent territory of the UK)US diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK)Flag: 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 shield features a rocky coastline and three-masted sailing ship THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Helena EconomyOverview: The economy depends primarily on financial assistance from the UK. The local population earns some income from fishing, the raising of livestock, and sales of handicrafts. Because there are few jobs, a large proportion of the work force has left to seek employment overseas.National product: GDP $NANational product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $NAInflation rate (consumer prices): -1.1% (1986)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $11.2 million expenditures: $11 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY92/93)Exports: $27,400 (f.o.b., FY92/93) commodities: fish (frozen and salt-dried skipjack, tuna), handicrafts partners: South Africa, UKImports: $9.8 million (c.i.f., FY92/93) commodities: food, beverages, tobacco, fuel oils, animal feed, building materials, motor vehicles and parts, machinery and parts partners: UK, South AfricaExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 9,800 kW production: 10 million kWh consumption per capita: NA kWh (1993)Industries: crafts (furniture, lacework, fancy woodwork), fishingAgriculture: maize, potatoes, vegetables; timber production being developed; crawfishing on Tristan da CunhaEconomic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1992-93), $13.5 millionCurrency: 1 Saint Helenian pound (#S) = 100 penceExchange rates: Saint Helenian pounds (#S) per US$1 - 0.6350 (January 1995), 0.6529 (1994), 0.6033 (1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5603 (1990); note - the Saint Helenian pound is at par with the British pound THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Helena EconomyFiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Helena TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: NA (mainland 107 km, Ascension NA, Tristan da Cunha NA) paved: 169.7 km (mainland 87 km, Ascension 80 km, Tristan da Cunha 2.70 km) unpaved: NA (mainland 20 km earth roads, Ascension NA, Tristan da Cunha NA)Ports: Georgetown, JamestownMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 1 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Helena CommunicationsTelephone system: 550 telephones; automatic network local: NA intercity: HF radio links to Ascension, then into worldwide submarine cable and satellite networks international: major coaxial submarine cable relay point between South Africa, Portugal, and UK at Ascension; 2 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: 1,500Television: broadcast stations: 0 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Saint Helena Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of the UK</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Rwanda GeographyLocation: Central Africa, east of ZaireMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 26,340 sq km land area: 24,950 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than MarylandLand boundaries: total 893 km, Burundi 290 km, Tanzania 217 km, Uganda 169 km, Zaire 217 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: noneClimate: temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possibleTerrain: mostly grassy uplands and hills; relief is mountainous with altitude declining from west to eastNatural resources: gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), natural gas, hydropowerLand use: arable land: 29% permanent crops: 11% meadows and pastures: 18% forest and woodland: 10% other: 32%Irrigated land: 40 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: deforestation results from uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel; overgrazing; soil exhaustion; soil erosion natural hazards: periodic droughts; the volcanic Virunga mountains are in the northwest along the border with Zaire international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the SeaNote: landlocked; predominantly rural population THE WORLD FACTBOOK Rwanda PeoplePopulation: 8,605,307 (July 1995 est.) note: the demographic estimates were prepared before civil strife, starting in April 1994, set in motion substantial and continuing population changesAge structure: 0-14 years: 51% (female 2,184,549; male 2,201,049) 15-64 years: 47% (female 2,034,278; male 1,968,298) 65 years and over: 2% (female 126,255; male 90,878) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.67% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 48.52 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 21.82 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.) note: since April 1994, more than one million refugees have fled the civil strife between the Hutu and Tutsi factions in Rwanda and crossed into Zaire, Burundi, and Tanzania; close to 350,000 Rwandan Tutsis who fled civil strife in earlier years are returning to Rwanda and a few of the recent Hutu refugees are going home despite the danger of doing so; the ethnic violence continues and in 1995 could produce further refugee flows as well as deter returnsInfant mortality rate: 118.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 39.33 years male: 38.5 years female: 40.19 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 8.12 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Rwandan(s) adjective: RwandanEthnic divisions: Hutu 90%, Tutsi 9%, Twa (Pygmoid) 1%Religions: Roman Catholic 65%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 1%, indigenous beliefs and other 25%Languages: Kinyarwanda (official), French (official), Kiswahili used in commercial centersLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 50% male: 64% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Rwanda People female: 37%Labor force: 3.6 million by occupation: agriculture 93%, government and services 5%, industry and commerce 2% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Rwanda GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Rwanda conventional short form: Rwanda local long form: Republika y'u Rwanda local short form: RwandaDigraph: RWType: republic; presidential system note: after genocide and civil war in April 1994, the Tutsi Rwandan Patriotic Front, in July 1994, took power and formed a new governmentCapital: KigaliAdministrative divisions: 10 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture in French; plural - NA, singular - prefegitura in Kinyarwanda); Butare, Byumba, Cyangugu, Gikongoro, Gisenyi, Gitarama, Kibungo, Kibuye, Kigali, RuhengeriIndependence: 1 July 1962 (from Belgium-administered UN trusteeship)National holiday: Independence Day, 1 July (1962)Constitution: 18 June 1991Legal system: based on German and Belgian civil law systems and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: NA years of age; universal adultExecutive branch: chief of state: President Pasteur BIZIMUNGU (since 19 July 1994); took office following the siezure of the government by the Tutsi Rwandan Patriotic Front and the exiling of interim President Dr. Theodore SINDIKUBWABO; no future election dates have been set head of government: Prime Minister Faustin TWAGIRAMUNGU (since the siezure of power by the Tutsi Rwandan Patriotic Front in July 1994) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch: unicameral National Development Council: (Conseil National de Developpement) elections last held 19 December 1988 (next to be held NA 1995); results - MRND was the only party; seats - (70 total) MRND 70Judicial branch: Constitutional Court consists of the Court of Cassation and the Council of State in joint session THE WORLD FACTBOOK Rwanda GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), Alexis KANYARENGWE, Chairman; National Revolutionary Movement for Democracy and Development (MRND); significant independent parties include: Democratic Republican Movement (MDR); Liberal Party (PL); Democratic and Socialist Party (PSD); Coalition for the Defense of the Republic (CDR); Party for Democracy in Rwanda (PADER); Christian Democratic Party (PDL) note: formerly a one-party state, Rwanda legalized independent parties in mid-1991Other political or pressure groups: Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA), the RPF military wing, Maj. Gen. Paul KAGAME, commander;Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: (vacant); Charge d'Affaires ad interim Joseph W. MUTABOBA chancery: 1714 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 232-2882 FAX: [1] (202) 232-4544US diplomatic representation: note: US Embassy closed indefinitely chief of mission: Ambassador David P. RAWSON embassy: Boulevard de la Revolution, Kigali mailing address: B. P. 28, Kigali telephone: [250] 756 01 through 03 FAX: [250] 721 28Flag: three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green with a large black letter R centered in the yellow band; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of Guinea, which has a plain yellow band THE WORLD FACTBOOK Rwanda EconomyOverview: Rwanda is a poor African nation suffering bitterly from ethnic-based civil war. Almost 50% of GDP comes from the agricultural sector; coffee and tea make up 80%-90% of total exports. The amount of fertile land is limited, however, and deforestation and soil erosion continue to create problems. The industrial sector in Rwanda is small, contributing only 17% to GDP. Manufacturing focuses mainly on the processing of agricultural products. The Rwandan economy remains dependent on coffee/tea exports and foreign aid. Weak international prices since 1986 have caused the economy to contract and per capita GDP to decline. A structural adjustment program with the World Bank began in October 1990. Ethnic-based insurgency since 1990 has devastated wide areas, especially in the north, and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. A peace accord in mid-1993 temporarily ended most of the fighting, but massive resumption of civil warfare in April 1994 in the capital city Kigali and elsewhere has been taking thousands of lives and severely affecting short-term economic prospects. The economy suffers massively from failure to maintain the infrastructure, looting, neglect of important cash crops, and lack of health care facilities.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $7.9 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: -8% (1993 est.)National product per capita: $950 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $350 million expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)Exports: $44 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: coffee 63%, tea, cassiterite, wolframite, pyrethrum partners: Germany, Belgium, Italy, Uganda, UK, France, USImports: $250 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: textiles, foodstuffs, machines and equipment, capital goods, steel, petroleum products, cement and construction material partners: US, Belgium, Germany, Kenya, JapanExternal debt: $873 million (1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate -2.2% (1991); accounts for 17% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 60,000 kW production: 190 million kWh consumption per capita: 23 kWh (1993) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Rwanda EconomyIndustries: mining of cassiterite (tin ore) and wolframite (tungsten ore), tin, cement, agricultural processing, small-scale beverage production, soap, furniture, shoes, plastic goods, textiles, cigarettesAgriculture: cash crops - coffee, tea, pyrethrum (insecticide made from chrysanthemums); main food crops - bananas, beans, sorghum, potatoes; stock raisingEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $128 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $45 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $58 million note: in October 1990 Rwanda launched a Structural Adjustment Program with the IMF; since September 1991, the EC has given $46 million and the US $25 million in support of this program (1993)Currency: 1 Rwandan franc (RF) = 100 centimesExchange rates: Rwandan francs (RF) per US$1 - 144.3 (3rd quarter 1994), 144.25 (1993), 133.35 (1992), 125.14 (1991), 82.60 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Rwanda TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 4,885 km paved: 880 km unpaved: gravel, sand and gravel 1,305 km; unimproved earth 2,700 kmInland waterways: Lac Kivu navigable by shallow-draft barges and native craftPorts: Cyangugu, Gisenyi, KibuyeAirports: total: 7 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 with paved runways under 914 m: 3 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Rwanda CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; telephone system does not provide service to the general public but is intended for business and government use local: NA intercity: the capital, Kigali, is connected to the centers of the prefectures by microwave radio relay; the remainder of the network depends on wire and high frequency radio international: international connections employ microwave radio relay to neighboring countries and satellite communications to more distant countries; 1 INTELSAT (Indian Ocean) and 1 SYMPHONIE earth station in Kigali (includes telex and telefax service)Radio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 1 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Rwanda Defense ForcesBranches: Army, GendarmerieManpower availability: males age 15-49 1,792,326; males fit for military service 913,711 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $112.5 million, 7% of GDP (1992)</text>
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<text>RWANDA - Passport and visa required. Multiple-entry visa for stay upto 3 months requires, $20 fee, 2 application forms, 2 photos andimmunizations for yellow fever. Exact date of entry into Rwanda required withapplication. Include prepaid envelope or postage for return ofpassport by certified mail. Apply at one of the following: Embassy of theRepublic of Rwanda, 1714 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009(202/232-2882), Permanent Mission of Rwanda to the U.N., 124 East 39thStreet, New York, NY 10016 (212/696-0644/45/46) or the ConsulateGeneral in Chicago (708/205-1188) or Denver (303-321-2400).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Rwanda============================================================Rwanda - Travel Warning September 12, 1995The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer travel to Rwanda. Sporadic fighting continues inside Rwanda; border areas in particular have been the sight of low-key insurgent outbreaks. Further, poor communication, transportation, and health services continue to make travel in Rwanda difficult and potentially hazardous. The U.S. Embassy in Kigali resumed consular services July 26, 1995. No. 95-028This replaces the Travel Warning dated August 4, 1994 to update information on the security situation in Rwanda and to note the resumption of consular services at the U.S. Embassy in Kigali.Rwanda - Consular Information Sheet September 13, 1995Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer travel to Rwanda. Sporadic fighting continues inside Rwanda; border areas in particular have been the site of low-key insurgent outbreaks. Further, poor communication, transportation, and health services continue to make travel in Rwanda difficult and potentially hazardous. The U.S. Embassy in Kigali resumed consular services on July 26, 1995.Country Description: Rwanda is a central/east African country recovering from years of ethnic and political strife that culminated in a three-month civil war ending in July 1994. Infrastructure damaged in the war is slowly being repaired but services such as telephone, electricity, and water are not reliable, particularly outside the capital city of Kigali. Tourism facilities in Rwanda are very limited. International air services generally operate on schedule. Public transportation is almost non-existent.Entry Requirements: A passport, a visa, and evidence of yellow fever immunization are required. Airport visas are not available. There is also a departure tax. For entry information, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda, 1714 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington D.C. 20009, Tel: 202-232-2882.Areas of Instability: While there has been no open warfare in Rwanda since July 1994, border areas continue to suffer from low-key insurgent attacks, especially along the western and southern frontiers with Zaire and Burundi, where there are large concentrations of refugees. Although such violence is generally not directed against foreign visitors, there is a danger of being caught in the middle of the fighting. Travelers are subjected to frequent stops at roadblocks throughout the country, during which their vehicles and luggage may be searched.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are extremely limited and dependent on irregular utility service. Trained medical personnel are in short supply; doctors and hospitals usually expect cash payment for services and will not accept U.S. medical insurance. The Medicare/Medicaid Program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage and medical evacuation provision is recommended. Travelers generally bring their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. Information on health conditions and precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Pickpocketing in crowded public places is common as is petty theft from cars and hotel rooms.Currency Regulations: The Rwandan Franc is freely exchangeable for hard currencies in bureaux de change and banks. Several Kigali banks can efficiently handle wire transfers from U.S. banks; banks outside Kigali are slowly re-opening. Credit cards are acceptable at only a few hotels in Kigali and travelers should expect to handle most expenses in cash.Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens who plan to enter Rwanda are urged to register at the U.S. Embassy in Kigali where consular services resumed July 26, 1995. The U.S. Embassy is located at Boulevard de la Revolution, B.P. 28, Kigali. The telephone is (250) 75601/75602 and the fax is (250) 72128. No. 95-110This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued June 7, 1994, to include the updated Travel Warning and to update and revise information about the current situation in Rwanda.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Rwanda============================================================Rwanda - Travel Warning September 12, 1995The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer travel to Rwanda. Sporadic fighting continues inside Rwanda; border areas in particular have been the sight of low-key insurgent outbreaks. Further, poor communication, transportation, and health services continue to make travel in Rwanda difficult and potentially hazardous. The U.S. Embassy in Kigali resumed consular services July 26, 1995. No. 95-028This replaces the Travel Warning dated August 4, 1994 to update information on the security situation in Rwanda and to note the resumption of consular services at the U.S. Embassy in Kigali.Rwanda - Consular Information Sheet September 13, 1995Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer travel to Rwanda. Sporadic fighting continues inside Rwanda; border areas in particular have been the site of low-key insurgent outbreaks. Further, poor communication, transportation, and health services continue to make travel in Rwanda difficult and potentially hazardous. The U.S. Embassy in Kigali resumed consular services on July 26, 1995.Country Description: Rwanda is a central/east African country recovering from years of ethnic and political strife that culminated in a three-month civil war ending in July 1994. Infrastructure damaged in the war is slowly being repaired but services such as telephone, electricity, and water are not reliable, particularly outside the capital city of Kigali. Tourism facilities in Rwanda are very limited. International air services generally operate on schedule. Public transportation is almost non-existent.Entry Requirements: A passport, a visa, and evidence of yellow fever immunization are required. Airport visas are not available. There is also a departure tax. For entry information, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda, 1714 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington D.C. 20009, Tel: 202-232-2882.Areas of Instability: While there has been no open warfare in Rwanda since July 1994, border areas continue to suffer from low-key insurgent attacks, especially along the western and southern frontiers with Zaire and Burundi, where there are large concentrations of refugees. Although such violence is generally not directed against foreign visitors, there is a danger of being caught in the middle of the fighting. Travelers are subjected to frequent stops at roadblocks throughout the country, during which their vehicles and luggage may be searched.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are extremely limited and dependent on irregular utility service. Trained medical personnel are in short supply; doctors and hospitals usually expect cash payment for services and will not accept U.S. medical insurance. The Medicare/Medicaid Program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage and medical evacuation provision is recommended. Travelers generally bring their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. Information on health conditions and precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Pickpocketing in crowded public places is common as is petty theft from cars and hotel rooms.Currency Regulations: The Rwandan Franc is freely exchangeable for hard currencies in bureaux de change and banks. Several Kigali banks can efficiently handle wire transfers from U.S. banks; banks outside Kigali are slowly re-opening. Credit cards are acceptable at only a few hotels in Kigali and travelers should expect to handle most expenses in cash.Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens who plan to enter Rwanda are urged to register at the U.S. Embassy in Kigali where consular services resumed July 26, 1995. The U.S. Embassy is located at Boulevard de la Revolution, B.P. 28, Kigali. The telephone is (250) 75601/75602 and the fax is (250) 72128. No. 95-110This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued June 7, 1994, to include the updated Travel Warning and to update and revise information about the current situation in Rwanda.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Russia GeographyLocation: Northern Asia (that part west of the Urals is sometimes included with Europe), bordering the Arctic Ocean, between Europe and the North Pacific OceanMap references: AsiaArea: total area: 17,075,200 sq km land area: 16,995,800 sq km comparative area: slightly more than 1.8 times the size of the USLand boundaries: total 20,139 km, Azerbaijan 284 km, Belarus 959 km, China (southeast) 3,605 km, China (south) 40 km, Estonia 290 km, Finland 1,313 km, Georgia 723 km, Kazakhstan 6,846 km, North Korea 19 km, Latvia 217 km, Lithuania (Kaliningrad Oblast) 227 km, Mongolia 3,441 km, Norway 167 km, Poland (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Ukraine 1,576 kmCoastline: 37,653 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: inherited disputes from former USSR including: sections of the boundary with China; islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, and Shikotan and the Habomai group occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, administered by Russia, claimed by Japan; maritime dispute with Norway over portion of the Barents Sea; Caspian Sea boundaries are not yet determined; potential dispute with Ukraine over Crimea; Estonia claims over 2,000 sq km of Russian territory in the Narva and Pechora regions; the Abrene section of the border ceded by the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic to Russia in 1944; has made no territorial claim in Antarctica (but has reserved the right to do so) and does not recognize the claims of any other nationClimate: ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in much of European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the polar north; winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to frigid in Siberia; summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool along Arctic coastTerrain: broad plain with low hills west of Urals; vast coniferous forest and tundra in Siberia; uplands and mountains along southern border regionsNatural resources: wide natural resource base including major deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, and many strategic minerals, timber note: formidable obstacles of climate, terrain, and distance hinder exploitation of natural resourcesLand use: arable land: 8% permanent crops: NEGL% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Russia Geography meadows and pastures: 5% forest and woodland: 45% other: 42%Irrigated land: 56,000 sq km (1992)Environment: current issues: air pollution from heavy industry, emissions of coal-fired electric plants, and transportation in major cities; industrial and agricultural pollution of inland waterways and sea coasts; deforestation; soil erosion; soil contamination from improper application of agricultural chemicals; scattered areas of sometimes intense radioactive contamination natural hazards: permafrost over much of Siberia is a major impediment to development; volcanic activity in the Kuril Islands; volcanoes and earthquakes on the Kamchatka Peninsula international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Law of the SeaNote: largest country in the world in terms of area but unfavorably located in relation to major sea lanes of the world; despite its size, much of the country lacks proper soils and climates (either too cold or too dry) for agriculture THE WORLD FACTBOOK Russia PeoplePopulation: 149,909,089 (July 1995 est.) note: official Russian statistics put the population at 148,200,000 for 1994Age structure: 0-14 years: 22% (female 16,208,640; male 16,784,017) 15-64 years: 66% (female 50,711,209; male 48,247,101) 65 years and over: 12% (female 12,557,447; male 5,400,675) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.2% (1995 est.) note: official Russian statistics put the population growth rate at -6.0% for 1994Birth rate: 12.64 births/1,000 population (1995 est.) note: official Russian statistics put the birth rate at 9.5 births per l,000 population for 1994Death rate: 11.36 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.) note: official Russian statistics put the death rate at 15.5 deaths per l,000 population in 1994Net migration rate: 0.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 26.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.) note: official Russian statistics put the infant mortality rate at 19.9 deaths per l,000 live births in 1994Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.1 years male: 64.1 years female: 74.35 years (1995 est.) note: official Russian statistics put life expectancy at birth as 64 years for total population in 1994Total fertility rate: 1.82 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Russian(s) adjective: RussianEthnic divisions: Russian 81.5%, Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 3%, Chuvash 1.2%, Bashkir 0.9%, Byelorussian 0.8%, Moldavian 0.7%, other 8.1%Religions: Russian Orthodox, Muslim, otherLanguages: Russian, otherLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Russia People total population: 98% male: 100% female: 97%Labor force: 85 million (1993) by occupation: production and economic services 83.9%, government 16.1% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Russia GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Russian Federation conventional short form: Russia local long form: Rossiyskaya Federatsiya local short form: Rossiya former: Russian Soviet Federative Socialist RepublicDigraph: RSType: federationCapital: MoscowAdministrative divisions: 21 autonomous republics (avtomnykh respublik, singular - avtomnaya respublika); Adygea (Maykop), Bashkortostan (Ufa), Buryatia (Ulan-Ude), Chechnya (Groznyy), Chuvashia (Cheboksary), Dagestan (Makhachkala), Gorno-Altay (Gorno-Altaysk), Ingushetia (Nazran'), Kabardino-Balkaria (Nal'chik), Kalmykia (Elista), Karachay-Cherkessia (Cherkessk), Karelia (Petrozavodsk), Khakassia (Abakan), Komi (Syktyvkar), Mari El (Yoshkar-Ola), Mordovia (Saransk), North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz), Tatarstan (Kazan'), Tuva (Kyzyl), Udmurtia (Izhevsk), Yakutia - also known as Sakha (Yakutsk); 49 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast'); Amur (Blagoveshchensk), Arkhangel'sk, Astrakhan', Belgorod, Bryansk, Chelyabinsk, Chita, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Kaliningrad, Kaluga, Kamchatka (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy), Kemerovo, Kirov, Kostroma, Kurgan, Kursk, Leningrad (St. Petersburg), Lipetsk, Magadan, Moscow, Murmansk, Nizhniy Novgorod, Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Orel, Orenburg, Penza, Perm', Pskov, Rostov, Ryazan', Sakhalin (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), Samara, Saratov, Smolensk, Sverdlovsk (Yekaterinburg), Tambov, Tomsk, Tula, Tver', Tyumen', Ul'yanovsk, Vladimir, Volgograd, Vologda, Voronezh, Yaroslavl'; 6 krays (krayev, singular - kray); Altay (Barnaul), Khabarovsk, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, Primorskiy (Vladivostok), Stavropol'; 10 autonomous okrugs; Aga (Aginskoye), Chukotka (Anadyr'), Evenkia (Tura), Khantia-Mansia (Khanty-Mansiysk), Koryakia (Palana), Nenetsia (Nar'yan-Mar), Permyakia (Kudymkar), Taymyria (Dudinka), Ust'-Onda (Ust'-Ordynskiy), Yamalia (Salekhard); 1 autonomous oblast (avtomnykh oblast'); Birobijan note: the autonomous republics of Chechnya and Ingushetia were formerly the autonomous republic of Checheno-Ingushetia (the boundary between Chechenia and Ingushetia has yet to be determined); the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg are federal cities; an administrative division has the same name as its administrative center (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)Independence: 24 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)National holiday: Independence Day, June 12 (1990)Constitution: adopted 12 December 1993Legal system: based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative actsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universal THE WORLD FACTBOOK Russia GovernmentExecutive branch: chief of state: President Boris Nikolayevich YEL'TSIN (since 12 June 1991); election last held 12 June 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; note - no vice president; if the president dies in office, cannot exercise his powers because of ill health, is impeached, or resigns, the premier succeeds him; the premier serves as acting president until a new presidential election is held, which must be within three months head of government: Premier and Chairman of the Council of Ministers Viktor Stepanovich CHERNOMYRDIN (since 14 December 1992); First Deputy Chairmen of the Council of Ministers Oleg SOSKOVETS (since 30 April 1993) and Anatoliy CHUBAYS (since 5 November 1994) Security Council: originally established as a presidential advisory body in June 1991, but restructured in March 1992 with responsibility for managing individual and state security Presidential Administration: drafts presidential edicts and provides staff and policy support to the entire executive branch cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president Group of Assistants: schedules president's appointments, processes presidential edicts and other official documents, and houses the president's press service and primary speechwriters Council of Heads of Republics: includes the leaders of the 21 ethnic-based Republics Council of Heads of Administrations: includes the leaders of the 66 autonomous territories and regions, and the mayors of Moscow and St. Petersburg Presidential Council: prepares policy papers for the presidentLegislative branch: bicameral Federal Assembly Federation Council: elections last held 12 December 1993 (next to be held NA); results - two members elected from each of Russia's 89 territorial units for a total of 176 deputies; 2 seats unfilled as of 15 May 1994 (Chechnya did not participate in the election); Speaker Vladimir SHUMEYKO (Russia's Democratic Choice) State Duma: elections last held 12 December 1993 (next to be held NA December 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (450 total) Russia's Democratic Choice 78, New Regional Policy 66, Liberal Democrats 63, Agrarian Party 55, Communist Party of the Russian Federation 45, Unity and Accord 30, Yavlinskiy-Boldyrev-Lukin Bloc (Yabloko) 27, Women of Russia 23, Democratic Party of Russia 15, Russia's Path 12, other parties 23, affiliation unknown 12, unfilled (as of 13 March 1994; Chechnya did not participate in the election) 1; Speaker Ivan RYBKIN (Agrarian Party); note - as of 11 April 1995, seats were as follows: Russia's Democratic Choice 54, New Regional Policy 32, Liberal Democrats 54, Agrarian Party 51, Communist Party of the Russian Federation 45, Unity and Accord 25, Yavlinskiy-Boldyrev-Lukin Bloc (Yabloko) 28, Liberal Democratic Union of 12 December 9, Women of Russia 22, Democratic Party of Russia 10, Russia's Path 12, Duma 96 23, Russia 35, Stability 36, affiliation unknown 14Judicial branch: Constitutional Court, Supreme Court (highest court for criminal, civil, and administrative cases), Superior Court of Arbitration (highest court that resolves economic disputes) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Russia GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: pro-market democrats: Party of Russian Unity and Accord, Sergey SHAKHRAY; Russia's Democratic Choice Party, Yegor GAYDAR; Russian Movement for Democratic Reforms, Anatoliy SOBCHAK; Yavlinskiy-Boldyrev-Lukin Bloc (Yabloko), Grigoriy YAVLINSKIY; Liberal Democratic Union of 12 December, Boris FEDOROV centrists/special interest parties: Civic Union for Stability, Justice, and Progress, Arkadiy VOL'SKIY; Democratic Party of Russia, Sergey GLAZ'YEV; Women of Russia, Alevtina FEDULOVA; Social Democratic Peoples' Party, Vasiliy LIPITSKIY; New Regional Policy (NRP), Vladimir MEDVEDEV anti-market and/or ultranationalist parties: Agrarian Party, Mikhail LAPSHIN; Communist Party of the Russian Federation, Gennadiy ZYUGANOV; Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, Vladimir ZHIRINOVSKIY; Derzhava, Aleksandr RUTSKOY note: more than 20 political parties and associations tried to gather enough signatures to run slates of candidates in the 12 December 1993 legislative elections, but only 13 succeededOther political or pressure groups: NAMember of: BSEC, CBSS, CCC, CE (guest), CERN (observer), CIS, EBRD, ECE, ESCAP, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, MINURSO, NACC, NSG, OAS (observer), OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UN Security Council, UNAMIR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMIH, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR, UNTSO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Sergey LAVROV chancery: 2650 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 298-5700 through 5704 FAX: [1] (202) 298-5735 consulate(s) general: New York, San Francisco, and SeattleUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas R. PICKERING embassy: Novinskiy Bul'var 19/23, Moscow mailing address: APO AE 09721 telephone: [7] (095) 252-24-51 through 59 FAX: [7] (095) 956-42-61 consulate(s) general: St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, YekaterinburgFlag: three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red THE WORLD FACTBOOK Russia Economy THE WORLD FACTBOOK Russia EconomyOverview: Russia, a vast country with a wealth of natural resources, a well-educated population, and a diverse industrial base, continues to experience formidable difficulties in moving from its old centrally planned economy to a modern market economy. President YEL'TSIN's government has made substantial strides in converting to a market economy since launching its economic reform program in January 1992 by freeing nearly all prices, slashing defense spending, eliminating the old centralized distribution system, completing an ambitious voucher privatization program, establishing private financial institutions, and decentralizing foreign trade. Russia, however, has made little progress in a number of key areas that are needed to provide a solid foundation for the transition to a market economy. Financial stabilization has remained elusive, with wide swings in monthly inflation rates. Only limited restructuring of industry has occurred so far because of a scarcity of investment funds and the failure of enterprise managers to make hard cost-cutting decisions. In addition, Moscow has yet to develop a social safety net that would allow faster restructuring by relieving enterprises of the burden of providing social benefits for their workers and has been slow to develop the legal framework necessary to fully support a market economy and to encourage foreign investment. As a result, output has continued to fall. According to Russian official data, which probably overstate the fall, GDP declined by 15% in 1994 compared with a 12% decline in 1993. Industrial output in 1994 fell 21% with all major sectors taking a hit. Agricultural production in 1994 was down 9%. The grain harvest totaled 81 million tons, some 15 million tons less than in 1993. Unemployment climbed to an estimated 6.6 million or about 7% of the work force by yearend 1994. Floundering Russian firms have already had to put another 4.8 million workers on involuntary, unpaid leave or shortened workweeks. Government fears of large-scale unemployment continued to hamper industrial restructuring efforts. According to official Russian data, real per capita income was up nearly 18% in 1994 compared with 1993, in part because many Russians are working second jobs. Most Russians perceive that they are worse off now because of growing crime and health problems and mounting wage arrears. Russia has made significant headway in privatizing state assets, completing its voucher privatization program at midyear 1994. At least a portion of about 110,000 state enterprises were transferred to private hands by the end of 1994. Including partially privatized firms, the private sector accounted for roughly half of GDP in 1994. Financial stabilization continued to remain a challenge for the government. Moscow tightened financial policies in late 1993 and early 1994, including postponing planned budget spending, and succeeded in reducing monthly inflation from 18% in January to about 5% in July and August. At midyear, however, the government relaxed austerity measures in the face of mounting pressure from industry and agriculture, sparking a new round of inflation; the monthly inflation rate jumped to roughly 15% per month during the fourth quarter. In response, Moscow announced a fairly tight government budget for 1995 designed to bring monthly inflation down to around 1% by the end of 1995. According to official statistics, Russia's 1994 trade with nations outside the former Soviet Union produced a $12.3 billion surplus, up from $11.3 billion in 1993. Foreign sales - comprised largely of oil, natural gas, and other raw materials - grew more than 8%. Imports also were up 8% as demand for food and other consumer goods surged. Russian trade with other former Soviet republics continued to decline. At the same time, Russia paid only a fraction of the roughly $20 billion in debt that came due in 1994, and by the end of the year, Russia's hard currency foreign debt had risen to nearly $100 billion. Moscow reached agreement to restructure debts with Paris Club official creditors in mid-1994 and concluded a preliminary deal with its commercial bank creditors late in the year to reschedule debts owed them in early 1995. Capital flight continued to be a serious problem in 1994, with billions of additional dollars in assets being moved abroad, THE WORLD FACTBOOK Russia Economy primarily to bank accounts in Europe. Russia's physical plant continues to deteriorate because of insufficient maintenance and new construction. Plant and equipment on average are twice the age of the West's. Many years will pass before Russia can take full advantage of its natural resources and its human assets.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $721.2 billion (1994 estimate as extrapolated from World Bank estimate for 1992)National product real growth rate: -15% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $4,820 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10% per month (average 1994)Unemployment rate: 7.1% (December 1994) with considerable additional underemploymentBudget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports: $48 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, wood and wood products, metals, chemicals, and a wide variety of civilian and military manufactures partners: Europe, North America, Japan, Third World countries, CubaImports: $35.7 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: machinery and equipment, consumer goods, medicines, meat, grain, sugar, semifinished metal products partners: Europe, North America, Japan, Third World countries, CubaExternal debt: $95 billion-$100 billion (yearend 1994)Industrial production: growth rate -21% (1994)Electricity: capacity: 213,100,000 KW production: 876 billion kWh consumption per capita: 5,800 kWh (1994)Industries: complete range of mining and extractive industries producing coal, oil, gas, chemicals, and metals; all forms of machine building from rolling mills to high-performance aircraft and space vehicles; ship- building; road and rail transportation equipment; communications equipment; agricultural machinery, tractors, and construction equipment; electric power generating and transmitting equipment; medical and scientific instruments; consumer durablesAgriculture: grain, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, meat, milk, vegetables, fruits; because of its northern location does not grow citrus, cotton, tea, and other warm climate products THE WORLD FACTBOOK Russia EconomyIllicit drugs: illicit cultivator of cannabis and opium poppy; mostly for domestic consumption; government has active eradication program; used as transshipment point for Asian and Latin American illicit drugs to Western Europe and Latin AmericaEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (1990-94), $15 billion; other countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1990-93), $120 billionCurrency: 1 ruble (R) = 100 kopeksExchange rates: rubles per US$1 - 3,550 (29 December 1994), 1,247 (27 December 1993); nominal exchange rate still deteriorating but real exchange rate holding steadyFiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Russia TransportationRailroads: total: 154,000 km; note - 87,000 km in common carrier service (49,000 km diesel; and 38,000 km electrified); 67,000 km serve specific industries and are not available for common carrier use broad gauge: 154,000 km 1.520-m gauge (1 January 1994)Highways: total: 934,000 km (445,000 km serve specific industries or farms and are not available for common carrier use) paved and graveled: 725,000 km unpaved: 209,000 km (1 January 1994)Inland waterways: total navigable routes in general use 101,000 km; routes with navigation guides serving the Russian River Fleet 95,900 km; of which routes with night navigational aids 60,400 km; man-made navigable routes 16,900 km (1 January 1994)Pipelines: crude oil 48,000 km; petroleum products 15,000 km; natural gas 140,000 km (30 June 1993)Ports: Arkhangel'sk, Astrakhan', Kaliningrad, Kazan', Khabarovsk, Kholmsk, Krasnoyarsk, Moscow, Murmansk, Nakhodka, Nevel'sk, Novorossiysk, Petropavlovsk, St. Petersburg, Rostov, Sochi, Tuapse, Vladivostok, Volgograd, Vostochnyy, VyborgMerchant marine: total: 800 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 7,295,109 GRT/10,128,579 DWT ships by type: barge carrier 2, bulk cargo 26, cargo 424, chemical tanker 7, combination bulk 22, combination ore/oil 16, container 81, multifunction large-load carrier 3, oil tanker 111, passenger 4, passenger-cargo 5, refrigerated cargo 19, roll-on/roll-off cargo 62, short-sea passenger 16, specialized tanker 2 note: in addition, Russia owns 235 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,084,439 DWT that operate under Maltese, Cypriot, Liberian, Panamanian, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Honduran, Marshall Islands, Bahamian, and Vanuatu registryAirports: total: 2,517 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 54 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 202 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 108 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 115 with paved runways under 914 m: 151 with unpaved runways over 3,047 m: 25 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 45 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Russia Transportation with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 134 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 291 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 1,392 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Russia CommunicationsTelephone system: 24,400,000 telephones; 20,900,000 telephones in urban areas and 3,500,000 telephones in rural areas; of these, total installed in homes 15,400,000; total pay phones for long distant calls 34,100; about 164 telephones/1,000 persons; Russia is enlisting foreign help, by means of joint ventures, to speed up the modernization of its telecommunications system; in 1992, only 661,000 new telephones were installed compared with 855,000 in 1991, and in 1992 the number of unsatisfied applications for telephones reached 11,000,000; expanded access to international E-mail service available via Sprint network; the inadequacy of Russian telecommunications is a severe handicap to the economy, especially with respect to international connections local: NMT-450 analog cellular telephone networks are operational and growing in Moscow and St. Petersburg intercity: intercity fiberoptic cable installation remains limited international: international traffic is handled by an inadequate system of satellites, land lines, microwave radio relay and outdated submarine cables; this traffic passes through the international gateway switch in Moscow which carries most of the international traffic for the other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States; a new Russian Raduga satellite will link Moscow and St. Petersburg with Rome from whence calls will be relayed to destinations in Europe and overseas; satellite earth stations - INTELSAT, Intersputnik, Eutelsat (Moscow), INMARSAT, OrbitaRadio: broadcast stations: AM 1,050, FM 1,050, shortwave 1,050 radios: 48.8 million (radio receivers with multiple speaker systems for program diffusion 74,300,000)Television: broadcast stations: 7,183 televisions: 54.2 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK Russia Defense ForcesBranches: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Forces, Air Defense Forces, Strategic Rocket ForcesManpower availability: males age 15-49 38,264,699; males fit for military service 29,951,977; males reach military age (18) annually 1,106,176 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP note: the Intelligence Community estimates that defense spending in Russia fell about 15% in real terms in 1994, reducing Russian defense outlays to about one-fourth of peak Soviet levels in the late 1980s; although Russia may still spend as much as 10% of its GDP on defense, this is significantly below the 15% to 17% burden the former USSR carried during much of the 1980s; conversion of military expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results</text>
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<text>RUSSIA - Passport and visa required. Tourist visa, no charge,requires 1 application form, 3 photos, confirmation from tourist agency in theCommonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and processing fee (visaprocessing fee is $20 for 2 weeks, $30 for one week, and $60 for threedays processing time). Business visa requires 1 application, 3 photos, andletter of invitation from a CIS company. Multiple-entry business visa$120 plus processing fee. Fee paid by money order or company check only. AIDS test required for anyone staying over 3 months; U.S. test accepted. For additional information contact the Consular Section of the Embassy ofRussia, 1825 Phelps Pl., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-8907,8911 or 8913) or the nearest Consulate General: San Francisco(415/202-9800) or Seattle (206/728-1910).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Russia============================================================Russia - Consular Information Sheet June 30, 1995Country Description: Russia is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change. Travel to the Caucasus region in southern Russia is considered dangerous due to the ongoing conflict and political tension in the area. While tourist facilities exist in Moscow and some other large cities, they are not developed in most of Russia and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Travelers may need to cross great distances, especially in Siberia and the Far East, to obtain services from Russian government organizations or from the U.S. Embassy or its consulates.Entry Requirements: A passport and Russian visa are required for all U.S. citizens traveling to, or transiting through, Russia by any means of transportation, including train, car or airplane. Travelers who arrive without an entry visa may be subject to large fines, days of processing requirements by Russian officials, and/or immediate departure by route of entry (at traveler's expense). Carrying a photocopy of passports and visas will facilitate replacement should either be stolen.Visas are issued on the basis of support from a Russian individual or organization - the sponsor. Transit visas, however, do not require a sponsor. It is important to know who your sponsor is and how they can be contacted, as Russian law requires that the sponsor apply for replacement, extension or changes to your visa. The U.S. Embassy cannot act as your sponsor. Tourists should contact in advance their tour company or hotel for information on visa sponsorship.All foreigners must have an exit visa to depart Russia. For short stays, the exit visa is issued along with the entry visa; for longer stays, the exit visa must be obtained by the sponsor after the traveler's arrival. All travelers who spend more than three days in Russia must register their visas through their hotel or sponsor. Visitors who stay in Russia for weeks may be prevented from leaving if they have not registered their visas. Errors in dates or other information on the visa can occur and it is helpful to have someone who reads Russian check the visa before departing the U.S. U.S. citizens can contact the Russian Embassy Consular Division, 1825 Phelps Place, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 939-8918, or the Consulates in New York, San Francisco or Seattle for current information on visa requirements.Air Travel: Air travel within Russia is often unreliable, with unpredictable schedules and difficult conditions including deterioration of airplane maintenance and quality of service. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Russian Civil Air Authorities recently concluded a joint safety evaluation of Russia's civil aviation. As a result of their findings, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow removed restrictions on travel by U.S. government personnel on certain airlines. Travel by U.S. Government personnel is now permitted on airlines certified for international air service by the Russian Department of Air Transport. It has provided a list, available from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, of those airlines certified by Russia for international operations. Airlines certified to operate internationally meet higher standards than domestic-only air carriers yet also fly to most domestic destinations. Safety certification of the Airlines on this list is provided solely by the Russian Department of Air Transport. The Federal Aviation Administration only provides safety certification of U.S. airlines.Areas of Instability: Travel to the Caucasus region in southern Russia (near the Georgian border) is considered dangerous due to armed conflict and political tension in the area. Chechen nationals recently took hostages in the town of Budennovsk, to the north of Chechnya. Security forces remain in the neighboring republics of Ingushetia, North Ossetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, and Dagestan.Security in Moscow has been tightened, particularly in the metro system, at government facilities, and at entry and exit points from the city. U.S. citizens are advised to carry their passport and visa with them at all times and to remain patient when delayed by security checks. While there have been no specific threats made against U.S. citizens, travelers should exercise caution because of the possibility of street demonstrations or acts of terrorism.Medical Facilities: Medical care is usually far below Western standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies. Access to the few quality facilities that exist in major cities usually requires cash, dollar payment at Western rates upon admission. The U.S. Embassy and consulates maintain lists of such facilities and English-speaking doctors. Many resident Americans travel to the West for virtually all their medical needs; such travel can be very expensive if undertaken under emergency conditions. Travelers may wish to check their insurance coverage and consider supplemental coverage for medical evacuation. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at particular risk.Health Concerns: Diphtheria outbreaks have been reported in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other parts of Russia. The Centers for Disease Control recommend diphtheria immunizations before traveling. Typhoid can be a concern for those planning to travel extensively. Drinking only boiled or bottled water will help guard against cholera, which has been reported, as well as other diseases. More complete information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Crime against foreigners continues to increase, especially in major cities. Pickpocketings, assaults and robberies occur day and night, most frequently on city streets, in underground walkways and the subway; on intercity trains, especially the Moscow - St. Petersburg overnight train; in train stations and airports; at markets, tourist attractions and restaurants; and in hotel rooms and residences, even when locked or occupied. Members of religious and missionary groups have been robbed by people pretending to be interested in their beliefs. Groups of children are known to assault and rob foreigners on city streets or underground walkways. Foreigners who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around night clubs or bars, or on their way home. Robberies may occur in taxis shared with strangers. Traffic police sometimes stop motorists to extract cash "fines" and bandits prey on travelers on the highway between St. Petersburg and Vyborg. Travelers have found it safer to travel in groups organized by reputable tour agencies as solo travelers are more vulnerable to crime.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you receive a replacement for your lost or stolen U.S. passport from the U.S. Embassy or a consulate in Russia, your exit visa must also be replaced, with assistance from your sponsor, so that the passport number written on the visa matches your new passport. This requires a Russian police report. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Crime Against Foreign Businesses: Extortion and corruption permeate the business environment. Organized criminal groups target foreign businesses in many cities and reportedly demand protection money under threat of serious violence. Many Western firms hire security services, but this has not always proven effective in avoiding armed extortion attempts.Currency Exchange: Travelers checks and credit cards are not widely accepted; credit cards are only accepted at establishments catering to Westerners. Old or very worn dollar bills are often not accepted, even at banks. Major hotels or the American Express offices in Moscow or St. Petersburg may be able to suggest locations for cashing travelers checks or obtaining cash advances on credit cards. Western Union has agents in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and some other large cities which can disburse money wired from the U.S.Customs Regulations: Customs laws and regulations are in flux and are not consistently enforced. A 600 percent duty is required to export any item with a value exceeding 300,000 rubles. All items which may appear to have historical or cultural value -- icons, art, rugs, antiques, etc. -- may be taken out of Russia only with prior written approval of the Ministry of Culture and payment of 100 percent duty. Caviar may only be taken out with a receipt indicating it was bought in a store licensed to sell to foreigners. Failure to follow the customs regulations may result in confiscation of the property in question.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration and Embassy Location: All Americans who reside in Russia for three months or longer are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy or at one of the U.S. consulates. Americans who will remain for shorter periods may also register and inquire about updated travel and security information. Registration allows for quicker replacement of a lost or stolen passport, as well as contact in case of emergency.U.S. Embassy and Consulate Locations:Moscow: Novinskiy Bulvar 19/23; tel. (7)(095) 252-2451. After hours emergencies: tel. (7)(095) 252-1898 or 255-5123. U.S. Consulates General are located at:St. Petersburg: Ulitsa Furshtadskaya 15; tel. (7-812) 275-1701. After hours emergencies: (7-812) 274-8692.Vladivostok: 12 Mordovtseva; tel. (7-4232) 268-458 or 267-117.Yekaterinburg: tel. (7-3432) 601-143. The Consulate General in Yekaterinburg provides emergency services for American citizens.Questions regarding U.S. visas should be directed to the Embassy in Moscow. No. 95-076This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 16, 1994, to update information on the country description and areas of instability, which include Chechnya and the surrounding republics, and increased security in Moscow.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Russia============================================================Russia - Public Announcement December 16, 1994U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the SpokesmanFor Immediate ReleaseThe U.S. Embassy in Moscow is issuing the following statement for Americans traveling in Russia."As a result of heightened tensions over the Chechnya situation, there is the possibility that demonstrations could take place in Moscow. Threats of possible terrorist acts have also been reported. There is also the potential for spontaneous gatherings near government buildings or other gathering places throughout the city. As a matter of routine, U.S. citizens are advised to avoid crowds and exercise caution while traveling about the city to ensure that you do not inadvertently become caught up in any demonstration.While we do not have any information about specific threats to the American community, U.S. citizens should be aware of the potential for provacative incidents aimed at Russian targets and should maintain an appropriate security profile."The Department of State notes that travel to the Caucasus Region of Russia, namely the Ingush Republic, the North Ossetian Republic, and particularly the Chechen Republic (Chechnya) is considered dangerous due to ongoing armed conflict between Russian military forces and Chechen nationalists in Chechnya. U.S. citizens requiring further information should contact the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. No. 94-rus----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories-----STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Russia============================================================Russia - Consular Information Sheet June 30, 1995Country Description: Russia is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change. Travel to the Caucasus region in southern Russia is considered dangerous due to the ongoing conflict and political tension in the area. While tourist facilities exist in Moscow and some other large cities, they are not developed in most of Russia and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Travelers may need to cross great distances, especially in Siberia and the Far East, to obtain services from Russian government organizations or from the U.S. Embassy or its consulates.Entry Requirements: A passport and Russian visa are required for all U.S. citizens traveling to, or transiting through, Russia by any means of transportation, including train, car or airplane. Travelers who arrive without an entry visa may be subject to large fines, days of processing requirements by Russian officials, and/or immediate departure by route of entry (at traveler's expense). Carrying a photocopy of passports and visas will facilitate replacement should either be stolen.Visas are issued on the basis of support from a Russian individual or organization - the sponsor. Transit visas, however, do not require a sponsor. It is important to know who your sponsor is and how they can be contacted, as Russian law requires that the sponsor apply for replacement, extension or changes to your visa. The U.S. Embassy cannot act as your sponsor. Tourists should contact in advance their tour company or hotel for information on visa sponsorship.All foreigners must have an exit visa to depart Russia. For short stays, the exit visa is issued along with the entry visa; for longer stays, the exit visa must be obtained by the sponsor after the traveler's arrival. All travelers who spend more than three days in Russia must register their visas through their hotel or sponsor. Visitors who stay in Russia for weeks may be prevented from leaving if they have not registered their visas. Errors in dates or other information on the visa can occur and it is helpful to have someone who reads Russian check the visa before departing the U.S. U.S. citizens can contact the Russian Embassy Consular Division, 1825 Phelps Place, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 939-8918, or the Consulates in New York, San Francisco or Seattle for current information on visa requirements.Air Travel: Air travel within Russia is often unreliable, with unpredictable schedules and difficult conditions including deterioration of airplane maintenance and quality of service. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Russian Civil Air Authorities recently concluded a joint safety evaluation of Russia's civil aviation. As a result of their findings, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow removed restrictions on travel by U.S. government personnel on certain airlines. Travel by U.S. Government personnel is now permitted on airlines certified for international air service by the Russian Department of Air Transport. It has provided a list, available from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, of those airlines certified by Russia for international operations. Airlines certified to operate internationally meet higher standards than domestic-only air carriers yet also fly to most domestic destinations. Safety certification of the Airlines on this list is provided solely by the Russian Department of Air Transport. The Federal Aviation Administration only provides safety certification of U.S. airlines.Areas of Instability: Travel to the Caucasus region in southern Russia (near the Georgian border) is considered dangerous due to armed conflict and political tension in the area. Chechen nationals recently took hostages in the town of Budennovsk, to the north of Chechnya. Security forces remain in the neighboring republics of Ingushetia, North Ossetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, and Dagestan.Security in Moscow has been tightened, particularly in the metro system, at government facilities, and at entry and exit points from the city. U.S. citizens are advised to carry their passport and visa with them at all times and to remain patient when delayed by security checks. While there have been no specific threats made against U.S. citizens, travelers should exercise caution because of the possibility of street demonstrations or acts of terrorism.Medical Facilities: Medical care is usually far below Western standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies. Access to the few quality facilities that exist in major cities usually requires cash, dollar payment at Western rates upon admission. The U.S. Embassy and consulates maintain lists of such facilities and English-speaking doctors. Many resident Americans travel to the West for virtually all their medical needs; such travel can be very expensive if undertaken under emergency conditions. Travelers may wish to check their insurance coverage and consider supplemental coverage for medical evacuation. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at particular risk.Health Concerns: Diphtheria outbreaks have been reported in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other parts of Russia. The Centers for Disease Control recommend diphtheria immunizations before traveling. Typhoid can be a concern for those planning to travel extensively. Drinking only boiled or bottled water will help guard against cholera, which has been reported, as well as other diseases. More complete information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Crime against foreigners continues to increase, especially in major cities. Pickpocketings, assaults and robberies occur day and night, most frequently on city streets, in underground walkways and the subway; on intercity trains, especially the Moscow - St. Petersburg overnight train; in train stations and airports; at markets, tourist attractions and restaurants; and in hotel rooms and residences, even when locked or occupied. Members of religious and missionary groups have been robbed by people pretending to be interested in their beliefs. Groups of children are known to assault and rob foreigners on city streets or underground walkways. Foreigners who have been drinking alcohol are especially vulnerable to assault and robbery in or around night clubs or bars, or on their way home. Robberies may occur in taxis shared with strangers. Traffic police sometimes stop motorists to extract cash "fines" and bandits prey on travelers on the highway between St. Petersburg and Vyborg. Travelers have found it safer to travel in groups organized by reputable tour agencies as solo travelers are more vulnerable to crime.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you receive a replacement for your lost or stolen U.S. passport from the U.S. Embassy or a consulate in Russia, your exit visa must also be replaced, with assistance from your sponsor, so that the passport number written on the visa matches your new passport. This requires a Russian police report. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Crime Against Foreign Businesses: Extortion and corruption permeate the business environment. Organized criminal groups target foreign businesses in many cities and reportedly demand protection money under threat of serious violence. Many Western firms hire security services, but this has not always proven effective in avoiding armed extortion attempts.Currency Exchange: Travelers checks and credit cards are not widely accepted; credit cards are only accepted at establishments catering to Westerners. Old or very worn dollar bills are often not accepted, even at banks. Major hotels or the American Express offices in Moscow or St. Petersburg may be able to suggest locations for cashing travelers checks or obtaining cash advances on credit cards. Western Union has agents in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and some other large cities which can disburse money wired from the U.S.Customs Regulations: Customs laws and regulations are in flux and are not consistently enforced. A 600 percent duty is required to export any item with a value exceeding 300,000 rubles. All items which may appear to have historical or cultural value -- icons, art, rugs, antiques, etc. -- may be taken out of Russia only with prior written approval of the Ministry of Culture and payment of 100 percent duty. Caviar may only be taken out with a receipt indicating it was bought in a store licensed to sell to foreigners. Failure to follow the customs regulations may result in confiscation of the property in question.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration and Embassy Location: All Americans who reside in Russia for three months or longer are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy or at one of the U.S. consulates. Americans who will remain for shorter periods may also register and inquire about updated travel and security information. Registration allows for quicker replacement of a lost or stolen passport, as well as contact in case of emergency.U.S. Embassy and Consulate Locations:Moscow: Novinskiy Bulvar 19/23; tel. (7)(095) 252-2451. After hours emergencies: tel. (7)(095) 252-1898 or 255-5123. U.S. Consulates General are located at:St. Petersburg: Ulitsa Furshtadskaya 15; tel. (7-812) 275-1701. After hours emergencies: (7-812) 274-8692.Vladivostok: 12 Mordovtseva; tel. (7-4232) 268-458 or 267-117.Yekaterinburg: tel. (7-3432) 601-143. The Consulate General in Yekaterinburg provides emergency services for American citizens.Questions regarding U.S. visas should be directed to the Embassy in Moscow. No. 95-076This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 16, 1994, to update information on the country description and areas of instability, which include Chechnya and the surrounding republics, and increased security in Moscow.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Romania GeographyLocation: Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and UkraineMap references: Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, EuropeArea: total area: 237,500 sq km land area: 230,340 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than OregonLand boundaries: total 2,508 km, Bulgaria 608 km, Hungary 443 km, Moldova 450 km, Serbia and Montenegro 476 km (all with Serbia), Ukraine (north) 362 km, Ukraine (south) 169 kmCoastline: 225 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: certain territory of Moldova and Ukraine - including Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina - are considered by Bucharest as historically a part of Romania; this territory was incorporated into the former Soviet Union following the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact in 1940Climate: temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstormsTerrain: central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the Plain of Moldavia on the east by the Carpathian Mountains and separated from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian AlpsNatural resources: petroleum (reserves declining), timber, natural gas, coal, iron ore, saltLand use: arable land: 43% permanent crops: 3% meadows and pastures: 19% forest and woodland: 28% other: 7%Irrigated land: 34,500 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: soil erosion and degradation; water pollution; air pollution in south from industrial effluents; contamination of Danube delta wetlands THE WORLD FACTBOOK Romania Geography natural hazards: earthquakes most severe in south and southwest; geologic structure and climate promote landslides international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the SeaNote: controls most easily traversable land route between the Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine THE WORLD FACTBOOK Romania PeoplePopulation: 23,198,330 (July 1995 est.) note: the Romanian census of January 1992 gives the population for that date as 22.749 million; the government estimates that population declined in 1993 by 0.3%Age structure: 0-14 years: 21% (female 2,413,933; male 2,534,019) 15-64 years: 67% (female 7,737,531; male 7,732,038) 65 years and over: 12% (female 1,604,210; male 1,176,599) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.09% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 13.71 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 9.93 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -2.88 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 18.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.24 years male: 69.31 years female: 75.35 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.82 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Romanian(s) adjective: RomanianEthnic divisions: Romanian 89.1%, Hungarian 8.9%, German 0.4%, Ukrainian, Serb, Croat, Russian, Turk, and Gypsy 1.6%Religions: Romanian Orthodox 70%, Roman Catholic 6% (of which 3% are Uniate), Protestant 6%, unaffiliated 18%Languages: Romanian, Hungarian, GermanLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1992) total population: 97% male: 98% female: 95%Labor force: 11.3 million (1992) by occupation: industry 38%, agriculture 28%, other 34% (1989) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Romania GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Romania local long form: none local short form: RomaniaDigraph: ROType: republicCapital: BucharestAdministrative divisions: 40 counties (judete, singular - judet) and 1 municipality* (municipiu); Alba, Arad, Arges, Bacau, Bihor, Bistrita-Nasaud, Botosani, Braila, Brasov, Bucuresti*, Buzau, Calarasi, Caras-Severin, Cluj, Constanta, Covasna, Dimbovita, Dolj, Galati, Gorj, Giurgiu, Harghita, Hunedoara, Ialomita, Iasi, Maramures, Mehedinti, Mures, Neamt, Olt, Prahova, Salaj, Satu Mare, Sibiu, Suceava, Teleorman, Timis, Tulcea, Vaslui, Vilcea, VranceaIndependence: 1881 (from Turkey; republic proclaimed 30 December 1947)National holiday: National Day of Romania, 1 December (1990)Constitution: 8 December 1991Legal system: former mixture of civil law system and Communist legal theory; is now based on the Constitution of France's Fifth RepublicSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Ion ILIESCU (since 20 June 1990, previously President of Provisional Council of National Unity since 23 December 1989); election last held 27 September 1992, with runoff between top two candidates on 11 October 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - Ion ILIESCU 61.4%, Emil CONSTANTINESCU 38.6% head of government: Prime Minister Nicolae VACAROIU (since November 1992) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the prime ministerLegislative branch: bicameral Parliament Senate (Senat): elections last held 27 September 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - PSDR 34.3%, CDR 18.2%, DP-FSN 12.6%, others 34.9%; seats - (143 total) PSDR 49, CDR 26, DP-FSN 18, PUNR 13, UDMR 12, PRM 6, PAC 6, PDAR 5, PSM 5, PL-93 2 other 1 House of Deputies (Adunarea Deputatilor): elections last held 27 September 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - PSDR 34.0%, CDR 16,4%, DP-FSN 12.3%, others 37.3%; seats - (341 total) PSDR 116, CDR 56, DP-FSN 42, PUNR 29, UDMR 27, PL-93 19, PRM 15, PSM 13, PAC 5, other 19Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice, Constitutional Court THE WORLD FACTBOOK Romania GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Democratic Party (DP-FSN), Petre ROMAN; Social Democratic Party of Romania (PSDR), Adrian NASTASE; Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR), Bela MARKO; National Liberal Party (PNL), Mircea IONESCU-QUINTUS; National Peasants' Christian and Democratic Party (PNTCD), Corneliu COPOSU; Romanian National Unity Party (PUNR), Gheorghe FUNAR; Socialist Labor Party (PSM), Ilie VERDET; Agrarian Democratic Party of Romania (PDAR), Victor SURDU; The Democratic Convention (CDR), Emil CONSTANTINESCU; Romania Mare Party (PRM), Corneliu Vadim TUDOR; Civic Alliance Party (PAC), Nicolae MANOLESCU, chairman note: numerous other small parties exist but almost all failed to gain representation in the most recent electionOther political or pressure groups: various human rights and professional associationsMember of: ACCT, BIS, BSEC, CCC, CE, CEI (associate members), EBRD, ECE, FAO, G- 9, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, OAS (observer), OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOSOM, UPU, WCL, WEU (associate partner), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mihai Horia BOTEZ chancery: 1607 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 332-4846, 4848, 4851 FAX: [1] (202) 232-4748 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Alfred H. MOSES embassy: Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9, Bucharest mailing address: American Consulate General (Bucharest), Unit 1315, Bucharest; APO AE 09213-1315 telephone: [40] (1) 210 01 49, 210 40 42 FAX: [40] (1) 210 03 95 branch office: Cluj-NapocaFlag: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; the national coat of arms that used to be centered in the yellow band has been removed; now similar to the flags of Andorra and Chad THE WORLD FACTBOOK Romania EconomyOverview: Despite the continuing difficulties in moving away from the former command system, the Romanian economy seems to have bottomed out in 1993-94. Market oriented reforms have been introduced fitfully since the downfall of CEAUSESCU in December 1989, with the result a growing private sector, especially in services. The slow pace of structural reform, however, has exacerbated Romania's high inflation rate and eroded real wages. Agricultural production rebounded in 1993 from the drought-reduced harvest of 1992. The economy continued its recovery in 1994, further gains being realized in agriculture, construction, services, and trade. Food supplies are adequate but expensive. Romania's infrastructure had deteriorated over the last five years due to reduced levels of public investment. Residents of the capital reported frequent disruptions of heating and water services. The slow and painful process of conversion to a more open economy will continue in 1995.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $64.7 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 3.4% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $2,790 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 62% (1994)Unemployment rate: 10.9% (December 1994)Budget: revenues: $8.3 billion expenditures: $9.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1995 est.)Exports: $6 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: metals and metal products 17.6%, mineral products 11.9%, textiles 18.5%, electric machines and equipment 8.4%, transport materials 6.5% (1994) partners: EC 36.1%, developing countries 27.4%, East and Central Europe 14.9%, EFTA 5.1%, Russia 5%, Japan 1.4%, US 1.3% (1993)Imports: $6.3 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: minerals 21.1%, machinery and equipment 19.7%, textiles 11.5%, agricultural goods 9.2% (1994) partners: EC 45.8%, East and Central Europe 8.6%, developing countries 22.6%, Russia 11%, EFTA 6.2%, US 5.0%, Japan 0.8% (1993)External debt: $4.4 billion (1994)Industrial production: growth rate -1% (1993 est.); accounts for 45% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 22,180,000 kW production: 50.8 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,076 kWh (1993) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Romania EconomyIndustries: mining, timber, construction materials, metallurgy, chemicals, machine building, food processing, petroleum production and refiningAgriculture: accounts for 18% of GDP and 28% of labor force; major wheat and corn producer; other products - sugar beets, sunflower seed, potatoes, milk, eggs, meat, grapesIllicit drugs: transshipment point for southwest Asian heroin and Latin American cocaine transiting the Balkan routeEconomic aid: $NACurrency: 1 leu (L) = 100 baniExchange rates: lei (L) per US$1 - 1,776.00 (January 1995), 1,655.09 (1994), 760.05 (1993), 307.95 (1992), 76.39 (1991), 22.432 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Romania TransportationRailroads: total: 11,365 km broad gauge: 45 km 1.524-m gauge standard gauge: 10,893 km 1.435-m gauge (3,723 km electrified; 3,060 km double track) narrow gauge: 427 km 0.760-m gauge (1994)Highways: total: 461,880 km paved: 235,559 km (113 km of expressways) unpaved: 226,321 km (1992)Inland waterways: 1,724 km (1984)Pipelines: crude oil 2,800 km; petroleum products 1,429 km; natural gas 6,400 km (1992)Ports: Braila, Constanta, Galatz, Mangalia, Sulina, TulceaMerchant marine: total: 238 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,528,971 GRT/3,849,943 DWT ships by type: bulk 46, cargo 167, container 2, oil tanker 14, passenger-cargo 1, railcar carrier 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 7 note: in addition, Romania owns 20 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,207,388 DWT that operate under Liberian, Maltese, Cypriot, and Bahamian registryAirports: total: 156 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 4 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 17 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 108 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Romania CommunicationsTelephone system: about 2.3 million telephones; 99 telephones/1,000 persons; 89% of phone network is automatic; poor service; cable and open wire local: NA intercity: trunk network is microwave; roughly 3,300 villages with no service (February 1990) international: 1 INTELSAT earth station; new digital international direct dial exchanges are in Bucharest (1993)Radio: broadcast stations: AM 12, FM 5, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 13 (1990) televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Romania Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Paramilitary Forces, Civil DefenseManpower availability: males age 15-49 5,934,524; males fit for military service 5,002,287; males reach military age (20) annually 196,587 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: 1,260 billion lei, 3% of GDP (1994); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results</text>
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<text>ROMANIA - Passport and visa required. Transit and tourist visa may beobtained at border in Romania or from the Romanian Embassy or Consulatebefore departure. Transit visa for stay up to 4 days, single-entry $21or double-entry $31. Tourist/business visa, single-entry valid 6 monthsfor stay up to 60 days, $31 (multiple-entry $68). No application or photosneeded. Provide SASE for return of passport by mail. Allow 1 to 3days for processing. For additional information consult Embassy of Romania,1607 23rd St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/232-4747-9) or theConsulate General, New York (212/682-9120, 9121, 9122).Romania - Consular Information SheetNovember 4, 1994Country Description: Romania has undergone profound political and economicchanges since the 1989 revolution and is in a period of economic transition. Most tourist facilities, while being upgraded, have not yet reached WesternEuropean standards.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Transit and touristvisas may be obtained on arrival at Romanian border points or theinternational airport in Bucharest. Prior to departure, travelers canobtain a visa and other information regarding entry requirements from theRomanian Embassy at 1607 23rd Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008,telephone (202) 232-4747 or the Romanian Consulate in New York City,telephone (212) 682-9120.Medical Facilities: Medical care in Romania is limited. There is a severeshortage of basic medical supplies. Doctors and hospitals often expectimmediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is notalways valid outside the United States. Travelers have found supplementalmedical insurance with specific overseas coverage useful. There have been anumber of confirmed cases of cholera, mainly in the Constanta region.Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers forDisease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Crimes against tourists (robbery, mugging,pickpocketing, and confidence scams perpetrated by black-market moneychangers) are a growing problem in Romania. Presently thefts are mostlikely to occur on trains and at railroad stations. The loss or theftabroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local policeand the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on guardingvaluables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad isprovided in the pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" which is available from theSuperintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,D.C. 20402.Currency Information: Credit cards and travelers checks are of limitedutility in Romania.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or sale of illegaldrugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Adoptions: Recent changes in the U.S. Immigration and NaturalizationService's definition of an orphan are having a widespread effect oninternational adoptions. Before traveling to Romania, prospective parentsmay wish to obtain information about both American visa requirements andRomanian adoption law from the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest. Romanian adoptionlaw mandates criminal penalties for offering money or goods to obtain therelease of children for adoption. An information packet on Romanianadoptions is available by writing the Office of Overseas Citizens Services,Room 4817, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, or by telephoning(202) 647-3444.Other Information: Customs regulations prohibit the export of some itemsfrom Romania. At the time of departure, tourists may need all receipts forpresentation to customs authorities. Persons who participate in orphotograph demonstrations risk arrest.Registration: U.S. citizens may register in the Consular Section of theU.S. Embassy and obtain updated information on travel and security withinRomania.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, Romania, is located atStrada Tudor Arghezi 7-9; telephone (401) 210-40-42. After hours a dutyofficer may be reached by calling (401) 210-63-84. Consular services forU.S. citizens are performed in the Consular Section located at StradaFilipescu No. 26 (formerly Strada Snagov), one block from the U.S. Embassyat the corner of Strada Batistei. The telephone number of the Consulate is(401) 210-40-42; the Consulate fax number is (401) 211-33-60.No. 94-261This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 26, 1994, to updatethe information on adoptions and to add information on cholera.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Reunion HeaderAffiliation: (overseas department of France) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Reunion GeographyLocation: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of MadagascarMap references: WorldArea: total area: 2,510 sq km land area: 2,500 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Rhode IslandLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 201 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical, but moderates with elevation; cool and dry from May to November, hot and rainy from November to AprilTerrain: mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along coastNatural resources: fish, arable landLand use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 2% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 35% other: 39%Irrigated land: 60 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: periodic, devastating cyclones (December to April); Piton de la Fournaise on the southeastern coast is an active volcano international agreements: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Reunion PeoplePopulation: 666,067 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 32% (female 104,924; male 109,972) 15-64 years: 62% (female 210,762; male 203,774) 65 years and over: 6% (female 21,606; male 15,029) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.98% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 24.59 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 4.79 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 7.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.46 years male: 71.39 years female: 77.67 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.75 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Reunionese (singular and plural) adjective: ReunioneseEthnic divisions: French, African, Malagasy, Chinese, Pakistani, IndianReligions: Roman Catholic 94%Languages: French (official), Creole widely usedLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1982) total population: 79% male: 76% female: 80%Labor force: NA by occupation: agriculture 30%, industry 21%, services 49% (1981) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Reunion GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Department of Reunion conventional short form: Reunion local long form: none local short form: Ile de la ReunionDigraph: REType: overseas department of FranceCapital: Saint-DenisAdministrative divisions: none (overseas department of France)Independence: none (overseas department of France)National holiday: National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)Legal system: French lawSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) head of government: Prefect of Reunion Island Hubert FOURNIER (since NA) cabinet: Council of MinistersLegislative branch: unicameral General Council and unicameral Regional Council General Council: elections last held March 1994 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (47 total) PCR 12, PS 12, UDF 11, RPR 5, others 7 Regional Council: elections last held 25 June 1993 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (45 total) UPF 17, Free-Dom Movement 13, PCR 9, PS 6 French Senate: elections last held 24 September 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (3 total) RPR 1, FRA 1, independent 1 French National Assembly: elections last held 21 and 28 March 1993 (next to be held NA 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (5 total) PS 1, PCR 1, UPF 1, RPR 1, UDF-CDS 1Judicial branch: Court of Appeals (Cour d'Appel)Political parties and leaders: Rally for the Republic (RPR), Alain DEFAUD; Union for French Democracy (UDF), Gilbert GERARD; Communist Party of Reunion (PCR), Elie HOARAU;; France-Reunion Future (FRA), Andre THIEN AH KOON; Socialist Party (PS), Jean-Claude FRUTEAU; Social Democrats (CDS), leader NA; Union for France (UPF - including RPR and UDF); Free-Dom Movement, Marguerite SUDRE THE WORLD FACTBOOK Reunion GovernmentMember of: FZ, WFTUDiplomatic representation in US: none (overseas department of France)US diplomatic representation: none (overseas department of France)Flag: the flag of France is used THE WORLD FACTBOOK Reunion EconomyOverview: The economy has traditionally been based on agriculture. Sugarcane has been the primary crop for more than a century, and in some years it accounts for 85% of exports. The government has been pushing the development of a tourist industry to relieve high unemployment, which recently amounted to one-third of the labor force. The gap in Reunion between the well-off and the poor is extraordinary and accounts for the persistent social tensions. The white and Indian communities are substantially better off than other segments of the population, often approaching European standards, whereas indigenous groups suffer the poverty and unemployment typical of the poorer nations of the African continent. The outbreak of severe rioting in February 1991 illustrates the seriousness of socioeconomic tensions. The economic well-being of Reunion depends heavily on continued financial assistance from France.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $2.5 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $3,900 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: 35% (February 1991)Budget: revenues: $358 million expenditures: $914 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1986 est.)Exports: $166 million (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: sugar 75%, rum and molasses 4%, perfume essences 4%, lobster 3%, vanilla and tea 1% partners: France, Mauritius, Bahrain, South Africa, ItalyImports: $1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: manufactured goods, food, beverages, tobacco, machinery and transportation equipment, raw materials, and petroleum products partners: France, Mauritius, Bahrain, South Africa, ItalyExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%; about 25% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 180,000 kW production: 1 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,454 kWh (1993)Industries: sugar, rum, cigarettes, several small shops producing handicraft items THE WORLD FACTBOOK Reunion EconomyAgriculture: accounts for 30% of labor force; dominant sector of economy; cash crops - sugarcane, vanilla, tobacco; food crops - tropical fruits, vegetables, corn; imports large share of food needsEconomic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $14.8 billionCurrency: 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimesExchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.2943 (January 1995), 5.5520 (1994), 5.6632 (1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Reunion TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 2,800 km paved: 2,200 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, stabilized earth 600 kmPorts: Le Port, Pointe des GaletsMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 2 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Reunion CommunicationsTelephone system: 85,900 telephones; adequate system; principal center Saint-Denis local: NA intercity: modern open-wire and microwave network international: radiocommunication to Comoros, France, Madagascar; new microwave route to Mauritius; 1 INTELSAT (Indian Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 13, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 1 (repeaters 18) televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Reunion Defense ForcesBranches: French forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, and Gendarmerie)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 173,693; males fit for military service 89,438; males reach military age (18) annually 5,781 (1995 est.)Note: defense is the responsibility of France</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Qatar GeographyLocation: Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi ArabiaMap references: Middle EastArea: total area: 11,000 sq km land area: 11,000 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than ConnecticutLand boundaries: total 60 km, Saudi Arabia 60 kmCoastline: 563 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: territorial dispute with Bahrain over the Hawar Islands; maritime boundary with BahrainClimate: desert; hot, dry; humid and sultry in summerTerrain: mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravelNatural resources: petroleum, natural gas, fishLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 5% forest and woodland: 0% other: 95%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: limited natural fresh water resources are increasing dependence on large-scale desalination facilities natural hazards: haze, dust storms, sandstorms common international agreements: signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Law of the SeaNote: strategic location in central Persian Gulf near major petroleum deposits THE WORLD FACTBOOK Qatar PeoplePopulation: 533,916 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 30% (female 81,443; male 80,591) 15-64 years: 68% (female 104,921; male 258,135) 65 years and over: 2% (female 2,941; male 5,885) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.74% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 22.72 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 3.59 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 8.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 20.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.03 years male: 70.45 years female: 75.5 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 4.63 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Qatari(s) adjective: QatariEthnic divisions: Arab 40%, Pakistani 18%, Indian 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%Religions: Muslim 95%Languages: Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second languageLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1986) total population: 76% male: 77% female: 72%Labor force: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Qatar GovernmentNames: conventional long form: State of Qatar conventional short form: Qatar local long form: Dawlat Qatar local short form: QatarDigraph: QAType: traditional monarchyCapital: DohaAdministrative divisions: 9 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumayliyah, Al Khawr, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Jarayan al Batinah, Madinat ash Shamal, Umm SalalIndependence: 3 September 1971 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 3 September (1971)Constitution: provisional constitution enacted 2 April 1970Legal system: discretionary system of law controlled by the amir, although civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law is significant in personal mattersSuffrage: noneExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: Amir and Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Hamad Al Thani (since 22 February 1972); Crown Prince HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani (appointed 31 May 1977; son of Amir and Minister of Defense) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the amirLegislative branch: unicameral Advisory Council (Majlis al-Shura): constitution calls for elections for part of this consultative body, but no elections have been held; seats - (30 total)Judicial branch: Court of AppealPolitical parties and leaders: noneMember of: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GATT, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDB, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador ABD AL-RAHMAN bin Saud bin Fahd Al Thani chancery: Suite 1180, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: [1] (202) 338-0111 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Qatar GovernmentUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Kenton W. KEITH embassy: 149 Ali Bin Ahmed St., Farig Bin Omran (opposite the television station), Doha mailing address: P. O. Box 2399, Doha telephone: [974] 864701 through 864703 FAX: [974] 861669Flag: maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on the hoist side THE WORLD FACTBOOK Qatar EconomyOverview: Oil is the backbone of the economy and accounts for more than 30% of GDP, roughly 75% of export earnings, and 70% of government revenues. Proved oil reserves of 3.3 billion barrels should ensure continued output at current levels for about 25 years. Oil has given Qatar a per capita GDP comparable to the leading West European industrial countries. Production and export of natural gas are becoming increasingly important. Long-term goals feature the development of off-shore oil and the diversification of the economy.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $10.7 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: -1% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $20,820 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $2.5 billion expenditures: $3 billion, including capital expenditures of $440 million (1992 est.)Exports: $3.13 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: petroleum products 75%, steel, fertilizers partners: Japan 57%, South Korea 9%, Brazil 4%, UAE 4%, Singapore 3% (1992)Imports: $1.75 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: machinery and equipment, consumer goods, food, chemicals partners: Japan 16%, UK 11%, US 11%, Germany 7%, France 5% (1992)External debt: $1.5 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production: accounts for 50% of GDP, including oilElectricity: capacity: 1,520,000 kW production: 4.5 billion kWh consumption per capita: 8,415 kWh (1993)Industries: crude oil production and refining, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel (rolls reinforcing bars for concrete construction), cementAgriculture: farming and grazing on small scale, less than 2% of GDP; agricultural area is small and government-owned; commercial fishing increasing in importance; most food importedEconomic aid: donor: pledged in ODA to less developed countries (1979-88), $2.7 billionCurrency: 1 Qatari riyal (QR) = 100 dirhams THE WORLD FACTBOOK Qatar EconomyExchange rates: Qatari riyals (QR) per US$1 - 3.6400 riyals (fixed rate)Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Qatar TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 1,190 km paved: 1,030 km unpaved: 160 km (1988 est.)Pipelines: crude oil 235 km; natural gas 400 kmPorts: Doha, Halul Island, Umm Sa'idMerchant marine: total: 19 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 463,227 GRT/763,507 DWT ships by type: combination ore/oil 1, container 3, cargo 11, oil tanker 3, refrigerated cargo 1Airports: total: 6 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 3 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Qatar CommunicationsTelephone system: 110,000 telephones; modern system centered in Doha local: NA intercity: NA international: tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and UAE; submarine cable to Bahrain and UAE; 2 INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 ARABSAT earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 3 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Qatar Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Public SecurityManpower availability: males age 15-49 219,442; males fit for military service 115,103; males reach military age (18) annually 3,915 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: $NA, NA%, of GDP</text>
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<text>QATAR - Passport and visa required. Single-entry visa $33;multiple-entry visa, valid 3-6 months for $60 fee or 12 months for $115 fee; transitvisa $6. Visas require No Objection Certificate from Qatar Ministry ofInterior, 2 application forms, 2 photos and SASE for return of passportby mail. Business visa must be obtained through sponsor in Qatar. AIDStest required for work and student visas; U.S. test accepted if within 3months of visit. For specific information contact Embassy of the State ofQatar, Suite 1180, 600 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037(202/338-0111).Qatar - Consular Information SheetAugust 1, 1994Country Description: Qatar is a traditional emirate, governed by the Al-Thani family in consultation with a Council of Ministers and a legislativeAdvisory Council. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservativefoundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. Qatar is a modern,developed country, and tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: Passports and visas are required. Visitors must have abusiness or personal sponsor. For further entry information, travelers cancontact the Embassy of the State of Qatar, Suite 1180, 600 New HampshireAve., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037, telephone (202) 338-0111.Medical Facilities: Basic modern medical care and medicines are availablein several hospitals and health centers in Qatar. U.S. medical insurance isnot always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurancewith specific overseas coverage has proven useful. The internationaltravelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control, telephone (404) 332-4559, has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: Crime is generally not a problem for travelers inQatar. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reportedimmediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security,and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department ofState pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to the MiddleEast and North Africa." They are available from the Superintendent ofDocuments, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices ofthe country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use ortrafficking in illegal drugs are strict in Qatar and convicted offenders canexpect jail sentences and fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtainupdated information on travel and security within Qatar.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 149 Ali Bin Ahmed St.,Farig Bin Omran, in Doha, Qatar (opposite the TV station), P.O. Box 2399.The telephone number is (974) 864-701/702/703. The workweek in Qatar isSaturday through Wednesday.No. 94-146This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 31, 1993, withoutchange, following an annual review.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Puerto Rico HeaderAffiliation: (commonwealth associated with the US) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Puerto Rico GeographyLocation: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican RepublicMap references: Central America and the CaribbeanArea: total area: 9,104 sq km land area: 8,959 sq km comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Rhode IslandLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 501 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical marine, mild, little seasonal temperature variationTerrain: mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north; mountains precipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastal areasNatural resources: some copper and nickel, potential for onshore and offshore crude oilLand use: arable land: 8% permanent crops: 9% meadows and pastures: 41% forest and woodland: 20% other: 22%Irrigated land: 390 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: the recent drought has caused water levels in reservoirs to drop and prompted water rationing for more than one-half of the population natural hazards: periodic droughts international agreements: NANote: important location along the Mona Passage - a key shipping lane to the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean; many small rivers and high central mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north THE WORLD FACTBOOK Puerto Rico PeoplePopulation: 3,812,569 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 25% (female 466,596; male 489,127) 15-64 years: 65% (female 1,274,765; male 1,195,785) 65 years and over: 10% (female 213,716; male 172,580) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.16% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 15.92 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 7.47 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -6.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 12.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.1 years male: 70.78 years female: 79.66 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.98 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Puerto Rican(s) (US citizens) adjective: Puerto RicanEthnic divisions: HispanicReligions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant denominations and other 15%Languages: Spanish, EnglishLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980) total population: 89% male: 90% female: 88%Labor force: 1.2 million (1993) by occupation: government 22%, manufacturing 17%, trade 20%, construction 6%, communications and transportation 5%, other 30% (1993) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Puerto Rico GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico conventional short form: Puerto RicoDigraph: RQType: commonwealth associated with the USCapital: San JuanAdministrative divisions: none (commonwealth associated with the US); note - there are 78 municipalitiesIndependence: none (commonwealth associated with the US)National holiday: US Independence Day, 4 July (1776)Constitution: ratified 3 March 1952; approved by US Congress 3 July 1952; effective 25 July 1952Legal system: based on Spanish civil codeSuffrage: 18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential electionsExecutive branch: chief of state: President William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice President Albert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993) head of government: Governor Pedro ROSSELLO (since 2 January 1993); election last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held 5 November 1996); results - Pedro ROSSELLO (PNP) 50%, Victoria MUNOZ (PPD) 46%, Fernando MARTIN (PIP) 4%Legislative branch: bicameral Legislative Assembly Senate: elections last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held 5 November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (29 total) PNP 20, PPD 8, PIP 1 House of Representatives: elections last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (53 total) PNP 36, PPD 16, PIP 1 US House of Representatives: elections last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held 5 November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) PNP 1 (Carlos Romero BARCELO); note - Puerto Rico elects one representative to the US House of RepresentativesJudicial branch: Supreme Court, Superior Courts, Municipal CourtsPolitical parties and leaders: National Republican Party of Puerto Rico, Luis FERRE; Popular Democratic Party (PPD), Hector ACEVEDO; New Progressive Party (PNP), Pedro ROSSELLO; Puerto Rican Socialist Party (PSP) has been disbanded (1994); Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP), Ruben BERRIOS Martinez; Puerto Rican Communist Party (PCP), leader(s) unknown THE WORLD FACTBOOK Puerto Rico GovernmentOther political or pressure groups: Armed Forces for National Liberation (FALN); Volunteers of the Puerto Rican Revolution; Boricua Popular Army (also known as the Macheteros); Armed Forces of Popular ResistanceMember of: CARICOM (observer), ECLAC (associate), FAO (associate), ICFTU, INTERPOL (subbureau), IOC, WCL, WFTU, WHO (associate), WTO (associate)Diplomatic representation in US: none (commonwealth associated with the US)US diplomatic representation: none (commonwealth associated with the US)Flag: five equal horizontal bands of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bears a large white five-pointed star in the center; design based on the US flag THE WORLD FACTBOOK Puerto Rico EconomyOverview: Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region. Industry has surpassed agriculture as the primary sector of economic activity and income. Encouraged by duty free access to the US and by tax incentives, US firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. US minimum wage laws apply. Important industries include pharmaceuticals, electronics, textiles, petrochemicals, and processed foods. Sugar production has lost out to dairy production and other livestock products as the main source of income in the agricultural sector. Tourism has traditionally been an important source of income for the island, with estimated arrivals of nearly 3.9 million tourists in 1993.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $26.8 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 2.6% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $7,050 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.9% (1994)Unemployment rate: 16% (1994)Budget: revenues: $5.1 billion expenditures: $5.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY94/95)Exports: $21.8 billion (1994) commodities: pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, canned tuna, rum, beverage concentrates, medical equipment, instruments partners: US 86.2% (1993)Imports: $16.7 billion (1994) commodities: chemicals, clothing, food, fish, petroleum products partners: US 69.2% (1993)External debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate 5% (1994 est.)Electricity: capacity: 4.230,000 kW production: 15.6 billion kWh consumption per capita: 3,819 kWh (1993)Industries: manufacturing accounts for 39.4% of GDP; manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, instruments; tourismAgriculture: accounts for only 3% of labor force and just over 1% of GDP; crops - sugarcane, coffee, pineapples, plantains, bananas; livestock - cattle, chickens; imports a large share of food needs (1993)Economic aid: none THE WORLD FACTBOOK Puerto Rico EconomyCurrency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 centsExchange rates: US currency is usedFiscal year: 1 July - 30 June THE WORLD FACTBOOK Puerto Rico TransportationRailroads: total: 96 km rural narrow-gauge system for hauling sugarcane; note - no passenger railroadsHighways: 13,762 km paved: 13,762 km (1982)Ports: Guanica, Guayanilla, Guayama, Playa de Ponce, San JuanMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 31 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 9 with paved runways under 914 m: 14 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Puerto Rico CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; modern system, integrated with that of the US by high capacity submarine cable and INTELSAT with high-speed data capability; digital telephone system with about 1 million lines; cellular telephone service (1990) local: NA intercity: NA international: 1 INTELSAT earth station and submarine cableRadio: broadcast stations: AM 50, FM 63, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 9; note - cable television available with US programs (1990) televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Puerto Rico Defense ForcesBranches: paramilitary National Guard, Police ForceNote: defense is the responsibility of the US</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Portugal GeographyLocation: Southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, west of SpainMap references: EuropeArea: total area: 92,080 sq km land area: 91,640 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Indiana note: includes Azores and Madeira IslandsLand boundaries: total 1,214 km, Spain 1,214 kmCoastline: 1,793 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: sovereignty over Timor Timur (East Timor Province) disputed with IndonesiaClimate: maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in southTerrain: mountainous north of the Tagus, rolling plains in southNatural resources: fish, forests (cork), tungsten, iron ore, uranium ore, marbleLand use: arable land: 32% permanent crops: 6% meadows and pastures: 6% forest and woodland: 40% other: 16%Irrigated land: 6,340 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: soil erosion; air pollution caused by industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution, especially in coastal areas natural hazards: Azores subject to severe earthquakes international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban THE WORLD FACTBOOK Portugal GeographyNote: Azores and Madeira Islands occupy strategic locations along western sea approaches to Strait of Gibraltar THE WORLD FACTBOOK Portugal PeoplePopulation: 10,562,388 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 18% (female 943,412; male 1,000,971) 15-64 years: 68% (female 3,625,086; male 3,499,176) 65 years and over: 14% (female 889,142; male 604,601) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.36% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 11.72 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 9.65 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 1.55 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 9.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.53 years male: 72.11 years female: 79.16 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.47 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Portuguese (singular and plural) adjective: PortugueseEthnic divisions: homogeneous Mediterranean stock in mainland, Azores, Madeira Islands; citizens of black African descent who immigrated to mainland during decolonization number less than 100,000Religions: Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant denominations 1%, other 2%Languages: PortugueseLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 85% male: 89% female: 82%Labor force: 4.24 million (1994 est.) by occupation: services 54.5%, manufacturing 24.4%, agriculture, forestry, fisheries 11.2%, construction 8.3%, utilites 1.0%, mining 0.5% (1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Portugal GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Portuguese Republic conventional short form: Portugal local long form: Republica Portuguesa local short form: PortugalDigraph: POType: republicCapital: LisbonAdministrative 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, Madeira*, Portalegre, Porto, Santarem, Setubal, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, ViseuDependent areas: Macau (scheduled to become a Special Administrative Region of China on 20 December 1999)Independence: 1140 (independent republic proclaimed 5 October 1910)National holiday: Day of Portugal, 10 June (1580)Constitution: 25 April 1976, revised 30 October 1982 and 1 June 1989Legal system: civil law system; the Constitutional Tribunal reviews the constitutionality of legislation; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Dr. Mario Alberto Nobre Lopes SOARES (since 9 March 1986); election last held 13 February 1991 (next to be held NA February 1996); results - Dr. Mario Lopes SOARES 70%, Basilio HORTA 14%, Carlos CARVALHAS 13%, Carlos MARQUES 3%; note - SOARES is finishing his second term and by law cannot run for a third consecutive term head of government: Prime Minister Anibal CAVACO SILVA (since 6 November 1985); note - will be replaced in the October 1995 elections Council of State: acts as a consultative body to the president cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president on recommendation of the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da Republica): elections last held 6 October 1991 (next to be held NA October 1995); results - PSD 50.4%, PS 29.3%, CDU 8.8%, CDS 4.4%, PSN 1.7%, PRD 0.6%, other 4.8%; seats - (230 total) PSD 136, PS 71, CDU 17, CDS 5, PSN 1Judicial branch: Supreme Tribunal of Justice (Supremo Tribunal de Justica) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Portugal GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Social Democratic Party (PSD), Fernando NOGUEIRA; Portuguese Socialist Party (PS), Antonio GUTERRES; Party of Democratic Renewal (PRD), Pedro CANAVARRO; Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), Carlos CARVALHAS; Social Democratic Center (CDS), Manuel MONTEIRO; National Solidarity Party (PSN), Manuel SERGIO; Center Democratic Party (CDS); United Democratic Coalition (CDU; Communists)Member of: AfDB, Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, EBRD, EC, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, FAO, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WEU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco Jose Laco Treichler KNOPFLI chancery: 2125 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 328-8610 FAX: [1] (202) 462-3726 consulate(s) general: Boston, New York, Newark (New Jersey), and San Francisco consulate(s): Los Angeles, New Bedford (Massachusetts), Providence (Rhode Island), and Washington, DCUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Elizabeth Frawley BAGLEY embassy: Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600 Lisbon mailing address: PSC 83, Lisbon; APO AE 09726 telephone: [351] (1) 7266600, 7266659, 7268670, 7268880 FAX: [351] (1) 7269109 consulate(s): Ponta Delgada (Azores)Flag: two vertical bands of green (hoist side, two-fifths) and red (three-fifths) with the Portuguese coat of arms centered on the dividing line THE WORLD FACTBOOK Portugal EconomyOverview: Portugal's economy contracted 0.4% in 1993 but registered a 1.4% growth in 1994, with 3% growth expected in 1995 and 1996. This comeback rests on high levels of public investment, continuing strong export growth, and a gradual recovery in consumer spending. The government's long-run economic goal is the modernization of Portuguese markets, industry, infrastructure, and work force in order to catch up with productivity and income levels of the more advanced EU countries. Per capita income now equals only 55% of the EU average. Economic policy in 1994 focused on reducing inflationary pressures by lowering the fiscal deficit, maintaining a stable escudo, moderating wage increases, and encouraging increased competition. The government's medium-term objective is to be in the first tier of the EU countries eligible to join the economic and monetary union (EMU) as early as 1997. To this end, the 1995 budget posits a cut in total deficit to 5.8% of GDP.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $107.3 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 1.4% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $10,190 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.1% (May 1994)Unemployment rate: 6.7% (May 1994)Budget: revenues: $31 billion expenditures: $41 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1994)Exports: $15.4 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: clothing and footwear, machinery, cork and paper products, hides and skins partners: EU 75.5%, other developed countries 12.4%, US 4.3% (1994)Imports: $24.3 billion (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, agricultural products, chemicals, petroleum, textiles partners: EC 72%, other developed countries 10.9%, less developed countries 12.9%, US 3.4%External debt: $20 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 1.5% (1994 est.); accounts for 30.6% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 8,220,000 kW production: 29.5 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,642 kWh (1993)Industries: textiles and footwear; wood pulp, paper, and cork; metalworking; oil refining; chemicals; fish canning; wine; tourism THE WORLD FACTBOOK Portugal EconomyAgriculture: accounts for 5% of GDP; small, inefficient farms; imports more than half of food needs; major crops - grain, potatoes, olives, grapes; livestock sector - sheep, cattle, goats, poultry, meat, dairy productsIllicit drugs: increasingly important gateway country for Latin American cocaine entering the European market; transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to EuropeEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.8 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.2 billionCurrency: 1 Portuguese escudo (Esc) = 100 centavosExchange rates: Portuguese escudos (Esc) per US$1 - 158.02 (January 1995), 165.99 (1994), 160.80 (1993), 135.00 (1992), 144.48 (1991), 142.55 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Portugal TransportationRailroads: total: 3,068 km broad gauge: 2,761 km 1.668-m gauge (439 km electrified; 426 km double track) narrow gauge: 307 km 1.000-m gaugeHighways: total: 70,176 km paved and graveled: 60,351 km (519 km of expressways) unpaved: earth 9,825 kmInland waterways: 820 km navigable; relatively unimportant to national economy, used by shallow-draft craft limited to 300 metric-ton cargo capacityPipelines: crude oil 22 km; petroleum products 58 kmPorts: Aveiro, Funchal (Madeira Islands), Horta (Azores), Leixoes, Lisbon, Porto, Ponta Delgada (Azores), Praia da Vitoria (Azores), Setubal, Viana do CasteloMerchant marine: total: 65 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 852,785 GRT/1,545,804 DWT ships by type: bulk 5, cargo 28, chemical tanker 5, container 4, liquefied gas tanker 2, oil tanker 17, refrigerated cargo 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1, short-sea passenger 1 note: Portugal has created a captive register on Madeira for Portuguese-owned ships; ships on the Madeira Register (MAR) will have taxation and crewing benefits of a flag of convenience; in addition, Portugal owns 25 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 155,776 DWT that operate under Panamanian and Maltese registryAirports: total: 65 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 5 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 18 with paved runways under 914 m: 29 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Portugal CommunicationsTelephone system: 2,690,000 telephones local: NA intercity: generally adequate integrated network of coaxial cables, open wire and microwave radio relay, domestic satellite earth stations international: 6 submarine cables; 3 INTELSAT (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), EUTELSAT earth stations; tropospheric link to AzoresRadio: broadcast stations: AM 57, FM 66 (repeaters 22), shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 66 (repeaters 23) televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Portugal Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy (includes Marines), Air Force, National Republican Guard, Fiscal Guard, Public Security PoliceManpower availability: males age 15-49 2,747,357; males fit for military service 2,223,299; males reach military age (20) annually 90,402 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.4 billion, 2.9% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>PORTUGAL - (Includes travel to the Azores and Madeira Islands.) Passport required. Visa not required for visit up to 60 days (extendable). For travel with pets and other information consult nearest Consulate:Washington., D.C. (202/332-3007, CA (415/346-3400), MA (617/536-8740and 508/997-6151), NJ (201/622-7300), NY (212/246-4580) or RI(401/272-2003).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Portugal============================================================Portugal - Consular Information Sheet December 4, 1995Country Description: Portugal is a moderately developed and stable democracy. Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. A visa is not required for tourist stays up to sixty days. For further information concerning entry requirements for Portugal, travelers can contact the Embassy of Portugal at 2125 Kalorama Road N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 328-8610, or the nearest Portuguese Consulate in Boston, New Bedford, Providence, New York, Newark, or San Francisco.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven to be useful. Information on specific health matters is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Portugal has a low but increasing rate of violent crime. Travelers, especially those who appear to be affluent, may become targets of pickpockets and purse snatchers. Automobile break-ins, particularly from rental cars, and car thefts are common. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are high. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within Portugal.Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Portugal is located on Avenida das Forcas Armadas in Lisbon; telephone (351-1) 727-3300. A Consulate is located in the Azores, on the island of San Miguel, in Ponta Delgada. The address is Avenida D. Henrique, tel: (351-96) 22216/7/8/9. There is also a Consular Agency located in Funchal, Madeira, on Avenida Luis de Camoes, telephone (351-091) 743-429. It is open from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon. No. 95-154This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 26, 1994, to reflect the Embassy's new telephone number.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Portugal============================================================Portugal - Consular Information Sheet December 4, 1995Country Description: Portugal is a moderately developed and stable democracy. Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. A visa is not required for tourist stays up to sixty days. For further information concerning entry requirements for Portugal, travelers can contact the Embassy of Portugal at 2125 Kalorama Road N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 328-8610, or the nearest Portuguese Consulate in Boston, New Bedford, Providence, New York, Newark, or San Francisco.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven to be useful. Information on specific health matters is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Portugal has a low but increasing rate of violent crime. Travelers, especially those who appear to be affluent, may become targets of pickpockets and purse snatchers. Automobile break-ins, particularly from rental cars, and car thefts are common. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are high. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within Portugal.Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Portugal is located on Avenida das Forcas Armadas in Lisbon; telephone (351-1) 727-3300. A Consulate is located in the Azores, on the island of San Miguel, in Ponta Delgada. The address is Avenida D. Henrique, tel: (351-96) 22216/7/8/9. There is also a Consular Agency located in Funchal, Madeira, on Avenida Luis de Camoes, telephone (351-091) 743-429. It is open from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon. No. 95-154This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 26, 1994, to reflect the Embassy's new telephone number.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Poland GeographyLocation: Central Europe, east of GermanyMap references: Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, EuropeArea: total area: 312,680 sq km land area: 304,510 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than New MexicoLand boundaries: total 3,114 km, Belarus 605 km, Czech Republic 658 km, Germany 456 km, Lithuania 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Slovakia 444 km, Ukraine 428 kmCoastline: 491 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: defined by international treaties territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowersTerrain: mostly flat plain; mountains along southern borderNatural resources: coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, saltLand use: arable land: 46% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 13% forest and woodland: 28% other: 12%Irrigated land: 1,000 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: forest damage due to air pollution and resulting acid rain; improper means for disposal of large amounts of hazardous and industrial waste; severe water pollution from industrial and municipal sources; severe air pollution results from emissions of sulfur dioxide from coal-fired power plants, which also drifts into Germany and the Netherlands natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Law of the Sea THE WORLD FACTBOOK Poland GeographyNote: historically, an area of conflict because of flat terrain and the lack of natural barriers on the North European Plain THE WORLD FACTBOOK Poland PeoplePopulation: 38,792,442 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 23% (female 4,349,467; male 4,559,536) 15-64 years: 66% (female 12,849,300; male 12,698,179) 65 years and over: 11% (female 2,693,407; male 1,642,553) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.36% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 13.34 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 9.23 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -0.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 12.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.13 years male: 69.15 years female: 77.33 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.92 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Pole(s) adjective: PolishEthnic divisions: Polish 97.6%, German 1.3%, Ukrainian 0.6%, Byelorussian 0.5% (1990 est.)Religions: Roman Catholic 95% (about 75% practicing), Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, and other 5%Languages: PolishLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1978) total population: 99% male: 99% female: 98%Labor force: 17.321 million (1993 annual average) by occupation: industry and construction 32.0%, agriculture 27.6%, trade, transport, and communications 14.7%, government and other 25.7% (1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Poland GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Poland conventional short form: Poland local long form: Rzeczpospolita Polska local short form: PolskaDigraph: PLType: democratic stateCapital: WarsawAdministrative divisions: 49 provinces (wojewodztwa, singular - wojewodztwo); Biala Podlaska, Bialystok, Bielsko Biala, Bydgoszcz, Chelm, Ciechanow, Czestochowa, Elblag, Gdansk, Gorzow, Jelenia Gora, Kalisz, Katowice, Kielce, Konin, Koszalin, Krakow, Krosno, Legnica, Leszno, Lodz, Lomza, Lublin, Nowy Sacz, Olsztyn, Opole, Ostroleka, Pila, Piotrkow, Plock, Poznan, Przemysl, Radom, Rzeszow, Siedlce, Sieradz, Skierniewice, Slupsk, Suwalki, Szczecin, Tarnobrzeg, Tarnow, Torun, Walbrzych, Warszawa, Wloclawek, Wroclaw, Zamosc, Zielona GoraIndependence: 11 November 1918 (independent republic proclaimed)National holiday: Constitution Day, 3 May (1791)Constitution: interim "small constitution" came into effect in December 1992 replacing the Communist-imposed constitution of 22 July 1952; new democratic constitution being draftedLegal system: mixture of Continental (Napoleonic) civil law and holdover Communist legal theory; changes being gradually introduced as part of broader democratization process; limited judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Lech WALESA (since 22 December 1990); election first round held 25 November 1990, second round held 9 December 1990 (next to be held NA November 1995); results - second round Lech WALESA 74.7%, Stanislaw TYMINSKI 25.3% head of government: Prime Minister Jozef OLEKSY (since 6 March 1995); Deputy Prime Ministers Roman JAGIELINSKI, Grzegorz KOLODKO, and Aleksander LUCZAK (since NA) cabinet: Council of Ministers; responsible to the president and the SejmLegislative branch: bicameral National Assembly (Zgromadzenie Narodowe) Senate (Senat): elections last held 19 September 1993 (next to be held no later than NA October 1997); seats - (100 total) Communist origin or linked (PSL 34, SLD 37), post-Solidarity parties (UW 6, NSZZ 12, BBWR 2), non-Communist, non-Solidarity (independents 7, unaffiliated 1, vacant 1) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Poland Government Diet (Sejm): elections last held 19 September 1993 (next to be held no later than NA October 1997); seats - (460 total) Communist origin or linked (SLD 171, PSL 132), post-Solidarity parties (UW 74, UP 41, BBWR 16), non-Communist, non-Solidarity (KPN 22) note: 4 seats are constitutionally assigned to ethnic German partiesJudicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: post-Solidarity parties: Freedom Union (UW; Democratic Union and Liberal Democratic Congress merged to form Freedom Union), Leszek BALCEROWICZ; Christian-National Union (ZCHN), Ryszard CZARNECKI; Centrum (PC), Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI; Peasant Alliance (PL), Gabriel JANOWSKI; Solidarity Trade Union (NSZZ), Marian KRZAKLEWSKI; Union of Labor (UP), Ryszard BUGAJ; Christian-Democratic Party (PCHD), Pawel LACZKOWSKI; Conservative Party, Alexander HALL; Nonparty Bloc for the Support of the Reforms (BBWR) non-Communist, non-Solidarity: Confederation for an Independent Poland (KPN), Leszek MOCZULSKI; Polish Economic Program (PPG), Janusz REWINSKI; Christian Democrats (CHD), Andrzej OWSINSKI; German Minority (MN), Henryk KROL; Union of Real Politics (UPR), Janusz KORWIN-MIKKE; Democratic Party (SD), Antoni MACKIEWICZ Communist origin: Polish Peasant Party (PSL), Waldemar PAWLAK; Democratic Left Alliance (SLD), Aleksander KWASNIEWSKIOther political or pressure groups: powerful Roman Catholic Church; Solidarity (trade union); All Poland Trade Union Alliance (OPZZ), populist programMember of: Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS, CCC, CE, CEI, CERN, EBRD, ECE, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, OAS (observer), OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNAMIR, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNOMIG, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WEU (associate partner), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jerzy KOZMINSKI chancery: 2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 234-3800 through 3802 FAX: [1] (202) 328-6271 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Nicholas Andrew REY embassy: Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, Warsaw mailing address: American Embassy Warsaw, Box 5010, Unit 1340, APO AE 09213-1340 telephone: [48] (2) 628-30-41 FAX: [48] (2) 628-82-98 consulate(s) general: Krakow, Poznan THE WORLD FACTBOOK Poland GovernmentFlag: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; similar to the flags of Indonesia and Monaco which are red (top) and white THE WORLD FACTBOOK Poland EconomyOverview: Poland continues to make good progress in the difficult transition to a market economy that began on 1 January 1990, when the new democratic government instituted "shock therapy" by decontrolling prices, slashing subsidies, and drastically reducing import barriers. Real GDP fell sharply in 1990 and 1991, but in 1992 Poland became the first country in the region to resume economic growth with a 2.6% increase. Growth increased to 3.8% in 1993 and 5.5% in 1994 - the highest rate in Europe except for Albania. All of the growth since 1991 has come from the booming private sector, which now accounts for at least 55% of GDP, even though privatization of the state-owned enterprises is proceeding slowly and most industry remains in state hands. Industrial production increased 12% in 1994 - led by 50% jumps in the output of motor vehicles, radios and televisions, and pulp and paper - and is now well above the 1990 level. Inflation, which had approached 1,200% annually in early 1990, was down to about 30% in 1994, as the government held the budget deficit to 1.5% of GDP. After five years of steady increases, unemployment has leveled off at about 16% nationwide, although it approaches 30% in some regions. The trade deficit was sharply reduced in 1994, due mainly to increased exports to Western Europe, Poland's main customer. The leftist government elected in September 1993 gets generally good marks from foreign observers for its management of the budget but is often criticized for not moving faster on privatization.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $191.1 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 5.5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $4,920 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 30% (1994)Unemployment rate: 16.1% (November 1994)Budget: revenues: $27.1 billion expenditures: $30 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1994 est.)Exports: $16.3 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: intermediate goods 26.5%, machinery and transport equipment 18.1%, miscellaneous manufactures 16.7%, foodstuffs 9.4%, fuels 8.4% (1993) partners: Germany 33.4%, Russia 10.2%, Italy 5.3%, UK 4.3% (1993)Imports: $18.1 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery and transport equipment 29.6%, intermediate goods 18.5%, chemicals 13.3%, fuels 12.5%, miscellaneous manufactures 10.1% partners: Germany 35.8%, Italy 9.2%, Russia 8.5%, UK 6.6% (1993)External debt: $47 billion (1993); note - Poland's Western government creditors promised in 1991 to forgive 30% of Warsaw's $35 billion official debt immediately and to forgive another 20% in 1994; foreign banks agreed in early 1994 to forgive 45% of their $12 billion debt claimIndustrial production: growth rate 12% (1994 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Poland EconomyElectricity: capacity: 31,120,000 kW production: 124 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,908 kWh (1993)Industries: machine building, iron and steel, extractive industries, chemicals, shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textilesAgriculture: accounts for 7% of GDP; 75% of output from private farms, 25% from state farms; productivity remains low by European standards; leading European producer of rye, rapeseed, and potatoes; wide variety of other crops and livestock; major exporter of pork products; normally self-sufficient in foodIllicit drugs: illicit producer of opium for domestic consumption and amphetamines for the international market; transshipment point for Asian and Latin American illicit drugs to Western Europe; producer of precursor chemicalsEconomic aid: donor: bilateral aid to non-Communist less developed countries (1954-89), $2.2 billion recipient: Western governments and institutions have pledged $8 billion in grants and loans since 1989, but most of the money has not been disbursedCurrency: 1 zloty (Zl) = 100 groszyExchange rates: zlotych (Zl) per US$1 - 2.45 (January 1995; a currency reform on 1 January 1995 replaced 10,000 old zlotys with 1 new zloty), 22,723 (1994), 18,115 (1993), 13,626 (1992), 10,576 (1991), 9,500 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Poland TransportationRailroads: total: 25,528 km broad gauge: 659 km 1.520-m gauge standard gauge: 23,014 km 1.435-m gauge (11,496 km electrified; 8,978 km double track) narrow gauge: 1,855 km various gauges including 1.000-m, 0.785-m, 0.750-m, and 0.600-m (1994)Highways: total: 367,000 km (excluding farm, factory and forest roads) paved: 235,247 km (257 km of which are limited access expressways) unpaved: 131,753 km (1992)Inland waterways: 3,997 km navigable rivers and canals (1991)Pipelines: crude oil 1,986 km; petroleum products 360 km; natural gas 4,600 km (1992)Ports: Gdansk, Gdynia, Gliwice, Kolobrzeg, Szczecin, Swinoujscie, Ustka, Warsaw, WrocawMerchant marine: total: 152 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,186,405 GRT/3,270,914 DWT ships by type: bulk 89, cargo 38, chemical tanker 4, container 7, oil tanker 1, passenger 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 8, short-sea passenger 4 note: in addition, Poland owns 9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 76,501 DWT that operate under Bahamian, Liberian, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Vanuatu, Panamanian, and Cypriot registryAirports: total: 134 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 30 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 27 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 7 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 10 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 32 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 18 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Poland CommunicationsTelephone system: 4.9 million telephones; 12.7 phones/100 residents (1994); severely underdeveloped and outmoded system; exchanges are 86% automatic (1991) local: NA intercity: cable, open wire, and microwave international: INTELSAT, EUTELSAT, INMARSAT, and Intersputnik earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 27, FM 27, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 40 (Russian repeaters 5) televisions: 9.6 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK Poland Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 10,181,069; males fit for military service 7,940,634; males reach military age (19) annually 323,133 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: 50.7 billion zlotych, NA% of GNP (1994 est.); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results</text>
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<text>POLAND - Passport (must be valid at least 12 months past date of entry)required. Visa not required for stay up to 90 days. Visitors mustregister at hotel or with local authorities within 48 hours afterarrival. Check with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland (Consular Division),2224 Wyoming Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/232-4517) or nearestConsulate General: Chicago, IL, 1530 Lakeshore Dr., 60610(312/337-8816), Los Angeles, CA, 3460 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1200, 90010(213/365-7900) or New York, NY, 233 Madison Ave., 10016 (212/889-8360).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Poland============================================================Poland - Consular Information Sheet March 7, 1995Country Description: Poland is a moderately developed European nation working to build a new political system and a market economy. Tourist facilities are not highly developed in all areas, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other European countries can be difficult to find.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. A visa is not required for stays up to 90 days. Visitors must register at a hotel or with local authorities within 48 hours of arrival. An AIDS test is required for student visas; U.S. test results are accepted. Further information on entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Poland, Consular Section at 2224 Wyoming Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, tel.: (202) 232-4517 or 4528 or the nearest Polish consulate in Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York.Medical Facilities: Adequate medical care is available in Poland, but generally does not meet Western standards. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, tel.: (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Crime is a serious problem throughout Poland and is on the rise, particularly in large cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan, Wroclaw and Gdansk. Organized groups of thieves and pickpockets appear to be operating in the train stations, and on trains, trams, and buses in major cities. A number of thefts have occurred on the overnight trains, including thefts from passengers in closed compartments. In Warsaw, car thefts and break-ins, street crime, and residential burglaries are increasingly prevalent. There have also been incidents of harassment and threats of violence directed against African-Americans by so-called "skinheads" in several Polish cities.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. It provides information on travel to the region and protecting personal security while traveling abroad.Currency Information: Polish law prohibits the import or export of Polish currency (zlotys). Upon entry into Poland visitors must declare in writing all money and valuable items they are bringing in. The declaration form should be stamped by Polish customs and retained by the traveler for presentation on departure. Undeclared cash may be confiscated upon departure if the customs declaration is unavailable. Throughout Poland, particularly outside Warsaw, it is difficult to cash traveler's checks or obtain cash advances on credit cards.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.Registration: U.S. citizens planning to be in Poland for longer than a brief visit are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy or the nearest U.S. consulate after arriving in Poland. All offices maintain updated information on travel and security within Poland and the region.Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw is located at Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31. The consular entrance is located around the corner at Ulica, Piekna 12, tel. (48) (2) 628-3041; fax 625-0289. There are also U.S. Consulates in Krakow, at Ulica Stolarska 9, tel. (48) (12) 221-400; fax 218-292; and in Poznan, at Ulica Chopina 4, tel.: (48) (61) 551-088; fax 530-053. No. 95-036This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 28, 1994, to update information on crime in Poland and to reflect new telephone numbers for the U.S. Consulate in Krakow.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pitcairn Islands HeaderAffiliation: (dependent territory of the UK) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pitcairn Islands GeographyLocation: Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Peru to New ZealandMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 47 sq km land area: 47 sq km comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 51 kmMaritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical, hot, humid, modified by southeast trade winds; rainy season (November to March)Terrain: rugged volcanic formation; rocky coastline with cliffsNatural resources: miro trees (used for handicrafts), fishLand use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: deforestation (only a small portion of the original forest remains because of burning and clearing for settlement) natural hazards: typhoons (especially November to March) international agreements: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pitcairn Islands PeoplePopulation: 73 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NAPopulation growth rate: 2.8% (1995 est.)Birth rate: NA births/1,000 populationDeath rate: NA deaths/1,000 populationNet migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 populationInfant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live birthsLife expectancy at birth: total population: NA years male: NA years female: NA yearsTotal fertility rate: NA children born/womanNationality: noun: Pitcairn Islander(s) adjective: Pitcairn IslanderEthnic divisions: descendants of the Bounty mutineersReligions: Seventh-Day Adventist 100%Languages: English (official), Tahitian/English dialectLabor force: NA by occupation: no business community in the usual sense; some public works; subsistence farming and fishing THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pitcairn Islands GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno Islands conventional short form: Pitcairn IslandsDigraph: PCType: dependent territory of the UKCapital: AdamstownAdministrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK)Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK)National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday in June)Constitution: Local Government Ordinance of 1964Legal system: local island by-lawsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universal with three years residencyExecutive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by UK High Commissioner to New Zealand and Governor (non-resident) of the Pitcairn Islands Robert John ALSTON (since NA); Commissioner (non-resident) G.D. HARRAWAY (since NA; is the liaison person between the governor and the Island Council) head of government: Island Magistrate and Chairman of the Island Council Jay WARREN (since NA)Legislative branch: unicameral Island Council: elections take place each December; last held NA December 1994 (next to be held NA December 1995); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (11 total, 5 elected) all independentsJudicial branch: Island CourtPolitical parties and leaders: noneOther political or pressure groups: NAMember of: SPCDiplomatic representation in US: none (dependent territory of the UK)US diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK)Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Pitcairn Islander coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms is yellow, green, and light blue with a shield featuring a yellow anchor THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pitcairn Islands EconomyOverview: The inhabitants exist on fishing and subsistence farming. The fertile soil of the valleys produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including citrus, sugarcane, watermelons, bananas, yams, and beans. Bartering is an important part of the economy. The major sources of revenue are the sale of postage stamps to collectors and the sale of handicrafts to passing ships.National product: GDP $NANational product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $NAInflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $430,000 expenditures: $429,000, including capital expenditures of $NA (1987 est.)Exports: $NA commodities: fruits, vegetables, curios partners: NAImports: $NA commodities: fuel oil, machinery, building materials, flour, sugar, other foodstuffs partners: NAExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 110 kW production: 300,000 kWh consumption per capita: 5,360 kWh (1990)Industries: postage stamps, handicraftsAgriculture: based on subsistence fishing and farming; wide variety of fruits and vegetables; must import grain productsEconomic aid: recipient: ODA bilateral commitments (1992-93), $84,000Currency: 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 centsExchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.5601 (January 1995), 1.6844 (1994), 1.8495 (1993), 1.8584 (1992), 1.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pitcairn Islands TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 6.4 km unpaved: earth 6.4 kmPorts: Bounty BayMerchant marine: noneAirports: none THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pitcairn Islands CommunicationsTelephone system: 24 telephones; party line telephone service on the island local: NA intercity: NA international: NARadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 0 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pitcairn Islands Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of the UK</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Philippines GeographyLocation: Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of VietnamMap references: Southeast AsiaArea: total area: 300,000 sq km land area: 298,170 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than ArizonaLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 36,289 kmMaritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines continental shelf: to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100 nm from coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has also claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea up to 285 nm in breadthInternational disputes: involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; claims Malaysian state of SabahClimate: tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October)Terrain: mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlandsNatural resources: timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copperLand use: arable land: 26% permanent crops: 11% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 40% other: 19%Irrigated land: 16,200 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: uncontrolled deforestation in watershed areas; soil erosion; air and water pollution in Manila; increasing pollution of coastal mangrove swamps which are important fish breeding grounds natural hazards: astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck by five to six cyclonic storms per year; landslides, active volcanoes, destructive earthquakes, tsunamis THE WORLD FACTBOOK Philippines Geography international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands THE WORLD FACTBOOK Philippines PeoplePopulation: 73,265,584 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 38% (female 13,841,552; male 14,214,234) 15-64 years: 58% (female 21,603,818; male 20,923,307) 65 years and over: 4% (female 1,425,706; male 1,256,967) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.23% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 30.42 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.97 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -1.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 49.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 65.65 years male: 63.16 years female: 68.25 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 3.81 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Filipino(s) adjective: PhilippineEthnic divisions: Christian Malay 91.5%, Muslim Malay 4%, Chinese 1.5%, other 3%Religions: Roman Catholic 83%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist and other 3%Languages: Pilipino (official; based on Tagalog), English (official)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 94% male: 94% female: 93%Labor force: 24.12 million by occupation: agriculture 46%, industry and commerce 16%, services 18.5%, government 10%, other 9.5% (1989) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Philippines GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of the Philippines conventional short form: Philippines local long form: Republika ng Pilipinas local short form: PilipinasDigraph: RPType: republicCapital: ManilaAdministrative divisions: 72 provinces and 61 chartered cities*; Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay, Angeles*, Antique, Aurora, Bacolod*, Bago*, Baguio*, Bais*, Basilan, Basilan City*, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas, Batangas City*, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Butuan*, Cabanatuan*, Cadiz*, Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro*, Calbayog*, Caloocan*, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Canlaon*, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cavite City*, Cebu, Cebu City*, Cotabato*, Dagupan*, Danao*, Dapitan*, Davao City* Davao, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Dipolog*, Dumaguete*, Eastern Samar, General Santos*, Gingoog*, Ifugao, Iligan*, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Iloilo City*, Iriga*, Isabela, Kalinga-Apayao, La Carlota*, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Laoag*, Lapu-Lapu*, La Union, Legaspi*, Leyte, Lipa*, Lucena*, Maguindanao, Mandaue*, Manila*, Marawi*, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain, Naga*, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato, Northern Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Olongapo*, Ormoc*, Oroquieta*, Ozamis*, Pagadian*, Palawan, Palayan*, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Pasay*, Puerto Princesa*, Quezon, Quezon City*, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon, Roxas*, Samar, San Carlos* (in Negros Occidental), San Carlos* (in Pangasinan), San Jose*, San Pablo*, Silay*, Siquijor, Sorsogon, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao*, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacloban*, Tagaytay*, Tagbilaran*, Tangub*, Tarlac, Tawitawi, Toledo*, Trece Martires*, Zambales, Zamboanga*, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del SurIndependence: 4 July 1946 (from US)National holiday: Independence Day, 12 June (1898) (from Spain)Constitution: 2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987Legal system: based on Spanish and Anglo-American law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 15 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Fidel Valdes RAMOS (since 30 June 1992); Vice President Joseph Ejercito ESTRADA (since 30 June 1992); election last held 11 May 1992 (next to be held NA May 1998); results - Fidel Valdes RAMOS won 23.6% of the vote, a narrow plurality cabinet: Executive Secretary; appointed by the president with the consent of the Commission of Appointments THE WORLD FACTBOOK Philippines GovernmentLegislative branch: bicameral Congress (Kongreso) Senate (Senado): elections last held 11 May 1992 (next to be held NA May 1995); results - LDP 66%, NPC 20%, Lakas/NUCD 8%, Liberal 6%; seats - (24 total) LDP 15, NPC 5, Lakas/NUCD 2, Liberal 1, independent 1 House of Representatives (Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan): elections last held 11 May 1992 (next to be held NA May 1995); results - LDP 43.5%; Lakas/NUCD 25%, NPC 23.5%, Liberal 5%, KBL 3%; seats - (200 total) LDP 87, NPC 45, Lakas/NUCD 41, Liberal 15, NP 6, KBL 3, independents 3Judicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: Democratic Filipino Struggle (Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipinas, LDP), Edgardo ESPIRITU; People Power-National Union of Christian Democrats (Lakas ng Edsa, NUCD and Partido Lakas Tao, Lakas/NUCD); Fidel V. RAMOS, President of the Republic, Raul MANGLAPUS, Jose DE VENECIA, secretary general; Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), Eduardo COJUANGCO; Liberal Party, Jovito SALONGA; People's Reform Party (PRP), Miriam DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO; New Society Movement (Kilusan Bagong Lipunan; KBL), Imelda MARCOS; Nacionalista Party (NP), Salvador H. LAUREL, presidentMember of: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Raul Chaves RABE chancery: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 467-9300 FAX: [1] (202) 328-7614 consulate(s) general: Agana (Guam), Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle consulate(s): San Diego and San Jose (Saipan)US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador John D. NEGROPONTE embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita Manila 1000 mailing address: APO AP 96440 telephone: [63] (2) 521-71-16 FAX: [63] (2) 522-43-61 consulate(s): CebuFlag: two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a white equilateral triangle based on the hoist side; in the center of the triangle is a yellow sun with eight primary rays (each containing three individual rays) and in each corner of the triangle is a small yellow five-pointed star THE WORLD FACTBOOK Philippines EconomyOverview: Domestic output in this primarily agricultural economy failed to grow in 1992 and rose only slightly in 1993. Drought and power supply problems hampered production, while inadequate revenues prevented government pump priming. Worker remittances helped to supplement GDP. A marked increase in capital goods imports, particularly power generating equipment, telecommunications equipment, and electronic data processors, contributed to 20% annual import growth in 1992-94. Provided the government can cope with the substantial trade deficit and meet the fiscal targets agreed to with the IMF, the Philippines should duplicate the strong growth performance of 1994 in 1995-96.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $161.4 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 4.3% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $2,310 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.1% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 9% (1994)Budget: revenues: $14 billion expenditures: $15.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY94/95 est.)Exports: $13.4 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: electronics, textiles, coconut products, copper, fish partners: US 39%, Japan 16%, Germany 5%, Hong Kong 5%, UK 4% (1993)Imports: $21.3 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: raw materials 40%, capital goods 25%, petroleum products 10% partners: Japan 23%, US 20%, Taiwan 6%, Singapore 5%, South Korea 5% (1993)External debt: $40 billion (1994 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 1.4% (1993); accounts for 28% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 6,770,000 kW production: 20.4 billion kWh consumption per capita: 278 kWh (1993)Industries: textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, electronics assembly, petroleum refining, fishingAgriculture: accounts for 22% of GDP and about 45% of labor force; major crops - rice, coconuts, corn, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples, mangos; animal products - pork, eggs, beef; net exporter of farm products; fish catch of 2 million metric tons annually THE WORLD FACTBOOK Philippines EconomyIllicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; growers are producing more and better quality cannabis despite government eradication efforts; transit point for Southwest Asian heroin bound for the USEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.6 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $7.9 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $5 million; Communist countries (1975-89), $123 millionCurrency: 1 Philippine peso (P) = 100 centavosExchange rates: Philippine pesos (P) per US$1 - 24.622 (January 1995), 26.417 (1994), 22.120 (1993), 25.512 (1992), 27.479 (1991), 24.311 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Philippines TransportationRailroads: total: 800 km (est.); note - including about 390 km in Luzon narrow gauge: 800 km 1.067-m gaugeHighways: total: 160,700 km paved: 29,000 km unpaved: 131,700 kmInland waterways: 3,219 km; limited to shallow-draft (less than 1.5 m) vesselsPipelines: petroleum products 357 kmPorts: Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Guimaras, Iligan, Iloilo, Jolo, Legaspi, Manila, Masao, Puerto Princesa, San Fernando, Subic Bay, ZamboangaMerchant marine: total: 552 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 8,748,083 GRT/14,373,730 DWT ships by type: bulk 237, cargo 134, chemical tanker 4, combination bulk 10, combination ore/oil 1, container 10, liquefied gas tanker 6, livestock carrier 9, oil tanker 46, passenger 1, passenger-cargo 11, refrigerated cargo 24, roll-on/roll-off cargo 13, short-sea passenger 17, vehicle carrier 29 note: a flag of convenience registry; Japan owns 13 ships, Norway 2, Switzerland 1, Taiwan 1, and South Korea 1Airports: total: 269 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 24 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 32 with paved runways under 914 m: 133 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 4 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 67 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Philippines CommunicationsTelephone system: 872,900 telephones; good international radio and submarine cable services; domestic and interisland service adequate local: NA intercity: 11 domestic satellite links international: submarine cables extended to Hong Kong, Guam, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan; 3 INTELSAT (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Pacific Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 267 (including 6 US), FM 55, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 33 (including 4 US) televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Philippines Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy (includes Coast Guard and Marine Corps), Air ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 18,238,568; males fit for military service 12,876,771; males reach military age (20) annually 752,622 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $731 million, 1.4% of GNP (1992)</text>
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<text>PHILIPPINES - Passport and onward/return ticket required. For entry byManila International Airport, visa not required for transit/touriststay up to 21 days. Visa required for longer stay, maximum of 59 days, 1application form, 1 photo, no charge. Company letter needed forbusiness visa. AIDS test required for permanent residency; U.S. test accepted. For more information contact the Embassy of the Philippines, 1600 Mass.Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/467-9300) or nearest ConsulateGeneral: CA (213/387-5321 and 415/433-6666), HI (808/595-6316), IL(312/332-6458), NY (212/764-1330), TX (713/621-8609) or WA (206/441-1640).Philippines - Consular Information SheetAugust 12, 1994Country Description: The Philippines is a developing democratic republic.Tourist facilities are available within the population centers and maintourist sites.Entry Requirements: Passports and onward/return tickets are required forentry through the international airports in Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Laoag.A visa is not required of U.S. citizens transit or for tourist visits of upto 21 days. Current information concerning specific requirements isavailable through the Embassy of the Philippines, 1600 Massachusetts Avenue,N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone: (202) 467-9300, or Philippineconsulates general in Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, or SanFrancisco.Security Concerns: The government of the Philippines is engaged innegotiations with communist, Muslim, and military rebels, and the securitysituation has improved in most areas of the country in recent years.Nevertheless, rebel presence and/or activity in certain areas of thePhilippines pose potential or real security concerns. Most likely to be atrisk are U.S. government employees, missionaries, military personnel, andresident Americans associated with organizations identified with the UnitedStates. In Northern Luzon, the presence of New People's Army (NPA)guerrillas and armed bandits makes travel in the provinces of Abra, Aurora,Cagayan, Isabela, Kalinga-Apayao and Mountain Province (including Sagada andBontoc) potentially dangerous. NPA units are also active in Southern Luzon,and travel is potentially dangerous in Quezon Province and the Bicol region,except Catanduanes.In the Visayas regions, there are small numbers of NPA rebels sporadicallyactive in the interior areas of Panay, Negros, and Samar Islands, makingtravel to these areas potentially dangerous.In the Mindanao Region, continuing crime and insurgency problems make travelto and within the autonomous regions of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), BasilanIsland, Zamboanga City, and Cotabato City dangerous. (The ARMM consists ofthe provinces of Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Maguindanao, and Lanao del Sur.) In June1994, government troops launched a military offensive against the Muslimfundamentalist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the Philippines' remote,southernmost province, Sulu Province. In retaliation, fifteen FilipinoChristians were abducted and murdered by ASG sympathizers in Basilan.Subsequently, Christians in Basilan waylaid a jeepney, killing severalMuslims. The ASG has also been implicated in bombings in Davao City inDecember 1993 and General Santos City in 1993 and 1994.There were several kidnappings of foreigners in Sulu and Basilan in 1992 and1993, and credible threats continue. While all those foreigners kidnappedeventually escaped or were released, travelers should be aware of the dangerand take appropriate precautions. Although Filipino Christians and Muslimshave been the primary victims of this cycle of violence, American citizens -especially religious workers - resident in all the areas of Mindanao notedabove are at increased risk. Communist NPA guerrillas continue to bepresent and sporadically active in the provinces of Agusan del Sur andSurigao del Sur, and in the border areas of the provinces of Davao del Norteand Davao del Sur, making travel to these areas potentially dangerous.Americans who anticipate travel to the above regions should obtain current,detailed information from the U.S. Embassy in Manila or the Consulate in Cebu.Volcanic Eruptions: The June 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo deposited largeamounts of volcanic ash in a wide area around the volcano (located sixtymiles northwest of Manila). The principal danger now comes from "lahars",or mudflows, which can inundate low-lying areas and wash away bridges.These conditions will persist for several years, especially during the rainyseason (May to November).Medical Facilities: Adequate medical care is available in major cities, butis limited in rural and more remote areas. Doctors and hospitals oftenexpect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medicalinsurance is not always valid outside the United States. TheMedicare/Medicaid program does not provide payment of medical servicesoutside the United States. In some cases, supplemental overseas medicalinsurance, including coverage for medical evacuation, has proven useful.The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control at(404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: Crime is of serious concern in the Philippines.Homicides, kidnapping, other crimes of violence, confidence games,pickpocketing and credit card fraud are common. Foreign tourists are oftenvictims of petty crimes. Travel by public conveyance as well as privatevehicle may be risky; travel off the national highways and paved roads,especially at night, is particularly dangerous. Lost or stolen U.S.passports should be reported immediately to local police and to the U.S.Embassy in Manila or to the Consulate in Cebu. Useful information onsafeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while travelingabroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe TripAbroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices ofthe country in which they travel. In the Philippines, penalties forpossession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convictedoffenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Capital punishment can beapplied in cases of heinous crimes.Registration: U.S. citizens living in or visiting the Philippines canregister with the U.S. Embassy in Manila or the U.S. Consulate in Cebu andobtain updated information on travel and security in the Philippines.Information for Americans contemplating road travel within the Philippinesis also available at the Embassy or Consulate. A recorded message of theEmbassy's latest travel information may be heard by telephoning (63-2) 521-9261.Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Manila is located at1201 Roxas Boulevard, telephone: (63-2) 521-7116. The U.S. Consulate islocated in Cebu on the 3rd Floor, PCI Bank, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug,telephone: (63-32) 311-261.No. 94-159This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 14, 1994. Itprovides updated information concerning continuing threats to security inMindanao, mentions capital punishment as applicable for heinous crimes,provides updated information concerning supplemental medical evacuationcoverage, and provides the current address and telephone number of theEmbassy of the Philippines in Washington, D.C. Information concerning the1993 eruption of Mt. Mayon has been deleted.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Peru GeographyLocation: Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Chile and EcuadorMap references: South AmericaArea: total area: 1,285,220 sq km land area: 1.28 million sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than AlaskaLand boundaries: total 6,940 km, Bolivia 900 km, Brazil 1,560 km, Chile 160 km, Colombia 2,900 km, Ecuador 1,420 kmCoastline: 2,414 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: 200 nm territorial sea: 200 nmInternational disputes: three sections of the boundary with Ecuador are in disputeClimate: varies from tropical in east to dry desert in westTerrain: western coastal plain (costa), high and rugged Andes in center (sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva)Natural resources: copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal, phosphate, potashLand use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 21% forest and woodland: 55% other: 21%Irrigated land: 12,500 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: deforestation; overgrazing of the slopes of the costa and sierra leading to soil erosion; desertification; air pollution in Lima; pollution of rivers and coastal waters from municipal and mining wastes natural hazards: earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, mild volcanic activity international agreements: party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Tropical Timber 94 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Peru GeographyNote: shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake, with Bolivia THE WORLD FACTBOOK Peru PeoplePopulation: 24,087,372 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 35% (female 4,152,520; male 4,296,293) 15-64 years: 61% (female 7,280,287; male 7,378,227) 65 years and over: 4% (female 535,156; male 444,889) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.8% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 24.88 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.84 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 52.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 66.07 years male: 63.86 years female: 68.38 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 3 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Peruvian(s) adjective: PeruvianEthnic divisions: Indian 45%, mestizo (mixed Indian and European ancestry) 37%, white 15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%Religions: Roman CatholicLanguages: Spanish (official), Quechua (official), AymaraLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 82% male: 92% female: 74%Labor force: 8 million (1992) by occupation: government and other services 44%, agriculture 37%, industry 19% (1988 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Peru GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Peru conventional short form: Peru local long form: Republica del Peru local short form: PeruDigraph: PEType: republicCapital: LimaAdministrative divisions: 24 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 constitutional province* (provincia constitucional); Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Callao*, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali note: the 1979 Constitution mandated the creation of regions (regiones, singular - region) to function eventually as autonomous economic and administrative entities; so far, 12 regions have been constituted from 23 of the 24 departments - Amazonas (from Loreto), Andres Avelino Caceres (from Huanuco, Pasco, Junin), Arequipa (from Arequipa), Chavin (from Ancash), Grau (from Tumbes, Piura), Inca (from Cusco, Madre de Dios, Apurimac), La Libertad (from La Libertad), Los Libertadores-Huari (from Ica, Ayacucho, Huancavelica), Mariategui (from Moquegua, Tacna, Puno), Nor Oriental del Maranon (from Lambayeque, Cajamarca, Amazonas), San Martin (from San Martin), Ucayali (from Ucayali); formation of another region has been delayed by the reluctance of the constitutional province of Callao to merge with the department of Lima; because of inadequate funding from the central government and organizational and political difficulties, the regions have yet to assume major responsibilities; the 1993 Constitution retains the regions but limits their authority; the 1993 Constitution also reaffirms the roles of departmental and municipal governments.Independence: 28 July 1821 (from Spain)National holiday: Independence Day, 28 July (1821)Constitution: 31 December 1993Legal system: based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Alberto Kenyo FUJIMORI Fujimori (since 28 July 1990); election last held 9 April 1995 (next to be held NA 2000); results - Alberto FUJIMORI 64.42%, Javier PEREZ de CUELLAR 21.80%, Mercedes CABANILLAS 4.11%, other 9.67% cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president note: Prime Minister Efrain GOLDENBERG Schreiber (since NA February 1994) does not exercise executive power; this power is in the hands of the president THE WORLD FACTBOOK Peru GovernmentLegislative branch: unicameral Congress: elections last held 9 April 1995 (next to be held NA 2000); results - C90/NM 52.1% of the total vote, UPP 14%, eleven other parties 33.9%; seats - (120 total, when installed on 28 July 1995) C90/NM 67, UPP 17, APRA 8, FIM 6, (CODE)-Pais Posible 5, AP 4, PPC 3, Renovacion 3, IU 2, OBRAS 2, MIA 1, FRENATRACA 1, (FREPAP) 1Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia)Political parties and leaders: Change 90-New Majority (C90/NM), Alberto FUJIMORI; Union for Peru (UPP), Javier PEREZ de CUELLAR; American Popular Revolutionary Alliance (APRA), Agustin MANTILLA Campos; Independent Moralizing Front (FIM), Fernando OLIVERA Vega; Democratic Coordinator (CODE) - Pais Posible, Jose BARBA Caballero and Alejandro TOLEDO; Popular Action Party (AP), Raul DIEZ CANSECO; Popular Christian Party (PPC), Luis BEDOYA Reyes; Renovacion, Rafael REY Rey; Civic Works Movement (OBRAS), Ricardo BELMONT; United Left (IU), Agustin HAYA de la TORRE; Independent Agrarian Movement (MIA), Rolando SALVATERRIE; Peru 2000-National Front of Workers and Peasants (FRENATRACA), Roger CACARES; Popular Agricultural Front (FREPAP), Ezequiel ATAUCUSIOther political or pressure groups: leftist guerrilla groups include Shining Path, Abimael GUZMAN Reynoso (imprisoned); Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement, Nestor SERPA and Victor POLAY (imprisoned)Member of: AG, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES, LAIA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG (suspended), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ricardo V. LUNA Mendoza chancery: 1700 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 833-9860 through 9869 FAX: [1] (202) 659-8124 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paterson (New Jersey), and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Alvin P. ADAMS, Jr. embassy: corner of Avenida Inca Garcilaso de la Vega and Avenida Espana, Lima mailing address: P. O. Box 1995, Lima 1; American Embassy (Lima), APO AA 34031 telephone: [51] (14) 338000 FAX: [51] (14) 316682Flag: three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), white, and red with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a shield bearing a llama, cinchona tree (the source of quinine), and a yellow cornucopia spilling out gold coins, all framed by a green wreath THE WORLD FACTBOOK Peru EconomyOverview: The Peruvian economy has become increasingly market-oriented, with major privatizations completed in 1994 in the mining and telecommunications industries. In the 1980s the economy suffered from hyperinflation, declining per capita output, and mounting external debt. Peru was shut off from IMF and World Bank support in the mid-1980s because of its huge debt arrears. An austerity program implemented shortly after the FUJIMORI government took office in July 1990 contributed to a third consecutive yearly contraction of economic activity, but the slide came to a halt late that year, and in 1991 output rose 2.4%. After a burst of inflation as the austerity program eliminated government price subsidies, monthly price increases eased to the single-digit level and by December 1991 dropped to the lowest increase since mid-1987. Lima obtained a financial rescue package from multilateral lenders in September 1991, although it faced $14 billion in arrears on its external debt. By working with the IMF and World Bank on new financial conditions and arrangements, the government succeeded in ending its arrears by March 1993. In 1992, GDP had fallen by 2.8%, in part because a warmer-than-usual El Nino current resulted in a 30% drop in the fish catch, but the economy rebounded as strong foreign investment helped push growth to 6% in 1993 and 8.6% in 1994.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $73.6 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 8.6% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $3,110 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 15%; extensive underemployment (1992 est.)Budget: revenues: $2 billion expenditures: $1.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $300 million (1992 est.)Exports: $4.1 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: copper, zinc, fishmeal, crude petroleum and byproducts, lead, refined silver, coffee, cotton partners: US 19%, Japan 9%, Italy, GermanyImports: $5.1 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery, transport equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum, iron and steel, chemicals, pharmaceuticals partners: US 21%, Colombia, Argentina, Japan, Germany, BrazilExternal debt: $22.4 billion (1994 est.)Industrial production: NAElectricity: capacity: 4,190,000 kW production: 11.2 billion kWh THE WORLD FACTBOOK Peru Economy consumption per capita: 448 kWh (1993)Industries: mining of metals, petroleum, fishing, textiles, clothing, food processing, cement, auto assembly, steel, shipbuilding, metal fabricationAgriculture: accounts for 12% of GDP, about 35% of labor force; commercial crops - coffee, cotton, sugarcane; other crops - rice, wheat, potatoes, plantains, coca; animal products - poultry, red meats, dairy, wool; not self-sufficient in grain or vegetable oil; fish catch of 6.9 million metric tons (1990)Illicit drugs: world's largest coca leaf producer with about 108,600 hectares under cultivation in 1994; source of supply for most of the world's coca paste and cocaine base; at least 85% of coca cultivation is for illicit production; most of cocaine base is shipped to Colombian drug dealers for processing into cocaine for the international drug market, but exports of finished cocaine are increasingEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.7 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.3 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $577 millionCurrency: 1 nuevo sol (S/.) = 100 centimosExchange rates: nuevo sol (S/.) per US$1 - 2.20 (February 1995), 2.195 (1994),1.988 (1993), 1.245 (1992), 0.772 (1991), 0.187 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Peru TransportationRailroads: total: 1,801 km standard gauge: 1,501 km 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 300 km 0.914-m gaugeHighways: total: 69,942 km paved: 7,459 km unpaved: improved earth 13,538 km; unimproved earth 48,945 kmInland waterways: 8,600 km of navigable tributaries of Amazon system and 208 km of Lago TiticacaPipelines: crude oil 800 km; natural gas and natural gas liquids 64 kmPorts: Callao, Chimbote, Ilo, Iquitos, Matarani, Paita, Pucallpa, Salaverry, San Martin, Talara, Yurimaguas note: Iquitos, Pucallpa, and Yurimaguas are all on the upper reaches of the Amazon and its tributariesMerchant marine: total: 10 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 90,501 GRT/144,913 DWT ships by type: bulk 3, cargo 6, refrigerated cargo 1 note: in addition, 4 naval tankers and 1 naval cargo are sometimes used commerciallyAirports: total: 236 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 6 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 16 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 5 with paved runways under 914 m: 97 with unpaved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 21 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 77 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Peru CommunicationsTelephone system: 544,000 telephones; fairly adequate for most requirements local: NA intercity: nationwide microwave radio relay system and 12 domestic satellite links international: 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 273, FM 0, shortwave 144 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 140 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Peru Defense ForcesBranches: Army (Ejercito Peruano), Navy (Marina de Guerra del Peru), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea del Peru), National PoliceManpower availability: males age 15-49 6,369,157; males fit for military service 4,300,772; males reach military age (20) annually 251,798 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $810 million, about 2.7% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>PERU - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist stay up to 90days, extendable after arrival. Tourists may need onward/returnticket. For official/diplomatic passport and other travel, visa required andmust be obtained in advance. Business visa requires company letter statingpurpose of trip and $27 fee. For further information contact Embassyof Peru, 1700 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/833-9860-9) ornearest Consulate: CA (213/383-9896 and 415/362-5185), FL (305/374-1407), IL (312/853-6173), NY (212/644-2850), PR (809/763-0679) or TX(713/781-5000).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Peru============================================================Peru - Consular Information Sheet July 28, 1995Country Description: Peru is a developing country with significant tourist and commercial activity. The quality of tourist facilities varies depending on cost and location.Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens must have a valid passport but do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Visitors for other purposes must obtain a visa. Further information regarding entry requirements is available from the Embassy of Peru, 1700 Massachusetts avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20036, tel. (202) 833-9860, and Peruvian consular offices in California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Puerto Rico, and Texas.Medical Facilities: Medical care is adequate in major cities but is generally less so elsewhere. Local health care providers do not accept U.S. health insurance coverage and require cash payment for medical services. Medicare/Medicaid do not pay for medical services outside the United States. For information regarding health conditions and precautions, contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Terrorist Activity: Peruvian government action has greatly reduced the effectiveness of the two active terrorist groups, Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) and MRTA (Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement). Terrorist attacks have not been directed against traditional tourist destinations. Terrorists do, however, continue to attempt sporadic attacks against institutional targets including government offices, embassies and major commercial interests. Miraflores and other affluent suburbs of Lima have been the site of serious bombings. In May 1995, after an interval of several months without a major bombing in Miraflores, a powerful car bomb was detonated in front of a hotel killing four persons and injuring several others. U.S. visitors to Peru are advised of the potential risk of collateral damage from terrorist bomb attacks.The U.S. Embassy restricts official travel of government employees to several areas because guerrilla groups and narcotics traffickers there still resort to violence, usually against local security forces and civilians. Overland travel in or near these areas, particularly at night, is risky. Private U.S. citizens may wish to take the following U.S. Embassy employee-restricted travel areas into consideration when making their travel plans: -Ancash: Provinces of Pallasca, Corongo, and Sihuas only -Apurimac: All areas except Abancay city -Ayacucho: Huanta province (except Huanta city) and Lamar Province only -Cajamarca: Provinces of Cajabamba, Celendin, Jaen, and San Ignacio -Cuzco: Area north of Quillabamba -Huancavelica: All -Huanuco: All areas except Tingo Maria by air -Junin: Province of Satipo -La Libertad: Bolivar, Sanchez Carrion, Santiago de Chuco and Otuzco Provinces -Pasco: Province of Oxapampa -Piura: Province of Huancabamba -Puno: Sandia and Azangaro provinces -San Martin: All rural areas. Travel by air is permitted to the cities of Tarapoto, Juanji, Lamas, Saposoa, Rioja and Moyobamba -Ucayali: Padre Abad and Coronel Portillo ProvincesThis list is under constant review. For updated information regarding U.S. Embassy-designated restricted travel areas, contact the U.S. Embassy in Lima. (Note: these "restricted travel areas" do not in all cases correspond to existing Peruvian government-designated "emergency zones" which still encompass nearly half of the country, including metropolitan Lima. Certain constitutional rights are suspended in these "emergency zones, giving security forces extraordinary powers to detain and question individuals.)Peru-Ecuador Border: Due to recent hostilities, there is a continuing military presence in the border area. Border crossings may be restricted. It is important that travelers obey the instructions of authorities.Crime Information: Peru is relatively safe for the group tourist who takes appropriate precautions and does not stray from the confines of organized tour packages. The risk of street crime in downtown Lima is high. Nonviolent street crime such as petty theft also occurs in most other urban areas.Violent crimes include assault and armed robbery. Resistance to violent crime usually provokes greater violence. Travel in groups and with experienced guides is safer. Walking alone, especially late at night or early in the morning, can be dangerous.It is important that trail hikers register at Ministry of Tourism trail checkpoints and register admission to national parks. It is also essential for visitors to the remote Aguaruna/Huambisa tribal area (where two U.S. citizens were attacked, one of whom was killed in January 1995) to obtain permission to visit from the tribal council, and to not visit villages without advance permission. Visitors to Peru should immediately report any criminal activity against them to the nearest police station or tourism police office and to the U.S. Embassy in Lima or the consular agent in Cuzco. Immediate action often results in detaining the thieves and recovering stolen property. Tourism police in Cuzco have upgraded and expanded coverage of areas frequented by visitors.The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." This publication, as well as others such as, "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America," are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties in Peru for possession, use, and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Prison conditions are poor.Other Information: Updated information on Peruvian adoption procedures and the U.S. immigrant visa application process is available from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy, as well as from the Office of Children's Issues, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, tel. (202) 647-2688.Civil marriage in Peru of U.S.-citizen non-residents to Peruvians is difficult, if not impossible. Non-residents are required to present a "Certificado de Solteria" (Certificate of Marriageability). The U.S. Embassy does not issue such documents. The U.S. Embassy also does not authenticate U.S. civil documents for local use. U.S. citizens may wish to have a Peruvian consular official in the U.S. authenticate relevant U.S. civil documents before traveling to Peru.Civil Aviation Oversight: In February 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration assessed Peru's civil aviation authority as in compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards for Peruvian carriers operating to and from the United States. The same level of safety oversight would typically be applied to operations to other destinations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.Registration/Embassy and Consular Agency Locations: U.S. citizens may register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Lima, and may also obtain updated information on travel and security within Peru. The U.S. Embassy in Lima is located at Avenida de la Encalada (no number), Monterrico, Lima, tel. (51-1) 221-1202. The Consular Agency in Cuzco is located at Avenida Tullumayo 125, tel. (51-84) 23-3541. No. 95-085This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Peru dated September 2, 1994, to remove the Travel Warning, provide updated crime and security information, add information on civil marriage, and provide the new U.S. Embassy address and phone number.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Peru============================================================Peru - Public Announcement July 21, 1995 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman For Immediate ReleaseThe United States Embassy in Lima, Peru, warns that the Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso) may increase terrorist activities from now through the remainder of July in conjunction with Peruvian Independence Day and the inauguration of President Alberto Fujimori on July 28. U.S. citizens in Peru are encouraged to exercise caution during this period and to avoid Peruvian government installations, diplomatic missions and high-density commercial areas, particularly after dark.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories-----STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Peru============================================================Peru - Consular Information Sheet July 28, 1995Country Description: Peru is a developing country with significant tourist and commercial activity. The quality of tourist facilities varies depending on cost and location.Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens must have a valid passport but do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days. Visitors for other purposes must obtain a visa. Further information regarding entry requirements is available from the Embassy of Peru, 1700 Massachusetts avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20036, tel. (202) 833-9860, and Peruvian consular offices in California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Puerto Rico, and Texas.Medical Facilities: Medical care is adequate in major cities but is generally less so elsewhere. Local health care providers do not accept U.S. health insurance coverage and require cash payment for medical services. Medicare/Medicaid do not pay for medical services outside the United States. For information regarding health conditions and precautions, contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Terrorist Activity: Peruvian government action has greatly reduced the effectiveness of the two active terrorist groups, Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) and MRTA (Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement). Terrorist attacks have not been directed against traditional tourist destinations. Terrorists do, however, continue to attempt sporadic attacks against institutional targets including government offices, embassies and major commercial interests. Miraflores and other affluent suburbs of Lima have been the site of serious bombings. In May 1995, after an interval of several months without a major bombing in Miraflores, a powerful car bomb was detonated in front of a hotel killing four persons and injuring several others. U.S. visitors to Peru are advised of the potential risk of collateral damage from terrorist bomb attacks.The U.S. Embassy restricts official travel of government employees to several areas because guerrilla groups and narcotics traffickers there still resort to violence, usually against local security forces and civilians. Overland travel in or near these areas, particularly at night, is risky. Private U.S. citizens may wish to take the following U.S. Embassy employee-restricted travel areas into consideration when making their travel plans: -Ancash: Provinces of Pallasca, Corongo, and Sihuas only -Apurimac: All areas except Abancay city -Ayacucho: Huanta province (except Huanta city) and Lamar Province only -Cajamarca: Provinces of Cajabamba, Celendin, Jaen, and San Ignacio -Cuzco: Area north of Quillabamba -Huancavelica: All -Huanuco: All areas except Tingo Maria by air -Junin: Province of Satipo -La Libertad: Bolivar, Sanchez Carrion, Santiago de Chuco and Otuzco Provinces -Pasco: Province of Oxapampa -Piura: Province of Huancabamba -Puno: Sandia and Azangaro provinces -San Martin: All rural areas. Travel by air is permitted to the cities of Tarapoto, Juanji, Lamas, Saposoa, Rioja and Moyobamba -Ucayali: Padre Abad and Coronel Portillo ProvincesThis list is under constant review. For updated information regarding U.S. Embassy-designated restricted travel areas, contact the U.S. Embassy in Lima. (Note: these "restricted travel areas" do not in all cases correspond to existing Peruvian government-designated "emergency zones" which still encompass nearly half of the country, including metropolitan Lima. Certain constitutional rights are suspended in these "emergency zones, giving security forces extraordinary powers to detain and question individuals.)Peru-Ecuador Border: Due to recent hostilities, there is a continuing military presence in the border area. Border crossings may be restricted. It is important that travelers obey the instructions of authorities.Crime Information: Peru is relatively safe for the group tourist who takes appropriate precautions and does not stray from the confines of organized tour packages. The risk of street crime in downtown Lima is high. Nonviolent street crime such as petty theft also occurs in most other urban areas.Violent crimes include assault and armed robbery. Resistance to violent crime usually provokes greater violence. Travel in groups and with experienced guides is safer. Walking alone, especially late at night or early in the morning, can be dangerous.It is important that trail hikers register at Ministry of Tourism trail checkpoints and register admission to national parks. It is also essential for visitors to the remote Aguaruna/Huambisa tribal area (where two U.S. citizens were attacked, one of whom was killed in January 1995) to obtain permission to visit from the tribal council, and to not visit villages without advance permission. Visitors to Peru should immediately report any criminal activity against them to the nearest police station or tourism police office and to the U.S. Embassy in Lima or the consular agent in Cuzco. Immediate action often results in detaining the thieves and recovering stolen property. Tourism police in Cuzco have upgraded and expanded coverage of areas frequented by visitors.The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." This publication, as well as others such as, "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America," are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties in Peru for possession, use, and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Prison conditions are poor.Other Information: Updated information on Peruvian adoption procedures and the U.S. immigrant visa application process is available from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy, as well as from the Office of Children's Issues, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, tel. (202) 647-2688.Civil marriage in Peru of U.S.-citizen non-residents to Peruvians is difficult, if not impossible. Non-residents are required to present a "Certificado de Solteria" (Certificate of Marriageability). The U.S. Embassy does not issue such documents. The U.S. Embassy also does not authenticate U.S. civil documents for local use. U.S. citizens may wish to have a Peruvian consular official in the U.S. authenticate relevant U.S. civil documents before traveling to Peru.Civil Aviation Oversight: In February 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration assessed Peru's civil aviation authority as in compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards for Peruvian carriers operating to and from the United States. The same level of safety oversight would typically be applied to operations to other destinations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.Registration/Embassy and Consular Agency Locations: U.S. citizens may register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Lima, and may also obtain updated information on travel and security within Peru. The U.S. Embassy in Lima is located at Avenida de la Encalada (no number), Monterrico, Lima, tel. (51-1) 221-1202. The Consular Agency in Cuzco is located at Avenida Tullumayo 125, tel. (51-84) 23-3541. No. 95-085This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Peru dated September 2, 1994, to remove the Travel Warning, provide updated crime and security information, add information on civil marriage, and provide the new U.S. Embassy address and phone number.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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card_70671.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Paraguay GeographyLocation: Central South America, northeast of ArgentinaMap references: South AmericaArea: total area: 406,750 sq km land area: 397,300 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than CaliforniaLand boundaries: total 3,920 km, Argentina 1,880 km, Bolivia 750 km, Brazil 1,290 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: short section of the boundary with Brazil, just west of Salto del Guaira (Guaira Falls) on the Rio Parana, has not been determinedClimate: varies from temperate in east to semiarid in far westTerrain: grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhereNatural resources: hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestoneLand use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 39% forest and woodland: 35% other: 5%Irrigated land: 670 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: deforestation (an estimated 2 million hectares of forest land have been lost from 1958-1985); water pollution; inadequate means for waste disposal present health risks for many urban residents natural hazards: local flooding in southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June) international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Nuclear Test BanNote: landlocked; buffer between Argentina and Brazil THE WORLD FACTBOOK Paraguay PeoplePopulation: 5,358,198 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 41% (female 1,077,284; male 1,123,776) 15-64 years: 55% (female 1,465,147; male 1,468,642) 65 years and over: 4% (female 120,776; male 102,573) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.71% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 31.48 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 4.38 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 24.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.58 years male: 72.06 years female: 75.18 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 4.22 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Paraguayan(s) adjective: ParaguayanEthnic divisions: mestizo (mixed Spanish and Indian) 95%, Caucasians plus Amerindians 5%Religions: Roman Catholic 90%, Mennonite and other Protestant denominationsLanguages: Spanish (official), GuaraniLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 90% male: 92% female: 88%Labor force: 1.692 million (1993 est.) by occupation: agriculture 45% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Paraguay GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Paraguay conventional short form: Paraguay local long form: Republica del Paraguay local short form: ParaguayDigraph: PAType: republicCapital: AsuncionAdministrative divisions: 19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Boqueron, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Chaco, Concepcion, Cordillera, Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Nueva Asuncion, Paraguari, Presidente Hayes, San PedroIndependence: 14 May 1811 (from Spain)National holiday: Independence Days, 14-15 May (1811)Constitution: promulgated 20 June 1992Legal system: based on Argentine codes, Roman law, and French codes; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court of Justice; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory up to age 60Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Juan Carlos WASMOSY (since 15 August 1993); Vice President Roberto Angel SEIFART (since 15 August 1993); election last held 9 May 1993 (next to be held May 1998); results - Juan Carlos WASMOSY 40.09%, Domingo LAINO 32.06%, Guillermo CABALLERO VARGAS 23.04% cabinet: Council of Ministers; nominated by the presidentLegislative branch: bicameral Congress (Congreso) Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores): elections last held 9 May 1993 (next to be held May 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (45 total) Colorado Party 20, PLRA 17, EN 8 Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados): elections last held on 9 May 1993 (next to be held by May 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (80 total) Colorado Party 38, PLRA 33, EN 9Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia)Political parties and leaders: Colorado Party, Eugenio SANABRIA CANTERO, president; Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA), Domingo LAINO; National Encounter (EN), Guillermo CABALLERO VARGAS (the EN party includes the following minor parties: Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Jose Angel BURRO; Febrerista Revolutionary Party (PRF), Euclides ACEVEDO; Popular Democratic Party (PDP), Hugo RICHER)Other political or pressure groups: Confederation of Workers (CUT); Roman Catholic Church THE WORLD FACTBOOK Paraguay GovernmentMember of: AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA, MERCOSUR, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jorge Genaro Andres PRIETO CONTI chancery: 2400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 483-6960 through 6962 FAX: [1] (202) 234-4508 consulate(s) general: Miami, New Orleans, and New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Robert SERVICE embassy: 1776 Avenida Mariscal Lopez, Asuncion mailing address: C. P. 402, Asuncion; Unit 4711, APO AA 34036-0001 telephone: [595] (21) 213-715 FAX: [595] (21) 213-728Flag: three equal, horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue with an emblem centered in the white band; unusual flag in that the emblem is different on each side; the obverse (hoist side at the left) bears the national coat of arms (a yellow five-pointed star within a green wreath capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles); the reverse (hoist side at the right) bears the seal of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap of Liberty and the words Paz y Justicia (Peace and Justice) capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Paraguay EconomyOverview: Agriculture, including forestry, accounts for about 25% of GDP, employs about 45% of the labor force, and provides the bulk of exports, in which soybeans and cotton are the most important. Paraguay lacks substantial mineral or petroleum resources but possesses a large hydropower potential. In a major step to increase its economic activity in the region, Paraguay in March 1991 joined the Southern Cone Common Market (MERCOSUR), which includes Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. In 1992, the government, through an unorthodox approach, reduced external debt with both commercial and official creditors by purchasing a sizable amount of the delinquent commercial debt in the secondary market at a substantial discount. The government had paid 100% of remaining official debt arrears to the US, Germany, France, and Spain. All commercial debt arrears have been rescheduled. For the long run, the government must press forward with general, market-oriented economic reforms. Growth of 3.5% in 1993 was spurred by higher-than-expected agricultural output and rising international commodity prices. Inflation picked up steam in fourth quarter 1993 because of rises in public sector salaries and utility rates. GDP growth continued in 1994 at 3.5%. Although inflation declined a bit over 1993, increases in food prices, and crop and infrastructure damage from heavy rains at the end of the year, forced inflation to 18%, above the government's target of 15%. Paraguay reaffirmed its commitment to MERCOSUR on 1 January 1995 by implementing the organization's common external tariff.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $15.4 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 3.5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $2,950 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 18% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 11.2% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $1.2 billion expenditures: $1.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $487 million (1992 est.)Exports: $728 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: cotton, soybeans, timber, vegetable oils, meat products, coffee, tung oil partners: EC 37%, Brazil 25%, Argentina 10%, Chile 6%, US 6%Imports: $1.38 billion (c.i.f., 1993 est.) commodities: capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, raw materials, fuels partners: Brazil 30%, EC 20%, US 18%, Argentina 8%, Japan 7%External debt: $1.4 billion (yearend 1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 3.6% (1993 est.); accounts for 20% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 6,530,000 kW production: 26.5 billion kWh (1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Paraguay Economy consumption per capita: NA note: much of the electricity produced in Paraguay is exported to Brazil and domestic consumption cannot be determinedIndustries: meat packing, oilseed crushing, milling, brewing, textiles, other light consumer goods, cement, constructionAgriculture: accounts for 26% of GDP; cash crops - cotton, sugarcane, soybeans; other crops - corn, wheat, tobacco, cassava, fruits, vegetables; animal products - beef, pork, eggs, milk; surplus producer of timber; self-sufficient in most foodsIllicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; important transshipment point for Bolivian cocaine headed for the US and EuropeEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $172 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.1 billionCurrency: 1 guarani (G) = 100 centimosExchange rates: guaranies (G) per US$ - 1,949.6 (January 1995), 1,911.5 (1994), 1,744.3 (1993), 1,500.3 (1992), 1,325.2 (1991), 1,229.8 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Paraguay TransportationRailroads: total: 970 km standard gauge: 440 km 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 60 km 1.000-m gauge other: 470 km various gauges (privately owned)Highways: total: 28,300 km paved: 2,600 km unpaved: gravel 500 km; earth 25,200 kmInland waterways: 3,100 kmPorts: Asuncion, Villeta, San Antonio, EncarnacionMerchant marine: total: 13 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 16,747 GRT/19,513 DWT ships by type: cargo 11, oil tanker 2 note: in addition, 1 naval cargo ship is sometimes used commerciallyAirports: total: 929 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 578 with unpaved runways over 3,047 m: 2 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 27 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 314 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Paraguay CommunicationsTelephone system: 78,300 telephones; 16 telephones/1,000 persons; meager telephone service; principal switching center in Asuncion local: NA intercity: fair microwave radio relay network international: 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 40, FM 0, shortwave 7 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 5 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Paraguay Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy (includes Naval Air and Marines), Air ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 1,290,894; males fit for military service 937,054; males reach military age (17) annually 55,551 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $100 million, 1.6% of GDP (1994 est.)</text>
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<text>PARAGUAY - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/businessstay up to 90 days (extendable). AIDS test required for resident visas. U.S. test sometimes accepted. For additional information consult Embassy ofParaguay, 2400 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/483-6960).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Paraguay============================================================Paraguay - Public Announcement June 17, 1995 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman For Immediate ReleaseThe government of Paraguay is considering the extradition to Argentina of seven people suspected to have ties to the terrorist group Hizballah and who may be charged with bombings in Buenos Aires. Some of the defendants are currently appealing the Paraguayan court decision to grant extradition. We are not aware of any specific threat to U.S. citizens related to these possible extraditions. However, groups sympathetic to the seven may nonetheless attempt to take revenge on U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens contemplating travel to Paraguay may wish to consider this when making their plans and take such security precautions as they deem appropriate.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories-----STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Paraguay============================================================Paraguay - Consular Information Sheet September 2, 1994 Country Description: Paraguay is a medium income nation with a developing economy. Tourist facilities are good in Asuncion, poor in major cities, and almost nonexistent in remote areas.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a three-month stay. Minors (under 20) traveling alone, with one parent or with a third party must present written authorization from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian, specifically granting permission to travel alone, with one parent or with a third party. This authorization must be notarized, authenticated by the Paraguayan embassy or consulate, and translated into Spanish. For current information concerning entry and customs requirements for Paraguay, travelers can contact the Paraguayan Embassy at 2400 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 483-6960 or the nearest consulate in Los Angeles, Miami or New York.Medical Facilities: Facilities for medical care are limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proved to be useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Armed robberies, car thefts, and burglaries have increased significantly. Street crime to include pickpocketing and muggings is prevalent in the cities, particularly during the evening hours in the vicinity of hotels and airports. There have been incidents of pilferage from checked airline baggage. Travelers have found it prudent to put valuables in their carry-on luggage.The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Also available from the same address is the Department of State publication, "Tips for travelers to Central and South America."Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties in Paraguay for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.Adoptions: Due to serious problems in the international adoption process in Paraguay, including chronic unpredictability in the issuance of final decrees and uncertainty over case processing and prospects for proposed adoption regulations, the U.S. Embassy strongly urges prospective adopting parents to postpone any commitment to a Paraguayan prospective child until such time as the situation at juvenile court is clarified. Some adoptions have been put on hold pending court investigations of local lawyers, notaries and government officials responsible for documentation of birth and abandonment. American citizens who have secured court dates with the judge handling their international adoption petition, should be aware that prospective parents' stay in Asuncion is often a prolonged one. The consular officer is not authorized to act as agents of behalf of U.S. citizens seeking to adopt Paraguayan children. Updated information on Paraguayan adoption proceedings and U.S. immigrant visa requirements is available from the consular section of the U.S. Embassy. Additional information is available by writing the Office of Citizens Consular Services, CA/OCS/CCS, Room 4817, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, or by telephoning (202) 647-3712.Civil Aviation Oversight: In March 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration assessed Paraguay's civil aviation authority as not in compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards for Paraguay's carriers operating to and from the U.S. Typically, the same level of safety oversight is applied to operations to other destinations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.Embassy Location/Registration: Americans who register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Asuncion at 1776 Mariscal Lopez Avenue, telephone: (011-595-21) 213-715, may obtain updated information on travel and security within Paraguay. No. 94-211This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 20, 1994 to add information on aviation oversight..</text>
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card_70651.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Paracel Islands GeographyLocation: Southeastern Asia, group of small islands and reefs in the South China Sea, about one-third of the way from central Vietnam to the northern PhilippinesMap references: Southeast AsiaArea: total area: NA sq km land area: NA sq km comparative area: NALand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 518 kmMaritime claims: NAInternational disputes: occupied by China, but claimed by Taiwan and VietnamClimate: tropicalTerrain: NANatural resources: noneLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100%Irrigated land: 0 sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: typhoons international agreements: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Paracel Islands PeoplePopulation: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are scattered Chinese garrisons THE WORLD FACTBOOK Paracel Islands GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Paracel IslandsDigraph: PF THE WORLD FACTBOOK Paracel Islands EconomyOverview: no economic activity THE WORLD FACTBOOK Paracel Islands TransportationPorts: small Chinese port facilities on Woody Island and Duncan Island being expandedAirports: total: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (on Woody Island) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Paracel Islands CommunicationsTelephone system: local: NA intercity: NA international: NARadio: broadcast stations: AM, FM, shortwave radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: NA televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Paracel Islands Defense ForcesNote: occupied by China</text>
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card_70369.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Papua New Guinea GeographyLocation: Southeastern Asia, group of islands including the eastern half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean, east of IndonesiaMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 461,690 sq km land area: 451,710 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than CaliforniaLand boundaries: total 820 km, Indonesia 820 kmCoastline: 5,152 kmMaritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March), southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature variationTerrain: mostly mountains with coastal lowlands and rolling foothillsNatural resources: gold, copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oil potentialLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 71% other: 28%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: rain forest subject to deforestation as a result of growing commercial demand for tropical timber; pollution from mining projects natural hazards: active volcanism; situated along the Pacific "Rim of Fire"; the country is subject to frequent and sometimes severe earthquakes; mudslides international agreements: party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea THE WORLD FACTBOOK Papua New Guinea GeographyNote: shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia; one of world's largest swamps along southwest coast THE WORLD FACTBOOK Papua New Guinea PeoplePopulation: 4,294,750 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 41% (female 847,208; male 892,718) 15-64 years: 57% (female 1,161,961; male 1,268,266) 65 years and over: 2% (female 66,759; male 57,838) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.3% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 33.2 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 10.18 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 61.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 56.85 years male: 56.01 years female: 57.74 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 4.55 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Papua New Guinean(s) adjective: Papua New GuineanEthnic divisions: Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, PolynesianReligions: Roman Catholic 22%, Lutheran 16%, Presbyterian/Methodist/London Missionary Society 8%, Anglican 5%, Evangelical Alliance 4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1%, other Protestant sects 10%, indigenous beliefs 34%Languages: English spoken by 1%-2%, pidgin English widespread, Motu spoken in Papua region note: 715 indigenous languagesLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 52% male: 65% female: 38%Labor force: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Papua New Guinea GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Independent State of Papua New Guinea conventional short form: Papua New GuineaDigraph: PPType: parliamentary democracyCapital: Port MoresbyAdministrative divisions: 20 provinces; Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital, New Ireland, Northern, North Solomons, Sandaun, Southern Highlands, Western, Western Highlands, West New BritainIndependence: 16 September 1975 (from the Australian-administered UN trusteeship)National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1975)Constitution: 16 September 1975Legal system: based on English common lawSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Wiwa KOROWI (since NA November 1991) head of government: Prime Minister Sir Julius CHAN (since 30 August 1994); Deputy Prime Minister Chris HAIVETA (since 7 September 1994) cabinet: National Executive Council; appointed by the governor on recommendation of the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral National Parliament: (sometimes referred to as the House of Assembly) elections last held 13-26 June 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (109 total) Pangu Party 24, PDM 17, PPP 10, PAP 10, independents 30, others 18; note - association with political parties is fluidJudicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: Papua New Guinea United Party (Pangu Party), Jack GENIA; People's Democratic Movement (PDM), Paias WINGTI; People's Action Party (PAP), Akoka DOI; People's Progress Party (PPP), Sir Julius CHAN; United Party (UP), Paul TORATO; Papua Party (PP), Galeva KWARARA; National Party (NP), Paul PORA; Melanesian Alliance (MA), Fr. John MOMISMember of: ACP, APEC, AsDB, ASEAN (observer), C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, NAM (observer), SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Kepas Isimel WATANGIA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Papua New Guinea Government chancery: 3rd floor, 1615 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 745-3680 FAX: [1] (202) 745-3679US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Richard W. TEARE embassy: Armit Street, Port Moresby mailing address: P. O. Box 1492, Port Moresby, or APO AE 96553 telephone: [675] 211455, 211594, 211654 FAX: [675] 213423Flag: divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered; the lower triangle is black with five white five-pointed stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered THE WORLD FACTBOOK Papua New Guinea EconomyOverview: Papua New Guinea is richly endowed with natural resources, but exploitation has been hampered by the rugged terrain and the high cost of developing an infrastructure. Agriculture provides a subsistence livelihood for 85% of the population. Mining of numerous deposits, including copper and gold, accounts for about 60% of export earnings. Budgetary support from Australia and development aid under World Bank auspices have helped sustain the economy. Robust growth in 1991-92 was led by the mining sector; the opening of a large new gold mine helped the advance. At the start of 1995, Port Moresby is looking primarily to the exploitation of mineral and petroleum resources to drive economic development but new prospecting in Papua New Guinea has slumped as other mineral-rich countries have stepped up their competition for international investment. Output from current projects will probably begin to taper off in 1996, but no new large ventures are being developed to succeed them.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $9.2 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 6.1% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $2,200 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.6% (1994)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $1.33 billion expenditures: $1.36 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1995 est.)Exports: $2.4 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: gold, copper ore, oil, logs, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, lobster partners: Australia, Japan, US, Singapore, New ZealandImports: $1.2 billion (c.i.f., 1993 est.) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, fuels, chemicals partners: Australia, Japan, UK, New Zealand, NetherlandsExternal debt: $3.2 billion (1992)Industrial production: accounts for 32% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 490,000 kW production: 1.8 billion kWh consumption per capita: 390 kWh (1993)Industries: copra crushing, palm oil processing, plywood production, wood chip production, mining of gold, silver, and copper, construction, tourism THE WORLD FACTBOOK Papua New Guinea EconomyAgriculture: Accounts for 25% of GDP; livelihood for 85% of population; fertile soils and favorable climate permits cultivating a wide variety of crops; cash crops - coffee, cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels; other products - tea, rubber, sweet potatoes, fruit, vegetables, poultry, pork; net importer of food for urban centersEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $40.6 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $6.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $17 millionCurrency: 1 kina (K) = 100 toeaExchange rates: kina (K) per US$1 - 0.8565 (December 1994), 0.9950 (1994), 1.0221 (1993), 1.0367 (1992), 1.0504 (1991), 1.0467 (1990); note - the government floated the kina on 10 October 1994Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Papua New Guinea TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 19,200 km paved: 640 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, stabilized earth 10,960 km; unimproved earth 7,600 kmInland waterways: 10,940 kmPorts: Kieta, Lae, Madang, Port Moresby, RabaulMerchant marine: total: 12 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 22,565 GRT/27,071 DWT ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 3, combination ore/oil 5, container 1, roll-on/roll-off 1Airports: total: 505 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 13 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 5 with paved runways under 914 m: 411 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 12 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 63 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Papua New Guinea CommunicationsTelephone system: more than 70,000 telephones (1987); services are adequate and being improved; facilities provide radiobroadcast, radiotelephone and telegraph, coastal radio, aeronautical radio, and international radiocommunication services local: NA intercity: mostly radio telephone international: submarine cables extend to Australia and Guam; 1 INTELSAT (Pacific Ocean) earth station; international radio communication serviceRadio: broadcast stations: AM 31, FM 2, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 2 (1987) televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Papua New Guinea Defense ForcesBranches: Papua New Guinea Defense Force (includes Army, Navy, and Air Force)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 1,111,661; males fit for military service 618,696 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $55 million, 1.8% of GDP (1993 est.)</text>
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<text>PAPUA NEW GUINEA - Passport, onward/return ticket and proof ofsufficient funds required. Tourist visa not required for a stay of up to 30days. Business visa requires 2 application forms, 2 photos, company letter,bio-data and $10.25 fee (single entry ) or $154.00 (multiple entry).AIDS test required for work and residency permits; U.S. test accepted. For longer stays and further information contact Embassy of Papua NewGuinea, Suite 300, 1615 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009(202/745-3680).</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Panama GeographyLocation: Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa RicaMap references: Central America and the CaribbeanArea: total area: 78,200 sq km land area: 75,990 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than South CarolinaLand boundaries: total 555 km, Colombia 225 km, Costa Rica 330 kmCoastline: 2,490 kmMaritime claims: territorial sea: 200 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May)Terrain: interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hillsNatural resources: copper, mahogany forests, shrimpLand use: arable land: 6% permanent crops: 2% meadows and pastures: 15% forest and woodland: 54% other: 23%Irrigated land: 320 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: water pollution from agricultural runoff threatens fishery resources; deforestation of tropical rain forest; land degradation natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Tropical Timber 94Note: strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land bridge connecting North and South America; controls Panama Canal that links North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific Ocean THE WORLD FACTBOOK Panama PeoplePopulation: 2,680,903 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 34% (female 439,491; male 458,817) 15-64 years: 61% (female 812,876; male 823,124) 65 years and over: 5% (female 74,672; male 71,923) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.9% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 24.12 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 4.79 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -0.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 15.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.2 years male: 72.57 years female: 77.97 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.8 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Panamanian(s) adjective: PanamanianEthnic divisions: mestizo (mixed Indian and European ancestry) 70%, West Indian 14%, white 10%, Indian 6%Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%Languages: Spanish (official), English 14% note: many Panamanians bilingualLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 89% male: 89% female: 88%Labor force: 979,000 (1994 est.) by occupation: government and community services 31.8%, agriculture, hunting, and fishing 26.8%, commerce, restaurants, and hotels 16.4%, manufacturing and mining 9.4%, construction 3.2%, transportation and communications 6.2%, finance, insurance, and real estate 4.3% note: shortage of skilled labor, but an oversupply of unskilled labor THE WORLD FACTBOOK Panama GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Panama conventional short form: Panama local long form: Republica de Panama local short form: PanamaDigraph: PMType: constitutional republicCapital: PanamaAdministrative divisions: 9 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 territory* (comarca); Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama, San Blas*, VeraguasIndependence: 3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain 28 November 1821)National holiday: Independence Day, 3 November (1903)Constitution: 11 October 1972; major reforms adopted April 1983Legal system: based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsoryExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Ernesto PEREZ BALLADARES Gonzalez Revilla (since 1 September 1994, elected 8 May 1994); First Vice President Tomas Gabriel ALTAMIRANO DUQUE (since 1 September 1994); Second Vice President Felipe Alejandro VIRZI Lopez (since 1 September 1994 election last held 8 May 1994 (next to be held 9 May 1999); results - Ernesto PEREZ BALLADARES (PRD) 33%, Mireya MOSCOSO DE GRUBER (PA) 29%, Ruben BLADES (MPE) 17%, Ruben Dario CARLES (MOLIRENA) 16% cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa): legislators from outlying rural districts are chosen on a plurality basis while districts located in more populous towns and cities elect multiple legislators by means of a proportion-based formula; elections last held 8 May 1994 (next to be held 9 May 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA ; seats - (72 total) PRD 32, PS 4, PALA 1, PA 14, MPE 6, MOLIRENA 4, PLA 3, PRC 3, PL 2, PDC 1, UDI 1, MORENA 1Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia), 5 superior courts, 3 courts of appealPolitical parties and leaders: governing coalition: Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), Gerardo GONZALEZ; Solidarity Party (PS), Samuel LEWIS GALINDO; Liberal Republican Party (PLR), Rodolfo CHIARI; Labor Party (PALA), Carlos Lopez GUEVARA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Panama Government other parties: Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement (MOLIRENA), Alfredo RAMIREZ; Authentic Liberal Party (PLA), Arnulfo ESCALONA; Arnulfista Party (PA), Mireya MOSCOSO DE GRUBER; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Raul OSSA; Liberal Party (PL), Roberto ALEMAN Zubieta; Papa Egoro Movement (MPE), Ruben BLADES; Civic Renewal Party (PRC), Tomas HERRERA; National Unity Mission Party (MUN), Jose Manuel PAREDES; Independent Democratic Union (UDI), Jacinto CARDENAS; National Renovation Movement (MORENA), Pedro VALLERINOOther political or pressure groups: National Council of Organized Workers (CONATO); National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP); Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE); National Civic Crusade; Chamber of Commerce; Panamanian Industrialists Society (SIP); Workers Confederation of the Republic of Panama (CTRP)Member of: AG (associate), CG, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ricardo Alberto ARIAS chancery: 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 483-1407 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), TampaUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Oliver P. GARZA embassy: Avenida Balboa and Calle 38, Apartado 6959, Panama City 5 mailing address: American Embassy Panama, Unit 0945; APO AA 34002 telephone: [507] 27-1777 FAX: [507] 27-1964Flag: divided into four, equal rectangles; the top quadrants are white (hoist side) with a blue five-pointed star in the center and plain red, the bottom quadrants are plain blue (hoist side) and white with a red five-pointed star in the center THE WORLD FACTBOOK Panama EconomyOverview: Because of its key geographic location, Panama's economy is service-based, heavily weighted toward banking, commerce, and tourism. Trade and financial ties with the US are especially close. GDP grew at 3.6% in 1994, a respectable rate, yet below the 7.1% average of the early 1990s. Banking and financial services and trade through the Colon Free Zone continued to expand rapidly, with the industrial and agricultural sectors experiencing little growth. The new administration, inaugurated 1 September 1994, has launched an economic plan designed to reverse rising unemployment, attract foreign investment, cut back the size of government, and modernize the economy. The success of the plan in meeting its goals for 1995 and beyond depends largely on the success of the administration in reforming the labor code and instituting the reforms necessary to join the GATT.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $12.3 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 3.6% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $4,670 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.8% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 12.9% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $1.93 billion expenditures: $1.93 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1994)Exports: $520 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: bananas 43%, shrimp 11%, sugar 4%, clothing 5%, coffee 2% partners: US 45%, EU, Central America and CaribbeanImports: $2.205 billion (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: capital goods 21%, crude oil 11%, foodstuffs 9%, consumer goods, chemicals partners: US 40%, EU, Central America and Caribbean, JapanExternal debt: $6.7 billion (yearend 1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 1.8% (1994 est.); accounts for about 9% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 960,000 kW production: 2.8 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,047 kWh (1993)Industries: manufacturing and construction, petroleum refining, brewing, cement and other construction materials, sugar millingAgriculture: accounts for 10% of GDP (1992 est.); crops - bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane; livestock; fishing; importer of food grain, vegetablesIllicit drugs: major cocaine transshipment point and drug money laundering center THE WORLD FACTBOOK Panama EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $516 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $582 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $4 millionCurrency: 1 balboa (B) = 100 centesimosExchange rates: balboas (B) per US$1 - 1.000 (fixed rate)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Panama TransportationRailroads: total: 238 km broad gauge: 78 km 1.524-m gauge narrow gauge: 160 km 0.914-m gaugeHighways: total: 8,530 km paved: 2,745 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone 3,270 km; improved, unimproved earth 2,515 kmInland waterways: 800 km navigable by shallow draft vessels; 82 km Panama CanalPipelines: crude oil 130 kmPorts: Bahia de las Minas, Balboa, Colon, Cristobal, PanamaMerchant marine: total: 3,526 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 60,748,525 GRT/95,102,552 DWT ships by type: barge carrier 1, bulk 787, cargo 1,070, chemical tanker 175, combination bulk 33, combination ore/oil 25, container 259, liquefied gas tanker 125, livestock carrier 8, multifunction large-load carrier 6, oil tanker 465, passenger 24, passenger-cargo 3, refrigerated cargo 284, roll-on/roll-off cargo 81, short-sea passenger 34, specialized tanker 9, vehicle carrier 137 note: a flag of convenience registry; includes 93 countries; the 10 major fleet flags are: Japan 1,171 ships, Greece 323, Hong Kong 276, US 212, Taiwan 184, Singapore 181, South Korea 172, China 145 ships, UK 102, and Norway 70Airports: total: 115 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 14 with paved runways under 914 m: 74 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 20 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Panama CommunicationsTelephone system: 220,000 telephones; domestic and international facilities well developed local: NA intercity: NA international: 1 coaxial submarine cable; 2 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stations; connected to the Central American Microwave SystemRadio: broadcast stations: AM 91, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 23 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Panama Defense ForcesBranches: Panamanian Public Forces (PPF; includes the National Police or PNP, Maritime Service, National Air Service, and Institutional Protective Service); Judicial Branch Technical PoliceManpower availability: males age 15-49 701,691; males fit for military service 481,927 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: expenditures for the Panamanian security forces amounted to $105 million, 1.0% of GDP (1993 est.)</text>
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<text>PANAMA - Passport, tourist card or visa and onward/return ticketrequired. Tourist card valid 30 days, available from airline serving Panama for$5 fee. For longer stays and additionall information contact Embassy ofPanama, 2862 McGill Terrace, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008(202/483-1407).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Panama============================================================Panama - Consular Information Sheet October 20, 1995Country Description: Panama has a developing economy. Outside the Panama City area, tourist facilities vary in quality.Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens are encouraged to obtain a U.S. passport before traveling to Panama. Although entry into Panama is permitted with any proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate or a naturalization certificate) and official photo identification (such as a driver's license), some travelers have experienced difficulties returning to the U.S. when not in possession of a valid U.S. passport. Travelers must either purchase a tourist card from the airline serving Panama or obtain a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate before traveling to Panama. Further information may be obtained from the Embassy of Panama, 2862 McGill Terrace, N.W., Washington D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 483-1407.Areas of Instability: U.S. citizen missionaries were kidnapped in early 1993 from an Indian village in the Darien jungle area bordering Colombia and are still missing. There is no Panamanian police presence in much of the Darien area, which is known to be frequented by Colombian guerrillas, smugglers and illegal aliens. Travel south of Yaviza to the Colombian border is possible only by foot and is risky for individual travelers or small groups. Occasional flare-ups of armed violence continue to occur in metropolitan areas of Panama.On July 19, 1994, an ALAS domestic flight traveling between Colon and Paitilla airport in Panama City exploded in mid flight. Panamanian authorities have announced that the explosion was caused by a bomb carried aboard by a passenger. In the wake of the bombing, the Panamanian government agreed to take steps to enhance security at Panama's domestic airports. Travelers on flights using Panamanian airports other than Tocumen International may wish to consider this information when making travel plans.Medical Facilities: Although Panama City has some very good medical facilities, medical facilities outside the capital are limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful in many emergencies. For additional health information, travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: There is a medium incidence of crime in the Panama City and Colon areas. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy regularly receives reports from American tourists and businesspersons who have been victims of crimes ranging from armed robberies to muggings, purse-snatchings, and petty theft.The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." This publication, as well as others, such as "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America," are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. While in Panama, it is also helpful to monitor U.S. Southern Command Network (SCN) television, radio stations, and to contact the local police and the U.S. Embassy in Panama City for current information and advisories.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties in Panama for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.Aviation Oversight: In January 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration assessed Panama's civil aviation authority as in compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards for Panamanian carriers operating to and from the U.S. The same level of safety oversight would typically be applied to operations to other destinations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1 (800) 322-7873.Registration/Embassy Location: Americans who register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Panama may also obtain updated information on travel and security within Panama. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Panama is located on Panama Bay in Panama City, at Balboa Avenue and 40th Street. The international mailing address is Apartado 6959, Panama 5, Republic of Panama. The U.S. mailing address is Unit 0945, APO AA 34002. The telephone number is (507) 227-1777. No. 95-133This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 2, 1994, to update Entry Requirement and Crime Information, and to amend the U.S. Embassy telephone number.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Panama============================================================Panama - Consular Information Sheet October 20, 1995Country Description: Panama has a developing economy. Outside the Panama City area, tourist facilities vary in quality.Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens are encouraged to obtain a U.S. passport before traveling to Panama. Although entry into Panama is permitted with any proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate or a naturalization certificate) and official photo identification (such as a driver's license), some travelers have experienced difficulties returning to the U.S. when not in possession of a valid U.S. passport. Travelers must either purchase a tourist card from the airline serving Panama or obtain a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate before traveling to Panama. Further information may be obtained from the Embassy of Panama, 2862 McGill Terrace, N.W., Washington D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 483-1407.Areas of Instability: U.S. citizen missionaries were kidnapped in early 1993 from an Indian village in the Darien jungle area bordering Colombia and are still missing. There is no Panamanian police presence in much of the Darien area, which is known to be frequented by Colombian guerrillas, smugglers and illegal aliens. Travel south of Yaviza to the Colombian border is possible only by foot and is risky for individual travelers or small groups. Occasional flare-ups of armed violence continue to occur in metropolitan areas of Panama.On July 19, 1994, an ALAS domestic flight traveling between Colon and Paitilla airport in Panama City exploded in mid flight. Panamanian authorities have announced that the explosion was caused by a bomb carried aboard by a passenger. In the wake of the bombing, the Panamanian government agreed to take steps to enhance security at Panama's domestic airports. Travelers on flights using Panamanian airports other than Tocumen International may wish to consider this information when making travel plans.Medical Facilities: Although Panama City has some very good medical facilities, medical facilities outside the capital are limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful in many emergencies. For additional health information, travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: There is a medium incidence of crime in the Panama City and Colon areas. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy regularly receives reports from American tourists and businesspersons who have been victims of crimes ranging from armed robberies to muggings, purse-snatchings, and petty theft.The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." This publication, as well as others, such as "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America," are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. While in Panama, it is also helpful to monitor U.S. Southern Command Network (SCN) television, radio stations, and to contact the local police and the U.S. Embassy in Panama City for current information and advisories.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties in Panama for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.Aviation Oversight: In January 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration assessed Panama's civil aviation authority as in compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards for Panamanian carriers operating to and from the U.S. The same level of safety oversight would typically be applied to operations to other destinations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1 (800) 322-7873.Registration/Embassy Location: Americans who register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Panama may also obtain updated information on travel and security within Panama. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Panama is located on Panama Bay in Panama City, at Balboa Avenue and 40th Street. The international mailing address is Apartado 6959, Panama 5, Republic of Panama. The U.S. mailing address is Unit 0945, APO AA 34002. The telephone number is (507) 227-1777. No. 95-133This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 2, 1994, to update Entry Requirement and Crime Information, and to amend the U.S. Embassy telephone number.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Palmyra Atoll HeaderAffiliation: (territory of the US) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Palmyra Atoll GeographyLocation: Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to American SamoaMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 11.9 sq km land area: 11.9 sq km comparative area: about 20 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 14.5 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: equatorial, hot, and very rainyTerrain: low, with maximum elevations of about 2 metersNatural resources: noneLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 100% other: 0%Irrigated land: 0 sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NANote: about 50 islets covered with dense vegetation, coconut trees, and balsa-like trees up to 30 meters tall THE WORLD FACTBOOK Palmyra Atoll PeoplePopulation: uninhabited THE WORLD FACTBOOK Palmyra Atoll GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Palmyra AtollDigraph: LQType: incorporated territory of the US; privately owned, but administered by the Office of Territorial and International Affairs, US Department of the InteriorCapital: none; administered from Washington, DC THE WORLD FACTBOOK Palmyra Atoll EconomyOverview: no economic activity THE WORLD FACTBOOK Palmyra Atoll TransportationHighways: much of the road and many causeways built during the war are unserviceable and overgrownPorts: West LagoonAirports: total: 1 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Palmyra Atoll Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of the US</text>
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<text>PALMYRA</text>
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<name>Palmyra Atoll</name>
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card_68916.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Palau GeographyLocation: Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the PhilippinesMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 458 sq km land area: 458 sq km comparative area: slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 1,519 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: wet season May to November; hot and humidTerrain: about 200 islands varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefsNatural resources: forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products, deep-seabed mineralsLand use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging and illegal fishing practices that involve the use of dynamite natural hazards: typhoons (June to December) international agreements: NANote: includes World War II battleground of Beliliou (Peleliu) and world-famous rock islands; archipelago of six island groups totaling over 200 islands in the Caroline chain THE WORLD FACTBOOK Palau PeoplePopulation: 16,661 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NAPopulation growth rate: 1.76% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 22.11 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.61 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 2.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 25.07 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.01 years male: 69.14 years female: 73.02 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.85 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Palauan(s) adjective: PalauanEthnic divisions: Palauans are a composite of Polynesian, Malayan, and Melanesian racesReligions: Christian (Catholics, Seventh-Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Assembly of God, the Liebenzell Mission, and Latter-Day Saints), Modekngei religion (one-third of the population observes this religion which is indigenous to Palau)Languages: English (official in all of Palau's 16 states), Sonsorolese (official in the state of Sonsoral), Angaur and Japanese (in the state of Anguar), Tobi (in the state of Tobi), Palauan (in the other 13 states)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980) total population: 92% male: 93% female: 90%Labor force: NA by occupation: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Palau GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Palau conventional short form: Palau former: Trust Territory of the Pacific IslandsDigraph: PSType: self-governing territory in free association with the US pursuant to Compact of Free Association which entered into force 1 October 1994; Palau is fully responsible for internal affairs; US retains responsibility for external affairsCapital: Koror note: a new capital is being built about 20 km northeast in eastern BabelthuapAdministrative divisions: there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 16 states: Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngardmau, Ngaremlengui, Ngatpang, Ngchesar, Ngerchelong, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol, TobiIndependence: 1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN Trusteeship)National holiday: Constitution Day, 9 July (1979)Constitution: 1 January 1981Legal system: based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary lawsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Kuniwo NAKAMURA (since 1 January 1993), Vice-President Tommy E. REMENGESAU Jr. (since 1 January 1993); election last held 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - Kuniwo NAKAMURA 50.7%, Johnson TORIBIONG 49.3%Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Olbiil Era Kelulau or OEK) Senate: elections last held 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (14 total) number of seats by party NA House of Delegates: elections last held 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (16 total) number of seats by party NAJudicial branch: Supreme Court, National Court, Court of Common PleasMember of: ESCAP (associate), SPC, SPF (observer), UNDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Liaison Officer NA liaison office: 444 North Capital Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Palau Government telephone: (202) 624-7793 FAX: NA note: relationship of free association with the US pursuant to compact of free association which entered into force 1 October 1994US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Liaison Officer Lloyd W. MOSS liaison office: Erenguul Street, Koror, Republic of Palau mailing address: P.O. Box 6028, Republic of Palau 96940 telephone: [680] 488-2920 FAX: [680] 488-2911 note: relationship of free association with the US pursuant to compact of free association which entered into force 1 October 1994Flag: light blue with a large yellow disk (representing the moon) shifted slightly to the hoist side THE WORLD FACTBOOK Palau EconomyOverview: The economy consists primarily of subsistence agriculture and fishing. The government is the major employer of the work force, relying heavily on financial assistance from the US. The compact of "free association" with the United States, entered into after the end of the UN trusteeship on 1 October 1994, provides Palau with $500 million in US aid over 15 years in return for furnishing some military facilities. The population, in effect, enjoys a per capita income of $5,000, twice that of the Philippines and much of Micronesia. Long-run prospects for the tourist sector have been greatly bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific and the rapidly rising prosperity of leading East Asian countries.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $81.8 million (1994 est.) note: GDP numbers reflect US spendingNational product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $5,000 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: 20% (1986)Budget: revenues: $6 million expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (1986 est.)Exports: $600,000 (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: trochus (type of shellfish), tuna, copra, handicrafts partners: US, JapanImports: $24.6 million (c.i.f., 1989) commodities: NA partners: USExternal debt: about $100 million (1989)Industrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 16,000 kW production: 22 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,540 kWh (1990)Industries: tourism, craft items (shell, wood, pearl), some commercial fishing and agricultureAgriculture: subsistence-level production of coconut, copra, cassava, sweet potatoes THE WORLD FACTBOOK Palau EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $2.56 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $92 millionCurrency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 centsExchange rates: US currency is usedFiscal year: 1 October - 30 September THE WORLD FACTBOOK Palau TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 61 km paved: 36 km unpaved: gravel 25 kmPorts: KororMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 3 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 2 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Palau CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones local: NA intercity: NA international: 1 INTELSAT (Pacific Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 2 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Palau Defense ForcesBranches: NADefense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDPNote: defense is the responsibility of the US pursuant to Compact of Free Association which entered into force 1 October 1994</text>
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<text>Palau - Consular Information SheetJuly 9, 1993Country Description: The Republic of Palau is a constitutional democracyadministered by the United States as the Trust Territory of the PacificIslands since July 18, 1947, pursuant to a trusteeship agreement approved bythe United Nations. It has a developing agrarian economy. Touristfacilities are available only on a limited basis.Entry Requirements: Proof of U.S. citizenship and an onward/return ticketare required for stays of up to 30 days. Extensions are available in Palaufor a $50 fee. Further specific information is available through the Officeof the Palau Representative, 444 North Capitol Street, Suite 208,Washington, D.C. 20001, telephone (202) 624-7793.Medical Facilities: Health facilities in the Republic of Palau are adequatefor routine medical care, but limited in availability and quality. Doctorsand hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S.medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.Supplemental medical insurance which specifically covers overseas treatmenthas proved useful. The international travelers hotline of the Centers forDisease Control at (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: The crime rate in the Republic of Palau is low. Theloss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately tolocal police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Usefulinformation on guarding valuables and protecting personal security whiletraveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A SafeTrip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices ofthe country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use, ortrafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expectjail sentences and fines.Other Penalties: Firearms of any kind are strictly prohibited in Palau.The penalty for possession of a firearm is up to fifteen years imprisonment.Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Liaison office can obtainupdated information on travel and security within the area.U.S. Liaison Office Locations: The U.S. Liaison Office in the Republic ofPalau is located c/o P.O. Box 6028 in Koror, telephone (680) 488-2920.No. 93-187This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated November 13, 1992, toinclude information on reporting the loss or theft of a U.S. passport.</text>
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<text>PALAU</text>
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<text>English (British)</text>
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<name>Palau</name>
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card_69420.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pakistan GeographyLocation: Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India and IranMap references: AsiaArea: total area: 803,940 sq km land area: 778,720 sq km comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of CaliforniaLand boundaries: total 6,774 km, Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912 km, Iran 909 kmCoastline: 1,046 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: status of Kashmir with India; border question with Afghanistan (Durand Line); water-sharing problems (Wular Barrage) over the Indus with upstream riparian IndiaClimate: mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in northTerrain: flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest; Balochistan plateau in westNatural resources: land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum, poor quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestoneLand use: arable land: 23% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 6% forest and woodland: 4% other: 67% (1993)Irrigated land: 170,000 sq km (1992)Environment: current issues: water pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and agricultural runoff; limited natural fresh water resources; a majority of the population does not have access to potable water; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification natural hazards: frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in north and west; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pakistan Geography international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Life ConservationNote: controls Khyber Pass and Bolan Pass, traditional invasion routes between Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pakistan PeoplePopulation: 131,541,920 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 44% (female 28,033,354; male 29,777,818) 15-64 years: 52% (female 33,456,410; male 35,109,482) 65 years and over: 4% (female 2,556,846; male 2,608,010) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.28% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 41.8 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 12.07 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -16.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 99.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 57.86 years male: 57.18 years female: 58.56 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.35 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Pakistani(s) adjective: PakistaniEthnic divisions: Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun (Pathan), Baloch, Muhajir (immigrants from India and their descendents)Religions: Muslim 97% (Sunni 77%, Shi'a 20%), Christian, Hindu, and other 3%Languages: Urdu (official), English (official; lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries), Punjabi 64%, Sindhi 12%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu 7%, Balochi and other 9%Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 35% male: 47% female: 21%Labor force: 36 million by occupation: agriculture 46%, mining and manufacturing 18%, services 17%, other 19% note: extensive export of labor THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pakistan GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Pakistan conventional short form: Pakistan former: West PakistanDigraph: PKType: republicCapital: IslamabadAdministrative divisions: 4 provinces, 1 territory*, and 1 capital territory**; Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas*, Islamabad Capital Territory**, North-West Frontier, Punjab, Sindh note: the Pakistani-administered portion of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region includes Azad Kashmir and the Northern AreasIndependence: 14 August 1947 (from UK)National holiday: Pakistan Day, 23 March (1956) (proclamation of the republic)Constitution: 10 April 1973, suspended 5 July 1977, restored with amendments 30 December 1985Legal system: based on English common law with provisions to accommodate Pakistan's stature as an Islamic state; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 21 years of age; universal; separate electorates and reserved parliamentary seats for non-MuslimsExecutive branch: chief of state: President Sardar Farooq LEGHARI; election last held 13 November 1993 (next to be held no later than 14 October 1998); results - LEGHARI was elected by Parliament and the four provincial assemblies head of government: Prime Minister Benazir BHUTTO cabinet: CabinetLegislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Majlis-e-Shoora) Senate: elections last held NA March 1994 (next to be held NA March 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (87 total) PPP 22, PML/N 17; Tribal Area Representatives (nonparty) 8, ANP 6, PML/J 5, JWP 5, MQM/A 5, JUI/F 2, PKMAP 2, JI 2, NPP 2, BNM/H 1, BNM/M 1, JUP/NI 1, JUP/NO 1, JAH 1, JUI/S 1, PML/F 1, PNP 1, independents 2, vacant 1 National Assembly: elections last held 6 October 1993 (next to be held by October 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (217 total) PPP 92, PML/N 75, PML/J 6, IJM-Islamic Democratic Front 4, ANP 3, PKMAP 4, PIF 3, JWP 2, MDM 2, BNM/H 1, BNM/M 1, NDA 1, NPP 1, PKQP 1, Religious minorities 10 reserved seats, independents 9, results pending 2Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Federal Islamic (Shari'at) Court THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pakistan GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: government: Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Benazir BHUTTO; Pakistan Muslim League, Junejo faction (PML/J), Hamid Nasir CHATTHA; National People's Party (NPP), Ghulam Mustapha JATOI; Pakhtun Khwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP), Mahmood Khan ACHAKZAI; Balochistan National Movement, Hayee Group (BNM/H), Dr. HAYEE Baluch; National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Maulana Kausar NIAZI; Pakhtun Quami Party (PKQP), Mohammed AFZAL Khan; Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP), Akbar Khan BUGTI opposition: Pakistan Muslim League, Nawaz Sharif faction (PML/N), Nawaz SHARIF; Awami National Party (ANP), Khan Abdul WALI KHAN; Pakistan Islamic Front (PIF), Qazi Hussain AHMED; Balochistan National Movement, Mengal Group (BNM/M), Sardar Akhtar MENGAL; Mohajir Quami Movement, Altaf faction (MQM/A), Altaf HUSSAIN; Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), Qazi Hussain AHMED; Jamiat-al-Hadith (JAH) frequently shifting: Mutaheda Deeni Mahaz (MDM), Maulana Sami-ul-HAQ, the MDM includes Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan, Niazi faction (JUP/NI) and Anjuman Sepah-i-Sahaba Pakistan (ASSP); Islami-Jamhoori-Mahaz (IJM-Islamic Democratic Party), the IJM includes Jamiat Ulema-i-Islami, Fazlur Rehman group (JUI/F); Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan, Noorani faction (JUP/NO); Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Sami-ul-Haq faction (JUI/S); Pakistan Muslim League, Functional Group (PML/F); Pakistan National Party (PNP) note: political alliances in Pakistan can shift frequentlyOther political or pressure groups: military remains important political force; ulema (clergy), landowners, industrialists, and small merchants also influentialMember of: AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, PCA, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNOMIL, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Maleeha LODHI chancery: 2315 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 939-6200 FAX: [1] (202) 387-0484 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador John C. MONJO embassy: Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad mailing address: P. O. Box 1048, PSC 1212, Box 2000, Unit 6220, Islamabad; APO AE 09812-2000 telephone: [92] (51) 826161 through 826179 FAX: [92] (51) 214222 consulate(s) general: Karachi, Lahore consulate(s): Peshawar THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pakistan GovernmentFlag: green with a vertical white band (symbolizing the role of religious minorities) on the hoist side; a large white crescent and star are centered in the green field; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pakistan EconomyOverview: The Pakistani economy has made progress in several key areas since Benazir BHUTTO became Prime Minister in October 1993. She has been under pressure from international donors and the IMF - which gave Pakistan a $1.3 billion structural adjustment credit in February 1994 - to continue the economic reforms and austerity measures begun by her predecessor, caretaker Prime Minister Moeen QURESHI (July-October 1993). Foreign exchange reserves climbed to more than $3 billion in 1994, and the budget deficit was substantially reduced. Real GDP growth was 4% in FY93/94, up from 2.3% in FY92/93. Foreign direct and portfolio investment also have increased. Privatization of large public sector utilities began in 1994 with the sale of 12% of the Pakistan Telecommunications Corporation (PTC) and the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA); the sale of state-owned banks and other large units are planned for 1995. Still, the government must cope with long-standing economic vulnerabilities - high levels of debt service and defense spending, a small tax base, a huge population, and dependence on cotton-based exports - which hamper its ability to create a stable economic environment. In addition, Pakistan's infrastructure is inadequate and deteriorating, low levels of literacy constrain industrial growth, and increasing sectarian, ethnic, and tribal violence disrupt production.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $248.5 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 4% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $1,930 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12% (FY93/94)Unemployment rate: 10% (FY90/91 est.)Budget: revenues: $10.5 billion expenditures: $11.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $3.1 billion (FY93/94)Exports: $6.7 billion (1993) commodities: cotton, textiles, clothing, rice, leather, carpets partners: US, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, UK, UAE, FranceImports: $9.5 billion (1993) commodities: petroleum, petroleum products, machinery, transportation equipment, vegetable oils, animal fats, chemicals partners: Japan, US, Germany, UK, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, South KoreaExternal debt: $24 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 5.6% (FY93/94); accounts for 18% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 10,800,000 kW (1994) production: 52.4 billion kWh consumption per capita: 389 kWh (1993) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pakistan EconomyIndustries: textiles, food processing, beverages, construction materials, clothing, paper products, shrimpAgriculture: 24% of GDP; world's largest contiguous irrigation system; major crops - cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; livestock products - milk, beef, mutton, eggsIllicit drugs: major illicit producer of opium and hashish for the international drug trade; remains world's third largest opium producer (160 metric tons in 1994); major center for processing Afghan heroin and key transit area for Southwest Asian heroin moving to Western marketEconomic aid: recipient: $2.5 billion (FY91/92); $2.5 billion (FY92/93); $2.5 billion (FY93/94); no US commitments, includes bi- and multilateral aidCurrency: 1 Pakistani rupee (PRe) = 100 paisaExchange rates: Pakistani rupees (PRs) per US$1 - 30.860 (January 1995), 30.570 (1994), 28.107 (1993), 25.083 (1992), 23.801 (1991), 21.707 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pakistan TransportationRailroads: total: 8,773 km broad gauge: 7,718 km 1.676-m gauge (286 km electrified; 1,037 double track) narrow gauge: 445 km 1.000-m gauge; 610 km less than 1.000-m gauge (1985)Highways: total: 177,410 km paved: 94,027 km unpaved: 83,383 km (1991 est.)Pipelines: crude oil 250 km; petroleum products 885 km; natural gas 4,044 km (1987)Ports: Gwadar, Karachi, Ormaro (under construction), Port Muhammad bin QasimMerchant marine: total: 30 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 352,189 GRT/532,782 DWT ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 25, oil tanker 1, passenger-cargo 3Airports: total: 119 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 12 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 21 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 33 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 14 with paved runways under 914 m: 24 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 7 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 8 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pakistan CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; about 7 telephones/1,000 persons; the domestic telephone system is poor, adequate only for government and business use; the system for international traffic is better local: NA intercity: microwave radio relay international: 3 INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean) earth stations; microwave radio relayRadio: broadcast stations: AM 19, FM 8, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 29 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pakistan Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Civil Armed Forces, National Guard, paramilitary/security forcesManpower availability: males age 15-49 30,219,551; males fit for military service 18,544,008; males reach military age (17) annually 1,429,719 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $3.2 billion, 5.6% of GDP (FY94/95)</text>
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<text>PAKISTAN - Passport and visa required. Visa must be obtained beforearrival. Tourist visa requires 1 application form, 1 photo and proofof onward/return transportation. Validity depends on length of visit(minimum 3 months), multiple entries, no charge. Need letter from company forbusiness visa. Include prepaid envelope for return of passport byregistered mail. AIDS test required for stays over 1 year. Forapplications and inquiries in Washington area, contact Consular Sectionof the Embassy of Pakistan, 2315 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008(202/939-6295). All other areas apply to Consulate General, 12 East65th St., New York, NY 10021 (212/879-5800).Pakistan - Consular Information SheetAugust 3, 1994Country Description: Pakistan is a developing country with a parliamentarydemocracy. Tourist facilities are available in the principal populationcenters of the country.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. The visa must beobtained from a Pakistani Embassy or Consulate before arrival at the pointof entry. Information on entry requirements can be obtained from theEmbassy of Pakistan, 2315 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.,20008, telephone (202) 939-6200. Travelers may also contact one of theConsulates General of Pakistan, located at 12 East 65th St., New York, NY10021, telephone (212) 879-5800, and 18050 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1100, LosAngeles, CA 90010, (310) 441-5114.Areas of Instability: Rallies, demonstrations and processions occur fromtime to time throughout Pakistan on very short notice, and have occasionallytaken on an anti-American or anti-Western character. The potential existsfor U.S. citizens to be injured during such events. During the Islamicreligious observances of Ramadan and Moharram sectarian rivalry and violenceoften increase.Travel in the Northwest Frontier Province: Because of dangerous securityconditions affecting foreigners, particularly Americans, in the KhyberAgency, U.S. government officials and their dependents are currentlyprohibited from traveling overland through the tribal areas to the KhyberPass. Substantial areas within the Northwest Frontier are designated tribalareas, outside the normal jurisdiction of government law enforcementauthorities. Travel within these areas is particularly hazardous. Tribalfeuds or conflicts between smuggling factions may involve foreigners. Evenin the settled areas, ethnic, political, or sectarian violence may targetforeigners. Car hijackings and the abduction of foreigners are occasionallyreported from the tribal areas. If visitors must enter the tribal areas, apermit must be obtained from the Home Department, which may require that anarmed escort accompany the visitor.Travel in Sindh Province: In the areas of Karachi and Hyderabad, therehave been recurring outbreaks of ethnic and sectarian violence which havebeen characterized by random bombings, shootings and mass demonstrations.Recent incidents have resulted in several deaths and the imposition ofcurfews. There have also been numerous incidents of kidnapping for ransom.In rural Sindh Province, the security situation is hazardous, especially inregard to overland travel. Foreigners have occasionally been kidnapped, andin one incident, the foreign kidnap victim was killed in a subsequentgunfight between police and bandits. The Pakistan government hasrecommended that travelers limit their movements in Sindh Province to thecity of Karachi. If visitors must go into the interior of Sindh Province,the Pakistan government requests that travelers inform police authoritieswell in advance of the trip so that necessary police security arrangementscan be made.Travel in Baluchistan Province: The province of Baluchistan, which bordersboth Iran and Afghanistan, is notorious for cross-border smuggling. Armedbattles between clans are frequent. Due to a limited provincial policepresence, travelers wishing to visit the interior of Baluchistan shouldconsult with the province's Home Secretary; advance permission fromprovincial authorities is required for travel into some areas. Whilequieter than the interior, Quetta, the provincial capital, has experiencedserious ethnic violence which has led to the imposition of curfews.Medical Facilities: Adequate medical care is available in major cities inPakistan, but may be limited in rural areas. U.S. medical insurance is notalways valid outside the United States. Doctors and hospitals often expectimmediate payment in cash for treatment. Supplemental health insurancewhich specifically covers overseas treatment has proven useful. Additionalinformation on health problems can be obtained from the Centers for DiseaseControl's international travelers' hotline at (404)332-4559.Information on Crime: In Karachi, armed robberies are common, and driversresisting the theft of their motor vehicles are often shot. In addition,petty crime, especially theft of personal property, is common throughoutPakistan. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reportedimmediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal securityand other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department ofState pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to SouthAsia." They are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegaldrugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentencesof several years with heavy fines. Legislation passed in 1994 makestrafficking offenses punishable by death.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabador the Consulates General in Karachi, Lahore or Peshawar may obtain updatedinformation on travel and security in Pakistan.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located in Islamabad, DiplomaticEnclave, Ramna 5, telephone - 826 161. The Consular Section is locatedseparately in the USAID building, 18 Sixth Avenue, Ramna 5. In Karachi, theConsulate General is located at 8 Abdullah Haroon Road, telephone - 568-5170. In Lahore, the U.S. Consulate General is located on Sharah-E-AbdulHamid Bin Badees (50 Empress Road), New Simla Hills, telephone - 636-5530.In Peshawar, the U.S. Consulate is located at 11 Hospital Road, PeshawarCantonment, telephone - 279-801, 279-802, 279-803.No. 94-149This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated June 15, 1993, to add theaddress of the Pakistani Consulate General in Los Angeles; additionalinformation on potential violence; a section on travel in Baluchistanprovince, and new legislation concerning punishment for drug trafficking.Pakistan - Public AnnouncementNovember 14, 1994U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATEOffice of the SpokesmanFor Immediate ReleaseThe U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan released the following announcementon November 14:In the wake of the November 10 assassination of the MQM (HAQIQI) deputyleader, there has been violence in many parts of the city, particularly inJacob Lines, Landhi, Shah Faisal Colony, Korangi, Orangi, Malir,Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, and Gulshan-Iqbal. In addition, some businessesremain closed and a general transportation strike has been called. Variousmurders have been reported throughout Karachi, and it is not clear if themotives are political or criminal. MQM (HAQIQI) has called for a 'day ofprotest' (or "Black Day") on Tuesday, November 15, to mourn the death oftheir deputy leader and to protest alleged "American/Indian designs in theregion."The American Consulate urges all American citizens to exercise greater thanusual caution, avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from affected parts ofthe city. Large crowds or gatherings should also be avoided, as violencecan be quickly sparked. The U.S. Consulate General will be open forbusiness on Tuesday, November 15.No. 94-pak----------------------------------------------Pakistan - Public AnnouncementNovember 8, 1994U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATEOffice of the SpokesmanFor Immediate ReleaseOn November 6, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad provided the followinginformation on civil unrest in the Malakand Division (including the SwatDistrict) in northern Pakistan:"Since November 2, a militant group campaigning for the imposition of Sharia(Islamic) law has occupied numerous towns and at least one airport. Roadshave been blocked, many hostages taken and several killed.Police and paramilitary moves against the unrest have begun, and a few townsseized earlier by the militants are reported to be in government hands.However, the unrest has spread rapidly, and numerous towns in Swat andMalakand are known to be under seige or occupied by militant forces.All U.S. citizens in or planning to enter Pakistan are urged to follow localmedia reports and contact the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad or U.S. Consulatesin Peshawar, Lahore, or Karachi before considering travel to Swat orMalakand."Additional information may be found in the Department of State's ConsularInformation Sheet for Pakistan.No. 94-pa1</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pacific Ocean GeographyLocation: body of water between Antarctica, Asia, Australia, and the Western HemisphereMap references: WorldArea: total area: 165.384 million sq km comparative area: about 18 times the size of the US; the largest ocean (followed by the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean); covers about one-third of the global surface; larger than the total land area of the world note: includes Bali Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Flores Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Gulf of Tonkin, Java Sea, Philippine Sea, Ross Sea, Savu Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, South China Sea, Tasman Sea, Timor Sea, and other tributary water bodiesCoastline: 135,663 kmInternational disputes: some maritime disputes (see littoral states)Climate: the western Pacific is monsoonal - a rainy season occurs during the summer months, when moisture-laden winds blow from the ocean over the land, and a dry season during the winter months, when dry winds blow from the Asian land mass back to the oceanTerrain: surface currents in the northern Pacific are dominated by a clockwise, warm-water gyre (broad circular system of currents) and in the southern Pacific by a counterclockwise, cool-water gyre; in the northern Pacific sea ice forms in the Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk in winter; in the southern Pacific sea ice from Antarctica reaches its northernmost extent in October; the ocean floor in the eastern Pacific is dominated by the East Pacific Rise, while the western Pacific is dissected by deep trenches, including the world's deepest, the 10,924 meter Marianas TrenchNatural resources: oil and gas fields, polymetallic nodules, sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, fishEnvironment: current issues: endangered marine species include the dugong, sea lion, sea otter, seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in Philippine Sea and South China Sea natural hazards: surrounded by a zone of violent volcanic and earthquake activity sometimes referred to as the Pacific Ring of Fire; subject to tropical cyclones (typhoons) in southeast and east Asia from May to December (most frequent from July to October); tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico and strike Central America and Mexico from June to October (most common in August and September); southern shipping lanes subject to icebergs from Antarctica; occasional El Nino phenomenon occurs off the coast of Peru when the trade winds slacken and the warm Equatorial Countercurrent moves south, killing the plankton that is the primary food source for anchovies; consequently, the anchovies move to better feeding grounds, causing resident marine birds to starve by the thousands because of their lost food source; ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme north from October to May and in extreme south from May to October; persistent fog in the northern Pacific can be a maritime hazard from June to December THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pacific Ocean Geography international agreements: NANote: the major choke points are the Bering Strait, Panama Canal, Luzon Strait, and the Singapore Strait; the Equator divides the Pacific Ocean into the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean; dotted with low coral islands and rugged volcanic islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pacific Ocean GovernmentDigraph: ZN THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pacific Ocean EconomyOverview: The Pacific Ocean is a major contributor to the world economy and particularly to those nations its waters directly touch. It provides low-cost sea transportation between East and West, extensive fishing grounds, offshore oil and gas fields, minerals, and sand and gravel for the construction industry. In 1985 over half (54%) of the world's fish catch came from the Pacific Ocean, which is the only ocean where the fish catch has increased every year since 1978. Exploitation of offshore oil and gas reserves is playing an ever-increasing role in the energy supplies of Australia, NZ, China, US, and Peru. The high cost of recovering offshore oil and gas, combined with the wide swings in world prices for oil since 1985, has slowed but not stopped new drillings.Industries: fishing, oil and gas production THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pacific Ocean TransportationPorts: Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong, Los Angeles (US), Manila (Philippines), Pusan (South Korea), San Francisco (US), Seattle (US), Shanghai (China), Singapore, Sydney (Australia), Vladivostok (Russia), Wellington (NZ), Yokohama (Japan) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Pacific Ocean CommunicationsTelephone system: international: several submarine cables with network nodal points on Guam and Hawaii</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Oman GeographyLocation: Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, between Yemen and the United Arab EmiratesMap references: Middle EastArea: total area: 212,460 sq km land area: 212,460 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than KansasLand boundaries: total 1,374 km, Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 kmCoastline: 2,092 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: no defined boundary with most of UAE; Administrative Line with UAE in far northClimate: dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far southTerrain: vast central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and southNatural resources: petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gasLand use: arable land: less than 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 5% forest and woodland: 0% other: 93%Irrigated land: 410 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: rising soil salinity; beach pollution from oil spills; very limited natural fresh water resources natural hazards: summer winds often raise large sandstorms and duststorms in interior; periodic droughts international agreements: party to - Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ship Pollution, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change THE WORLD FACTBOOK Oman GeographyNote: strategic location with small foothold on Musandam Peninsula controlling Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil THE WORLD FACTBOOK Oman PeoplePopulation: 2,125,089 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 46% (female 480,974; male 498,619) 15-64 years: 51% (female 493,685; male 593,740) 65 years and over: 3% (female 31,826; male 26,245) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.71% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 38.05 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 4.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 34.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.25 years male: 68.31 years female: 72.29 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.16 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Omani(s) adjective: OmaniEthnic divisions: Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi)Religions: Ibadhi Muslim 75%, Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, HinduLanguages: Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialectsLiteracy: NA%Labor force: 430,000 (est.) by occupation: agriculture 40% (est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Oman GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Sultanate of Oman conventional short form: Oman local long form: Saltanat Uman local short form: UmanDigraph: MUType: monarchyCapital: MuscatAdministrative divisions: 6 regions (mintaqah, singular - mintaqat) and 2 governorates* (muhafazah, singular - muhafazat) Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, Al Wusta, Ash Sharqiyah, Az Zahirah, Masqat, Musandam*, Zufar*Independence: 1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)National holiday: National Day, 18 November (1940)Constitution: noneLegal system: based on English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to the sultan; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: noneExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al Said (since 23 July 1970) cabinet: CabinetLegislative branch: unicameral Consultative CouncilJudicial branch: none; traditional Islamic judges and a nascent civil court systemPolitical parties and leaders: noneOther political or pressure groups: NAMember of: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Abdallah bin Muhammad bin Aqil al-DHAHAB chancery: 2535 Belmont Rd. NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 387-1980 through 1982 FAX: [1] (202) 745-4933US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador David J. DUNFORD THE WORLD FACTBOOK Oman Government embassy: address NA, Muscat mailing address: P. O. Box 202, Code No. 115, Muscat telephone: [968] 698989 FAX: [968] 699779Flag: three horizontal bands of white (top, double width), red, and green (double width) with a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed swords in scabbards) in white is centered at the top of the vertical band THE WORLD FACTBOOK Oman EconomyOverview: Economic performance is closely tied to the fortunes of the oil industry, including trends in international oil prices and the ability of OPEC producers to agree on output quotas. Petroleum accounts for more than 85% of export earnings, about 80% of government revenues, and roughly 40% of GDP. Oman has proved oil reserves of 4 billion barrels, equivalent to about 20 years' supply at the current rate of extraction. Agriculture is carried on at a subsistence level and the general population depends on imported food. The government is encouraging private investment, both domestic and foreign, as a prime force for further economic development.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $17 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 0.5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $10,020 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.2% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $4.4 billion expenditures: $5.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $1 billion (1994 est.)Exports: $4.8 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: petroleum 87%, re-exports, fish, processed copper, textiles partners: UAE 33%, Japan 20%, South Korea 14%, China 7% (1993)Imports: $4.1 billion (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, livestock, lubricants partners: UAE 24% (largely re-exports), Japan 21%, UK 12%, US 7%, France 6% (1993)External debt: $3 billion (1993)Industrial production: growth rate 8.6% (1991); accounts for almost 60% of GDP, including petroleumElectricity: capacity: 1,540,000 kW production: 6 billion kWh consumption per capita: 3,407 kWh (1993)Industries: crude oil production and refining, natural gas production, construction, cement, copperAgriculture: accounts for 4% of GDP and 40% of the labor force (including fishing); less than 2% of land cultivated; largely subsistence farming (dates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables, camels, cattle); not self-sufficient in food; annual fish catch averages 100,000 metric tons THE WORLD FACTBOOK Oman EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $137 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $148 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $797 millionCurrency: 1 Omani rial (RO) = 1,000 baizaExchange rates: Omani rials (RO) per US$1 - 0.3845 (fixed rate since 1986)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Oman TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 26,000 km paved: 5,000 km unpaved: 21,000 km (1992 est.)Pipelines: crude oil 1,300 km; natural gas 1,030 kmPorts: Mina' al Fahl, Mina' Qabus, Mina' RaysutMerchant marine: total: 1 passenger ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,442 GRT/1,320 DWTAirports: 140 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 4 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 36 with unpaved runways over 3,047 m: 3 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 61 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 31 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Oman CommunicationsTelephone system: 50,000 telephones; modern system consisting of open-wire, microwave, and radio communications stations; limited coaxial cable local: NA intercity: open wire, microwave, radio communications, and 8 domestic satellite links international: 2 INTELSAT (Indian Ocean) and 1 ARABSAT earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 7 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Oman Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Royal Oman PoliceManpower availability: males age 15-49 520,428; males fit for military service 294,993; males reach military age (14) annually 26,065 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.7 billion, 14.2% of GDP (1995 est.)</text>
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<text>OMAN - Passport and visa required. Tourist/business visas forsingle-entry issued for stay up to 3 weeks. Requires $21 fee, 1 application form, 1photo and cholera immunization if arriving from infected area. AIDStest required for work permits. U.S test not accepted. Allow 1 week to 10days for processing. For transit and road travel check Embassy of theSultanate of Oman, 2535 Belmont Rd., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008(202/387-1980-2).Oman - Consular Information SheetSeptember 2, 1994Country Description: Oman is a monarchy which has developed rapidly in thelast twenty years. The economy is largely dependent on the production andexport of oil. Tourist facilities are available in the capital area ofMuscat and in Salalah and are being expanded elsewhere in the country.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required for entry into Oman.Evidence of yellow fever immunization is required if the traveler entersfrom an infected area. For more details on entry requirements, the travelercan contact the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman, 2342 Massachusetts Ave.N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 387-1980/2.Medical Facilities: Adequate care and medicines are available in Oman.Emergency treatment is available at government-run hospitals, and there aremany private clinics. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash paymentfor health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside theUnited States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseascoverage has proven useful. Information on health matters can also beobtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelershotline at tel. (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: The incidence of street crime is low in Oman andviolent crimes are very rare. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passportshould be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassyor consulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protectingpersonal security, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided inthe Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips forTravelers to the Middle East and North Africa." They are available from theSuperintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices ofthe country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use ortrafficking in illegal drugs are strict in Oman and convicted offenders canexpect jail sentences and fines.Customs: Travelers entering Oman may not carry with them or in accompaniedbaggage any firearms, ammunition, liquor, or pornography; all are subject toseizure if found. Unaccompanied baggage and shipments of household goodsare also subject to inspection. Books, video tapes, and audio tapes may bereviewed prior to being released to the owner. A copy of the packing listis required to clear effects through customs.Dress Codes: Islamic ideals provide the conservative foundation of Oman'scustoms, laws and practices. Foreign visitors are expected to remainsensitive to the Islamic culture, and not dress in a revealing orprovocative style. This includes wearing of sleeveless shirts and blouses,halter tops and shorts. Athletic clothing is worn in public only when thewearer is obviously engaged in athletic activity. Western bathing attire isthe norm at hotel pools and beaches, however.Importation of Pets: Pets entering Oman require an import permit from theMinistry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Department of Animal Health, beforeshipment. Forms may be obtained from the Ministry by one's sponsor and mustbe submitted with a copy of the pet's rabies vaccination record and a healthcertificate. Vaccination against rabies is required no less than one monthand no more than six months before the travel date. There are additionalvaccination requirements for dogs and cats less than 30 days old. A secondhealth certificate dated 48 hours before the pet travels is also arequirement. Pets may be subjected to a six month quarantine, although thisis usually not required when importing the pet from a rabies-free country.Pets must be manifested as cargo on an airway bill when transported by air.Civil Aviation Oversight: In March 1994, the U.S. Federal AviationAdministration assessed Oman's civil aviation authority as in compliancewith international aviation safety oversight standards for Omani carriersoperating to and from the U.S. The same level of safety oversight wouldtypically be applied to operations to other destinations. For furtherinformation, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtainupdated information on travel and security within Oman.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Oman is located on Safaraat Street,Al-Khawair, in the capital city of Muscat. The mailing address is P.O. Box202, Code 115, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. The telephone number is (968) 698-989 and after 4:00 p.m. local time (968) 699-049. The workweek in Oman isSaturday through Wednesday.No. 94-187This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 4, 1994 to addinformation on aviation oversight.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norway GeographyLocation: Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of SwedenMap references: EuropeArea: total area: 324,220 sq km land area: 307,860 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than New MexicoLand boundaries: total 2,515 km, Finland 729 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 167 kmCoastline: 21,925 km (includes mainland 3,419 km, large islands 2,413 km, long fjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations 16,093 km)Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 10 nm continental shelf: 200 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 4 nmInternational disputes: territorial claim in Antarctica (Queen Maud Land); maritime boundary dispute with Russia over portion of Barents SeaClimate: temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior; rainy year-round on west coastTerrain: glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indented by fjords; arctic tundra in northNatural resources: petroleum, copper, natural gas, pyrites, nickel, iron ore, zinc, lead, fish, timber, hydropowerLand use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 27% other: 70%Irrigated land: 950 sq km (1989)Environment: current issues: water pollution; acid rain damaging forests and adversely affecting lakes, threatening fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle emissions natural hazards: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norway Geography international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Tropical Timber 94Note: about two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its much indented coastline; strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and air routes in North Atlantic; one of most rugged and longest coastlines in world; Norway and Turkey only NATO members having a land boundary with Russia THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norway PeoplePopulation: 4,330,951 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 19% (female 390,344; male 444,570) 15-64 years: 65% (female 1,375,493; male 1,424,027) 65 years and over: 16% (female 408,675; male 287,842) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.37% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 12.86 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 10.35 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 1.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 6.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.61 years male: 74.26 years female: 81.15 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.76 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Norwegian(s) adjective: NorwegianEthnic divisions: Germanic (Nordic, Alpine, Baltic), Lapps (Sami) 20,000Religions: Evangelical Lutheran 87.8% (state church), other Protestant and Roman Catholic 3.8%, none 3.2%, unknown 5.2% (1980)Languages: Norwegian (official) note: small Lapp- and Finnish-speaking minoritiesLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1976 est.) total population: 99%Labor force: 2.13 million by occupation: services 71%, industry 23%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 6% (1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norway GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Kingdom of Norway conventional short form: Norway local long form: Kongeriket Norge local short form: NorgeDigraph: NOType: constitutional monarchyCapital: OsloAdministrative divisions: 19 provinces (fylker, singular - fylke); Akershus, Aust-Agder, Buskerud, Finnmark, Hedmark, Hordaland, More og Romsdal, Nordland, Nord-Trondelag, Oppland, Oslo, Ostfold, Rogaland, Sogn og Fjordane, Sor-Trondelag, Telemark, Troms, Vest-Agder, VestfoldDependent areas: Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, SvalbardIndependence: 26 October 1905 (from Sweden)National holiday: Constitution Day, 17 May (1814)Constitution: 17 May 1814, modified in 1884Legal system: mixture of customary law, civil law system, and common law traditions; Supreme Court renders advisory opinions to legislature when asked; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS (born 20 July 1973) head of government: Prime Minister Gro Harlem BRUNDTLAND (since 3 November 1990) cabinet: State Council; appointed by the king in accordance with the will of the StortingLegislative branch: modified unicameral Parliament (Storting) which, for certain purposes, divides itself into two chambers Storting: elections last held 13 September 1993 (next to be held September 1997); results - Labor 37.1%, Center Party 18.5%, Conservatives 15.6%, Christian People's 8.4%, Socialist Left 7.9%, Progress 6%, Left Party 3.6%, Red Electoral Alliance 1.2%; seats - (165 total) Labor 67, Center Party 32, Consevatives 18, Christian People's 13, Socialist Left 13, Progress 10, Left Party 1, Red Electoral Alliance 1, unawarded 10 note: for certain purposes, the Storting divides itself into two chambers and elects one-fourth of its membership to an upper house or LagtingJudicial branch: Supreme Court (Hoyesterett) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norway GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Labor Party, Thorbjorn JAGLUND; Conservative Party, Jan PETERSEN; Center Party, Anne ENGER LAHNSTEIN; Christian People's Party, Kjell Magne BONDEVIK; Socialist Left, Kjellbjorg LUNDE; Norwegian Communist, Kare Andre NILSEN; Progress Party, Carl I. HAGEN; Liberal, Odd Einar DORUM; Left Party; Red Electoral Alliance, Erling FOLKVORDMember of: AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CERN, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA, FAO, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OECD, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMOGIP, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR, UNTSO, UPU, WEU (associate), WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Kjeld VIBE chancery: 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 333-6000 FAX: [1] (202) 337-0870 consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, and San Francisco consulate(s): MiamiUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas A. LOFTUS embassy: Drammensveien 18, 0244 Oslo mailing address: PSC 69, Box 1000, APO AE 09707 telephone: [47] 22 44 85 50 FAX: [47] 22 44 33 63Flag: red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norway EconomyOverview: Norway has a mixed economy involving a combination of free market activity and government intervention. The government controls key areas, such as the vital petroleum sector (through large-scale state enterprises) and extensively subsidizes agriculture, fishing, and areas with sparse resources. Norway also maintains an extensive welfare system that helps propel public sector expenditures to slightly more than 50% of the GDP and results in one of the highest average tax burdens in the world (54%). A small country with a high dependence on international trade, Norway is basically an exporter of raw materials and semiprocessed goods, with an abundance of small- and medium-sized firms, and is ranked among the major shipping nations. The country is richly endowed with natural resources - petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals - and is highly dependent on its oil sector to keep its economy afloat. Norway imports more than half its food needs. Although one of the government's main priorities is to reduce this dependency, this situation is not likely to improve for years to come. The government also hopes to reduce unemployment and strengthen and diversify the economy through tax reform and a series of expansionary budgets. The budget deficit is expected to hit a record 8% of GDP because of welfare spending and bail-outs of the banking system. Unemployment is currently running at 8.4% - including those in job programs - because of the weakness of the economy outside the oil sector. Economic growth, only 1.6% in 1993, moved up to 5.5% in 1994. Oslo opted to stay out of the EU during a referendum in November 1994.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $95.7 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 5.5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $22,170 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.3% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 8.4% (including people in job-training programs; 1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $50.9 billion expenditures: $55.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1994 est.)Exports: $36.6 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: petroleum and petroleum products 40%, metals and products 10.6%, fish and fish products 6.9%, chemicals 6.4%, natural gas 6.0%, ships 5.4% partners: EC 66.3%, Nordic countries 16.3%, developing countries 8.4%, US 6.0%, Japan 1.8% (1993)Imports: $29.3 billion (c.i.f., 1994) commodities: machinery and equipment 38.9%, chemicals and other industrial inputs 26.6%, manufactured consumer goods 17.8%, foodstuffs 6.4% partners: EC 48.6%, Nordic countries 25.1%, developing countries 9.6%, US 8.1%, Japan 8.0% (1993)External debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate 4.6% (1994); accounts for 14% of GDP THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norway EconomyElectricity: capacity: 27,280,000 kW production: 118 billion kWh consumption per capita: 23,735 kWh (1993)Industries: petroleum and gas, food processing, shipbuilding, pulp and paper products, metals, chemicals, timber, mining, textiles, fishingAgriculture: accounts for 3% of GDP and about 6% of labor force; among world's top 10 fishing nations; livestock output exceeds value of crops; fish catch of 1.76 million metric tons in 1989Illicit drugs: transshipment point for drugs shipped via the CIS and Baltic states for the European marketEconomic aid: donor: ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $4.4 billionCurrency: 1 Norwegian krone (NKr) = 100 oereExchange rates: Norwegian kroner (NKr) per US$1 - 6.7014 (January 1995), 7.0469 (1994), 7.0941 (1993), 6.2145 (1992), 6.4829 (1991), 6.2597 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norway TransportationRailroads: total: 4,026 km standard gauge: 4,026 km 1.435-m gauge (2,422 km electrified; 96 km double track) (1994)Highways: total: 88,922 km paved: 61,356 km (75 km of expressway) unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, earth 27,566 km (1990)Inland waterways: 1,577 km along west coast; 2.4 m draft vessels maximumPipelines: refined products 53 kmPorts: Bergen, Drammen, Flora, Hammerfest, Harstad, Haugesund, Kristiansand, Larvik, Narvik, Oslo, Porsgrunn, Stavanger, Tromso, TrondheimMerchant marine: total: 764 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 20,793,968 GRT/35,409,472 DWT ships by type: bulk 159, cargo 92, chemical tanker 85, combination bulk 8, combination ore/oil 28, container 17, liquefied gas tanker 81, oil tanker 162, passenger 13, passenger-cargo 2, railcar carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 13, roll-on/roll-off cargo 54, short-sea passenger 21, vehicle carrier 28 note: the government has created a captive register, the Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS), as a subset of the Norwegian register; ships on the NIS enjoy many benefits of flags of convenience and do not have to be crewed by NorwegiansAirports: total: 104 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 12 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 13 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 10 with paved runways under 914 m: 62 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 6 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norway CommunicationsTelephone system: 3,102,000 telephones; high-quality domestic and international telephone, telegraph, and telex services local: NA intercity: domestic earth stations international: 2 buried coaxial cable systems; 4 coaxial submarine cables; EUTELSAT, INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean), and MARISAT earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 46, FM 493 (350 private and 143 government), shortwave 0 radios: 3.3 millionTelevision: broadcast stations: 54 (repeaters 2,100) televisions: 1.5 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norway Defense ForcesBranches: Norwegian Army, Royal Norwegian Navy, Royal Norwegian Air Force, Home GuardManpower availability: males age 15-49 1,116,130; males fit for military service 928,774; males reach military age (20) annually 29,123 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $3.4 billion, 3.2% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>NORWAY - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 3 months.(Period begins when entering Scandinavian area: Finland, Sweden,Denmark, Iceland.) For further information contact Royal Norwegian Embassy,2720 34th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/333-6000) or nearestConsulate General: CA (415/986-0766 to 7168 and 213/933-7717), MN(612/332-3338), NY (212/421-7333) or TX (713/521-2900).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Norway============================================================Norway - Consular Information Sheet April 4, 1995Country Description: Norway is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. A tourist or business visa is not required for stays up to three months (the 90-day period begins when entering the Nordic area: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland). U.S. citizens must have advance authorization from Norwegian authorities for stays longer than 90 days or stays involving study or employment. For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact the Royal Norwegian Embassy at 2720 34th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, Tel (202) 333-6000, or the nearest Norwegian Consulate General in Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, or San Francisco.Medical Facilities: Medical care is widely available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: By U.S. standards, Norway has a relatively low crime rate. Most crimes involve burglary (which has been on the rise) or theft of personal property. Persons who appear affluent may become targets of pickpockets and purse snatchers. Violent crime, additionally, has been rare; weapons are almost never used by thieves or burglars. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to the local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Mandatory jail sentences are also routine for driving while intoxicated.Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security in Norway.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Oslo is located near the Royal Palace at Drammensveien 18; Telephone (47) 22-44-85-50. No. 95-045This replaces the Consular Information sheet dated March 23, 1994, to update information on entry requirements and crime.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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card_68223.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Northern Mariana Islands HeaderAffiliation: (commonwealth in political union with the US) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Northern Mariana Islands GeographyLocation: Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the PhilippinesMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 477 sq km land area: 477 sq km comparative area: slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and TinianLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 1,482 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to OctoberTerrain: southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic; highest elevation is 471 m (Mt. Okso' Takpochao on Saipan)Natural resources: arable land, fishLand use: arable land: 5% on Saipan permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: 19% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: contamination of groundwater on Saipan by raw sewage contributes to disease natural hazards: active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August to November) international agreements: NANote: strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean THE WORLD FACTBOOK Northern Mariana Islands PeoplePopulation: 51,033 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NAPopulation growth rate: 3.04% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 33.05 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 4.61 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 37.96 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.43 years male: 65.53 years female: 69.48 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.69 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: NA adjective: NAEthnic divisions: Chamorro, Carolinians and other Micronesians, Caucasian, Japanese, Chinese, KoreanReligions: Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found)Languages: English, Chamorro, Carolinian note: 86% of population speaks a language other than English at homeLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980) total population: 97% male: 97% female: 96%Labor force: 7,476 total indigenous labor force, 2,699 unemployed; 21,188 foreign workers (1990) by occupation: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Northern Mariana Islands GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands conventional short form: Northern Mariana IslandsDigraph: CQType: commonwealth in political union with the US; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature; federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by the US Department of the Interior, Office of Territorial and International AffairsCapital: SaipanAdministrative divisions: noneIndependence: none (commonwealth in political union with the US)National holiday: Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)Constitution: Covenant Agreement effective 3 November 1986 and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana IslandsLegal system: based on US system except for customs, wages, immigration laws, and taxationSuffrage: 18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential electionsExecutive branch: chief of state: President William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice President Albert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993) head of government: Governor Froilan C. TENORIO (since January 1994); Lieutenant Governor Jesus C. BORJA (since January 1994); election last held in NA November 1993 (next to be held NA November 1997); results - Froilan C. TENORIO (Democrat) was elected governor with 56% of the voteLegislative branch: bicameral Legislature Senate: elections last held NA November 1993 (next to be held NA November 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) Republicans retained a majority of the seats House of Representatives: elections last held NA November 1993 (next to be held NA November 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (18 total) Republicans retained a majority of the seats US House of Representatives: the Commonwealth does not have a nonvoting delegate in Congress; instead, it has an elected official "resident representative" located in Washington, DC; seats - (1 total) Juan N. BABAUTA (Republican)Judicial branch: Commonwealth Supreme Court, Superior Court, Federal District CourtPolitical parties and leaders: Republican Party, Benigno R. FITIAL, Leader; Democratic Party, Dr. Carlos S. CAMACHO, ChairmanMember of: ESCAP (associate), INTERPOL (subbureau), SPC THE WORLD FACTBOOK Northern Mariana Islands GovernmentFlag: blue with a white five-pointed star superimposed on the gray silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center THE WORLD FACTBOOK Northern Mariana Islands EconomyOverview: The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated government revenues have grown. An agreement for the years 1986 to 1992 entitled the islands to $228 million for capital development, government operations, and special programs. A rapidly growing major source of income is the tourist industry, which now employs about 50% of the work force. Japanese tourists predominate. The agricultural sector is of minor importance and is made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Industry is small scale, mostly handicrafts, light manufacturing, and garment production.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $524 million (1994 est.) note: GDP numbers reflect US spendingNational product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $10,500 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.5% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $190.4 million expenditures: $190.4 million, including capital expenditures of $19.1 million (FY94/95)Exports: $263.4 million (f.o.b. 1991 est.) commodities: garments partners: NAImports: $392.4 million (c.i.f. 1991 est.) commodities: food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum products partners: US, JapanExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 105,000 kW production: NA kWh consumption per capita: NA kWhIndustries: tourism, construction, light industry, handicraftsAgriculture: coconuts, fruits, cattle, vegetables; food is a major importEconomic aid: noneCurrency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents THE WORLD FACTBOOK Northern Mariana Islands EconomyExchange rates: US currency is usedFiscal year: 1 October - 30 September THE WORLD FACTBOOK Northern Mariana Islands TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 381.5 km paved: NA unpaved: NA undifferentiated: primary 134.5 km; secondary 55 km; local 192 km (1991)Inland waterways: nonePorts: Saipan, TinianMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 8 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 3 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Northern Mariana Islands CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones local: NA intercity: NA international: 2 INTELSAT (Pacific Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1984) radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 1; note - there are 2 cable TV stations televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Northern Mariana Islands Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of the US</text>
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card_68050.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norfolk Island HeaderAffiliation: (territory of Australia) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norfolk Island GeographyLocation: Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of AustraliaMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 34.6 sq km land area: 34.6 sq km comparative area: about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 32 kmMaritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: subtropical, mild, little seasonal temperature variationTerrain: volcanic formation with mostly rolling plainsNatural resources: fishLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 25% forest and woodland: 0% other: 75%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: typhoons (especially May to July) international agreements: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norfolk Island PeoplePopulation: 2,756 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NAPopulation growth rate: 1.69% (1995 est.)Birth rate: NADeath rate: NANet migration rate: NAInfant mortality rate: NALife expectancy at birth: NATotal fertility rate: NANationality: noun: Norfolk Islander(s) adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)Ethnic divisions: descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian, New ZealanderReligions: Anglican 39%, Roman Catholic 11.7%, Uniting Church in Australia 16.4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 4.4%, none 9.2%, unknown 16.9%, other 2.4% (1986)Languages: English (official), Norfolk a mixture of 18th century English and ancient TahitianLabor force: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norfolk Island GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island conventional short form: Norfolk IslandDigraph: NFType: territory of AustraliaCapital: Kingston (administrative center); Burnt Pine (commercial center)Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia)Independence: none (territory of Australia)National holiday: Pitcairners Arrival Day Anniversary, 8 June (1856)Constitution: Norfolk Island Act of 1979Legal system: wide legislative and executive responsibility under the Norfolk Island Act of 1979; Supreme CourtSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Administrator Alan Gardner KERR (since NA April 1992), who is appointed by the Governor General of Australia head of government: Assembly President David Ernest BUFFETT (since NA May 1992) cabinet: Executive CouncilLegislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly: elections last held 20 May 1992 (next to be held NA May 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) independents 9Judicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: NAMember of: noneDiplomatic representation in US: none (territory of Australia)US diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia)Flag: 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 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norfolk Island EconomyOverview: The primary economic activity is tourism, which has brought a level of prosperity unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific islands. The number of visitors has increased steadily over the years and reached 29,000 in FY88/89. Revenues from tourism have given the island a favorable balance of trade and helped the agricultural sector to become self-sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs.National product: GDP $NANational product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $NAInflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $4.2 million, including capital expenditures of $400,000 (1989 est.)Exports: $1.7 million (f.o.b., FY85/86) commodities: postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia palm, small quantities of avocados partners: Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, EuropeImports: $15.6 million (c.i.f., FY85/86) commodities: NA partners: Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, EuropeExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 7,000 kW production: 8 million kWh consumption per capita: 3,160 kWh (1990)Industries: tourismAgriculture: Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals, vegetables, fruit, cattle, poultryEconomic aid: noneCurrency: 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 centsExchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3058 (January 1995), 1.3667 (1994), 1.4704 (1993), 1.3600 (1992), 1.2835 (1991), 1.2799 (1990) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norfolk Island EconomyFiscal year: 1 July - 30 June THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norfolk Island TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 80 km paved: 53 km unpaved: earth, coral 27 kmPorts: none; loading jetties at Kingston and CascadeMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norfolk Island CommunicationsTelephone system: 987 telephones (1983) local: NA intercity: NA international: radio link service with SydneyRadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: 1,000 (1987 est.)Television: broadcast stations: 0 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Norfolk Island Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of Australia</text>
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<text>NORFOLK ISLAND - Passport and visa required. Visa issued upon arrivalfor visit up to 30 days, extendable, requires confirmed accommodations andonward/return ticket. Australian transit visa must also be obtained inadvance for travel to Norfolk Island. For both visas consultAustralian Embassy (202/797-3000).</text>
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card_67758.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Niue HeaderAffiliation: (free association with New Zealand) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Niue GeographyLocation: Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of TongaMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 260 sq km land area: 260 sq km comparative area: slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 64 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; modified by southeast trade windsTerrain: steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateauNatural resources: fish, arable landLand use: arable land: 61% permanent crops: 4% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 19% other: 12%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: traditional methods of burning brush and trees to clear land for agriculture have threatened soil supplies which naturally are not very abundant natural hazards: typhoons international agreements: signed, but not ratified - Law of the SeaNote: one of world's largest coral islands THE WORLD FACTBOOK Niue PeoplePopulation: 1,837 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NAPopulation growth rate: -3.66% (1995 est.)Birth rate: NADeath rate: NANet migration rate: NAInfant mortality rate: NALife expectancy at birth: NATotal fertility rate: NANationality: noun: Niuean(s) adjective: NiueanEthnic divisions: Polynesian (with some 200 Europeans, Samoans, and Tongans)Religions: Ekalesia Nieue (Niuean Church) 75% - a Protestant church closely related to the London Missionary Society, Morman 10%, other 15% (mostly Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventist)Languages: Polynesian closely related to Tongan and Samoan, EnglishLabor force: 1,000 (1981 est.) by occupation: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board THE WORLD FACTBOOK Niue GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: NiueDigraph: NEType: self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand; Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairsCapital: AlofiAdministrative divisions: noneIndependence: 19 October 1974 (became a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand on 19 October 1974)National holiday: Waitangi Day, 6 February (1840) (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty)Constitution: 19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act)Legal system: English common lawSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by New Zealand Representative Kurt MEYER (since NA) head of government: Premier Frank F. LUI (since 12 March 1993; Acting Premier since December 1992) cabinet: Cabinet; consists of the premier and three other ministersLegislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly: elections last held 6 March 1993 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (20 total, 6 elected)Judicial branch: Appeal Court of New Zealand, High CourtPolitical parties and leaders: Niue Peoples Party (NPP), Young VIVIANMember of: ESCAP (associate), INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, WHODiplomatic representation in US: none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)US diplomatic representation: none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)Flag: 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 one on a blue disk in the center and a smaller one on each arm of the bold red cross THE WORLD FACTBOOK Niue EconomyOverview: The economy is heavily dependent on aid from New Zealand. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, with the shortfall made up by grants from New Zealand - the grants are used to pay wages to public employees. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists primarily of small factories to process passion fruit, lime oil, honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue. The island in recent years has suffered a serious loss of population because of migration of Niueans to New Zealand.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $2.4 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $1,200 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5% (1992)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $5.5 million expenditures: $6.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1985 est.)Exports: $117,500 (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: canned coconut cream, copra, honey, passion fruit products, pawpaw, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts partners: NZ 89%, Fiji, Cook Islands, AustraliaImports: $4.1 million (c.i.f., 1989) commodities: food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery, fuels, lubricants, chemicals, drugs partners: NZ 59%, Fiji 20%, Japan 13%, Western Samoa, Australia, USExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 1,500 kW production: 2.7 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,490 kWh (1992)Industries: tourism, handicrafts, food processingAgriculture: coconuts, passion fruit, honey, limes; subsistence crops - taro, yams, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, poultry, beef cattleEconomic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $62 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK Niue EconomyCurrency: 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 centsExchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.5601 (January 1995), 1.6844 (1994), 1.8495 (1993), 1.8584 (1992), 1.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Niue TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 229 km unpaved: all-weather 123 km; plantation access 106 kmPorts: none; offshore anchorage onlyMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Niue CommunicationsTelephone system: 383 telephones local: NA intercity: single-line telephone system connects all villages on island international: NARadio: broadcast stations: AM 1,000, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1987 est.) radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 0 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Niue Defense ForcesBranches: Police ForceNote: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand</text>
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<text>NIUE - Passport, onward/return ticket and confirmed hotelaccommodations required. Visa not required for stay up to 30 days. For additional information consult Embassy of New Zealand (202/328-4800).</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nigeria GeographyLocation: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Benin and CameroonMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 923,770 sq km land area: 910,770 sq km comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of CaliforniaLand boundaries: total 4,047 km, Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger 1,497 kmCoastline: 853 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 30 nmInternational disputes: demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaits ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; dispute with Cameroon over land and maritime boundaries in the vicinity of the Bakasi Peninsula has been referred to the International Court of JusticeClimate: varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in northTerrain: southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast, plains in northNatural resources: petroleum, tin, columbite, iron ore, coal, limestone, lead, zinc, natural gasLand use: arable land: 31% permanent crops: 3% meadows and pastures: 23% forest and woodland: 15% other: 28%Irrigated land: 8,650 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: soil degradation; rapid deforestation; desertification; recent droughts in north severely affecting marginal agricultural activities natural hazards: periodic droughts THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nigeria Geography international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nigeria PeoplePopulation: 101,232,251 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 45% (female 22,643,026; male 22,850,322) 15-64 years: 52% (female 25,842,286; male 26,978,906) 65 years and over: 3% (female 1,438,392; male 1,479,319) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.16% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 43.26 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 12.01 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 72.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 55.98 years male: 54.69 years female: 57.3 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.31 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Nigerian(s) adjective: NigerianEthnic divisions: north: Hausa and Fulani southwest: Yoruba southeast: Ibos non-Africans 27,000 note: Hausa and Fulani, Yoruba, and Ibos together make up 65% of populationReligions: Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%Languages: English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo, FulaniLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 51% male: 62% female: 40%Labor force: 42.844 million by occupation: agriculture 54%, industry, commerce, and services 19%, government 15% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nigeria GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Federal Republic of Nigeria conventional short form: NigeriaDigraph: NIType: military government since 31 December 1983; plans to institute a constitutional conference to prepare for a new transition to civilian rule after plans for a transition in 1993 were negated by General BABANGIDACapital: Abuja note: on 12 December 1991 the capital was officially moved from Lagos to Abuja; many government offices remain in Lagos pending completion of facilities in AbujaAdministrative divisions: 30 states and 1 territory*; Abia, Abuja Capital Territory*, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, YobeIndependence: 1 October 1960 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 1 October (1960)Constitution: 1979 constitution still in force; plan for 1989 constitution to take effect in 1993 was not implementedLegal system: based on English common law, Islamic law, and tribal lawSuffrage: 21 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces and Defense Minister Gen. Sani ABACHA (since 17 November 1993); Vice-Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council Oladipo DIYA (since 17 November 1993) cabinet: Federal Executive CouncilLegislative branch: bicameral National Assembly Senate: suspended after coup of 17 November 1993 House of Representatives: suspended after coup of 17 November 1993Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Federal Court of AppealPolitical parties and leaders: note: two political party system suspended after the coup of 17 November 1993Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, MINURSO, NAM, OAU, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNAMIR, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNPROFOR, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nigeria GovernmentDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Zubair Mahmud KAZAURE chancery: 1333 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 986-8400 consulate(s) general: New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Walter C. CARRINGTON embassy: 2 Eleke Crescent, Lagos mailing address: P. O. Box 554, Lagos telephone: [234] (1) 261-0097 FAX: [234] (1) 261-0257 branch office: Abuja consulate(s) general: KadunaFlag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nigeria EconomyOverview: The oil-rich Nigerian economy continues to be hobbled by political instability and poor macroeconomic management. Nigeria's unpopular military rulers show no sign of wanting to restore democratic civilian rule in the near future and appear divided on how to redress fundamental economic imbalances that cause troublesome inflation and the steady depreciation of the naira. The government's domestic and international arrears continue to limit economic growth - even in the oil sector - and prevent an agreement with the IMF and bilateral creditors on debt relief. The inefficient (largely subsistence) agricultural sector has failed to keep up with rapid population growth, and Nigeria, once a large net exporter of food, now must import food.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $122.6 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: -0.8% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $1,250 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 53% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate: 28% (1992 est.)Budget: revenues: $9 billion expenditures: $10.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)Exports: $11.9 billion (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: oil 95%, cocoa, rubber partners: US 54%, EC 23%Imports: $8.3 billion (c.i.f., 1992) commodities: machinery and equipment, manufactured goods, food and animals partners: EC 64%, US 10%, Japan 7%External debt: $29.5 billion (1992)Industrial production: growth rate 7.7% (1991); accounts for 43% of GDP, including petroleumElectricity: capacity: 4,570,000 kW production: 11.3 billion kWh consumption per capita: 109 kWh (1993)Industries: crude oil and mining - coal, tin, columbite; primary processing industries - palm oil, peanut, cotton, rubber, wood, hides and skins; manufacturing industries - textiles, cement, building materials, food products, footwear, chemical, printing, ceramics, steel THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nigeria EconomyAgriculture: accounts for 35% of GDP and half of labor force; cash crops - cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, rubber; food crops - corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava, yams; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats, pigs; fishing and forestry resources extensively exploitedIllicit drugs: passenger and cargo air hub for West Africa; facilitates movement of heroin en route from Southeast and Southwest Asia to Western Europe and North America; increasingly a transit route for cocaine from South America intended for West European, East Asian, and North American marketsEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $705 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.2 billionCurrency: 1 naira (N) = 100 koboExchange rates: naira (N) per US$1 - 21.996 (January 1995), 21.996 (1994), 22.065 (1993), 17.298 (1992), 9.909 (1991), 8.038 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nigeria TransportationRailroads: total: 3,567 km narrow gauge: 3,505 km 1.067-m gauge standard gauge: 62 km 1.435-m gaugeHighways: total: 107,990 km paved: mostly bituminous-surface treatment 30,019 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, improved earth 25,411 km; unimproved earth 52,560 kmInland waterways: 8,575 km consisting of Niger and Benue Rivers and smaller rivers and creeksPipelines: crude oil 2,042 km; petroleum products 3,000 km; natural gas 500 kmPorts: Calabar, Lagos, Onne, Port Harcourt, Sapele, WarriMerchant marine: total: 32 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 404,064 GRT/661,850 DWT ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 14, chemical tanker 3, liquefied gas tanker 1, oil tanker 12, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1Airports: total: 80 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 6 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 10 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 7 with paved runways under 914 m: 25 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 21 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nigeria CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; above-average system limited by poor maintenance; major expansion in progress local: NA intercity: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, and 20 domestic satellite earth stations carry intercity traffic international: 3 INTELSAT earth stations (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 coaxial submarine cable carry international trafficRadio: broadcast stations: AM 35, FM 17, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 28 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nigeria Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary Police ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 23,167,009; males fit for military service 13,246,223; males reach military age (18) annually 1,024,059 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $172 million, about 1% of GDP (1992)</text>
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<text>NIGERIA - Passport and visa required. Visa, no charge, valid for oneentry within 12 months, requires 1 photo, yellow fever vaccination,proof of onward/return transportation, and for tourism a letter ofinvitation is required. Business visa requires letter from counterpart in Nigeriaand letter of introduction from U.S. company. For further informationcontact Embassy of the Republic of Nigeria, 2201 M St., N.W., Washington, D.C.20037 (202/822-1500 or 1522) or the Consulate General in New York(212/715-7200).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Nigeria============================================================Nigeria - Travel Warning June 5, 1995Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the dangers of travel to Nigeria. Violent crime, practiced by persons in police and military uniforms, as well as by ordinary criminals, is an acute problem. Harassment and shake-downs of foreigners and Nigerians alike by uniformed personnel and others occur frequently throughout the country.Business, charity and other scams target foreigners worldwide and pose dangers of financial loss and physical harm. Persons contemplating business deals are strongly urged to check with the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce before providing any information, making any financial commitments or traveling to Nigeria. Under no circumstances should American citizens travel to Nigeria without a valid visa. Invitation to enter Nigeria without a visa is normally indicative of illegal activity. No. 95-018Nigeria - Consular Information Sheet June 16, 1995Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the dangers of travel to Nigeria. Violent crime, practiced by persons in police and military uniforms, as well as by ordinary criminals, is an acute problem. Harassment and shake-downs of foreigners and Nigerians alike by uniformed personnel and others occur frequently throughout the country.Business, charity and other scams target foreigners worldwide and pose dangers of financial loss and physical harm. Persons contemplating business deals are strongly urged to check with the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce before providing any information, making any financial commitments or traveling to Nigeria. Under no circumstances should American citizens travel to Nigeria without a valid visa. Invitation to enter Nigeria without a visa is normally indicative of illegal activity.Country Description: Nigeria, with limited facilities for tourism, poses considerable risks for travelers. Violent crime is acute (see paragraph on Crime and Criminal Violence). Business scams that target foreigners are a pervasive problem, and persons contemplating business deals are strongly urged to check with the U.S. Department of Commerce or the U.S. Embassy in Lagos before traveling to Nigeria or making financial commitments (see paragraph on Commercial Fraud).Entry Requirements: A passport and a visa are required. Evidence of yellow fever and cholera vaccinations is also required. Airport visas are not available. Promises of entry into Nigeria without a visa are credible indicators of a fraudulent commercial scheme in which the perpetrators seek to exploit the foreign traveler's illegal presence in Nigeria with threats of extortion or bodily harm. Furthermore, U.S. citizens cannot legally depart Nigeria unless they can prove, by presenting their entry visas, that they entered Nigeria legally. Payment of 35 U.S. dollars airport tax is required upon departure. Current information on entry requirements may be obtained at the Embassy of the Republic of Nigeria, 2201 M Street, N.W., in Washington, D.C. 20037, telephone (202) 822-1500, or at the Nigerian Consulate General in New York.Information on Crime and Criminal Violence: Violent crime affecting foreigners is an extremely serious problem, especially in Lagos and the southern half of the country. Visitors, as well as resident Americans, report widespread armed muggings, assault, burglary, carjackings and extortion, often involving violence. Carjackings, roadblock robberies and armed break-ins occur often, with victims sometimes shot by assailants for no apparent reason. Reports of armed robberies in broad daylight on rural roads in the northern half of the country appear to be increasing. Law enforcement authorities usually respond to crimes slowly, if at all, and provide little or no investigative support to victims. Pickpockets and confidence artists, some posing as local immigration and other government officials, are especially common at Murtala Muhammad Airport.In addition to harassment and shake-downs of American citizens by officials at airports and throughout Nigeria, there have been isolated but troubling reports of violent attacks by purported government officials on Americans and other foreigners. The Nigerian government has not responded meaningfully to complaints by the American Embassy in Lagos and the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. concerning these abuses and attacks, nor is there any indication that the officers involved have been disciplined. Upon arrival in Nigeria, U.S. citizens are urged to register at the U.S. Embassy in Lagos where they may obtain current information and advice on minimizing risks.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Commercial Fraud: A major and continuing problem is the commercial scam or sting that targets foreigners, including many U.S. citizens. Such scams could involve U.S. citizens in illegal activity, resulting in extortion or bodily harm. The scams generally involve phony offers of either outright money transfers or lucrative sales or contracts with promises of large commissions or up-front payments. Alleged deals frequently invoke the authority of one or more ministries or offices of the Nigerian government and may even cite by name the support of a Nigerian government official. The apparent use in some scams of actual government stationery, seals, and offices is grounds for concern that some individual Nigerian officials may be involved in these activities. The ability of U.S. Embassy officers to extricate Americans from unlawful business deals is extremely limited. Nigerian police do not always inform the U.S. Embassy of an American citizen in distress. The Department of Commerce has issued advisories to the U.S. business community on doing business in Nigeria. Both the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Embassy in Lagos can provide business travelers with further details.The Department of State has issued a brochure for business travelers to Nigeria; single copies are available at no charge from the Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818. Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope.Airport Safety: Due to a lack of effective security measures, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation has ordered that direct air services between the U.S. and the Murtala Muhammad Airport in Lagos be suspended. U.S. travelers may wish to check with their travel agents or the airlines for alternate routing. The U.S. Embassy is concerned by reports that maintenance and operational procedures for Nigerian airlines may not be adequate to ensure passenger safety. Periodic strikes may also affect flight scheduling and raise additional concerns about the reliability and safety of Nigerian aviation. The section "Information on Crime and Criminal Violence" provides information concerning crime at airports.Areas of Instability: Nigeria has experienced civil unrest, violence and strikes. The causes and locations vary. Locations where outbreaks of violence have occurred include the Lagos area, southwestern Nigeria and parts of Delta, Rivers, Plateau and Kaduna states. There has been an increase in the number of unauthorized automobile checkpoints. These checkpoints are operated by bands of police, soldiers, or bandits posing as or operating with police or soldiers, whose personnel should be considered armed and dangerous. Many incidents, including murder, illustrate the increasing risks of road travel in Nigeria. Reports of threats against firms and foreign workers in the petroleum sector recur from time to time. Chadian troop incursions have reportedly occurred at the border area in the far northeast, near Lake Chad.Despite labor unrest in various parts of the country and occasional flare-ups in local markets, U.S. citizens have not been specifically targetted in such disturbances. However, they and their vehicles could inadvertently become caught up in a demonstration or riot. Heightened tensions resulting from the delayed process of transition from military rule to an elected government could result in further unrest and disturbances. Early June (prior to and during the week of the June 12 anniversary of the 1993 annulled presidential election) is a time to be especially mindful of security concerns, to exercise particular caution and to avoid public gatherings.Medical Facilities: A variety of diseases pose a serious health threat. The public is not always informed in a timely manner about outbreaks of typhoid, cholera and yellow fever. Hepatitis and malaria, including potentially fatal cerebral malaria, are endemic. Medical facilities are limited; not all medicines are available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven useful. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Photography Restrictions: Permission is required to take photographs of government buildings, airports, bridges or official-looking buildings. Permission may be obtained from Nigerian security personnel.Currency Regulations: Credit cards are rarely accepted in Nigeria and, because of the prevalence of credit card fraud in Nigeria, as well as credit card fraud by Nigerians in the U.S., their use is generally ill-advised. It is often necessary to bring travelers checks or currency in a sufficient amount to cover the period of a planned visit. Interbank transfers are often difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish. The government of Nigeria has fixed an artificially high rate for the local currency, the naira (in terms of its value in exchange for foreign currencies). Persons seeking to trade at lower rates on the "black market" could be arrested or shaken down. U.S. visitors are strongly urged to exchange dollars for local currency only at the official rate and at approved exchange facilities, usually including the major hotels. For further information, visitors may wish to contact the U.S. Embassy.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Those arrested routinely face prolonged detention before trial, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Lagos may obtain updated information on travel and security in Nigeria.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 2 Eleke Crescent, Victoria Island in Lagos. The telephone number is (234) (1) 261-0050. No. 95-071This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 20, 1994, to include the Travel Warning issued June 5, 1995, and to add information in the paragraphs on Airport Safety and Areas of Instability.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Nigeria============================================================Nigeria - Public Announcement June 9, 1995 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman For Immediate ReleaseThe U.S. Embassy in Lagos issued an announcement on June 9 advising American citizens in Nigeria to exercise particular caution and avoid public gatherings during the weekend before and the week of the June 12 anniversary of the 1993 annulled presidential election. The U.S. Embassy has no information suggesting a likelihood of civil disturbances, but feels Americans should be especially mindful of security concerns during this period.For further information on travel to Nigeria you may consult the Department's Travel Warning and Consular Information Sheet.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories-----STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Nigeria============================================================Nigeria - Travel Warning June 5, 1995Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the dangers of travel to Nigeria. Violent crime, practiced by persons in police and military uniforms, as well as by ordinary criminals, is an acute problem. Harassment and shake-downs of foreigners and Nigerians alike by uniformed personnel and others occur frequently throughout the country.Business, charity and other scams target foreigners worldwide and pose dangers of financial loss and physical harm. Persons contemplating business deals are strongly urged to check with the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce before providing any information, making any financial commitments or traveling to Nigeria. Under no circumstances should American citizens travel to Nigeria without a valid visa. Invitation to enter Nigeria without a visa is normally indicative of illegal activity. No. 95-018Nigeria - Consular Information Sheet June 16, 1995Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the dangers of travel to Nigeria. Violent crime, practiced by persons in police and military uniforms, as well as by ordinary criminals, is an acute problem. Harassment and shake-downs of foreigners and Nigerians alike by uniformed personnel and others occur frequently throughout the country.Business, charity and other scams target foreigners worldwide and pose dangers of financial loss and physical harm. Persons contemplating business deals are strongly urged to check with the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce before providing any information, making any financial commitments or traveling to Nigeria. Under no circumstances should American citizens travel to Nigeria without a valid visa. Invitation to enter Nigeria without a visa is normally indicative of illegal activity.Country Description: Nigeria, with limited facilities for tourism, poses considerable risks for travelers. Violent crime is acute (see paragraph on Crime and Criminal Violence). Business scams that target foreigners are a pervasive problem, and persons contemplating business deals are strongly urged to check with the U.S. Department of Commerce or the U.S. Embassy in Lagos before traveling to Nigeria or making financial commitments (see paragraph on Commercial Fraud).Entry Requirements: A passport and a visa are required. Evidence of yellow fever and cholera vaccinations is also required. Airport visas are not available. Promises of entry into Nigeria without a visa are credible indicators of a fraudulent commercial scheme in which the perpetrators seek to exploit the foreign traveler's illegal presence in Nigeria with threats of extortion or bodily harm. Furthermore, U.S. citizens cannot legally depart Nigeria unless they can prove, by presenting their entry visas, that they entered Nigeria legally. Payment of 35 U.S. dollars airport tax is required upon departure. Current information on entry requirements may be obtained at the Embassy of the Republic of Nigeria, 2201 M Street, N.W., in Washington, D.C. 20037, telephone (202) 822-1500, or at the Nigerian Consulate General in New York.Information on Crime and Criminal Violence: Violent crime affecting foreigners is an extremely serious problem, especially in Lagos and the southern half of the country. Visitors, as well as resident Americans, report widespread armed muggings, assault, burglary, carjackings and extortion, often involving violence. Carjackings, roadblock robberies and armed break-ins occur often, with victims sometimes shot by assailants for no apparent reason. Reports of armed robberies in broad daylight on rural roads in the northern half of the country appear to be increasing. Law enforcement authorities usually respond to crimes slowly, if at all, and provide little or no investigative support to victims. Pickpockets and confidence artists, some posing as local immigration and other government officials, are especially common at Murtala Muhammad Airport.In addition to harassment and shake-downs of American citizens by officials at airports and throughout Nigeria, there have been isolated but troubling reports of violent attacks by purported government officials on Americans and other foreigners. The Nigerian government has not responded meaningfully to complaints by the American Embassy in Lagos and the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. concerning these abuses and attacks, nor is there any indication that the officers involved have been disciplined. Upon arrival in Nigeria, U.S. citizens are urged to register at the U.S. Embassy in Lagos where they may obtain current information and advice on minimizing risks.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Commercial Fraud: A major and continuing problem is the commercial scam or sting that targets foreigners, including many U.S. citizens. Such scams could involve U.S. citizens in illegal activity, resulting in extortion or bodily harm. The scams generally involve phony offers of either outright money transfers or lucrative sales or contracts with promises of large commissions or up-front payments. Alleged deals frequently invoke the authority of one or more ministries or offices of the Nigerian government and may even cite by name the support of a Nigerian government official. The apparent use in some scams of actual government stationery, seals, and offices is grounds for concern that some individual Nigerian officials may be involved in these activities. The ability of U.S. Embassy officers to extricate Americans from unlawful business deals is extremely limited. Nigerian police do not always inform the U.S. Embassy of an American citizen in distress. The Department of Commerce has issued advisories to the U.S. business community on doing business in Nigeria. Both the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Embassy in Lagos can provide business travelers with further details.The Department of State has issued a brochure for business travelers to Nigeria; single copies are available at no charge from the Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818. Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope.Airport Safety: Due to a lack of effective security measures, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation has ordered that direct air services between the U.S. and the Murtala Muhammad Airport in Lagos be suspended. U.S. travelers may wish to check with their travel agents or the airlines for alternate routing. The U.S. Embassy is concerned by reports that maintenance and operational procedures for Nigerian airlines may not be adequate to ensure passenger safety. Periodic strikes may also affect flight scheduling and raise additional concerns about the reliability and safety of Nigerian aviation. The section "Information on Crime and Criminal Violence" provides information concerning crime at airports.Areas of Instability: Nigeria has experienced civil unrest, violence and strikes. The causes and locations vary. Locations where outbreaks of violence have occurred include the Lagos area, southwestern Nigeria and parts of Delta, Rivers, Plateau and Kaduna states. There has been an increase in the number of unauthorized automobile checkpoints. These checkpoints are operated by bands of police, soldiers, or bandits posing as or operating with police or soldiers, whose personnel should be considered armed and dangerous. Many incidents, including murder, illustrate the increasing risks of road travel in Nigeria. Reports of threats against firms and foreign workers in the petroleum sector recur from time to time. Chadian troop incursions have reportedly occurred at the border area in the far northeast, near Lake Chad.Despite labor unrest in various parts of the country and occasional flare-ups in local markets, U.S. citizens have not been specifically targetted in such disturbances. However, they and their vehicles could inadvertently become caught up in a demonstration or riot. Heightened tensions resulting from the delayed process of transition from military rule to an elected government could result in further unrest and disturbances. Early June (prior to and during the week of the June 12 anniversary of the 1993 annulled presidential election) is a time to be especially mindful of security concerns, to exercise particular caution and to avoid public gatherings.Medical Facilities: A variety of diseases pose a serious health threat. The public is not always informed in a timely manner about outbreaks of typhoid, cholera and yellow fever. Hepatitis and malaria, including potentially fatal cerebral malaria, are endemic. Medical facilities are limited; not all medicines are available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven useful. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Photography Restrictions: Permission is required to take photographs of government buildings, airports, bridges or official-looking buildings. Permission may be obtained from Nigerian security personnel.Currency Regulations: Credit cards are rarely accepted in Nigeria and, because of the prevalence of credit card fraud in Nigeria, as well as credit card fraud by Nigerians in the U.S., their use is generally ill-advised. It is often necessary to bring travelers checks or currency in a sufficient amount to cover the period of a planned visit. Interbank transfers are often difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish. The government of Nigeria has fixed an artificially high rate for the local currency, the naira (in terms of its value in exchange for foreign currencies). Persons seeking to trade at lower rates on the "black market" could be arrested or shaken down. U.S. visitors are strongly urged to exchange dollars for local currency only at the official rate and at approved exchange facilities, usually including the major hotels. For further information, visitors may wish to contact the U.S. Embassy.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Those arrested routinely face prolonged detention before trial, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Lagos may obtain updated information on travel and security in Nigeria.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 2 Eleke Crescent, Victoria Island in Lagos. The telephone number is (234) (1) 261-0050. No. 95-071This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 20, 1994, to include the Travel Warning issued June 5, 1995, and to add information in the paragraphs on Airport Safety and Areas of Instability.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Niger GeographyLocation: Western Africa, southeast of AlgeriaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 1.267 million sq km land area: 1,266,700 sq km comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of TexasLand boundaries: total 5,697 km, Algeria 956 km, Benin 266 km, Burkina 628 km, Chad 1,175 km, Libya 354 km, Mali 821 km, Nigeria 1,497 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: Libya claims about 19,400 sq km in northern Niger; demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which has led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including the tripoint with NigerClimate: desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme southTerrain: predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling plains in south; hills in northNatural resources: uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphatesLand use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 7% forest and woodland: 2% other: 88%Irrigated land: 320 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: overgrazing; soil erosion; deforestation; desertification; wildlife populations (such as elephant, hippopotamus, and lion) threatened because of poaching and habitat destruction natural hazards: recurring droughts international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the SeaNote: landlocked THE WORLD FACTBOOK Niger PeoplePopulation: 9,280,208 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 49% (female 2,275,338; male 2,275,999) 15-64 years: 49% (female 2,314,857; male 2,188,938) 65 years and over: 2% (female 107,432; male 117,644) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.4% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 54.8 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 20.8 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 109.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 45.07 years male: 43.42 years female: 46.77 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 7.35 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Nigerien(s) adjective: NigerienEthnic divisions: Hausa 56%, Djerma 22%, Fula 8.5%, Tuareg 8%, Beri Beri (Kanouri) 4.3%, Arab, Toubou, and Gourmantche 1.2%, about 4,000 French expatriatesReligions: Muslim 80%, remainder indigenous beliefs and ChristiansLanguages: French (official), Hausa, DjermaLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1988) total population: 11% male: 17% female: 5%Labor force: 2.5 million wage earners (1982) by occupation: agriculture 90%, industry and commerce 6%, government 4% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Niger GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Niger conventional short form: Niger local long form: Republique du Niger local short form: NigerDigraph: NGType: republicCapital: NiameyAdministrative divisions: 7 departments (departements, singular - departement); Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Maradi, Niamey, Tahoua, ZinderIndependence: 3 August 1960 (from France)National holiday: Republic Day, 18 December (1958)Constitution: approved by national referendum 16 December 1992; promulgated January 1993Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Mahamane OUSMANE (since 16 April 1993); election last held 17 March 1993 (next to be held NA February 1998) head of government: Prime Minister Hama AMADOU (since 21 February 1995) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president on recommendation of the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral National Assembly: elected by proportional representation for 5 year terms; elections last held 12 January 1995 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (83 total) MNSD-NASSARA 29, CDS 24, PNDS 12, ANDP-Z 9, UDFP 3, UDPS 2, PADN 2, PPN-RDA 1, UPDP 1Judicial branch: State Court (Cour d'Etat), Court of Appeal (Cour d'Apel)Political parties and leaders: National Movement of the Development Society (MNSD-NASSARA), Mamadou TANDJA, chairman; Democratic and Social Convention (CDS), Jacoub SANOUSSI; Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS), Mahamadou ISSOUFOU; Nigerien Alliance for Democracy and Progress-Zamanlahia (ANDP-Z), Moumouni Adamou DJERMAKOYE; Union of Popular Forces for Democracy and Progress-Sawaba (UDFP), Djibo BAKARY, chairman; Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), Akoli DAOUEL; Niger Social Democrat Party (PADN), Malam Adji WAZIRI; Niger Progressive Party-African Democratic Rally (PPN-RDA), Dori ABDOULAI, chairman; Union of Patriots, Democrats, and Progressives (UPDP), Professor Andre SALIFOU, chairman THE WORLD FACTBOOK Niger GovernmentMember of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Adamou SEYDOU chancery: 2204 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 483-4224 through 4227US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador John S. DAVISON embassy: Rue Des Ambassades, Niamey mailing address: B. P. 11201, Niamey telephone: [227] 72 26 61 through 72 26 64 FAX: [227] 73 31 67Flag: three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green with a small orange disk (representing the sun) centered in the white band; similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel centered in the white band THE WORLD FACTBOOK Niger EconomyOverview: Niger is one of the world's poorest countries, with GDP growth lagging behind the rapid growth of population. The economy is centered on subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry, and reexport trade, and increasingly less on uranium, its major export throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Uranium revenues dropped by almost 50% between 1983 and 1990 with the end of the uranium boom. Terms of trade with Nigeria, Niger's largest regional trade partner, have improved dramatically since the 50% devaluation of the African franc in January 1994; this devaluation boosted exports of livestock, peas, onions, and the products of Niger's small cotton industry. The government relies on bilateral and multilateral aid for operating expenses and public investment and is strongly induced to adhere to structural adjustment programs designed by the IMF and the World Bank.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $4.6 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: 1.4% (1993 est.)National product per capita: $550 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $188 million expenditures: $400 million, including capital expenditures of $125 million (1993 est.)Exports: $246 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: uranium ore 67%, livestock products 20%, cowpeas, onions partners: France 77%, Nigeria 8%, Cote d'Ivoire, ItalyImports: $286 million (c.i.f., 1993 est.) commodities: consumer goods, primary materials, machinery, vehicles and parts, petroleum, cereals partners: France 23%, Cote d'Ivoire, Germany, Italy, JapanExternal debt: $1.2 billion (December 1991 est.)Industrial production: growth rate -2.7% (1992 est.); accounts for 15% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 60,000 kW production: 200 million kWh consumption per capita: 42 kWh (1992)Industries: cement, brick, textiles, food processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses, and a few other small light industries; uranium mining began in 1971 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Niger EconomyAgriculture: accounts for roughly 40% of GDP and 90% of labor force; cash crops - cowpeas, cotton, peanuts; food crops - millet, sorghum, cassava, rice; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats; self-sufficient in food except in drought yearsEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $380 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.165 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $504 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $61 millionCurrency: 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimesExchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 529.43 (January 1995), 555.20 (1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990) note: the official rate is pegged to the French franc, and 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 1948Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September THE WORLD FACTBOOK Niger TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 39,970 km paved: bituminous 3,170 km unpaved: gravel, laterite 10,330 km; earth 3,470 km; tracks 23,000 kmInland waterways: Niger River is navigable 300 km from Niamey to Gaya on the Benin frontier from mid-December through MarchPorts: noneAirports: total: 29 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 3 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 16 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Niger CommunicationsTelephone system: 14,260 telephones; small system of wire, radiocommunications, and radio relay links concentrated in southwestern area local: NA intercity: wire, radiocommunications, and radio relay; 3 domestic satellite links, with 1 planned international: 2 INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 15, FM 5, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 18 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Niger Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National PoliceManpower availability: males age 15-49 1,908,767; males fit for military service 1,029,384; males reach military age (18) annually 94,506 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $32 million, 1.3% of GDP (FY92/93)</text>
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<text>NIGER - Passport and visa required. Visa valid between 7 and 12months (from date of issuance), depending on type/category of travelers. Requires 3 application forms, 3 photos, yellow fever vaccination (choleravaccination is recommended, but not required), proof of onward/returntransportation, letter of invitation and $56.07 fee. For furtherinformation and fees contact Embassy of the Republic of Niger, 2204 RSt., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/483-4224).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Niger============================================================Niger - Consular Information Sheet April 28, 1995Country Description: Niger is a developing, inland African nation whose northern area includes a part of the Sahara Desert. Tourism facilities are minimal, particularly outside of Niamey.Entry Requirements: A passport and a visa are required for entry into Niger. Visas are valid for a period of one week to three months from the date of issuance, depending on the type of visa and category of traveler. Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are required for entry into Niger. Travelers should also consider a meningitis vaccination. For further information, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Niger, 2204 R Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 483-4224.Areas of Instability: Travel remains dangerous in the north of the country and extreme east of the country above a line connecting (west to east) Tera, Tillaberi,Ouallam, Filingue, Tahoua, Keita, Bouza, Dakoro, Tamout, and Nguigmi because of acts of armed insurrection and banditry by elements of Niger's Tuareg population. Travel by U.S. government personnel by road north of this line is restricted and must be approved by the U.S. Embassy's security office in advance. Travel by U.S. government personnel to the towns of Tera, Tillaberi, Ouallam and Filingue is permitted without prior clearance but employees must notify the Embassy's security office of their plans. Travelers should be particularly cautious in south-east Niger in the area surrounding Diffa due to sporadic ethnic rivalries.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are poor in Niger, particularly outside the city of Niamey. Medicines are in short supply, and doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid or accepted outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Travelers have found supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage to be useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Niger is considered a high crime country. Armed bandits operate in northern Niger, and a number of people have been killed over the last several years. Care must be taken in walking city streets anywhere in the country at any time, but especially at night. Thieves and pickpockets are especially active in tourist areas.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Dress Restrictions: Local culture and Islamic tradition encourage conservative dress for both men and women. There have been incidents of harassment of African women wearing western clothes in the conservative towns along the southern border with Nigeria. Although U.S. citizens are not specific targets, travelers should be careful in choosing their attire.Photography Restrictions: Tourists are free to take pictures anywhere in Niger, except near military installations, radio and television stations, the Presidency Building, and the airport.Currency Regulations: There are no laws restricting currency transactions in Niger. Local currency (the CFA Franc) or foreign currency, up to the equivalent of four thousand U.S. dollars, can be taken into or out of Niger without violating local law.Telephone Service: Due to poor line quality, callers often experience delays in getting a line and telefaxes are often garbled.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens who register with the U.S. Embassy in Niamey on Rue Des Ambassades may obtain updated information on travel and security in Niger. The mailing address is B.P. 11201. The telephone number is (227) 72-26-61 through 72-26-64. The fax number is (227) 73-31-67. No. 95-060This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 22, 1994, to revise the paragraphs on areas of instability, crime, medical information and dress restrictions.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nicaragua GeographyLocation: Middle America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica and HondurasMap references: Central America and the CaribbeanArea: total area: 129,494 sq km land area: 120,254 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than New York StateLand boundaries: total 1,231 km, Costa Rica 309 km, Honduras 922 kmCoastline: 910 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 25-nm security zone continental shelf: natural prolongation territorial sea: 200 nmInternational disputes: territorial disputes with Colombia over the Archipelago de San Andres y Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank; with respect to the maritime boundary question in the Golfo de Fonseca, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) referred the disputants to an earlier agreement in this century and advised that some tripartite resolution among El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua likely would be requiredClimate: tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlandsTerrain: extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoesNatural resources: gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber, fishLand use: arable land: 9% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 43% forest and woodland: 35% other: 12%Irrigated land: 850 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution natural hazards: destructive earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and occasionally severe hurricanes THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nicaragua Geography international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nicaragua PeoplePopulation: 4,206,353 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 44% (female 921,356; male 930,594) 15-64 years: 53% (female 1,146,485; male 1,097,811) 65 years and over: 3% (female 62,607; male 47,500) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.61% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 33.73 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.45 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -1.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 50.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 64.54 years male: 61.67 years female: 67.53 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 4.17 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Nicaraguan(s) adjective: NicaraguanEthnic divisions: mestizo (mixed Amerindian and Caucasian) 69%, white 17%, black 9%, Indian 5%Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant 5%Languages: Spanish (official) note: English- and Indian-speaking minorities on Atlantic coastLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1971) total population: 57% male: 57% female: 57%Labor force: 1.086 million by occupation: services 43%, agriculture 44%, industry 13% (1986) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nicaragua GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Nicaragua conventional short form: Nicaragua local long form: Republica de Nicaragua local short form: NicaraguaDigraph: NUType: republicCapital: ManaguaAdministrative divisions: 16 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Boaco, Carazo, Chinandega, Chontales, Esteli, Granada, Jinotega, Leon, Madriz, Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, Nueva Segovia, Rio San Juan, Rivas, ZelayaIndependence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain)National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821)Constitution: 9 January 1987Legal system: civil law system; Supreme Court may review administrative actsSuffrage: 16 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Violeta Barrios de CHAMORRO (since 25 April 1990); Vice President Virgilio GODOY Reyes (since 25 April 1990); election last held 25 February 1990 (next to be held November 1996); results - Violeta Barrios de CHAMORRO (UNO) 54.7%, Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 40.8%, other 4.5% cabinet: CabinetLegislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional): elections last held 25 February 1990 (next to be held November 1996); results - UNO 53.9%, FSLN 40.8%, PSC 1.6%, MUR 1.0%; seats - (92 total) UNO 41, FSLN 39, "Centrist" (Dissident UNO) 12Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)Political parties and leaders: far right: Liberal Constitutionalist Party* (PLC), Arnold ALEMAN; Conservative Popular Alliance Party (APC), Myriam ARGUELLO; Central American Unionist Party (PUCA), Blanca ROJAS Echaverry; Independent Liberal Party for National Unity (PLUIN), Alfonso MOCADO Guillen; Conservative Party of Nicaragua (PCN - formed in 1992 by the merger of the Conservative Social Party (PSC) with the Democratic Conservative Party (PCD) and PCL, the Conservative party of Labor), Fernando AGUERO; National Justice Party (PJN), Jorge DIAZ Cruz; National Conservative Party* (PNC), Adolfo CALERO center right: Neoliberal Party* (PALI), Adolfo GARCIA Esquivel; National Action Party* (PAN), Delvis MONTIEL; Independent Liberal Party* (PLI), Wilfredo NAVARRO THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nicaragua Government center left: Christian Democratic Union (UDC), Luis Humberto GUZMAN; Nicaraguan Democratic Movement (MDN), Roberto URROZ; Social Democratic Party (PSD), Adolfo JARQUIN; Movement of Revolutionary Unity (MUR), Pablo HERNANDEZ; Sandinista Renovation Movement (MRS), Sergio RAMIREZ; Democratic Action Movement (MAD), Eden PASTORA; Communist Party of Nicaragua* (PCdeN), Eli ALTIMIRANO Perez far left: Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), Daniel ORTEGA; Revolutionary Workers' Party (PRT), Bonifacio MIRANDA; Popular Action Movement-Marxist-Leninist (MAP-ML), Isidro TELLEZ; Nicaraguan Socialist Party (PSN), Gustavo TABLADA; Unidad Nicaraguense de Obreros, Campesinos, y Profesionales (UNOCP), Rosalio GONZALEZ Urbina note: parties marked with an asterisk belong to the National Opposition Union (UNO), an alliance of moderate parties, which, however, does not always follow a unified political agendaOther political or pressure groups: National Workers Front (FNT) is a Sandinista umbrella group of eight labor unions: Sandinista Workers' Central (CST); Farm Workers Association (ATC); Health Workers Federation (FETASALUD); National Union of Employees (UNE); National Association of Educators of Nicaragua (ANDEN); Union of Journalists of Nicaragua (UPN); Heroes and Martyrs Confederation of Professional Associations (CONAPRO); and the National Union of Farmers and Ranchers (UNAG); Permanent Congress of Workers (CPT) is an umbrella group of four non-Sandinista labor unions: Confederation of Labor Unification (CUS); Autonomous Nicaraguan Workers' Central (CTN-A); Independent General Confederation of Labor (CGT-I); and Labor Action and Unity Central (CAUS); Nicaraguan Workers' Central (CTN) is an independent labor union; Superior Council of Private Enterprise (COSEP) is a confederation of business groupsMember of: BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Roberto Genaro MAYORGA Cortes chancery: 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 939-6570 consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador John F. MAISTO embassy: Kilometer 4.5 Carretera Sur., Managua mailing address: APO AA 34021 telephone: [505] (2) 666010, 666013, 666015 through 18, 666026, 666027, 666032 through 34 FAX: [505] (2) 666046 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nicaragua GovernmentFlag: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on the top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; similar to the flag of El Salvador, which features a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nicaragua EconomyOverview: Since March 1991, when President CHAMORRO began an ambitious economic stabilization program, Nicaragua has had considerable success in reducing inflation and obtaining substantial economic aid from abroad. Annual inflation fell from more than 750% in 1991 to less than 5% in 1992. Inflation rose again to an estimated 20% in 1993, although this increase was due almost entirely to a large currency devaluation in January. As of early 1994, the government was close to finalizing an enhanced structural adjustment facility with the IMF, after the previous standby facility expired in early 1993. Despite these successes, achieving overall economic growth in an economy scarred by misguided economic values and civil war during the 1980s has proved elusive. Economic growth was flat in 1992 and slightly negative in 1993. Nicaragua's per capita foreign debt is one of the highest in the world; nonetheless, as of late 1993, Nicaragua was current on its post-1988 debt as well as on payments to the international financial institutions. Definition of property rights remains a problem; ownership disputes over large tracts of land, businesses, and homes confiscated by the previous government have yet to be resolved. A rise in exports of coffee and other products led growth in 1994.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $6.4 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 3.2% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $1,570 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 19.5% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 21.8%; underemployment 50% (1993)Budget: revenues: $375 million (1992) expenditures: $410 million (1992), including capital expenditures of $115 million (1991 est.)Exports: $329 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: meat, coffee, cotton, sugar, seafood, gold, bananas partners: US, Central America, Canada, GermanyImports: $786 million (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: consumer goods, machinery and equipment, petroleum products partners: Central America, US, Venezuela, JapanExternal debt: $11 billion (1993)Industrial production: growth rate -0.8% (1993 est.); accounts for 26% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 460,000 kW production: 1.6 billion kWh consumption per capita: 376 kWh (1993) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nicaragua EconomyIndustries: food processing, chemicals, metal products, textiles, clothing, petroleum refining and distribution, beverages, footwearAgriculture: crops account for about 15% of GDP; export crops - coffee, bananas, sugarcane, cotton; food crops - rice, corn, cassava, citrus fruit, beans; also produces a variety of animal products - beef, veal, pork, poultry, dairy products; normally self-sufficient in foodIllicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine destined for the USEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-92), $620 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.381 billionCurrency: 1 gold cordoba (C$) = 100 centavosExchange rates: gold cordobas (C$) per US$1 - 7.08 (December 1994), 6.72 (1994), 5.62 (1993), 5.00 (1992); note - gold cordoba replaced cordoba as Nicaragua's currency in 1991 (exchange rate of old cordoba had reached per US$1 - 25,000,000 by March 1992)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nicaragua TransportationRailroads: total: 376 km; note - majority of system is nonoperational standard gauge: 3 km 1.435-m gauge line at Puerto Cabezas; note - does not connect with mainline narrow gauge: 373 km 1.067-m gaugeHighways: total: 15,286 km paved: 1,598 km unpaved: 13,688 km note: there is a 368.5 km portion of the Pan-American Highway which is not in the totalInland waterways: 2,220 km, including 2 large lakesPipelines: crude oil 56 kmPorts: Bluefields, Corinto, El Bluff, Puerto Cabezas, Puerto Sandino, Rama, San Juan del SurMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 198 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 149 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 39 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nicaragua CommunicationsTelephone system: 60,000 telephones; low-capacity radio relay and wire system being expanded; connection into Central American Microwave System local: NA intercity: wire and radio relay international: 1 Intersputnik and 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 45, FM 0, shortwave 3 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 7 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nicaragua Defense ForcesBranches: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force note: total strength of all branches - 14,500Manpower availability: males age 15-49 982,345; males fit for military service 604,721; males reach military age (18) annually 47,064 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $32 million, 1.7% of GDP (1994), 8.1% of government budget</text>
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<text>NICARAGUA - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Check furtherinformation with Embassy of Nicaragua, 1627 New Hampshire Ave., N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/939-6531 to 34).Nicaragua - Consular Information SheetOctober 31, 1994Country Description: Nicaragua has a developing economy. Its touristindustry is not highly developed.Entry Requirements: U. S. citizens need a passport, an onward/returnticket, and sufficient funds ($200 minimum) to enter Nicaragua. Passportsmust be valid six months beyond duration of stay. For further information,travelers can contact the Embassy of Nicaragua at 1627 New Hampshire AvenueN.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, tel. (202) 939-6570 or (202) 939-6531.Areas of Instability: Occasional flare-ups of armed violence continuethroughout Nicaragua and to a greater extent in the northern parts of thecountry. Incidents involving armed bandits operating in the country haveincreased. Travel by road between Nicaragua and Honduras, even on mainroads, is potentially dangerous. Because of land mines in certain ruralareas, it can be hazardous to venture off main roads. Travelers haveexperienced harassment at border crossings, especially when crossing theGulf of Fonseca by ferry between Potosi, Nicaragua, and La Union, ElSalvador. Road travel after dark is hazardous in all areas of the country.Many vehicles operate without lights or are abandoned on main highways.Medical Facilities: Medical care is limited. Doctors and hospitals oftenexpect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insuranceis not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, medicalinsurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. For additionalhealth information, the traveler can contact the Centers for DiseaseControl's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Crime is on the increase in Nicaragua. Many theftsoccur on crowded buses. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad shouldbe reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy orconsulate. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personalsecurity while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of Statepamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad." This publication, as well as others, such as"Tips for Travelers to Central and South America," are available from theSuperintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, WashingtonD.C. 20402.Currency Regulations: Most hotels and restaurants do not accept eithercredit cards or travelers checks, but travelers checks may be exchanged forlocal currency at authorized exchange facilities (casas de cambio). U.S.dollars are not always available. The three largest hotels in Managuaexchange currency and accept payment by certain credit cards or travelerschecks.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. Penalties in Nicaragua for possession, use andtrafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expectlengthy jail sentences and fines.Civil Aviation Oversight: In August 1992, the U.S. Federal AviationAdministration assessed Nicaragua as not providing oversight in compliancewith international aviation safety standards for Nicaraguan air carrieroperations. As a result, Nicaraguan carriers arrange to have their flightsconducted by a carrier from a country meeting internationl safety standardsin order to provide commercial passenger service to the United States. Forfurther information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportationat 1 (800) 322-7873.Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy during their visitmay obtain current information on travel and security within Nicaragua.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua is located at Kilometer 41/2 Carretera Sur in Managua; telephone (505-2) 66-6010.No. 94-258This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 2, 1994 , toamend the information on aviation oversight.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Zealand GeographyLocation: Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of AustraliaMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 268,680 sq km land area: 268,670 sq km comparative area: about the size of Colorado note: includes Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands, Campbell Island, Chatham Islands, and Kermadec IslandsLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 15,134 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: territorial claim in Antarctica (Ross Dependency)Climate: temperate with sharp regional contrastsTerrain: predominately mountainous with some large coastal plainsNatural resources: natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower, gold, limestoneLand use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 53% forest and woodland: 38% other: 7%Irrigated land: 2,800 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; native flora and fauna hard-hit by species introduced from outside natural hazards: earthquakes are common, though usually not severe international agreements: party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Zealand GeographyNote: about 80% of the population lives in cities THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Zealand PeoplePopulation: 3,407,277 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 23% (female 381,027; male 401,285) 15-64 years: 65% (female 1,109,402; male 1,111,079) 65 years and over: 12% (female 234,339; male 170,145) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.52% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 15.14 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 8.03 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -1.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 8.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.65 years male: 73.08 years female: 80.42 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.99 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: New Zealander(s) adjective: New ZealandEthnic divisions: European 88%, Maori 8.9%, Pacific Islander 2.9%, other 0.2%Religions: Anglican 24%, Presbyterian 18%, Roman Catholic 15%, Methodist 5%, Baptist 2%, other Protestant 3%, unspecified or none 33% (1986)Languages: English (official), MaoriLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) total population: 99%Labor force: 1,603,500 (June 1991) by occupation: services 66.6%, industry 22.6%, agriculture 10.8% (1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Zealand GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: New ZealandAbbreviation: NZDigraph: NZType: parliamentary democracyCapital: WellingtonAdministrative divisions: 93 counties, 9 districts*, and 3 town districts**; Akaroa, Amuri, Ashburton, Bay of Islands, Bruce, Buller, Chatham Islands, Cheviot, Clifton, Clutha, Cook, Dannevirke, Egmont, Eketahuna, Ellesmere, Eltham, Eyre, Featherston, Franklin, Golden Bay, Great Barrier Island, Grey, Hauraki Plains, Hawera*, Hawke's Bay, Heathcote, Hikurangi**, Hobson, Hokianga, Horowhenua, Hurunui, Hutt, Inangahua, Inglewood, Kaikoura, Kairanga, Kiwitea, Lake, Mackenzie, Malvern, Manaia**, Manawatu, Mangonui, Maniototo, Marlborough, Masterton, Matamata, Mount Herbert, Ohinemuri, Opotiki, Oroua, Otamatea, Otorohanga*, Oxford, Pahiatua, Paparua, Patea, Piako, Pohangina, Raglan, Rangiora*, Rangitikei, Rodney, Rotorua*, Runanga, Saint Kilda, Silverpeaks, Southland, Stewart Island, Stratford, Strathallan, Taranaki, Taumarunui, Taupo, Tauranga, Thames-Coromandel*, Tuapeka, Vincent, Waiapu, Waiheke, Waihemo, Waikato, Waikohu, Waimairi, Waimarino, Waimate, Waimate West, Waimea, Waipa, Waipawa*, Waipukurau*, Wairarapa South, Wairewa, Wairoa, Waitaki, Waitomo*, Waitotara, Wallace, Wanganui, Waverley**, Westland, Whakatane*, Whangarei, Whangaroa, Woodville note: there may be a new administrative structure of 16 regions (Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Marlborough, Nelson, Northland, Otago, Southland, Taranaki, Tasman, Waikato, Wanganui-Manawatu, Wellington, West Coast) that are subdivided into 57 districts and 16 cities* (Ashburton, Auckland*, Banks Peninsula, Buller, Carterton, Central Hawke's Bay, Central Otago, Christchurch*, Clutha, Dunedin*, Far North, Franklin, Gisborne, Gore, Grey, Hamilton*, Hastings, Hauraki, Horowhenua, Hurunui, Hutt*, Invercargill*, Kaikoura, Kaipara, Kapiti Coast, Kawerau, Mackenzie, Manawatu, Manukau*, Marlborough, Masterton, Matamata Piako, Napier*, Nelson*, New Plymouth, North Shore*, Opotiki, Otorohanga, Palmerston North*, Papakura*, Porirua*, Queenstown Lakes, Rangitikei, Rodney, Rotorua, Ruapehu, Selwyn, Southland, South Taranaki, South Waikato, South Wairarapa, Stratford, Tararua, Tasman, Taupo, Tauranga, Thames Coromandel, Timaru, Upper Hutt*, Waikato, Waimakariri, Waimate, Waipa, Wairoa, Waitakere*, Waitaki, Waitomo, Wanganui, Wellington*, Western Bay of Plenty, Westland, Whakatane, Whangarei)Dependent areas: Cook Islands, Niue, TokelauIndependence: 26 September 1907 (from UK)National holiday: Waitangi Day, 6 February (1840) (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty)Constitution: no formal, written constitution; consists of various documents, including certain acts of the UK and New Zealand Parliaments; Constitution Act 1986 was to have come into force 1 January 1987, but has not been enacted THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Zealand GovernmentLegal system: based on English law, with special land legislation and land courts for Maoris; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Dame Catherine TIZARD (since 12 December 1990) head of government: Prime Minister James BOLGER (since 29 October 1990); Deputy Prime Minister Donald McKINNON (since 2 November 1990) cabinet: Executive Council; appointed by the governor general on recommendation of the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives: (commonly called Parliament) elections last held 6 November 1993 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - NP 35.2%, NZLP 34.7%, Alliance 18.3%, New Zealand First 8.3%; seats - (99 total) NP 50, NZLP 45, Alliance 2, New Zealand First Party 2Judicial branch: High Court, Court of AppealPolitical parties and leaders: National Party (NP, government), James BOLGER; New Zealand Labor Party (NZLP, opposition), Helen CLARK; Alliance, Sandra LEE; Democratic Party, Dick RYAN; New Zealand Liberal Party, Hanmish MACINTYRE and Gilbert MYLES; Green Party, no official leader; Mana Motuhake, Martin RATA; Socialist Unity Party (SUP, pro-Soviet), Kenneth DOUGLAS; New Zealand First, Winston PETERS note: the New Labor, Democratic, and Mana Motuhake parties formed a coalition called the Alliance Party, Sandra LEE, president, in September 1991; the Green Party joined the coalition in May 1992Member of: ANZUS (US suspended security obligations to NZ on 11 August 1986), APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, C, CCC, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, MTCR, NAM (guest), OECD, PCA, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UNTSO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Lionel John WOOD chancery: 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 328-4800 consulate(s) general: Apia (Western Samoa), Los AngelesUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Josiah Horton BEEMAN embassy: 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington mailing address: P. O. Box 1190, Wellington; PSC 467, Box 1, FPO AP 96531-1001 telephone: [64] (4) 472-2068 THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Zealand Government FAX: [64] (4) 472-3537 consulate(s) general: AucklandFlag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant with four red five-pointed stars edged in white centered in the outer half of the flag; the stars represent the Southern Cross constellation THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Zealand EconomyOverview: Since 1984 the government has been reorienting an agrarian economy dependent on a guaranteed British market to a more industrialized, open free market economy that can compete on the global scene. The government has hoped that dynamic growth would boost real incomes, broaden and deepen the technological capabilities of the industrial sector, reduce inflationary pressures, and permit the expansion of welfare benefits. The initial results were mixed: inflation is down from double-digit levels, but growth was sluggish in 1988-91. In 1992-93, growth picked up to 3% annually, a sign that the new economic approach was beginning to pay off. Business confidence strengthened in 1994, and export demand picked up in the Asia-Pacific region, resulting in 6.2% growth. Inflation remains among the lowest in the industrial world.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $56.4 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 6.2% (1994)National product per capita: $16,640 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.6% (FY93/94)Unemployment rate: 7.5% (December 1994)Budget: revenues: $18.94 billion expenditures: $18.82 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY94/95) note: surplus $120 million (FY94/95)Exports: $11.2 billion (1994) commodities: wool, lamb, mutton, beef, fish, cheese, chemicals, forestry products, fruits and vegetables, manufactures partners: Australia 20%, Japan 15%, US 12%, UK 6%Imports: $10.4 billion (1994) commodities: machinery and equipment, vehicles and aircraft, petroleum, consumer goods partners: Australia 21%, US 18%, Japan 16%, UK 6%External debt: $38.5 billion (September 1994)Industrial production: growth rate 1.9% (1990); accounts for about 20% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 7,520,000 kW production: 30.5 billion kWh consumption per capita: 8,401 kWh (1993)Industries: food processing, wood and paper products, textiles, machinery, transportation equipment, banking and insurance, tourism, mining THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Zealand EconomyAgriculture: accounts for about 9% of GDP and about 11% of the work force; livestock predominates - wool, meat, dairy products all export earners; crops - wheat, barley, potatoes, pulses, fruits, vegetables; surplus producer of farm products; fish catch reached a record 503,000 metric tons in 1988Economic aid: donor: ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $526 millionCurrency: 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 centsExchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.5601 (January 1995), 1.6844 (1994), 1.8495 (1993), 1.8584 (1992), 1.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Zealand TransportationRailroads: total: 4,716 km narrow gauge: 4,716 km 1.067-m gauge (113 km electrified; 274 km double track)Highways: total: 92,648 km paved: 49,547 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone 43,101 kmInland waterways: 1,609 km; of little importance to transportationPipelines: petroleum products 160 km; natural gas 1,000 km; condensate (liquified petroleum gas - LPG) 150 kmPorts: Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Tauranga, WellingtonMerchant marine: total: 18 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 165,504 GRT/218,699 DWT ships by type: bulk 6, cargo 2, liquefied gas tanker 1, oil tanker 3, railcar carrier 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 5Airports: total: 102 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 8 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 28 with paved runways under 914 m: 41 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 21 THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Zealand CommunicationsTelephone system: 2,110,000 telephones; excellent international and domestic systems local: NA intercity: NA international: submarine cables extend to Australia and Fiji; 2 INTELSAT (Pacific Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 64, FM 2, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 14 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Zealand Defense ForcesBranches: New Zealand Army, Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal New Zealand Air ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 883,668; males fit for military service 742,871; males reach military age (20) annually 27,162 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $792 million, 2% of GDP (FY90/91)</text>
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<text>NEW ZEALAND - Passport required. Visa not required fortourist/business stay up to 3 months, must have onward/return ticket, visa for nextdestination and proof of sufficient funds. For additional informationcontact Embassy of New Zealand, 37 Observatory Circle, N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/328-4800) or the Consulate General, Los Angeles(213/477-8241).New Zealand - Consular Information SheetAugust 22, 1994Country Description: New Zealand is a highly developed stable parliamentarydemocracy which recognizes the British monarch as sovereign. It has amodern economy and tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. A visa is not required fortourist/business stays of up to three months, and visitors must haveonward/return tickets and a visa for the next destination. Proof ofsufficient funds may also be required with prearranged accommodations.Specific information is available through the Embassy of New Zealand, 37Observatory Circle, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 - telephone: (202) 328-4800or the Consulate General of New Zealand in Los Angeles - telephone: (213)477-8241.Medical Facilities: Good medical care is widely available. Doctors andhospitals may expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S.medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.Supplemental overseas medical insurance, including coverage for medicalevacuation, has proven useful. The Medicare/Medicaid Program does notprovide payment of medical services outside the United States. Theinternational travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: Crime in New Zealand is comparatively low but hasincreased in recent years. Foreign visitors, including those from the U.S.,are seldom victims of crime. The most prevalent incident is occasionaltheft or attempted theft. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passportshould be reported immediately to the local police, and the nearest U.S.Embassy or Consulate. Useful information on guarding valuables andprotecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in theDepartment of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available fromthe Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices ofthe country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use, ortrafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expectjail sentences and fines.Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate canobtain updated information on travel and security within the country.Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in New Zealand is locatedat 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington - telephone: (64-4) 472-2068. The U.S. Consulate General in Auckland is located on the 4th floor,Yorkshire General Building, Corner of Shortland and O'Connell Streets, -telephone: (64) (9) 303-2724. The U.S. Consular Agent in Christchurch maybe reached c/o Price Waterhouse Center, 119 Armagh Street, tel. (64-3) 379-0040.No. 94-168This replaces the consular information sheet dated July 9, 1993, andprovides information on supplemental medical evacuation coverage.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Caledonia HeaderAffiliation: (overseas territory of France) THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Caledonia GeographyLocation: Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of AustraliaMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 19,060 sq km land area: 18,760 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than New JerseyLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 2,254 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot, humidTerrain: coastal plains with interior mountainsNatural resources: nickel, chrome, iron, cobalt, manganese, silver, gold, lead, copperLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 14% forest and woodland: 51% other: 35%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: typhoons most frequent from November to March international agreements: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Caledonia PeoplePopulation: 184,552 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 31% (female 27,712; male 28,677) 15-64 years: 64% (female 58,462; male 60,169) 65 years and over: 5% (female 4,997; male 4,535) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.75% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 22.04 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 4.9 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 14.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.02 years male: 70.73 years female: 77.48 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.57 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: New Caledonian(s) adjective: New CaledonianEthnic divisions: Melanesian 42.5%, European 37.1%, Wallisian 8.4%, Polynesian 3.8%, Indonesian 3.6%, Vietnamese 1.6%, other 3%Religions: Roman Catholic 60%, Protestant 30%, other 10%Languages: French, 28 Melanesian-Polynesian dialectsLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1976) total population: 91% male: 92% female: 90%Labor force: 50,469 foreign workers for plantations and mines from Wallis and Futuna, Vanuatu, and French Polynesia (1980 est.) by occupation: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Caledonia GovernmentNames: 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-CaledonieDigraph: NCType: overseas territory of France since 1956Capital: NoumeaAdministrative divisions: none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 3 provinces named Iles Loyaute, Nord, and SudIndependence: none (overseas territory of France; a referendum on independence will be held in 1998)National holiday: National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)Legal system: the 1988 Matignon Accords grant substantial autonomy to the islands; formerly under French lawSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) head of government: High Commissioner and President of the Council of Government Didier CULTIAUX (since NA July 1994; appointed by the French Ministry of the Interior); President of the Territorial Congress Simon LOUECKHOTE (since 26 June 1989) cabinet: Consultative CommitteeLegislative branch: unicameral Territorial Assembly: elections last held 11 June 1989 (next to be held July 1995); results - RPCR 44.5%, FLNKS 28.5%, FN 7%, CD 5%, UO 4%, other 11%; seats - (54 total) RPCR 27, FLNKS 19, FN 3, other 5; note - election boycotted by FULK French Senate: elections last held 27 September 1992 (next to be held September 2001); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) RPCR 1 French National Assembly: elections last held 21 March 1993 (next to be held 21 and 28 March 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) RPCR 2Judicial branch: Court of Appeal THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Caledonia GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: white-dominated Rassemblement pour la Caledonie dans la Republique (RPCR), conservative, Jacques LAFLEUR, president - affiliated to France's Rassemblement pour la Republique (RPR; also called South Province Party); Melanesian proindependence Kanaka Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), Paul NEAOUTYINE; Melanesian moderate Kanak Socialist Liberation (LKS), Nidoish NAISSELINE; National Front (FN), extreme right, Guy GEORGE; Caledonie Demain (CD), right-wing, Bernard MARANT; Union Oceanienne (UO), conservative, Michel HEMA; Front Uni de Liberation Kanak (FULK), proindependence, Clarence UREGEI; Union Caledonian (UC), Francois BURCK, president; "1999" (new party calling for an autonomous state), Philippe PENTECOSTMember of: ESCAP (associate), FZ, ICFTU, SPC, WFTU, WMODiplomatic representation in US: none (overseas territory of France)US diplomatic representation: none (overseas territory of France)Flag: the flag of France is used THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Caledonia EconomyOverview: New Caledonia has more than 25% of the world's known nickel resources. In recent years the economy has suffered because of depressed international demand for nickel, the principal source of export earnings. Only a negligible amount of the land is suitable for cultivation, and food accounts for about 25% of imports.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $1 billion (1991 est.)National product real growth rate: 2.4% (1988)National product per capita: $6,000 (1991 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.4% (1990)Unemployment rate: 16% (1989)Budget: revenues: $224 million expenditures: $211 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1985 est.)Exports: $671 million (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: nickel metal 87%, nickel ore partners: France 32%, Japan 23.5%, US 3.6%Imports: $764 million (c.i.f., 1989) commodities: foods, fuels, minerals, machines, electrical equipment partners: France 44.0%, US 10%, Australia 9%External debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 250,000 kW production: 1.2 billion kWh consumption per capita: 6,178 kWh (1993)Industries: nickel mining and smeltingAgriculture: large areas devoted to cattle grazing; coffee, corn, wheat, vegetables; 60% self-sufficient in beefIllicit drugs: illicit cannabis cultivation is becoming a principal source of income for some familiesEconomic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.185 billionCurrency: 1 CFP franc (CFPF) = 100 centimes THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Caledonia EconomyExchange rates: Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (CFPF) per US$1 - 96.25 (January 1995), 100.93 (1994), 102.96 (1993), 96.24 (1992), 102.57 (1991), 99.00 (1990); note - linked at the rate of 18.18 to the French francFiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Caledonia TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 6,340 km paved: 634 km unpaved: 5,706 km (1987)Ports: Mueo, Noumea, ThioMerchant marine: total: 1 roll-on/roll-off ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,079 GRT/724 DWTAirports: 36 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 19 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 13 THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Caledonia CommunicationsTelephone system: 32,578 telephones (1987) local: NA intercity: NA international: 1 INTELSAT (Pacific Ocean) satellite linkRadio: broadcast stations: AM 5, FM 3, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 7 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK New Caledonia Defense ForcesBranches: French Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Gendarmerie); Police ForceDefense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDPNote: defense is the responsibility of France</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands Antilles HeaderAffiliation: (part of the Dutch realm) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands Antilles GeographyLocation: Caribbean, two island groups in the Caribbean Sea - one includes Curacao and Bonaire north of Venezuela and the other is east of the Virgin IslandsMap references: Central America and the CaribbeanArea: total area: 960 sq km land area: 960 sq km comparative area: slightly less than 5.5 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten (Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin)Land boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 364 kmMaritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; ameliorated by northeast trade windsTerrain: generally hilly, volcanic interiorsNatural resources: phosphates (Curacao only), salt (Bonaire only)Land use: arable land: 8% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 92%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: Curacao and Bonaire are south of Caribbean hurricane belt, so rarely threatened; Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are subject to hurricanes from July to October international agreements: party to - Whaling (extended from Netherlands) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands Antilles PeoplePopulation: 203,505 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 26% (female 25,349; male 26,577) 15-64 years: 67% (female 69,273; male 67,485) 65 years and over: 7% (female 8,599; male 6,222) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.06% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 16.23 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.26 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -0.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 9 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.94 years male: 74.67 years female: 79.33 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.9 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Netherlands Antillean(s) adjective: Netherlands AntilleanEthnic divisions: mixed African 85%, Carib Indian, European, Latin, OrientalReligions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Seventh-Day AdventistLanguages: Dutch (official), Papiamento a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect predominates, English widely spoken, SpanishLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1981) total population: 98% male: 98% female: 99%Labor force: 89,000 by occupation: government 65%, industry and commerce 28% (1983) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands Antilles GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Netherlands Antilles local long form: none local short form: Nederlandse AntillenDigraph: NTType: part of the Dutch realm; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 1954Capital: WillemstadAdministrative divisions: none (part of the Dutch realm)Independence: none (part of the Dutch realm)National holiday: Queen's Day, 30 April (1938)Constitution: 29 December 1954, Statute of the Realm of the Netherlands, as amendedLegal system: based on Dutch civil law system, with some English common law influenceSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Queen BEATRIX Wilhelmina Armgard (since 30 April 1980), represented by Governor General Jaime SALEH (since NA October 1989) head of government: Prime Minister Miguel POURIER (since 25 February 1994) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed with the advice and approval of the unicameral legislatureLegislative branch: unicameral Staten: elections last held on 25 February 1994 (next to be held March 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (23 total) PAR 8, PNP 3, SPA 2, PDB 2, UPB 1, MAN 2, DP 1, WIPM 1, DP-St.E 1, DP-St.M 1, Nos Patria 1 note: the government of Prime Minister Miguel POURIER is a coalition of several partiesJudicial branch: Joint High Court of JusticePolitical parties and leaders: political parties are indigenous to each island Bonaire: Patriotic Union of Bonaire (UPB), Rudy ELLIS; Democratic Party of Bonaire (PDB), Franklin CRESTIAN Curacao: Antillean Restructuring Party (PAR), Miguel POURIER; National People's Party (PNP), Maria LIBERIA-PETERS; New Antilles Movement (MAN), Domenico Felip Don MARTINA; Workers' Liberation Front (FOL), Wilson (Papa) GODETT; Socialist Independent (SI), George HUECK and Nelson MONTE; Democratic Party of Curacao (DP), Augustin DIAZ; Nos Patria, Chin BEHILIA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands Antilles Government Saba: Windward Islands People's Movement (WIPM Saba), Will JOHNSON; Saba Democratic Labor Movement, Vernon HASSELL; Saba Unity Party, Carmen SIMMONDS Sint Eustatius: Democratic Party of Sint Eustatius (DP-St.E), K. Van PUTTEN; Windward Islands People's Movement (WIPM); St. Eustatius Alliance (SEA), Ralph BERKEL Sint Maarten: Democratic Party of Sint Maarten (DP-St.M), Claude WATHEY; Patriotic Movement of Sint Maarten (SPA), Vance JAMESMember of: CARICOM (observer), ECLAC (associate), ICFTU, INTERPOL, IOC, UNESCO (associate), UPU, WMO, WTO (associate)Diplomatic representation in US: none (self-governing part of the Netherlands)US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Consul General Bernard J. WOERZ consulate(s) general: Saint Anna Boulevard 19, Willemstad, Curacao mailing address: P. O. Box 158, Willemstad, Curacao telephone: [599] (9) 61-3066 FAX: [599] (9) 61-6489Flag: white with a horizontal blue stripe in the center superimposed on a vertical red band also centered; five white five-pointed stars are arranged in an oval pattern in the center of the blue band; the five stars represent the five main islands of Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands Antilles EconomyOverview: Tourism and offshore finance are the mainstays of the economy. The islands enjoy a high per capita income and a well-developed infrastructure as compared with other countries in the region. Almost all consumer and capital goods are imported, with Venezuela and the US being the major suppliers. Poor soils and inadequate water supplies hamper the development of agriculture.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $1.85 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: 1.8% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $10,000 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.5% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 13.4% (1993 est.)Budget: revenues: $209 million expenditures: $232 million, including capital expenditures of $8 million (1992 est.)Exports: $240 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: petroleum products 98% partners: US 39%, Brazil 9%, Colombia 6%Imports: $1.2 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: crude petroleum 64%, food, manufactures partners: Venezuela 26%, US 18%, Colombia 6%, Netherlands 6%, Japan 5%External debt: $672 million (December 1991)Industrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 200,000 kW production: 810 million kWh consumption per capita: 4,054 kWh (1993)Industries: tourism (Curacao and Sint Maarten), petroleum refining (Curacao), petroleum transshipment facilities (Curacao and Bonaire), light manufacturing (Curacao)Agriculture: chief products - aloes, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables, tropical fruitIllicit drugs: money-laundering center; transshipment point for South American cocaine and marijuana bound for the US and EuropeEconomic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $513 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands Antilles EconomyCurrency: 1 Netherlands Antillean guilder, gulden, or florin (NAf.) = 100 centsExchange rates: Netherlands Antillean guilders, gulden, or florins (NAf.) per US$1 - 1.79 (fixed rate since 1989; 1.80 fixed rate 1971-88)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands Antilles TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 950 km paved: 300 km unpaved: gravel, earth 650 kmPorts: Kralendijk, Philipsburg, WillemstadMerchant marine: total: 110 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,044,553 GRT/1,343,842 DWT ships by type: barge carrier 1, bulk 2, cargo 36, chemical tanker 6, combination ore/oil 1, liquefied gas tanker 4, multifunction large-load carrier 20, oil tanker 2, passenger 4, refrigerated cargo 27, roll-on/roll-off cargo 7Airports: total: 5 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands Antilles CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; generally adequate facilities local: NA intercity: extensive interisland microwave radio relay links international: 2 submarine cables; 2 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 9, FM 4, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 1 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands Antilles Defense ForcesBranches: Royal Netherlands Navy, Marine Corps, Royal Netherlands Air Force, National Guard, Police ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 56,058; males fit for military service 31,558; males reach military age (20) annually 1,734 (1995 est.)Note: defense is responsibility of the Netherlands</text>
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<text>NETHERLANDS ANTILLES - Islands include Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Statia,St. Maarten. Passport or proof of U.S. citizenship required. Visa notrequired for stay up to 14 days, extendable to 90 days after arrival.Tourists may be asked to show onward/return ticket or proof ofsufficient funds for stay. Departure tax $10 when leaving Bonaire and Curacao, $4 in Statia, $10 in St. Maarten. For further information consult Embassy ofthe Netherlands (202/244-5300), or nearest Consulate General: CA(213/380-3440), IL (312/856-0110), NY (212/246-1429) or TX(713/622-8000).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Netherlands Antilles & Aruba============================================================Netherlands Antilles & Aruba - Consular Information Sheet August 24, 1995Country Description: The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba are autonomous parts of the kingdom of the Netherlands. The Netherlands Antilles include the islands of Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius (also known as Statia), and St. Maarten (Dutch side). Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: A passport or proof of U.S. citizenship is required. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 14 days, extendable to 90 days after arrival. Tourists may be asked to show an onward/return ticket or proof of sufficient funds for their stay. For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers can consult the Embassy of the Netherlands, 4200 Wisconsin Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016, tel: (202) 244-5300, or the nearest Dutch consulate in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York or Houston.Medical Facilities: Medical care is generally good, but may be limited in more remote areas. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate payment in cash or by a major credit card for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplementary medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven to be useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: For details on specific islands, see below. For all islands, petty street crime occurs. Valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft.Aruba: Failed land development schemes involving time share investments and financial losses by foreigners are increasing. Leasees of vehicle rentals may not be fully covered by local insurance when a vehicle is stolen.Bonaire: Potential investors may wish to seek professional advice regarding investments involving land development projects.Curacao: Street crime has increased. Burglary is commonplace and armed robbery occurs. Car theft, including that of rental vehicles for joy-riding and stripping, occurs frequently.St. Maarten: Burglary and the theft of unguarded personal belongings in cars--including rental cars--at the beach or on private boats is common. Armed robbery is on the rise and is sometimes accompanied by indiscriminate shooting of the victims.The loss or theft of a U.S. passport overseas should be reported to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. A birth certificate and/or driver's license generally cannot be replaced outside the United States. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Both this pamphlet and "Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean" are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Criminal penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences, possibly in a very overcrowded prison, and fines.Aviation Oversight - Netherlands Antilles: In February 1993, the U.S Federal Aviation Administration assessed the Netherlands Antilles' civil aviation authority as not in compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards for Netherlands Antilles carriers operating to and from the U.S. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, air carriers licensed by the Netherlands Antilles are permitted to conduct limited operations to the U.S. subject to heightened FAA surveillance. The FAA is not providing heightened surveillance for operations to destinations other than the U.S. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1 (800) 322-7873.Aruba: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in April 1995, the FAA has found the Government of Aruba's Civil Aviation Authority to not be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Aruba air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, Aruban air carriers are permitted to conduct limited operations to the U.S. subject to heightened FAA surveillance. The FAA is not providing heightened surveillance for operations to destinations other than the U.S. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1 800 322-7873.Consulate Locations/Registration: U.S. citizens may register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General serving the islands of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, located at J.B. Gorsiraweg #1, Willemstad, Curacao; telephone (599-9) 613-066. U.S. citizens may obtain from the Consulate General updated information on travel and security in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. No. 95-101This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated November 7, 1994, to include Aviation Oversight information for Aruba.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands GeographyLocation: Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and GermanyMap references: EuropeArea: total area: 37,330 sq km land area: 33,920 sq km comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of New JerseyLand boundaries: total 1,027 km, Belgium 450 km, Germany 577 kmCoastline: 451 kmMaritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: temperate; marine; cool summers and mild wintersTerrain: mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeastNatural resources: natural gas, petroleum, fertile soilLand use: arable land: 26% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 32% forest and woodland: 9% other: 32%Irrigated land: 5,500 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: water pollution in the form of heavy metals, organic compounds, and nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates; air pollution from vehicles and refining activities; acid rain natural hazards: the extensive system of dikes and dams, protects nearly one-half of the total area from being flooded international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Desertification, Law of the Sea THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands GeographyNote: located at mouths of three major European rivers (Rhine, Maas or Meuse, and Schelde) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands PeoplePopulation: 15,452,903 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 18% (female 1,382,057; male 1,445,451) 15-64 years: 68% (female 5,184,224; male 5,369,018) 65 years and over: 14% (female 1,238,336; male 833,817) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.52% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 12.42 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 8.48 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 1.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 6 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.95 years male: 74.9 years female: 81.17 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.56 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Dutchman(men), Dutchwoman(women) adjective: DutchEthnic divisions: Dutch 96%, Moroccans, Turks, and other 4% (1988)Religions: Roman Catholic 34%, Protestant 25%, Muslim 3%, other 2%, unaffiliated 36% (1991)Languages: DutchLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1979 est.) total population: 99%Labor force: 6.4 million (1993) by occupation: services 71.4%, manufacturing and construction 24.6%, agriculture 4.0% (1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Kingdom of the Netherlands conventional short form: Netherlands local long form: Koninkrijk de Nederlanden local short form: NederlandDigraph: NLType: constitutional monarchyCapital: Amsterdam; The Hague is the seat of governmentAdministrative divisions: 12 provinces (provincien, singular - provincie); Drenthe, Flevoland, Friesland, Gelderland, Groningen, Limburg, Noord-Brabant, Noord-Holland, Overijssel, Utrecht, Zeeland, Zuid-HollandDependent areas: Aruba, Netherlands AntillesIndependence: 1579 (from Spain)National holiday: Queen's Day, 30 April (1938)Constitution: 17 February 1983Legal system: civil law system incorporating French penal theory; judicial review in the Supreme Court of legislation of lower order rather than Acts of the States General; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Queen BEATRIX Wilhelmina Armgard (since 30 April 1980); Heir Apparent WILLEM-ALEXANDER, Prince of Orange, son of Queen Beatrix (born 27 April 1967) head of government: Prime Minister Willem (Wim) KOK (since 22 August 1994); Vice Prime Minister Hans DIJKSTAL and Hans VAN MIERLO (since 22 August 1994) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the prime ministerLegislative branch: bicameral legislature (Staten Generaal) First Chamber (Eerste Kamer): members indirectly elected by the country's 12 provincial councils for four-year terms; elections last held 9 June l991 (next to be held 9 June 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (75 total) number of seats by party NA Second Chamber (Tweede Kamer): members directly elected for four-year terms; elections last held on 3 May 1994 (next to be held in May 1999); results - PvdA 24.3%, CDA 22.3%, VVD 20.4%, D'66 16.5%, other 16.5%; seats - (150 total) PvdA 37, CDA 34, VVD 31, D'66 24, other 24Judicial branch: Supreme Court (De Hoge Raad) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), Hans HELGERS; Labor (PvdA), Wim KOK; Liberal (VVD - People's Party for Freedom and Democracy), Frits BOLKESTEIN; Democrats '66 (D'66), Hans van MIERLO; a host of minor partiesOther political or pressure groups: large multinational firms; Federation of Netherlands Trade Union Movement (comprising Socialist and Catholic trade unions) and a Protestant trade union; Federation of Catholic and Protestant Employers Associations; the nondenominational Federation of Netherlands Enterprises; and Interchurch Peace Council (IKV)Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, EBRD, EC, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, ESA, ESCAP, FAO, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNOMOZ, UNOMUR, UNPROFOR, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Adriaan JACOBOVITS DE SZEGED chancery: 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 244-5300 FAX: [1] (202) 362-3430 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Kirk Terry DORNBUSH embassy: Lange Voorhout 102, 2514 EJ The Hague mailing address: PSC 71, Box 1000, the Hague; APO AE 09715 telephone: [31] (70) 310-9209 FAX: [31] (70) 361-4688 consulate(s) general: AmsterdamFlag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue; similar to the flag of Luxembourg, which uses a lighter blue and is longer THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands EconomyOverview: This highly developed and affluent economy is based on private enterprise. The government makes its presence felt, however, through many regulations, permit requirements, and welfare programs affecting most aspects of economic activity. The trade and financial services sector contributes over 50% of GDP. Industrial activity provides about 25% of GDP and is led by the food-processing, oil-refining, and metalworking industries. The highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 4% of the labor force, but provides large surpluses for export and the domestic food-processing industry. Indeed the Netherlands ranks third worldwide in value of agricultural exports, behind the US and France. High unemployment and a sizable budget deficit are currently the most serious economic problems. Many of the economic issues of the 1990s will reflect the course of European economic integration.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $275.8 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 2% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $17,940 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.5% (December 1994)Unemployment rate: 8.8% (December 1994)Budget: revenues: $109.9 billion expenditures: $122.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)Exports: $153 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: metal products, chemicals, processed food and tobacco, agricultural products partners: EC 77% (Germany 27%, Belgium-Luxembourg 15%, UK 10%), Central and Eastern Europe 10%, US 4% (1991)Imports: $137 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: raw materials and semifinished products, consumer goods, transportation equipment, crude oil, food products partners: EC 64% (Germany 26%, Belgium-Luxembourg 14%, UK 8%), US 8% (1991)External debt: $0Industrial production: growth rate -1.5% (1993 est.); accounts for 25% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 17,520,000 kW production: 72.4 billion kWh consumption per capita: 5,100 kWh (1993)Industries: agroindustries, metal and engineering products, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum, fishing, construction, microelectronics THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands EconomyAgriculture: accounts for 4.6% of GDP; animal production predominates; crops - grains, potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, vegetables; shortages of grain, fats, and oilsIllicit drugs: important gateway for cocaine, heroin, and hashish entering Europe; European producer of illicit amphetamines and other synthetic drugsEconomic aid: donor: ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $19.4 billionCurrency: 1 Netherlands guilder, gulden, or florin (f.) = 100 centsExchange rates: Netherlands guilders, gulden, or florins (f.) per US$1 - 1.7178 (January 1995), 1.8200 (1994), 1.8573 (1993), 1.7585 (1992), 1.8697 (1991), 1.8209 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands TransportationRailroads: total: 2,757 km standard gauge: 2,757 km km 1.435-m gauge (1,991 km electrified; 1,800 km double track) (1994)Highways: total: 104,831 km paved: 92,251 km (2,118 km of expressway) unpaved: gravel, crushed stone 12,580 km (1992)Inland waterways: 6,340 km, of which 35% is usable by craft of 1,000 metric ton capacity or largerPipelines: crude oil 418 km; petroleum products 965 km; natural gas 10,230 kmPorts: Amsterdam, Delfzijl, Dordrecht, Eemshaven, Groningen, Haarlem, Ijmuiden, Maastricht, Rotterdam, Terneuzen, UtrechtMerchant marine: total: 343 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,629,578 GRT/3,337,307 DWT ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 195, chemical tanker 21, combination bulk 3, container 33, liquefied gas tanker 12, livestock carrier 1, multifunction large-load carrier 1, oil tanker 37, railcar carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 18, roll-on/roll-off cargo 14, short-sea passenger 3, specialized tanker 2 note: many Dutch-owned ships are also registered on the Netherlands Antilles registerAirports: total: 29 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 8 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 3 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands CommunicationsTelephone system: 9,418,000 telephones; highly developed, well maintained, and integrated; extensive redundant system of multiconductor cables, supplemented by microwave radio relay links local: nationwide mobile phone system intercity: microwave radio relay international: 5 submarine cables; 3 INTELSAT (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean) and 1 EUTELSAT earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 3 (relays 3), FM 12 (repeaters 39), shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 8 (repeaters 7) televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Netherlands Defense ForcesBranches: Royal Netherlands Army, Royal Netherlands Navy (includes Naval Air Service and Marine Corps), Royal Netherlands Air Force, Royal ConstabularyManpower availability: males age 15-49 4,177,555; males fit for military service 3,656,529; males reach military age (20) annually 94,771 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $7.1 billion, 2.2% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>NETHERLANDS - Passport required. Visa not required fortourist/business visit up to 90 days. Tourists may be asked to show onward/returnticket or proof of sufficient funds for stay. For further information contactEmbassy of the Netherlands, 4200 Linnean Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.20008 (202/244-5300) or nearest Consulate General: CA (213/380-3440),IL (312/856-0110), NY (212/246-1429) or TX (713/622-8000).Netherlands - Consular Information SheetOctober 24, 1994Country Description: The Netherlands is a highly developed, stabledemocracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. A visa is not required fortourist or business stays up to 90 days. For further information concerningentry requirements for the Netherlands, travelers can contact the Embassy ofthe Netherlands at 4200 Linnean Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel.(202) 328-4800, or the nearest Dutch Consulate General in Chicago, Houston,Los Angeles, or New York.Customs: Regulations strictly prohibit the importation of items made fromanimals or plants protected under the Convention on International Trade ofEndangered Species. This includes, for example, clothing made of animal furor skin. Travelers should contact the Embassy of the Netherlands or thenearest Dutch Consulate General to obtain specific information aboutspecific items.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are widely available. U.S. medicalinsurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers havefound that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specificoverseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on healthmatters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's internationaltravelers hotline, tel. (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: The Netherlands has a low, but rising, violent crimerate, little or none of which is directed at tourists. Nevertheless,visitors to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, the Hague, and other areas may becometargets of pickpockets, bag snatchers, and other petty thieves. Thieves inAmsterdam are most active in and around the central train station, the redlight district, in restaurants, on public transportation, and in othertourist areas of the city. Thefts of bicycles and of personal belongingsfrom automobiles, especially car stereos, are very common throughout theNetherlands.The loss or theft of a U.S. passport overseas should be reported immediatelyto the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. U.S.citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe TripAbroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet isavailable from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government PrintingOffice, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. The Netherlands enforces strict penalties fordrug possession and trafficking.Registration: U.S. citizens who intend to remain in the Netherlands formore than a few weeks may register at the Consulate General in Amsterdam,where all American citizens can obtain updated information on travel andsecurity in the Netherlands. The U.S. Embassy in the Hague provides noconsular services.Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in the Netherlands islocated in The Hague, at Lange Voorhout 102; telephone (31)(70) 310-9209.All requests for consular assistance should be directed to the ConsulateGeneral in Amsterdam at Museumplein 19, telephone (31) (20) 664-5661 or (31)(20) 679-0321, and fax (31) (20) 575-5310. The after-hours emergencytelephone number is (31) (20) 310-9499.No. 94-244This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 29, 1993 to updateinformation on crime and the Consulate General telephone numbers.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nepal GeographyLocation: Southern Asia, between China and IndiaMap references: AsiaArea: total area: 140,800 sq km land area: 136,800 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than ArkansasLand boundaries: total 2,926 km, China 1,236 km, India 1,690 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: noneClimate: varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in southTerrain: Terai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill region, rugged Himalayas in northNatural resources: quartz, water, timber, hydroelectric potential, scenic beauty, small deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron oreLand use: arable land: 17% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 13% forest and woodland: 33% other: 37%Irrigated land: 9,430 sq km (1989)Environment: current issues: the almost total dependence on wood for fuel and cutting down trees to expand agricultural land without replanting has resulted in widespread deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution (use of contaminated water presents human health risks) natural hazards: severe thunderstorms, flooding, landslides, drought, and famine depending on the timing, intensity, and duration of the summer monsoons international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life ConservationNote: landlocked; strategic location between China and India; contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nepal PeoplePopulation: 21,560,869 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 43% (female 4,479,950; male 4,692,575) 15-64 years: 55% (female 5,778,107; male 5,994,147) 65 years and over: 2% (female 305,502; male 310,588) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.44% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 37.31 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 12.9 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 81.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 53.09 years male: 52.86 years female: 53.34 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 5.15 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Nepalese (singular and plural) adjective: NepaleseEthnic divisions: Newars, Indians, Tibetans, Gurungs, Magars, Tamangs, Bhotias, Rais, Limbus, SherpasReligions: Hindu 90%, Buddhist 5%, Muslim 3%, other 2% (1981) note: only official Hindu state in world, although no sharp distinction between many Hindu and Buddhist groupsLanguages: Nepali (official), 20 languages divided into numerous dialectsLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 26% male: 38% female: 13%Labor force: 8.5 million (1991 est.) by occupation: agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry 2% note: severe lack of skilled labor THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nepal GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Kingdom of Nepal conventional short form: NepalDigraph: NPType: parliamentary democracy as of 12 May 1991Capital: KathmanduAdministrative divisions: 14 zones (anchal, singular and plural); Bagmati, Bheri, Dhawalagiri, Gandaki, Janakpur, Karnali, Kosi, Lumbini, Mahakali, Mechi, Narayani, Rapti, Sagarmatha, SetiIndependence: 1768 (unified by Prithvi Narayan Shah)National holiday: Birthday of His Majesty the King, 28 December (1945)Constitution: 9 November 1990Legal system: based on Hindu legal concepts and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: head of government: Prime Minister Man Mohan ADHIKARI (since 30 November 1994) chief of state: King BIRENDRA Bir Bikram Shah Dev (since 31 January 1972, crowned King 24 February 1985); Heir Apparent Crown Prince DIPENDRA Bir Bikram Shah Dev, son of the King (born 21 June 1971) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the king on recommendation of the prime ministerLegislative branch: bicameral Parliament National Council: consists of a 60-member body, 50 appointed by House of Representatives and 10 by the King House of Representatives: elections last held on 15 November 1994 (next to be held NA); results - NCP 33%, CPN/UML 31%, NDP 18%, Terai Rights Sadbhavana Party 3%, NWPP 1%; seats - (205 total) CPN/UML 88, NCP 83, NDP 20, NWPP 4, Terai Rights Sadbhavana Party 3, independents 7; note - the new Constitution of 9 November 1990 gave Nepal a multiparty democracy system for the first time in 32 yearsJudicial branch: Supreme Court (Sarbochha Adalat)Political parties and leaders: Communist Party of Nepal/United Marxist and Leninist (CPN/UML), Prime Minister Man Mohan ADHIKARI, Deputy Prime Minister Madhav Kumar NEPAL; Nepali Congress Party (NCP), president Krishna Prasad BHATTARAI, former Prime Minister Girija Prasad KOIRALA, Leader of the Opposition Sher Bahadur DEUBA; National Democratic Party (NDP), Surya Bahadur THAPA; Terai Rights Sadbhavana (Goodwill) Party, Gajendra Narayan SINGH; United People's Front (UPF), Niranjan Govinda BAIDYA; Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP), Narayan Man BIJUKCHHE; Communist Party of Nepal (Democratic-Manandhar), B. B. MANANDHAR THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nepal GovernmentOther political or pressure groups: numerous small, left-leaning student groups in the capital; several small, radical Nepalese antimonarchist groupsMember of: AsDB, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: (vacant); Charge d'Affaires ad interim Pradeep KHATIWADA chancery: 2131 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 667-4550 consulate(s) general: New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Sandra L. VOGELGESANG embassy: Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [977] (1) 411179 FAX: [977] (1) 419963Flag: red with a blue border around the unique shape of two overlapping right triangles; the smaller, upper triangle bears a white stylized moon and the larger, lower triangle bears a white 12-pointed sun THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nepal EconomyOverview: Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for over 90% of the population and accounting for half of GDP. Industrial activity is limited, mainly involving the processing of agricultural produce (jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain). Production of textiles and carpets has expanded recently and accounted for 85% of foreign exchange earnings in FY93/94. Apart from agricultural land and forests, exploitable natural resources are mica, hydropower, and tourism. Agricultural production in the late 1980s grew by about 5%, as compared with annual population growth of 2.6%. More than 40% of the population is undernourished. Since May 1991, the government has been encouraging trade and foreign investment, e.g., by eliminating business licenses and registration requirements in order to simplify domestic and foreign investment. The government also has been cutting public expenditures by reducing subsidies, privatizing state industries, and laying off civil servants. Prospects for foreign trade and investment in the 1990s remain poor, however, because of the small size of the economy, its technological backwardness, its remoteness, and susceptibility to natural disaster. The international community provides funding for 70% of Nepal's developmental budget and for 30% of total budgetary expenditures. The government, realizing that attempts to reverse three years of liberalization would jeopardize this vital support, almost certainly will move ahead with its reform program in 1995-96.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $22.4 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $1,060 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9.6% (June 1994)Unemployment rate: NA%; note - there is substantial underemployment (1994)Budget: revenues: $455 million expenditures: $854 million, including capital expenditures of $427 million (FY93/94 est.)Exports: $593 million (f.o.b., 1993) but does not include unrecorded border trade with India commodities: carpets, clothing, leather goods, jute goods, grain partners: India, US, Germany, UKImports: $899 million (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: petroleum products 20%, fertilizer 11%, machinery 10% partners: India, Singapore, Japan, GermanyExternal debt: $2 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production: NAElectricity: capacity: 280,000 kW THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nepal Economy production: 920 million kWh consumption per capita: 41 kWh (1993)Industries: small rice, jute, sugar, and oilseed mills; cigarette, textile, carpet, cement, and brick production; tourismAgriculture: rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, root crops, milk, buffalo meat; not self-sufficient in food, particularly in drought yearsIllicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic and international drug markets; transit point for heroin from Southeast Asia to the WestEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $304 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $2.23 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $30 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $286 millionCurrency: 1 Nepalese rupee (NR) = 100 paisaExchange rates: Nepalese rupees (NRs) per US$1 - 49.884 (January 1995), 49.398 (1994), 48.607 (1993), 42.742 (1992), 37.255 (1991), 29.370 (1990)Fiscal year: 16 July - 15 July THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nepal TransportationRailroads: total: 101 km; note - all in Terai close to Indian border narrow gauge: 101 km 0.762-m gaugeHighways: total: 7,400 km paved: 3,000 km unpaved: 4,400 kmPorts: noneAirports: total: 44 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 28 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 10 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nepal CommunicationsTelephone system: 50,000 telephones (1990); poor telephone and telegraph service; fair radio communication service local: NA intercity: NA international: international radio communication service is fair; 1 INTELSAT (Indian Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 88, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 1 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nepal Defense ForcesBranches: Royal Nepalese Army, Royal Nepalese Army Air Service, Nepalese Police ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 5,163,703; males fit for military service 2,682,284; males reach military age (17) annually 247,978 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $36 million, 1.2% of GDP (FY92/93)</text>
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<text>NEPAL - Passport and visa required. Tourist visa for stay up to 30 daysextendable to 3 months. Single-entry visa $40, double $70 andmultiple $100 (postal money order), requires 1 application form and 1 photo. For other types of travel obtain visa in advance. For additionalinformation contact Royal Nepalese Embassy, 2131 Leroy Pl., N.W., Washington, D.C.20008 (202/667-4550) or Consulate General in New York (212/370-4188).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Nepal============================================================Nepal - Consular Information Sheet December 8, 1995Country Description: Nepal is a developing country with extensive facilities for tourists; facilities vary in quality according to price and location.Entry Requirements: Travelers can obtain information on entry requirements by contacting the Royal Nepalese Embassy at 2131 Leroy Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 667-4550 or the Consulate General in New York at telephone (212) 370-4188.Areas of Instability: Public demonstrations and strikes are popular forms of political expression in Nepal and may occur from time to time on short notice. These demonstrations are usually nonviolent and not directed towards foreigners. During general strikes, many businesses are closed, and transportation and city services are sometimes disrupted.Medical Facilities: Medical care is extremely limited. Any serious illness may require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility (usually Bangkok). Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. In general, U.S. medical insurance is not valid in Nepal. Supplemental health insurance which specifically covers overseas treatment and evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility is useful. The U.S. Embassy in Nepal warns Embassy employees that some locally bottled water may be unsafe and suggests drinking only boiled water or bottled water that has been disinfected (with iodine, chlorine, etc.). Additional information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Petty crime, especially theft of personal property, is common. While acts of violent crime in Nepal are rare, several attacks against lone foreign trekkers have been reported. Sensible precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime include: traveling in a group, not carrying large sums of cash or leaving valuable articles unattended, changing money only at government-sanctioned exchanges, being alert near major tourist sites and attractions where most pickpocketing incidents occur, and carrying passports and cash in a protected neck pouch. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to South Asia." They are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws and legal practices of the countries in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Information on Crime: In November 1995, unusually severe storms caused avalanches and landslides that killed foreign trekkers and their Nepalese guides and stranded hundreds of others. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu strongly advises all American citizens to exercise extreme care when trekking at higher altitudes for the remainder of the season. Although trails may be clear, trekkers should be alert to the possibility of avalanches from slopes above.Many popular trekking routes in Nepal cross passes as high as 18,000 feet. Trekkers hoping to tackle the Himalaya should have adequate clothing and equipment (not always available locally) and should be experienced mountain travelers. It is not prudent to trek alone. Trekking alone has contributed, more than any other factor, to injuries and deaths. It is helpful to take an experienced guide or porter who can communicate in both Nepali and English. It is advisable to make sure others know your itinerary and to check in at police outposts where trekking permits are logged. Checking on conditions in the high country before leaving Kathmandu can help to reduce risks. Both the U.S. Embassy and the Himalayan Rescue Association are good sources of information about trail conditions and possible hazards.Border Areas: There have been sporadic reports of difficulties in crossing the border from Nepal to Tibet by land. U.S. citizens planning to travel into Tibet overland from Nepal may contact the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu for current information on the status of the border crossing points.Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens may register at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu and obtain updated information on travel and security in Nepal. The Embassy is located at Pani Pokhari in Kathmandu, telephone (977) 411179, 412718, 410513 or 413836; fax (977-1) 419963. No. 95-159This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 26, 1994, to add information on periodic strikes and demonstrations and on health and safety precautions, particularly while trekking.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Nepal============================================================Nepal - Consular Information Sheet December 8, 1995Country Description: Nepal is a developing country with extensive facilities for tourists; facilities vary in quality according to price and location.Entry Requirements: Travelers can obtain information on entry requirements by contacting the Royal Nepalese Embassy at 2131 Leroy Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 667-4550 or the Consulate General in New York at telephone (212) 370-4188.Areas of Instability: Public demonstrations and strikes are popular forms of political expression in Nepal and may occur from time to time on short notice. These demonstrations are usually nonviolent and not directed towards foreigners. During general strikes, many businesses are closed, and transportation and city services are sometimes disrupted.Medical Facilities: Medical care is extremely limited. Any serious illness may require evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility (usually Bangkok). Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. In general, U.S. medical insurance is not valid in Nepal. Supplemental health insurance which specifically covers overseas treatment and evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility is useful. The U.S. Embassy in Nepal warns Embassy employees that some locally bottled water may be unsafe and suggests drinking only boiled water or bottled water that has been disinfected (with iodine, chlorine, etc.). Additional information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Petty crime, especially theft of personal property, is common. While acts of violent crime in Nepal are rare, several attacks against lone foreign trekkers have been reported. Sensible precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime include: traveling in a group, not carrying large sums of cash or leaving valuable articles unattended, changing money only at government-sanctioned exchanges, being alert near major tourist sites and attractions where most pickpocketing incidents occur, and carrying passports and cash in a protected neck pouch. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to South Asia." They are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws and legal practices of the countries in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Information on Crime: In November 1995, unusually severe storms caused avalanches and landslides that killed foreign trekkers and their Nepalese guides and stranded hundreds of others. The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu strongly advises all American citizens to exercise extreme care when trekking at higher altitudes for the remainder of the season. Although trails may be clear, trekkers should be alert to the possibility of avalanches from slopes above.Many popular trekking routes in Nepal cross passes as high as 18,000 feet. Trekkers hoping to tackle the Himalaya should have adequate clothing and equipment (not always available locally) and should be experienced mountain travelers. It is not prudent to trek alone. Trekking alone has contributed, more than any other factor, to injuries and deaths. It is helpful to take an experienced guide or porter who can communicate in both Nepali and English. It is advisable to make sure others know your itinerary and to check in at police outposts where trekking permits are logged. Checking on conditions in the high country before leaving Kathmandu can help to reduce risks. Both the U.S. Embassy and the Himalayan Rescue Association are good sources of information about trail conditions and possible hazards.Border Areas: There have been sporadic reports of difficulties in crossing the border from Nepal to Tibet by land. U.S. citizens planning to travel into Tibet overland from Nepal may contact the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu for current information on the status of the border crossing points.Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens may register at the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu and obtain updated information on travel and security in Nepal. The Embassy is located at Pani Pokhari in Kathmandu, telephone (977) 411179, 412718, 410513 or 413836; fax (977-1) 419963. No. 95-159This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 26, 1994, to add information on periodic strikes and demonstrations and on health and safety precautions, particularly while trekking.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Navassa Island HeaderAffiliation: (territory of the US) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Navassa Island GeographyLocation: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, about one-fourth of the way from Haiti to JamaicaMap references: Central America and the CaribbeanArea: total area: 5.2 sq km land area: 5.2 sq km comparative area: about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 8 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: claimed by HaitiClimate: marine, tropicalTerrain: raised coral and limestone plateau, flat to undulating; ringed by vertical white cliffs (9 to 15 meters high)Natural resources: guanoLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 10% forest and woodland: 0% other: 90%Irrigated land: 0 sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NANote: strategic location 160 km south of the US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; mostly exposed rock, but enough grassland to support goat herds; dense stands of fig-like trees, scattered cactus THE WORLD FACTBOOK Navassa Island PeoplePopulation: uninhabited; note - transient Haitian fishermen and others camp on the island THE WORLD FACTBOOK Navassa Island GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Navassa IslandDigraph: BQType: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Coast GuardCapital: none; administered from Washington, DC THE WORLD FACTBOOK Navassa Island EconomyOverview: no economic activity THE WORLD FACTBOOK Navassa Island TransportationPorts: none; offshore anchorage only THE WORLD FACTBOOK Navassa Island Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of the US</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nauru GeographyLocation: Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the Marshall IslandsMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 21 sq km land area: 21 sq km comparative area: about one-tenth the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 30 kmMaritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; monsoonal; rainy season (November to February)Terrain: sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs with phosphate plateau in centerNatural resources: phosphatesLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: limited natural fresh water resources, roof storage tanks collect rainwater; phosphate mining threatens limited remaining land resources natural hazards: periodic droughts international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Marine Dumping; signed, but not ratified - Law of the SeaNote: Nauru is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Makatea in French Polynesia; only 53 km south of Equator THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nauru PeoplePopulation: 10,149 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NAPopulation growth rate: 1.33% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 18.03 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.1 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 40.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 66.68 years male: 64.3 years female: 69.18 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.08 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Nauruan(s) adjective: NauruanEthnic divisions: Nauruan 58%, other Pacific Islander 26%, Chinese 8%, European 8%Religions: Christian (two-thirds Protestant, one-third Roman Catholic)Languages: Nauruan (official; a distinct Pacific Island language), English widely understood, spoken, and used for most government and commercial purposesLiteracy: NA%Labor force: by occupation: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nauru GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Nauru conventional short form: Nauru former: Pleasant IslandDigraph: NRType: republicCapital: no official capital; government offices in Yaren DistrictAdministrative divisions: 14 districts; Aiwo, Anabar, Anetan, Anibare, Baiti, Boe, Buada, Denigomodu, Ewa, Ijuw, Meneng, Nibok, Uaboe, YarenIndependence: 31 January 1968 (from the Australia, New Zealand, and UK-administered UN trusteeship)National holiday: Independence Day, 31 January (1968)Constitution: 29 January 1968Legal system: own Acts of Parliament and British common lawSuffrage: 20 years of age; universal and compulsoryExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Bernard DOWIYOGO (since 12 December 1989); election last held 19 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1995); results - Bernard DOWIYOGO elected by Parliament cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president from the parliamentLegislative branch: unicameral Parliament: elections last held on 14 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1995); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (18 total) independents 18Judicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: noneMember of: AsDB, C (special), ESCAP, ICAO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, ITU, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UPUDiplomatic representation in US: consulate(s): Agana (Guam)US diplomatic representation: the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to NauruFlag: blue with a narrow, horizontal, yellow stripe across the center and a large white 12-pointed star below the stripe on the hoist side; the star indicates the country's location in relation to the Equator (the yellow stripe) and the 12 points symbolize the 12 original tribes of Nauru THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nauru EconomyOverview: Revenues come from the export of phosphates, the reserves of which are expected to be exhausted by the year 2000. Phosphates have given Nauruans one of the highest per capita incomes in the Third World. Few other resources exist, so most necessities must be imported, including fresh water from Australia. The rehabilitation of mined land and the replacement of income from phosphates are serious long-term problems. Substantial amounts of phosphate income are invested in trust funds to help cushion the transition.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $100 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $10,000 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: 0%Budget: revenues: $69.7 million expenditures: $51.5 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1986 est.)Exports: $93 million (f.o.b., 1984) commodities: phosphates partners: Australia, NZImports: $73 million (c.i.f., 1984) commodities: food, fuel, manufactures, building materials, machinery partners: Australia, UK, NZ, JapanExternal debt: $33.3 millionIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 14,000 kW production: 30 million kWh consumption per capita: 3,036 kWh (1993)Industries: phosphate mining, financial services, coconut productsAgriculture: coconuts; other agricultural activity negligible; almost completely dependent on imports for food and waterEconomic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries (1970-89), $2 millionCurrency: 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nauru EconomyExchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3058 (January 1995), 1.3667 (1994), 1.4704 (1993), 1.3600 (1992), 1.2834 (1991), 1.2799 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nauru TransportationRailroads: total: 3.9 km; note - used to haul phosphates from the center of the island to processing facilities on the southwest coastHighways: 27 km paved: 21 km unpaved: improved earth 6 kmPorts: NauruMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nauru CommunicationsTelephone system: 1,600 telephones; adequate local and international radio communications provided via Australian facilities local: NA intercity: NA international: 1 INTELSAT (Pacific Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: 4,000Television: broadcast stations: 0 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Nauru Defense ForcesBranches: no regular armed forces; Directorate of the Nauru Police ForceDefense expenditures: $NA; note - no formal defense structure</text>
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<text>NAURU - Passport, visa, onward/return ticket and sponsorship from aresident in Nauru required. For more information contact Consulate ofthe Republic of Nauru in Guam, P.O. Box Am, Agana, Guam 96910(671/649-8300).Nauru - Consular Information SheetJuly 15, 1994Country Description: Nauru is a constitutional republic with aparliamentary system of government. Its economy is based on the export ofphosphates. Tourist facilities are available on a limited basis. Yaren,the capital, has an international airport.Entry Requirements: Passports, visas, and onward/return tickets arerequired. Further specific information is available from the Consulate ofthe Republic of Nauru, First Floor, ADA Professional Building, Marine Drive,in Agana, Guam. The telephone number is (671) 649-8300, with the mailingaddress P.O. Box A.M., Agana, Guam, 96910.Medical Facilities: Health care facilities in the Republic of Nauru areadequate for routine medical problems. U.S. medical insurance is not alwaysvalid outside the United States. Supplemental Medical insurance whichspecifically covers overseas treatment has proven to be useful to travelers. The International Travelers' Hotline of the Centers for Disease Control,telephone number (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: The crime rate in the Republic of Nauru is low. Theloss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately tothe local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Usefulinformation on guarding valuables and protecting personal security whiletraveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A SafeTrip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices ofthe country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use, ortrafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expectjail sentences and fines.Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji canobtain up-to-date information on travel and security in Nauru.Embassy Location: There is no U.S. Embassy or other diplomatic post inNauru. Assistance for U.S. citizens is available at the U.S. Embassy inFiji located at 31 Loftus Street in the capital city of Suva. The telephonenumber is: (679) 314-466.No. 94-115This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 16, 1993, reissuedwithout change following an annual review.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Namibia GeographyLocation: Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and South AfricaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 825,418 sq km land area: 825,418 sq km comparative area: slightly more than half the size of AlaskaLand boundaries: total 3,824 km, Angola 1,376 km, Botswana 1,360 km, South Africa 855 km, Zambia 233 kmCoastline: 1,572 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: short section of boundary with Botswana is indefinite; quadripoint with Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe is in disagreement; dispute with Botswana over uninhabited Kasikili ( Sidudu) Island in Linyanti (Chobe) River remained unresolved in mid-February 1995 and the parties agreed to refer the matter to the International Court of Justice;Climate: desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erraticTerrain: mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in eastNatural resources: diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, zinc, salt, vanadium, natural gas, fish; suspected deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, iron oreLand use: arable land: 1% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 64% forest and woodland: 22% other: 13%Irrigated land: 40 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: very limited natural fresh water resources; desertification natural hazards: prolonged periods of drought international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change THE WORLD FACTBOOK Namibia PeoplePopulation: 1,651,545 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 47% (female 384,885; male 394,216) 15-64 years: 50% (female 414,283; male 405,938) 65 years and over: 3% (female 26,783; male 25,440) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.44% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 43.04 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 8.61 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 59.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 62.1 years male: 59.37 years female: 64.9 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.34 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Namibian(s) adjective: NamibianEthnic divisions: black 86%, white 6.6%, mixed 7.4% note: about 50% of the population belong to the Ovambo tribe and 9% to the Kavangos tribe; other ethnic groups include (with approximate share of total population): Herero 7%, Damara 7%, Nama 5%, Caprivian 4%, Bushmen 3%, Baster 2%, Tswana 0.5%Religions: 80%-90% Christian (50% Lutheran; at least 30% other Christian denominations)Languages: English 7% (official), Afrikaans common language of most of the population and about 60% of the white population, German 32%, indigenous languages: Oshivambo, Herero, NamaLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1960) total population: 38% male: 45% female: 31%Labor force: 500,000 by occupation: agriculture 60%, industry and commerce 19%, services 8%, government 7%, mining 6% (1981 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Namibia GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Namibia conventional short form: NamibiaDigraph: WAType: republicCapital: WindhoekAdministrative divisions: 13 districts; Erongo, Hardap, Karas, Khomas, Kunene, Caprivi (Liambezi), Ohangwena, Okavango, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, OtjozondjupaIndependence: 21 March 1990 (from South African mandate)National holiday: Independence Day, 21 March (1990)Constitution: ratified 9 February 1990; effective 12 March 1990Legal system: based on Roman-Dutch law and 1990 constitutionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Sam NUJOMA (since 21 March 1990); election last held 7-8 December 1994 (next to be held NA); results - Sam NUJOMA elected president by popular vote cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president from the National AssemblyLegislative branch: bicameral legislature National Council: elections last held 30 November-3 December 1992 (next to be held by December 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (26 total) SWAPO 19, DTA 6, UDF 1 National Assembly: elections last held 7-8 December 1994 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (72 total) SWAPO 53, DTA 15, UDF 2, MAG 1, DCN 1Judicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), Sam NUJOMA; DTA of Namibia (formerly Democratic Turnhalle Alliance) (DTA), Mishake MUYONGO; United Democratic Front (UDF), Justus GAROEB; Federal Convention of Namibia (FCN), Kephics CONRUDIE; Monitor Action Group (MAG), Kosie PRETORIUS; Workers Revolutionary Party (WRP); Southwest African National Union (SWANU), Hitjevi VEII; Democratic Coalition of Namibia (DCN), Moses KATJIUONGAOther political or pressure groups: NAMember of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS (associate), ILO, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO THE WORLD FACTBOOK Namibia GovernmentDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Tuliameni KALOMOH chancery: 1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 986-0540 FAX: [1] (202) 986-0443US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Marshall F. McCALLIE embassy: Ausplan Building, 14 Lossen St., Windhoek mailing address: Private Bag 12029 Ausspannplatz, Windhoek telephone: [264] (61) 221601 FAX: [264] (61) 229792Flag: a large blue triangle with a yellow sunburst fills the upper left section, and an equal green triangle (solid) fills the lower right section; the triangles are separated by a red stripe that is contrasted by two narrow white-edge borders THE WORLD FACTBOOK Namibia EconomyOverview: The economy is heavily dependent on the mining industry to extract and process minerals for export. Mining accounts for almost 25% of GDP. Namibia is the fourth-largest exporter of nonfuel minerals in Africa and the world's fifth-largest producer of uranium. Alluvial diamond deposits are among the richest in the world, making Namibia a primary source for gem-quality diamonds. Namibia also produces large quantities of lead, zinc, tin, silver, and tungsten. More than half the population depends on agriculture (largely subsistence agriculture) for its livelihood. Namibia must import some of its food.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $5.8 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 5.8% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $3,600 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 11% (1994)Unemployment rate: 35% in urban areas (1993 est.)Budget: revenues: $941 million expenditures: $1.05 billion, including capital expenditures of $157 million (FY93/94)Exports: $1.3 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: diamonds, copper, gold, zinc, lead, uranium, cattle, processed fish, karakul skins partners: Switzerland, South Africa, Germany, JapanImports: $1.1 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, petroleum products and fuel, machinery and equipment partners: South Africa, Germany, US, SwitzerlandExternal debt: about $385 million (1994 est.)Industrial production: growth rate -14% (1993); accounts for 30% of GDP, including miningElectricity: capacity: 406,000 kW production: 1.29 billion kWh consumption per capita: 658 kWh (1991)Industries: meat packing, fish processing, dairy products, mining (copper, lead, zinc, diamond, uranium)Agriculture: accounts for 10% of GDP; livestock raising major source of cash income; crops - millet, sorghum, peanuts; fish catch potential of over 1 million metric tons not being fulfilled THE WORLD FACTBOOK Namibia EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $47.2 millionCurrency: 1 South African rand (R) = 100 centsExchange rates: South African rand (R) per US$1 - 3.539 (January 1995), 3.5489 (1994), 3.2678 (1993), 2.8497 (1992), 2.7653 (1991), 2.5863 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Namibia TransportationRailroads: total: 2,341 km (single track) narrow gauge: 2,341 km 1.067-m gaugeHighways: total: 54,500 km paved: 4,080 km unpaved: gravel 2,540 km; earth 47,880 km (roads and tracks)Ports: Luderitz, Walvis BayMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 135 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 20 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 23 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 70 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Namibia CommunicationsTelephone system: 62,800 telephones; telephone density - 38/1,000 persons local: good urban services intercity: fair rural service; microwave radio relay links major towns; connections to other populated places are by open wire international: NARadio: broadcast stations: AM 4, FM 40, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 3 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Namibia Defense ForcesBranches: National Defense Force (Army), PoliceManpower availability: males age 15-49 348,380; males fit for military service 206,684 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $54 million, 2% of GDP (FY93/94)</text>
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<text>NAMIBIA - Passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient fundsrequired. Visa not required for tourist or business stay up to 90days. Consult Embassy of Namibia, 1605 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington,D.C. 20009 (202/986-0540) for further information on entry requirements.STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Namibia============================================================Namibia - Consular Information Sheet January 31, 1995Country Description: Namibia is a southern African country with a moderately developed economy. Facilities for tourism are available. Roads are generally very good, although care should be taken to avoid hitting wandering wildlife, especially at night.Entry Requirements: A passport, an onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required for entrance into Namibia. A visa is not required for tourist or business visits of 90 days or less; however, visitors must be processed through immigration at a legal port of entry within 24 hours if the actual point of entry is not staffed by an immigration official. The following airports are considered legal ports of entry for the purpose of complying with this requirement: Windhoek International, Eros Suburban, Keetmanshoop, Oranjemund, Ross Pinah, Ondangwa, Oshakati, Grootfontein, Mpacha, Rundu, and Rooikop. Travelers can obtain further information from the Embassy of Namibia at 1605 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone (202) 986-0540, or from the Permanent Mission of Namibia to the U.N. at 135 E. 36th St., New York, NY 10016, telephone (212) 685-2003, fax (212) 685-1561.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are relatively modern, especially in the city of Windhoek. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Some petty crime occurs. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa," provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Driving: Visitors should refrain from driving off the main roads in the northern part of the country, where unexploded landmines continue to pose a threat.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Windhoek can obtain updated information on travel and security in Namibia.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 14 Lossen Street in Windhoek. The mailing address is Private Bag 12029, Windhoek 9000, Namibia. The telephone number is (264-61) 22-1601, and the fax number is (264-61) 22-9792. No. 95-012This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 8, 1993, to update information on entry requirements, medical facilities and driving.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mozambique GeographyLocation: Southern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, between South Africa and TanzaniaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 801,590 sq km land area: 784,090 sq km comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of CaliforniaLand boundaries: total 4,571 km, Malawi 1,569 km, South Africa 491 km, Swaziland 105 km, Tanzania 756 km, Zambia 419 km, Zimbabwe 1,231 kmCoastline: 2,470 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical to subtropicalTerrain: mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in northwest, mountains in westNatural resources: coal, titaniumLand use: arable land: 4% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 56% forest and woodland: 20% other: 20%Irrigated land: 1,150 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: civil strife and recurrent drought in the hinterlands have resulted in increased migration to urban and coastal areas with adverse environmental consequences; desertification; pollution of surface and coastal waters natural hazards: severe droughts and floods occur in central and southern provinces; devastating cyclones international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mozambique PeoplePopulation: 18,115,250 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 45% (female 4,069,117; male 4,078,429) 15-64 years: 53% (female 4,882,292; male 4,630,193) 65 years and over: 2% (female 260,057; male 195,162) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.87% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 44.6 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 15.94 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.) note: by the end of 1994, an estimated 1.6 million Mozambican refugees, who fled to Malawi, Zimbabwa, and South Africa in earlier years from the civil war, had returned; an estimated 100,000 refugees remain to be repatriated from those countriesInfant mortality rate: 126 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 48.95 years male: 47.04 years female: 50.92 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.19 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Mozambican(s) adjective: MozambicanEthnic divisions: indigenous tribal groups, Europeans about 10,000, Euro-Africans 35,000, Indians 15,000Religions: indigenous beliefs 60%, Christian 30%, Muslim 10%Languages: Portuguese (official), indigenous dialectsLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 33% male: 45% female: 21%Labor force: NA by occupation: 90% engaged in agriculture THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mozambique GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Mozambique conventional short form: Mozambique local long form: Republica Popular de Mocambique local short form: MocambiqueDigraph: MZType: republicCapital: MaputoAdministrative divisions: 10 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Maputo, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, Tete, ZambeziaIndependence: 25 June 1975 (from Portugal)National holiday: Independence Day, 25 June (1975)Constitution: 30 November 1990Legal system: based on Portuguese civil law system and customary lawSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO (since 6 November 1986) head of government: Prime Minister Pascoal MOCUMBI (since December 1994) cabinet: CabinetLegislative branch: unicameral Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da Republica): draft electoral law provides for periodic, direct presidential and Assembly elections note: as called for in the 1992 peace accords, presidential and legislative elections took place during 27-29 October 1994; fourteen parties, including the Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) participated; Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO was elected president and his FRELIMO party gathered a slim majority in the 250 seat legislatureJudicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO), Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO, chairman; the ruling party since independence, FRELIMO was the only legal party before 30 November 1990 when the new Constitution went into effect establishing a multiparty systemMember of: ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mozambique GovernmentDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Hipolito Pereira Zozimo PATRICIO chancery: Suite 570, 1990 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 293-7146 FAX: [1] (202) 835-0245US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Dennis Coleman JETT embassy: Avenida Kenneth Kuanda, 193 Maputo mailing address: P. O. Box 783, Maputo telephone: [258] (1) 492797 FAX: [258] (1) 490114Flag: 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 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mozambique EconomyOverview: One of Africa's poorest countries, Mozambique has failed to exploit the economic potential of its sizable agricultural, hydropower, and transportation resources. Indeed, national output, consumption, and investment declined throughout the first half of the 1980s because of internal disorders, lack of government administrative control, and a growing foreign debt. A sharp increase in foreign aid, attracted by an economic reform policy, resulted in successive years of economic growth in the late 1980s, but aid has declined steadily since 1989. Agricultural output is at only 75% of its 1981 level, and grain has to be imported. Industry operates at only 20%-40% of capacity. The economy depends heavily on foreign assistance to keep afloat. Peace accords signed in October 1992 improved chances of foreign investment, aided IMF-supported economic reforms, and supported continued economic recovery. Elections held in 1994 diverted government attention from the economy, resulting in slippage and delays in the economic reform program. Nonetheless, growth in 1994 was solid and can continue into the late 1990s given continued foreign help in meeting debt obligations.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $10.6 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 5.8% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $610 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 50% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 50% (1989 est.)Budget: revenues: $252 million expenditures: $607 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)Exports: $150 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: shrimp 40%, cashews, cotton, sugar, copra, citrus partners: Spain, South Africa, US, Portugal, JapanImports: $1.14 billion (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: food, clothing, farm equipment, petroleum partners: South Africa, UK, France, Japan, PortugalExternal debt: $5 billion (1992 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 5% (1989 est.)Electricity: capacity: 2,360,000 kW production: 1.7 billion kWh consumption per capita: 58 kWh (1993)Industries: food, beverages, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints), petroleum products, textiles, nonmetallic mineral products (cement, glass, asbestos), tobacco THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mozambique EconomyAgriculture: accounts for 50% of GDP and about 90% of exports; cash crops - cotton, cashew nuts, sugarcane, tea, shrimp; other crops - cassava, corn, rice, tropical fruits; not self-sufficient in foodEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $350 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.4 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $37 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $890 millionCurrency: 1 metical (Mt) = 100 centavosExchange rates: meticais (Mt) per US$1 - 5,220.63 (1st quarter 1994), 3,874.24 (1993), 2,550.40 (1992), 1,763.99 (1991), 1,053.09 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mozambique TransportationRailroads: total: 3,288 km narrow gauge: 3,140 km 1.067-m gauge; 148 km 0.762-m gaugeHighways: total: 26,498 km paved: 4,593 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, stabilized earth 829 km; unimproved earth 21,076 kmInland waterways: about 3,750 km of navigable routesPipelines: crude oil (not operating) 306 km; petroleum products 289 kmPorts: Beira, Inhambane, Maputo, Nacala, PembaMerchant marine: total: 3 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,533 GRT/8,024 DWTAirports: 192 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 5 with paved runways under 914 m: 112 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 15 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 44Note: note: highway traffic impeded by land mines not removed at end of civil war THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mozambique CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephone density; fair system of troposcatter, open-wire lines, and radio relay local: NA intercity: microwave radio relay and tropospheric scatter international: 5 INTELSAT (2 Atlantic Ocean and 3 Indian Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 29, FM 4, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 1 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mozambique Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Naval Command, Air and Air Defense Forces, Militia; note - by late 1994, the army and former RENAMO rebels had demobilized; under UN supervision and training, recruits from both the army and rebel forces joined an integrated force that is still formingManpower availability: males age 15-49 4,061,109; males fit for military service 2,331,793 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $110 million, 7.3% of GDP (1993)</text>
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<text>MOZAMBIQUE - Passport and visa required. Visa must be obtained inadvance. Entry visa valid 30 days from date of issuance, requires 2 applicationforms, 2 photos, immunization for yellow fever and cholera, $20 fee andletter (from company or individual) giving detailed itinerary. Visitors may have to exchange $25 at point of entry and declare all foreigncurrency. Apply Embassy of the People's Republic of Mozambique, Suite570, 1990 M St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/293-7146).Mozambique - Consular Information SheetOctober 26, 1994Country Description: Mozambique, a less developed country in southernAfrica, ended a 17-year civil war in October 1992 with the signing of apeace agreement between the government and the rival rebel group. UnitedNations peacekeepers are presently located along major transportationarteries in the country. Facilities for tourism are severely limitedoutside of Maputo. Travel by road outside of the major urban areas ispossible; however, road conditions vary greatly.Entry Requirements: A passport and a visa are required. Visas must beobtained in advance from a Mozambique embassy or consulate. Visa fees arenot standardized and vary depending on place of application. Visitors mustexchange $25.00 at the point of entry and declare all foreign currency.Visitors must carry passports with them at all times during their stay.Further information regarding entry into the country may be obtained at theMozambique Embassy, Suite 570, 1990 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036,telephone (202) 293-7146.Areas of Instability: The security situation in Mozambique requires extremecaution despite the success of the peace process in bringing relative calmto the country. Banditry occurs along major highways, and soldiers awaitingdemobilization have threatened the safety of road travelers. Periodically,the U.S. Embassy has restricted Embassy personnel from traveling on certainroads or has imposed certain restrictions on road travel. This informationis passed to the U.S. community in Mozambique via an announcement on theConsular Warden network. Travelers contemplating surface travel may wish tocontact the U.S. Embassy for the most up-to-date information regarding roadtravel.City streets are patrolled by police and soldiers who normally carryautomatic weapons. Their authority should not be challenged. In addition,it has been estimated that up to two million land mines were plantedthroughout Mozambique during the last three decades of conflict. Only a fewhave been removed thus far. Any surface travel can, therefore, be hazardous.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are minimal. Many medicines areunavailable. Maputo's special clinic, which requires payment in hardcurrency, can provide general, non-emergency services. Doctors andhospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services.U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proveduseful. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers forDisease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Economic conditions in the country, spotty policeprotection, and years of war have caused an increase in violent and armedrobberies, break-ins, and auto thefts. Victims, including members of theforeign community, have been killed. Traveling alone or at night isparticularly risky. There are certain areas in the city of Maputo wherepedestrian traffic is prohibited. People walking or jogging, particularlyin isolated areas, such as along the marginal in Maputo, have frequentlybeen mugged during daylight hours.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported to thenearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and"Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information onprotecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in theregion in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents,Washington, D.C. 20402.Currency Information: Currency can be converted at locations authorized bythe Mozambican Government. Currency conversions on the black market areillegal and very risky. Credit cards are not widely accepted in Mozambique. A small number of merchants prefer to be paid in U.S. dollars.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking inillegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences andfines.Airline Information: On October 13, 1994, the U.S. Embassy in Maputoannounced that two recent incidents involving Mozambique's national airline,LAM, have raised concern about LAM's safety practices. Because of theseconcerns and a record of unreliability, the U.S. Embassy reminds travelersto review all available options for air travel in, to, or through Mozambique.Registration: U.S. citizens who will be in Mozambique for more than a fewweeks may register at the U.S. Embassy, where all U.S. citizens may obtainupdated information on travel and security.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 193 Avenida Kenneth Kaundain Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. The Embassy telephone number is (258-1) 49-27-97. The after-hours telephone number, for use in emergencies, is(258-1) 49-00-71.No. 94-251This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 29, 1994, toupdate air travel information.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Morocco GeographyLocation: Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western SaharaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 446,550 sq km land area: 446,300 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than CaliforniaLand boundaries: total 2,002 km, Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 kmCoastline: 1,835 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: claims and administers Western Sahara, but sovereignty is unresolved; the UN is attempting to hold a referendum; the UN-administered cease-fire has been currently in effect since September 1991; Spain controls five places of sovereignty (plazas de soberania) on and off the coast of Morocco - the coastal enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla which Morocco contests as well as the islands of Penon de Alhucemas, Penon de Velez de la Gomera, and Islas ChafarinasClimate: Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interiorTerrain: northern coast and interior are mountainous with large areas of bordering plateaus, intermontane valleys, and rich coastal plainsNatural resources: phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, saltLand use: arable land: 18% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 28% forest and woodland: 12% other: 41%Irrigated land: 12,650 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: land degradation/desertification (soil erosion resulting from farming of marginal areas, overgrazing, destruction of vegetation); water supplies contaminated by raw sewage; siltation of reservoirs; oil pollution of coastal waters THE WORLD FACTBOOK Morocco Geography natural hazards: northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes; periodic droughts international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer ProtectionNote: strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar THE WORLD FACTBOOK Morocco PeoplePopulation: 29,168,848 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 38% (female 5,486,176; male 5,659,410) 15-64 years: 58% (female 8,456,525; male 8,327,560) 65 years and over: 4% (female 641,236; male 597,941) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.09% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 27.93 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.97 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -1.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 45.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.98 years male: 67.03 years female: 71.02 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 3.69 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Moroccan(s) adjective: MoroccanEthnic divisions: Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%Religions: Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%Languages: Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the language of business, government, and diplomacyLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 50% male: 61% female: 38%Labor force: 7.4 million by occupation: agriculture 50%, services 26%, industry 15%, other 9% (1985) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Morocco GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Kingdom of Morocco conventional short form: Morocco local long form: Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah local short form: Al MaghribDigraph: MOType: constitutional monarchyCapital: RabatAdministrative divisions: 36 provinces and 5 wilayas*; Agadir, Al Hoceima, Assa-Zag, Azilal, Beni Mellal, Ben Slimane, Boulemane, Casablanca*, Chaouen, El Jadida, El Kelaa des Sraghna, Er Rachidia, Essaouira, Es Smara, Fes*, Figuig, Guelmim, Ifrane, Kenitra, Khemisset, Khenifra, Khouribga, Laayoune, Larache, Marrakech*, Meknes*, Nador, Ouarzazate, Oujda, Rabat-Sale*, Safi, Settat, Sidi Kacem, Tanger, Tan-Tan, Taounate, Taroudannt, Tata, Taza, Tetouan, TiznitIndependence: 2 March 1956 (from France)National holiday: National Day, 3 March (1961) (anniversary of King Hassan II's accession to the throne)Constitution: 10 March 1972, revised 4 September 1992Legal system: based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of Supreme CourtSuffrage: 21 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: King HASSAN II (since 3 March 1961) head of government: Prime Minister Abdellatif FILALI (since 29 May 1994) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the KingLegislative branch: unicameral Chamber of Representatives (Majlis Nawab): two-thirds elected by direct, universal suffrage and one-third by an electoral college of government, professional, and labor representatives; direct, popular elections last held 15 June 1993 (next to be held NA 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats (333 total, 222 directly elected) USFP 48, IP 43, MP 33, RNI 28, UC 27, PND 14, MNP 14, PPS 6, PDI 3, SAP 2, PA 2, OADP 2; indirect, special interest elections last held 17 September 1993 (next to be held NA 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (333 total, 111 indirectly elected) UC 27, MP 18, RNI 13, MNP 11, PND 10, IP 7, Party of Shura and Istiqlal 6, USFP 4, PPS 4, CDT 4, UTM 3, UGTM 2, SAP 2Judicial branch: Supreme Court THE WORLD FACTBOOK Morocco GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: opposition: Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP), Mohammad al-YAZGHI; Istiqlal Party (IP), M'Hamed BOUCETTA; Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS), Ali YATA; Organization of Democratic and Popular Action (OADP), leader NA pro-government: Constitutional Union (UC), Maati BOUABID; Popular Movement (MP), Mohamed LAENSER; National Democratic Party (PND), Mohamed Arsalane EL-JADIDI; National Popular Movement (MNP), Mahjoubi AHARDANE independents: National Rally of Independents (RNI), Ahmed OSMAN; Democracy and Istiqlal Party (PDI), leader NA; Action Party (PA), Abdullah SENHAJI; Non-Obedience Candidates (SAP), leader NA labor unions and community organizations (indirect elections only): Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT), Nabir AMAOUI; General Union of Moroccan Workers (UGTM), Abderrazzak AFILAL; Moroccan Union of Workers (UTM), leader NA; Party of Shura and Istiqlal, leader NAMember of: ABEDA, ACCT (associate), AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CCC, EBRD, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed BENAISSA chancery: 1601 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 462-7979 through 7982 FAX: [1] (202) 265-0161 consulate(s) general: New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Marc C. GINSBERG embassy: 2 Avenue de Marrakech, Rabat mailing address: PSC 74, Box 003, APO AE 09718 telephone: [212] (7) 76 22 65 FAX: [212] (7) 76 56 61 consulate(s) general: CasablancaFlag: red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known as Solomon's seal in the center of the flag; green is the traditional color of Islam THE WORLD FACTBOOK Morocco EconomyOverview: Morocco faces the typical problems of developing countries - restraining government spending, reducing constraints on private activity and foreign trade, and keeping inflation within bounds. Since the early 1980s the government has pursued an economic program toward these objectives with the support of the IMF, the World Bank, and the Paris Club of creditors. The economy has substantial assets to draw on: the world's largest phosphate reserves, diverse agricultural and fishing resources, a sizable tourist industry, a growing manufacturing sector, and remittances from Moroccans working abroad. A severe drought in 1992-93 depressed economic activity and held down exports. Real GDP contracted by 4.4% in 1992 and 1.1% in 1993. Despite these setbacks, initiatives to relax capital controls, strengthen the banking sector, and privatize state enterprises went forward in 1993-94. Favorable rainfall in 1994 boosted agricultural production by 40%. Servicing the large debt, high unemployment, and vulnerability to external economic forces remain long-term problems for Morocco.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $87.5 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 8% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $3,060 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.4% (1994)Unemployment rate: 16% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $8.1 billion expenditures: $8.9 billion (1994 est.)Exports: $4.1 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: food and beverages 30%, semiprocessed goods 23%, consumer goods 21%, phosphates 17% partners: EU 70%, Japan 5%, US 4%, Libya 3%, India 2% (1993)Imports: $7.5 billion (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: capital goods 24%, semiprocessed goods 22%, raw materials 16%, fuel and lubricants 16%, food and beverages 13%, consumer goods 9% partners: EC 59%, US 8%, Saudi Arabia 5%, UAE 3%, Russia 2% (1993)External debt: $20.5 billion (1994 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 0.1% accounts for 28% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 2,620,000 kW production: 9.9 billion kWh consumption per capita: 361 kWh (1993)Industries: phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather goods, textiles, construction, tourism THE WORLD FACTBOOK Morocco EconomyAgriculture: accounts for 15% of GDP, 50% of employment, and 30% of export value; not self-sufficient in food; cereal farming and livestock raising predominate; barley, wheat, citrus fruit, wine, vegetables, olivesIllicit drugs: illicit producer of hashish; trafficking on the increase for both domestic and international drug markets; shipments of hashish mostly directed to Western Europe; transit point for cocaine from South America destined for Western EuropeEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.3 billion; US commitments, including Ex-Im (1992), $123.6 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $7.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $4.8 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.5 billion note: $2.8 billion debt canceled by Saudi Arabia (1991); IMF standby agreement worth $13 million; World Bank, $450 million (1991)Currency: 1 Moroccan dirham (DH) = 100 centimesExchange rates: Moroccan dirhams (DH) per US$1 - 2.892 (January 1995), 9.203 (1994), 9.299 (1993), 8.538 (1992), 8.707 (1991), 8.242 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Morocco TransportationRailroads: total: 1,893 km standard gauge: 1,893 km 1.435-m gauge (974 km electrified; 246 km double track)Highways: total: 59,474 km paved: 29,440 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, improved earth, unimproved earth 30,034 kmPipelines: crude oil 362 km; petroleum products (abandoned) 491 km; natural gas 241 kmPorts: Agadir, Al Jadida, Casablanca, El Jorf Lasfar, Kenitra, Mohammedia, Nador, Rabat, Safi, Tangier; also Spanish-controlled Ceuta and MelillaMerchant marine: total: 38 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 183,951 GRT/273,057 DWT ships by type: cargo 6, chemical tanker 9, container 2, oil tanker 4, refrigerated cargo 10, roll-on/roll-off cargo 6, short-sea passenger 1Airports: total: 74 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 11 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 8 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 13 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 10 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 24 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Morocco CommunicationsTelephone system: 280,000 telephones; 10.5 telephones/1,000 persons local: NA intercity: good system composed of wire lines, cables, and microwave radio relay links; principal centers are Casablanca and Rabat; secondary centers are Fes, Marrakech, Oujda, Tangier, and Tetouan international: 5 submarine cables; 2 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 ARABSAT earth station; microwave radio relay to Gibraltar, Spain, and Western Sahara; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Algeria; microwave radio relay network linking Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and MoroccoRadio: broadcast stations: AM 20, FM 7, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 26 (repeaters 26) televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Morocco Defense ForcesBranches: Royal Moroccan Army, Royal Moroccan Navy, Royal Moroccan Air Force, Royal Gendarmerie, Auxiliary ForcesManpower availability: males age 15-49 7,307,076; males fit for military service 4,637,453; males reach military age (18) annually 323,921 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.3 billion, 3.8% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>MOROCCO - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 3months, extendable. For additional information consult Embassy of Morocco,1601 21st St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/462-7979 to 7982) orConsulate General in New York (212/213-9644).Morocco - Consular Information SheetJuly 28, 1994Country Description: Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with a developingeconomy. Tourist facilities and means of transportation are widelyavailable, but may vary in quality depending on price and location.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. A visa is not required for astay of up to 90 days. For further information concerning entryrequirements for Morocco, travelers may contact the Embassy of Morocco at1601 21st St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, telephone (202) 462-7979 to 82,or the Moroccan Consulate General in New York, telephone (212) 758-2625.Areas of Instability: The sparsely-settled Western Sahara (formerly SpanishSahara) was long the site of armed conflict between the Polisario Front andMorocco on the issue of independence versus Moroccan sovereignty. Althougha ceasefire is presently in place, several violations have occurred and thearea cannot be considered safe. There are reports of thousands ofunexploded mines in the Western Sahara and in areas of Mauritania adjacentto the Western Sahara border. Exploding mines are occasionally reported,and have caused death and injury. Transit to the Western Sahara remainsrestricted; persons planning to travel in the region may obtain informationon clearance requirements from the Moroccan Embassy.Medical Facilities: Medical care in Morocco is available, although not allfacilities meet high quality standards and specialized care or treatment maynot be available. Travelers planning to drive in the mountains and otherremote areas may wish to carry a medical kit and a Moroccan phone card foremergencies. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment forhealth care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outsidethe United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseascoverage has proven useful. Specific health questions may be addressed tothe Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline attelephone (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Morocco has a moderately high crime rate in urban areas. Criminals have targeted tourists for assaults, muggings, thefts,pickpocketings, and scams of all types. Commonly-reported crimes includefalsifying credit-card vouchers, and shipping inferior rugs as a substitutefor the rugs purchased by the traveler. Some travelers have been befriendedby persons of various nationalities who have offered the travelers food,drink, or cigarettes which are drugged. Harassment of tourists byunemployed Moroccans trying to be "guides" is a common problem. Prudenttravelers hire only official tour guides through hotels and travel agencies. Traveling alone in the Rif mountain area is risky.The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediatelyto local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Usefulinformation on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security, andother matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of Statepamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to the Middle Eastand North Africa." They are available from the Superintendent of Documents,U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Currency Regulations: Travelers checks and credit cards are accepted atsome establishments in Morocco, mainly in urban areas.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling.Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe,and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the Consular Section of theU.S. Embassy or Consulate General can obtain updated information on traveland security within Morocco.Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Rabat is located at 2Avenue de Marrakech in the capital city of Rabat, telephone (212-7) 76-22-65. The American Consulate General in Casablanca is located at 8 BoulevardMoulay Youssef, telephone (212-2) 26-45-50.No. 94-142This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Morocco issued August 31,1993 to add information on carrying a medical kit when traveling in remoteareas.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Montserrat HeaderAffiliation: (dependent territory of the UK) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Montserrat GeographyLocation: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto RicoMap references: Central America and the CaribbeanArea: total area: 100 sq km land area: 100 sq km comparative area: about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 40 kmMaritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variationTerrain: volcanic islands, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowlandNatural resources: negligibleLand use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 10% forest and woodland: 40% other: 30%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for cultivation natural hazards: severe hurricanes (June to November); volcanic eruptions (there are seven active volcanoes on the island) international agreements: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Montserrat PeoplePopulation: 12,738 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NAPopulation growth rate: 0.3% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 15.5 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 9.81 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -2.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 11.69 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.69 years male: 73.93 years female: 77.49 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.99 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Montserratian(s) adjective: MontserratianEthnic divisions: black, EuropeansReligions: Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist, other Christian denominationsLanguages: EnglishLiteracy: age 15 and over has ever attended school (1970) total population: 97% male: 97% female: 97%Labor force: 5,100 by occupation: community, social, and personal services 40.5%, construction 13.5%, trade, restaurants, and hotels 12.3%, manufacturing 10.5%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 8.8%, other 14.4% (1983 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Montserrat GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: MontserratDigraph: MHType: dependent territory of the UKCapital: PlymouthAdministrative divisions: 3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter'sIndependence: none (dependent territory of the UK)National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday of June)Constitution: present constitution came into force 19 December 1989Legal system: English common law and statute lawSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Frank SAVAGE (since NA February 1993) head of government: Chief Minister Reuben T. MEADE (since NA October 1991) cabinet: Executive Council; consists of the governor, the chief minister, three other ministries, the attorney-general, and the finance secretaryLegislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council: elections last held 8 October 1991; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (11 total, 7 elected) NPP 4, NDP 1, PLM 1, independent 1Judicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: National Progressive Party (NPP) Reuben T. MEADE; People's Liberation Movement (PLM), Noel TUITT; National Development Party (NDP), Bertrand OSBORNEMember of: CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC (associate), ICFTU, INTERPOL (subbureau), OECS, WCLDiplomatic representation in US: none (dependent territory of the UK)US diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK)Flag: 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 coat of arms features a woman standing beside a yellow harp with her arm around a black cross THE WORLD FACTBOOK Montserrat EconomyOverview: The economy is small and open with economic activity centered on tourism and construction. Tourism is the most important sector and accounts for roughly one-fifth of GDP. Agriculture accounts for about 4% of GDP and industry 10%. The economy is heavily dependent on imports, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in world prices. Exports consist mainly of electronic parts sold to the US.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $55.6 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: 1% (1993 est.)National product per capita: $4,380 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.8% (1992)Unemployment rate: NABudget: revenues: $12.1 million expenditures: $14.3 million, including capital expenditures of $3.2 million (1988 est.)Exports: $2.8 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: electronic parts, plastic bags, apparel, hot peppers, live plants, cattle partners: NAImports: $80.6 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels, lubricants, and related materials partners: NAExternal debt: $2.05 million (1987)Industrial production: growth rate 8.1% (1986); accounts for 10% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 5,271 kW production: 17 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,106 kWh (1993)Industries: tourism; light manufacturing - rum, textiles, electronic appliancesAgriculture: accounts for 4% of GDP; small-scale farming; food crops - tomatoes, onions, peppers; not self-sufficient in food, especially livestock productsEconomic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $90 millionCurrency: 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 centsExchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Montserrat EconomyFiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Montserrat TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 280 km paved: 200 km unpaved: gravel, earth 80 kmPorts: PlymouthMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Montserrat CommunicationsTelephone system: 3,000 telephones local: NA intercity: NA international: NARadio: broadcast stations: AM 8, FM 4, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 1 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Montserrat Defense ForcesBranches: Police ForceNote: defense is the responsibility of the UK</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mongolia GeographyLocation: Northern Asia, north of ChinaMap references: AsiaArea: total area: 1.565 million sq km land area: 1.565 million sq km comparative area: slightly larger than AlaskaLand boundaries: total 8,114 km, China 4,673 km, Russia 3,441 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: noneClimate: desert; continental (large daily and seasonal temperature ranges)Terrain: vast semidesert and desert plains; mountains in west and southwest; Gobi Desert in southeastNatural resources: oil, coal, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, phosphates, tin, nickel, zinc, wolfram, fluorspar, goldLand use: arable land: 1% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 79% forest and woodland: 10% other: 10%Irrigated land: 770 sq km (1989)Environment: current issues: limited natural fresh water resources; policies of the former communist regime promoting rapid urbanization and industrial growth have raised concerns about their negative effects on the environment; the burning of soft coal and the concentration of factories in Ulaanbaatar have severely polluted the air; deforestation, overgrazing, the converting of virgin land to agricultural production have increased soil erosion from wind and rain; desertification natural hazards: duststorms can occur in the spring international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the SeaNote: landlocked; strategic location between China and Russia THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mongolia PeoplePopulation: 2,493,615 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 40% (female 495,919; male 511,464) 15-64 years: 56% (female 693,037; male 693,776) 65 years and over: 4% (female 54,991; male 44,428) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.58% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 32.65 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.82 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 41.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 66.54 years male: 64.28 years female: 68.92 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 4.26 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Mongolian(s) adjective: MongolianEthnic divisions: Mongol 90%, Kazakh 4%, Chinese 2%, Russian 2%, other 2%Religions: predominantly Tibetan Buddhist, Muslim 4% note: previously limited religious activity because of Communist regimeLanguages: Khalkha Mongol 90%, Turkic, Russian, ChineseLiteracy: NA%Labor force: NA by occupation: primarily herding/agricultural note: over half the adult population is in the labor force, including a large percentage of women; shortage of skilled labor THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mongolia GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Mongolia local long form: none local short form: Mongol Uls former: Outer MongoliaDigraph: MGType: republicCapital: UlaanbaatarAdministrative divisions: 18 provinces (aymguud, singular - aymag) and 3 municipalities* (hotuud, singular - hot); Arhangay, Bayanhongor, Bayan-Olgiy, Bulgan, Darhan*, Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Dzavhan, Erdenet*, Govi-Altay, Hentiy, Hovd, Hovsgol, Omnogovi, Ovorhangay, Selenge, Suhbaatar, Tov, Ulaanbaatar*, UvsIndependence: 13 March 1921 (from China)National holiday: National Day, 11 July (1921)Constitution: adopted 13 January 1992Legal system: blend of Russian, Chinese, and Turkish systems of law; no constitutional provision for judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Punsalmaagiyn OCHIRBAT (since 3 September 1990); election last held 6 June 1993 (next to be held NA 1997); results - Punsalmaagiyn OCHIRBAT (MNDP and MSDP) elected directly with 57.8% of the vote; other candidate Lodongiyn TUDEV (MPRP) head of government: Prime Minister Putsagiyn JASRAY (since 3 August 1992); Deputy Prime Ministers Lhamsuren ENEBISH and Choijilsurengiyn PUREVDORJ (since NA) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the Great HuralLegislative branch: unicameral State Great Hural: elections held for the first time 28 June 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (76 total) MPRP 71, United Party of Mongolia 4, MSDP 1 note: the People's Small Hural no longer existsJudicial branch: Supreme Court serves as appeals court for people's and provincial courts, but to date rarely overturns verdicts of lower courts THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mongolia GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), Budragchagiin DASH-YONDON, secretary general; Mongolian National Democratic Party (MNDP), D. GANBOLD, chairman; Mongolian Social Democratic Party (MSDP), B. BATBAYAR, chairman; United Party of Mongolia, leader NA note: opposition parties were legalized in May 1990Member of: AsDB, CCC, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Luvsandorj DAWAAGIW chancery: 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 333-7117 FAX: [1] (202) 298-9227 consulate(s) general: New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Donald C. JOHNSON embassy: address NA, Ulaanbaatar mailing address: c/o American Embassy Beijing, Micro Region 11, Big Ring Road; PSC 461, Box 300, FPO AP 96521-0002 telephone: [976] (1) 329095, 329606 FAX: [976] (1) 320776Flag: three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), blue, and red, centered on the hoist-side red band in yellow is the national emblem ("soyombo" - a columnar arrangement of abstract and geometric representation for fire, sun, moon, earth, water, and the yin-yang symbol) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mongolia EconomyOverview: Mongolia's severe climate, scattered population, and wide expanses of unproductive land have constrained economic development. Economic activity traditionally has been based on agriculture and the breeding of livestock. In past years extensive mineral resources had been developed with Soviet support; total Soviet assistance at its height amounted to 30% of GDP. The mining and processing of coal, copper, molybdenum, tin, tungsten, and gold account for a large part of industrial production. Timber and fishing are also important sectors. The Mongolian leadership has been gradually making the transition from Soviet-style central planning to a market economy through privatization and price reform, and is soliciting support from international financial agencies and foreign investors. The economy, however, has still not recovered from the loss of Soviet aid, and the country continues to suffer substantial economic hardships, with one-fourth of the population below the poverty line.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $4.4 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 2.5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $1,800 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 70% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 15% (1991 est.)Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991 est.) note: deficit of $67 millionExports: $360 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: copper, livestock, animal products, cashmere, wool, hides, fluorspar, other nonferrous metals partners: former CMEA countries 62%, China 17%, EC 8% (1992)Imports: $361 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: machinery and equipment, fuels, food products, industrial consumer goods, chemicals, building materials, sugar, tea partners: USSR 75%, Austria 5%, China 5% (1991)External debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate -15% (1992 est.); accounts for about 42% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 900,000 kW production: 3.1 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,267 kWh (1993) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mongolia EconomyIndustries: copper, processing of animal products, building materials, food and beverage, mining (particularly coal)Agriculture: accounts for about 35% of GDP and provides livelihood for about 50% of the population; livestock raising predominates (primarily sheep and goats, but also cattle, camels, and horses); crops - wheat, barley, potatoes, forageEconomic aid: NACurrency: 1 tughrik (Tug) = 100 mongosExchange rates: tughriks (Tug) per US$1 - 415.34 (January 1995), 412.72 (1994), 42.56 (1992), 9.52 (1991), 5.63 (1990) note: the exchange rate 40 tughriks = 1US$ was introduced June 1991 and was in force to the end of 1992; beginning 27 May 1993 the exchange rate is the midpoint of the average buying and selling rates that are freely determined on the basis of market transactions between commercial banks and the nonbank publicFiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mongolia TransportationRailroads: total: 1,750 km broad gauge: 1,750 km 1.524-m gauge (1988)Highways: total: 46,700 km paved: 1,000 km unpaved: 45,700 km (1988)Inland waterways: 397 km of principal routes (1988)Ports: noneAirports: total: 34 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 with unpaved runways over 3,047 m: 3 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 10 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 3 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 5 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mongolia CommunicationsTelephone system: 63,000 telephones (1989) local: NA intercity: NA international: at least 1 satellite earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 12, FM 1, shortwave 0 radios: 220,000Television: broadcast stations: 1 (provincial repeaters - 18) televisions: 120,000 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mongolia Defense ForcesBranches: Mongolian People's Army (includes Internal Security Forces and Frontier Guards), Air ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 605,633; males fit for military service 394,433; males reach military age (18) annually 25,862 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $22.8 million, 1% of GDP (1992)</text>
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<text>MONGOLIA - Passport and visa required. Transit visa for stay up to 48hours requires onward ticket, visa for next destination and $15 fee($30 for double transit). Tourist visa for up to 90 days requiresconfirmation from Mongolian Travel Agency (Zhuulchin) and $25 fee. Business visarequires letter from company stating purpose of trip and invitationfrom Mongolian organization and $25 fee (multiple-entry $50). Submit 1application form, 2 photos, itinerary and prepaid envelope for returnof passport by certified or special delivery mail. AIDS test required forstudents and anyone staying longer than 3 months; U.S. test accepted. For additional information contact Embassy of Mongolia, 2833 M Street,N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007 (202/333-7117) or the UN Mission of Mongolia, 6East 77th St., New York, NY 10021 (212/861-9460).Mongolia - Consular Information SheetJuly 29, 1994Country Description: Mongolia is a country undergoing substantial politicaland economic changes. In June 1993, it held democratic elections for thethird time since the resignation of the former government in 1990. Touristfacilities and services are not widely available.Entry Requirements: Passports, visas, and an invitation from a Mongolianhost are required. Multiple-entry visas can only be obtained inUlaanbaatar with the sponsorship of a Mongolian organization. Transit visasfor stays of 48 hours or less require an onward ticket, a visa for the nextdestination, and a fee of 15 dollars. Foreign travelers to Mongolia, eventhose staying fewer than ten days, are required to register with the policeat the Citizens' Information and Registration Center within ten days oftheir arrival. Visitors who fail to register may be stopped at departure,denied exit, and fined at least 25 dollars. A Tourist visa for up to 90days requires confirmation from the Mongolian Travel Agency Zhuulchin, orfrom a private Mongolian travel agency, and a 25 dollar fee. For morecurrent information on visa issuance and fees and registration requirements,the traveler may contact the Embassy of Mongolia at 2833 M Street N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20007, telephone (202) 333-7117.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Mongolia are limited, and somemedicine is unavailable. Plague, while relatively rare, is endemic toMongolia from August to October, and affected areas of the country may bequarantined for limited periods during that time. Doctors and hospitalsoften expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medicalinsurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases,supplemental medical insurance with specific coverage abroad, includingprovision for medical evacuation, has proven useful. The internationaltravelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, tel. (404)332-4559, has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: Mongolia, and especially the capital, Ulaanbaatar, issuffering from a dramatic rise in crime. Petty thefts, such aspickpocketing, are common. Areas such as the Ulaanbaatar local market andthe state-run department store deserve special caution from travelers. Inaddition to theft, there have been reports of more violent assaults onforeigners. As the economic situation remains difficult, there is littlepossibility that the level of crime will decrease or that the Mongolianpolice will be able to deal effectively with the situation. Thefts continueaboard international trains between Mongolia and Russia. The loss or theftabroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local policeand the U.S. Embassy. Useful information on guarding valuables andprotecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in theDepartment of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available fromthe Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. In Mongolia, penalties for possession, use ortrafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expectjail sentences and fines.Currency Regulations: U.S. dollars are often accepted, especially intourist locations, but it is also useful to carry some cash in the localcurrency, the Tugrik. Thomas Cook Travelers Checks in U.S. dollars andAmerican Express Travelers Checks can also be used at the major hotels. TheAmerican Express card is acceptable in a few locations, as are Visa andMastercard. Cash advances against credit cards are not obtainable, andthere are no international banks. However, international bank wiretransfers are possible.Winter Power Shortages: Severe fuel shortages and problems with the centralheating and electrical systems cause seriously reduced heating levels andpower outages in Ulaanbaatar and the cities of Darhan and Erdenet during thewinter months of November through April. Smaller towns in the countrysidemay have no heat or electricity at all during these months. The U.S.Embassy advises all Americans resident in Mongolia to be prepared toevacuate in case of complete energy systems failure.Delay in Arrival of Checked Baggage: Passengers arriving in Ulaanbaatar byplane from Beijing routinely encounter prolonged delays in the delivery oftheir checked luggage ranging from overnight to four days. Travelers whoinclude warm clothing and other essentials in carry-on baggage decrease theinconvenience experienced while waiting for their luggage.Accommodations: Hotels are few in number and are often fully booked.Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy may obtain updatedinformation on travel, security and health problems within the country.Embassy Locations: The U.S. Embassy is located in Micro Region 11, Big RingRoad, Ulaanbaatar. The telephone numbers are (976-1)329-095 and 329-606.No. 94-140This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 9, 1993 and providesupdated currency information.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Monaco GeographyLocation: Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, on the southern coast of France, near the border with ItalyMap references: EuropeArea: total area: 1.9 sq km land area: 1.9 sq km comparative area: about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries: total 4.4 km, France 4.4 kmCoastline: 4.1 kmMaritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summersTerrain: hilly, rugged, rockyNatural resources: noneLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Law of the SeaNote: second smallest independent state in world (after Holy See); almost entirely urban THE WORLD FACTBOOK Monaco PeoplePopulation: 31,515 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 17% (female 2,691; male 2,740) 15-64 years: 63% (female 10,233; male 9,645) 65 years and over: 20% (female 3,939; male 2,267) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.7% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 10.66 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 12.12 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 8.44 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 7 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.9 years male: 74.18 years female: 81.8 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.7 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Monacan(s) or Monegasque(s) adjective: Monacan or MonegasqueEthnic divisions: French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21%Religions: Roman Catholic 95%Languages: French (official), English, Italian, MonegasqueLiteracy: NA%Labor force: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Monaco GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Principality of Monaco conventional short form: Monaco local long form: Principaute de Monaco local short form: MonacoDigraph: MNType: constitutional monarchyCapital: MonacoAdministrative divisions: 4 quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-CarloIndependence: 1419 (rule by the House of Grimaldi)National holiday: National Day, 19 NovemberConstitution: 17 December 1962Legal system: based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 25 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Prince RAINIER III (since NA November 1949); Heir Apparent Prince ALBERT Alexandre Louis Pierre (born 14 March 1958) head of government: Minister of State Paul DIJOUD (since NA) cabinet: Council of Government; under the authority of the PrinceLegislative branch: unicameral National Council (Conseil National): elections last held 24 and 31 January 1993 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (18 total) Campora List 15, Medecin List 2, independent 1Judicial branch: Supreme Tribunal (Tribunal Supreme)Political parties and leaders: National and Democratic Union (UND); Campora List, Anne-Marie CAMPORA; Medecin List, Jean-Louis MEDECINMember of: ACCT, ECE, IAEA, ICAO, ICRM, IFRCS, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPODiplomatic representation in US: honorary consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico) honorary consulate(s): Dallas, Palm Beach, Philadelphia, and Washington, DCUS diplomatic representation: no mission in Monaco, but the US Consul General in Marseille, France, is accredited to Monaco THE WORLD FACTBOOK Monaco GovernmentFlag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; similar to the flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which is white (top) and red THE WORLD FACTBOOK Monaco EconomyOverview: Monaco, situated on the French Mediterranean coast, is a popular resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant climate. The Principality has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added, nonpolluting industries. 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. About 50% of Monaco's annual revenue comes from value-added taxes on hotels, banks, and the industrial sector; about 25% of revenue comes from tourism. Living standards are high, that is, roughly comparable to those in prosperous French metropolitan suburbs.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $558 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $18,000 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: NEGL%Budget: revenues: $424 million expenditures: $376 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991 est.)Exports: $NA; full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monacan trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with FranceImports: $NA; full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monacan trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with FranceExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 10,000 kW standby; power imported from France production: NA kWh consumption per capita: NA kWh (1993)Agriculture: noneEconomic aid: $NACurrency: 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimesExchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.9243 (January 1995), 5.520 (1994), 5.6632 (1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Monaco TransportationRailroads: total: 1.7 km standard gauge: 1.7 km 1.435-m gaugeHighways: none; city streetsPorts: MonacoMerchant marine: noneAirports: linked to airport in Nice, France, by helicopter service THE WORLD FACTBOOK Monaco CommunicationsTelephone system: 38,200 telephones; automatic telephone system local: NA intercity: NA international: no satellite links; served by cable into the French communications systemRadio: broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 4, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 5 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Monaco Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of France</text>
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<text>MONACO - Passport required. Visa not required for visit up to 3months. For further information consult French Embassy (202/944-6000) ornearest Honorary Consulate of the Principality of Monaco: CA (213/655-8970 or415/362-5050), IL (312/642-1242), LA (504/522-5700), NY (212/759-5227)or PR (809/721-4215).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - France and Monaco============================================================France and Monaco - Consular Information Sheet December 6, 1995Country Description: France is a highly developed and stable democracy with a modern economy. Monaco is a constitutional monarchy and a highly developed European nation. Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: For information on entry requirements for both France and Monaco, travelers may contact the Embassy of France at at 4101 Reservoir Road, N.W. Washington, DC 20007, tel: (202) 944-6000, or the nearest French Consulate General in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco or San Juan. Travelers to Monaco may also contact the nearest Honorary Consulate of Monaco in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Palm Beach, Florida, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Juan or Washington, D.C.Medical Facilities: Medical care is widely available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: France and Monaco both have relatively low rates of violent crime. Crimes involving larceny are increasingly more common. Pickpocketing, theft of unattended baggage and theft from rental cars or vehicles with out-of-town or foreign license plates are daily occurrences. Criminals often operate around popular tourist attractions such as museums, monuments, restaurants, hotels, beaches, and on trains and subways. Americans in France and Monaco should be particularly alert to pickpockets on trains and subways, as well as in train and subway stations. Travelers are advised to carry only whatever cash and personal checks are absolutely necessary, leaving extra cash, credit cards, personal documents, and passport copies at home or in the hotel safe.The loss or theft of a U.S. passport overseas should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" which provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. In France, the penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are very strict. Convicted offenders can expect a significant jail sentence and a heavy customs fine; failure to pay can result in upwards of an additional two years imprisonment.Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who are considered to have also acquired French citizenship may be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of French law while in France. Those who might be affected can inquire at a French Embassy or consulate regarding their status. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. government efforts to provide protection abroad.Other Information: Certain Air France flights between France and various Middle Eastern points (usually Damascus or Amman) make en route stops in Beirut. U.S. passports are not valid for travel to, in, or through Lebanon unless special validation has been obtained from the Department of State.Terrorist Activities: Civil disorder is rare in France. However, over the past year, terrorist groups have committed violent acts in France, including a few closely-targeted political assassinations. Recent bombings in Paris also appear to be the work of terrorists, and have killed or injured French citizens and foreign visitors. However, there is no indication that these acts are specifically directed at American citizens, American business or American interests. These bombings have resulted in an increased police presence at airports, metro and train stations, etc.The Basque Separatist Party (ETA) and the National Front for the Liberation of Corsica (FLNC), continue to operate in the south of France and have occasionally bombed local government institutions, travel agencies, etc. ETA and FLNC attacks usually occur late in the evening in an apparent attempt to minimize casualties. Over the last year, terrorist groups have committed other terrorist acts, including a few closely targeted political killings and kidnappings, but no Americans have been affected.Registration and Embassy/Consulate Locations: U.S. citizens may register at the Consular Section in the U.S. Embassy or one of the three Consulates, where they may obtain updated information on travel and security in France. There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in Monaco. For assistance and registration in Monaco, U.S. citizens can contact the U.S. consulate general in Marseille or the U.S. Consular agent in Nice.The U.S. Embassy in Paris is located at 2 Avenue Gabriel, telephone (33) 1-42-96-12-02, fax (33) 1-42-66-97-83. The Consular Section is located one block away, across the Place de la Concorde, at 2 Rue St. Florentin, fax (33) 1-42-86-82-91.The U.S. Consulate in Bordeaux is located at: 22 Cours du Marechal Foch, telephone (33) 56-52-65-95, fax (33) 56-51-60-42.The U.S. Consulate in Marseille is located at: 12 Boulevard Paul Peytral, telephone (33) 91-54-92-00, fax (33) 91-55-09-47.The U.S. Consulate in Strasbourg is located at: 15 Avenue d'Alsace, telephone (33) 88-35-31-04, fax (33) 88-24-06-95.There is a Consular Agent in Nice, at 31 Rue du Marechal Joffre, telephone (33) 16-93-88-89-55, fax (33) 16- 93-87-07-38. No. 95-157This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for France dated September 14, 1995, to add information on Monaco.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - France and Monaco============================================================France and Monaco - Consular Information Sheet December 6, 1995Country Description: France is a highly developed and stable democracy with a modern economy. Monaco is a constitutional monarchy and a highly developed European nation. Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: For information on entry requirements for both France and Monaco, travelers may contact the Embassy of France at at 4101 Reservoir Road, N.W. Washington, DC 20007, tel: (202) 944-6000, or the nearest French Consulate General in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco or San Juan. Travelers to Monaco may also contact the nearest Honorary Consulate of Monaco in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Palm Beach, Florida, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Juan or Washington, D.C.Medical Facilities: Medical care is widely available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: France and Monaco both have relatively low rates of violent crime. Crimes involving larceny are increasingly more common. Pickpocketing, theft of unattended baggage and theft from rental cars or vehicles with out-of-town or foreign license plates are daily occurrences. Criminals often operate around popular tourist attractions such as museums, monuments, restaurants, hotels, beaches, and on trains and subways. Americans in France and Monaco should be particularly alert to pickpockets on trains and subways, as well as in train and subway stations. Travelers are advised to carry only whatever cash and personal checks are absolutely necessary, leaving extra cash, credit cards, personal documents, and passport copies at home or in the hotel safe.The loss or theft of a U.S. passport overseas should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" which provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. In France, the penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are very strict. Convicted offenders can expect a significant jail sentence and a heavy customs fine; failure to pay can result in upwards of an additional two years imprisonment.Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who are considered to have also acquired French citizenship may be subject to compulsory military service and other aspects of French law while in France. Those who might be affected can inquire at a French Embassy or consulate regarding their status. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. government efforts to provide protection abroad.Other Information: Certain Air France flights between France and various Middle Eastern points (usually Damascus or Amman) make en route stops in Beirut. U.S. passports are not valid for travel to, in, or through Lebanon unless special validation has been obtained from the Department of State.Terrorist Activities: Civil disorder is rare in France. However, over the past year, terrorist groups have committed violent acts in France, including a few closely-targeted political assassinations. Recent bombings in Paris also appear to be the work of terrorists, and have killed or injured French citizens and foreign visitors. However, there is no indication that these acts are specifically directed at American citizens, American business or American interests. These bombings have resulted in an increased police presence at airports, metro and train stations, etc.The Basque Separatist Party (ETA) and the National Front for the Liberation of Corsica (FLNC), continue to operate in the south of France and have occasionally bombed local government institutions, travel agencies, etc. ETA and FLNC attacks usually occur late in the evening in an apparent attempt to minimize casualties. Over the last year, terrorist groups have committed other terrorist acts, including a few closely targeted political killings and kidnappings, but no Americans have been affected.Registration and Embassy/Consulate Locations: U.S. citizens may register at the Consular Section in the U.S. Embassy or one of the three Consulates, where they may obtain updated information on travel and security in France. There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in Monaco. For assistance and registration in Monaco, U.S. citizens can contact the U.S. consulate general in Marseille or the U.S. Consular agent in Nice.The U.S. Embassy in Paris is located at 2 Avenue Gabriel, telephone (33) 1-42-96-12-02, fax (33) 1-42-66-97-83. The Consular Section is located one block away, across the Place de la Concorde, at 2 Rue St. Florentin, fax (33) 1-42-86-82-91.The U.S. Consulate in Bordeaux is located at: 22 Cours du Marechal Foch, telephone (33) 56-52-65-95, fax (33) 56-51-60-42.The U.S. Consulate in Marseille is located at: 12 Boulevard Paul Peytral, telephone (33) 91-54-92-00, fax (33) 91-55-09-47.The U.S. Consulate in Strasbourg is located at: 15 Avenue d'Alsace, telephone (33) 88-35-31-04, fax (33) 88-24-06-95.There is a Consular Agent in Nice, at 31 Rue du Marechal Joffre, telephone (33) 16-93-88-89-55, fax (33) 16- 93-87-07-38. No. 95-157This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for France dated September 14, 1995, to add information on Monaco.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Moldova GeographyLocation: Eastern Europe, northeast of RomaniaMap references: Commonwealth of Independent States - European StatesArea: total area: 33,700 sq km land area: 33,700 sq km comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of HawaiiLand boundaries: total 1,389 km, Romania 450 km, Ukraine 939 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: certain territory of Moldova and Ukraine - including Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina - are considered by Bucharest as historically a part of Romania; this territory was incorporated into the former Soviet Union following the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact in 1940Climate: moderate winters, warm summersTerrain: rolling steppe, gradual slope south to Black SeaNatural resources: lignite, phosphorites, gypsumLand use: arable land: 50% permanent crops: 13% meadows and pastures: 9% forest and woodland: 0% other: 28%Irrigated land: 2,920 sq km (1990)Environment: current issues: heavy use of agricultural chemicals, including banned pesticides such as DDT, has contaminated soil and groundwater; extensive soil erosion from poor farming methods natural hazards: NA international agreements: signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate ChangeNote: landlocked THE WORLD FACTBOOK Moldova PeoplePopulation: 4,489,657 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 27% (female 588,155; male 609,372) 15-64 years: 64% (female 1,487,170; male 1,386,293) 65 years and over: 9% (female 258,958; male 159,709) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.36% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 15.93 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 10.05 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -2.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 29.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.22 years male: 64.81 years female: 71.8 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.16 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Moldovan(s) adjective: MoldovanEthnic divisions: Moldavian/Romanian 64.5%, Ukrainian 13.8%, Russian 13%, Gagauz 3.5%, Jewish 1.5%, Bulgarian 2%, other 1.7% (1989 figures) note: internal disputes with ethnic Russians and Ukrainians in the Dniester region and Gagauz Turks in the southReligions: Eastern Orthodox 98.5%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist (only about 1,000 members) (1991) note: the large majority of churchgoers are ethnic MoldavianLanguages: Moldovan (official; virtually the same as the Romanian language), Russian, Gagauz (a Turkish dialect)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989) total population: 96% male: 99% female: 94%Labor force: 2.03 million (January 1994) by occupation: agriculture 34.4%, industry 20.1%, other 45.5% (1985 figures) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Moldova GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Moldova conventional short form: Moldova local long form: Republica Moldova local short form: none former: Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldova; MoldaviaDigraph: MDType: republicCapital: ChisinauAdministrative divisions: previously divided into 40 rayons; new districts possible under new constitution in 1994Independence: 27 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)National holiday: Independence Day, 27 August 1991Constitution: new constitution adopted NA July 1994; replaces old Soviet constitution of 1979Legal system: based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction but accepts many UN and OSCE documentsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Mircea SNEGUR (since 3 September 1990); election last held 8 December 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - Mircea SNEGUR ran unopposed and won 98.17% of vote; note - President SNEGUR was named executive president by the Supreme Soviet on 3 September 1990 and was confirmed by popular election on 8 December 1991 head of government: Prime Minister Andrei SANGHELI (since 1 July 1992; reappointed 5 April 1994 after elections for new legislature); First Deputy Prime Minister Ion GUTU (since NA) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president on recommendation of the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral Parliament: elections last held 27 February 1994 (next to be held NA 1999); results - percent by party NA; seats - (104 total) Agrarian-Democratic Party 56, Socialist/Yedinstvo Bloc 28, Peasants and Intellectual Bloc 11, Christian Democratic Popular Front 9Judicial branch: Supreme Court THE WORLD FACTBOOK Moldova GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Christian Democratic Popular Front (formerly Moldovan Popular Front), Iurie ROSCA, chairman; Yedinstvo Intermovement, Vladimir SOLONARI, chairman; Social Democratic Party, Oazu NANTOI, chairman, two other chairmen; Agrarian-Democratic Party, Dumitru MOTPAN, chairman; Democratic Party, Gheorghe GHIMPU, chairman; Democratic Labor Party, Alexandru ARSENI, chairman; Reform Party, Anatol SELARU; Republican Party, Victor PUSCAS; Socialist Party, Valeriu SENIC, cochairman; Communist Party, Vladimir VORONIN, cochairman; Peasants and Intellectuals BlocOther political or pressure groups: United Council of Labor Collectives (UCLC), Igor SMIRNOV, chairman; Congress of Intellectuals, Alexandru MOSANU; The Ecology Movement of Moldova (EMM), G. MALARCHUK, chairman; The Christian Democratic League of Women of Moldova (CDLWM), L. LARI, chairman; National Christian Party of Moldova (NCPM), D. TODIKE, M. BARAGA, V. NIKU, leaders; The Peoples Movement Gagauz Khalky (GKh), S. GULGAR, leader; The Democratic Party of Gagauzia (DPG), G. SAVOSTIN, chairman; The Alliance of Working People of Moldova (AWPM), G. POLOGOV, president; Christian Alliance for Greater Romania; Stefan the Great Movement; Liberal Convention of Moldova; Association of Victims of Repression; Christian Democratic Youth LeagueMember of: BSEC, CE (guest), CIS, EBRD, ECE, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NACC, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Nicolae TAU chancery: Suites 329, 333, 1511 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 telephone: [1] (202) 783-3012 FAX: [1] (202) 783-3342US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Mary C. PENDLETON embassy: Strada Alexei Mateevich #103, Chisinau mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [373] (2) 23-37-72 FAX: [373] (2) 23-30-44Flag: same color scheme as Romania - 3 equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; emblem in center of flag is of a Roman eagle of gold outlined in black with a red beak and talons carrying a yellow cross in its beak and a green olive branch in its right talons and a yellow scepter in its left talons; on its breast is a shield divided horizontally red over blue with a stylized ox head, star, rose, and crescent all in black-outlined yellow THE WORLD FACTBOOK Moldova EconomyOverview: Moldova enjoys a favorable climate and good farmland but has no major mineral deposits. As a result, Moldova's economy is primarily based on agriculture, featuring fruits, vegetables, wine, and tobacco. Moldova must import all of its supplies of oil, coal, and natural gas, and energy shortages have contributed to sharp production declines since the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. The Moldovan government is making steady progress on an ambitious economic reform agenda, and the IMF has called Moldova a model for the region. As part of its reform efforts, Chisinau has introduced a stable currency, freed all prices, stopped issuing preferential credits to state enterprises and backed their steady privatization, removed export controls, and freed interest rates. Chisinau appears strongly committed to continuing these reforms in 1995. Meanwhile, privatization of medium and large enterprises got underway in mid-1994 and is expected to pick up speed in 1995. To improve its precarious energy situation, Chisinau reached an agreement with Moscow in December 1994 on gas deliveries for 1995. Gazprom, Russia's national gas company, has agreed to reduce prices for natural gas deliveries to Moldova from the world market price of $80/thousand cubic meters (tcm) to $58/tcm in return for part ownership of the Moldovan pipeline system.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $11.9 billion (1994 estimate as extrapolated from World Bank estimate for 1992)National product real growth rate: -30% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $2,670 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.6% per month (1994)Unemployment rate: 1% (includes only officially registered unemployed; large numbers of underemployed workers)Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA note: budget deficit for 1993 approximately 6% of GDPExports: $144 million to outside the FSU countries (1994); over 70% of exports go to FSU countries commodities: foodstuffs, wine, tobacco, textiles and footwear, machinery, chemicals (1991) partners: Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Romania, GermanyImports: $174 million from outside the FSU countries (1994); over 70% of imports are from FSU countries commodities: oil, gas, coal, steel, machinery, foodstuffs, automobiles, and other consumer durables partners: Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Romania, GermanyExternal debt: $300 million (as of 11 December 1994)Industrial production: growth rate -30% (1994 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Moldova EconomyElectricity: capacity: 3,000,000 kW production: 8.2 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,830 kWh (1994)Industries: key products are canned food, agricultural machinery, foundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers, washing machines, hosiery, refined sugar, vegetable oil, shoes, textilesAgriculture: accounts for about 40% of GDP; Moldova's principal economic activity; products are vegetables, fruits, wine, grain, sugar beets, sunflower seed, meat, milk, tobaccoIllicit drugs: illicit cultivator of opium poppy and cannabis; mostly for CIS consumption; transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western EuropeEconomic aid: recipient: joint EC-US loan (1993), $127 million; IMF STF credit (1993), $64 million; IMF stand-by loan (1993), $72 million; US commitments (1992-93), $61 million in humanitarian aid, $11 million in technical assistance; World Bank loan (1993), $60 million; Russia (1993), 50 billion ruble credit; Romania (1993), 20 billion lei creditCurrency: the leu (plural lei) was introduced in late 1993Exchange rates: lei per US$1 - 4.277 (22 December 1994)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Moldova TransportationRailroads: total: 1,150 km in common carrier service; does not include industrial lines broad gauge: 1,150 km 1.520-m gauge (1990)Highways: total: 20,000 km paved or graveled: 13,900 km unpaved: earth 6,100 km (1990)Pipelines: natural gas 310 km (1992)Ports: noneAirports: total: 26 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 with paved runways under 914 m: 3 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 5 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 8 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Moldova CommunicationsTelephone system: 577,000 telephones; 134 telephones/1,000 persons; telecommunication system not well developed; 215,000 unsatisfied requests for telephone service (1991) local: NA intercity: NA international: international connections to the other former Soviet republics by land line and microwave radio relay through Ukraine, and to other countries by leased connections to the Moscow international gateway switch; 1 EUTELSAT and 1 INTELSAT earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: NA televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Moldova Defense ForcesBranches: Ground Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces, Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 1,116,912; males fit for military service 881,642; males reach military age (18) annually 35,447 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: $NA, 2% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>MOLDOVA - Passport and visa required. Visas issued at authorized entrypoints at the airport or along the Romanian border. Moldova does notcurrently maintain an Embassy in the United States.STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Moldova============================================================Moldova - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1995Country Description: Moldova is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change. It is a newly independent nation still in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring countries. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Internal travel may be disrupted by fuel shortages and other problems.Entry Requirements: For information on entry requirements, please contact the Moldovan Embassy, 1511 K Street N.W., Suite 333, Washington, D.C. 20005, telephone: (202) 783-3012, fax: (202) 783-3342. Visas for travel to other former Soviet states are necessary and difficult to obtain in Moldova.Areas of Instability: There are frequent checkpoints in the Trans-Dniester region, manned by armed, young and inexperienced paramilitary units who are not under the control of the Moldovan government and whose members rarely understand English. Tourists and truckers may be subject to extortion or robbery at checkpoints.Medical Facilities: Medical care in Moldova is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, antibiotics, and vaccines. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of local doctors who are willing to treat English-speaking patients, but has yet to identify an English-speaking doctor in Moldova.Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States so supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage and provision for medical evacuation can prove useful.Rabies vaccinations may be useful as casual exposure to stray dogs is common throughout Chisinau. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend Hepatitis B series for certain travelers. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the CDC's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Moldova has a low rate of crime, but foreigners have been increasingly targeted for both violent crime and common street crime, especially after dark. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. This publication is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Internal Travel: There are no internal flights in Moldova. Only Air Moldova, Moldavan Air and Tarom (Romania's national airline) regularly fly to Moldova. Air Moldova service is well below Western standards. Aircraft appear to be old and cabin areas are in poor condition. Train service is also below Western standards and an increasing number of Americans have been victimized while traveling on international trains to and from Moldova.Currency Regulations: Moldova is a cash only economy. Traveler's checks and credit cards are rarely accepted.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration and Embassy Location: Americans may register at the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau and obtain updated information on travel and security within Moldova. The U.S. Embassy in Chisinau, Moldova, is located at Strada Alexei Mateevici 103; telephone (373-2) 23-37-72, after hours telephone (373-2) 23-73-45. No. 95-138This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 24, 1994, to update the country description, to revise geographic names in the Areas of Instability, and to update information on Medical Facilities and Internal Travel.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Moldova============================================================Moldova - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1995Country Description: Moldova is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change. It is a newly independent nation still in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring countries. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Internal travel may be disrupted by fuel shortages and other problems.Entry Requirements: For information on entry requirements, please contact the Moldovan Embassy, 1511 K Street N.W., Suite 333, Washington, D.C. 20005, telephone: (202) 783-3012, fax: (202) 783-3342. Visas for travel to other former Soviet states are necessary and difficult to obtain in Moldova.Areas of Instability: There are frequent checkpoints in the Trans-Dniester region, manned by armed, young and inexperienced paramilitary units who are not under the control of the Moldovan government and whose members rarely understand English. Tourists and truckers may be subject to extortion or robbery at checkpoints.Medical Facilities: Medical care in Moldova is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, antibiotics, and vaccines. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of local doctors who are willing to treat English-speaking patients, but has yet to identify an English-speaking doctor in Moldova.Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States so supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage and provision for medical evacuation can prove useful.Rabies vaccinations may be useful as casual exposure to stray dogs is common throughout Chisinau. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend Hepatitis B series for certain travelers. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the CDC's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Moldova has a low rate of crime, but foreigners have been increasingly targeted for both violent crime and common street crime, especially after dark. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. This publication is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Internal Travel: There are no internal flights in Moldova. Only Air Moldova, Moldavan Air and Tarom (Romania's national airline) regularly fly to Moldova. Air Moldova service is well below Western standards. Aircraft appear to be old and cabin areas are in poor condition. Train service is also below Western standards and an increasing number of Americans have been victimized while traveling on international trains to and from Moldova.Currency Regulations: Moldova is a cash only economy. Traveler's checks and credit cards are rarely accepted.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration and Embassy Location: Americans may register at the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau and obtain updated information on travel and security within Moldova. The U.S. Embassy in Chisinau, Moldova, is located at Strada Alexei Mateevici 103; telephone (373-2) 23-37-72, after hours telephone (373-2) 23-73-45. No. 95-138This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 24, 1994, to update the country description, to revise geographic names in the Areas of Instability, and to update information on Medical Facilities and Internal Travel.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Midway Islands HeaderAffiliation: (territory of the US) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Midway Islands GeographyLocation: Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-third of the way from Honolulu to TokyoMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 5.2 sq km land area: 5.2 sq km comparative area: about 9 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC note: includes Eastern Island and Sand IslandLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 15 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical, but moderated by prevailing easterly windsTerrain: low, nearly levelNatural resources: fish, wildlifeLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100%Irrigated land: 0 sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NANote: a coral atoll; closed to the public THE WORLD FACTBOOK Midway Islands PeoplePopulation: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are 453 US military personnel (July 1995 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Midway Islands GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Midway IslandsDigraph: MQType: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Navy, under Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific Division; this facility has been operationally closed since 10 September 1993 and is currently being transferred from Pacific Fleet to Naval Facilities Engineering Command via a Memorandum of UnderstandingCapital: none; administered from Washington, DCFlag: the US flag is used THE WORLD FACTBOOK Midway Islands EconomyOverview: The economy is based on providing support services for US naval operations located on the islands. All food and manufactured goods must be imported.Electricity: supplied by US Military THE WORLD FACTBOOK Midway Islands TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 32 km paved: NAPipelines: 7.8 kmPorts: Sand IslandAirports: total: 3 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Midway Islands CommunicationsTelephone system: local: NA intercity: NA international: NARadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: NA televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Midway Islands Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of the US</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Micronesia, Federated States of GeographyLocation: Oceania, island group in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to IndonesiaMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 702 sq km land area: 702 sq km comparative area: slightly less than four times the size of Washington, DC note: includes Pohnpei (Ponape), Truk (Chuuk), Yap, and KosraeLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 6,112 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasional severe damageTerrain: islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and TrukNatural resources: forests, marine products, deep-seabed mineralsLand use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: typhoons (June to December) international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the SeaNote: four major island groups totaling 607 islands THE WORLD FACTBOOK Micronesia, Federated States of PeoplePopulation: 122,950 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NAPopulation growth rate: 3.35% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 28.12 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.3 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 11.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 36.52 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.81 years male: 65.84 years female: 69.81 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 3.98 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Micronesian(s) adjective: Micronesian; Kosrae(s), Pohnpeian(s), Trukese, YapeseEthnic divisions: nine ethnic Micronesian and Polynesian groupsReligions: Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 47%, other and none 3%Languages: English (official and common language), Trukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese, KosreanLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980) total population: 89% male: 91% female: 88%Labor force: NA by occupation: two-thirds are government employees note: 45,000 people are between the ages of 15 and 65 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Micronesia, Federated States of GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Federated States of Micronesia conventional short form: none former: Kosrae, Ponape, Truk, and Yap Districts (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands)Abbreviation: FSMDigraph: FMType: constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 3 November 1986Capital: Kolonia (on the island of Pohnpei) note: a new capital is being built about 10 km southwest in the Palikir valleyAdministrative divisions: 4 states; Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk (Truk), YapIndependence: 3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN Trusteeship)National holiday: Proclamation of the Federated States of Micronesia, 10 May (1979)Constitution: 10 May 1979Legal system: based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary lawsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Bailey OLTER (since 21 May 1991); Vice President Jacob NENA (since 21 May 1991); election last held 11 May 1991 (next to be held 7 March 1995); results - Bailey OLTER elected president; Jacob NENA elected vice-president cabinet: CabinetLegislative branch: unicameral Congress: elections last held 5 March 1991 (next to be held 7 March 1995); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (14 total) independents 14Judicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: no formal partiesMember of: AsDB, ESCAP, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, IMF, ITU, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, WHODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jesse B. MAREHALAU chancery: 1725 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 223-4383 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Micronesia, Federated States of Government FAX: [1] (202) 223-4391 consulate(s) general: Honolulu and Tamuning (Guam)US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador March Fong EU embassy: address NA, Kolonia mailing address: P. O. Box 1286, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia 96941 telephone: [691] 320-2187 FAX: [691] 320-2186Flag: light blue with four white five-pointed stars centered; the stars are arranged in a diamond pattern THE WORLD FACTBOOK Micronesia, Federated States of EconomyOverview: Economic activity consists primarily of subsistence farming and fishing. The islands have few mineral deposits worth exploiting, except for high-grade phosphate. The potential for a tourist industry exists, but the remoteness of the location and a lack of adequate facilities hinder development. Financial assistance from the US is the primary source of revenue, with the US pledged to spend $1 billion in the islands in the 1990s. Geographical isolation and a poorly developed infrastructure are major impediments to long-term growth.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $160 million (1990 est.) note: GDP was supplemented by approximately $100 million in grant aid in 1990National product real growth rate: 4% (1994)National product per capita: $1,500 (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: 27% (1989)Budget: revenues: $45 million expenditures: $31 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY94/95 est.)Exports: $3.2 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: fish, copra, bananas, black pepper partners: Japan, USImports: $91.2 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: food, manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, beverages partners: US, Japan, AustraliaExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 18,000 kW production: 40 million kWh consumption per capita: 380 kWh (1990)Industries: tourism, construction, fish processing, craft items from shell, wood, and pearlsAgriculture: mainly a subsistence economy; black pepper; tropical fruits and vegetables, coconuts, cassava, sweet potatoes, pigs, chickensEconomic aid: recipient: under terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US will provide $1.3 billion in grant aid during the period 1986-2001 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Micronesia, Federated States of EconomyCurrency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 centsExchange rates: US currency is usedFiscal year: 1 October - 30 September THE WORLD FACTBOOK Micronesia, Federated States of TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 226 km paved: 39 km (on major islands) unpaved: stone, coral, laterite 187 kmPorts: Colonia (Yap), Kolonia (Pohnpei), Lele, MoenMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 6 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Micronesia, Federated States of CommunicationsTelephone system: 960 telephones on Kolonia and Truk local: NA intercity: islands interconnected by shortwave radio (used mostly for government purposes international: 4 INTELSAT (Pacific Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 5, FM 1, shortwave 1 radios: 16,000Television: broadcast stations: 6 televisions: 1,125 (1987 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Micronesia, Federated States of Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of the US</text>
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<text>MICRONESIA, FEDERATED STATES OF (Kosrae, Yap, Ponape, and Truk) - Proofof citizenship, proof of sufficient funds, and onward/return ticket required for tourist visit up to 6 months, extendable (up to 12 months from dateof entry) after arrival in Micronesia. Entry permit may be needed forother types of travel; obtain forms from airline. Departure fee $5 (U.S.).Health certificate may be required if traveling from infected area.Typhoid and tetanus immunizations are recommended. AIDS test requiredif staying over 1 year. U.S. test is accepted. For further informationcontact Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia, 1725 N St.,N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/223-4383) or nearest Consulate: Hawaii(808/836-4775) or Guam (671/646-9154).Micronesia - Consular Information SheetOctober 5, 1994Country Description: The Federated States of Micronesia (including theislands of Pohnpei, Kosrae, Truk, and Yap) is a constitutional democracy infree association with the United States. Its economy is developing, andtourist facilities are available.Entry Requirements: Proof of U.S. citizenship and identity are required fora tourist visit of up to one year. Further information concerning specificrequirements is available through the Embassy of the Federated States ofMicronesia, 1725 N Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202) 223-4383.Medical Facilities: Health facilities in the Federated States of Micronesiaare adequate for routine medical problems, but are limited in range andquality. Doctors and hospitals may expect immediate cash payment for healthservices. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the UnitedStates. Supplemental medical insurance with coverage for specific overseastreatment and medical evacuation has proven useful. The Medicaid/Medicareprogram does not provide payment of medical services outside the UnitedStates. The international travelers hotline of the Centers for DiseaseControl at (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: The crime rate in the Federated States of Micronesiais low. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reportedimmediately to the local police, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal securitywhile traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "ASafe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents,U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the law, and legal practices of thecountry in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use, or traffickingin illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jailsentences and a fine.Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updatedinformation on travel and security within the country.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Kolonia has no official streetaddress, but is located in the lower Pics area across from the AgricultureStation. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1286, Pohnpei, Federated States ofMicronesia 96941. The telephone number is (691) 320-2187.No. 94-231This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 9, 1993, andprovides information on supplemental medical evacuation coverage.</text>
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<text>English (British)</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mexico GeographyLocation: Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, between Belize and the US and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatamala and the USMap references: North AmericaArea: total area: 1,972,550 sq km land area: 1,923,040 sq km comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of TexasLand boundaries: total 4,538 km, Belize 250 km, Guatemala 962 km, US 3,326 kmCoastline: 9,330 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: claims Clipperton Island (French possession)Climate: varies from tropical to desertTerrain: high, rugged mountains, low coastal plains, high plateaus, and desertNatural resources: petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timberLand use: arable land: 12% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 39% forest and woodland: 24% other: 24%Irrigated land: 51,500 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: natural fresh water 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; serious air pollution in the national capital and urban centers along US-Mexico border natural hazards: tsunamis along the Pacific coast, destructive earthquakes in the center and south, and hurricanes on the Gulf and Caribbean coasts THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mexico Geography international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - DesertificationNote: strategic location on southern border of US THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mexico PeoplePopulation: 93,985,848 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 37% (female 17,028,091; male 17,631,110) 15-64 years: 59% (female 28,429,663; male 26,866,886) 65 years and over: 4% (female 2,184,998; male 1,845,100) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.9% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 26.64 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 4.64 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -3.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 26 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.34 years male: 69.74 years female: 77.11 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 3.09 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Mexican(s) adjective: MexicanEthnic divisions: mestizo (Indian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%, Caucasian or predominantly Caucasian 9%, other 1%Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 6%Languages: Spanish, various Mayan dialectsLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 88% male: 90% female: 85%Labor force: 26.2 million (1990) by occupation: services 31.7%, agriculture, forestry, hunting, and fishing 28%, commerce 14.6%, manufacturing 11.1%, construction 8.4%, transportation 4.7%, mining and quarrying 1.5% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mexico GovernmentNames: conventional long form: United Mexican States conventional short form: Mexico local long form: Estados Unidos Mexicanos local short form: MexicoDigraph: MXType: federal republic operating under a centralized governmentCapital: MexicoAdministrative divisions: 31 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Colima, Distrito Federal*, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan de Ocampo, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro de Arteaga, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz-Llave, Yucatan, ZacatecasIndependence: 16 September 1810 (from Spain)National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1810)Constitution: 5 February 1917Legal system: mixture of US constitutional theory and civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory (but not enforced)Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Ernesto ZEDILLO Ponce de Leon (since 1 December 1994); election last held on 21 August 1994 (next to be held NA); results - Ernesto ZEDILLO Ponce de Leon (PRI) 50.18%, Cuauhtemoc CARDENAS Solorzano (PRD) 17.08%, Diego FERNANDEZ de Cevallos (PAN) 26.69%; other 6.049% cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso de la Union) Senate (Camara de Senadores): elections last held on 21 August 1994 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats in full Senate - (128 total; Senate expanded from 64 seats at the last election) PRI 93, PRD 25, PAN 10 Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados): elections last held on 24 August 1994 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (500 total) PRI 300, PAN 119, PRD 71, PFCRN 10Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mexico GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: (recognized parties) Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), Maria de los Angeles MORENO; National Action Party (PAN), Carlos CASTILLO; Popular Socialist Party (PPS), Indalecio SAYAGO Herrera; Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), Porfirio MUNOZ Ledo; Cardenist Front for the National Reconstruction Party (PFCRN), Rafael AGUILAR Talamantes; Authentic Party of the Mexican Revolution (PARM), Rosa Maria MARTINEZ Denagri; Democratic Forum Party (PFD), Pablo Emilio MADERO; Mexican Green Ecologist Party (PVEM), Jorge GONZALEZ TorresOther political or pressure groups: Roman Catholic Church; Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM); Confederation of Industrial Chambers (CONCAMIN); Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce (CONCANACO); National Peasant Confederation (CNC); Revolutionary Workers Party (PRT); Revolutionary Confederation of Workers and Peasants (CROC); Regional Confederation of Mexican Workers (CROM); Confederation of Employers of the Mexican Republic (COPARMEX); National Chamber of Transformation Industries (CANACINTRA); Coordinator for Foreign Trade Business Organizations (COECE); Federation of Unions Providing Goods and Services (FESEBES)Member of: AG (observer), APEC, BCIE, CARICOM (observer), CCC, CDB, CG, EBRD, ECLAC, FAO, G- 6, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, NAM (observer), OAS, OECD, ONUSAL, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jesus SILVA HERZOG Flores chancery: 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006 telephone: [1] (202) 728-1600 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, El Paso, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico) consulate(s): Albuquerque, Austin, Boston, Brownsville (Texas), Calexico (California), Corpus Christi, Del Rio (Texas), Detroit, Eagle Pass (Texas), Fresno (California), Loredo, McAllen (Texas), Midland (Texas), Nogales (Arizona), Oxnard (California), Philadelphia, Phoenix, Sacramento, St. Louis, Salt Lake City, San Bernardino, San Jose, Santa Ana, SeattleUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador James R. JONES embassy: Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, 06500 Mexico, Distrito Federal mailing address: P. O. Box 3087, Laredo, TX 78044-3087 telephone: [52] (5) 211-0042 FAX: [52] (5) 511-9980, 208-3373 consulate(s) general: Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana consulate(s): Hermosillo, Matamoros, Merida, Nuevo Laredo THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mexico GovernmentFlag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; the coat of arms (an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak) is centered in the white band THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mexico EconomyOverview: Mexico, under the guidance of new President Ernesto ZEDILLO, entered 1995 in the midst of a severe financial crisis. Mexico's membership in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the United States and Canada, its solid record of economic reforms, and its strong growth in the second and third quarters of 1994 - at an annual rate of 3.8% and 4.5% respectively - seemed to augur bright prospects for 1995. However, an overvalued exchange rate and widening current account deficits created an imbalance that ultimately proved unsustainable. To finance the trade gap, Mexico City had become increasingly reliant on volatile portfolio investment. A series of political shocks in 1994 - an uprising in the southern state of Chiapas, the assassination of a presidential candidate, several high profile kidnappings, the killing of a second high-level political figure, and renewed threats from the Chiapas rebels - combined with rising international interest rates and concerns of a devaluation to undermine investor confidence and prompt massive outflows of capital. The dwindling of foreign exchange reserves, which the central bank had been using to defend the currency, forced the new administration to change the exchange rate policy and allow the currency to float freely in the last days of 1994. The adjustment roiled Mexican financial markets, leading to a 30% to 40% weakening of the peso relative to the dollar. ZEDILLO announced an emergency economic program that included federal budget cuts and plans for more privatizations, but it failed to restore investor confidence quickly. While the devaluation is likely to help Mexican exporters, whose products are now cheaper, it also raises the specter of an inflationary spiral if domestic producers increase their prices and workers demand wage hikes. Although strong economic fundamentals bode well for Mexico's longer-term outlook, prospects for solid growth and low inflation have deteriorated considerably, at least through 1995.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $728.7 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 3.5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $7,900 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.1% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 9.8% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $96.99 billion (1994 est.) expenditures: $96.51 billion (1994 est.), including capital expenditures of $NA (1994 est.)Exports: $60.8 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.), includes in-bond industries commodities: crude oil, oil products, coffee, silver, engines, motor vehicles, cotton, consumer electronics partners: US 82%, Japan 1.4%, EC 5% (1993 est.)Imports: $79.4 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.), includes in-bond industries commodities: metal-working machines, steel mill products, agricultural machinery, electrical equipment, car parts for assembly, repair parts for motor vehicles, aircraft, and aircraft parts partners: US 74%, Japan 4.7%, EC 11% (1993 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mexico EconomyExternal debt: $128 billion (1994 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 4.5% (1994 est.)Electricity: capacity: 28,780,000 kW production: 122 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,239 kWh (1993)Industries: food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourismAgriculture: accounts for 7% of GDP; large number of small farms at subsistence level; major food crops - corn, wheat, rice, beans; cash crops - cotton, coffee, fruit, tomatoesIllicit drugs: illicit cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis continues in spite of government eradication program; major supplier of heroin and marijuana to the US market; continues as the primary transshipment country for US-bound cocaine and marijuana from South America; increasingly involved in the production and distribution of methamphetamineEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.1 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $7.7 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $110 millionCurrency: 1 New Mexican peso (Mex$) = 100 centavosExchange rates: market rate of Mexican pesos (Mex$) per US$1 - 6.736 (average in March 1995), 5.5133 (January 1995), 3.3751 (1994), 3.1156 (1993), 3,094.9 (1992), 3,018.4 (1991), 2,812.6 (1990) note: the new peso replaced the old peso on 1 January 1993; 1 new peso = 1,000 old pesosFiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mexico TransportationRailroads: total: 24,500 km standard gauge: 24,410 km 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 93 km 0.914-m gaugeHighways: total: 242,300 km paved: 84,800 km (including 3,166 km of expressways) unpaved: gravel and earth 157,500 kmInland waterways: 2,900 km navigable rivers and coastal canalsPipelines: crude oil 28,200 km; petroleum products 10,150 km; natural gas 13,254 km; petrochemical 1,400 kmPorts: Acapulco, Altamira, Coatzacoalcos, Ensenada, Guaymas, La Paz, Lazaro Cardenas, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Progreso, Salina Cruz, Tampico, Topolobampo, Tuxpan, VeracruzMerchant marine: total: 59 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 949,271 GRT/1,340,595 DWT ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 2, chemical tanker 4, container 7, liquefied gas tanker 7, oil tanker 30, refrigerated cargo 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2, short-sea passenger 4Airports: total: 2,055 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 9 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 25 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 82 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 75 with paved runways under 914 m: 1,262 with unpaved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 60 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 539 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mexico CommunicationsTelephone system: 6,410,000 telephones; highly developed system with extensive microwave radio relay links; privatized in December 1990 local: adequate phone service for business and government, but, at a density of less than 7 telephones/100 persons, the population is poorly served intercity: includes 120 domestic satellite terminals and an extensive network of microwave radio relay links international: 5 INTELSAT (4 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) earth stations; connected into Central America Microwave System; launched Solidarity I satellite in November 1993Radio: broadcast stations: AM 679, FM 0, shortwave 22 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 238 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mexico Defense ForcesBranches: National Defense (includes Army and Air Force), Navy (includes Marines)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 23,354,445; males fit for military service 17,029,788; males reach military age (18) annually 1,054,513 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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<text>MEXICO - Passport and visa not required of U.S. citizens fortourist/transit stay up to 90 days. Tourist card is required. Touristcard valid 3 months for single entry up to 180 days, no charge,requires proof of U.S. citizenship, photo ID and proof of sufficient funds. Tourist cards may be obtained in advance from Consulate, Tourism Office, andmost airlines serving Mexico upon arrival. Departure tax $10 is paid atairport. Notarized consent from parent(s) required for childrentravelling alone, with one parent or in someone else's custody. (This permit isnot necessary when a minor is in possession of a valid passport.) Forother types of travel and details, check Embassy of Mexico's ConsularSection, 2827 16th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20009-4260 (202/736-1000) ornearest Consulate General: CA (213/351-6800, 415/392-5554 and 619/231-8414),CO (303/830-6702), FL (305/441-8780), IL (312/855-1380), LA(504/522-3596), NY (212/689-0456), PR (809/764-0258) or TX (214/522-9741, 713/463-9426,512/227-9145 and 915/533-3644).Mexico - Consular Information SheetSeptember 2, 1994Country Description: Mexico has a rapidly developing economy. Luxuryaccommodations in major cities and resorts are widely available. Touristfacilities in more remote areas may be limited.Entry Requirements: Proof of citizenship and photo identification arerequired for entry by all U.S. citizens. A passport and visa are notrequired for a tourist/transit stay of up to 180 days. A tourist cardissued by Mexican consulates and most airlines serving Mexico is required.Minors traveling without a valid passport require notarized consent fromparent(s) if traveling alone, with one parent, or in someone else's custody. Mexican regulations limit the value of goods brought into Mexico by U.S.citizens arriving by air or sea to $300 per person and by land to $50 perperson. Other travel-related items may also be brought in duty-free.Amounts exceeding the duty-free limit are subject to a 32.8 percent tax.Upon arrival in Mexico, business travelers must complete a form authorizingthe conduct of business, but not employment for a 30 day period. If thebusiness traveler departs and re-enters, the 30-day period begins again.There is no fee for the business pass. For further information concerningentry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of Mexico at 1911Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006, telephone (202) 728-1600,or any of the Mexican consulates in major U.S. cities.Medical Facilities: Adequate medical care can be found in all major cities. Health facilities in Mexico City are excellent. Care in more remote areasis limited. Air pollution in Mexico City is severe, especially fromDecember to May. For additional health information, travelers may contactthe Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404)332-4559.Crime Information: Street crime is common, especially in urban areas.Persons driving on some Mexican roads, particularly in isolated regions,have been targeted by bandits who operate primarily after dark. Criminals,particularly in Sinaloa, sometimes represent themselves as Mexican police orother local officials. Any U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico areencouraged to report the incident to local police authorities and to thenearest U.S. consular office.The U.S. Embassy advises its personnel not to travel on Mexican highwaysafter dark. Highway 15 and Express Highway 1 (limited access) in the stateof Sinaloa are particularly dangerous areas where criminal assaults andmurders have occurred, during the day and at night.Driving Information: U.S. driver's licenses are valid in Mexico. Mexicaninsurance is required.All vehicular traffic is restricted in Mexico City in order to reduce airpollution. The restriction is based on the last digit of the vehiclelicense plate. (There is no specific provision regarding license plateswith letters only.)-Monday: No driving if license plate ends with 5 or 6.-Tuesday: No driving if license plate ends with 7 or 8.-Wednesday: No driving if license plate ends with 3 or 4.-Thursday: No driving if license plate ends with 1 or 2.-Friday: No driving if license plate ends with 9 or 0.Also, no driving of vehicles with temporary license plates or any otherplate that does not conform with the above.-Saturday and Sunday: All vehicles may be driven.Traveling in Baja: During heavy seasonal rains (January-March), roadconditions can become difficult and travelers can become stranded. Forcurrent Mexican road conditions between Ensenada and El Rosario, Mexico,travelers can contact the nearest Mexican consulate or tourism office or theU.S. Consulate General in Tijuana.Traveling in Chiapas: The town of San Cristobal in the state of Chiapasremains quiet after the disturbances in early January 1994. The situationcould become unstable in areas of Chiapas state outside of San Cristobal.U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Mexico may contact the U.S. embassyor consulates for further security information.Travel Through Mexico To Central American Countries: Mexican authoritiesrequire that all international transit of persons (transmigrantes) andmerchandise through Mexico, destined for Central America, from the area fromCiudad Acuna to Matamoros, be handled by the Lucio Blanco-Los Indios customsoffice and by the Colombia, Nuevo Laredo customs office. Transmigrantesentering Mexico from areas other than the Ciudad Acuna-Matamoros zone, willcontinue to use their regular ports of entry. Mexican authorities requirethat a customs broker handle the temporary entry into Mexico of all non-personal property of travelers destined for central American countries.Fees will be processed through the customs broker. For more detailedinformation, travelers can contact the nearest Mexican consulate or tourismoffice or the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros prior to departing the U.S.Bringing Vehicles into Mexico: The government of Mexico strictly regulatesthe entry of vehicles into Mexico. The owner of an imported vehicle shouldbe present in the vehicle at all times the vehicle is in operation or thevehicle may be confiscated.Travelers are advised to contact the nearest Mexican consulate in the U.S.for specific, detailed information prior to departing the U.S.Drug and Firearms Penalties: Penalties for drug and firearm offenses arestrict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Sentences for possession of drugs in Mexico can be as long as 25 years plusfines. Just as in the U.S., purchase of controlled medication requires adoctor's prescription. The Mexican list of controlled medication differsfrom the U.S. list, and Mexican public health laws concerning controlledmedication are unclear. Possession of excessive amounts of a psychotropicdrug such as valium can result in arrest if the authorities suspect abuse.A permit from a Mexican consulate in the U.S. is required in order to importfirearms or ammunition into Mexico, whether or not the firearm is legallyregistered in the U.S. Sentences for possession of firearms in Mexico canbe as long as 30 years. Some Mexican cities have ordinances prohibiting thepossession of knives or anything that might be construed as a weapon.Travelers should check with the nearest Mexican consulate before travelingto Mexico with firearms or to purchase medication.Dual Citizenship: U.S. citizens who are also considered to be Mexicancitizens could be subject to compulsory military service and other aspectsof Mexican law while in Mexico. Those who may be affected can inquire atthe Mexican Embassy or a consulate to determine status. In some instances,dual nationality may hamper U.S. government efforts to provide protection inMexico.Other Information: U.S. citizens who become involved in time-share or otherreal property purchases should be aware that Mexican laws and practicesregarding real estate are markedly different from those in the U.S. A listof local attorneys can be obtained from the U.S. Embassy or nearestconsulate in Mexico. The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends the use ofcompetent local legal assistance for any significant real property orbusiness purchase.Tips for Travelers: Useful information is provided in the Department ofstate pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Mexico"which are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. GovernmentPrinting Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Civil Aviation Oversight: In May 1992, the U.S. Federal AviationAdministration assessed Mexico's civil aviation authority as in compliancewith international aviation safety oversight standards for Mexican carriersoperating to and from the U.S. The same level of safety oversight wouldtypically be applied to operations to other destinations. For furtherinformation, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy or a U.S.Consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within Mexico.Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico Cityat Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone (52-5)211-0042.There are also U.S. Consulates General in:Ciudad Juarez at Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-N, telephone(52-16)134048;Guadalajara at Progreso 175, telephone (52-3) 625-2998;Monterrey at Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente 64000 Monterrey, telephone(52-83)45-2120;Tijuana at Tapachula 96, telephone (52-66)817400.There are U.S. Consulates in:Hermosillo at Ave. Monterrey 141, telephone (52-62)172375;Matamoros at Ave. Primera 2002, telephone (52-88)12-44-02;Merida at Paseo Montejo 453, telephone (52-99)25-6366 andNuevo Laredo at Calle Allende 3330, Col. Jardin, telephone (52-871)4-0512.There are Consular Agencies in:Puerto Vallarta at Parian Del Puente Local 12-A, telephone (52-322)2-0069;Acapulco at Hotel Club Del Sol, telephone (52-748)5-7207/5-6600;Cancun at Avenida Nader #40, Edificio Marruecos, third floor office #31,telephone (52-98)84-24-11;San Luis Potosi at Francisco De P. Mariel 102, Desp. One, telephone (52-481)2-1528;Oaxaca at Alcala 201, telephone (52-951)4-3054;San Miguel de Allende at Dr. Hernandez Macias #72, telephone (52-465)2-2357/2-0068;Tampico at Ave. Hidalgo #2000 local 4, telephone (52-12)13-2217;Veracruz at Victimas del 25 de Junio #388, telephone (52-29)31-5821;Cabo San Lucas at Blvd. Marina Y Perdregal, Local No. 3 Zona Centro,telephone (52-114) 3-35-66 and Mazatlan at Hotel Playa Mazatlan, Rodolfo T.Loaiza #202, Zona Dorada, 82110, telephone (52-69) 134-444 ext. 285.No. 94-186This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated June 7, 1994 by addinginformation on aviation oversight.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mayotte HeaderAffiliation: (territorial collectivity of France) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mayotte GeographyLocation: Southern Africa, island in the Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from northern Madagascar to northern MozambiqueMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 375 sq km land area: 375 sq km comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 185.2 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: claimed by ComorosClimate: tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November)Terrain: generally undulating with ancient volcanic peaks, deep ravinesNatural resources: negligibleLand use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: cyclones during rainy season international agreements: NANote: part of Comoro Archipelago THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mayotte PeoplePopulation: 97,088 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 49% (female 23,910; male 24,120) 15-64 years: 48% (female 22,824; male 23,935) 65 years and over: 3% (female 1,165; male 1,134) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.8% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 48.44 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 10.46 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 77.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 58.27 years male: 56.04 years female: 60.57 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.71 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Mahorais (singular and plural) adjective: MahoranEthnic divisions: NAReligions: Muslim 99%, Christian (mostly Roman Catholic)Languages: Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), FrenchLiteracy: NA%Labor force: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mayotte GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Territorial Collectivity of Mayotte conventional short form: MayotteDigraph: MFType: territorial collectivity of FranceCapital: MamoutzouAdministrative divisions: none (territorial collectivity of France)Independence: none (territorial collectivity of France)National holiday: National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)Legal system: French lawSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) head of government: Prefect Jean-Jacques DERACQ (since NA); President of the General Council Younoussa BAMANA (since NA 1976)Legislative branch: unicameral General Council (Conseil General): elections last held NA March 1994 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (19 total) MPM 12, RPR 4, independents 3 French Senate: elections last held on 24 September 1989 (next to be held NA September 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) MPM 1 French National Assembly: elections last held 21 and 28 March 1993 (next to be held NA 1998); results - UDF-CDS 54.3%, RPR 44.3%; seats - (1 total) UDF-CDS 1Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Tribunal Superieur d'Appel)Political parties and leaders: Mahoran Popular Movement (MPM), Younoussa BAMANA; Party for the Mahoran Democratic Rally (PRDM), Daroueche MAOULIDA; Mahoran Rally for the Republic (RPR), Mansour KAMARDINE; Union for French Democracy (UDF), Maoulida AHMED; Center of Social Democrats (CDS),Member of: FZDiplomatic representation in US: none (territorial collectivity of France)US diplomatic representation: none (territorial collectivity of France)Flag: the flag of France is used THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mayotte EconomyOverview: Economic activity is based primarily on the agricultural sector, including fishing and livestock raising. Mayotte is not self-sufficient and must import a large portion of its food requirements, mainly from France. The economy and future development of the island are heavily dependent on French financial assistance. Mayotte's remote location is an obstacle to the development of tourism.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $54 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $600 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $37.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1985 est.)Exports: $4 million (f.o.b., 1984) commodities: ylang-ylang, vanilla partners: France 79%, Comoros 10%, Reunion 9%Imports: $21.8 million (f.o.b., 1984) commodities: building materials, transportation equipment, rice, clothing, flour partners: France 57%, Kenya 16%, South Africa 11%, Pakistan 8%External debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: NA kW production: NA kWh consumption per capita: NA kWhIndustries: newly created lobster and shrimp industryAgriculture: most important sector; provides all export earnings; crops - vanilla, ylang-ylang, coffee, copra; imports major share of food needsEconomic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $402 millionCurrency: 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimesExchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.2943 (January 1995), 5.5520 (1994), 5.6632 (1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mayotte EconomyFiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mayotte TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 42 km paved: bituminous 18 km unpaved: 24 kmPorts: DzaoudziMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mayotte CommunicationsTelephone system: 450 telephones; small system administered by French Department of Posts and Telecommunications local: NA intercity: NA international: radio relay and high-frequency radio communications for links to Comoros and international communicationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 0 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mayotte Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of France</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritius GeographyLocation: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of MadagascarMap references: WorldArea: total area: 1,860 sq km land area: 1,850 sq km comparative area: slightly less than 10.5 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint Brandon), and RodriguesLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 177 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: claims UK-administered Chagos Archipelago, which includes the island of Diego Garcia in UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory; claims French-administered Tromelin IslandClimate: tropical, modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry winter (May to November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May)Terrain: small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains encircling central plateauNatural resources: arable land, fishLand use: arable land: 54% permanent crops: 4% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 31% other: 7%Irrigated land: 170 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: water pollution natural hazards: cyclones (November to April); almost completely surrounded by reefs that may pose maritime hazards THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritius Geography international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritius PeoplePopulation: 1,127,068 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 28% (female 152,892; male 158,891) 15-64 years: 66% (female 376,049; male 372,910) 65 years and over: 6% (female 39,088; male 27,238) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.89% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 18.91 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.38 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -3.64 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 17.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.84 years male: 66.9 years female: 74.95 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.2 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Mauritian(s) adjective: MauritianEthnic divisions: Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%, Franco-Mauritian 2%Religions: Hindu 52%, Christian 28.3% (Roman Catholic 26%, Protestant 2.3%), Muslim 16.6%, other 3.1%Languages: English (official), Creole, French, Hindi, Urdu, Hakka, BojpooriLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 80% male: 85% female: 75%Labor force: 335,000 by occupation: government services 29%, agriculture and fishing 27%, manufacturing 22%, other 22% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritius GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Mauritius conventional short form: MauritiusDigraph: MPType: parliamentary democracyCapital: Port LouisAdministrative divisions: 9 districts and 3 dependencies*; Agalega Islands*, Black River, Cargados Carajos*, Flacq, Grand Port, Moka, Pamplemousses, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Riviere du Rempart, Rodrigues*, SavanneIndependence: 12 March 1968 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 12 March (1968)Constitution: 12 March 1968; amended 12 March 1992Legal system: based on French civil law system with elements of English common law in certain areasSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Cassam UTEEM (since 1 July 1992); Vice President Rabindranath GHURBURRON (since 1 July 1992) head of government: Prime Minister Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 12 June 1982); Deputy Prime Minister Prem NABABSING (since 26 September 1990) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president on recommendation of the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly: elections last held on 15 September 1991 (next to be held by 15 September 1996); results - MSM/MMM 53%, MLP/PMSD 38%; seats - (66 total) MSM/MMM alliance 59 (MSM 29, MMM 26, OPR 2, MTD 2), MLP/PMSD 4 (MLP 3, PMSD 1); note - the Supreme Court denied the assignment of 3 seats to the MSMJudicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: government coalition: Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), A. JUGNAUTH; Mauritian Militant Resurgence (RMM), Prem NABABSING (less 10 legislators under the leadership of Paul BERENGER, now voting with the opposition); Mauritian Social Democratic Party (PMSD), X. DUVAL; Organization of the People of Rodrigues (OPR), Louis Serge CLAIR; Democratic Labor Movement (MTD), Anil BAICHOO opposition: Mauritian Labor Party (MLP), Navin RAMGOOLMAN; MMM-Berenger Faction, Paul BERENGER; Socialist Workers Front, Sylvio MICHELOther political or pressure groups: various labor unions THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritius GovernmentMember of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAU, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Anund Priyay NEEWOOR chancery: Suite 441, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 244-1491, 1492 FAX: [1] (202) 966-0983US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Leslie M. ALEXANDER embassy: 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [230] 208-9763 through 9767 FAX: [230] 208-9534Flag: four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow, and green THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritius EconomyOverview: Since independence in 1968, Mauritius has developed from a low income, agriculturally based economy to middle income diversified economy with growing industrial and tourist sectors. For most of the period annual growth has been of the order of 5% to 6%. This remarkable achievement has been reflected in increased life expectancy, lowered infant mortality, and a much improved infrastructure. Sugarcane is grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and accounts for 40% of export earnings. The government's development strategy centers on industrialization (with a view to modernization and to exports), agricultural diversification, and tourism. Economic performance in 1991-93 continued strong with solid real growth and low unemployment.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $9.3 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: 4.7% (1993 est.)National product per capita: $8,600 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9.4% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate: 2.4% (1991 est.)Budget: revenues: $653 million expenditures: $567 million, including capital expenditures of $143 million (FY92/93 est.)Exports: $1.32 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: textiles 44%, sugar 40%, light manufactures 10% partners: EC and US have preferential treatment, EC 77%, US 15%Imports: $1.7 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: manufactured goods 50%, capital equipment 17%, foodstuffs 13%, petroleum products 8%, chemicals 7% partners: EC, US, South Africa, JapanExternal debt: $996.8 million (1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 5.8% (1992); accounts for 25% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 340,000 kW production: 920 million kWh consumption per capita: 777 kWh (1993)Industries: food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles, wearing apparel, chemicals, metal products, transport equipment, nonelectrical machinery, tourismAgriculture: accounts for 10% of GDP; about 90% of cultivated land in sugarcane; other products - tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses, cattle, goats, fish; net food importer, especially rice and fish THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritius EconomyIllicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; heroin consumption and transshipment are growing problemsEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $76 million; Western (non-US) countries (1970-89), $709 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $54 millionCurrency: 1 Mauritian rupee (MauR) = 100 centsExchange rates: Mauritian rupees (MauRs) per US$1 - 17.755 (January 1995), 17.960 (1994), 17.648 (1993), 15.563 (1992), 15.652 (1991), 14.839 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritius TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 1,800 km paved: 1,640 km unpaved: earth 160 kmPorts: Port LouisMerchant marine: total: 16 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 191,703 GRT/297,347 DWT ships by type: bulk 5, cargo 8, liquefied gas tanker 1, oil tanker 1, passenger-cargo 1Airports: total: 5 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritius CommunicationsTelephone system: over 48,000 telephones; small system with good service local: NA intercity: utilizes primarily microwave radio relay international: 1 INTELSAT (Indian Ocean) earth station; new microwave link to Reunion; high-frequency radio links to several countriesRadio: broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 4 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritius Defense ForcesBranches: National Police Force (includes the paramilitary Special Mobile Force or SMF, Special Support Units or SSU, and National Coast Guard)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 321,947; males fit for military service 163,904 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $11.2 million, 0.4% of GDP (FY92/93)</text>
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<text>MAURITIUS - Passport, sufficient funds for stay and onward/returnticket required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay up to 3 months.AIDS test required for permanent residence and work permits. U.S. testsometimes accepted. For further information consult Embassy ofMauritius, Suite 441, 4301 Conn. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008(202/244-1491/2) or Honorary Consulate in Los Angeles (818/788-3720).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Mauritius============================================================Mauritius - Consular Information Sheet February 1, 1995Country Description: The Republic of Mauritius is a developing nation with a stable government and growing economy. Facilities for tourism are largely available. Although the spoken languages are French and Creole, English is the official language.Entry Requirements: A passport, an onward/return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds are required for entrance into Mauritius. U.S. citizens do not need visas for a stay of three months or less for business or tourism. Further information can be obtained from the Embassy of Mauritius, Suite 441, 4301 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 244-1491/2. Honorary Consulates are located in Los Angeles, telephone (818) 788-3720, and in Atlanta, telephone (404) 892-8733.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are available,but more limited than in the United States. Doctors and private clinics require cash or credit card payment for health care services. Public hospitals provide limited facilities. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Petty crime is common in Mauritius. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. The death penalty applies for illegal importation of drugs.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis may obtain updated information on travel and security in Mauritius. The U.S. Embassy in Port Louis also provides consular services for U.S. citizens in Comoros. (The U.S. Embassy in Moroni, Comoros closed September 27, 1993.)Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at Rogers House (Fourth Floor) on John F. Kennedy Street in the capital city of Port Louis. The telephone numbers are (230) 208-9764 thru 9769, 208-2347 and 208-2354; fax (230) 208-9534. No. 95-014This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 18, 1993, and is reissued without change, following an annual review.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritania GeographyLocation: Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western SaharaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 1,030,700 sq km land area: 1,030,400 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than three times the size of New MexicoLand boundaries: total 5,074 km, Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km, Western Sahara 1,561 kmCoastline: 754 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: boundary with Senegal in disputeClimate: desert; constantly hot, dry, dustyTerrain: mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hillsNatural resources: iron ore, gypsum, fish, copper, phosphateLand use: arable land: 1% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 38% forest and woodland: 5% other: 56%Irrigated land: 120 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion aggravated by drought are contributing to desertification; very limited natural fresh water resources away from the Senegal which is the only perennial river natural hazards: hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March and April; periodic droughts international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Desertification, Law of the Sea THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritania GeographyNote: most of the population concentrated along the Senegal River in the southern part of the country THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritania PeoplePopulation: 2,263,202 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 48% (female 544,674; male 551,099) 15-64 years: 49% (female 574,282; male 542,762) 65 years and over: 3% (female 28,955; male 21,430) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.17% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 47.32 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 15.66 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 83.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 48.54 years male: 45.66 years female: 51.54 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.92 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Mauritanian(s) adjective: MauritanianEthnic divisions: mixed Maur/black 40%, Maur 30%, black 30%Religions: Muslim 100%Languages: Hasaniya Arabic (official), Pular, Soninke, Wolof (official)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1988) total population: 35% male: 46% female: 25%Labor force: 465,000 (1981 est.); 45,000 wage earners (1980) by occupation: agriculture 47%, services 29%, industry and commerce 14%, government 10% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritania GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Mauritania conventional short form: Mauritania local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah local short form: MuritaniyahDigraph: MRType: republicCapital: NouakchottAdministrative divisions: 12 regions (regions, singular - region); Adrar, Assaba, Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh ech Chargui, Hodh el Gharbi, Inchiri, Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza note: there may be a new capital district of NouakchottIndependence: 28 November 1960 (from France)National holiday: Independence Day, 28 November (1960)Constitution: 12 July 1991Legal system: three-tier system: Islamic (Shari'a) courts, special courts, state security courts (in the process of being eliminated)Suffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed TAYA (since 12 December 1984); election last held NA January 1992 (next to be held NA January 1998); results - President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid 'Ahmed TAYA elected cabinet: Council of MinistersLegislative branch: bicameral legislature Senate (Majlis al-Shuyukh): elections last held 15 April 1994 (nex to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats (56 total, with 17 up for election every two years) PRDS 16, UFD/NE 1 National Assembly (Majlis al-Watani): elections last held 6 and 13 March 1992 (next to be held NA March 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (79 total) UFD/NE 67, PMR 1, RDU 1, independents 10Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritania GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: legalized by constitution passed 12 July 1991, however, politics continue to be tribally based; emerging parties include Democratic and Social Republican Party (PRDS), led by President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed TAYA; Union of Democratic Forces-New Era (UFD/NE), headed by Ahmed Ould DADDAH; Assembly for Democracy and Unity (RDU), Ahmed Ould SIDI BABA; Popular Social and Democratic Union (UPSD), Mohamed Mahmoud Ould MAH; Mauritanian Party for Renewal (PMR), Hameida BOUCHRAYA; National Avant-Garde Party (PAN), Khattry Ould JIDDOU; Mauritanian Party of the Democratic Center (PCDM), Bamba Ould SIDI BADIOther political or pressure groups: Mauritanian Workers Union (UTM)Member of: ABEDA, ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ismail Ould IYAHI (since 22 September 1994) chancery: 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 232-5700US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Dorothy Myers SAMPAS embassy: address NA, Nouakchott mailing address: B. P. 222, Nouakchott telephone: [222] (2) 526-60, 526-63 FAX: [222] (2) 515-92Flag: green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow, horizontal crescent; the closed side of the crescent is down; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritania EconomyOverview: A majority of the population still depends on agriculture and livestock for a livelihood, even though most of the nomads and many subsistence farmers were forced into the cities by recurrent droughts in the 1970s and 1980s. Mauritania has extensive deposits of iron ore, which account for almost 50% of total exports. The decline in world demand for this ore, however, has led to cutbacks in production. The nation's coastal waters are among the richest fishing areas in the world, but overexploitation by foreigners threatens this key source of revenue. The country's first deepwater port opened near Nouakchott in 1986. In recent years, drought and economic mismanagement have resulted in a substantial buildup of foreign debt. The government has begun the second stage of an economic reform program in consultation with the World Bank, the IMF, and major donor countries. Short-term growth prospects are gloomy because of the heavy debt service burden, rapid population growth, and vulnerability to climatic conditions.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $2.4 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: 5% (1993 est.)National product per capita: $1,110 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10% (1993)Unemployment rate: 20% (1991 est.)Budget: revenues: $280 million expenditures: $346 million, including capital expenditures of $61 million (1989 est.)Exports: $401 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: iron ore, fish and fish products partners: Japan 27%, Italy, Belgium, LuxembourgImports: $378 million (c.i.f., 1993 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, consumer goods, petroleum products, capital goods partners: Algeria 15%, China 6%, US 3%, France, Germany, Spain, ItalyExternal debt: $1.9 billion (1992 est.)Industrial production: growth rate NA%; accounts for almost 30% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 110,000 kW production: 135 million kWh consumption per capita: 61 kWh (1993)Industries: fish processing, mining of iron ore and gypsum THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritania EconomyAgriculture: accounts for 25% of GDP (including fishing); largely subsistence farming and nomadic cattle and sheep herding except in Senegal river valley; crops - dates, millet, sorghum, root crops; fish products number-one export; large food deficit in years of droughtEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $168 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.3 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $490 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $277 million; Arab Development Bank (1991), $20 millionCurrency: 1 ouguiya (UM) = 5 khoumsExchange rates: ouguiyas (UM) per US$1 - 125.910 (January 1995), 123.575 (1994), 120.806 (1993),87.027 (1992), 81.946 (1991), 80.609 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritania TransportationRailroads: total: 690 km (single track); note - owned and operated by government mining company standard gauge: 690 km 1.435-m gaugeHighways: total: 7,525 km paved: 1,685 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, otherwise improved 1,040 km; unimproved earth 4,800 km (roads, trails, tracks)Inland waterways: mostly ferry traffic on the Senegal RiverPorts: Bogue, Kaedi, Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, RossoMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 28 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 2 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 6 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 10 THE WORLD FACTBOOK MauritaniaTelephone system: NA telephones; poor system of cable and open-wire lines, minor microwave radio relay links, and radio communications stations (improvements being made) local: NA intercity: mostly cable and open wire lines international: 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) and 2 ARABSAT earth stations, with six plannedRadio: broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 1 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mauritania Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Guard, National Police, Presidential GuardManpower availability: males age 15-49 483,916; males fit for military service 236,323Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $36 million, 2.7% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>MAURITANIA - Passport and visa required. Obtain visa before arrival. Visa valid 3 months, requires $10 fee (money order only), 2 applicationforms, 4 photos, yellow fever and cholera immunizations and proof ofonward/return transportation. Business travelers must have proof of sufficient funds(bank statement) or letter from sponsoring company. For furtherinformation contact Embassy of the Republic of Mauritania, 2129 LeroyPl., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/232-5700/01) or Permanent Mission tothe U.N., 211 East 43rd Street, Suite 2000, New York, NY 10017(212/986-7963).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Mauritania============================================================Mauritania - Consular Information Sheet February 8, 1995Country Description: Mauritania is a developing country in northwestern Africa. It is a Muslim country with a conservative dress code. Women are expected to wear garments with sleeves, to have dress lengths that cover the knee and to not wear shorts.Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens need a passport and a visa. Evidence of yellow fever immunization and proof of sufficient funds are required. Further information on entry requirements can be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Mauritania, 2129 Leroy Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 232-5700, or from the Mauritanian Permanent Mission to the U.N., 6100 Third Avenue, 37th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10016, telephone (212) 737-7780.Areas of Instability: Surface travel between Mauritania and the former Western Sahara is dangerous, because of the continuing conflict between Morocco and the Polisario movement. Although a ceasefire is presently in place, several violations have occurred, and the area cannot be considered safe. Travelers are at risk of being caught up in hostilities between Morocco and the Polisario movement. There are reports of thousands of unexploded mines in the Western Sahara and in areas of Mauritania adjacent to the Western Sahara border. Exploding mines are occasionally reported and have caused death and injury. Surface travel between Mali and Mauritania is dangerous due to a series of violent incidents related to ethnic conflict, cattle rustling, and the proliferation of weapons. It is not possible to get a Malian visa in Mauritania. Both surface and air travel between Mauritania and Senegal resumed in April 1992; however, surface travel is restricted to several designated border crossing-points, and the possibility of recurring violence is great.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Mauritania are limited. Medicines are difficult to obtain. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Petty crime occurs. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. State Department pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Currency Regulations: Local currency may not be imported or exported. Credit cards, primarily American Express, can only be used at a few hotels in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security in Mauritania.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located in the capital city of Nouakchott between the Presidency Building and the Spanish Embassy. The postal address is B.P. 222, Nouakchott, Mauritania. The phone number is (222-2) 526-60, and the fax number is (222-2) 515-92. No. 95-020This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 18, 1993, to provide updated information on medical facilities and currency regulations.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Martinique HeaderAffiliation: (overseas department of France) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Martinique GeographyLocation: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Trinidad and TobagoMap references: Central America and the CaribbeanArea: total area: 1,100 sq km land area: 1,060 sq km comparative area: slightly more than six times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 290 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October)Terrain: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcanoNatural resources: coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable landLand use: arable land: 10% permanent crops: 8% meadows and pastures: 30% forest and woodland: 26% other: 26%Irrigated land: 60 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic activity (an average of one major natural disaster every five years) international agreements: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Martinique PeoplePopulation: 394,787 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 23% (female 44,960; male 46,512) 15-64 years: 67% (female 134,439; male 130,642) 65 years and over: 10% (female 22,058; male 16,176) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.1% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 16.92 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.82 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -0.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 7.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.67 years male: 75.94 years female: 81.53 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.81 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Martiniquais (singular and plural) adjective: MartiniquaisEthnic divisions: African and African-Caucasian-Indian mixture 90%, Caucasian 5%, East Indian, Lebanese, Chinese less than 5%Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 5%Languages: French, Creole patoisLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1982) total population: 93% male: 92% female: 93%Labor force: 100,000 by occupation: service industry 31.7%, construction and public works 29.4%, agriculture 13.1%, industry 7.3%, fisheries 2.2%, other 16.3% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Martinique GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Department of Martinique conventional short form: Martinique local long form: Departement de la Martinique local short form: MartiniqueDigraph: MBType: overseas department of FranceCapital: Fort-de-FranceAdministrative divisions: none (overseas department of France)Independence: none (overseas department of France)National holiday: National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)Legal system: French legal systemSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) head of government: Prefect Michel MORIN (since NA); President of the General Council Claude LISE (since 22 March 1992); President of the Regional Council Emile CAPGRAS (since 22 March 1992) cabinet: Council of MinistersLegislative branch: unicameral General Council and a unicameral Regional Assembly General Council: elections last held 25 September and 8 October 1988 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (44 total) number of seats by party NA; note - a leftist coalition obtained a one-seat margin Regional Assembly: elections last held on 22 March 1992 (next to be held by March 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (41 total) RPR-UDF 16, MIM 9, PPM 9, PCM 5, independents 2 French Senate: elections last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) UDF 1, PPM 1 French National Assembly: elections last held NA June 1993 (next to be held NA June 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (4 total) RPR 3, FSM 1Judicial branch: Supreme Court THE WORLD FACTBOOK Martinique GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Rally for the Republic (RPR), Stephen BAGOE; Union for a Martinique of Progress (UMP); Martinique Progressive Party (PPM), Aime CESAIRE; Socialist Federation of Martinique (FSM), Michel YOYO; Martinique Communist Party (PCM); Martinique Patriots (PM); Union for French Democracy (UDF), Jean MARAN; Martinique Independence Movement (MIM), Alfred MARIE-JEANNE; Republican Party (PR), Jean BAILLYOther political or pressure groups: Proletarian Action Group (GAP); Alhed Marie-Jeanne Socialist Revolution Group (GRS); Caribbean Revolutionary Alliance (ARC); Central Union for Martinique Workers (CSTM), Marc PULVAR; Frantz Fanon Circle; League of Workers and Peasants; Parti Martiniquais Socialiste (PMS); Association for the Protection of Martinique's Heritage (ecologist)Member of: FZ, WCL, WFTUDiplomatic representation in US: none (overseas department of France)US diplomatic representation: the post closed in August 1993 (overseas department of France)Flag: the flag of France is used THE WORLD FACTBOOK Martinique EconomyOverview: The economy is based on sugarcane, bananas, tourism, and light industry. Agriculture accounts for about 10% of GDP and the small industrial sector for 10%. Sugar production has declined, with most of the sugarcane now used for the production of rum. Banana exports are increasing, going mostly to France. The bulk of meat, vegetable, and grain requirements must be imported, contributing to a chronic trade deficit that requires large annual transfers of aid from France. Tourism has become more important than agricultural exports as a source of foreign exchange. The majority of the work force is employed in the service sector and in administration. Banana workers launched protests late in 1992 because of falling banana prices and fears of greater competition in the European market from other producers.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $3.9 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $10,000 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.9% (1990)Unemployment rate: 32.1% (1990)Budget: revenues: $610 million expenditures: $1.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991)Exports: $247 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: refined petroleum products, bananas, rum, pineapples partners: France 57%, Guadeloupe 31%, French Guiana (1991)Imports: $1.75 billion (c.i.f., 1992) commodities: petroleum products, crude oil, foodstuffs, construction materials, vehicles, clothing and other consumer goods partners: France 62%, UK, Italy, Germany, Japan, US (1991)External debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 113,100 kW production: 700 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,677 kWh (1993)Industries: construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, tourismAgriculture: including fishing and forestry, accounts for about 10% of GDP; principal crops - pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables, sugarcane for rum; dependent on imported food, particularly meat and vegetablesIllicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for the US and Europe THE WORLD FACTBOOK Martinique EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.1 billionCurrency: 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimesExchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.2943 (January 1995), 5.5520 (1994), 5.6632 (1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Martinique TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 1,680 km paved: 1,300 km unpaved: gravel, earth 380 kmPorts: Fort-de-France, La TriniteMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 2 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Martinique CommunicationsTelephone system: 68,900 telephones; domestic facilities are adequate local: NA intercity: NA international: interisland microwave radio relay links to Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Saint Lucia; 2 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 6, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 10 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Martinique Defense ForcesBranches: French forces (Army, Navy, Air Force), GendarmerieNote: defense is the responsibility of France</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Marshall Islands GeographyLocation: Oceania, group of atolls and reefs in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Papua New GuineaMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 181.3 sq km land area: 181.3 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Washington, DC note: includes the atolls of Bikini, Eniwetak, and KwajaleinLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 370.4 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: claims US territory of Wake IslandClimate: wet season May to November; hot and humid; islands border typhoon beltTerrain: low coral limestone and sand islandsNatural resources: phosphate deposits, marine products, deep seabed mineralsLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 60% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 40%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: inadequate supplies of potable water natural hazards: occasional typhoons international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship PollutionNote: two archipelagic island chains of 30 atolls and 1,152 islands; Bikini and Eniwetak are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein, the famous World War II battleground, is now used as a US missile test range THE WORLD FACTBOOK Marshall Islands PeoplePopulation: 56,157 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 51% (female 13,950; male 14,547) 15-64 years: 47% (female 12,801; male 13,470) 65 years and over: 2% (female 740; male 649) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.86% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 46.03 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 7.48 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 48 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 63.49 years male: 61.94 years female: 65.11 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.89 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Marshallese (singular and plural) adjective: MarshalleseEthnic divisions: MicronesianReligions: Christian (mostly Protestant)Languages: English (universally spoken and is the official language), two major Marshallese dialects from the Malayo-Polynesian family, JapaneseLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980) total population: 93% male: 100% female: 88%Labor force: 4,800 (1986) by occupation: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Marshall Islands GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of the Marshall Islands conventional short form: Marshall Islands former: Marshall Islands District (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands)Digraph: RMType: constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 21 October 1986Capital: MajuroAdministrative divisions: noneIndependence: 21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)National holiday: Proclamation of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 1 May (1979)Constitution: 1 May 1979Legal system: based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary lawsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Amata KABUA (since 1979); election last held 6 January 1992 (next to be held NA); results - President Amata KABUA was reelected cabinet: Cabinet; president selects from the parliamentLegislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Nitijela): elections last held 18 November 1991 (next to be held November 1995); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (33 total) independents 33Judicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: no formal parties; President KABUA is chief political (and traditional) leaderMember of: AsDB, ESCAP, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, WHODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Wilfred I. KENDALL chancery: 2433 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 234-5414 FAX: [1] (202) 232-3236 consulate(s) general: Honolulu and Los Angeles THE WORLD FACTBOOK Marshall Islands GovernmentUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador David C. FIELDS embassy: address NA, Majuro mailing address: P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 96960-1379 telephone: [692] 247-4011 FAX: [692] 247-4012Flag: blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side corner - orange (top) and white; there is a white star with four large rays and 20 small rays on the hoist side above the two stripes THE WORLD FACTBOOK Marshall Islands EconomyOverview: Agriculture and tourism are the mainstays of the economy. Agricultural production is concentrated on small farms, and the most important commercial crops are coconuts, tomatoes, melons, and breadfruit. A few cattle ranches supply the domestic meat market. Small-scale industry is limited to handicrafts, fish processing, and copra. The tourist industry is the primary source of foreign exchange and employs about 10% of the labor force. The islands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports. The US Government provides about 70% of the budget.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $75 million (1992 est.)National product real growth rate: 6% (1992)National product per capita: $1,500 (1992 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate: 16% (1991 est.)Budget: revenues: $106 million expenditures: $128.7 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1993)Exports: $3.9 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.) commodities: coconut oil, fish, live animals, trichus shells partners: US, Japan, AustraliaImports: $62.9 million (c.i.f., 1992 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, beverages and tobacco, fuels partners: US, Japan, AustraliaExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 42,000 kW production: 80 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,840 kWh (1990)Industries: copra, fish, tourism; craft items from shell, wood, and pearls; offshore banking (embryonic)Agriculture: coconuts, cacao, taro, breadfruit, fruits, pigs, chickensEconomic aid: recipient: under the terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US is to provide approximately $40 million in aid annuallyCurrency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents THE WORLD FACTBOOK Marshall Islands EconomyExchange rates: US currency is usedFiscal year: 1 October - 30 September THE WORLD FACTBOOK Marshall Islands TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: NA note: paved roads on major islands (Majuro, Kwajalein), otherwise stone-, coral-, or laterite-surfaced roads and tracksPorts: MajuroMerchant marine: total: 37 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,205,275 GRT/4,263,247 DWT ships by type: bulk carrier 23, cargo 1, combination ore/oil 1, oil tanker 12Airports: total: 16 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 5 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 6 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Marshall Islands CommunicationsTelephone system: 570 telephones (Majuro) and 186 telephones (Ebeye); telex services local: NA intercity: islands interconnected by shortwave radio (used mostly for government purposes) international: 2 INTELSAT (Pacific Ocean) earth stations; US Government satellite communications system on KwajaleinRadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 1 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 1 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Marshall Islands Defense ForcesBranches: no regular military forces; PoliceNote: defense is the responsibility of the US</text>
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<text>MARSHALL ISLANDS, REPUBLIC OF THE - Proof of U.S. citizenship,sufficient funds for stay and onward/return ticket required for stay up to 30 days(extendable up to 90 days from date of entry). Entry permit not neededto bring in sea-going vessel. Obtain necessary forms from airline orshipping agent serving Marshall Islands. Departure fee $10 (those over age 60exempt). Health certificate required if arriving from infected areas.AIDS test may be required for visits over 30 days; U.S. test accepted.Check information with Representative Office, Suite 1004, 1901Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006 (202/234-5414) or the nearestConsulate General: CA (714/474-0331) or HI (808/942-4422).Marshall Islands - Consular Information SheetSeptember 7, 1994Country Description: The Republic of the Marshall Islands is aparliamentary democracy, constitutionally in free association with theUnited States. It has a developing agrarian economy. Tourist facilitiesare not widely available, but adequate. Small hotels exist in Majuro and onEbeye, the second most populous island in the nation. Rental cars and taxisare plentiful.Entry Requirements: Proof of U.S. citizenship (ie: a U.S. passport, U.S.birth certificate, Certificate of U.S. Naturalization, Certificate of U.S.Citizenship, or Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. citizen), sufficient fundsfor the intended stay, and and onward/return ticket are required for a stayof up to 30 days. Further specific information is available through theEmbassy of The Republic of the Marshall Islands, 2433 Massachusetts AvenueN.W., Washington, D.C. 20008. The telephone number is (202) 234-5414.Medical Facilities: Health facilities in the Republic of the MarshallIslands are adequate for routine medical problems, but are available only onMajuro and Ebeye. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash paymentfor health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside theUnited States. Supplemental overseas medical insurance, including coveragefor medical evacuation, has proven useful. The Medicare/Medicaid programdoes not provide payment of medical services outside the United States. Theinternational travelers hotline of the Centers for Disease Control at (404)332-4559 has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: The crime rate in the Republic of the MarshallIslands is low, but rapidly increasing. Most common crimes are break-insand thefts from homes, hotel rooms and vehicles. The loss or theft abroadof a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police, andthe nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on safeguardingvaluables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad isprovided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It isavailable from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government PrintingOffice, Washington D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices ofthe country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use, ortrafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expectjail sentences and fines.Civil Aviation Oversight: In July 1992, the U.S. Federal AviationAdministration assessed the Republic of the Marshall Islands' civil aviationauthority as in compliance with international aviation safety oversightstandards for the Republic of the Marshall Islands' carriers operating toand from the U.S. However, during its assessment, the FAA noted that theRepublic of the Marshall Islands' operations to destinations other than theU.S. are not provided a similar level of safety oversight. For furtherinformation, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy in Majuro canobtain updated information on travel and security within the area.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located in Majuro, c/o P.O. Box 1379;telephone (692) 247-4011, on the ocean-side of the island's road, near theMormon church and "Blue Wall" compound.No. 94-193This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 17, 1993. Itprovides updated information concerning supplemental medical evacuationcoverage and also adds information regarding aviation oversight.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Man, Isle of HeaderAffiliation: (British crown dependency) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Man, Isle of GeographyLocation: Western Europe, island in the Irish Sea, between Great Britain and IrelandMap references: EuropeArea: total area: 588 sq km land area: 588 sq km comparative area: nearly 3.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 113 kmMaritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: cool summers and mild winters; humid; overcast about half the timeTerrain: hills in north and south bisected by central valleyNatural resources: lead, iron oreLand use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA% (extensive arable land and forests)Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NANote: one small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to the southwest, and is a bird sanctuary THE WORLD FACTBOOK Man, Isle of PeoplePopulation: 72,751 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 18% (female 6,462; male 6,833) 15-64 years: 64% (female 23,219; male 23,348) 65 years and over: 18% (female 7,759; male 5,130) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.99% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 13.73 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 12.36 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 8.55 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.53 years male: 73.78 years female: 79.48 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Manxman, Manxwoman adjective: ManxEthnic divisions: Manx (Norse-Celtic descent), BritonReligions: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Society of FriendsLanguages: English, Manx GaelicLiteracy: NA%Labor force: 25,864 (1981) by occupation: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Man, Isle of GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Isle of ManDigraph: IMType: British crown dependencyCapital: DouglasAdministrative divisions: none (British crown dependency)Independence: none (British crown dependency)National holiday: Tynwald Day, 5 JulyConstitution: 1961, Isle of Man Constitution ActLegal system: English law and local statuteSuffrage: 21 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Lieutenant Governor Air Marshal Sir Laurence JONES (since NA 1990) head of government: President of the Legislative Council Sir Charles KERRUISH (since NA 1990) cabinet: Council of MinistersLegislative branch: bicameral Tynwald Legislative Council: consists of a 10-member body composed of the Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man, a nonvoting attorney general, and 8 others named by the House of Keys House of Keys: elections last held NA 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (24 total) independents 24Judicial branch: Court of TynwaldPolitical parties and leaders: there is no party system and members sit as independentsMember of: noneDiplomatic representation in US: none (British crown dependency)US diplomatic representation: none (British crown dependency)Flag: red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (Trinacria), in the center; the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee; in order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of the flag, a two-sided emblem is used THE WORLD FACTBOOK Man, Isle of EconomyOverview: Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key sectors of the economy. The government's policy of offering incentives to high-technology companies and financial institutions to locate on the island has paid off in expanding employment opportunities in high-income industries. As a result, agriculture and fishing, once the mainstays of the economy, have declined in their shares of GDP. Banking now contributes about 45% to GDP. Trade is mostly with the UK. The Isle of Man enjoys free access to European Union markets.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $780 million (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $10,800 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate: 1% (1992 est.)Budget: revenues: $130.4 million expenditures: $114.4 million, including capital expenditures of $18.1 million (1985 est.)Exports: $NA commodities: tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, beef, lamb partners: UKImports: $NA commodities: timber, fertilizers, fish partners: UKExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 61,000 kW production: 190 million kWh consumption per capita: 2,965 kWh (1992)Industries: financial services, light manufacturing, tourismAgriculture: cereals and vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultryEconomic aid: $NACurrency: 1 Manx pound (#M) = 100 penceExchange rates: Manx pounds (#M) per US$1 - 0.6350 (January 1995), 0.6529 (1994), 0.6658 (1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5603 (1990); the Manx pound is at par with the British pound THE WORLD FACTBOOK Man, Isle of EconomyFiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Man, Isle of TransportationRailroads: total: 60 km (36 km electrified)Highways: 640 km paved: NA unpaved: NAPorts: Castletown, Douglas, Peel, RamseyMerchant marine: total: 68 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,810,355 GRT/3,183,773 DWT ships by type: bulk 11, cargo 10, chemical tanker 4, container 9, liquefied gas tanker 8, oil tanker 15, roll-on/roll-off cargo 9, vehicle carrier 2 note: a flag of convenience registry; UK owns 9 ships, Switzerland 2, Denmark 1, Netherlands 1Airports: total: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Man, Isle of CommunicationsTelephone system: 24,435 telephones local: NA intercity: NA international: NARadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 4 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Man, Isle of Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of the UK</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malta GeographyLocation: Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy)Map references: EuropeArea: total area: 320 sq km land area: 320 sq km comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 140 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 25 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: Malta and Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil explorationClimate: Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summersTerrain: mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffsNatural resources: limestone, saltLand use: arable land: 38% permanent crops: 3% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 59%Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1989)Environment: current issues: very limited natural fresh water resources; increasing reliance on desalination natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Desertification THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malta GeographyNote: the country comprises an archipelago, with only the 3 largest islands (Malta, Gozo, and Comino) being inhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malta PeoplePopulation: 369,609 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 22% (female 39,199; male 41,581) 15-64 years: 67% (female 123,665; male 124,167) 65 years and over: 11% (female 23,597; male 17,400) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.75% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 13.22 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 7.43 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 1.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 7.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.02 years male: 74.75 years female: 79.48 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.92 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Maltese (singular and plural) adjective: MalteseEthnic divisions: Arab, Sicilian, Norman, Spanish, Italian, EnglishReligions: Roman Catholic 98%Languages: Maltese (official), English (official)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1985) total population: 84% male: 86% female: 82%Labor force: 127,200 by occupation: government (excluding job corps) 37%, services 26%, manufacturing 22%, training programs 9%, construction 4%, agriculture 2% (1990) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malta GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Malta conventional short form: MaltaDigraph: MTType: parliamentary democracyCapital: VallettaAdministrative divisions: none (administration directly from Valletta)Independence: 21 September 1964 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September (1964)Constitution: 1964 constitution substantially amended on 13 December 1974Legal system: based on English common law and Roman civil law; has accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Ugo MIFSUD BONNICI (since 4 April 1994) head of government: Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr. Edward (Eddie) FENECH ADAMI (since 12 May 1987); Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Guido DE MARCO (since 14 May 1987) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president on advice of the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives: elections last held 22 February 1992 (next to be held by February 1997); results - NP 51.8%, MLP 46.5%; seats - (usually 65 total) MLP 36, NP 29; note - additional seats are given to the party with the largest popular vote to ensure a legislative majority; current total: 69 (MLP 33, NP 36 after adjustment)Judicial branch: Constitutional Court, Court of AppealPolitical parties and leaders: Nationalist Party (NP), Edward FENECH ADAMI; Malta Labor Party (MLP), Alfred SANTMember of: C, CCC, CE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Albert Borg Olivier DE PUGET chancery: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 462-3611, 3612 FAX: [1] (202) 387-5470 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malta Government consulate(s): New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph R. PAOLINO, Jr. embassy: 2nd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana, Malta mailing address: P. O. Box 535, Valletta telephone: [356] 235960 FAX: [356] 243229Flag: two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malta EconomyOverview: Significant resources are limestone, a favorable geographic location, and a productive labor force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited freshwater supplies, and has no domestic energy sources. Consequently, the economy is highly dependent on foreign trade and services. Manufacturing and tourism are the largest contributors to the economy. Manufacturing accounts for about 24% of GDP, with the electronics and textile industries major contributors and with the state-owned Malta drydocks employing about 4,300 people. In 1994, over 1,000,000 tourists visited the island. Per capita GDP of $10,760 places Malta in the range of the less affluent EU countries.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $3.9 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 4.4% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $10,760 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 4.5% (March 1994)Budget: revenues: $1.4 billion expenditures: $1.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $215 million (FY94/95 est.)Exports: $1.3 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, clothing and footware, printed matter partners: Italy 32%, Germany 16%, UK 8%Imports: $2.1 billion (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: food, petroleum, machinery and semimanufactured goods partners: Italy 27%, Germany 14%, UK 13%, US 9%External debt: $603 million (1992)Industrial production: growth rate 5.4% (1992); accounts for 27% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 250,000 kW production: 1.1 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,749 kWh (1993)Industries: tourism, electronics, ship repairyard, construction, food manufacturing, textiles, footwear, clothing, beverages, tobaccoAgriculture: accounts for 3% of GDP and 2% of the work force (1992); overall, 20% self-sufficient; main products - potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers, green peppers, hogs, poultry, eggs; generally adequate supplies of vegetables, poultry, milk, pork products; seasonal or periodic shortages in grain, animal fodder, fruits, other basic foodstuffs THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malta EconomyIllicit drugs: transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Western EuropeEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $172 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $336 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $76 million; Communist countries (1970-88), $48 millionCurrency: 1 Maltese lira (LM) = 100 centsExchange rates: Maltese liri (LM) per US$1 - 0.3656 (January 1995), 0.3776 (1994), 0.3821 (1993), 0.3178 (1992), 0.3226 (1991), 0.3172 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malta TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 1,291 km paved: asphalt 1,179 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone 77 km; earth 35 kmPorts: Marsaxlokk, VallettaMerchant marine: total: 964 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 15,518,359 GRT/26,604,739 DWT ships by type: barge carrier 3, bulk 272, cargo 300, chemical tanker 30, combination bulk 26, combination ore/oil 16, container 33, liquefied gas tanker 3, multifunction large-load carrier 3, oil tanker 191, passenger 7, passenger-cargo 3, railcar carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 14, roll-on/roll-off cargo 26, short-sea passenger 20, specialized tanker 5, vehicle carrier 11 note: a flag of convenience registry; includes 49 countries; the 10 major fleet flags are: Greece 351 ships, Russia 66, Croatia 63, Switzerland 31, Montenegro 29, Italy 27, Germany 23, Monaco 20, UK 20, and Georgia 10Airports: total: 1 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malta CommunicationsTelephone system: 153,000 telephones; automatic system satisfies normal requirements local: NA intercity: submarine cable and microwave radio relay between islands international: 1 submarine cable and 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 8, FM 4, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 2 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malta Defense ForcesBranches: Armed Forces, Maltese Police ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 98,525; males fit for military service 78,305 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $21.4 million, about 0.9% of GDP (FY92/93)</text>
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<text>MALTA - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 3 months(extendable - extension must be applied for prior to end of 3-monthperiod or expiration of original visa). Visa requires 3 application forms, 2photos, proof of onward/return transportation and $46 fee (check ormoney order). Transit visa available for $31. For additional informationconsult Embassy of Malta, 2017 Conn. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008(202/462-3611/2) or nearest Consulate: CA (213/939-5011 and415/468-4321), MA (617/259-1391), MI (313/525-9777), MO (816/833-0033), MN(612/228-0935), NY (212/725-2345), PA (412/262-8460) or TX (713/497-2100 or713/999-1812).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Malta============================================================Malta - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1995Country Description: Malta is a small, developed, democratic Mediterranean island nation, positioned as a cultural and political stepping-stone between Europe and North Africa. Tourist facilities of all categories are widely available.Entry Requirements: For information concerning entry requirements for Malta, travelers can contact the Embassy of Malta at 2017 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 462-3611, or the Maltese Consulate in New York City.Medical Facilities: Medical care is available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven to be useful. Information on specific health matters is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Malta has a low rate of violent crime. Incidents of Pickpocketing and purse-snatching are relatively rare; however, break-ins and thefts from parked vehicles and thefts of cars are on the increase. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. In Malta, penalties for possession, use, and dealing of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security in Malta. The U.S. Embassy in Malta is located on the third floor of Development House, St. Anne Street, Floriana, Valletta. The Consular Section's telephone is(356) 235-960. No. 95-144This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 26, 1994, without change, following an annual review.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Malta============================================================Malta - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1995Country Description: Malta is a small, developed, democratic Mediterranean island nation, positioned as a cultural and political stepping-stone between Europe and North Africa. Tourist facilities of all categories are widely available.Entry Requirements: For information concerning entry requirements for Malta, travelers can contact the Embassy of Malta at 2017 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 462-3611, or the Maltese Consulate in New York City.Medical Facilities: Medical care is available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven to be useful. Information on specific health matters is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Malta has a low rate of violent crime. Incidents of Pickpocketing and purse-snatching are relatively rare; however, break-ins and thefts from parked vehicles and thefts of cars are on the increase. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. In Malta, penalties for possession, use, and dealing of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security in Malta. The U.S. Embassy in Malta is located on the third floor of Development House, St. Anne Street, Floriana, Valletta. The Consular Section's telephone is(356) 235-960. No. 95-144This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 26, 1994, without change, following an annual review.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Malta============================================================Malta - Consular Information Sheet November 13, 1995Country Description: Malta is a small, developed, democratic Mediterranean island nation, positioned as a cultural and political stepping-stone between Europe and North Africa. Tourist facilities of all categories are widely available.Entry Requirements: For information concerning entry requirements for Malta, travelers can contact the Embassy of Malta at 2017 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 462-3611, or the Maltese Consulate in New York City.Medical Facilities: Medical care is available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven to be useful. Information on specific health matters is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Malta has a low rate of violent crime. Incidents of Pickpocketing and purse-snatching are relatively rare; however, break-ins and thefts from parked vehicles and thefts of cars are on the increase. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. In Malta, penalties for possession, use, and dealing of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security in Malta. The U.S. Embassy in Malta is located on the third floor of Development House, St. Anne Street, Floriana, Valletta. The Consular Section's telephone is(356) 235-960. No. 95-144This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 26, 1994, without change, following an annual review.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mali GeographyLocation: Western Africa, southwest of AlgeriaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 1.24 million sq km land area: 1.22 million sq km comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of TexasLand boundaries: total 7,243 km, Algeria 1,376 km, Burkina 1,000 km, Guinea 858 km, Cote d'Ivoire 532 km, Mauritania 2,237 km, Niger 821 km, Senegal 419 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: the disputed international boundary between Burkina and Mali was submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in October 1983 and the ICJ issued its final ruling in December 1986, which both sides agreed to accept; Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including the tripoint with NigerClimate: subtropical to arid; hot and dry February to June; rainy, humid, and mild June to November; cool and dry November to FebruaryTerrain: mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna in south, rugged hills in northeastNatural resources: gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper deposits are known but not exploitedLand use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 25% forest and woodland: 7% other: 66%Irrigated land: 50 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching natural hazards: hot, dust-laden harmattan haze common during dry seasons; recurring droughts international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Nuclear Test BanNote: landlocked THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mali PeoplePopulation: 9,375,132 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 48% (female 2,240,565; male 2,242,373) 15-64 years: 49% (female 2,416,952; male 2,165,043) 65 years and over: 3% (female 162,234; male 147,965) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.89% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 51.88 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 19.93 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 104.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 46.37 years male: 44.7 years female: 48.09 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 7.33 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Malian(s) adjective: MalianEthnic divisions: Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Sarakole), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%, Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%Religions: Muslim 90%, indigenous beliefs 9%, Christian 1%Languages: French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languagesLiteracy: age 6 and over can read and write (1988) total population: 19% male: 27% female: 12%Labor force: 2.666 million (1986 est.) by occupation: agriculture 80%, services 19%, industry and commerce 1% (1981) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mali GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Mali conventional short form: Mali local long form: Republique de Mali local short form: Mali former: French SudanDigraph: MLType: republicCapital: BamakoAdministrative divisions: 8 regions (regions, singular - region); Gao, Kayes, Kidal, Koulikoro, Mopti, Segou, Sikasso, TombouctouIndependence: 22 September 1960 (from France)National holiday: Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic, 22 September (1960)Constitution: adopted 12 January 1992Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Court (which was formally established on 9 March 1994); has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 21 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Alpha Oumar KONARE (since 8 June 1992); election last held in April 1992 (next to be held April 1997); Alpha KONARE was elected in runoff race against Montaga TALL head of government: Prime Minister Ibrahima Boubacar KEITA (since March 1994) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral National Assembly: elections last held on 8 March 1992 (next to be held February 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (116 total) Adema 76, CNID 9, US/RAD 8, Popular Movement for the Development of the Republic of West Africa 6, RDP 4, UDD 4, RDT 3, UFDP 3, PDP 2, UMDD 1Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)Political parties and leaders: Association for Democracy (Adema), Ibrahim Baubacar KEITA; National Congress for Democratic Initiative (CNID), Mountaga TALL; Sudanese Union/African Democratic Rally (US/RDA), Mamadou Madeira KEITA; Popular Movement for the Development of the Republic of West Africa; Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP), Almamy SYLLA; Union for Democracy and Development (UDD), Moussa Balla COULIBALY; Rally for Democracy and Labor (RDT); Union of Democratic Forces for Progress (UFDP), Dembo DIALLO; Party for Democracy and Progress (PDP), Idrissa TRAORE; Malian Union for Democracy and Development (UMDD) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mali GovernmentMember of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNAMIR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ibrahim Siragatou CISSE chancery: 2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 332-2249, 939-8950US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: (vacant) (Ambassador William H. DAMERON III retired March 1995) embassy: Rue Rochester NY and Rue Mohamed V, Bamako mailing address: B. P. 34, Bamako telephone: [223] 22 54 70 FAX: [223] 22 37 12Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mali EconomyOverview: Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, with 65% of its land area desert or semidesert. Economic activity is largely confined to the riverine area irrigated by the Niger. About 10% of the population is nomadic and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in agriculture and fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities. The economy is beginning to turn around after contracting through 1992-93, largely because of enhanced exports and import substitute production in the wake of the 50% devaluation of January 1994. Post-devaluation inflation appears to have peaked at 35% in 1994 and the government appears to be keeping on track with its IMF structural adjustment program.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $5.4 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 2.4% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $600 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 35% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $376 million expenditures: $697 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)Exports: $415 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: cotton, livestock, gold partners: mostly franc zone and Western EuropeImports: $842 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, construction materials, petroleum, textiles partners: mostly franc zone and Western EuropeExternal debt: $2.6 billion (1991 est.)Industrial production: growth rate -1.4% (1992 est.); accounts for 13.0% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 90,000 kW production: 310 million kWh consumption per capita: 33 kWh (1993)Industries: minor local consumer goods production and food processing, construction, phosphate and gold miningAgriculture: accounts for 50% of GDP; mostly subsistence farming; cotton and livestock products account for over 70% of exports; other crops - millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mali EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $349 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.02 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $92 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $190 millionCurrency: 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimesExchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 529.43 (January 1995), 555.20 (1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990) 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 1948Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mali TransportationRailroads: total: 642 km; note - linked to Senegal's rail system through Kayes narrow gauge: 642 km 1.000-m gaugeHighways: total: 15,700 km paved: 1,670 km unpaved: gravel, improved earth 3,670 km; unimproved earth 10,360 kmInland waterways: 1,815 km navigablePorts: KoulikoroAirports: total: 33 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 with paved runways under 914 m: 10 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 3 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 12 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mali CommunicationsTelephone system: 11,000 telephones; domestic system poor but improving; provides only minimal service local: NA intercity: microwave radio relay, wire, and radio communications stations; expansion of microwave radio relay in progress international: 2 INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 2, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 2 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Mali Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Guard, National Police (Surete Nationale)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 1,861,977; males fit for military service 1,062,916 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $66 million, 2.2% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>MALI - Passport and visa required. Visa must be obtained in advance.Tourist/business visa for stay up to 4 weeks, may be extended afterarrival, requires $17 fee (cash or money order), 2 application forms, 2photos, proof of onward/return transportation and yellow fevervaccination. (Cholera immunization is recommended.) For business travel, must havecompany letter stating purpose of trip. Send SASE for return ofpassport if applying by mail. Apply Embassy of the Republic of Mali, 2130 RSt., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/332-2249).Mali - Consular Information SheetSeptember 21, 1994Country Description: Mali is a developing West African nation with a newdemocratically elected system of government. Facilities for tourism arelimited.Entry Requirements: A passport and a visa are required. For furtherinformation, the traveler may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Mali,2130 R Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 332-2249.Areas of Instability: Attacks by groups of armed bandits, usually focusedon vehicle theft, have occurred in the Timbuktu, Gao and Kidal regions.Overland travel to the areas north of the Niger River in the Mopti region,as well as to the areas near the Mauritanian border is also risky. Touristswho have traveled by air have not been threatened. However, travel by riverboat may be dangerous; a river boat was attacked in the summer by bandits,and several travelers were injured.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited. Many medicines areunavailable. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment forhealth care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outsidethe United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseascoverage, including medical evacuation, has proved useful. Information onhealth matters may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control'sinternational travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: While crime in general continues to escalate in Mali,petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and simple theft, are still most common. Less frequent, yet more serious, are the incidents of armed robberies andbanditry that occur in the downtown Bamako area and along major travelroutes, near principal cities. Victims have included foreigners. Travelerswho stay alert, remain in groups, avoid poorly lit areas, etc., especiallyduring the hours of darkness may avoid problems.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediatelyto local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The pamphlets"A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provideuseful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroadand in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent ofDocuments, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking inillegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentencesand fines.Road Conditions: The roads from Bamako to Mopti, Douentza, Koutiala,Sikasso, and Bougouni, and a few other roads are paved. Road conditions onother routes are poor, particularly in the rainy season which runs from mid-June to mid-September. On major roads, stops at customs and policecheckpoints are frequent. Driving is particularly hazardous after dark, andnighttime travel may be dangerous.Photography: Photography is no longer restricted, except for militarysubjects. However, interpretation of what may be considered off limitsvaries. Other subjects may be considered sensitive from a cultural orreligious viewpoint, and it is helpful to obtain permission before takingphotographs in Mali.Currency: The Malian currency is the CFA franc which is exchangeable forFrench francs at a fixed rate. Exchange of dollars in cash or travelerschecks is slow and often involves out-of-date rates. The U.S. Embassycannot provide exchange facilities for non-official Americans. Use ofcredit cards is limited to payment for services at two hotels in Bamako.Cash advances on credit cards are performed by only one bank in Mali, theBMCD Bank in Bamako, and only on a "Visa" credit card.Telephone Service: International calls are expensive, and collect callscannot be made from Mali. Calls to the United States cost approximately tendollars a minute. Outside Bamako, it is often impossible to obtain aninternational telephone line.Exportation of Artifacts: In 1993, the U.S. government began providingemergency protection for Malian cultural property, thereby restricting theimportation of Malian archeological cultural property to the U.S. Whilethese U.S. restrictions apply only to archeological items, travelersplanning to export any Malian cultural property are required by Malian lawto obtain an export authorization from the National Museum in Bamako.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Bamako mayobtain updated informaton on travel and security in Mali.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at the intersection of RueRochester NY and Rue Mohamed V, in Bamako, the capital city. The mailingaddress is B.P. 34, Bamako, Mali. The telephone number is (223) 22-54-70.The fax number is (223) 22-39-33.No. 94-224This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated June 13, 1994, to notethat river boat travel may be risky and to revise the paragraph on crime.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Maldives GeographyLocation: Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of IndiaMap references: AsiaArea: total area: 300 sq km land area: 300 sq km comparative area: slightly more than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 644 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 35-310 nm as defined by geographic coordinates; segment of zone coincides with maritime boundary with India territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)Terrain: flat with elevations only as high as 2.5 metersNatural resources: fishLand use: arable land: 10% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 3% forest and woodland: 3% other: 84%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water supplies natural hazards: low level of islands makes them very sensitive to sea level rise international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Law of the SeaNote: 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls; archipelago of strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean THE WORLD FACTBOOK Maldives PeoplePopulation: 261,310 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 47% (female 60,038; male 63,042) 15-64 years: 50% (female 63,526; male 67,020) 65 years and over: 3% (female 3,537; male 4,147) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.58% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 42.8 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 50 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 65.49 years male: 63.99 years female: 67.07 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.17 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Maldivian(s) adjective: MaldivianEthnic divisions: Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, AfricanReligions: Sunni MuslimLanguages: Divehi (dialect of Sinhala; script derived from Arabic), English spoken by most government officialsLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1985) total population: 91% male: 91% female: 92%Labor force: 66,000 (est.) by occupation: fishing industry 25% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Maldives GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Maldives conventional short form: MaldivesDigraph: MVType: republicCapital: MaleAdministrative divisions: 19 districts (atolls); Aliff, Baa, Daalu, Faafu, Gaafu Aliff, Gaafu Daalu, Haa Aliff, Haa Daalu, Kaafu, Laamu, Laviyani, Meemu, Naviyani, Noonu, Raa, Seenu, Shaviyani, Thaa, WaavuIndependence: 26 July 1965 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 26 July (1965)Constitution: 4 June 1968Legal system: based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 21 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11 November 1978); election last held 1 October 1993 (next to be held 1998); results - President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM was reelected with 92.76% of the vote cabinet: Ministry of Atolls; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch: unicameral Citizens' Council (Majlis): elections last held 2 December 1994 (next to be held NA December 1999); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (48 total, 40 elected, 8 appointed by the president) independents 40Judicial branch: High CourtPolitical parties and leaders: although political parties are not banned, none exist; country governed by the Didi clan for the past eight centuriesMember of: AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: Maldives has no embassy in the US, but does have a UN mission in New York; Permanent Representative to the UN Ahmed ZAKIUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka is accredited to Maldives and makes periodic visits there consular agency: Midhath Hilmy, Male telephone: 322581 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Maldives GovernmentFlag: red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a vertical white crescent; the closed side of the crescent is on the hoist side of the flag THE WORLD FACTBOOK Maldives EconomyOverview: Fishing is the largest industry, employing 25% of the work force and accounting for over 60% of exports. Over 90% of government tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. During the 1980s tourism became one of the most important and highest growth sectors of the economy. In 1993, tourism accounted for 17% of GDP and more than 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange receipts. The Maldivian government initiated an economic reform program in 1989 initially by lifting import quotas and opening some exports to the private sector. Subsequently, it has liberalized regulations to allow more foreign investment. Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a minor role in the economy, constrained by the limited availability of cultivatable land and the shortage of domestic labor. Most staple foods must be imported. In 1993, industry which consisted mainly of garment production, boat building, and handicrafts accounted for about 6% of GDP.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $360 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: 5.4% (1993 est.)National product per capita: $1,500 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 20% (1993)Unemployment rate: NEGL%Budget: revenues: $95 million (excluding foreign transfers) expenditures: $143 million, including capital expenditures of $71 million (1993 est.)Exports: $38.5 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: fish, clothing partners: US, UK, Sri Lanka, Singapore, GermanyImports: $177.8 million (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: consumer goods, intermediate and capital goods, petroleum products partners: Singapore, Germany, Sri Lanka, India, JapanExternal debt: $130 million (1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 24% (1990); accounts for 6% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 5,000 kW production: 30 million kWh consumption per capita: 123 kWh (1993)Industries: fishing and fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, some coconut processing, garments, woven mats, coir (rope), handicraftsAgriculture: fishing, coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes THE WORLD FACTBOOK Maldives EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $28 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $125 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $14 millionCurrency: 1 rufiyaa (Rf) = 100 laariExchange rates: rufiyaa (Rf) per US$1 - 11.770 (January 1995), 11.586 (1994), 10.957 (1993), 10.569 (1992), 10.253 (1991), 9.509 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Maldives TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: NA paved: NA unpaved: NA (Male has 9.6 km of coral highways within the city)Ports: Gan, MaleMerchant marine: total: 16 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 50,384 GRT/77,771 DWT ships by type: cargo 14, container 1, oil tanker 1Airports: total: 2 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Maldives CommunicationsTelephone system: 2,804 telephones; minimal domestic and international facilities local: NA intercity: NA international: 1 INTELSAT (Indian Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 1, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 1 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Maldives Defense ForcesBranches: National Security Service (paramilitary police force)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 57,172; males fit for military service 31,911 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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<text>MALDIVES - Passport required. Tourist visa issued upon arrival, nocharge. Visitors must have proof of onward/return transportation andsufficient funds (minimum of $10 per person per day). Check withEmbassy of Maldives in Sri Lanka, 25 Melbourne Avenue, Colombo 4, Sri Lanka orthe Maldives Mission to the U.N. in New York (212/599-6195) for furtherinformation.Maldives - Consular Information SheetAugust 15, 1994Country Description: Maldives is a group of islands west of Sri Lanka, offthe southern tip of India. Facilities for tourism are relatively welldeveloped in most beach areas.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Tourist visas are issued uponarrival at no charge. Visitors must have proof of onward/returntransportation and sufficient funds. For further information the travelercan contact the Embassy of Maldives in Sri Lanka, at 25 Melbourne Avenue,Colombo 4, Sri Lanka, or the Maldives Mission to the U.N. in New York,telephone (212) 599-6195.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited and some medicine may beunavailable. Doctors and clinics often require immediate cash payment forhealth services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside theUnited States. Supplemental coverage which specifically covers overseastreatment has proven useful. Information on health matters can be obtainedfrom the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline,telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: There is a low rate of crime in Maldives. However,petty crime does exist. Valuables left on beaches are subject to thievery.The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediatelyto local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. There is no U.S.Embassy in Maldives, but travelers may contact the consular agent in Male,Maldives. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personalsecurity, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in theDepartment of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelersto South Asia." They are available from the Superintendent of Documents,U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices ofthe country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use ortrafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced in Maldives. Convictedoffenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register with the consular agent inMaldives, or in the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, SriLanka, can obtain updated information on travel and security within Maldives.Embassy Location: There is no U.S. Embassy in Maldives. The U.S.ambassador to Sri Lanka is also accredited to the Maldives. There is a U.S.consular agent in Male, the capital city of Maldives. The agent's addressis Mandhu Edurruge, 20-05 Violet Magu, Male, Republic of Maldives. Thelocal telephone number is 322581 or 325199. The consular agent works underthe jurisdiction of the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka.No. 94-161This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 27, 1993, withoutchange, following an annual review.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malaysia GeographyLocation: Southeastern Asia, peninsula and northern one-third of the island of Borneo bordering the Java Sea and the South China Sea, south of VietnamMap references: Southeast AsiaArea: total area: 329,750 sq km land area: 328,550 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than New MexicoLand boundaries: total 2,669 km, Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782 km, Thailand 506 kmCoastline: 4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km)Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation; specified boundary in the South China Sea exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; State of Sabah claimed by the Philippines; Brunei may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that divides Brunei into two parts; two islands in dispute with Singapore; two islands in dispute with IndonesiaClimate: tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoonsTerrain: coastal plains rising to hills and mountainsNatural resources: tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxiteLand use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 10% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 63% other: 24%Irrigated land: 3,420 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation natural hazards: flooding THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malaysia Geography international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83; signed, but not ratified - Law of the SeaNote: strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malaysia PeoplePopulation: 19,723,587 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 37% (female 3,559,434; male 3,690,310) 15-64 years: 59% (female 5,871,131; male 5,844,568) 65 years and over: 4% (female 423,539; male 334,605) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.24% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 27.95 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.56 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 24.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.48 years male: 66.55 years female: 72.56 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 3.47 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Malaysian(s) adjective: MalaysianEthnic divisions: Malay and other indigenous 59%, Chinese 32%, Indian 9%Religions: Peninsular Malaysia: Muslim (Malays), Buddhist (Chinese), Hindu (Indians) Sabah: Muslim 38%, Christian 17%, other 45% Sarawak: tribal religion 35%, Buddhist and Confucianist 24%, Muslim 20%, Christian 16%, other 5%Languages: Peninsular Malaysia: Malay (official), English, Chinese dialects, Tamil Sabah: English, Malay, numerous tribal dialects, Chinese (Mandarin and Hakka dialects predominate) Sarawak: English, Malay, Mandarin, numerous tribal languages *** No data for this item ***Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 78% male: 86% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malaysia People female: 70%Labor force: 7.627 million (1993) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malaysia GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Malaysia former: Malayan UnionDigraph: MYType: constitutional monarchy note: Federation of Malaysia formed 9 July 1963; nominally headed by the paramount ruler (king) and a bicameral Parliament; Peninsular Malaysian states - hereditary rulers in all but Melaka, where governors are appointed by Malaysian Pulau Pinang Government; powers of state governments are limited by federal Constitution; Sabah - self-governing state, holds 20 seats in House of Representatives, with foreign affairs, defense, internal security, and other powers delegated to federal government; Sarawak - self-governing state, holds 27 seats in House of Representatives, with foreign affairs, defense, internal security, and other powers delegated to federal governmentCapital: Kuala LumpurAdministrative divisions: 13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri) and 2 federal territories* (wilayah-wilayah persekutuan, singular - wilayah persekutuan); Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Labuan*, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu, Wilayah Persekutuan*Independence: 31 August 1957 (from UK)National holiday: National Day, 31 August (1957)Constitution: 31 August 1957, amended 16 September 1963Legal system: based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court at request of supreme head of the federation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 21 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Paramount Ruler JA'AFAR ibni Abdul Rahman (since 26 April 1994); Deputy Paramount Ruler SALAHUDDIN ibni Hisammuddin Alam Shah (since 26 April 1994) head of government: Prime Minister Dr. MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (since 16 July 1981); Deputy Prime Minister ANWAR bin Ibrahim (since 1 December 1993) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the Paramount Ruler from members of parliamentLegislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Parlimen) Senate (Dewan Negara): consists of 58 members, 32 appointed by the paramount ruler and 26 elected by the state legislatures (2 from each state) for six-year terms; elections last held NA (next to be held NA); results - NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malaysia Government House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat): consists of 180 members, elected for five-year terms; elections last held 21 October 1990 (next to be held by December 1995); results - National Front 52%, other 48%; seats - (180 total) National Front 127, DAP 20, PAS 7, independents 4, other 22; note - within the National Front, UMNO won 71 seats and MCA won 18 seatsJudicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: Peninsular Malaysia: National Front, a confederation of 13 political parties dominated by United Malays National Organization Baru (UMNO Baru), MAHATHIR bin Mohamad; Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), LING Liong Sik; Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia, LIM Keng Yaik; Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), S. Samy VELLU Sabah: National Front, SALLEH Said Keruak, Sabah Chief Minister, Sakaran DANDAI, head of Sabah State; United Sabah National Organizaton (USNO), leader NA Sarawak: coalition Sarawak National Front composed of the Party Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB), Datuk Patinggi Amar Haji Abdul TAIB Mahmud; Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), Datuk Amar James WONG Soon Kai; Sarawak National Party (SNAP), Datuk Amar James WONG; Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), Datuk Leo MOGGIE; major opposition parties are Democratic Action Party (DAP), LIM Kit Siang and Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Fadzil NOORMember of: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, NAM, OIC, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOMIL, UNOMOZ, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Abdul MAJID bin Mohamed chancery: 2401 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 328-2700 FAX: [1] (202) 483-7661 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador John S. WOLF embassy: 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur mailing address: P. O. Box No. 10035, 50700 Kuala Lumpur; APO AP 96535-8152 telephone: [60] (3) 2489011 FAX: [60] (3) 2422207Flag: fourteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star; the crescent and the star are traditional symbols of Islam; the design was based on the flag of the US THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malaysia EconomyOverview: The Malaysian economy, a mixture of private enterprise and a soundly managed public sector, has posted a remarkable record of 9% average annual growth in 1988-94. The official growth target for 1995 is 8.5%. This growth has resulted in a substantial reduction in poverty and a marked rise in real wages. Manufactured goods exports expanded rapidly, and foreign investors continued to commit large sums in the economy. The government is aware of the inflationary potential of this rapid development and is closely monitoring fiscal and monetary policies.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $166.8 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 8.7% (1994)National product per capita: $8,650 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.7% (1994)Unemployment rate: 2.9% (1994)Budget: revenues: $18.7 billion expenditures: $19.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $4.8 billion (1994)Exports: $56.6 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: electronic equipment, petroleum and petroleum products, palm oil, wood and wood products, rubber, textiles partners: Singapore 22%, US 20%, Japan 13%, UK 4%, Germany 4%, Thailand 4% (1993)Imports: $55.2 billion (c.i.f., 1994) commodities: machinery and equipment, chemicals, food, petroleum products partners: Japan 27%, US 17%, Singapore 15%, Taiwan 5%, Germany 4%, UK 3%, South Korea 3% (1993)External debt: $35.5 billion (1994 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 12% (1994); accounts for 38% of GDP (1993 est.)Electricity: capacity: 6,700,000 kW production: 31 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,528 kWh (1993)Industries: Peninsular Malaysia: rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, light manufacturing industry, electronics, tin mining and smelting, logging and processing timber Sabah: logging, petroleum production Sarawak: agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining, logging THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malaysia EconomyAgriculture: accounts for 16% of GDP (1993 est.) Peninsular Malaysia: natural rubber, palm oil, rice Sabah: mainly subsistence, but also rubber, timber, coconut, rice Sarawak: rubber, timber, pepper; deficit of rice in all areasIllicit drugs: transit point for Golden Triangle heroin going to the US, Western Europe, and the Third World despite severe penalties for drug trafficking; increasing indigenous abuse of methamphetamineEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-84), $170 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.7 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $42 millionCurrency: 1 ringgit (M$) = 100 senExchange rates: ringgits (M$) per US$1 - 2.5542 (January 1995), 2.6242 (1994), 2.5741 (1993), 2.5474 (1992), 2.7501 (1991), 1.7048 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malaysia TransportationRailroads: total: 1,801 km (Peninsular Malaysia 1,665 km; Sabah 136 km; Sarawak 0 km) narrow gauge: 1,801 km 1.000-m gauge (Peninsular Malaysia 1,665 km; Sabah 136 km)Highways: total: 29,028 km (Peninsular Malaysia 23,602 km, Sabah 3,782 km, Sarawak 1,644 km) paved: NA (Peninsular Malaysia 19,354 km mostly bituminous treated) unpaved: NA (Peninsular Malaysia 4,248 km)Inland waterways: Peninsular Malaysia: 3,209 km Sabah: 1,569 km Sarawak: 2,518 kmPipelines: crude oil 1,307 km; natural gas 379 kmPorts: Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan, Kuching, Kudat, Lahad Datu, Labuan, Lumut, Miri, Pasir Gudang, Penang, Port Dickson, Port Kelang, Sandakan, Sibu, Tanjong Berhala, Tanjong Kidurong, TawauMerchant marine: total: 213 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,410,823 GRT/3,635,966 DWT ships by type: bulk 34, cargo 73, chemical tanker 11, container 27, liquefied gas tanker 9, livestock carrier 1, oil tanker 50, roll-on/roll-off cargo 4, short-sea passenger 1, vehicle carrier 3Airports: total: 115 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 6 with paved runways under 914 m: 82 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 7 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malaysia CommunicationsTelephone system: 994,860 telephones (1984); international service good local: NA intercity: good intercity service provided on Peninsular Malaysia mainly by microwave radio relay; adequate intercity microwave radio relay network between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; 2 domestic satellite links international: submarine cables extend to India and Sarawak; SEACOM submarine cable links to Hong Kong and Singapore; satellite earth stations - 2 INTELSAT (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean)Radio: broadcast stations: AM 28, FM 3, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 33 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malaysia Defense ForcesBranches: Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force, Royal Malaysian Police Force, Marine Police, Sarawak Border ScoutsManpower availability: males age 15-49 5,041,003; males fit for military service 3,058,445; males reach military age (21) annually 183,760 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.1 billion, 2.9% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>MALAYSIA (and the Borneo States, Sarawak and Sabah) - Passportrequired. Visa not required for stay up to 3 months. Yellow fever and choleraimmunizations necessary if arriving from infected areas. AIDS testrequired for work permits. U.S. test somtimes accepted. For entry ofpets or other types of visits, consult Embassy of Malaysia, 2401 Mass. Ave.,N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/328-2700) or nearest Consulate: LosAngeles (213/621-2991) or New York (212/490-2722).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Malaysia============================================================Malaysia - Consular Information Sheet November 30, 1995Country Description: Malaysia is a federal parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch. Tourist facilities and services are available in major areas of interest.Entry Requirements: For information on entry requirements travelers may call the Embassy of Malaysia, 2401 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202) 328-2700.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities and services are adequate in the larger cities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. The international travelers hotline of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: Malaysia has one of the highest rates of credit card fraud in the world. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching are common in tourist areas. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the U.S. Embassy. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S citizens are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they are traveling. Malaysia strictly enforces its drug laws. Malaysian legislation provides for a mandatory death penalty for convicted drug traffickers. Individuals arrested in possession of fifteen grams (1/2 ounce) of heroin or two hundred grams (7 ounces) of marijuana are presumed by law to be trafficking in drugs.Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 376 Jalan Tun Razak 50400, Kuala Lumpur. The mailing address is P.O.Box No. 10035,50700 Kuala Lumpur; telephone (60-3)248-9011. The fax number for the Embassy is (60-3) 242-2207, the fax number for the Consular Section is (60-3) 248-5801. No. 95-151This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 28, 1994, to update information on entry requirements and crime.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Malaysia============================================================Malaysia - Consular Information Sheet November 30, 1995Country Description: Malaysia is a federal parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch. Tourist facilities and services are available in major areas of interest.Entry Requirements: For information on entry requirements travelers may call the Embassy of Malaysia, 2401 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202) 328-2700.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities and services are adequate in the larger cities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. The international travelers hotline of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: Malaysia has one of the highest rates of credit card fraud in the world. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching are common in tourist areas. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the U.S. Embassy. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S citizens are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they are traveling. Malaysia strictly enforces its drug laws. Malaysian legislation provides for a mandatory death penalty for convicted drug traffickers. Individuals arrested in possession of fifteen grams (1/2 ounce) of heroin or two hundred grams (7 ounces) of marijuana are presumed by law to be trafficking in drugs.Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 376 Jalan Tun Razak 50400, Kuala Lumpur. The mailing address is P.O.Box No. 10035,50700 Kuala Lumpur; telephone (60-3)248-9011. The fax number for the Embassy is (60-3) 242-2207, the fax number for the Consular Section is (60-3) 248-5801. No. 95-151This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 28, 1994, to update information on entry requirements and crime.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malawi GeographyLocation: Southern Africa, east of ZambiaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 118,480 sq km land area: 94,080 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than PennsylvaniaLand boundaries: total 2,881 km, Mozambique 1,569 km, Tanzania 475 km, Zambia 837 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: dispute with Tanzania over the boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi)Climate: tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November)Terrain: narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills, some mountainsNatural resources: limestone, unexploited deposits of uranium, coal, and bauxiteLand use: arable land: 25% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 20% forest and woodland: 50% other: 5%Irrigated land: 200 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: deforestation; land degradation; water pollution from agricultural runoff, sewage, industrial wastes; siltation of spawning grounds endangers fish population natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Law of the SeaNote: landlocked THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malawi PeoplePopulation: 9,808,384 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 48% (female 2,361,309; male 2,384,679) 15-64 years: 49% (female 2,479,108; male 2,335,729) 65 years and over: 3% (female 139,632; male 107,927) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.63% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 49.81 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 23.53 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.) note: the return of refugees to Mozambique is much reduced compared with 1994Infant mortality rate: 140.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 39.01 years male: 38.28 years female: 39.76 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 7.36 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Malawian(s) adjective: MalawianEthnic divisions: Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuko, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Asian, EuropeanReligions: Protestant 55%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 20%, traditional indigenous beliefsLanguages: English (official), Chichewa (official), other languages important regionallyLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1987) total population: 48% male: 65% female: 34%Labor force: 428,000 wage earners by occupation: agriculture 43%, manufacturing 16%, personal services 15%, commerce 9%, construction 7%, miscellaneous services 4%, other permanently employed 6% (1986) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malawi GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Malawi conventional short form: Malawi former: NyasalandDigraph: MIType: multiparty democracy following a referendum on 14 June 1993; formerly a one-party republicCapital: LilongweAdministrative divisions: 24 districts; Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Chitipa, Dedza, Dowa, Karonga, Kasungu, Lilongwe, Machinga (Kasupe), Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza, Mzimba, Ntcheu, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, Ntchisi, Rumphi, Salima, Thyolo, ZombaIndependence: 6 July 1964 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 6 July (1964)Constitution: 6 July 1966; republished as amended January 1974Legal system: based on English common law and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Appeal; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 21 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Bakili MULUZI (since 21 May 1994), leader of the United Democratic Front cabinet: Cabinet; named by the presidentLegislative branch: unicameral National Assembly: elections last held 17 May 1994 (next to be held 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (177 total) UDF 84, AFORD 33, MCP 55, others 5Judicial branch: High Court, Supreme Court of AppealPolitical parties and leaders: ruling party: United Democratic Front (UDF), Bakili MULUZI opposition groups: Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Gwanda CHAKUAMBA Phiri, secretary general (top party position); Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), Chakufwa CHIHANA; Socialist League of Malawi (Lesoma), Kapote MWAKUSULA, secretary general; Malawi Democratic Union (MDU), Harry BWANAUSI; Congress for the Second Republic (CSR), Kanyama CHIUME; Malawi Socialist Labor Party (MSLP), Stanford SAMBANEMANJAMember of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAU, SADC, UN, UNAMIR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malawi GovernmentDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: (vacant); Charge d'Affaires ad interim Patrick NYASULU (since 14 October 1994) chancery: 2408 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 797-1007US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Peter R. CHAVEAS embassy: address NA, in new capital city development area in Lilongwe mailing address: P. O. Box 30016, Lilongwe 3, Malawi telephone: [265] 783 166 FAX: [265] 780 471Flag: three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green with a radiant, rising, red sun centered in the black band; similar to the flag of Afghanistan, which is longer and has the national coat of arms superimposed on the hoist side of the black and red bands THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malawi EconomyOverview: Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world's least developed countries. The economy is predominately agricultural, with about 90% of the population living in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for 40% of GDP and 90% of export revenues. After two years of weak performance, economic growth improved significantly in 1988-91 as a result of good weather and a broadly based economic adjustment effort by the government. Drought cut overall output sharply in 1992, but the lost ground was recovered in 1993. The economy depends on substantial inflows of economic assistance from the IMF, the World Bank, and individual donor nations. The new government faces strong challenges, e.g., to spur exports, to improve educational and health facilities, and to deal with environmental problems of deforestation and erosion.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $7.3 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 9.3% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $750 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 30% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $416 million expenditures: $498 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)Exports: $311 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: tobacco, tea, sugar, coffee, peanuts, wood products partners: US, UK, Zambia, South Africa, GermanyImports: $308 million (c.i.f., 1993 est.) commodities: food, petroleum products, semimanufactures, consumer goods, transportation equipment partners: South Africa, Japan, US, UK, ZimbabweExternal debt: $1.8 billion (December 1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 3.5% accounts for about 15% of GDP (1992 est.)Electricity: capacity: 190,000 kW production: 820 million kWh consumption per capita: 77 kWh (1993)Industries: agricultural processing (tea, tobacco, sugar), sawmilling, cement, consumer goodsAgriculture: accounts for 40% of GDP; cash crops - tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, and corn; subsistence crops - potatoes, cassava, sorghum, pulses; livestock - cattle, goats THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malawi EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $215 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.15 billionCurrency: 1 Malawian kwacha (MK) = 100 tambalaExchange rates: Malawian kwacha (MK) per US$1 - 7.8358 (August 1994), 4.4028 (1993), 3.6033 (1992), 2.8033 (1991), 2.7289 (1990), 2.7595 (1989)Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malawi TransportationRailroads: total: 789 km narrow gauge: 789 km 1.067-m gaugeHighways: total: 13,135 km paved: 2,364 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, stabilized earth 251 km; earth, improved earth 10,520 kmInland waterways: Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi); Shire River, 144 kmPorts: Chipoka, Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, NkotakotaAirports: total: 47 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 4 with paved runways under 914 m: 25 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 15 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malawi CommunicationsTelephone system: 42,250 telephones local: NA intercity: fair system of open-wire lines, radio relay links, and radio communications stations international: 2 INTELSAT (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean ) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 10, FM 17, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 0 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Malawi Defense ForcesBranches: Army (includes Air Wing and Naval Detachment), Police (includes paramilitary Mobile Force Unit), paramilitary Malawi Young PioneersManpower availability: males age 15-49 2,069,302; males fit for military service 1,056,372 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $13 million, 0.7% of GDP (FY93/94)</text>
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<text>MALAWI - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 1 year.Strict dress codes apply for anyone visiting Malawi. Women must weardresses that cover their shoulders, arms, and knees and may not wearslacks except in specifically designated areas. Men with long hair cannotenter the country. For further information about this and otherrequirements, contact the Embassy of Malawi, 2408 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.20008 (202/797-1007) or Malawi Mission to the U.N., 600 3rd Ave., NewYork, NY 10016 (212/949-0180).Malawi - Consular Information SheetOctober 18, 1993Country Description: Malawi is a developing African nation. Facilities fortourists exist, but are limited.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Visas are not required for astay of up to one year. Strict dress codes apply to anyone visiting Malawi. Women must wear dresses that cover the shoulders, arms and knees and maynot wear slacks except in specifically designated areas. Men with long haircannot enter the country. For further information, the traveler may contactthe Embassy of Malawi, 2408 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.20008, telephone (202) 797-1007, or the Malawi Mission to the U.N., 600Third Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10016, telephone, (212) 949-0180.Areas of Instability: Spontaneous civil disturbances are not common inMalawi, but have occurred. Strikes and demonstrations in the city ofBlantyre in the southern region of the country and in the capital city ofLilongwe have become violent at times.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited. Some medicines are inshort supply. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment forhealth care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outsidethe United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance withspecific overseas coverage has proven useful. Information on health matterscan be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's internationaltravelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Petty crime, including purse snatching, occurs inurban areas. Residential break-ins have increased significantly during thelast six months. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should bereported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy orconsulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers toSub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personalsecurity while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general.Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. GovernmentPrinting Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. Penalties for possession, or dealing in illegaldrugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy may obtainupdated information on travel and security within Malawi.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located in Area 40, City Center, inthe capital city of Lilongwe. The mailing address is P.O. Box 30016. Thetelephone numbers are (265) 783-166 and 783-342; the fax number is (265) 780-471.No. 93-281This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 24, 1992, to addthe U.S. Embassy's fax number and information on reporting the loss or theftabroad of a U.S. passport.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Madagascar GeographyLocation: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of MozambiqueMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 587,040 sq km land area: 581,540 sq km comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of ArizonaLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 4,828 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or 100 nm from the 2,500-m isobath exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island (all administered by France)Climate: tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in southTerrain: narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in centerNatural resources: graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, tar sands, semiprecious stones, mica, fishLand use: arable land: 4% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 58% forest and woodland: 26% other: 11%Irrigated land: 9,000 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: soil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing; desertification; surface water contaminated with raw sewage and other organic wastes; several species of flora and fauna unique to the island are endangered natural hazards: periodic cyclones international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the Sea THE WORLD FACTBOOK Madagascar GeographyNote: world's fourth-largest island; strategic location along Mozambique Channel THE WORLD FACTBOOK Madagascar PeoplePopulation: 13,862,325 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 47% (female 3,231,647; male 3,265,715) 15-64 years: 50% (female 3,511,699; male 3,413,564) 65 years and over: 3% (female 225,205; male 214,495) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.18% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 44.82 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 12.99 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 86.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 54.45 years male: 52.47 years female: 56.48 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.62 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Malagasy (singular and plural) adjective: MalagasyEthnic divisions: Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry - Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), French, Indian, Creole, ComoranReligions: indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7%Languages: French (official), Malagasy (official)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 80% male: 88% female: 73%Labor force: total workers: 4.9 million workers not receiving money wages: 4.7 million (96% of total labor force); note - 4.3 million workers are in subsistence agriculture wage earners: 175,000 (3.6% of total work force) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Madagascar People wage earners by occupation: agriculture 45,500, domestic service 29,750, industry 26,250, commerce 24,500, construction 19,250, service 15,750, transportation 10,500, other 3,500 (1985 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Madagascar GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Madagascar conventional short form: Madagascar local long form: Republique de Madagascar local short form: Madagascar former: Malagasy RepublicDigraph: MAType: republicCapital: AntananarivoAdministrative divisions: 6 provinces; Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina, ToliaryIndependence: 26 June 1960 (from France)National holiday: Independence Day, 26 June (1960)Constitution: 19 August 1992 by national referendumLegal system: based on French civil law system and traditional Malagasy law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Albert ZAFY (since 9 March 1993); election last held on 10 February 1993 (next to be held 1998); results - Albert ZAFY (UNDD), 67%; Didier RATSIRAKA (AREMA), 33% head of government: Prime Minister Francisque RAVONY (since 9 August 1993) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the prime ministerLegislative branch: bicameral Parliament Senate (Senat): two-thirds of upper house seats are to be filled from popularly elected regional assemblies; the remaining third is to be filled by presidential appointment; decentralization and formation of regional assemblies is not expected before 1997 National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale): elections last held on 16 June 1993 (next to be held June 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (138 total) CFV coalition 76, PMDM/MFM 16, CSCD 11, Famima 10, RPSD 7, various pro-Ratsiraka groups 10, others 8Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme), High Constitutional Court (Haute Cour Constitutionnelle) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Madagascar GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Committee of Living Forces (CFV), an alliance of National Union for Development and Democracy (UNDD), Support Group for Democracy and Development in Madagascar (CSDDM), Action and Reflection Group for the Development of Madagascar (GRAD), Congress Party for Madagascar Independence - Renewal (AKFM-Fanavaozana), and some 12 other parties, trade unions, and religious groups; Militant Party for the Development of Madagascar (PMDM/MFM), formerly the Movement for Proletarian Power, Manandafy RAKOTONIRINA; Confederation of Civil Societies for Development (CSCD), Guy Willy RAZANAMASY; Association of United Malagasys (Famima); Rally for Social Democracy (RPSD), Pierre TSIRANANAOther political or pressure groups: National Council of Christian Churches (FFKM); Federalist MovementMember of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Pierrot Jocelyn RAJAONARIVELO chancery: 2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 265-5525, 5526 consulate(s) general: New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Dennis P. BARRETT embassy: 14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo mailing address: B. P. 620, Antananarivo telephone: [261] (2) 212-57, 200-89, 207-18 FAX: [261] (2) 345-39Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a vertical white band of the same width on hoist side THE WORLD FACTBOOK Madagascar EconomyOverview: Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world, suffering from chronic malnutrition, underfunded health and education facilities, a 3% annual population growth rate, and severe loss of forest cover, accompanied by erosion. Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is the mainstay of the economy, accounting for over 30% of GDP and contributing more than 70% of total export earnings. Industry is largely confined to the processing of agricultural products and textile manufacturing; in 1991 it accounted for only 13% of GDP. In 1986 the government introduced a five-year development plan that stressed self-sufficiency in food (mainly rice) by 1990, increased production for exports, and reduced energy imports. Subsequently, growth in output has been held back because of protracted antigovernment strikes and demonstrations for political reform. Since 1993, corruption and political instability have caused the economy and infrastructure to decay further. Since April 1994, the government commitment to economic reforms has been erratic. Enormous obstacles stand in the way of Madagascar's realizing its considerable growth potential.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $10.6 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 2.8% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $790 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 35% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $250 million expenditures: $265 million, including capital expenditures of $180 million (1991 est.)Exports: $240 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: coffee 45%, vanilla 20%, cloves 11%, shellfish, sugar, petroleum products partners: France, US, Germany, Japan, RussiaImports: $510 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: intermediate manufactures 30%, capital goods 28%, petroleum 15%, consumer goods 14%, food 13% partners: France, Germany, Japan, UK, Italy, NetherlandsExternal debt: $4.3 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 3.8% (1993 est.); accounts for 13% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 220,000 kW production: 560 million kWh consumption per capita: 40 kWh (1993) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Madagascar EconomyIndustries: agricultural processing (meat canneries, soap factories, breweries, tanneries, sugar refining plants), light consumer goods industries (textiles, glassware), cement, automobile assembly plant, paper, petroleumAgriculture: accounts for 31% of GDP; cash crops - coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, cloves, cocoa; food crops - rice, cassava, beans, bananas, peanuts; cattle raising widespread; almost self-sufficient in riceIllicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis (cultivated and wild varieties) used mostly for domestic consumptionEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $136 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.125 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $491 millionCurrency: 1 Malagasy franc (FMG) = 100 centimesExchange rates: Malagasy francs (FMG) per US$1 - 3,718.0 (November 1994), 1,913.8 (1993), 1,864.0 (1992), 1,835.4 (1991), 1,454.6 (December 1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Madagascar TransportationRailroads: total: 1,020 km narrow gauge: 1,020 km 1.000-m gaugeHighways: total: 40,000 km paved: 4,694 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, stabilized earth 811 km; other earth 34,495 km (est.)Inland waterways: of local importance only; isolated streams and small portions of Canal des PangalanesPorts: Antsiranana, Mahajanga, Port Saint-Louis, Toamasina, ToliariaMerchant marine: total: 10 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 20,261 GRT/28,193 DWT ships by type: cargo 5, chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas tanker 1, oil tanker 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2Airports: total: 138 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 21 with paved runways under 914 m: 42 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 5 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 64 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Madagascar CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; above average system local: NA intercity: open-wire lines, coaxial cables, microwave radio relay, and tropospheric scatter links international: submarine cable to Bahrain; 1 earth station for Indian Ocean INTELSATRadio: broadcast stations: AM 17, FM 3, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 1 (repeaters 36) televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Madagascar Defense ForcesBranches: Popular Armed Forces (includes Intervention Forces, Development Forces, Aeronaval Forces - includes Navy and Air Force), Gendarmerie, Presidential Security RegimentManpower availability: males age 15-49 3,027,156; males fit for military service 1,800,127; males reach military age (20) annually 130,071 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $35 million, 1.3% of GDP (1991)</text>
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<text>MADAGASCAR - Passport and visa required. Visa valid 6 months forsingle-entry up to 90 days, $22.50; or multiple-entries, $44.15 (nopersonal checks). Requires 4 application forms, 4 photos, yellow feverand cholera immunizations, proof of onward/return transportation andsufficient funds for stay. Include a prepaid envelope for return of passport by registered mail. Allow 4 months to process visa for longer stay. Foradditional information contact Embassy of the Democratic Republic ofMadagascar, 2374 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008(202/265-5525/6) or nearest Consulate: NY (212/986-9491), PA (215/893-3067) or CA (1-800/856-2721).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Madagascar============================================================Madagascar - Consular Information Sheet March 7, 1995Country Description: Madagascar is a developing island nation off the east coast of Africa. Facilities for tourism are available, but vary in quality.Entry Requirements: Passports and visas are required. Evidence of yellow fever immunizations must be submitted. For additional entry information, the traveler may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Madagascar, 2374 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 265-5525/6. There is a Madagasy Consulate in New York, telephone (212) 986-9491. Honorary Consuls are located in Philadelphia (215) 895-3067 and Palo Alto (415) 323-7113.Areas of Instability: Madagascar completed a transition to a multi-party democracy in 1993, and the capital, major cities and countryside remain relatively calm. Foreigners who remain near or photograph political gatherings or demonstrations, especially in towns outside Antananarivo, may be at risk.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are minimal. Many medicines are unavailable. Doctors and hospitals often request immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Street crime poses a risk for visitors, especially in the capital, Antananarivo. Reported incidents include muggings and purse snatchings. These crimes generally occur in or near public mass transit systems, and against individuals walking at night in the Antananarivo city center. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Air Travel: Domestic and international air services operate regularly but they are subject to delays and occasional breakdowns. Air Madagascar often changes flight schedules with little or no prior warning to passengers.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Antananarivo may obtain updated information on travel and security within Madagascar.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located in the capital city of Antananarivo, at 14 and 16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola. The mailing address is B.P. 620, Antsahavola, Madagascar. The telephone number is (261-2) 212-57, 200-89 or 207-18. No. 95-037This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 18, 1993, to revise the paragraph on Areas of Instability, to delete the paragraph on Demonstrations and to add a paragraph on Air Travel.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of GeographyLocation: Southeastern Europe, north of GreeceMap references: Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, EuropeArea: total area: 25,333 sq km land area: 24,856 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than VermontLand boundaries: total 748 km, Albania 151 km, Bulgaria 148 km, Greece 228 km, Serbia and Montenegro 221 km (all with Serbia)Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: dispute with Greece over name, symbols, and certain constitutional provisionsClimate: hot, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfallTerrain: mountainous territory covered with deep basins and valleys; there are three large lakes, each divided by a frontier line; country bisected by the Vardar RiverNatural resources: chromium, lead, zinc, manganese, tungsten, nickel, low-grade iron ore, asbestos, sulphur, timberLand use: arable land: 5% permanent crops: 5% meadows and pastures: 20% forest and woodland: 30% other: 40%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: air pollution from metallurgical plants natural hazards: high seismic risks international agreements: party to - Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer ProtectionNote: landlocked; major transportation corridor from Western and Central Europe to Aegean Sea and Southern Europe to Western Europe THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of PeoplePopulation: 2,159,503 (July 1995 est.) note: the Macedonian government census of July 1994 put the population at 1.94 million, but ethnic allocations were likely undercountedAge structure: 0-14 years: 25% (female 257,876; male 277,314) 15-64 years: 67% (female 711,810; male 733,903) 65 years and over: 8% (female 97,475; male 81,125) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.9% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 15.82 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.7 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -0.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 24.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74 years male: 71.87 years female: 76.3 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.02 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Macedonian(s) adjective: MacedonianEthnic divisions: Macedonian 65%, Albanian 22%, Turkish 4%, Serb 2%, Gypsies 3%, other 4%Religions: Eastern Orthodox 67%, Muslim 30%, other 3%Languages: Macedonian 70%, Albanian 21%, Turkish 3%, Serbo-Croatian 3%, other 3%Literacy: NA%Labor force: 591,773 (June 1994) by occupation: manufacturing and mining 40% (1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of GovernmentNames: conventional long form: The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia conventional short form: none local long form: Republika Makedonija local short form: MakedonijaAbbreviation: F.Y.R.O.M.Digraph: MKType: emerging democracyCapital: SkopjeAdministrative divisions: 34 counties (opstinas, singular - opstina) Berovo, Bitola, Brod, Debar, Delcevo, Gevgelija, Gostivar, Kavadarci, Kicevo, Kocani, Kratovo, Kriva Palanka, Krusevo, Kumanovo, Murgasevo, Negotino, Ohrid, Prilep, Probistip, Radovis, Resen, Skopje-Centar, Skopje-Cair, Skopje-Karpos, Skopje-Kisela Voda, Skopje-Gazi Baba, Stip, Struga, Strumica, Sveti Nikole, Tetovo, Titov Veles, Valandovo, VinicaIndependence: 17 September 1991 (from Yugoslavia)National holiday: 8 SeptemberConstitution: adopted 17 November 1991, effective 20 November 1991Legal system: based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative actsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Kiro GLIGOROV (since 27 January 1991); election last held 16 October 1994 (next to be held NA 1997); results - Kiro GLIGOROV was elected by the Assembly in 1991; reelected by popular vote in 1994 head of government: Prime Minister Branko CRVENKOVSKI (since 4 September 1992) cabinet: Council of Ministers; elected by the majority vote of all the deputies in the SobranjeLegislative branch: unicameral Assembly (Sobranje): elections last held 16 and 30 October 1994 (next to be held November 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (120 total) seats by party NAJudicial branch: Constitutional Court, Judicial Court of the Republic THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Social-Democratic Alliance of Macedonia (SDSM; former Communist Party), Branko CRVENKOVSKI, president; Party for Democratic Prosperity (PDP); note - two factions competing for party name; one faction is led by Abdurahman HALITI and the other faction is led by Arber XHAFFERI; National Democratic Party (NDP), Ilijas HALINI, president; Alliance of Reform Forces of Macedonia - Liberal Party (SRSM-LP), Stojan ANDOV, president; Socialist Party of Macedonia (SPM), Kiro POPOVSKI, president; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity (VMRO-DPMNE), Ljupco GEORGIEVSKI, president; Party of Yugoslavs in Macedonia (SJM), Milan DURCINOV, president; Democratic Party (DP), Petar GOSEV, presidentOther political or pressure groups: Movement for All Macedonian Action (MAAK); Democratic Party of Serbs; Democratic Party of Turks; Party for Democratic Action (Slavic Muslim)Member of: CCC, CE (guest), CEI, EBRD, ECE, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, OSCE (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: the US recognized The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on 8 February 1994US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Victor D. COMRAS liaison office: ul. 27 Mart No. 5, 9100 Skopje mailing address: USLO Skopje, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-7120 (pouch) telephone: [389] (91) 116-180 FAX: [389] (91) 117-103Flag: 16-point gold sun (Vergina, Sun) centered on a red field THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of EconomyOverview: The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, although the poorest republic in the former Yugoslav federation, can meet basic food and energy needs through its own agricultural and coal resources. Its economic decline will continue unless ties are reforged or enlarged with its neighbors Serbia and Montenegro, Albania, Greece, and Bulgaria. The economy depends on outside sources for all of its oil and gas and most of its modern machinery and parts. An important supplement of GDP is the remittances from thousands of Macedonians working in Germany and other West European nations. Continued political turmoil, both internally and in the region as a whole, prevents any swift readjustments of trade patterns and economic programs. The country's industrial output and GDP are expected to decline further in 1995. The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's geographical isolation, technological backwardness, and potential political instability place it far down the list of countries of interest to Western investors. Resolution of the dispute with Greece and an internal commitment to economic reform would encourage foreign investment over the long run. In the immediate future, the worst scenario for the economy would be the spread of fighting across its borders.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $1.9 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: -15% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $900 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 54% (1994)Unemployment rate: 30% (1993 est.)Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports: $1.06 billion (1993) commodities: manufactured goods 40%, machinery and transport equipment 14%, miscellaneous manufactured articles 23%, raw materials 7.6%, food (rice) and live animals 5.7%, beverages and tobacco 4.5%, chemicals 4.7% (1990) partners: principally Serbia and Montenegro and the other former Yugoslav republics, Germany, Greece, AlbaniaImports: $1.2 billion (1993) commodities: fuels and lubricants 19%, manufactured goods 18%, machinery and transport equipment 15%, food and live animals 14%, chemicals 11.4%, raw materials 10%, miscellaneous manufactured articles 8.0%, beverages and tobacco 3.5% (1990) partners: other former Yugoslav republics, Greece, Albania, Germany, BulgariaExternal debt: $840 million (1992)Industrial production: growth rate -14% (1993)Electricity: capacity: 1,600,000 kW THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Economy production: NA kWh consumption per capita: NA kWh (1993)Industries: low levels of technology predominate, such as, oil refining by distillation only; produces basic liquid fuels, coal, metallic chromium, lead, zinc, and ferronickel; light industry produces basic textiles, wood products, and tobaccoAgriculture: meets the basic needs for food; principal crops are rice, tobacco, wheat, corn, and millet; also grown are cotton, sesame, mulberry leaves, citrus fruit, and vegetables; agricultural production is highly labor intensiveIllicit drugs: limited illicit opium cultivation; transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroinEconomic aid: recipient: US $10 million (for humanitarian and technical assistance) EC promised a 100 ECU million economic aid package (1993)Currency: the denar, which was adopted by the Macedonian legislature 26 April 1992, was initially issued in the form of a coupon pegged to the German mark; subsequently repegged to a basket of seven currenciesExchange rates: denar per US$1 - 39 (November 1994), 865 (October 1992)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of TransportationRailroads: total: 922 km standard gauge: 922 km 1.435-m gauge (1994)Highways: total: 10,591 km paved: 5,091 km unpaved: gravel 1,404 km; earth 4,096 km (1991)Inland waterways: none, lake transport onlyPipelines: nonePorts: noneAirports: total: 16 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways under 914 m: 11 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of CommunicationsTelephone system: 125,000 telephones local: NA intercity: NA international: no satellite linksRadio: broadcast stations: AM 6, FM 2, shortwave 0 radios: 370,000Television: broadcast stations: 5 (relays 2) televisions: 325,000 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Police ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 585,403; males fit for military service 474,467; males reach military age (19) annually 19,693 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: 7 billion denars, NA% of GNP (1993 est.); note - conversion of the military budget into US dollars using the prevailing exchange rate could produce misleading results</text>
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<text>MACEDONIA, FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF - Entry permission can beobtained at border points. Macedonia does not currently maintain an embassy inthe U.S. For more information check with the Former Yugoslav Republic ofMacedonia's Office, 1015 15th St., N.W., Suite 402, Washington, D.C.20005 (202/682-0519).Macedonia - Consular Information SheetMay 5, 1994Country Description: The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) is adeveloping nation. Facilities for tourism are not fully developed. The useof the name "The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" is provisional andsubject to review.Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens need a passport and can obtain entrypermission at border points of entry. The FYROM does not have an embassy orconsulate in the United States, but has a representative office at 1015 15thStreet NW, Suite 402, Washington, DC 20005, telephone (202) 682-0519, wherefurther information can be obtained.Medical Facilities: Health facilities in the Former Yugoslav Republic ofMacedonia are limited. Medicines are in short supply. Doctors andhospitals usually expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S.medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelershave found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specificoverseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on healthmatters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's internationaltravelers' hotline on (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Theft and other petty crimes are on the rise in theFYROM, but are still low by U.S. standards. Emergency police assistance canbe obtained by dialing 92. Response time varies, but is generallyconsidered to be effective.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediatelyto the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Usefulinformation on guarding valuables and protecting personal security whiletraveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet "A SafeTrip Abroad," available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402.Other Information: Westerners who travel to the Former Yugoslav Republic ofMacedonia can expect shortages of fuel, and in some cases, long waits forprocessing at the border. To date, the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina andtensions in parts of Serbia-Montenegro have not otherwise significantlyaffected the FYROM.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking inillegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentencesand fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade,Serbia-Montenegro or the U.S. Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria can obtain updatedinformation on travel and security in the Former Yugoslav Republic ofMacedonia.Embassy Location: The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has beenrecognized as an independent country by the United States along with severalother Western nations. However, although officially recognized by theUnited States, no full diplomatic relations between the FYROM and the UnitedStates have been established. In December 1993, the United States opened aliaison office in Skopje, which provides only emergency services to Americancitizens.The U.S. Liaison Office is located at 27 Mart Street, No 5, Skopje,Macedonia. The telephone number is (389-91) 116-180, and the fax is (389-91) 117-103.U.S. citizens seeking non-emergency assistance can contact the U.S. Embassyin Sofia, Bulgaria or the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia-Montenegro. TheU.S. Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria is located at 1 Saborna, telephone (359-2)88-48-01 through 88-48-05. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy islocated at 1 Kapitan Andreev Street; the telephone numbers are the same.The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade is located at Kneza Milosa 50; telephone (381-11) 645-655. It provides limited assistance to U.S. citizens because ofconflict in the general area and reduced U.S. Embassy staffing.No. 94-068This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 29, 1993, toreflect the provisional use of the name "The Former Yugoslav Republic ofMacedonia," to indicate formal U.S. recognition, and to include the openingof the U.S. Liaison office in Skopje.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macau HeaderAffiliation: (overseas territory of Portugal) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macau GeographyLocation: Eastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and ChinaMap references: Southeast AsiaArea: total area: 16 sq km land area: 16 sq km comparative area: about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: total 0.34 km, China 0.34 kmCoastline: 40 kmMaritime claims: not specifiedInternational disputes: noneClimate: subtropical; marine with cool winters, warm summersTerrain: generally flatNatural resources: negligibleLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Ozone Layer Protection (extended from Portugal)Note: essentially urban; one causeway and one bridge connect the two islands to the peninsula on mainland THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macau PeoplePopulation: 490,901 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 24% (female 56,991; male 60,944) 15-64 years: 68% (female 167,366; male 165,168) 65 years and over: 8% (female 23,537; male 16,895) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.25% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 14.5 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 4.21 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 2.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 5.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 79.86 years male: 77.41 years female: 82.43 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.49 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Macanese (singular and plural) adjective: MacauEthnic divisions: Chinese 95%, Portuguese 3%, other 2%Religions: Buddhist 45%, Roman Catholic 7%, Protestant 1%, none 45.8%, other 1.2% (1981)Languages: Portuguese (official), Cantonese is the language of commerceLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1981) total population: 90% male: 93% female: 86%Labor force: 180,000 (1986) by occupation: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macau GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Macau local long form: none local short form: Ilha de MacauDigraph: MCType: overseas territory of Portugal scheduled to revert to China in 1999Capital: MacauAdministrative divisions: 2 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Ilhas, MacauIndependence: none (territory of Portugal; Portugal signed an agreement with China on 13 April 1987 to return Macau to China on 20 December 1999; in the joint declaration, China promises to respect Macau's existing social and economic systems and lifestyle for 50 year after transition)National holiday: Day of Portugal, 10 June (1580)Constitution: 17 February 1976, Organic Law of Macau; basic law drafted primarily by Beijing awaiting final approvalLegal system: Portuguese civil law systemSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President (of Portugal) Mario Alberto SOARES (since 9 March 1986) head of government: Governor Gen. Vasco Joachim Rocha VIEIRA (since 20 March 1991) cabinet: Consultative Council; consists of five members appointed by the governor, two nominated by the governor, five members elected for a four-year term (2 represent administrative bodies, 1 represents moral, cultural, and welfare interests, and 2 economic interests), and three statuatory membersLegislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly: elections last held on 10 March 1991 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (23 total, 8 elected by universal suffrage, 8 by indirect suffrage, and 7 appointed by the governor) number of seats by party NAJudicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: Association to Defend the Interests of Macau; Macau Democratic Center; Group to Study the Development of Macau; Macau Independent GroupOther political or pressure groups: wealthy Macanese and Chinese representing local interests, wealthy pro-Communist merchants representing China's interests; in January 1967 the Macau Government acceded to Chinese demands that gave China veto power over administration THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macau GovernmentMember of: CCC, ESCAP (associate), GATT, IMO (associate), INTERPOL (subbureau), WTO (associate)Diplomatic representation in US: none (Chinese territory under Portuguese administration)US diplomatic representation: the US has no offices in Macau, and US interests are monitored by the US Consulate General in Hong KongFlag: the flag of Portugal is used THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macau EconomyOverview: The economy is based largely on tourism (including gambling) and textile and fireworks manufacturing. Efforts to diversify have spawned other small industries - toys, artificial flowers, and electronics. The tourist sector has accounted for roughly 25% of GDP, and the clothing industry has provided about two-thirds of export earnings; the gambling industry represented well over 40% of GDP in 1992. Macau depends on China for most of its food, fresh water, and energy imports. Japan and Hong Kong are the main suppliers of raw materials and capital goods.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $4.8 billion (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $10,000 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.7% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate: 2% (1992 est.)Budget: revenues: $305 million expenditures: $298 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989 est.)Exports: $1.8 billion (1992 est.) commodities: textiles, clothing, toys partners: US 35%, Hong Kong 12.5%, Germany 12%, China 9.9%, France 8% (1992 est.)Imports: $2 billion (1992 est.) commodities: raw materials, foodstuffs, capital goods partners: Hong Kong 33%, China 20%, Japan 18% (1992 est.)External debt: $91 million (1985)Industrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 258,000 kW production: 950 million kWh consumption per capita: 2,093 kWh (1993)Industries: clothing, textiles, toys, plastic products, furniture, tourismAgriculture: rice, vegetables; food shortages - rice, vegetables, meat; depends mostly on imports for food requirementsEconomic aid: noneCurrency: 1 pataca (P) = 100 avos THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macau EconomyExchange rates: patacas (P) per US$1 - 8.034 (1991-94), 8.024 (1990), 8.030 (1989); note - linked to the Hong Kong dollar at the rate of 1.03 patacas per Hong Kong dollarFiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macau TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 42 km paved: 42 kmPorts: MacauMerchant marine: noneAirports: none usable, 1 under construction; 1 seaplane station THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macau CommunicationsTelephone system: 52,000 telephones; fairly modern communication facilities maintained for domestic and international services local: NA intercity: NA international: high-frequency radio communication facility; access to international communications carriers provided via Hong Kong and China; 1 INTELSAT (Indian Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 4, FM 3, shortwave 0 radios: 115,000Television: broadcast stations: 0; note - TV programs received from Hong Kong televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Macau Defense ForcesBranches: NAManpower availability: males age 15-49 141,160; males fit for military service 78,578 (1995 est.)Note: defense is responsibility of Portugal</text>
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<text>MACAU - Passport required. Visa not required for visits up to 60 days.For further information consult nearest Portuguese Consulate: Washington, D.C. (202/332-3007), San Francisco (415/346-3400), New Bedford(508/997-6151), Newark (201/622-7300), NY (212/246-4580), Providence(401/272-2003) or Portuguese Consulate in Hong Kong (231-338).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Macau============================================================Macau - Consular Information Sheet December 5, 1995Country Description: Macau is a Chinese territory administered by Portugal and will return to Chinese sovereignty in 1999. Facilities for tourism are well developed. Macau includes a six-square-mile area on the mainland of China bordering the South China Sea, and the small, adjacent islands of Taipa and Coloane.Entry Requirements: Information on entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of Portugal at 2125 Kalorama Road N.W., Washington D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 328-8610, or from the American Consulate General in Hong Kong, telephone (852) 2523-9011.Medical Facilities: There are at least two major hospitals in Macau that have adequate medical facilities and are able to provide medical care in emergency situations. Highly developed medical facilities and trained personnel are available in Hong Kong, which is about an hour by jetfoil and ten minutes by helicopter from Macau. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is generally not valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Petty street crime occasionally occurs in tourist areas in Macau, including in and around casinos. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and to the nearest U.S. consulate. Information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal safety can be found in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It can be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they travel. Penalties for possession or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section of the American Consulate General in Hong Kong can obtain updated information on travel and security conditions in Macau.Embassy Location: There is no U.S. diplomatic presence in Macau. Consular assistance for U.S. citizens is provided by the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong. The address is 26 Garden Road, Central District, Hong Kong. The telephone number in Hong Kong is (852) 2523-9011; fax (852) 2845-4845. No. 95-155This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 29, 1994 to update information on entry requirements, and provide updated telephone and fax numbers of the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Macau============================================================Macau - Consular Information Sheet December 5, 1995Country Description: Macau is a Chinese territory administered by Portugal and will return to Chinese sovereignty in 1999. Facilities for tourism are well developed. Macau includes a six-square-mile area on the mainland of China bordering the South China Sea, and the small, adjacent islands of Taipa and Coloane.Entry Requirements: Information on entry requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of Portugal at 2125 Kalorama Road N.W., Washington D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 328-8610, or from the American Consulate General in Hong Kong, telephone (852) 2523-9011.Medical Facilities: There are at least two major hospitals in Macau that have adequate medical facilities and are able to provide medical care in emergency situations. Highly developed medical facilities and trained personnel are available in Hong Kong, which is about an hour by jetfoil and ten minutes by helicopter from Macau. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is generally not valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Petty street crime occasionally occurs in tourist areas in Macau, including in and around casinos. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and to the nearest U.S. consulate. Information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal safety can be found in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It can be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they travel. Penalties for possession or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section of the American Consulate General in Hong Kong can obtain updated information on travel and security conditions in Macau.Embassy Location: There is no U.S. diplomatic presence in Macau. Consular assistance for U.S. citizens is provided by the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong. The address is 26 Garden Road, Central District, Hong Kong. The telephone number in Hong Kong is (852) 2523-9011; fax (852) 2845-4845. No. 95-155This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 29, 1994 to update information on entry requirements, and provide updated telephone and fax numbers of the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Luxembourg GeographyLocation: Western Europe, between France and GermanyMap references: EuropeArea: total area: 2,586 sq km land area: 2,586 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Rhode IslandLand boundaries: total 359 km, Belgium 148 km, France 73 km, Germany 138 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: noneClimate: modified continental with mild winters, cool summersTerrain: mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow valleys; uplands to slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope down to Moselle floodplain in the southeastNatural resources: iron ore (no longer exploited)Land use: arable land: 24% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 20% forest and woodland: 21% other: 34%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: deforestation; air and water pollution in urban areas natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the SeaNote: landlocked THE WORLD FACTBOOK Luxembourg PeoplePopulation: 404,660 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 18% (female 35,372; male 36,645) 15-64 years: 68% (female 136,960; male 137,792) 65 years and over: 14% (female 35,774; male 22,117) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.57% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 12.61 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 9.42 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 2.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 6.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.95 years male: 73.31 years female: 80.75 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.65 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Luxembourger(s) adjective: LuxembourgEthnic divisions: Celtic base (with French and German blend), Portuguese, Italian, and European (guest and worker residents)Religions: Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant and Jewish 3%Languages: Luxembourgisch, German, French, EnglishLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) total population: 100% male: 100% female: 100%Labor force: 177,300 (one-third of labor force is foreign workers, mostly from Portugal, Italy, France, Belgium, and Germany) by occupation: services 65%, industry 31.6%, agriculture 3.4% (1988) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Luxembourg GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg conventional short form: Luxembourg local long form: Grand-Duche de Luxembourg local short form: LuxembourgDigraph: LUType: constitutional monarchyCapital: LuxembourgAdministrative divisions: 3 districts; Diekirch, Grevenmacher, LuxembourgIndependence: 1839National holiday: National Day, 23 June (1921) (public celebration of the Grand Duke's birthday)Constitution: 17 October 1868, occasional revisionsLegal system: based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsoryExecutive branch: chief of state: Grand Duke JEAN (since 12 November 1964); Heir Apparent Prince HENRI (son of Grand Duke JEAN, born 16 April 1955) head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Claude JUNKER (since 1 January 1994); Vice Prime Minister Jacques F. POOS (since 21 July 1984) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the sovereignLegislative branch: unicameral Chamber of Deputies (Chambre des Deputes): elections last held on 12 June 1994 (next to be held by June 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (60 total) CSV 21, LSAP 17, DP 12, Action Committee for Democracy and Pension Rights 5, Greens 5 note: the Council of State (Conseil d'Etat) is an advisory body whose views are considered by the Chamber of DeputiesJudicial branch: Superior Court of Justice (Cour Superieure de Justice)Political parties and leaders: Christian Social People's Party (CSV), Erna HENNICOT-SCHOEPGES; Socialist Workers Party (LSAP), Ben FAYOT; Democratic Party (DP), Henri GRETHEN; Action Committee for Democracy and Pension Rights, Roby MEHLEN; other minor partiesOther political or pressure groups: group of steel companies representing iron and steel industry; Centrale Paysanne representing agricultural producers; Christian and Socialist labor unions; Federation of Industrialists; Artisans and Shopkeepers Federation THE WORLD FACTBOOK Luxembourg GovernmentMember of: ACCT, Australia Group, Benelux, CCC, CE, EBRD, EC, ECE, EIB, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OECD, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Alphonse BERNS chancery: 2200 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 265-4171 FAX: [1] (202) 328-8270 consulate(s) general: New York and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Clay CONSTANTINOU embassy: 22 Boulevard Emmanuel-Servais, 2535 Luxembourg City mailing address: PSC 11, Luxembourg City; APO AE 09132-5380 telephone: [352] 46 01 23 FAX: [352] 46 14 01Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and light blue; similar to the flag of the Netherlands, which uses a darker blue and is shorter; design was based on the flag of France THE WORLD FACTBOOK Luxembourg EconomyOverview: The stable, prosperous economy features moderate growth, low inflation, and negligible unemployment. Agriculture is based on small but highly productive family-owned farms. The industrial sector, until recently dominated by steel, has become increasingly more diversified, particularly toward high-technology firms. During the past decade, growth in the financial sector has more than compensated for the decline in steel. Services, especially banking, account for a growing proportion of the economy. Luxembourg participates in an economic union with Belgium on trade and most financial matters, is also closely connected economically to the Netherlands, and as a member of the 15-member European Union enjoys the advantages of the open European market.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $9.2 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 2.6% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $22,830 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.6% (1992)Unemployment rate: 2.4% (1994)Budget: revenues: $4 billion expenditures: $4.05 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1994 est.)Exports: $6.4 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: finished steel products, chemicals, rubber products, glass, aluminum, other industrial products partners: EC 76%, US 5%Imports: $8.3 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: minerals, metals, foodstuffs, quality consumer goods partners: Belgium 37%, Germany 31%, France 12%, US 2%External debt: $800 million (1994 est.)Industrial production: growth rate -0.5% (1990); accounts for 25% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 1,238,750 kW production: 1.374 billion kWh consumption per capita: 3,395 kWh (1993)Industries: banking, iron and steel, food processing, chemicals, metal products, engineering, tires, glass, aluminumAgriculture: accounts for less than 3% of GDP (including forestry); principal products - barley, oats, potatoes, wheat, fruits, wine grapes; cattle raising widespread THE WORLD FACTBOOK Luxembourg EconomyEconomic aid: noneCurrency: 1 Luxembourg franc (LuxF) = 100 centimesExchange rates: Luxembourg francs (LuxF) per US$1 - 31.549 (January 1995), 33,456 (1994), 34.597 (1993), 32.150 (1992), 34.148 (1991), 33.418 (1990); note - the Luxembourg franc is at par with the Belgian franc, which circulates freely in LuxembourgFiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Luxembourg TransportationRailroads: total: 271 km standard gauge: 271 km 1.435-m gauge (243 km electrified; 178 km double track) (1994)Highways: total: 5,108 km paved: 5,062 km (95 km of limited access divided highway) unpaved: 46 km (1992)Inland waterways: 37 km; Moselle RiverPipelines: petroleum products 48 kmPorts: MertertMerchant marine: total: 45 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,129,466 GRT/1,790,988 DWT ships by type: bulk 6, cargo 2, chemical tanker 4, combination bulk 6, container 2, liquefied gas tanker 8, oil tanker 7, passenger 2, refrigerated cargo 6, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2Airports: total: 2 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Luxembourg CommunicationsTelephone system: 230,000 telephones; highly developed, completely automated and efficient system, mainly buried cables; nationwide mobile phone system local: NA intercity: buried cable international: 3 channels leased on TAT-6 coaxial submarine cableRadio: broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 3 and 1 direct-broadcast satellite link televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Luxembourg Defense ForcesBranches: Army, National GendarmerieManpower availability: males age 15-49 103,990; males fit for military service 85,912; males reach military age (19) annually 2,190 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $129 million, 1.2% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>LUXEMBOURG - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/businessstay up to 3 months. For additional information contact Embassy ofLuxembourg, 2200 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008(202/265-4171) or the nearest Consulate: CA (415/788-0816), FL (305/373-1300), GA(404/668-9811), IL (312/726-0355), MO (816/474-4761), NY (212/888-6664)or OH (312/726-0355).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Luxembourg============================================================Luxembourg - Consular Information Sheet October 18, 1995Country Description: Luxembourg is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: A visa is not required for tourist or business stays up to three months out of a 180-day period within the area of the Schengen countries, i.e., Luxembourg, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. For further information concerning entry requirements for Luxembourg, travelers can contact the Embassy of Luxembourg at 2200 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel (202) 265-4171, or the Luxembourg Consulates General in New York or San Francisco.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are widely available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Information on specific health matters is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Luxembourg has a low crime rate. However, during the tourist season, pickpocketing, theft of unattended baggage, and theft from vehicles can occur. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration and Embassy Location: Americans who reside in Luxembourg can register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy. The section has available updated information on travel and security within the area. The Embassy is located at 22 Boulevard Emmanuel-Servais in Luxembourg City, telephone (352) 46-01-23. No. 95-129This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 18, 1994 issued to update the section on Entry Requirements.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Luxembourg============================================================Luxembourg - Consular Information Sheet October 18, 1995Country Description: Luxembourg is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: A visa is not required for tourist or business stays up to three months out of a 180-day period within the area of the Schengen countries, i.e., Luxembourg, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. For further information concerning entry requirements for Luxembourg, travelers can contact the Embassy of Luxembourg at 2200 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel (202) 265-4171, or the Luxembourg Consulates General in New York or San Francisco.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are widely available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Information on specific health matters is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Luxembourg has a low crime rate. However, during the tourist season, pickpocketing, theft of unattended baggage, and theft from vehicles can occur. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free voyage. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration and Embassy Location: Americans who reside in Luxembourg can register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy. The section has available updated information on travel and security within the area. The Embassy is located at 22 Boulevard Emmanuel-Servais in Luxembourg City, telephone (352) 46-01-23. No. 95-129This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 18, 1994 issued to update the section on Entry Requirements.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lithuania GeographyLocation: Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Latvia and RussiaMap references: EuropeArea: total area: 65,200 sq km land area: 65,200 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than West VirginiaLand boundaries: total 1,273 km, Belarus 502 km, Latvia 453 km, Poland 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad) 227 kmCoastline: 108 kmMaritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: dispute with Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) over the position of the Nemunas (Nemen) River border presently located on the Lithuanian bank and not in midriver as by international standardsClimate: maritime; wet, moderate winters and summersTerrain: lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soilNatural resources: peatLand use: arable land: 49.1% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 22.2% forest and woodland: 16.3% other: 12.4%Irrigated land: 430 sq km (1990)Environment: current issues: contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products and chemicals at military bases natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lithuania PeoplePopulation: 3,876,396 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 23% (female 426,616; male 444,556) 15-64 years: 65% (female 1,299,052; male 1,227,420) 65 years and over: 12% (female 313,217; male 165,535) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.71% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 14.46 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 10.95 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 3.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 16.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.37 years male: 66.68 years female: 76.3 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Lithuanian(s) adjective: LithuanianEthnic divisions: Lithuanian 80.1%, Russian 8.6%, Polish 7.7%, Byelorussian 1.5%, other 2.1%Religions: Roman Catholic, Lutheran, otherLanguages: Lithuanian (official), Polish, RussianLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989) total population: 98% male: 99% female: 98%Labor force: 1.836 million by occupation: industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 18%, other 40% (1990) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lithuania GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Lithuania conventional short form: Lithuania local long form: Lietuvos Respublika local short form: Lietuva former: Lithuanian Soviet Socialist RepublicDigraph: LHType: republicCapital: VilniusAdministrative divisions: 44 regions (rajonai, singular - rajonas) and 11 municipalities*: Akmenes Rajonas, Alytaus Rajonas, Alytus*, Anyksciu Rajonas, Birsionas*, Birzu Rajonas, Druskininkai*, Ignalinos Rajonas, Jonavos Rajonas, Joniskio Rajonas, Jurbarko Rajonas, Kaisiadoriu Rajonas, Marijampoles Rajonas, Kaunas*, Kauno Rajonas, Kedainiu Rajonas, Kelmes Rajonas, Klaipeda*, Klaipedos Rajonas, Kretingos Rajonas, Kupiskio Rajonas, Lazdiju Rajonas, Marijampole*, Mazeikiu Rajonas, Moletu Rajonas, Neringa* Pakruojo Rajonas, Palanga*, Panevezio Rajonas, Panevezys*, Pasvalio Rajonas, Plunges Rajonas, Prienu Rajonas, Radviliskio Rajonas, Raseiniu Rajonas, Rokiskio Rajonas, Sakiu Rajonas, Salcininky Rajonas, Siauliai*, Siauliu Rajonas, Silales Rajonas, Siltues Rajonas, Sirvinty Rajonas, Skuodo Rajonas, Svencioniu Rajonas, Taurages Rajonas, Telsiu Rajonas, Traky Rajonas, Ukmerges Rajonas, Utenos Rajonas, Varenos Rajonas, Vilkaviskio Rajonas, Vilniaus Rajonas, Vilnius*, Zarasu RajonasIndependence: 6 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)National holiday: Independence Day, 16 February (1918)Constitution: adopted 25 October 1992Legal system: based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative actsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Algirdas Mykolas BRAZAUSKAS (since 25 November 1992; elected acting president by Parliament 25 November 1992 and elected by direct vote 15 February 1993); election last held 14 February 1993 (next to be held NA 1997); results - Algirdas BRAZAUSKAS was elected; note - on 25 November 1992 BRAZAUSKAS was elected chairman of Parliament and, as such, acting president of the Republic; he was confirmed in office by direct balloting 15 February 1993 head of government: Premier Adolfas SLEZEVICIUS (since 10 March 1993) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president on the nomination of the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lithuania Government Seimas (parliament): elections last held 26 October and 25 November 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - LDDP 51%; seats - (141 total) LDDP 73, Conservative Party 30, LKDP 17, LTS 8, Farmers' Union 4, LLS 4, Center Union 2, others 3Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Court of AppealsPolitical parties and leaders: Christian Democratic Party (LKDP), Povilas KATILIUS, chairman; Democratic Labor Party of Lithuania (LDDP), Adolfas SLEZEVICIUS, chairman; Lithuanian Nationalist Union (LTS), Rimantas SMETONA, chairman; Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP), Aloyzas SAKALAS, chairman; Farmers' Union, Jonas CIULEVICIUS, chairman; Center Union, Romualdas OZOLAS, chairman; Conservative Party, Vytautas LANDSBERGIS, chairman; Lithuanian Polish Union (LLS), Rytardas MACIKIANEC, chairmanOther political or pressure groups: Homeland Union; Lithuanian Future Forum; Farmers UnionMember of: BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NACC, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WEU (associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Alfonsas EIDINTAS chancery: 2622 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 234-5860, 2639 FAX: [1] (202) 328-0466 consulate(s) general: New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador James W. SWIHART, Jr. embassy: Akmenu 6, Vilnius 2600 mailing address: APO AE 09723 telephone: [370] (2) 223-031 FAX: [370] (2) 222-779Flag: three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), green, and red THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lithuania EconomyOverview: Since independence in September 1991, Lithuania has made steady progress in developing a market economy. Almost 50% of state property has been privatized and trade is diversifying with a gradual shift away from the former Soviet Union to Western markets. In addition, the Lithuanian government has adhered to a disciplined budgetary and financial policy which has brought inflation down from a monthly average of around 14% in first half 1993 to an average of 3.1% in 1994. Nevertheless, the process has been painful with industrial output in 1993 less than half the 1991 level. The economy appeared to have bottomed out in 1994, and Vilnius's policies have laid the groundwork for vigorous recovery over the next few years. Recovery will build on Lithuanian's strategic location with its ice-free port at Klaipeda and its rail and highway hub in Vilnius connecting it with Eastern Europe, Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine, and on its agriculture potential, highly skilled labor force, and diversified industrial sector. Lacking important natural resources, it will remain dependent on imports of fuels and raw materials.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $13.5 billion (1994 estimate as extrapolated from World Bank estimate for 1992)National product real growth rate: -0.5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $3,500 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.1% (monthly average 1994)Unemployment rate: 4.5% (January 1995)Budget: revenues: $258.5 million expenditures: $270.2 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)Exports: $2.2 billion (1994) commodities: electronics 18%, petroleum products 5%, food 10%, chemicals 6% (1989) partners: Russia, Ukraine, GermanyImports: $2.7 billion (1994) commodities: oil 24%, machinery 14%, chemicals 8%, grain NA% (1989) partners: Russia, Germany, BelarusExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate -52% (1992); accounts for 35% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 6,190,000 kW production: 18.9 billion kWh consumption per capita: 4,608 kWh (1993) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lithuania EconomyIndustries: industry's share in the economy has been declining substantially over the past year, due to the economic crisis and the growth of services in the economy; among branches which are still important: metal-cutting machine tools 6.6%, electric motors 4.6%, television sets 6.2%, refrigerators and freezers 5.4%; other branches: petroleum refining, shipbuilding (small ships), furniture making, textiles, food processing, fertilizers, agricultural machinery, optical equipment, electronic components, computers, and amberAgriculture: employs around 18% of labor force; accounts for 25% of GDP; sugar, grain, potatoes, sugar beets, vegetables, meat, milk, dairy products, eggs, fish; most developed are the livestock and dairy branches, which depend on imported grain; net exporter of meat, milk, and eggsIllicit drugs: transshipment point for illicit drugs from Central and Southwest Asia and Latin America to Western Europe; limited producer of illicit opium; mostly for domestic consumptionEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (1992), $10 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-86), $NA million; Communist countries (1971-86), $NA millionCurrency: introduced the convertible litas in June 1993Exchange rates: litai per US$1 - 4 (fixed rate 1 May 1994)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lithuania TransportationRailroads: total: 2,010 km broad gauge: 2,010 km 1.524-m gauge (120 km electrified) (1990)Highways: total: 44,200 km paved: 35,500 km unpaved: earth 8,700 km (1990)Inland waterways: 600 km perennially navigablePipelines: crude oil, 105 km; natural gas 760 km (1992)Ports: Kaunas, KlaipedaMerchant marine: total: 44 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 275,893 GRT/321,440 DWT ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 28, combination bulk 11, railcar carrier 3, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1Airports: total: 96 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 with paved runways under 914 m: 14 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 6 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 63 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lithuania CommunicationsTelephone system: 900,000 telephones; 240 telephones/1,000 persons; telecommunications system ranks among the most modern of the former Soviet republics local: NA intercity: land lines and microwave radio relay international: international connections no longer depend on the Moscow gateway switch, but are established by satellite through Oslo from Vilnius and through Copenhagen from Kaunas; 1 EUTELSAT and 1 INTELSAT earth station; an NMT-450 analog cellular network operates in Vilnius and other cities and is linked internationally through Copenhagen by EUTELSAT; international electronic mail is available; land lines or microwave to former USSR republicsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 13, FM 26, shortwave 1, longwave 1 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 3 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lithuania Defense ForcesBranches: Ground Forces, Navy, Air and Air Defense Force, Security Forces (internal and border troops), National Guard (Skat)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 949,663; males fit for military service 750,386; males reach military age (18) annually 27,630 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $30 million, 2% of GDP (1994); note - for 1995 defense expenditures were $54 million at exchange rate conversion</text>
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<text>LITHUANIA - Passport and visa required. Visa requires 1 applicationform and $25 fee. AIDS test required for pemanent residence permits. U.S.test sometimes accepted. For further information contact Embassy ofLithuania, 2622 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/234-5860).Lithuania - Consular Information SheetNovember 10, 1994Country Description: Lithuania is a country undergoing profound politicaland economic change. Tourist facilities continue to be developed. Mostgoods and services are now available in the major cities, but may not befully comparable to Western standards.Entry Requirements: A passport is required, but U.S. citizens are notrequired to obtain Lithuanian visas for most stays of 90 days or less. U.S.citizens may contact the Lithuanian Embassy at 2622 16th Street, Washington,D.C. 20009, tel. (202) 234-5860 for current information on visarequirements. Travelers who plan to enter Russia, even in transit, willneed a Russian visa. Entry by train from Belarus requires a Belarussiantransit visa.Medical Facilities: Medical care in Lithuania is limited. There is asevere shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles,anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existinghealth problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities.Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for healthservices. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the UnitedStates. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medicalinsurance with specific overseas coverage has proven to be useful.Significant outbreaks of diphtheria have occurred during the winter of1993/94. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend up-to-datediphtheria vaccinations. Further information on health matters can beobtained from the CDC's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Street crime, including purse snatchings and muggings,can occur, especially at night near major tourist hotels and restaurants.Auto theft and auto vandalism is common. Robberies have occurred on trains,in train stations, and in hotel rooms. Police forces suffer from a lack ofmanpower, resources and equipment. Local police are not likely to speakEnglish, and it may be difficult to obtain police assistance.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediatelyto the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. TheDepartment of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides usefulinformation on guarding valuables and personal security while travelingabroad. This publication is available from the Superintendent of Documents,U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Currency Regulations: Lithuania is still primarily a cash economy, thoughan increasing number of hotels, restaurants and other businesses now acceptmajor credit cards.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking inillegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentencesand fines.Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S.Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security withinLithuania.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania, is located atAkmenu 6;Telephone (370-6) 706-083. After hours duty officer: (370-2) 227-240.No. 94-266This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 29, 1993 to addinformation on diphtheria outbreaks and to update information on entryrequirements, crime, currency regulations and new embassy telephone numbers.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liechtenstein GeographyLocation: Central Europe, between Austria and SwitzerlandMap references: EuropeArea: total area: 160 sq km land area: 160 sq km comparative area: about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: total 78 km, Austria 37 km, Switzerland 41 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: claims 1,600 square kilometers of Czech territory confiscated from its royal family in 1918; the Czech Republic insists that restitution does not go back before February 1948, when the Communists seized powerClimate: continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summersTerrain: mostly mountainous (Alps) with Rhine Valley in western thirdNatural resources: hydroelectric potentialLand use: arable land: 25% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 38% forest and woodland: 19% other: 18%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Law of the SeaNote: landlocked; variety of microclimatic variations based on elevation THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liechtenstein PeoplePopulation: 30,654 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 19% (female 2,897; male 2,974) 15-64 years: 71% (female 10,853; male 10,777) 65 years and over: 10% (female 1,930; male 1,223) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.2% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 12.95 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.56 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 5.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 5.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.52 years male: 73.86 years female: 81.17 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.47 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Liechtensteiner(s) adjective: LiechtensteinEthnic divisions: Alemannic 95%, Italian and other 5%Religions: Roman Catholic 87.3%, Protestant 8.3%, unknown 1.6%, other 2.8% (1988)Languages: German (official), Alemannic dialectLiteracy: age 10 and over can read and write (1981) total population: 100% male: 100% female: 100%Labor force: 19,905 of which 11,933 are foreigners; 6,885 commute from Austria and Switzerland to work each day by occupation: industry, trade, and building 53.2%, services 45%, agriculture, fishing, forestry, and horticulture 1.8% (1990) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liechtenstein GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Principality of Liechtenstein conventional short form: Liechtenstein local long form: Furstentum Liechtenstein local short form: LiechtensteinDigraph: LSType: hereditary constitutional monarchyCapital: VaduzAdministrative divisions: 11 communes (gemeinden, singular - gemeinde); Balzers, Eschen, Gamprin, Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg, Triesen, Triesenberg, VaduzIndependence: 23 January 1719 (Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein established)National holiday: Assumption Day, 15 AugustConstitution: 5 October 1921Legal system: local civil and penal codes; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Prince Hans ADAM II (since 13 November 1989; assumed executive powers 26 August 1984); Heir Apparent Prince ALOIS von und zu Liechtenstein (born 11 June 1968) head of government: Mario FRICK (since 15 December 1993); Deputy Head of Government Dr. Thomas BUECHEL (since 15 December 1993) cabinet: Cabinet; elected by the Diet; confirmed by the sovereignLegislative branch: unicameral Diet (Landtag): elections last held on 24 October 1993 (next to be held by March 1997); results - VU 50.1%, FBP 41.3%, FL 8.5%; seats - (25 total) VU 13, FBP 11, FL 1Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Oberster Gerichtshof) for criminal cases, Superior Court (Obergericht) for civil casesPolitical parties and leaders: Fatherland Union (VU), Dr. Oswald KRANTZ; Progressive Citizens' Party (FBP), Otmar HASLER; The Free List (FL)Member of: CE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, GATT, IAEA, ICRM, IFRCS, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WCL, WIPODiplomatic representation in US: in routine diplomatic matters, Liechtenstein is represented in the US by the Swiss Embassy THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liechtenstein GovernmentUS diplomatic representation: the US has no diplomatic or consular mission in Liechtenstein, but the US Consul General at Zurich (Switzerland) has consular accreditation at VaduzFlag: two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a gold crown on the hoist side of the blue band THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liechtenstein EconomyOverview: Despite its small size and limited natural resources, Liechtenstein has developed into a prosperous, highly industrialized, free-enterprise economy with a vital service sector and living standards on par with its large European neighbors. Low business taxes - the maximum tax rate is 20% - and easy incorporation rules have induced about 25,000 holding or so-called letter box companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein, providing 30% of state revenues. The country participates in a customs union with Switzerland and uses the Swiss franc as its national currency. Liechtenstein plans to join the European Economic Area (an organization serving as a bridge between EFTA and EU) in 1995.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $630 million (1990 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $22,300 (1990 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.4% (1990)Unemployment rate: 1.5% (1994)Budget: revenues: $259 million expenditures: $292 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1990 est.)Exports: $NA commodities: small specialty machinery, dental products, stamps, hardware, pottery partners: EC countries 42.7%, EFTA countries 20.9% (Switzerland 15.4%), other 36.4% (1990)Imports: $NA commodities: machinery, metal goods, textiles, foodstuffs, motor vehicles partners: NAExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 23,000 kW production: 150 million kWh consumption per capita: 5,230 kWh (1992)Industries: electronics, metal manufacturing, textiles, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, food products, precision instruments, tourismAgriculture: livestock, vegetables, corn, wheat, potatoes, grapesEconomic aid: noneCurrency: 1 Swiss franc, franken, or franco (SwF) = 100 centimes, rappen, or centesimi THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liechtenstein EconomyExchange rates: Swiss francs, franken, or franchi (SwF) per US$1 - 1.2880 (January 1995), 1.3677 (1994), 1.4776 (1993), 1.4062 (1992), 1.4340 (1991), 1.3892 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liechtenstein TransportationRailroads: total: 18.5 km; note - owned, operated, and included in statistics of Austrian Federal Railways standard gauge: 18.5 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified)Highways: total: 322.93 km paved: 322.93 kmPorts: noneAirports: none THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liechtenstein CommunicationsTelephone system: 25,400 telephones; limited, but sufficient automatic telephone system local: NA intercity: NA international: linked to Swiss networks by cable and radio relayRadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: NA note: linked to Swiss networksTelevision: broadcast stations: NA televisions: NA note: linked to Swiss networks THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liechtenstein Defense ForcesNote: defense is responsibility of Switzerland</text>
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<text>LIECHTENSTEIN - Passport required. Visa not required fortourist/business stay up to 3 months. For further information consult the Swiss Embassy (202/745-7900).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Switzerland and Liechtenstein============================================================Switzerland and Liechtenstein - Consular Information Sheet June 30, 1995Country Descriptions: Switzerland is a highly developed democracy with a modern economy. Liechtenstein is a stable, democratically-run constitutional monarchy with a modern economy. Tourist services are widely available.Entry Requirements: For both Switzerland and Liechtenstein, a passport is required; a visa is not required for tourist or business stays up to three months. For further information on entry requirements for both countries, travelers may contact the Embassy of Switzerland at 2900 Cathedral Avenue N.W., Washington D.C. 20008, tel (202) 745-7900, or the nearest Swiss Consulate General in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco.Medical Facilities: Good medical care is widely available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Information on specific health matters is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Switzerland has a low rate of violent crime. However, pickpocketing and purse-snatching do occur during peak tourist periods (such as summer and Christmas) and when major conferences, shows, or exhibits are scheduled in major cities. Most crime is restricted to specific localities in major cities that are best avoided by the prudent traveler and residents, such as areas frequented by drug dealers and users, the general vicinity of train and bus stations, and some public parks. Liechtenstein has a low crime rate.Travelers may wish to exercise caution on trains, especially on overnight trains to neighboring countries. Even locked sleeping compartments can be entered by thieves who steal from passengers while they sleep.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. In Switzerland and in Liechtenstein, the penalties for possession, use, and dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who are considered to also have Swiss citizenship may be subject to compulsory military service and other requirements while in Switzerland. Those who might be affected may inquire at a Swiss embassy or consulate regarding their status. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. government efforts to provide protection abroad.Registration and Embassy and Consulate Locations: U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section at the below locations may obtain updated information on travel and security in Switzerland.The U.S. Embassy in Bern is located at Jubilaeumstrasse 93, telephone (41-31) 357-7011, fax (41-31) 357-7344. The Consulate General in Zurich is located at Zollikerstrasse 141, telephone (41-1) 422-2733, fax (41-1) 383-9814.Limited consular services for U.S. citizens are offered by a part-time consular agency in Geneva located at the America Center of Geneva, World Trade Center II, Geneva Airport, Route de Pre-Bois 29, telephone (41-22) 798-1605 or 798-1615, fax (41-22) 798-1630.There is no U.S. Embassy or consulate in Liechtenstein. For assistance and information on travel and security in Liechtenstein, U.S. citizens may contact or register at the U.S. Consulate General in Zurich at the address above. No. 95-077This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 10, 1994, to include information on Liechtenstein, note the change of fax number at the Embassy in Bern and the phone number at the Consulate General in Zurich, and provide the new address and telephone numbers for the consular agency in Geneva.JJ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Libya GeographyLocation: Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and TunisiaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 1,759,540 sq km land area: 1,759,540 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than AlaskaLand boundaries: total 4,383 km, Algeria 982 km, Chad 1,055 km, Egypt 1,150 km, Niger 354 km, Sudan 383 km, Tunisia 459 kmCoastline: 1,770 kmMaritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm Gulf of Sidra closing line: 32 degrees 30 minutes northInternational disputes: the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in February 1994 that the 100,000 sq km Aozou Strip between Chad and Libya belongs to Chad, and that Libya must withdraw from it by 31 May 1994; Libya has withdrawn some its forces in response to the ICJ ruling, but still maintains an airfield in the disputed area; maritime boundary dispute with Tunisia; claims part of northern Niger and part of southeastern AlgeriaClimate: Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interiorTerrain: mostly barren, flat to undulating plains, plateaus, depressionsNatural resources: petroleum, natural gas, gypsumLand use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 8% forest and woodland: 0% other: 90%Irrigated land: 2,420 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: desertification; very limited natural fresh water resources; the Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in the world, is being built to bring water from large aquifers under the Sahara to coastal cities natural hazards: hot, dry, dust-laden ghibli is a southern wind lasting one to four days in spring and fall; duststorms, sandstorms THE WORLD FACTBOOK Libya Geography international agreements: party to - Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the Sea THE WORLD FACTBOOK Libya PeoplePopulation: 5,248,401 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 48% (female 1,226,851; male 1,269,813) 15-64 years: 49% (female 1,261,424; male 1,331,093) 65 years and over: 3% (female 76,017; male 83,203) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.7% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 44.89 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 7.91 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 61.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 64.29 years male: 62.12 years female: 66.57 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.32 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Libyan(s) adjective: LibyanEthnic divisions: Berber and Arab 97%, Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, TunisiansReligions: Sunni Muslim 97%Languages: Arabic, Italian, English, all are widely understood in the major citiesLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1984) total population: 60% male: 77% female: 42%Labor force: 1 million (includes about 280,000 resident foreigners) by occupation: industry 31%, services 27%, government 24%, agriculture 18% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Libya GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya conventional short form: Libya local long form: Al Jumahiriyah al Arabiyah al Libiyah ash Shabiyah al Ishirakiyah local short form: noneDigraph: LYType: Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the populace through local councils; in fact, a military dictatorshipCapital: TripoliAdministrative divisions: 25 municipalities (baladiyah, singular - baladiyat); Ajdabiya, Al 'Aziziyah, Al Fatih, Al Jabal al Akhdar, Al Jufrah, Al Khums, Al Kufrah, An Nuqat al Khams, Ash Shati', Awbari, Az Zawiyah, Banghazi, Darnah, Ghadamis, Gharyan, Misratah, Murzuq, Sabha, Sawfajjin, Surt, Tarabulus, Tarhunah, Tubruq, Yafran, ZlitanIndependence: 24 December 1951 (from Italy)National holiday: Revolution Day, 1 September (1969)Constitution: 11 December 1969, amended 2 March 1977Legal system: based on Italian civil law system and Islamic law; separate religious courts; no constitutional provision for judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsoryExecutive branch: chief of state: Revolutionary Leader Col. Mu'ammar Abu Minyar al-QADHAFI (since 1 September 1969) head of government: Chairman of the General People's Committee (Premier) Abd al Majid al-Qa'ud (since 29 January 1994) cabinet: General People's Committee; established by the General People's Congress note: national elections are indirect through a hierarchy of peoples' committeesLegislative branch: unicameral General People's Congress: national elections are indirect through a hierarchy of peoples' committeesJudicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: noneOther political or pressure groups: various Arab nationalist movements with almost negligible memberships may be functioning clandestinely, as well as some Islamic elements THE WORLD FACTBOOK Libya GovernmentMember of: ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OAU, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: noneUS diplomatic representation: noneFlag: plain green; green is the traditional color of Islam (the state religion) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Libya EconomyOverview: The socialist-oriented economy depends primarily upon revenues from the oil sector, which contributes practically all export earnings and about one-third of GDP. In 1990 per capita GDP was the highest in Africa at $5,410, but GDP growth rates have slowed and fluctuated sharply in response to changes in the world oil market. Import restrictions and inefficient resource allocations have led to periodic shortages of basic goods and foodstuffs. Windfall revenues from the hike in world oil prices in late 1990 improved the foreign payments position and resulted in a current account surplus through 1992. The nonoil manufacturing and construction sectors, which account for about 20% of GDP, have expanded from processing mostly agricultural products to include petrochemicals, iron, steel, and aluminum. Although agriculture accounts for only 5% of GDP, it employs 18% of the labor force. Climatic conditions and poor soils severely limit farm output, and Libya imports about 75% of its food requirements. The UN sanctions imposed in April 1992 have not yet had a major impact on the economy because Libya's oil revenues generate sufficient foreign exchange which sustains imports of food, consumer goods, and equipment for the oil industry and ongoing development projects.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $32.9 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: -0.9% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $6,510 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 25% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $8.1 billion expenditures: $9.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $3.1 billion (1989 est.)Exports: $7.2 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: crude oil, refined petroleum products, natural gas partners: Italy, Germany, Spain, France, UK, Turkey, Greece, EgyptImports: $6.9 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery, transport equipment, food, manufactured goods partners: Italy, Germany, UK, France, Spain, Turkey, Tunisia, Eastern EuropeExternal debt: $3.5 billion excluding military debt (1991 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 10.5% (1990)Electricity: capacity: 4,600,000 kW production: 16.1 billion kWh consumption per capita: 3,078 kWh (1993)Industries: petroleum, food processing, textiles, handicrafts, cement THE WORLD FACTBOOK Libya EconomyAgriculture: 5% of GDP; cash crops - wheat, barley, olives, dates, citrus fruits, peanuts; 75% of food is importedEconomic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $242 million note: no longer a recipientCurrency: 1 Libyan dinar (LD) = 1,000 dirhamsExchange rates: Libyan dinars (LD) per US$1 - 0.3555 (January 1995), 0.3596 (1994), 0.3250 (1993), 0.3013 (1992), 0.2684 (1991), 0.2699 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Libya TransportationRailroads: note: Libya has had no railroad in operation since 1965, all previous systems having been dismantled; current plans are to construct a 1.435-m standard gauge line from the Tunisian frontier to Tripoli and Misratah, then inland to Sabha, center of a mineral-rich area, but there has been no progress; other plans made jointly with Egypt would establish a rail line from As Sallum, Egypt, to Tobruk with completion set for mid-1994; no progress has been reportedHighways: total: 19,300 km paved: bituminous 10,800 km unpaved: gravel, earth 8,500 kmInland waterways: nonePipelines: crude oil 4,383 km; petroleum products 443 km (includes liquified petroleum gas 256 km); natural gas 1,947 kmPorts: Al Khums, Banghazi, Darnah, Marsa al Burayqah, Misratah, Ra's Lanuf, Tobruk, Tripoli, ZuwarahMerchant marine: total: 30 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 686,136 GRT/1,208,194 DWT ships by type: cargo 10, chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas tanker 2, oil tanker 10, roll-on/roll-off cargo 3, short-sea passenger 4Airports: total: 146 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 24 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 22 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 6 with paved runways under 914 m: 21 with unpaved runways over 3,047 m: 4 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 17 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 44 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Libya CommunicationsTelephone system: 370,000 telephones; modern telecommunications system local: NA intercity: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, tropospheric scatter, and 14 domestic satellites international: 2 INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) satellite earth stations; submarine cables to France and Italy; microwave radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; planned ARABSAT and Intersputnik satellite earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 17, FM 3, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 12 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Libya Defense ForcesBranches: Armed Peoples of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriyah (includes Army, Navy, and Air and Air Defense Command), PoliceManpower availability: males age 15-49 1,131,175; males fit for military service 672,571; males reach military age (17) annually 54,676 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.4 billion, 6.1% of GDP (1994 est.)</text>
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<text>LIBYA - Passport and visa required. AIDS test required for thoseseeking residence permits; U.S. test accepted. Since December 1981, U.S.passports are not valid for travel in, to, or through Libya without authorizationfrom the Department of State. Application for exemptions to thisrestriction should be submitted in writing to Passport Services, U.S.Department of State, 1425 K St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20524, Attn:CA/PPT/C, Room 300. Attention: U.S. citizens need a Treasury Dept.license in order to engage in any transactions related to travel to andwithin Libya. Before planning any travel to Libya, U.S. citizensshould contact the Licensing Division, Office of Foreign Assets Control,Department of the Treasury, 1331 G St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220(202/622-2480). Application and inquiries for visas must be madethrough a country that maintains diplomatic relations with Libya.Libya - Travel WarningAugust 31, 1993The United States Department of State warns all U.S. citizens to avoidtravel to Libya and to depart the country immediately if resident of visitorthere. The U..S. government has determined that due to Libya's long historyof flouting international law and directing terrorist attacks against U.S.citizens, it is unsafe for Americans to travel there. U.S. passports arenot valid for travel to, in or through Libya unless a special validation isobtained from the department of state. All financial and commercialtransactions with Libya are prohibited, unless licensed by the U.S. TreasuryDepartment.There is no U.S. Embassy in Libya. U.S. government interests aterepresented by the government of Belgium, which as a protecting power canprovide only limited emergency service to U.S. citizens. Further detailscan be obtained in the Department of State's Consular InformationInformation Sheet on Libya.No. 93-034This extends the Department of State's warning travel warning for Libyaissued January 8, 1993.Libya - Consular Information SheetAugust 31, 1993Warning: The United States Department of State warns all U.S. citizens toavoid travel to Libya and to depart the country immediately if resident orvisiting there. The U.S. Government has determined that due to Libya's longhistory of flouting international law and directing terrorist attacksagainst U.S. citizens, it is unsafe for Americans to travel there. U.S.passports are not valid for travel to, in or through Libya unless a specialvalidation is obtained from the Department of State. All financial andcommercial transactions with Libya are prohibited, unless licensed by theU.S. Treasury Department. There is no U.S. Embassy in Libya. U.S.Government interests are represented by the Government of Belgium, which asa protecting power can provide only limited emergency services to U.S.citizens.Country Description: The Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriyaconsiders itself an Islamic Arab Socialist "Mass-State", (i.e., a state runby the masses). Libya has a developing economy. Islamic ideals and beliefsprovide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws andpractices. Tourist facilities are not widely available.Entry Requirements: Passports and visas are required. On December 11,1981, U.S. passports ceased to be valid for travel to, in or through Libyaand may not be used for that purpose without a special validation. Withoutthis requisite validation, use of a U.S. passport for travel to, in orthrough Libya may constitute a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1544, and may bepunishable by a fine and/or imprisonment.In addition, the Department of the Treasury prohibits all travel-relatedtransactions by U.S. persons intending to visit Libya, unless specificallylicensed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. There are limitedexceptions to this licensing requirement for Libyan nationals' familymembers, and for journalists.The categories of individuals eligible for consideration for a specialpassport validation are set forth in 22 C.F.R. 51.74. Passport validationrequests for Libya can be forwarded in writing to the following address:Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport ServicesU.S. Department of State1425 K Street, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20522-1705Attn: Office of Citizenship Appeals and Legal Assistance (Room 300).Telephone (202) 326-6168 or 326-6182.The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation according to thecategory under which validation is sought. Currently, the four categoriesof persons specified in 22 C.F.R. 51.74 as being eligible for considerationfor passport validation are as follows:[1] Professional reporters: includes full-time members of the reporting orwriting staff of a newspaper, magazine or broadcasting network whose purposefor travel is to gather information about Libya for dissemination to thegeneral public.[2] American Red Cross: Applicant establishes that he or she is arepresentative of the American Red Cross or International Red Crosstraveling pursuant to an officially sponsored Red Cross mission.[3] Humanitarian considerations: Applicant must establish that his or hertrip is justified by compelling humanitarian considerations or for familyunification. At this time, "compelling humanitarian considerations" includesituations where the applicant can document that an immediate family memberis critically ill in Libya. Documentation concerning family illness mustinclude the name and address of the relative, and be from that relative'sphysician attesting to the nature and gravity of the illness. "Familyunification" situations may include cases in which spouses or minor childrenare residing in Libya, with and dependent on, a Libyan national spouse orparent for their support.[4] National interest: The applicant's request is otherwise found to be inthe national interest.In all requests for passport validation for travel to Libya, the name, dateand place of birth for all concerned persons must be given, as well as theU.S. passport numbers. Documentation as outlined above should accompany allrequests. Additional information may be obtained by writing to the aboveaddress or by calling the Office of Citizenship Appeals and Legal Assistanceat [202] 326-6168 or 326-6182.U.S. Treasury Restrictions: In addition to the passport validation, U.S.Treasury requirements must be met. Travelers may contact the TreasuryDepartment at the following address and phone number:Chief of LicensingOffice of Foreign Assets ControlU.S. Department of the Treasury1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20220Telephone (202) 622-2480; fax (202) 622-1657U.S. Treasury Sanctions: On January 7, 1986, the United States imposedsanctions against Libya, which are administered by the U.S. TreasuryDepartment, prohibiting all travel-related transactions with respect toLibya for U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens. There are limitedexceptions for Libyan nationals' family members who register with theTreasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control or with the Embassyof Belgium in Tripoli, and for full-time journalists. As of February 1,1986, the President further prohibited transactions by U.S. persons relatingto transportation to or from Libya. Additionally, all financial andcommercial transactions by U.S. persons anywhere in the world with Libya areprohibited. This includes working in Libya, providing a service of anynature to Libya, or participating in an unauthorized transaction of any kindinvolving property in which Libya has an interest. Violations of the Libyansanctions may result in penalties, fines and/or imprisonment.Under the Libyan Sanctions Regulations and in addition to any passportvalidation issued by the Department of State, the U.S. Treasury Departmentrequires that U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents who wish to travelto Libya to visit immediate family members in Libya are authorized to visitLibya only if they file a registration letter prior to their trip with theOffice of Foreign Assets Control or with the Embassy of Belgium in Tripoli.The registration must contain the following information:(1) Name, date and place of birth of the person registering [including thename under which a registrant's most recent U.S. passport was issued, ifthat is different];(2) If applicable, place and date of the registrant's naturalization as aU.S. citizen, and the number of the registrant's naturalization certificate,or, for permanent resident aliens, the alien registration number of theregistrant's alien registration receipt card;(3) The name, relationship, and address of the immediate family member inLibya whose relationship forms the basis for the registrant's eligibility;and(4) The number and issue date of the registrant's current U.S. passport,and the most recent date on which the passport was validated by the U.S.Department of State for travel to Libya.U.N. Sanctions: U.N. Security Council sanctions against Libya, including anair embargo, took effect on April 15, 1992. U.N. Security CouncilResolution 748, passed on March 31, 1992, imposed sanctions on Libya untilLibya fully complies with the provisions of U.N. Resolution 731 and 748,adopted on January 21, 1992. U.N. Security Council Resolutions 731 and 748were adopted in response to Libya's responsibility for the bombings of PanAm flight 103 and UTA flight 772. The U.S. cannot predict if or when Libyawill comply with the U.N. demands. Since April 15, 1992, when air linkswere discontinued, it has become difficult to leave Libya. The sale in theUnited States of air transportation including any stop in Libya becameillegal under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C.1701.Medical Facilities: Basic modern medical care and medicines may not beavailable in Libya.Information on Crime: Crime is generally not a serious problem fortravelers in Libya. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should bereported immediately to local police, the U.S. Interests Section, and thenearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Useful information on safeguardingvaluables, protecting personal security, and other matters while travelingabroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe TripAbroad" and "Tips for Travelers to the Middle East or North Africa." Theyare available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government PrintingOffice, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws and legal practicesof the country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use ortrafficking in illegal drugs are severe in Libya, and convicted offenderscan expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: There is no U.S. embassy in Libya. The U.S. government isnot in a position to accord normal consular protective services to U.S.citizens in Libya. U.S. Government interests are represented by theGovernment of Belgium, which as a protecting power can provide only limitedemergency services to U.S. citizens.Embassy Location: There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in Libya. The U.S.Interests Section of the Embassy of Belgium is located at Tower 4, That alImad complex, in the capital city of Tripoli. The Belgian Embassy's mailingaddress is P.O. 91650, Tripoli, Libya. The telephone number is (218-21)33771.No. 93-220This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated January 8, 1993 toinclude new telephone numbers for the Office of Foreign Assets Control andthe U.S. Treasury, and to add information on reporting the loss or theft ofa U.S. passport abroad.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liberia GeographyLocation: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Cote d'Ivoire and Sierra LeoneMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 111,370 sq km land area: 96,320 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than TennesseeLand boundaries: total 1,585 km, Guinea 563 km, Cote d'Ivoire 716 km, Sierra Leone 306 kmCoastline: 579 kmMaritime claims: territorial sea: 200 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights; wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showersTerrain: mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling plateau and low mountains in northeastNatural resources: iron ore, timber, diamonds, goldLand use: arable land: 1% permanent crops: 3% meadows and pastures: 2% forest and woodland: 39% other: 55%Irrigated land: 20 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: tropical rain forest subject to deforestation; soil erosion; loss of biodiversity; pollution of rivers from the dumping of iron ore tailings and of coastal waters from oil residue and raw sewage natural hazards: dust-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to March) international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liberia PeoplePopulation: 3,073,245 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 44% (female 674,155; male 680,952) 15-64 years: 52% (female 768,147; male 844,326) 65 years and over: 4% (female 55,575; male 50,090) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.32% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 43.08 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 12.05 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.) note: if the Ghanaian-led peace negotiations, under way in 1995, are successful, many Liberian refugees may return from exileInfant mortality rate: 110.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 58.17 years male: 55.67 years female: 60.75 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.3 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Liberian(s) adjective: LiberianEthnic divisions: indigenous African tribes 95% (including Kpelle, Bassa, Gio, Kru, Grebo, Mano, Krahn, Gola, Gbandi, Loma, Kissi, Vai, and Bella), Americo-Liberians 5% (descendants of former slaves)Religions: traditional 70%, Muslim 20%, Christian 10%Languages: English 20% (official), Niger-Congo language group about 20 local languages come from this groupLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 40% male: 50% female: 29%Labor force: 510,000 including 220,000 in the monetary economy by occupation: agriculture 70.5%, services 10.8%, industry and commerce 4.5%, other 14.2% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liberia People note: non-African foreigners hold about 95% of the top-level management and engineering jobs THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liberia GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Liberia conventional short form: LiberiaDigraph: LIType: republicCapital: MonroviaAdministrative divisions: 13 counties; Bomi, Bong, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Grand Kru, Lofa, Margibi, Maryland, Montserrado, Nimba, River Cess, SinoeIndependence: 26 July 1847National holiday: Independence Day, 26 July (1847)Constitution: 6 January 1986Legal system: dual system of statutory law based on Anglo-American common law for the modern sector and customary law based on unwritten tribal practices for indigenous sectorSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: Chairman of the Council of State David KPOMAKPOR (since March 1994); election last held on 15 October 1985; results - Gen. Dr. Samuel Kanyon DOE (NDPL) 50.9%, Jackson DOE (LAP) 26.4%, other 22.7% note: constitutional government ended in September 1990 when President Samuel Kanyon DOE was killed by rebel forces; civil war ensued and in July 1993 the Cotonou Peace Treaty was negotiated by the major warring factions under UN auspices; a transitional coalition government under David KROMAKPOR was formed in March 1994 but has been largely ineffective and unable to implement the provisions of the peace treaty; Ghanaian-led negotiations are now underway to seat a new interim government that would oversee elections proposed for late 1995 cabinet: Cabinet; selected by the leaders of the major factions in the civil warLegislative branch: unicameral Transitional Legislative Assembly, the members of which are appointed by the leaders of the major factions in the civil war note: the former bicameral legislature no longer exists and there is no assurance that it will be reconstituted very soonJudicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: National Democratic Party of Liberia (NDPL), Augustus CAINE, chairman; Liberian Action Party (LAP), Emmanuel KOROMAH, chairman; Unity Party (UP), Joseph KOFA, chairman; United People's Party (UPP), Gabriel Baccus MATTHEWS, chairman; National Patriotic Party (NPP), Charles TAYLOR, chairman; Liberian Peoples Party (LPP), Dusty WOLOKOLLIE, chairman THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liberia GovernmentMember of: ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Konah K. BLACKETT chancery: 5201 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011 telephone: [1] (202) 723-0437 consulate(s) general: New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: (vacant); Charge d' Affaires William P. TWADDELL embassy: 111 United Nations Drive, Monrovia mailing address: P. O. Box 100098, Mamba Point, Monrovia telephone: [231] 222991 through 222994 FAX: [231] 223710Flag: 11 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; there is a white five-pointed star on a blue square in the upper hoist-side corner; the design was based on the US flag THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liberia EconomyOverview: Civil war since 1990 has destroyed much of Liberia's economy, especially the infrastructure in and around Monrovia. Businessmen have fled the country, taking capital and expertise with them. Many will not return. Richly endowed with water, mineral resources, forests, and a climate favorable to agriculture, Liberia had been a producer and exporter of basic products, while local manufacturing, mainly foreign owned, had been small in scope. Political instability threatens prospects for economic reconstruction and repatriation of some 750,000 Liberian refugees who have fled to neighboring countries. The political impasse between the interim government and rebel leader Charles TAYLOR has prevented restoration of normal economic life, including the re-establishment of a strong central government with effective economic development programs. The economy deteriorated further in 1994.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $2.3 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $770 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $242.1 million expenditures: $435.4 million, including capital expenditures of $29.5 million (1989 est.)Exports: $505 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.) commodities: iron ore 61%, rubber 20%, timber 11%, coffee partners: US, EC, NetherlandsImports: $394 million (c.i.f., 1989 est.) commodities: mineral fuels, chemicals, machinery, transportation equipment, rice and other foodstuffs partners: US, EC, Japan, China, Netherlands, ECOWASExternal debt: $2.1 billion (September 1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate NA% (1993-94); much industrial damage caused by factional warfareElectricity: capacity: 330,000 kW production: 440 million kWh consumption per capita: 143 kWh (1993)Industries: rubber processing, food processing, construction materials, furniture, palm oil processing, mining (iron ore, diamonds) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liberia EconomyAgriculture: accounts for about 40% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); principal products - rubber, timber, coffee, cocoa, rice, cassava, palm oil, sugarcane, bananas, sheep, goats; not self-sufficient in food, imports 25% of rice consumptionIllicit drugs: increasingly a transshipment point for heroin and cocaineEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $665 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $870 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $25 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $77 millionCurrency: 1 Liberian dollar (L$) = 100 centsExchange rates: Liberian dollars (L$) per US$1 - 1.00 (officially fixed rate since 1940); unofficial parallel exchange rate of US$1 - L$7 (January 1992), unofficial rate floats against the US dollarFiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liberia TransportationRailroads: total: 490 km (single track); note - three rail systems owned and operated by foreign steel and financial interests in conjunction with Liberian Government; one of these, the Lamco Railroad, closed in 1989 after iron ore production ceased; the other two have been shut down by the civil war standard gauge: 345 km 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 145 km 1.067-m gaugeHighways: total: 10,087 km paved: 603 km unpaved: gravel 5,171 km (includes 2,323 km of private roads of rubber and timber firms, open to the public); earth 4,313 kmPorts: Buchanan, Greenville, Harper, MonroviaMerchant marine: total: 1,549 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 56,709,634 GRT/97,038,680 DWT ships by type: barge carrier 3, bulk 392, cargo 121, chemical tanker 114, combination bulk 33, combination ore/oil 57, container 124, liquefied gas tanker 75, oil tanker 459, passenger 32, passenger-cargo 1, refrigerated cargo 58, roll-on/roll-off cargo 18, short-sea passenger 1, specialized tanker 7, vehicle carrier 54 note: a flag of convenience registry; includes 53 countries; the 10 major fleet flags are: United States 232 ships, Japan 190, Norway 166, Greece 125, Germany 125, United Kingdom 102, Hong Kong 95, China 45, Russia 41, and the Netherlands 34Airports: total: 59 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 43 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 3 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 11 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liberia CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; telephone and telegraph service via radio relay network; main center is Monrovia; most telecommunications services inoperable due to insurgency movement local: NA intercity: NA international: 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 4, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 5 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Liberia Defense ForcesBranches: NA; the ultimate structure of the Liberian military force will depend on who is the victor in the ongoing civil warManpower availability: males age 15-49 732,063; males fit for military service 390,849 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $30 million, 2% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>LIBERIA - Passport and visa required. Transit visitors with onwardticket can remain at airport up to 48 hours. Other travelers must obtainvisas before arrival. Tourist/business entry visa valid 3 months, no fee,requires 2 application forms, 2 photos, cholera and yellow fevervaccinations and medical certificate to confirm that traveler is ingood health and free of any communicable disease. Company letter needed forbusiness visa. Include SASE for return of passport by mail. Obtainexit permit from immigration authorities upon arrival, 1 photo required. For business requirements call Embassy of the Republic of Liberia, 520116th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011 (202/723-0437) or nearest Consulate: CA (213/277-7692), GA (404/753-4754), IL (312/643-8635), LA(504/523-7784), MI (313/342-3900) or NY (212/687-1025).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Liberia============================================================Liberia - Travel Warning September 15, 1995The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Liberia. Despite a peace accord signed in August 1995, sporadic fighting and unsettled conditions continue in many areas of Liberia. Although a peacekeeping force is in place in and around Monrovia, roads outside the capital are not open for regular travel. Travelers to the interior of Liberia may be in danger of being detained, harassed, delayed, injured, or killed. There is a high rate of armed robberies in the city of Monrovia. Additional information can be obtained from the Department's Consular Information Sheet on Liberia. No. 95-029This replaces the Travel Warning dated October 27, 1994, to update information on the security situation in Liberia.Liberia - Consular Information Sheet October 24, 1995Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Liberia. Despite a peace accord signed in August 1995, sporadic fighting and unsettled conditions continue in many areas of Liberia. Although a peacekeeping force is in place in and around Monrovia, roads outside the capital are not open for regular travel. Travelers to the interior of Liberia may be in danger of being detained, harassed, delayed, injured, or killed. There is a high rate of armed robberies in the city of Monrovia.Country Description: Liberia is a developing west African country which has suffered internal strife for the past several years. Tourism facilities are poor and, in some cases, non-existent.Entry Requirements: Travelers who plan a trip to Liberia despite this warning are required to have a passport and a visa prior to arrival. Evidence of yellow fever vaccinations is required. An exit permit must be obtained from Liberian immigration authorities before departure. Further information on entry requirements for Liberia can be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia, 5201 16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011. The telephone numbers are (202) 723-0437 to 723-0440.Areas of Instability: The situation in Liberia changes daily. Sporadic fighting has occurred since the August 1995 peace accords and tensions remain high in most of the country. There are only a few expatriates, who are engaged in relief activities, in areas of the country outside Monrovia. They operate only with the consent of those locally in control. In recent years and months there have been serious and frequent incidents of violence against civilians by partisans of Liberia's warring factions. It is too early to determine whether the recent peace accords will lead to the cessation of all fighting and whether travel to some locations outside the capital will become safe. Fatal accidents have occurred from exploding land mines on roads.A security buffer, provided by forces of the West African Peace Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) surrounds Monrovia. Roads outside of Monrovia are not generally safe due to robbers, land mines and unruly elements of the warring factions. Any person who leaves Monrovia should return by dusk. There is a 10:00PM to dawn curfew in force in the capital. U.S. Embassy employees are not permitted to travel outside Monrovia except for official business.Roberts International Airport, about 30 miles outside of Monrovia, is closed. Limited daytime air service exists only to Freetown, Sierra Leone and Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire. No major international carrier serves Monrovia's Spriggs Payne Airfield. Overland routes to neighboring countries are not open.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are poor. Hospitals have been looted and are barely able to provide services. Medicines are scarce in most areas. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Monrovia's crime rate is extremely high. Foreigners, including U.S. citizens, have been targets of street crime and violent robbery in their homes. Residential armed break-ins are common. The police are ill-equipped and largely incapable of providing effective protection.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Country Infrastructure: Lodging, water, electricity, fuel, transportation, telephone and postal services continue to be unevenly available in Monrovia. Such services are nonexistent or severely limited in rural areas. Commercial power is sporadically available in parts of Monrovia. Most businesses and facilities rely upon generators to provide electricity. Few facilities and even fewer homes have telephones; disruption of service is common. Mail delivery is erratic. Parcel delivery service is available to Monrovia. Courier mail service is available in Monrovia.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens should register upon arrival in order to obtain updated travel and security information from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at 111 United Nations Drive, Monrovia, telephone (231) 226370, fax (231)226148. The U.S. Embassy's mailing address is P.O. Box 10-0098, Mamba Point, Monrovia. Consular assistance is only available within Monrovia and the immediate vicinity. No. 95-136This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 24, 1994, to include the September 15, 1995 updated travel warning and to update the sections on areas of instability, medical facilities, country infrastructure, and embassy location.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Liberia============================================================Liberia - Travel Warning September 15, 1995The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Liberia. Despite a peace accord signed in August 1995, sporadic fighting and unsettled conditions continue in many areas of Liberia. Although a peacekeeping force is in place in and around Monrovia, roads outside the capital are not open for regular travel. Travelers to the interior of Liberia may be in danger of being detained, harassed, delayed, injured, or killed. There is a high rate of armed robberies in the city of Monrovia. Additional information can be obtained from the Department's Consular Information Sheet on Liberia. No. 95-029This replaces the Travel Warning dated October 27, 1994, to update information on the security situation in Liberia.Liberia - Consular Information Sheet October 24, 1995Warning: The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Liberia. Despite a peace accord signed in August 1995, sporadic fighting and unsettled conditions continue in many areas of Liberia. Although a peacekeeping force is in place in and around Monrovia, roads outside the capital are not open for regular travel. Travelers to the interior of Liberia may be in danger of being detained, harassed, delayed, injured, or killed. There is a high rate of armed robberies in the city of Monrovia.Country Description: Liberia is a developing west African country which has suffered internal strife for the past several years. Tourism facilities are poor and, in some cases, non-existent.Entry Requirements: Travelers who plan a trip to Liberia despite this warning are required to have a passport and a visa prior to arrival. Evidence of yellow fever vaccinations is required. An exit permit must be obtained from Liberian immigration authorities before departure. Further information on entry requirements for Liberia can be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia, 5201 16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011. The telephone numbers are (202) 723-0437 to 723-0440.Areas of Instability: The situation in Liberia changes daily. Sporadic fighting has occurred since the August 1995 peace accords and tensions remain high in most of the country. There are only a few expatriates, who are engaged in relief activities, in areas of the country outside Monrovia. They operate only with the consent of those locally in control. In recent years and months there have been serious and frequent incidents of violence against civilians by partisans of Liberia's warring factions. It is too early to determine whether the recent peace accords will lead to the cessation of all fighting and whether travel to some locations outside the capital will become safe. Fatal accidents have occurred from exploding land mines on roads.A security buffer, provided by forces of the West African Peace Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) surrounds Monrovia. Roads outside of Monrovia are not generally safe due to robbers, land mines and unruly elements of the warring factions. Any person who leaves Monrovia should return by dusk. There is a 10:00PM to dawn curfew in force in the capital. U.S. Embassy employees are not permitted to travel outside Monrovia except for official business.Roberts International Airport, about 30 miles outside of Monrovia, is closed. Limited daytime air service exists only to Freetown, Sierra Leone and Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire. No major international carrier serves Monrovia's Spriggs Payne Airfield. Overland routes to neighboring countries are not open.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are poor. Hospitals have been looted and are barely able to provide services. Medicines are scarce in most areas. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Monrovia's crime rate is extremely high. Foreigners, including U.S. citizens, have been targets of street crime and violent robbery in their homes. Residential armed break-ins are common. The police are ill-equipped and largely incapable of providing effective protection.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Country Infrastructure: Lodging, water, electricity, fuel, transportation, telephone and postal services continue to be unevenly available in Monrovia. Such services are nonexistent or severely limited in rural areas. Commercial power is sporadically available in parts of Monrovia. Most businesses and facilities rely upon generators to provide electricity. Few facilities and even fewer homes have telephones; disruption of service is common. Mail delivery is erratic. Parcel delivery service is available to Monrovia. Courier mail service is available in Monrovia.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens should register upon arrival in order to obtain updated travel and security information from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at 111 United Nations Drive, Monrovia, telephone (231) 226370, fax (231)226148. The U.S. Embassy's mailing address is P.O. Box 10-0098, Mamba Point, Monrovia. Consular assistance is only available within Monrovia and the immediate vicinity. No. 95-136This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 24, 1994, to include the September 15, 1995 updated travel warning and to update the sections on areas of instability, medical facilities, country infrastructure, and embassy location.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lesotho GeographyLocation: Southern Africa, an enclave of South AfricaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 30,350 sq km land area: 30,350 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than MarylandLand boundaries: total 909 km, South Africa 909 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: noneClimate: temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summersTerrain: mostly highland with plateaus, hills, and mountainsNatural resources: water, agricultural and grazing land, some diamonds and other mineralsLand use: arable land: 10% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 66% forest and woodland: 0% other: 24%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: population pressure forcing settlement in marginal areas results in overgrazing, severe soil erosion, soil exhaustion; desertification; Highlands Water Project will control, store, and redirect water to South Africa natural hazards: periodic droughts international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine DumpingNote: landlocked; surrounded by South Africa THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lesotho PeoplePopulation: 1,992,960 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 41% (female 407,213; male 416,709) 15-64 years: 54% (female 558,106; male 520,961) 65 years and over: 5% (female 51,809; male 38,162) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.44% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 33.39 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 8.96 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 67.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 62.56 years male: 60.74 years female: 64.43 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 4.41 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural) adjective: BasothoEthnic divisions: Sotho 99.7%, Europeans 1,600, Asians 800Religions: Christian 80%, rest indigenous beliefsLanguages: Sesotho (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, XhosaLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1966) total population: 59% male: 44% female: 68%Labor force: 689,000 economically active by occupation: 86.2% of resident population engaged in subsistence agriculture; roughly 60% of the active male wage earners work in South Africa THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lesotho GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Kingdom of Lesotho conventional short form: Lesotho former: BasutolandDigraph: LTType: constitutional monarchyCapital: MaseruAdministrative divisions: 10 districts; Berea, Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Mafeteng, Maseru, Mohale's Hoek, Mokhotlong, Qacha's Nek, Quthing, Thaba-TsekaIndependence: 4 October 1966 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 4 October (1966)Constitution: 2 April 1993Legal system: based on English common law and Roman-Dutch law; judicial review of legislative acts in High Court and Court of Appeal; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 21 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: King MOSHOESHOE II (since February 1995) head of government: Prime Minister Ntsu MOKHEHLE (since 2 April 1993) cabinet: CabinetLegislative branch: bicameral Parliament consisting of the Assembly or lower house whose members are chosen by popular election and the Senate or upper house whose members consist of the 22 principal chiefs and 11 other members appointed by the ruling party; election last held in March 1993 (first since 1971); all 65 seats in the Assembly were won by the BCPJudicial branch: High Court, Court of Appeal, Magistrate's Court, customary or traditional courtPolitical parties and leaders: Basotho National Party (BNP), Evaristus SEKHONYANA; Basotho Congress Party (BCP), Ntsu MOKHEHLE; National Independent Party (NIP), A. C. MANYELI; Marematlou Freedom Party (MFP), Vincent MALEBO; United Democratic Party, Charles MOFELI; Communist Party of Lesotho (CPL), Jacob M. KENAMember of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: (vacant); Charge d'Affaires ad interim Mokhali A. LITHEBE (since 2 July 1994) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lesotho Government chancery: 2511 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 797-5533 through 5536 FAX: [1] (202) 234-6815US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Myrick BISMARCK embassy: address NA, Maseru mailing address: P. O. Box 333, Maseru 100, Lesotho telephone: [266] 312666 FAX: [266] 310116Flag: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper half is white bearing the brown silhouette of a large shield with crossed spear and club; the lower half is a diagonal blue band with a green triangle in the corner THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lesotho EconomyOverview: Small, landlocked, and mountainous, Lesotho has no important natural resources other than water. Its economy is based on agriculture, light manufacturing, and remittances from laborers employed in South Africa (these remittances supplement domestic income by as much as 45%). The great majority of households gain their livelihoods from subsistence farming and migrant labor; a large portion of the adult male work force is employed in South African mines. Manufacturing depends largely on farm products to support the milling, canning, leather, and jute industries; other industries include textile, clothing, and construction. Although drought has decreased agricultural activity over the past few years, improvement of a major hydropower facility will permit the sale of water to South Africa and allow Lesotho's economy to continue its moderate growth.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $2.6 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 6% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $1,340 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 13.9% (1993)Unemployment rate: substantial unemployment and underemploymentBudget: revenues: $438 million expenditures: $430 million, including capital expenditures of $155 million (FY93/94 est.)Exports: $109 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: wool, mohair, wheat, cattle, peas, beans, corn, hides, skins, baskets partners: South Africa 42%, EC 28%, North and South America 25% (1991)Imports: $964 million (c.i.f., 1992) commodities: mainly corn, building materials, clothing, vehicles, machinery, medicines, petroleum partners: South Africa 94%, Asia 3%, EC 1% (1991)External debt: $512 million (1993)Industrial production: growth rate 10%; accounts for 17% of GDP (1993 est.)Electricity: power supplied by South AfricaIndustries: food, beverages, textiles, handicrafts, tourismAgriculture: accounts for 50% of GDP (1993 est.); exceedingly primitive, mostly subsistence farming and livestock; principal crops corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum, barleyEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $268 million; US (1992), $10.3 million; US (1993 est.), $10.1 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $819 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $4 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $14 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lesotho EconomyCurrency: 1 loti (L) = 100 lisenteExchange rates: maloti (M) per US$1 - 3.5389 (January 1995), 3.5490 (1994), 3.2636 (1993), 2.8497 (1992), 2.7563 (1991), 2.5863 (1990); note - the Basotho loti is at par with the South African randFiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lesotho TransportationRailroads: total: 2.6 km; note - owned by, operated by, and included in the statistics of South Africa narrow gauge: 2.6 km 1.067-m gaugeHighways: total: 7,215 km paved: 572 km unpaved: gravel, stabilized earth 2,337 km; improved earth 1,806 km; unimproved earth 2,500 km (1988)Ports: noneAirports: total: 29 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 23 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 4 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lesotho CommunicationsTelephone system: 5,920 telephones; rudimentary system local: NA intercity: consists of a few land lines, a small microwave radio relay system, and a minor radio communication system international: 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 4, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 1 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lesotho Defense ForcesBranches: Lesotho Defense Force (LDF; includes Army and Air Wing), Lesotho Mounted PoliceManpower availability: males age 15-49 453,844; males fit for military service 244,767 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $25 million, NA% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>LESOTHO - Passport and visa required. Visa requires 1 form. Single-entry visa requires $5 fee and multiple-entry $10. For more information,check Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho, 2511 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington,D.C. 20008 (202/797-5533).Lesotho - Consular Information SheetSeptember 21, 1994Country Description: Lesotho is a developing country in southern Africa.Facilities for tourists are limited.Entry Requirements: Visas are required and may be obtained at a Lesothodiplomatic mission prior to arrival in Lesotho. Americans arriving withoutvisas have not been inconvenienced but must obtain a visa at the immigrationand passport office in Maseru after entering the country. For furtherinformation, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Kingdom of Lesotho,2511 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 797-5533.Areas of Instability: In several instances in 1994, the Army and the policechallenged civilian control by going on strike, leading to politicalcontention and episodes of unrest, such as random gunfire, in and around thecapital, Maseru, as well as in other areas of the country. During theseperiods of heightened insecurity, travelers are especially encouraged toremain in contact with the U.S. Embassy for up-to-the-minute guidance.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are minimal. Many medicines areunavailable. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment forhealth care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outsidethe United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseascoverage has proved useful. Information on health matters may be obtainedfrom the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline,telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Deteriorating economic conditions in the countryaggravated by the return of large numbers of unemployed miners from SouthAfrica have caused an increase in armed robberies, break-ins and autothefts. This occurs primarily in the capital city of Maseru but can occurelsewhere as well. Victims have included foreign diplomats and members offoreign aid missions. Traveling alone or at night is particularly dangerous.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediatelyto local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets"A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provideuseful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroadand on travel in the region in general. Both are available from theSuperintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking inillegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentencesand fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy may obtainupdated information on travel and security within Lesotho.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at 254 Kingsway, Maseru West; the mailing address is P.O. Box 333, Maseru 100, Lesotho. The telephonenumber is (266) 312-666.No. 94-223This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 22, 1994, anddeletes the Travel Warning issued that date.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lebanon HeaderNote: Lebanon has made progress toward rebuilding its political institutions and regaining its national sovereignty since the end of the devastating 16-year civil war which began in 1975. Under the Ta'if accord - the blueprint for national reconciliation - the Lebanese have established a more equitable political system, particularly by giving Muslims a greater say in the political process. Since December 1990, the Lebanese have formed three cabinets and conducted the first legislative election in 20 years. Most of the militias have been weakened or disbanded. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) has seized vast quantities of weapons used by the militias during the war and extended central government authority over about one-half of the country. Hizballah, the radical Sh'ia party, retains most of its weapons. Foreign forces still occupy areas of Lebanon. Israel maintains troops in southern Lebanon and continues to support a proxy militia, The Army of South Lebanon (ASL), along a narrow stretch of territory contiguous to its border. The ASL's enclave encompasses this self-declared security zone and about 20 kilometers north to the strategic town of Jazzine. As of December 1993, Syria maintained about 30,000-35,000 troops in Lebanon. These troops are based mainly in Beirut, North Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley. Syria's deployment was legitimized by the Arab League early in Lebanon's civil war and in the Ta'if accord. Citing the continued weakness of the LAF, Beirut's requests, and failure of the Lebanese Government to implement all of the constitutional reforms in the Ta'if accord, Damascus has so far refused to withdraw its troops from Beirut. THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lebanon GeographyLocation: Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel and SyriaMap references: Middle EastArea: total area: 10,400 sq km land area: 10,230 sq km comparative area: about 0.8 times the size of ConnecticutLand boundaries: total 454 km, Israel 79 km, Syria 375 kmCoastline: 225 kmMaritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: separated from Israel by the 1949 Armistice Line; Israeli troops in southern Lebanon since June 1982; Syrian troops in northern, central, and eastern Lebanon since October 1976Climate: Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry summers; Lebanon mountains experience heavy winter snowsTerrain: narrow coastal plain; Al Biqa' (Bekaa Valley) separates Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon MountainsNatural resources: limestone, iron ore, salt, water-surplus state in a water-deficit regionLand use: arable land: 21% permanent crops: 9% meadows and pastures: 1% forest and woodland: 8% other: 61%Irrigated land: 860 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; air pollution in Beirut from vehicular traffic and the burning of industrial wastes; pollution of coastal waters from raw sewage and oil spills natural hazards: duststorms, sandstorms international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Marine Life ConservationNote: Nahr al Litani only major river in Near East not crossing an international boundary; rugged terrain historically helped isolate, protect, and develop numerous factional groups based on religion, clan, and ethnicity THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lebanon PeoplePopulation: 3,695,921 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 36% (female 657,403; male 682,757) 15-64 years: 58% (female 1,131,450; male 1,016,859) 65 years and over: 6% (female 111,585; male 95,867) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.15% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 27.9 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.44 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 38 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.69 years male: 67.22 years female: 72.28 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 3.31 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Lebanese (singular and plural) adjective: LebaneseEthnic divisions: Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1%Religions: Islam 70% (5 legally recognized Islamic groups - Alawite or Nusayri, Druze, Isma'ilite, Shi'a, Sunni), Christian 30% (11 legally recognized Christian groups - 4 Orthodox Christian, 6 Catholic, 1 Protestant), Judaism NEGL%Languages: Arabic (official), French (official), Armenian, EnglishLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 80% male: 88% female: 73%Labor force: 650,000 by occupation: industry, commerce, and services 79%, agriculture 11%, government 10% (1985) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lebanon GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Lebanon conventional short form: Lebanon local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Lubnaniyah local short form: noneDigraph: LEType: republicCapital: BeirutAdministrative divisions: 5 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Biqa, 'Al Janub, Ash Shamal, Bayrut, Jabal LubnanIndependence: 22 November 1943 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration)National holiday: Independence Day, 22 November (1943)Constitution: 23 May 1926, amended a number of timesLegal system: mixture of Ottoman law, canon law, Napoleonic code, and civil law; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 21 years of age; compulsory for all males; authorized for women at age 21 with elementary educationExecutive branch: chief of state: President Ilyas HARAWI (since 24 November 1989); note - by custom, the president is a Maronite Christian, the prime minister is a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of the legislature is a Shi'a Muslim head of government: Prime Minister Rafiq HARIRI (since 22 October 1992) cabinet: Cabinet; chosen by the president in consultation with the members of the National AssemblyLegislative branch: unicameral National Assembly: (Arabic - Majlis Alnuwab, French - Assemblee Nationale) Lebanon's first legislative election in 20 years was held in the summer of 1992; the National Assembly is composed of 128 deputies, one-half Christian and one-half Muslim; its mandate expires in 1996Judicial branch: four Courts of Cassation (three courts for civil and commercial cases and one court for criminal cases)Political parties and leaders: political party activity is organized along largely sectarian lines; numerous political groupings exist, consisting of individual political figures and followers motivated by religious, clan, and economic considerations THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lebanon GovernmentMember of: ABEDA, ACCT, AFESD, AL, AMF, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNRWA, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Riyad TABBARAH chancery: 2560 28th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 939-6300 FAX: [1] (202) 939-6324 consulate(s) general: Detroit, New York, and Los AngelesUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: (vacant) embassy: Antelias, Beirut address: P. O. Box 70-840, Beirut; PSC 815, Box 2, Beirut; FPO AE 09836-0002 telephone: [961] (1) 402200, 403300, 416502, 426183, 417774 FAX: [961] (1) 407112Flag: three horizontal bands of red (top), white (double width), and red with a green and brown cedar tree centered in the white band THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lebanon EconomyOverview: The 1975-1991 civil war seriously damaged Lebanon's economic infrastructure, cut national output by half, and all but ended Lebanon's position as a Middle Eastern entrepot and banking hub. A tentative peace has enabled the central government to begin restoring control in Beirut, collect taxes, and regain access to key port and government facilities. The battered economy has also been propped up by a financially sound banking system and resilient small- and medium-scale manufacturers. Family remittances, banking transactions, manufactured and farm exports, the narcotics trade, and international emergency aid are the main sources of foreign exchange. In the relatively settled year of 1991, industrial production, agricultural output, and exports showed substantial gains. The further rebuilding of the war-ravaged country was delayed in 1992 because of an upturn in political wrangling. In October 1992, Rafiq HARIRI was appointed Prime Minister. HARIRI, a wealthy entrepreneur, announced ambitious plans for Lebanon's reconstruction which involve a substantial influx of foreign aid and investment. Progress on restoring basic services is limited. Since Prime Minister HARIRI's appointment, the most significant improvement lies in the stabilization of the Lebanese pound, which had gained over 30% in value by yearend 1993. The years 1993 and 1994 were marked by efforts of the new administration to encourage domestic and foreign investment and to obtain additional international assistance. The construction sector led the 8.5% advance in real GDP in 1994.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $15.8 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 8.5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $4,360 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 35% (1993 est.)Budget: revenues: $1.4 billion expenditures: $3.2 billion (1994 est.)Exports: $925 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: agricultural products, chemicals, textiles, precious and semiprecious metals and jewelry, metals and metal products partners: Saudi Arabia 21%, Switzerland 9.5%, Jordan 6%, Kuwait 12%, US 5%Imports: $4.1 billion (c.i.f., 1993 est.) commodities: consumer goods, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products partners: Italy 14%, France 12%, US 6%, Turkey 5%, Saudi Arabia 3%External debt: $765 million (1994 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 25% (1993 est.)Electricity: capacity: 1,220,000 kW THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lebanon Economy production: 2.5 billion kWh consumption per capita: 676 kWh (1993)Industries: banking, food processing, textiles, cement, oil refining, chemicals, jewelry, some metal fabricatingAgriculture: principal products - citrus fruits, vegetables, potatoes, olives, tobacco, hemp (hashish), sheep, goats; not self-sufficient in grainIllicit drugs: illicit producer of hashish and heroin for the international drug trade; hashish production is shipped to Western Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America; increasingly a key locus of cocaine processing and trafficking; a Lebanese/Syrian 1994 eradication campaign eliminated the opium crop and caused a 50% decrease in the cannabis cropEconomic aid: the government estimates that it has received $1.7 billion in aid and has an additional $725 million in commitments to support its $3 billion National Emergency Recovery ProgramCurrency: 1 Lebanese pound (#L) = 100 piastersExchange rates: Lebanese pounds (#L) per US$1 - 1,644.6 (January 1995), 1,680.1 (1994), 1,741.4 (1993), 1,712.8 (1992), 928.23 (1991), 695.09 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lebanon TransportationRailroads: total: 222 km standard gauge: 222 km 1.435-m note: system in disrepair, considered inoperableHighways: total: 7,300 km paved: 6,200 km unpaved: gravel 450 km; improved earth 650 kmPipelines: crude oil 72 km (none in operation)Ports: Al Batrun, Al Mina, An Naqurah, Antilyas, Az Zahrani, Beirut, Jubayl, Juniyah, Shikka Jadidah, Sidon, Tripoli, TyreMerchant marine: total: 64 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 260,383 GRT/381,937 DWT ships by type: bulk 4, cargo 41, chemical tanker 1, combination bulk 1, combination ore/oil 1, container 2, livestock carrier 6, refrigerated cargo 3, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 2Airports: total: 9 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lebanon CommunicationsTelephone system: 325,000 telephones; 95 telephones/1,000 persons; telecommunications system severely damaged by civil war; rebuilding still underway local: NA intercity: primarily microwave radio relay and cable international: 2 INTELSAT (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean) earth stations (erratic operations); coaxial cable to Syria; microwave radio relay to Syria but inoperable beyond Syria to Jordan; 3 submarine coaxial cablesRadio: broadcast stations: AM 5, FM 3, shortwave 0; note - numerous AM and FM stations are operated sporadically by various factions radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 13 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Lebanon Defense ForcesBranches: Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF; includes Army, Navy, and Air Force)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 857,698; males fit for military service 533,640 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $278 million, 5.5% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>LEBANON - Passport and visa required. AIDS test required for thoseseeking residence permits; U.S. test accepted. Since January 1987, U.S.passports are not valid for travel in, to, or through Lebanon withoutauthorization from the Department of State. Application for exemptions to thisrestriction should be submitted in writing to Passport Services, U.S.Department of State, 1425 K St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20524, Attn:CA/PPT/C, Room 300. For further visa information contact Embassy ofLebanon, 2560 28th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-6300) ornearest Consulate General: Los Angeles (213/467-1253), Detroit(313/567-0233) or New York (212/744-7905).Lebanon - Travel WarningSeptember 6, 1994The United States Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against travelto Lebanon. The situation in Lebanon is so dangerous that no U.S. citizencan be considered safe from terrorist acts. While all of the known Americanhostages have been released, the organizations which abducted them continueto operate within the country. U.S. passports are not valid for travel to,in or through Lebanon unless special validation has been obtained. Due toan extremely limited staff and heightened security, the U.S. Embassy inBeirut cannot perform normal consular functions. In addition, localtelephone service is highly unreliable and it is extremely difficult tocontact the Embassy by phone or to place a local call from most of thecountry.Additional details can be found in the Department of State's ConsularInformation Sheet for Lebanon.No. 94-037This extends the Department of State Travel Warning for Lebanon dated August31, 1993.Lebanon - Consular Information SheetSeptember 1, 1994Warning: The United States Department of State warns all U.S citizensagainst travel to Lebanon. The situation in Lebanon is so dangerous that noU.S. citizen can be considered safe from terrorist acts. While all of theknown American hostages have been released, the organizations which abductedthem continue to operate within the country. U.S. passports are not validfor travel to, in or through Lebanon unless special validation has beenobtained. Due to an extremely limited staff and heightened security, theU.S. Embassy in Beirut cannot perform normal consular functions. Inaddition, local telephone service is highly unreliable and it is extremelydifficult to contact the Embassy by phone or to place a local call from mostof the country.Intermediate Stops in Beirut: Several international air carriers are nowmaking intermediate stops in Beirut. U.S. citizens are advised not to boardsuch flights because of the danger of traveling to or transiting Lebanon.Such stops are not always announced. Travelers should therefore inquire,before making travel arrangements in the region, whether a flight will makea stop in Beirut. U.S. passports are not valid for travel to, in or throughLebanon, which includes landing at the Beirut airport, unless specificallyendorsed by the Secretary of State.Country Description: The Republic of Lebanon is a parliamentary republic.The country is emerging from a long period of civil war which has damagedthe economy and the social fabric. The population is composed of bothChristians and Muslims from a variety of sects.Entry Requirements: Passports and visas are required. Without therequisite validation, use of a U.S. passport for travel to, in or throughLebanon may constitute a violation of U. S. law and may be punishable by afine and/or imprisonment.The categories of individuals eligible for consideration for a specialpassport validation are set forth in 22 C.F.R. 51.74. Passport validationrequests for Lebanon should be forwarded in writing to the following address:Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport ServicesU.S. Department of State1111 19th Street, N.W., Suite 260Washington, D.C. 20522-1705Attn: Office of Passport Policy and Advisory ServicesTelephone (202) 955-0231 and 955-0232Fax (202) 955-0230.The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation according to thecategory under which validation is sought. Currently, the four categoriesof persons specified in 22 C.F.R. 51.74 as being eligible for considerationfor passport validation are as follows:[a] Professional reporters: Includes full-time members of the reporting orwriting staff of a newspaper, magazine or broadcasting network whose purposefor travel is to gather information about Lebanon for dissemination to thegeneral public.[b] American Red Cross: Applicant establishes that he or she is arepresentative of the American Red Cross or International Red Crosstraveling pursuant to an officially sponsored Red Cross mission.[c] Humanitarian considerations: Applicant must establish that his or hertrip is justified by compelling humanitarian considerations or for familyunification. At this time, "compelling humanitarian considerations" includesituations where the applicant can document that an immediate family memberis critically ill in Lebanon. Documentation concerning family illness mustinclude the name and address of the relative, and be from that relative'sphysician attesting to the nature and gravity of the illness. "Familyunification" situations may include cases in which spouses or minor childrenare residing in Lebanon, with and dependent on, a Lebanese national spouseor parent for their support.[d] National interest: The applicant's request is otherwise found to be inthe national interest.In all requests for passport validation for travel to Lebanon, the name,date and place of birth for all concerned persons must be given, as well asthe U.S. passport numbers. Documentation as outlined above should accompanyall requests. Additional information may be obtained by writing to theabove address or by calling the Office of Passport Policy and AdvisoryServices at (202) 955-0231 or 955-0232.Areas of Instability: Although all known Western hostages have beenreleased, the organizations that abducted them continue to operate withinthe country. The issues that ignited the civil war have not been completelyresolved. Syrian troops are present in a large area of the country.Militias still have the capability to operate within Lebanon. Israel hasestablished a "security zone" in southern Lebanon, and hostilities occur inthe area without warning. The Lebanese populace is armed, and incidents ofviolence can occur at any time.Dual Nationality: U.S. consular protection - when available - is severelylimited for dual nationals traveling on a foreign passport.Medical Facilities: In Beirut and the surrounding areas, basic modernmedical care and medicines are widely available. Such facilities are notalways available in outlying areas. Doctors and hospitals often expectimmediate cash payment for services. U.S. medical insurance is not alwaysvalid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance withspecific overseas coverage has proved useful. The international travelershotline at the Centers for Disease Control, telephone (404) 332-4559, hasadditional useful health information.Information on Crime: While the crime rate in Lebanon is moderate, theincidence of both car thefts and house break-ins is on the increase. Theloss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately tolocal police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful informationon safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security, and other matterswhile traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "ASafe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and NorthAfrica." They are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws and legal practicesof the country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use ortrafficking in illegal drugs are severe in Lebanon, and convicted offenderscan expect jail sentences and fines. Individuals charged with drug offensesare not usually releasable on bail and can expect to remain in jail whilejudicial authorities prepare their cases for prosecution.Consular Services: Although registration records are maintained at theConsular Section, the tight security under which the U.S. Embassy operatesmean that assistance is available only in cases of extreme emergency such asarrest or death. The Consular Section is not able to replace lost, stolenor expired passports. Because of unreliable telephone service in Lebanon,contacting the Embassy can be difficult. Access to the Consular Section isnot possible unless prior arrangements have been made.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located in Antelias, P.O. Box 70-840,Beirut, Lebanon. The telephone number is (961-1) 417-774, 415-802, 415-803,402-184, 402-200, 403-300.No. 94-214This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 31, 1993 to showthe new address and phone numbers of the Deputy Assistant Secretary forPassport Services, U.S. Department of State.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Latvia GeographyLocation: Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and LithuaniaMap references: EuropeArea: total area: 64,100 sq km land area: 64,100 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than West VirginiaLand boundaries: total 1,078 km, Belarus 141 km, Estonia 267 km, Lithuania 453 km, Russia 217 kmCoastline: 531 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitationInternational disputes: the Abrene section of border ceded by the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic to Russia in 1944Climate: maritime; wet, moderate wintersTerrain: low plainNatural resources: minimal; amber, peat, limestone, dolomiteLand use: arable land: 27% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 13% forest and woodland: 39% other: 21%Irrigated land: 160 sq km (1990)Environment: current issues: air and water pollution because of a lack of waste conversion equipment; Gulf of Riga and Daugava River heavily polluted; contamination of soil and groundwater with chemicals and petroleum products at military bases natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Hazardous Wastes, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change THE WORLD FACTBOOK Latvia PeoplePopulation: 2,762,899 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 22% (female 294,521; male 304,830) 15-64 years: 65% (female 933,003; male 870,128) 65 years and over: 13% (female 247,476; male 112,941) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.5% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 13.71 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 12.49 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 3.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 21 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.65 years male: 64.6 years female: 74.95 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.97 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Latvian(s) adjective: LatvianEthnic divisions: Latvian 51.8%, Russian 33.8%, Byelorussian 4.5%, Ukrainian 3.4%, Polish 2.3%, other 4.2%Religions: Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian OrthodoxLanguages: Lettish (official), Lithuanian, Russian, otherLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989) total population: 100% male: 100% female: 99%Labor force: 1.407 million by occupation: industry and construction 41%, agriculture and forestry 16%, other 43% (1990) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Latvia GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Latvia conventional short form: Latvia local long form: Latvijas Republika local short form: Latvija former: Latvian Soviet Socialist RepublicDigraph: LGType: republicCapital: RigaAdministrative divisions: 26 counties (singular - rajons) and 7 municipalities*: Aizkraukles Rajons, Aluksnes Rajons, Balvu Rajons, Bauskas Rajons, Cesu Rajons, Daugavpils*, Daugavpils Rajons, Dobeles Rajons, Gulbenes Rajons, Jekabpils Rajons, Jelgava*, Jelgavas Rajons, Jurmala*, Kraslavas Rajons, Kuldigas Rajons, Leipaja*, Liepajas Rajons, Limbazu Rajons, Ludzas Rajons, Madonas Rajons, Ogres Rajons, Preiju Rajons, Rezekne*, Rezeknes Rajons, Riga*, Rigas Rajons, Saldus Rajons, Talsu Rajons, Tukuma Rajons, Valkas Rajons, Valmieras Rajons, Ventspils*, Ventspils RajonsIndependence: 6 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)National holiday: Independence Day, 18 November (1918)Constitution: newly elected Parliament in 1993 restored the 1933 constitutionLegal system: based on civil law systemSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Guntis ULMANIS (since 7 July 1993); Parliament (Saeima) elected President ULMANIS in the third round of balloting on 7 July 1993 head of government: Prime Minister Maris GAILIS (since September 1994) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the Supreme CouncilLegislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Saeima): elections last held 5-6 June 1993 (next to be held NA October 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (100 total) LC 36, LNNK 15, Concord for Latvia 13, LZS 12, Equal Rights 7, LKDS 6, TUB 6, DCP 5Judicial branch: Supreme Court THE WORLD FACTBOOK Latvia GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Latvian Way Union (LC), Valdis BIRKAVS; Latvian Farmers Union (LZS), Alvars BERKIS; Latvian National Independence Movement (LNNK), Andrejs KRASTINS, Aristids LAMBERGS, cochairmen; Concord for Latvia, Janis JURKANS; Equal Rights, Sergejs DIMANIS; Christian Democrat Union (LKDS), Peteris CIMDINS, Andris SAULITIS, Janis RUSKO; Fatherland and Freedom (TUB), Maris GRINBLATS, Roberts MILBERGS, Oigerts DZENTIS; Democratic Center (DCP), Ints CALITIS; Popular Front of Latvia (LTF), Uldis AUGSTKALNSMember of: BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NACC, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WEU (associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ojars Eriks KALNINS chancery: 4325 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011 telephone: [1] (202) 726-8213, 8214 FAX: [1] (202) 726-6785US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Ints M, SILINS embassy: Raina Boulevard 7, Riga 226050 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [371] (2) 213-962 FAX: [371] 882-0047 (cellular)Flag: two horizontal bands of maroon (top and bottom), white (middle, narrower than other two bands) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Latvia EconomyOverview: Latvia is rapidly becoming a dynamic market economy, rivaled only by Estonia among the former Soviet states in the speed of its transformation. However, the transition has been painful; in 1994 the IMF reported a 2% growth in GDP, following steep declines in 1992-93. The government's tough monetary policies and reform program have kept inflation at less than 2% a month, supported a dynamic private sector now accounting for more than half of GDP, and spurred the growth of trade ties with the West. Much of agriculture is already privatized and the government plans to step up the pace of privatization of state enterprises. Latvia thus is in the midst of recovery, helped by the country's strategic location on the Baltic Sea, its well-educated population, and its diverse - albeit largely obsolete - industrial structure.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $12.3 billion (1994 estimate as extrapolated from World Bank estimate for 1992)National product real growth rate: 2% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $4,480 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.9% (monthly average 1994)Unemployment rate: 6.5% (December 1994)Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports: $1 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: oil products, timber, ferrous metals, dairy products, furniture, textiles partners: Russia, Germany, Sweden, BelarusImports: $1.2 billion (c.i.f., 1994) commodities: fuels, cars, ferrous metals, chemicals partners: Russia, Germany, Sweden, UkraineExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate -9.5% (1994 est.); accounts for 27% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 2,080,000 kW production: 5.5 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,864 kWh (1993)Industries: highly diversified; dependent on imports for energy, raw materials, and intermediate products; produces buses, vans, street and railroad cars, synthetic fibers, agricultural machinery, fertilizers, washing machines, radios, electronics, pharmaceuticals, processed foods, textiles THE WORLD FACTBOOK Latvia EconomyAgriculture: principally dairy farming and livestock feeding; products - meat, milk, eggs, grain, sugar beets, potatoes, vegetables; fishing and fish packingIllicit drugs: transshipment point for illicit drugs from Central and Southwest Asia and Latin America to Western Europe; limited producer of illicit opium; mostly for domestic consumption; also produces illicit amphetamines for exportEconomic aid: $NACurrency: 1 lat = 100 cents; introduced NA March 1993Exchange rates: lats per US$1 - 0.55 (December 1994), 0.5917 (January 1994), 1.32 (March 1993)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Latvia TransportationRailroads: total: 2,400 km broad gauge: 2,400 km 1.520-m gauge (270 km electrified)Highways: total: 59,500 km paved and graveled: 33,000 km unpaved: earth 26,500 km (1990)Inland waterways: 300 km perennially navigablePipelines: crude oil 750 km; refined products 780 km; natural gas 560 km (1992)Ports: Daugavpils, Liepaja, Riga, VentspilsMerchant marine: total: 85 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 774,182 GRT/1,010,517 DWT ships by type: cargo 17, oil tanker 37, refrigerated cargo 24, roll-on/roll-off cargo 7Airports: total: 50 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 27 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 10 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Latvia CommunicationsTelephone system: 660,000 telephones; 240 telephones/1,000 persons (1993); Latvia is better provided with telephone service than most of the other former Soviet republics; an NMT-450 analog cellular telephone network covers 75% of Latvia's population local: NA intercity: NA international: international traffic carried by leased connection to the Moscow international gateway switch and through the new Ericsson AXE local/transit digital telephone exchange in Riga and through the Finnish cellular net; electronic mail capability by Sprint data networkRadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: NA televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Latvia Defense ForcesBranches: Ground Forces, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Security Forces (internal and border troops), Border Guard, Home Guard (Zemessardze)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 658,193; males fit for military service 517,896; males reach military age (18) annually 18,736 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: 176 million rubles, 3% to 5% of GDP (1994); note - conversion of the military budget into US dollars using the prevailing exchange rate could produce misleading results</text>
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<text>LATVIA - Passport and visa required. Tourist/business visa issued atEmbassy or point of entry. Require 1 application form, 1 photo, and $5fee. For further information contact Embassy of Latvia, 4325 17th St.,N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011 (202/726-8213).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Latvia============================================================Latvia - Consular Information Sheet June 27, 1995Country Description: Latvia is a nation in the midst of economic transition. Tourist facilities are developing; however, many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available outside Riga.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. The Latvian Embassy recommends that travelers obtain a visa in advance from the Latvian Embassy at 4325 17th Street, Washington, D.C. 20011, tel. (202) 726-8213. It is also possible to obtain a ten-day, single-entry visa upon arrival at seaports of entry and at Riga International Airport. Entry visas are not issued at land border crossings. Travelers who plan to enter or transit Latvia by train or vehicle must first obtain a visa at a Latvian embassy or consulate abroad. Travelers who plan to remain in Latvia for more than 90 days must apply in-country for temporary residency. While there is a Russian Embassy in Riga that issues visas, some travelers have found it difficult or impossible to produce all the documentation necessary to obtain a Russian visa in Latvia. Russian visas obtained on short notice are twice as expensive.Medical Facilities: Medical care in Latvia is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of English speaking physicians in the area. Incidents of encephalitis and lyme disease, which are spread by ticks, have been reported. Outbreaks of diphtheria have been reported in and around Riga and in Daugavpils, with isolated cases in Tukums, Ventspils and Jelgava. The number of cases in 1994 grew steadily. Up-to-date vaccinations for diphtheria are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Latvia has a relatively high rate of crime. Street crime has increased, especially at night. Robberies have occurred on trains and in train stations. Burglaries of apartments and houses are common. The same precautions taken in an unfamiliar U.S. urban center are useful in Latvia as well. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. This publication is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration and Embassy Location: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within Latvia. The U.S. Embassy in Riga is located at Raina Boulevard 7; telephone (371-2) 210-005. No. 95-074This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated June 22, 1994, to change information concerning entry requirements and to report on new medical warnings.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Laos GeographyLocation: Southeastern Asia, northeast of ThailandMap references: Southeast AsiaArea: total area: 236,800 sq km land area: 230,800 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than UtahLand boundaries: total 5,083 km, Burma 235 km, Cambodia 541 km, China 423 km, Thailand 1,754 km, Vietnam 2,130 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: boundary dispute with ThailandClimate: tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)Terrain: mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateausNatural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstonesLand use: arable land: 4% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 3% forest and woodland: 58% other: 35%Irrigated land: 1,554 sq km (1992 est.)Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; a majority of the population does not have access to potable water natural hazards: floods, droughts, and blight international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Law of the SeaNote: landlocked THE WORLD FACTBOOK Laos PeoplePopulation: 4,837,237 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 45% (female 1,084,615; male 1,111,928) 15-64 years: 51% (female 1,280,142; male 1,199,149) 65 years and over: 4% (female 86,390; male 75,013) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.84% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 42.64 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 14.28 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 99.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 52.2 years male: 50.66 years female: 53.81 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 5.98 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Lao(s) or Laotian(s) adjective: Lao or LaotianEthnic divisions: Lao Loum (lowland) 68%, Lao Theung (upland) 22%, Lao Soung (highland) including the Hmong ("Meo") and the Yao (Mien) 9%, ethnic Vietnamese/Chinese 1%Religions: Buddhist 60%, animist and other 40%Languages: Lao (official), French, English, and various ethnic languagesLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1992) total population: 50% male: 65% female: 35%Labor force: 1 million-1.5 million by occupation: agriculture 80% (1992 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Laos GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Lao People's Democratic Republic conventional short form: Laos local long form: Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao local short form: noneDigraph: LAType: Communist stateCapital: VientianeAdministrative divisions: 16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 municipality* (kampheng nakhon, singular and plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai, Champasak, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangnamtha, Louangphabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali, Salavan, Savannakhet, Viangchan*, Viangchan, Xaignabouli, Xekong, XiangkhoangIndependence: 19 July 1949 (from France)National holiday: National Day, 2 December (1975) (proclamation of the Lao People's Democratic Republic)Constitution: promulgated 14 August 1991Legal system: based on traditional customs, French legal norms and procedures, and Socialist practiceSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President NOUHAK PHOUMSAVAN (since 25 November 1992) head of government: Prime Minister Gen. KHAMTAI SIPHANDON (since 15 August 1991) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president, approved by the AssemblyLegislative branch: unicameral National Assembly: elections last held on 20 December 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (85 total) number of seats by party NAJudicial branch: Supreme People's CourtPolitical parties and leaders: Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), KHAMTAI Siphandon, party president; other parties proscribedOther political or pressure groups: non-Communist political groups proscribed; most opposition leaders fled the country in 1975Member of: ACCT, AsDB, ASEAN (observer), CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO THE WORLD FACTBOOK Laos GovernmentDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador HIEM PHOMMACHANH chancery: 2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 332-6416, 6417 FAX: [1] (202) 332-4923US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Victor L. TOMSETH embassy: Rue Bartholonie, Vientiane mailing address: B. P. 114, Vientiane; American Embassy, Box V, APO AP 96546 telephone: [856] (21) 212581, 212582, 212585 FAX: [856] (21) 212584Flag: three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and red with a large white disk centered in the blue band THE WORLD FACTBOOK Laos EconomyOverview: The government of Laos - one of the few remaining official Communist states - has been decentralizing control and encouraging private enterprise since 1986. The results, starting from an extremely low base, have been striking - growth has averaged 7.5% annually since 1988. Even so, Laos is a landlocked country with a primitive infrastructure. It has no railroads, a rudimentary road system, and limited external and internal telecommunications. Electricity is available in only a few urban areas. Subsistence agriculture accounts for half of GDP and provides 80% of total employment. The predominant crop is rice. In non-drought years, Laos is self-sufficient overall in food, but each year flood, pests, and localized drought cause shortages in various parts of the country. For the foreseeable future the economy will continue to depend on aid from the IMF and other international sources; aid from the former USSR and Eastern Europe has been cut sharply. As in many developing countries, deforestation and soil erosion will hamper efforts to maintain the high rate of GDP growth.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $4 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 8.4% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $850 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.5% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 21% (1992 est.)Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NAExports: $277 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: electricity, wood products, coffee, tin, garments partners: Thailand 57%, Germany 10%, France 10%, Japan 5% (1991)Imports: $528 million (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: food, fuel oil, consumer goods, manufactures partners: Thailand 55%, Japan 16%, China 8%, Italy 4% (1991)External debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate 7.5% (1992 est.); accounts for 18% of GDP (1992 est.)Electricity: capacity: 260,000 kW production: 870 million kWh consumption per capita: 44 kWh (1993)Industries: tin and gypsum mining, timber, electric power, agricultural processing, construction THE WORLD FACTBOOK Laos EconomyAgriculture: principal crops - rice (80% of cultivated land), sweet potatoes, vegetables, corn, coffee, sugarcane, cotton; livestock - buffaloes, hogs, cattle, poultryIllicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis, opium poppy for the international drug trade, fourth largest opium producer (85 metric tons in 1994); heroin producer; increasingly used as transshipment point for heroin produced in BurmaEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-79), $276 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $605 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $995 million; international assistance in loans and grant aid (1993/94) $217.7 millionCurrency: 1 new kip (NK) = 100 atExchange rates: new kips (NK) per US$1 - 717 (1994 est.), 720 (July 1993). 710 (May 1992), 710 (December 1991), 700 (September 1990), 576 (1989)Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September THE WORLD FACTBOOK Laos TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 14,130 km paved: 2,260 km unpaved: 11,870 km (1992 est.)Inland waterways: about 4,587 km, primarily Mekong and tributaries; 2,897 additional kilometers are sectionally navigable by craft drawing less than 0.5 mPipelines: petroleum products 136 kmPorts: noneMerchant marine: total: 1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,370 GRT/3,000 DWTAirports: 52 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 25 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 17 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Laos CommunicationsTelephone system: 7,390 telephones (1986); service to general public very poor; radio communications network provides generally erratic service to government users local: 16 telephone lines per 1,000 people intercity: radio communications international: 1 earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 10, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 2 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Laos Defense ForcesBranches: Lao People's Army (LPA; includes riverine naval and militia elements), Air Force, National Police DepartmentManpower availability: males age 15-49 1,051,105; males fit for military service 567,017; males reach military age (18) annually 51,437 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $105 million, 8.1% of GDP (FY92/93)</text>
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<text>LAOS - Passport and visa required. Visa requires $35 fee, 3application forms, 3 photos, onward/return transportation, sufficient funds,cholera immunization and SASE for return of passport by mail. Transit visasfor stay up to 5 days requires onward/return ticket and visa for nextdestination. Visitor visa are issued for 1 entry and must be usedwithin 3 months of issue date. Period of stay: 1 month, can be extended foranother 30 days (visitor visa application must be accompanied by letterfrom relative or friends in Laos). Tourist visas are issued only tothose who apply through a tourist agency. Business visa requires letter fromcounterpart in Laos and is valid for 1 entry and must be used within 3months of issue date. Period of stay: 1 month, can be extended foranother 30 days. For more information, check with the Embassy of theLao People's Democratic Republic, 2222 S St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008(202/332-6416/7).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Laos============================================================Laos - Consular Information Sheet September 7, 1995Country Description: Laos is a poor country with a communist government that is pursuing economic reform. Outside of Vientiane, tourist services and facilities are relatively undeveloped.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Travelers should contact the Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, 2222 S St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 332-6416.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities and services are limited and do not meet Western standards. The blood supply is not screened for HIV or AIDS. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tel. (404) 332-4559, has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: Major crime has not been a problem for travelers, although street crime has been on the increase. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the U.S. Embassy. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.In-Country Travel: Since April 1994, the Lao government no longer requires permits for travel outside Vientiane except for travel in unspecified "restricted areas." Frequently visited tourist destinations generally are safe. In December 1993, however, one U.S. citizen and four U.S. residents were killed in a fatal Lao aviation airline crash in Xieng Khouang Province, where the Plain of Jars is located. Overland travel in some areas, particularly in the highlands, runs the risk of ambush by insurgents or bandits.Religious Workers: Religious proselytizing or distributing religious material is strictly prohibited. Foreigners caught distributing religious material may be arrested or deported.Marriage to a Lao Citizen: The Lao government imposes requirements on foreigners intending to marry Lao citizens. U.S. citizens may obtain information about these requirements at the U.S Embassy in Vientiane. A marriage certificate will not be issued by the Lao Government if the correct procedures have not been followed. Any attempt to circumvent Lao law governing the marriage of Lao citizens to foreigners may result in deportation of the foreigner and denial of permission to re-enter Laos. Two U.S. citizens cannot marry in Laos.Photography Restrictions: Police and military may confiscate the cameras of persons taking photographs of military installations or vehicles, bridges, airfields and government buildings. Confiscated cameras are seldom returned to the owners. Photographers of such subjects also may be arrested.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at Rue Bartholomie, B.P. 114, in Vientiane; mail can be addressed to AMEMB Vientiane Box V, APO AP 96546; the telephone numbers are (856) 21-212581, 212582, 212585; duty officer emergency cellular number (856) 21-130-423; fax (856) 21-212584. No. 95-107This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued on August 4, 1994 to include additional medical information, to update marriage information and to add the telephone number for the embassy duty officer.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Laos============================================================Laos - Consular Information Sheet September 7, 1995Country Description: Laos is a poor country with a communist government that is pursuing economic reform. Outside of Vientiane, tourist services and facilities are relatively undeveloped.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Travelers should contact the Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, 2222 S St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 332-6416.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities and services are limited and do not meet Western standards. The blood supply is not screened for HIV or AIDS. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical evacuation, has proven useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tel. (404) 332-4559, has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: Major crime has not been a problem for travelers, although street crime has been on the increase. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the U.S. Embassy. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.In-Country Travel: Since April 1994, the Lao government no longer requires permits for travel outside Vientiane except for travel in unspecified "restricted areas." Frequently visited tourist destinations generally are safe. In December 1993, however, one U.S. citizen and four U.S. residents were killed in a fatal Lao aviation airline crash in Xieng Khouang Province, where the Plain of Jars is located. Overland travel in some areas, particularly in the highlands, runs the risk of ambush by insurgents or bandits.Religious Workers: Religious proselytizing or distributing religious material is strictly prohibited. Foreigners caught distributing religious material may be arrested or deported.Marriage to a Lao Citizen: The Lao government imposes requirements on foreigners intending to marry Lao citizens. U.S. citizens may obtain information about these requirements at the U.S Embassy in Vientiane. A marriage certificate will not be issued by the Lao Government if the correct procedures have not been followed. Any attempt to circumvent Lao law governing the marriage of Lao citizens to foreigners may result in deportation of the foreigner and denial of permission to re-enter Laos. Two U.S. citizens cannot marry in Laos.Photography Restrictions: Police and military may confiscate the cameras of persons taking photographs of military installations or vehicles, bridges, airfields and government buildings. Confiscated cameras are seldom returned to the owners. Photographers of such subjects also may be arrested.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located at Rue Bartholomie, B.P. 114, in Vientiane; mail can be addressed to AMEMB Vientiane Box V, APO AP 96546; the telephone numbers are (856) 21-212581, 212582, 212585; duty officer emergency cellular number (856) 21-130-423; fax (856) 21-212584. No. 95-107This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued on August 4, 1994 to include additional medical information, to update marriage information and to add the telephone number for the embassy duty officer.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kyrgyzstan GeographyLocation: Central Asia, west of ChinaMap references: Commonwealth of Independent States - Central Asian StatesArea: total area: 198,500 sq km land area: 191,300 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than South DakotaLand boundaries: total 3,878 km, China 858 km, Kazakhstan 1,051 km, Tajikistan 870 km, Uzbekistan 1,099 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: territorial dispute with Tajikistan on southwestern boundary in Isfara Valley areaClimate: dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan; subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zoneTerrain: peaks of Tien Shan rise to 7,000 meters, and associated valleys and basins encompass entire nationNatural resources: abundant hydroelectric potential; significant deposits of gold and rare earth metals; locally exploitable coal, oil and natural gas; other deposits of nepheline, mercury, bismuth, lead, and zincLand use: arable land: 7% permanent crops: NEGL% meadows and pastures: 42% forest and woodland: 0% other: 51%Irrigated land: 10,320 sq km (1990)Environment: current issues: water pollution; many people get their water directly from contaminated streams and wells, as a result, water-borne diseases are prevalent; increasing soil salinity from faulty irrigation practices natural hazards: NA international agreements: NANote: landlocked THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kyrgyzstan PeoplePopulation: 4,769,877 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 37% (female 868,108; male 888,479) 15-64 years: 57% (female 1,377,221; male 1,345,990) 65 years and over: 6% (female 185,807; male 104,272) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.5% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 25.97 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 7.32 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -3.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 45.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.13 years male: 63.92 years female: 72.56 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 3.31 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Kyrgyz(s) adjective: KyrgyzEthnic divisions: Kirghiz 52.4%, Russian 21.5%, Uzbek 12.9%, Ukrainian 2.5%, German 2.4%, other 8.3%Religions: Muslim 70%, Russian Orthodox NA%Languages: Kirghiz (Kyrgyz) - official language, Russian widely usedLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989) total population: 97% male: 99% female: 96%Labor force: 1.836 million by occupation: agriculture and forestry 38%, industry and construction 21%, other 41% (1990) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kyrgyzstan GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Kyrgyz Republic conventional short form: Kyrgyzstan local long form: Kyrgyz Respublikasy local short form: none former: Kirghiz Soviet Socialist RepublicDigraph: KGType: republicCapital: BishkekAdministrative divisions: 6 oblasttar (singular - oblast) and 1 city* (singular - shaar); Bishkek Shaary*, Chuy Oblasty (Bishkek), Jalal-Abad Oblasty, Naryn Oblasty, Osh Oblasty, Talas Oblasty, Ysyk-Kol Oblasty (Karakol) note: names in parentheses are administrative centers when name differs from oblast nameIndependence: 31 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)National holiday: National Day, 2 December; Independence Day, 31 August (1991)Constitution: adopted 5 May 1993Legal system: based on civil law systemSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Askar AKAYEV (since 28 October 1990); election last held 12 October 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - Askar AKAYEV won in uncontested election with 95% of vote and with 90% of electorate voting; note - president elected by Supreme Soviet 28 October 1990, then by popular vote 12 October 1991; AKAYEV won 96% of the vote in a referendum on his status as president on 30 January 1994 head of government: Prime Minister Apas DJUMAGULOV (since NA December 1993) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers; subordinate to the presidentLegislative branch: bicameral Assembly of Legislatures: elections last held 5 February 1995 (next to be held no later than NA 1998); 35-member house to which 19 members have been elected so far; next round of runoffs scheduled for 19 April 1995 Assembly of Representatives: elections last held 5 February 1995 (next to be held no later than NA 1998); 70-member house to which 60 members have been elected so far; next round of runoffs scheduled for 19 April 1995 note: the legislature became bicameral for the 5 February 1995 elections THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kyrgyzstan GovernmentJudicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: Social Democratic Party (SDP), Ishenbai KADYRBEKOV, chairman; Democratic Movement of Kyrgyzstan (DMK), Kazat AKHMATOV, chairman; National Unity, German KUZNETSOV; Communist Party of Kyrgyzstan (PCK), Sherali SYDYKOV, chairman; Democratic Movement of Free Kyrgyzstan (ErK), Topchubek TURGUNALIYEV, chairman; Republican Popular Party of Kyrgyzstan; Agrarian Party of Kyrgyzstan, A. ALIYEVOther political or pressure groups: National Unity Democratic Movement; Peasant Party; Council of Free Trade Unions; Union of Entrepreneurs; Agrarian PartyMember of: AsDB, CIS, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NACC, OIC, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: (vacant); Charge d'Affaires ad interim Almas CHUKIN chancery: (temporary) Suite 705, 1511 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 telephone: [1] (202) 347-3732, 3733, 3718 FAX: [1] (202) 347-3718US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Eileen A. MALLOY embassy: Erkindik Prospekt #66, Bishkek 720002 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [7] (3312) 22-29-20, 22-27-77, 22-26-31, 22-24-73 FAX: [7] (3312) 22-35-51Flag: red field with a yellow sun in the center having 40 rays representing the 40 Kirghiz tribes; on the obverse side the rays run counterclockwise, on the reverse, clockwise; in the center of the sun is a red ring crossed by two sets of three lines, a stylized representation of the roof of the traditional Kirghiz yurt THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kyrgyzstan EconomyOverview: Kyrgyzstan is one of the smallest and poorest states of the former Soviet Union. Its economy is heavily agricultural, growing cotton and tobacco on irrigated land in the south and grain in the foothills of the north and raising sheep and goats on mountain pastures. Its small and obsolescent industrial sector, concentrated around Bishkek, has traditionally relied on Russia and other CIS countries for customers and industrial inputs, including most of its fuel. Since 1990, the economy has contracted by almost 50% as subsidies from Moscow vanished and trade links with other former Soviet republics eroded. At the same time, the Kyrgyz government stuck to tight monetary and fiscal policies in 1994 that succeeded in reducing inflation from 23% per month in 1993 to 5.4% per month in 1994. Moreover, Kyrgyzstan has been the most successful of the Central Asian states in reducing state controls over the economy and privatizing state industries. Nevertheless, restructuring proved to be a slow and painful process in 1994 despite relatively large flows of foreign aid and continued progress on economic reform. The decline in output in 1995 may be much smaller, perhaps 5%, compared with an estimated 24% in 1994.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $8.4 billion (1994 estimate as extrapolated from World Bank estimate for 1992)National product real growth rate: -24% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $1,790 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.4% per month (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 0.7% includes officially registered unemployed; also large numbers of unregistered unemployed and underemployed workers (1994)Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports: $116 million to countries outside the FSU (1994) commodities: wool, chemicals, cotton, ferrous and nonferrous metals, shoes, machinery, tobacco partners: Russia 70%, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and othersImports: $92.4 million from countries outside the FSU (1994) commodities: grain, lumber, industrial products, ferrous metals, fuel, machinery, textiles, footwear partners: other CIS republicsExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate -24% (1994 est.)Electricity: capacity: 3,660,000 kW production: 12.7 billion kWh THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kyrgyzstan Economy consumption per capita: 2,700 kWh (1994)Industries: small machinery, textiles, food-processing industries, cement, shoes, sawn logs, refrigerators, furniture, electric motors, gold, and rare earth metalsAgriculture: wool, tobacco, cotton, livestock (sheep, goats, cattle), vegetables, meat, grapes, fruits and berries, eggs, milk, potatoesIllicit drugs: illicit cultivator of cannabis and opium poppy; mostly for CIS consumption; limited government eradication program; used as transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe and North America from Southwest AsiaEconomic aid: recipient: IMF aid commitments were $80 million in 1993 and $400 million in 1994Currency: introduced national currency, the som (10 May 1993)Exchange rates: soms per US$1 - 10.6 (yearend 1994)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kyrgyzstan TransportationRailroads: total: 370 km in common carrier service; does not include industrial lines broad gauge: 370 km 1.520-m gauge (1990)Highways: total: 30,300 km paved and graveled: 22,600 km unpaved: earth 7,700 km (1990)Pipelines: natural gas 200 kmPorts: Ysyk-Kol (Rybach'ye)Airports: total: 54 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 9 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 4 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 4 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 32 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kyrgyzstan CommunicationsTelephone system: 342,000 telephones (1991); 76 telephones/1,000 persons (December 1991); poorly developed; about 100,000 unsatisfied applications for household telephones local: NA intercity: principally by microwave radio relay international: connections with other CIS countries by landline or microwave and with other countries by leased connections with Moscow international gateway switch and by satellite; 1 GORIZONT and 1 INTELSAT satellite link through Ankara to 200 other countriesRadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: 825,000 (radio receiver systems with multiple speakers for program diffusion 748,000)Television: broadcast stations: NA; note - receives Turkish broadcasts televisions: 875,000 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kyrgyzstan Defense ForcesBranches: National Guard, Security Forces (internal and border troops), Civil DefenseManpower availability: males age 15-49 1,154,683; males fit for military service 934,167; males reach military age (18) annually 44,526 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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<text>KYRGYZ REPUBLIC (Kyrgyzstan) - Passport and visa required. Visarequires 1 application form, 2 photos, (a letter of invitation from a Kyrgyzcitizen or organization if staying more then 21 days). Multi-entry visa $100(no personal checks). Include SASE for return of passport by mail (orproper fee for express mail service). For additional information contact theEmbassy of the Kyrgyz Republic, 1511 K St., N.W., Suite 707,Washington, D.C. 20005 (202/628-0433).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Kyrgyzstan============================================================Kyrgyzstan - Consular Information Sheet March 28, 1995Country Description: Kyrgyzstan is a newly independent nation undergoing profound political and economic change. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Visas for Kyrgyzstan are issued by the Kyrgyz Embassy in Washington, D.C. United States citizens may contact the Kyrgyz Embassy at 1511 K Street, N.W., Suite 706, Washington, D.C. 20005, telephone 202-347-3732 for further information. Valid visas from Russia, Kazakstan, Tajikistan, Armenia and Belarus allow for temporary stays in Kyrgyzstan of up to three days.Medical Facilities: Medical care in Kyrgyzstan is limited. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of English speaking physicians in the area. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Incidents of cholera have been found, but preventative government measures have limited the number of cases. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.Air Travel: With the breakup of Aeroflot into many small airlines, air travel in the former Soviet Union is often unreliable. Travelers must often cope with unpredictable schedules and difficult conditions including deterioration of quality of service and overloading. At present, no airline provides dependable regularly scheduled international air service into Bishkek. Most international air travelers fly to Almaty and then travel overland (approx. 3 hours) to Bishkek. Train travel in Central Asia is irregular and arduous. Crime Information: Kyrgyzstan has a moderate rate of violent crime. Recently, common street crimes and burglaries have increased, especially at night. Members of the foreign community have been singled out as targets. Traveling in a group, especially at night, can improve security. Some incidents of muggings have occurred outside hotels that cater to foreigners. The government is taking steps to reduce the crime level, and has initiated walking militia patrols throughout the city. More specific information is available at the consular section of the U.S. Embassy. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Additional information on the region can be found in the Department of State's brochure "Tips for Travelers to Russia." Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Currency Regulations: Kyrgyzstan is a cash only economy. Credit cards are not accepted. One or two hotels or banks may, on occasion, accept travelers checks but the fee is quite high, as much as 20 percent.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within Kyrgyzstan.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, is located at Erkindik Prospect No. 66, telephone (7-3312) 22-27-77 and after hours phone number (7-3312) 22-53-58. The Embassy fax number is 22-32-10. No. 95-042This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated November 25, 1994 to include additional information on crime.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Kyrgyzstan============================================================Kyrgyzstan - Consular Information Sheet March 28, 1995Country Description: Kyrgyzstan is a newly independent nation undergoing profound political and economic change. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Visas for Kyrgyzstan are issued by the Kyrgyz Embassy in Washington, D.C. United States citizens may contact the Kyrgyz Embassy at 1511 K Street, N.W., Suite 706, Washington, D.C. 20005, telephone 202-347-3732 for further information. Valid visas from Russia, Kazakstan, Tajikistan, Armenia and Belarus allow for temporary stays in Kyrgyzstan of up to three days.Medical Facilities: Medical care in Kyrgyzstan is limited. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of English speaking physicians in the area. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Incidents of cholera have been found, but preventative government measures have limited the number of cases. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.Air Travel: With the breakup of Aeroflot into many small airlines, air travel in the former Soviet Union is often unreliable. Travelers must often cope with unpredictable schedules and difficult conditions including deterioration of quality of service and overloading. At present, no airline provides dependable regularly scheduled international air service into Bishkek. Most international air travelers fly to Almaty and then travel overland (approx. 3 hours) to Bishkek. Train travel in Central Asia is irregular and arduous. Crime Information: Kyrgyzstan has a moderate rate of violent crime. Recently, common street crimes and burglaries have increased, especially at night. Members of the foreign community have been singled out as targets. Traveling in a group, especially at night, can improve security. Some incidents of muggings have occurred outside hotels that cater to foreigners. The government is taking steps to reduce the crime level, and has initiated walking militia patrols throughout the city. More specific information is available at the consular section of the U.S. Embassy. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Additional information on the region can be found in the Department of State's brochure "Tips for Travelers to Russia." Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Currency Regulations: Kyrgyzstan is a cash only economy. Credit cards are not accepted. One or two hotels or banks may, on occasion, accept travelers checks but the fee is quite high, as much as 20 percent.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within Kyrgyzstan.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, is located at Erkindik Prospect No. 66, telephone (7-3312) 22-27-77 and after hours phone number (7-3312) 22-53-58. The Embassy fax number is 22-32-10. No. 95-042This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated November 25, 1994 to include additional information on crime.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kuwait GeographyLocation: Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi ArabiaMap references: Middle EastArea: total area: 17,820 sq km land area: 17,820 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than New JerseyLand boundaries: total 464 km, Iraq 242 km, Saudi Arabia 222 kmCoastline: 499 kmMaritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: in November 1994, Iraq formally accepted the UN-demarcated border with Kuwait which had been spelled out in Security Council Resolutions 687 (1991), 773 (1993), and 883 (1993); this formally ends earlier claims to Kuwait and to Bubiyan and Warbah islands; ownership of Qaruh and Umm al Maradim islands disputed by Saudi ArabiaClimate: dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool wintersTerrain: flat to slightly undulating desert plainNatural resources: petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gasLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 8% forest and woodland: 0% other: 92%Irrigated land: 20 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: limited natural fresh water resources; some of world's largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide much of the water; air and water pollution; desertification natural hazards: sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April, they bring inordinate amounts of rain which can damage roads and houses; sandstorms and duststorms occur throughout the year, but are most common between March and August international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Marine DumpingNote: strategic location at head of Persian Gulf THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kuwait PeoplePopulation: 1,817,397 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 34% (female 302,908; male 319,659) 15-64 years: 64% (female 467,163; male 697,849) 65 years and over: 2% (female 13,476; male 16,342) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 7.46% (1995 est.) note: this rate reflects the continued post-Gulf crisis return of nationals and expatriatesBirth rate: 21.07 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 2.2 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 55.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 11.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.64 years male: 73.33 years female: 78.06 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.93 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Kuwaiti(s) adjective: KuwaitiEthnic divisions: Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 7%Religions: Muslim 85% (Shi'a 30%, Sunni 45%, other 10%), Christian, Hindu, Parsi, and other 15%Languages: Arabic (official), English widely spokenLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1985) total population: 74% male: 78% female: 69%Labor force: 566,000 (1986) by occupation: services 45.0%, construction 20.0%, trade 12.0%, manufacturing 8.6%, finance and real estate 2.6%, agriculture 1.9%, power and water 1.7%, mining and quarrying 1.4% note: 70% of labor force non-Kuwaiti (1986) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kuwait GovernmentNames: conventional long form: State of Kuwait conventional short form: Kuwait local long form: Dawlat al Kuwayt local short form: Al KuwaytDigraph: KUType: nominal constitutional monarchyCapital: KuwaitAdministrative divisions: 5 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al 'Ahmadi, Al Jahrah, Al Kuwayt, Hawalli, Al FarwaniyahIndependence: 19 June 1961 (from UK)National holiday: National Day, 25 February (1948)Constitution: approved and promulgated 11 November 1962Legal system: civil law system with Islamic law significant in personal matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: adult males who resided in Kuwait before 1920 and their male descendants at age 21 note: only 10% of all citizens are eligible to vote; in 1996, naturalized citizens who do not meet the pre-1920 qualification but have been naturalized for thirty years will be eligible to voteExecutive branch: chief of state: Amir Shaykh JABIR al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah (since 31 December 1977) head of government: Prime Minister and Crown Prince SAAD al-Abdallah al-Salim Al Sabah (since 8 February 1978); Deputy Prime Minister SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah (since 17 October 1992) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the Prime Minister and approved by the AmirLegislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Majlis al-umma): dissolved 3 July 1986; new elections were held on 5 October 1992 with a second election in the 14th and 16th constituencies held February 1993Judicial branch: High Court of AppealPolitical parties and leaders: noneOther political or pressure groups: small, clandestine leftist and Shi'a fundamentalist groups are active; several groups critical of government policies are publicly active THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kuwait GovernmentMember of: ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, BDEAC, CAEU, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GATT, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador MUHAMMAD al-Sabah al-Salim Al SABAH chancery: 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 966-0702 FAX: [1] (202) 966-0517US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Ryan C. CROCKER embassy: Bneid al-Gar (opposite the Kuwait International Hotel), Kuwait City mailing address: P.O. Box 77 SAFAT, 13001 SAFAT, Kuwait; Unit 69000, Kuwait; APO AE 09880-9000 telephone: [965] 2424151 through 2424159 FAX: [965] 2442855Flag: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red with a black trapezoid based on the hoist side THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kuwait EconomyOverview: Kuwait is a small and relatively open economy with proved crude oil reserves of about 94 billion barrels - 10% of world reserves. Kuwait has rebuilt its war-ravaged petroleum sector; its crude oil production reached at least 2.0 million barrels per day by the end of 1993. The government ran a sizable fiscal deficit in 1993. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP and 90% of export and government revenues. Kuwait lacks water and has practically no arable land, thus preventing development of agriculture. With the exception of fish, it depends almost wholly on food imports. About 75% of potable water must be distilled or imported. Because of its high per capita income, comparable with Western European incomes, Kuwait provides its citizens with extensive health, educational, and retirement benefits. Per capita military expenditures are among the highest in the world. The economy improved moderately in 1994, with the growth in industry and finance, and should see further gains in 1995, especially if oil prices go up. The World Bank has urged Kuwait to push ahead with privatization, including in the oil industry, but the government will move slowly on this front.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $30.7 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 9.3% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $16,900 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3% (1993)Unemployment rate: NEGL% (1992 est.)Budget: revenues: $9 billion expenditures: $13 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY92/93)Exports: $10.5 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: oil partners: France 16%, Italy 15%, Japan 12%, UK 11%Imports: $6.6 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, clothing partners: US 35%, Japan 12%, UK 9%, Canada 9%External debt: $7.2 billion (December 1989 est.) note: external debt has grown substantially in 1991 and 1992 to pay for restoration of war damageIndustrial production: growth rate NA%; accounts for NA% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 7,070,000 kW production: 11 billion kWh consumption per capita: 6,007 kWh (1993) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kuwait EconomyIndustries: petroleum, petrochemicals, desalination, food processing, building materials, salt, constructionAgriculture: practically none; extensive fishing in territorial waters and Indian OceanEconomic aid: donor: pledged bilateral aid to less developed countries (1979-89), $18.3 billionCurrency: 1 Kuwaiti dinar (KD) = 1,000 filsExchange rates: Kuwaiti dinars (KD) per US$1 - 0.2991 (January 1995), 0.2976 (1994), 0.3017 (1993), 0.2934 (1992), 0.2843 (1991), 0.2915 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kuwait TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 4,270 km paved: bituminous 3,370 km unpaved: gravel, sand, earth 900 km (est.)Pipelines: crude oil 877 km; petroleum products 40 km; natural gas 165 kmPorts: Ash Shu'aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Kuwait, Mina' 'Abd Allah, Mina' al Ahmadi, Mina' Su'udMerchant marine: total: 47 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,202,558 GRT/3,618,527 DWT ships by type: cargo 9, container 3, liquefied gas tanker 7, livestock carrier 4, oil tanker 24Airports: total: 8 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 2 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kuwait CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; civil network suffered extensive damage as a result of the Gulf war and reconstruction is still under way with some restored international and domestic capabilities local: NA intercity: NA international: earth stations destroyed during Gulf war and not rebuilt yet; temporary mobile satellite antennae provide international telecommunications; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; service to Iraq is nonoperationalRadio: broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 3 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kuwait Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Police Force, National GuardManpower availability: males age 15-49 610,205; males fit for military service 363,735; males reach military age (18) annually 16,170 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $3.4 billion, 13.3% of GDP (1995)</text>
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<text>KUWAIT - Passport and visa required. AIDS test required for workvisa; U.S. test accepted. For further information contact the Embassy of theState of Kuwait, 2940 Tilden St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008(202/966-0702) or Consulate, 321 East 44th St., New York, NY 10017(212/973-4318).Kuwait - Consular Information SheetSeptember 20, 1994Country Description: Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy with a moderneconomy. Day-to-day life has returned to normal after the 1991 Gulf War,and facilities for travelers are widely available. The workweek in Kuwaitis Saturday through Wednesday.Entry Requirements: Passports and visas are required for U.S. citizenstraveling to Kuwait. For more information concerning entry requirements,travelers may contact the Embassy of Kuwait at 2940 Tilden St., N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 966-0702, or the Kuwaiti Consulatein New York City, telephone (212) 973-4318.Areas of Instability: Travel to and near the Iraq-Kuwait border ishazardous. In the past, persons found near the border were detained byIraqi security forces, and were endangered by occasional exchanges of firein the demilitarized zone near Iraq. U.S. citizens having legitimate work-related business near the border may receive information updates from theU.S. Embassy, and may also wish to consult their employer's securitypersonnel.Unexploded bombs, mines, booby traps, and other items remain in open areasand beaches throughout Kuwait. U.S. Embassy personnel have been forbiddento travel off paved surfaces outside Kuwait city. In the past three years,there have been approximately six fire bombing incidents at movie theatersand video shops, as well as a shooting at an American company's residentialcomplex. No serious casualties resulted from these incidents.Medical Facilities: The health care delivery system continues to rebuild,with many medical facilities, both government and private, available inKuwait. Medical care at government-run clinics and hospitals is generallyprovided free of charge or at low cost to residents of Kuwait, while privatephysicians and hospitals charge a fee for services. Non-residents havefound that private doctors, hospitals and clinics expect immediate cashpayment for their services. U.S. medical insurance is not always validoutside the United States. Medevac insurance, for emergencies requiringtreatment outside Kuwait, and supplemental medical insurance with specificoverseas coverage have proven useful. Specific health questions can beaddressed to the Centers for Disease Control's international travelershotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: The crime rate in Kuwait is moderate. However, weaponsleft over from the 1991 Gulf War remain in the hands of the populace, andshooting incidents have occurred. Both physical and verbal harassment ofwomen is a continuing problem. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroadshould be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. Embassyor Consulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protectingpersonal security, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided inthe Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips forTravelers to the Middle East and North Africa." They are available from theSuperintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,D.C. 20402.Currency Regulations: Travelers checks and credit cards are widelyaccepted. Kuwaiti currency is readily convertible to U.S. dollars.Drugs and Other Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of thecountry in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, ordealing in illegal drugs, alcohol, or pornography are severe, and convictedoffenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Religious proselytizing isnot permitted.Terrorist Activities: The occasional bombings and shootings over the pastthree years have usually been directed against Kuwaiti targets. The U.S.Embassy can supply more detailed information to Americans in Kuwait onreducing the risk of becoming a target of a terrorist attack.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the Consular Section of theU.S. Embassy may be enrolled in the Embassy's emergency alert network, andcan obtain updated information on travel and security in Kuwait.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait is located on Gulf Road nearthe Safir International Hotel in Kuwait City, P.O. Box 77 Safat, 13001SAFAT, Kuwait, phone [965] 242-4151 through 9.No. 94-221This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Kuwait dated September 1,1993, to update information on entry requirements, areas of instability,medical facilities, terrorist activities, and the address of the U.S. Embassy.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, South GeographyLocation: Eastern Asia, southern half of the Korean peninsula bordering the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea, south of North KoreaMap references: AsiaArea: total area: 98,480 sq km land area: 98,190 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than IndianaLand boundaries: total 238 km, North Korea 238 kmCoastline: 2,413 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: not specified territorial sea: 12 nm; 3 nm in the Korea StraitInternational disputes: Demarcation Line with North Korea; Liancourt Rocks claimed by JapanClimate: temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winterTerrain: mostly hills and mountains; wide coastal plains in west and southNatural resources: coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydropowerLand use: arable land: 21% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 1% forest and woodland: 67% other: 10%Irrigated land: 13,530 sq km (1989)Environment: current issues: air pollution in large cities; water pollution from the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents; driftnet fishing natural hazards: occasional typhoons bring high winds and floods; earthquakes in southwest international agreements: party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, South PeoplePopulation: 45,553,882 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 24% (female 5,280,998; male 5,640,789) 15-64 years: 71% (female 15,877,182; male 16,291,183) 65 years and over: 5% (female 1,554,512; male 909,218) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.04% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 15.63 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.18 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0.9 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 20.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.89 years male: 67.69 years female: 74.29 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.66 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Korean(s) adjective: KoreanEthnic divisions: homogeneous (except for about 20,000 Chinese)Religions: Christianity 48.6%, Buddhism 47.4%, Confucianism 3%, pervasive folk religion (shamanism), Chondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way) 0.2%Languages: Korean, English widely taught in high schoolLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 96% male: 99% female: 94%Labor force: 20 million by occupation: services and other 52%, mining and manufacturing 27%, agriculture, fishing, forestry 21% (1991) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, South GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Korea conventional short form: South Korea local long form: Taehan-min'guk local short form: none note: the South Koreans generally use the term "Hanguk" to refer to their countryAbbreviation: ROKDigraph: KSType: republicCapital: SeoulAdministrative divisions: 9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 6 special cities* (jikhalsi, singular and plural); Cheju-do, Cholla-bukto, Cholla-namdo, Ch'ungch'ong-bukto, Ch'ungch'ong-namdo, Inch'on-jikhalsi*, Kangwon-do, Kwangju-jikhalsi*, Kyonggi-do, Kyongsang-bukto, Kyongsang-namdo, Pusan-jikhalsi*, Soul-t'ukpyolsi*, Taegu-jikhalsi*, Taejon-jikhalsi*Independence: 15 August 1948National holiday: Independence Day, 15 August (1948)Constitution: 25 February 1988Legal system: combines elements of continental European civil law systems, Anglo-American law, and Chinese classical thoughtSuffrage: 20 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President KIM Yong-sam (since 25 February 1993); election last held on 18 December 1992 (next to be held NA December 1997); results - KIM Yong-sam (DLP) 41.9%, KIM Tae-chung (DP) 33.8%, CHONG Chu-yong (UPP) 16.3%, other 8% head of government: Prime Minister YI Hong-ku (since 17 December 1994); Deputy Prime Minister HONG Chae-yong (since 4 October 1994) and Deputy Prime Minister KIM Tok (since 23 December 1994) cabinet: State Council; appointed by the president on the prime minister's recommendationLegislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Kukhoe): elections last held on 24 March 1992; results - DLP 38.5%, DP 29.2%, Unification National Party (UNP) 17.3% (name later changed to UPP), other 15%; seats - (299 total) DLP 149, DP 97, UNP 31, other 22; the distribution of seats as of January 1994 was DLP 172, DP 96, UPP 11, other 20 note: the change in the distribution of seats reflects the fluidity of the current situation where party members are constantly switching from one party to another THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, South GovernmentJudicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: majority party: Democratic Liberal Party (DLP), KIM Yong-sam, president opposition: Democratic Party (DP), YI Ki-taek, executive chairman; United People's Party (UPP), KIM Tong-kil, chairman; several smaller parties note: the DLP resulted from a merger of the Democratic Justice Party (DJP), Reunification Democratic Party (RDP), and New Democratic Republican Party (NDRP) on 9 February 1990Other political or pressure groups: Korean National Council of Churches; National Democratic Alliance of Korea; National Federation of Student Associations; National Federation of Farmers' Associations; National Council of Labor Unions; Federation of Korean Trade Unions; Korean Veterans' Association; Federation of Korean Industries; Korean Traders AssociationMember of: AfDB, APEC, AsDB, CCC, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, OAS (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador PAK Kun-u chancery: 2450 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 939-5600 consulate(s) general: Agana (Guam), Anchorage, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and SeattleUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador James T. LANEY embassy: 82 Sejong-Ro, Chongro-ku, Seoul mailing address: American Embassy, Unit 15550, Seoul; APO AP 96205-0001 telephone: [82] (2) 397-4114 FAX: [82] (2) 738-8845 consulate(s): PusanFlag: white with a red (top) and blue yin-yang symbol in the center; there is a different black trigram from the ancient I Ching (Book of Changes) in each corner of the white field THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, South EconomyOverview: The driving force behind the economy's dynamic growth has been the planned development of an export-oriented economy in a vigorously entrepreneurial society. Real GDP increased more than 10% annually between 1986 and 1991. This growth ultimately led to an overheated situation characterized by a tight labor market, strong inflationary pressures, and a rapidly rising current account deficit. As a result, in 1992, economic policy focused on slowing the growth rate of inflation and reducing the deficit. Annual growth slowed to 5%, still above the rate in most other countries of the world, and recovered to 6.3% in 1993. The economy expanded by 8.3% in 1994, driven by booming exports.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $508.3 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 8.3% (1994)National product per capita: $11,270 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.6% (1994)Unemployment rate: 2% (November 1994)Budget: revenues: $63 billion expenditures: $63 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1995 est.)Exports: $96.2 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: electronic and electrical equipment, machinery, steel, automobiles, ships, textiles, clothing, footwear, fish partners: US 26%, Japan 17%, EU 14%Imports: $102.3 billion (c.i.f., 1994) commodities: machinery, electronics and electronic equipment, oil, steel, transport equipment, textiles, organic chemicals, grains partners: Japan 26%, US 24%, EU 15%External debt: $44.1 billion (1993)Industrial production: growth rate 12.1% (1994 est.); accounts for about 45% of GNPElectricity: capacity: 26,940,000 kW production: 137 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,847 kWh (1993)Industries: electronics, automobile production, chemicals, shipbuilding, steel, textiles, clothing, footwear, food processing THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, South EconomyAgriculture: accounts for 8% of GDP and employs 21% of work force (including fishing and forestry); principal crops - rice, root crops, barley, vegetables, fruit; livestock and livestock products - cattle, hogs, chickens, milk, eggs; self-sufficient in food, except for wheat; fish catch of 2.9 million metric tons, seventh-largest in worldEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.9 billion; non-US countries (1970-89), $3 billionCurrency: 1 South Korean won (W) = 100 chun (theoretical)Exchange rates: South Korean won (W) per US$1 - 790.48 (January 1995), 803.44 (1994), 802.67 (1993), 780.65 (1992), 733.35 (1991), 707.76 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, South TransportationRailroads: total: 6,763 km standard gauge: 6,716 km 1.435-meter gauge (525 km electrified; 847 km double track) narrow gauge: 47 km 0.610-meter gaugeHighways: total: 63,200 km paved: expressways 1,550 km unpaved: NA undifferentiated: national highway 12,190 km; provincial, local roads 49,460 km (1991)Inland waterways: 1,609 km; use restricted to small native craftPipelines: petroleum products 455 kmPorts: Chinhae, Inch'on, Kunsan, Masan, Mokp'o, Pohang, Pusan, Ulsan, YosuMerchant marine: total: 412 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,129,796 GRT/9,985,197 DWT ships by type: bulk 123, cargo 125, chemical tanker 17, combination bulk 1, combination ore/oil 1, container 61, liquefied gas tanker 13, multifunction large-load carrier 1, oil tanker 51, refrigerated cargo 9, short-sea passenger 1, vehicle carrier 9Airports: total: 114 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 22 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 14 with paved runways under 914 m: 63 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 4 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, South CommunicationsTelephone system: 13.3 million telephones; excellent domestic and international services local: NA intercity: NA international: 3 INTELSAT (2 Pacific Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 79, FM 46, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 256 (1 kW or greater 57) televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, South Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, National Maritime Police (Coast Guard)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 13,580,832; males fit for military service 8,701,742; males reach military age (18) annually 405,290 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $14 billion, 3.3% of GNP (1995 est.)</text>
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<text>KOREA, REPUBLIC OF (South Korea) - Passport required. Visa notrequired for a tourist stay up to 15 days. For longer stays and other types oftravel, visa must be obtained in advance. Tourist visa for longer stayrequires 1 application form and 1 photo. Business visa requires 1application form, 1 photo and company letter. Fine imposed foroverstaying visa and for long-term visa holders not registered within 60 days afterentry. AIDS test required for anyone staying over 90 days. U.S. testaccepted. For further information check Embassy of the Republic ofKorea, (Consular Division), 2600 Virginia Ave., N.W., Suite 208, Washington,D.C. 20037 (202/939-5660/63) or nearest Consulate General: AK(907/561-5488), CA (213/385-9300 and 415/921-2251), FL (305/372-1555), GA(404/522-1611), Guam (671/472-6109), HI (808/595-6109), IL (312/822-9485), MA(617/348-3660), NY (212/752-1700), TX (713/961-0186) or WA(206/441-1011).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - South Korea============================================================South Korea - Consular Information Sheet September 20, 1995Country Description: The Republic of Korea is a highly developed, stable, democratic republic with powers shared between the president and the legislature. It has a modern economy, and tourist facilities are widely available. English is not often spoken outside the main tourist and business centers.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Visas are not required for tourist or business stays of up to fifteen days (the day of arrival counts as day number one). For longer stays and other types of travel, visas must be obtained in advance. Changes of status from one type of visa to another (from tourism to teaching, for example) are not normally granted in country. Applicants must depart and apply for new visas at an embassy or consulate outside Korea. Specific requirements are available through the Embassy of the Republic of Korea at 2320 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 939-5660/63, or the nearest consulate in major U.S. cities.Medical Facilities: Health care facilities in the Republic of Korea are good. Doctors and hospitals are usually unable to bill foreign health insurance plans for services. Therefore, cash payment for health services is often expected. Some U.S. medical insurance does not cover services outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage including provision for medical evacuation has proven useful. The U.S. Embassy in Seoul and the U.S. Consulate in Pusan have lists of hospitals and medical specialists who speak English. The International Travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: Although the crime rate in the Republic of Korea is low, pickpocketing, purse-snatching, hotel room burglaries, and residential crime do occur, and foreigners can be targeted. In addition, increased incidents of physical attacks on foreigners, including sexual harassment, molestation and rape, have been recently reported. Travelers can reduce the likelihood of encountering such incidents by taking the same precautions that they would take in the urban United States. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Korean National Police (KNP) operate a Central Interpretation Center (CIC) where foreigners can report incidents of crime. The CIC is available on a twenty-four hour, seven-day-a-week basis. In Seoul, call telephone number 313-0842; outside of Seoul, call (02) 313-0842. The Embassy has found, however, that English speakers are not often available at the CIC, so it is best to ask a Korean speaker to place the call. Useful information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Legal Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect stiff jail sentences and fines. Travelers should also be careful to adhere to Korean government regulations on currency exchange and customs declarations.Passport Seizures/Exit Bans and Commercial Disputes: The Government of Korea sometimes seizes the passports and blocks the departure from Korea of foreigners involved in commercial disputes. In such circumstances, the U.S. Government will re-issue a passport to an American citizen who applies for one. The Korean exit ban, however, will remain in effect, thereby preventing departure.Demonstrations: Demonstrations by dissident groups, sometimes confrontational and even violent, occasionally occur. While many have anti-U.S. themes, it is unlikely that violence would be directed against individual U.S. citizen travelers. Individuals can reduce risk to themselves by avoiding such demonstrations to the extent possible.Teaching of English: The U.S. Embassy in Seoul receives numerous complaints from Americans who have come to Korea to teach English under contract with private language academies (hagwons). These are profit-oriented businesses unregulated by the Korean government. Despite contract language promising good salaries, furnished apartments and other amenities, many teachers find they actually receive much less than they were promised, and some do not even receive benefits required by Korean law, such as health insurance and severance pay. Teachers' complaints include contract violations, non-payment of salary for months at a time, sexual harassment, intimidation, threats of arrest/deportation, and physical assault. A comprehensive handout entitled "Teaching English in Korea: Opportunities and Pitfalls" may be obtained by writing to the Embassy.Dual Citizenship: The government of the Republic of Korea does not permit dual citizenship after the age of 18. Holders of dual citizenship who work or study in Korea usually find themselves compelled to choose one or the other nationality soon after that age. The Embassy is aware of several instances in which young Korean-American men who were born and lived all their lives in the U.S. arrived in Korea for a tourist visit only to find themselves drafted into the Korean army. Because dual citizenship is not permitted, authorities refuse to recognize any but the Korean citizenship of these men. This interpretation has been recently upheld by the Korean court. When this occurs, the Embassy cannot intervene. Korean-Americans may request further information from the nearest Korean Consulate.Adoption: Adoption of Korean children by foreign nationals is still permitted, and is carefully regulated. Any non-Korean wishing to adopt a Korean child is required to work through one of the four government-licensed adoption agencies. This includes American citizens of Korean extraction who wish to adopt the Korean citizen child of a family member. Private adoptions are not allowed.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Korea (South Korea) is located at 82 Sejong-Ro, Chongro-ku, Seoul - Telephone (82-2) 397-4114. The U.S. Consulate is located in Pusan at 24 2-Ka, Daechung Dong, Chung-Ku - Telephone (82-51) 246-7791. No. 95-116This replaces the consular information sheet dated March 21, 1995, and provides updated information on English teaching in Korea.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - South Korea============================================================South Korea - Consular Information Sheet September 20, 1995Country Description: The Republic of Korea is a highly developed, stable, democratic republic with powers shared between the president and the legislature. It has a modern economy, and tourist facilities are widely available. English is not often spoken outside the main tourist and business centers.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Visas are not required for tourist or business stays of up to fifteen days (the day of arrival counts as day number one). For longer stays and other types of travel, visas must be obtained in advance. Changes of status from one type of visa to another (from tourism to teaching, for example) are not normally granted in country. Applicants must depart and apply for new visas at an embassy or consulate outside Korea. Specific requirements are available through the Embassy of the Republic of Korea at 2320 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 939-5660/63, or the nearest consulate in major U.S. cities.Medical Facilities: Health care facilities in the Republic of Korea are good. Doctors and hospitals are usually unable to bill foreign health insurance plans for services. Therefore, cash payment for health services is often expected. Some U.S. medical insurance does not cover services outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage including provision for medical evacuation has proven useful. The U.S. Embassy in Seoul and the U.S. Consulate in Pusan have lists of hospitals and medical specialists who speak English. The International Travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (404) 332-4559 has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: Although the crime rate in the Republic of Korea is low, pickpocketing, purse-snatching, hotel room burglaries, and residential crime do occur, and foreigners can be targeted. In addition, increased incidents of physical attacks on foreigners, including sexual harassment, molestation and rape, have been recently reported. Travelers can reduce the likelihood of encountering such incidents by taking the same precautions that they would take in the urban United States. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Korean National Police (KNP) operate a Central Interpretation Center (CIC) where foreigners can report incidents of crime. The CIC is available on a twenty-four hour, seven-day-a-week basis. In Seoul, call telephone number 313-0842; outside of Seoul, call (02) 313-0842. The Embassy has found, however, that English speakers are not often available at the CIC, so it is best to ask a Korean speaker to place the call. Useful information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402.Legal Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect stiff jail sentences and fines. Travelers should also be careful to adhere to Korean government regulations on currency exchange and customs declarations.Passport Seizures/Exit Bans and Commercial Disputes: The Government of Korea sometimes seizes the passports and blocks the departure from Korea of foreigners involved in commercial disputes. In such circumstances, the U.S. Government will re-issue a passport to an American citizen who applies for one. The Korean exit ban, however, will remain in effect, thereby preventing departure.Demonstrations: Demonstrations by dissident groups, sometimes confrontational and even violent, occasionally occur. While many have anti-U.S. themes, it is unlikely that violence would be directed against individual U.S. citizen travelers. Individuals can reduce risk to themselves by avoiding such demonstrations to the extent possible.Teaching of English: The U.S. Embassy in Seoul receives numerous complaints from Americans who have come to Korea to teach English under contract with private language academies (hagwons). These are profit-oriented businesses unregulated by the Korean government. Despite contract language promising good salaries, furnished apartments and other amenities, many teachers find they actually receive much less than they were promised, and some do not even receive benefits required by Korean law, such as health insurance and severance pay. Teachers' complaints include contract violations, non-payment of salary for months at a time, sexual harassment, intimidation, threats of arrest/deportation, and physical assault. A comprehensive handout entitled "Teaching English in Korea: Opportunities and Pitfalls" may be obtained by writing to the Embassy.Dual Citizenship: The government of the Republic of Korea does not permit dual citizenship after the age of 18. Holders of dual citizenship who work or study in Korea usually find themselves compelled to choose one or the other nationality soon after that age. The Embassy is aware of several instances in which young Korean-American men who were born and lived all their lives in the U.S. arrived in Korea for a tourist visit only to find themselves drafted into the Korean army. Because dual citizenship is not permitted, authorities refuse to recognize any but the Korean citizenship of these men. This interpretation has been recently upheld by the Korean court. When this occurs, the Embassy cannot intervene. Korean-Americans may request further information from the nearest Korean Consulate.Adoption: Adoption of Korean children by foreign nationals is still permitted, and is carefully regulated. Any non-Korean wishing to adopt a Korean child is required to work through one of the four government-licensed adoption agencies. This includes American citizens of Korean extraction who wish to adopt the Korean citizen child of a family member. Private adoptions are not allowed.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can obtain updated information on travel and security within the country.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Korea (South Korea) is located at 82 Sejong-Ro, Chongro-ku, Seoul - Telephone (82-2) 397-4114. The U.S. Consulate is located in Pusan at 24 2-Ka, Daechung Dong, Chung-Ku - Telephone (82-51) 246-7791. No. 95-116This replaces the consular information sheet dated March 21, 1995, and provides updated information on English teaching in Korea.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, North GeographyLocation: Eastern Asia, northern half of the Korean peninsula bordering the Korea Bay and the Sea of Japan, between China and RussiaMap references: AsiaArea: total area: 120,540 sq km land area: 120,410 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than MississippiLand boundaries: total 1,673 km, China 1,416 km, South Korea 238 km, Russia 19 kmCoastline: 2,495 kmMaritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm military boundary line: 50 nm in the Sea of Japan and the exclusive economic zone limit in the Yellow Sea where all foreign vessels and aircraft without permission are bannedInternational disputes: short section of boundary with China is indefinite; Demarcation Line with South KoreaClimate: temperate with rainfall concentrated in summerTerrain: mostly hills and mountains separated by deep, narrow valleys; coastal plains wide in west, discontinuous in eastNatural resources: coal, lead, tungsten, zinc, graphite, magnesite, iron ore, copper, gold, pyrites, salt, fluorspar, hydropowerLand use: arable land: 18% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 74% other: 7%Irrigated land: 14,000 sq km (1989)Environment: current issues: localized air pollution attributable to inadequate industrial controls; water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water natural hazards: late spring droughts often followed by severe flooding; occasional typhoons during the early fall THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, North Geography international agreements: party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the SeaNote: strategic location bordering China, South Korea, and Russia; mountainous interior is isolated, nearly inaccessible, and sparsely populated THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, North PeoplePopulation: 23,486,550 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 30% (female 3,402,672; male 3,540,313) 15-64 years: 66% (female 7,840,465; male 7,741,155) 65 years and over: 4% (female 622,250; male 339,695) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.78% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 23.31 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.47 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 26.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.05 years male: 66.96 years female: 73.29 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.34 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Korean(s) adjective: KoreanEthnic divisions: racially homogeneousReligions: Buddhism and Confucianism, some Christianity and syncretic Chondogyo note: autonomous religious activities now almost nonexistent; government-sponsored religious groups exist to provide illusion of religious freedomLanguages: KoreanLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write Korean (1990 est.) total population: 99% male: 99% female: 99%Labor force: 9.615 million by occupation: agricultural 36%, nonagricultural 64% note: shortage of skilled and unskilled labor (mid-1987 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, North GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Democratic People's Republic of Korea conventional short form: North Korea local long form: Choson-minjujuui-inmin-konghwaguk local short form: none note: the North Koreans generally use the term "Choson" to refer to their countryAbbreviation: DPRKDigraph: KNType: Communist state; Stalinist dictatorshipCapital: P'yongyangAdministrative divisions: 9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 3 special cities* (jikhalsi, singular and plural); Chagang-do (Chagang Province), Hamgyong-bukto (North Hamgyong Province), Hamgyong-namdo (South Hamgyong Province), Hwanghae-bukto (North Hwanghae Province), Hwanghae-namdo (South Hwanghae Province), Kaesong-si* (Kaesong City), Kangwon-do (Kangwon Province), Namp'o-si* (Namp'o City), P'yongan-bukto (North P'yongan Province), P'yongan-namdo (South P'yongan Province), P'yongyang-si* (P'yongyang City), Yanggang-do (Yanggang Province)Independence: 9 September 1948 note: 15 August 1945, date of independence from the Japanese and celebrated in North Korea as National Liberation DayNational holiday: DPRK Foundation Day, 9 September (1948)Constitution: adopted 1948, completely revised 27 December 1972, revised again in April 1992Legal system: based on German civil law system with Japanese influences and Communist legal theory; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 17 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: KIM Chong-il, is the son of and designated successor to former President KIM Il-song (who died 8 July 1994); formal succession has not yet taken place (January 1995); election last held 24 May 1990 (next to be held by NA); results - President KIM Il-song was reelected without opposition head of government: Premier KANG Song-san (since December 1992) cabinet: State Administration Council; appointed by the Supreme People's AssemblyLegislative branch: unicameral THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, North Government Supreme People's Assembly (Ch'oego Inmin Hoeui): elections last held on 7-9 April 1990 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (687 total) the KWP approves a single list of candidates who are elected without opposition; minor parties hold a few seatsJudicial branch: Central CourtPolitical parties and leaders: major party - Korean Workers' Party (KWP), KIM Chong-il, secretary, Central Committee; Korean Social Democratic Party, KIM Pyong-sik, chairman; Chondoist Chongu Party, YU Mi-yong, chairwomanMember of: ESCAP, FAO, G-77, ICAO, IFAD, IFRCS, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: noneUS diplomatic representation: noneFlag: three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue; the red band is edged in white; on the hoist side of the red band is a white disk with a red five-pointed star THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, North EconomyOverview: More than 90% of this command economy is socialized; agricultural land is collectivized; and state-owned industry produces 95% of manufactured goods. State control of economic affairs is unusually tight even for a Communist country because of the small size and homogeneity of the society and the strict rule of KIM Il-song in the past and now his son, KIM Chong-il. Economic growth during the period 1984-88 averaged 2%-3%, but output declined by 3%-5% annually during 1989-92 because of systemic problems and disruptions in socialist-style economic relations with the former USSR and China. In 1992, output dropped sharply, by perhaps 7%-9%, as the economy felt the cumulative effect of the reduction in outside support. The leadership insisted on maintaining its high level of military outlays from a shrinking economic pie. Moreover, a serious drawdown in inventories and critical shortages in the energy sector have led to increasing interruptions in industrial production. Abundant mineral resources and hydropower have formed the basis of industrial development since World War II. Output of the extractive industries includes coal, iron ore, magnesite, graphite, copper, zinc, lead, and precious metals. Manufacturing is centered on heavy industry, including military industry, with light industry lagging far behind. Despite the use of improved seed varieties, expansion of irrigation, and the heavy use of fertilizers, North Korea has not yet become self-sufficient in food production. Indeed, a shortage of arable lands, several years of poor harvests, and a cumbersome distribution system have resulted in chronic food shortages. The collapse of Communism in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe in 1989-91 has disrupted important technological links. North Korea remains far behind South Korea in economic development and living standards. GDP is stagnant.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $21.3 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 0% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $920 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $19.3 billion expenditures: $19.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)Exports: $1.02 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: minerals, metallurgical products, agricultural and fishery products, manufactures (including armaments) partners: China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, Germany, Hong KongImports: $1.64 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: petroleum, grain, coking coal, machinery and equipment, consumer goods partners: China, Russia, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, SingaporeExternal debt: $8 billion (1992 est.)Industrial production: growth rate -7% to -9% (1992 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, North EconomyElectricity: capacity: 9,500,000 kW production: 50 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,053 kWh (1993)Industries: machine building, military products, electric power, chemicals, mining, metallurgy, textiles, food processingAgriculture: accounts for about 25% of GDP and 36% of work force; principal crops - rice, corn, potatoes, soybeans, pulses; livestock and livestock products - cattle, hogs, pork, eggs; not self-sufficient in grainEconomic aid: recipient: Communist countries, $1.4 billion a year in the 1980s, but very little nowCurrency: 1 North Korean won (Wn) = 100 chonExchange rates: North Korean won (Wn) per US$1 - 2.15 (May 1994), 2.13 (May 1992), 2.14 (September 1991), 2.1 (January 1990), 2.3 (December 1989)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, North TransportationRailroads: total: 4,915 km standard gauge: 4,250 km 1.435-m gauge (3,397 km electrified; 159 km double track) narrow gauge: 665 km 0.762-m gauge (1989)Highways: total: 30,000 km paved: 1,861 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, earth 28,139 km (1992)Inland waterways: 2,253 km; mostly navigable by small craft onlyPipelines: crude oil 37 kmPorts: Ch'ongjin, Haeju, Hungnam (Hamhung), Kimch'aek, Kosong, Najin, Namp'o, Sinuiju, Songnim, Sonbong (formerly Unggi), Ungsang, WonsanMerchant marine: total: 87 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 727,631 GRT/1,149,291 DWT ships by type: bulk 9, cargo 70, combination bulk 1, oil tanker 3, passenger 2, passenger-cargo 1, short-sea passenger 1 note: North Korea owns an additional 4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling approximately 32,405 DWT that operate under Honduran registryAirports: total: 49 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 15 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 2 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 5 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 12 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 6 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, North CommunicationsTelephone system: telephone system is believed to be available only to government officials and not to private individuals local: NA intercity: NA international: 1 earth station near P'yongyang, uses an Indian Ocean INTELSAT satellite; other international connections through Moscow and BeijingRadio: broadcast stations: AM 18, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: 3.5 millionTelevision: broadcast stations: 11 televisions: 350,000 (1989) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Korea, North Defense ForcesBranches: Korean People's Army (includes Army, Navy, Air Force), Civil Security ForcesManpower availability: males age 15-49 6,753,400; males fit for military service 4,094,854; males reach military age (18) annually 193,480 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - about $5 billion, 20%-25% of GDP (1991 est.); note - the officially announced but suspect figure is $2.2 billion (1994), about 12% of total spending</text>
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<text>KOREA, DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF (North Korea) - The UnitedStates does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea andhas no third country representing U.S. interests there. Attention: U.S.citizens need a Treasury Dept. license in order to engage in anytransactions related to travel to and within North Korea. Beforeplanning any travel to North Korea, U.S. citizens should contact the LicensingDivision, Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury,1331 G St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220 (202/622-2480). Visainformation must be obtained from a consulate in a country that maintainsdiplomatic relations with North Korea.STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - North Korea============================================================North Korea - Travel Warning June 21, 1995U.S. citizens are warned against travel to North Korea. The United States does not recognize the government of North Korea and does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with North Korean authorities. There is no Consular representation for U.S. citizens and therefore the United States government is unable to accord normal consular protection to U.S. citizens. No. 95-021This extends the Travel Warning for North Korea dated July 16, 1993.North Korea - Consular Information Sheet June 16, 1995Warning: The United States does not recognize the government of North Korea and does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with North Korean authorities. The United States Government is unable to accord normal consular protection to U.S. citizens at this time.Country Description: The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) is a developing Communist state under the control of the Korean Workers Party (KWP).Embassy Location: The United States does not have diplomatic relations with North Korea, and does not maintain a diplomatic presence there. Negotiations are under way for the opening of a U.S. Liaison Office in Pyongyang but it is uncertain when they may be completed. The United States government is unable to accord normal consular protection to U.S. citizens at this time.Entry Requirements: Visa information is available only through a North Korean consulate in a country which maintains diplomatic relations with North Korea. U.S. passports are valid for travel to North Korea; however, a visa is required.Restricted Financial Transactions: Travelers do not need U.S. Government permission to travel to North Korea. All transactions related to travel to, from and within North Korea and to maintenance within North Korea are authorized. U.S. travel service providers are authorized to organize group travel to North Korea, including transactions with North Korean carriers. However, individuals may only spend money in North Korea to purchase items ordinarily incident to travel, such as hotel accommodations, meals, and goods for personal consumption by the traveler in North Korea. There is no longer any per diem restriction on these expenses, and the use of credit cards for these transactions is also authorized. Because the sanctions program prohibits business dealings with North Korea unless licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department, purchases of other goods or services unrelated to travel are prohibited.U.S. Customs Requirements: A traveler returning from North Korea may bring into the United States as accompanied baggage $100 worth of merchandise in non-commercial quantities, as well as informational materials without limitation.U.S. Treasury Department Licenses: A license by the U.S. Treasury Department is required for all business dealings with North Korea. Individuals contemplating trade with North Korea may contact the Department of the Treasury for further information at: Licensing Division Office of Foreign Assests Control Department of Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Treasury Annex Washington, D.C. 20220 Tel: 202/622-2480; fax: 202/622-1657Dual Citizenship: U.S. citizens who were born in North Korea or who were at one time citizens of North Korea, and the children of such persons, may be considered dual nationals by North Korean authorities and may, therefore, be subject to North Korean laws. These laws may impose special obligations upon North Korean nationals, e.g., military service, taxes. Specific questions on dual nationality may be directed to Overseas Citizen Services, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, phone: 202/647-6769.Travel Documents: U.S. citizens contemplating travel to North Korea should carry only U.S. passports with the proper visa affixed. Under no condition should U.S. citizens accept travel documents which identify them as citizens of North Korea. No. 95-070This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for North Korea dated July 9, 1993, updating financial and travel information.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kiribati GeographyLocation: Oceania, group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, straddling the equator and the International Date Line, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to AustraliaMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 717 sq km land area: 717 sq km comparative area: slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC note: includes three island groups - Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, Phoenix IslandsLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 1,143 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade windsTerrain: mostly low-lying coral atolls surrounded by extensive reefsNatural resources: phosphate (production discontinued in 1979)Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 51% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 3% other: 46%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: typhoons can occur any time, but usually November to March; occasional tornadoes international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Climate ChangeNote: 20 of the 33 islands are inhabited; Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Makatea in French Polynesia and Nauru THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kiribati PeoplePopulation: 79,386 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NAPopulation growth rate: 1.95% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 31.25 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 12.31 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 98.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 54.16 years male: 52.56 years female: 55.78 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 3.73 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: I-Kiribati (singular and plural) adjective: I-KiribatiEthnic divisions: MicronesianReligions: Roman Catholic 52.6%, Protestant (Congregational) 40.9%, Seventh-Day Adventist, Baha'i, Church of God, Mormon 6% (1985)Languages: English (official), GilberteseLiteracy: NA%Labor force: 7,870 economically active, not including subsistence farmers (1985 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kiribati GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Kiribati conventional short form: Kiribati former: Gilbert IslandsDigraph: KRType: republicCapital: TarawaAdministrative divisions: 3 units; Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, Phoenix Islands note: in addition, there are 6 districts (Banaba, Central Gilberts, Line Islands, Northern Gilberts, Southern Gilberts, Tarawa) and 21 island councils (Abaiang, Abemama, Aranuka, Arorae, Banaba, Beru, Butaritari, Kanton, Kiritimati, Kuria, Maiana, Makin, Marakei, Nikunau, Nonouti, Onotoa, Tabiteuea, Tabuaeran, Tamana, Tarawa, Teraina; note - one council for each of the inhabited islands)Independence: 12 July 1979 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 12 July (1979)Constitution: 12 July 1979Legal system: NASuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President (Beretitenti) Teburoro TITO (since 1 October 1994); Vice President (Kauoman-ni-Beretitenti) Tewareka TENTOA (since 12 October 1994); election last held on 30 September 1994 (next to be held by NA 1999) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president from an elected parliamentLegislative branch: unicameral House of Assembly (Maneaba Ni Maungatabu): elections last held on 22 July 1994 (next to be held by NA 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (40 total; 39 elected) Maneaban Te Mauri 13, National Progressive Party 7, independents 19Judicial branch: Court of Appeal, High CourtPolitical parties and leaders: National Progressive Party, Teatao TEANNAKI; Christian Democratic Party, Teburoro TITO; New Movement Party, leader NA; Liberal Party, Tewareka TENTOA; Maneaba Party, Roniti TEIWAKI; Maneaban Te Mauri, leader NA note: there is no tradition of formally organized political parties in Kiribati; they more closely resemble factions or interest groups because they have no party headquarters, formal platforms, or party structuresMember of: ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFC, IFRCS (associate), IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, ITU, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, UPU, WHO THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kiribati GovernmentDiplomatic representation in US: Kiribati has no mission in the USUS diplomatic representation: the ambassador to Fiji is accredited to KiribatiFlag: the upper half is red with a yellow frigate bird flying over a yellow rising sun, and the lower half is blue with three horizontal wavy white stripes to represent the ocean THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kiribati EconomyOverview: A remote country of 33 scattered coral atolls, Kiribati has few national resources. Commercially viable phosphate deposits were exhausted at the time of independence in 1979. Copra and fish now represent the bulk of production and exports. The economy has fluctuated widely in recent years. Real GDP declined about 5% in 1987, as the fish catch fell sharply to only one-fourth the level of 1986 and copra production was hampered by repeated rains. Output rebounded strongly in 1988, with real GDP growing by 10%. The upturn in economic growth came from an increase in copra production and a good fish catch. GDP then fell by 2.2% in 1989 and by 2.9% in 1990, but has risen by about 3% annually in 1991-93. Foreign financial aid, largely from the UK and Japan, is a critical supplement to GDP, amounting to 25%-50% of GDP in recent years.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $62 million (1993 est.)National product real growth rate: 2.9% (1993 est.)National product per capita: $800 (1993 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.5% (1993 est.)Unemployment rate: 2%; underemployment 70% (1992 est.)Budget: revenues: $29.6 million expenditures: $32.8 million, including capital expenditures of $14 million (1993 est.)Exports: $4.2 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.) commodities: copra 50%, seaweed 16%, fish 15% partners: Denmark, Fiji, USImports: $33.1 million (c.i.f., 1992 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, miscellaneous manufactured goods, fuel partners: Australia 40%, Japan 18%, Fiji 17%, NZ 6%, US 4% (1991)External debt: $2 million (December 1989 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 0.7% (1992 est.); accounts for less than 4% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 5,000 kW production: 13 million kWh consumption per capita: 131 kWh (1993)Industries: fishing, handicraftsAgriculture: accounts for 23% of GDP (including fishing); copra and fish contribute about 65% to exports; subsistence farming predominates; food crops - taro, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, vegetables; not self-sufficient in food THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kiribati EconomyEconomic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $273 millionCurrency: 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 centsExchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3058 (January 1995), 1.3667 (1994), 1.4704 (1993), 1.3600 (1992), 1.2835 (1991), 1.2799 (1990)Fiscal year: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kiribati TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 640 km paved: NA unpaved: NAInland waterways: small network of canals, totaling 5 km, in Line IslandsPorts: Banaba, Betio, English Harbor, KantonMerchant marine: total: 1 passenger-cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,291 GRT/1,295 DWTAirports: 21 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 5 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 11 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kiribati CommunicationsTelephone system: 1,400 telephones local: NA intercity: NA international: 1 INTELSAT (Pacific Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 0 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kiribati Defense ForcesBranches: Police Force (carries out law enforcement functions and paramilitary duties; there are small police posts on all islands); no military force is maintainedDefense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kingman Reef HeaderAffiliation: (territory of the US) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kingman Reef GeographyLocation: Oceania, reef in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to American SamoaMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 1 sq km land area: 1 sq km comparative area: about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 3 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical, but moderated by prevailing windsTerrain: low and nearly level with a maximum elevation of about 1 meterNatural resources: noneLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100%Irrigated land: 0 sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: wet or awash most of the time, maximum elevation of about 1 meter makes this a maritime hazard international agreements: NANote: barren coral atoll with deep interior lagoon; closed to the public THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kingman Reef PeoplePopulation: uninhabited THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kingman Reef GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Kingman ReefDigraph: KQType: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Navy, however it is awash the majority of the time, so it is not usable and is uninhabitedCapital: none; administered from Washington, DC THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kingman Reef EconomyOverview: no economic activity THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kingman Reef TransportationPorts: none; offshore anchorage onlyAirports: lagoon was used as a halfway station between Hawaii and American Samoa by Pan American Airways for flying boats in 1937 and 1938 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kingman Reef Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of the US</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kenya GeographyLocation: Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Somalia and TanzaniaMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 582,650 sq km land area: 569,250 sq km comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of NevadaLand boundaries: total 3,446 km, Ethiopia 830 km, Somalia 682 km, Sudan 232 km, Tanzania 769 km, Uganda 933 kmCoastline: 536 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: administrative boundary with Sudan does not coincide with international boundary; possible claim by Somalia based on unification of ethnic SomalisClimate: varies from tropical along coast to arid in interiorTerrain: low plains rise to central highlands bisected by Great Rift Valley; fertile plateau in westNatural resources: gold, limestone, soda ash, salt barytes, rubies, fluorspar, garnets, wildlifeLand use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 7% forest and woodland: 4% other: 85%Irrigated land: 520 sq km (1989)Environment: current issues: water pollution from urban and industrial wastes; degradation of water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; poaching natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Desertification THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kenya GeographyNote: the Kenyan Highlands comprise one of the most successful agricultural production regions in Africa; glaciers on Mt. Kenya; unique physiography supports abundant and varied wildlife of scientific and economic value THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kenya PeoplePopulation: 28,817,227 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 48% (female 6,841,235; male 6,957,908) 15-64 years: 50% (female 7,277,061; male 7,085,925) 65 years and over: 2% (female 359,659; male 295,439) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.99% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 41.66 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 12.04 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -19.69 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 73.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 52.41 years male: 50.72 years female: 54.16 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 5.76 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Kenyan(s) adjective: KenyanEthnic divisions: Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%, Asian, European, and Arab 1%, other 15%Religions: Protestant (including Anglican) 38%, Roman Catholic 28%, indigenous beliefs 26%, other 8%Languages: English (official), Swahili (official), numerous indigenous languagesLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989) total population: 71% male: 81% female: 62%Labor force: by occupation: agriculture 75%-80% (1993 est.), non-agriculture 20%-25% (1993 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kenya GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Kenya conventional short form: Kenya former: British East AfricaDigraph: KEType: republicCapital: NairobiAdministrative divisions: 7 provinces and 1 area*; Central, Coast, Eastern, Nairobi Area*, North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley, WesternIndependence: 12 December 1963 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day, 12 December (1963)Constitution: 12 December 1963, amended as a republic 1964; reissued with amendments 1979, 1983, 1986, 1988, 1991, and 1992Legal system: based on English common law, tribal law, and Islamic law; judicial review in High Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations; constitutional amendment of 1982 making Kenya a de jure one-party state repealed in 1991Suffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Daniel Toroitich arap MOI (since 14 October 1978); Vice President George SAITOTI (since 10 May 1989); election last held on 29 December 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results - President Daniel T. arap MOI was reelected with 37% of the vote; Kenneth Matiba (FORD-ASILI) 26%; Mwai Kibaki (SP) 19%, Oginga Odinga (FORD-Kenya) 17% cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Bunge): elections last held on 29 December 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (188 total) KANU 100, FORD-Kenya 31, FORD-Asili 31, DP 23, smaller parties 3; president nominates 12 additional members note: first multiparty election since repeal of one-party state law in 1991Judicial branch: Court of Appeal, High CourtPolitical parties and leaders: ruling party is Kenya African National Union (KANU), President Daniel Toroitich arap MOI; opposition parties include Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD-Kenya), Michael WAMALWA; Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD-Asili), Kenneth MATIBA; Democratic Party of Kenya (DP), Mwai KIBAKIOther political or pressure groups: labor unions; Roman Catholic Church THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kenya GovernmentMember of: ESCAP, FAO, G-77, ICAO, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMIL, UNU, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Benjamin Edgar KIPKORIR chancery: 2249 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 387-6101 FAX: [1] (202) 462-3829 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Aurelia BRAZEAL embassy: corner of Moi Avenue and Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi mailing address: P. O. Box 30137, Unit 64100, Nairobi; APO AE 09831 telephone: [254] (2) 334141 FAX: [254] (2) 340838Flag: three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green; the red band is edged in white; a large warrior's shield covering crossed spears is superimposed at the center THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kenya EconomyOverview: Kenya in recent years has had one of the highest natural rates of growth in population, but the statistics have been complicated by the large-scale movement of nomadic groups and of Somalis back and forth across the border. Population growth has been accompanied by deforestation, deterioration in the road system, the water supply, and other parts of the infrastructure. In industry and services, Nairobi's reluctance to embrace IMF-supported reforms had held back investment and growth in 1991-93. Nairobi's push on economic reform in 1994, however, helped support a 3.3% increase in output.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $33.1 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 3.3% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $1,170 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 30% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 35% urban (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $2.4 billion expenditures: $2.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $740 million (1990 est.)Exports: $1.45 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: tea 25%, coffee 18%, petroleum products 11% (1990) partners: EC 47%, Africa 23%, Asia 11%, US 4%, Middle East 3% (1991)Imports: $1.85 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment 29%, petroleum and petroleum products 15%, iron and steel 7%, raw materials, food and consumer goods (1989) partners: EC 46%, Asia 23%, Middle East 20%, US 5% (1991)External debt: $7 billion (1994 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 3.9% (1991 est.); accounts for 14% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 810,000 kW production: 3.3 billion kWh consumption per capita: 117 kWh (1993)Industries: small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, batteries, textiles, soap, cigarettes, flour), processing agricultural products, oil refining, cement, tourismAgriculture: most important sector, accounting for 27% of GDP and 65% of exports; cash crops - coffee, tea; food products - corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruit, vegetables, dairy products, beef, pork, poultry, eggs THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kenya EconomyIllicit drugs: widespread harvesting of small, wild plots of marijuana and qat; most locally consumed; transit country for Southwest Asian heroin moving to West Africa and onward to Europe and North America; Indian methaqualone also transits on way to South AfricaEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $839 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $7.49 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $74 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $83 millionCurrency: 1 Kenyan shilling (KSh) = 100 centsExchange rates: Kenyan shillings (KSh) per US$1 - 44.478 (January 1995), 56.051 (1994), 58.001 (1993), 32.217 (1992), 27.508 (1991), 22.915 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kenya TransportationRailroads: total: 2,650 km narrow gauge: 2,650 km 1.000-m gaugeHighways: total: 64,590 km paved: 7,000 km unpaved: gravel 4,150 km; improved earth 53,440 kmInland waterways: part of Lake Victoria system is within boundaries of KenyaPipelines: petroleum products 483 kmPorts: Kisumu, Lamu, MombasaMerchant marine: total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,883 GRT/6,255 DWT ships by type: barge carrier 1, oil tanker 1Airports: total: 246 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 22 with paved runways under 914 m: 83 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 14 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 119 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kenya CommunicationsTelephone system: over 260,000 telephones; in top group of African systems local: NA intercity: consists primarily of microwave radio relay links international: 2 INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 16, FM 4, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 6 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kenya Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary General Service Unit of the PoliceManpower availability: males age 15-49 6,358,344; males fit for military service 3,932,506 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $136 million, 1.9% of GDP (FY93/94)</text>
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<text>KENYA - Passport and visa required. Visa must be obtained in advance.Single-entry visa for tourist/business stay up to 6 months, $10 (moneyorder only); requires 1 application form, 2 photos and onward/returnticket. Yellow fever immunization is recommend. Anti-malaria pillsare recommended for those travelling to the western or coastal regions.Multiple-entry business visa valid for up to 1 year, $50. Payment bycashiers check or money order only. Airport departure tax is $20. Consult the Embassy of Kenya, 2249 R St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008(202/387-6101) or Consulate General: Los Angeles (310/274-6635) or NewYork (212/486-1300).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Kenya============================================================Kenya - Consular Information Sheet November 9, 1995Country Description: Kenya is a developing east African country. Tourist facilities are widely available in Nairobi, on the coast, and in the game parks and reserves. Entry Requirements: Entry information (and information about departure tax) may be obtained from the Embassy of Kenya, 2249 R Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 387-6101, or Consulates General in Los Angeles and New York City. Overseas, inquiries may be made at the nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate.Areas of Instability: Kenya is in a political transition period, from a single-party democracy to a multi-party democracy. From time to time, political or ethnic tensions, associated with this transition, increase--resulting in localized areas of instability, disruption of public services, and sporadic demonstrations. These ethnic and political clashes have had no affect on tourism and have little potential to do so in the future.Medical Facilities: Adequate medical services are available in Nairobi. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for the payment of medical services outside the United States. Supplemental insurance with specific overseas coverage, including air evacuations, has proved useful. Information on other health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: There is a high rate of street crime against tourists in downtown Nairobi, Mombasa and at coastal beach resorts. Reports of attacks against tourists by groups of two or more armed assailants have increased in recent months. Pickpockets and thieves also carry out "snatch and run" crimes near crowds. Visitors have found it safer not to carry valuables with them, but to store all valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes or safe rooms. There have been reports of thieves snatching jewelry and other objects from open vehicle windows while motorists are either stopped at a traffic light or in heavy traffic. Armed carjackings are increasingly common in Nairobi, with some ten vehicles stolen by armed robbers each day. There is also a high incidence of residential break-ins. Thieves and con men have been known to impersonate hotel employees, police officers or government officials. Tourists who accept candy, biscuits, or juice from new acquaintances on intercity buses have been robbed after being drugged by food laced with sedatives. Highway banditry is common on the roads leading to the Somali border. Air travel is the safest means of transportation when visiting any of the coastal resorts north of Malindi. Walking alone or at night in public parks, along footpaths or beaches and in poorly lit areas can be dangerous. The Kenyan mail system can be unreliable, and monetary instruments (credit cards, checks, etc.) are frequently stolen. International couriers such as Federal Express or DHL have proven to be the safest means of shipping envelopes and packages.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Currency Regulations: Up to 100,000 Kenyan shillings may be taken out of the country. Destruction of Kenyan currency, even in small amounts, is illegal, and almost always results in arrest and a fine.Game Park Security: Highway banditry is occasionally a problem in or near some game parks or reserves. In recent months, a number of tour vehicles ferrying European tourists from beach resorts north of Mombasa to Tsavo East National Park Have been targets of bandit activity. Travelers who do not use the services of reputable travel firms or knowledgeable guides or drivers are especially at risk. Safaris are best undertaken with a minimum of two vehicles so that there is a backup in case of mechanical failure or other emergency. Solo camping is always risky.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. The penalty for possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana, is 10 years imprisonment, with no option of fine. The penalty for purchasing or selling illegal drugs, including marijuana, is 20 years imprisonment, with no option of fine.Other Information: Water in Nairobi is potable. In other parts of the country, water must be boiled or bottled water used. Travel by passenger train may be unsafe, particularly during the rainy season, because of the lack of routine maintenance and safety checks.Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi and may obtain updated information on travel and security in Kenya. The U.S. Embassy is located at the intersection of Moi and Haile Selassie Avenues in Nairobi; the telephone number is (254-2) 334141. The international mailing address is P.O. BOX 30137 Nairobi, Kenya. Mail using domestic postage may be addressed to Box 21A, Unit 64100, APO AE 09831. No. 95-141This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued October 28, 1994, to update information concerning game park security.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Kenya============================================================Kenya - Public Announcement April 8, 1994 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the SpokesmanFor Immediate ReleaseThe U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya has issued the following announcement:"The U.S. Embassy and several private institutions in Kenya have recently received bomb threats that profess to be directed against American interests in Kenya. To date, none of the threats has proved real, nor does the Embassy have any information that would lead us to believe that the threats will actually be carried out. Nevertheless, we must take these threats seriously. All Americans should heighten their security awareness and avoid unnecessary attention to their person or activities. The Embassy recommends that Americans pay particular attention to any indication of surveillance or other unusual or suspect activity, which should be reported to appropriate authorities immediately. The Embassy should be informed of any threats against private American concerns or individuals." No. 94-ccc-----STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Kenya============================================================Kenya - Consular Information Sheet November 9, 1995Country Description: Kenya is a developing east African country. Tourist facilities are widely available in Nairobi, on the coast, and in the game parks and reserves. Entry Requirements: Entry information (and information about departure tax) may be obtained from the Embassy of Kenya, 2249 R Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 387-6101, or Consulates General in Los Angeles and New York City. Overseas, inquiries may be made at the nearest Kenyan embassy or consulate.Areas of Instability: Kenya is in a political transition period, from a single-party democracy to a multi-party democracy. From time to time, political or ethnic tensions, associated with this transition, increase--resulting in localized areas of instability, disruption of public services, and sporadic demonstrations. These ethnic and political clashes have had no affect on tourism and have little potential to do so in the future.Medical Facilities: Adequate medical services are available in Nairobi. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for the payment of medical services outside the United States. Supplemental insurance with specific overseas coverage, including air evacuations, has proved useful. Information on other health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: There is a high rate of street crime against tourists in downtown Nairobi, Mombasa and at coastal beach resorts. Reports of attacks against tourists by groups of two or more armed assailants have increased in recent months. Pickpockets and thieves also carry out "snatch and run" crimes near crowds. Visitors have found it safer not to carry valuables with them, but to store all valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes or safe rooms. There have been reports of thieves snatching jewelry and other objects from open vehicle windows while motorists are either stopped at a traffic light or in heavy traffic. Armed carjackings are increasingly common in Nairobi, with some ten vehicles stolen by armed robbers each day. There is also a high incidence of residential break-ins. Thieves and con men have been known to impersonate hotel employees, police officers or government officials. Tourists who accept candy, biscuits, or juice from new acquaintances on intercity buses have been robbed after being drugged by food laced with sedatives. Highway banditry is common on the roads leading to the Somali border. Air travel is the safest means of transportation when visiting any of the coastal resorts north of Malindi. Walking alone or at night in public parks, along footpaths or beaches and in poorly lit areas can be dangerous. The Kenyan mail system can be unreliable, and monetary instruments (credit cards, checks, etc.) are frequently stolen. International couriers such as Federal Express or DHL have proven to be the safest means of shipping envelopes and packages.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Currency Regulations: Up to 100,000 Kenyan shillings may be taken out of the country. Destruction of Kenyan currency, even in small amounts, is illegal, and almost always results in arrest and a fine.Game Park Security: Highway banditry is occasionally a problem in or near some game parks or reserves. In recent months, a number of tour vehicles ferrying European tourists from beach resorts north of Mombasa to Tsavo East National Park Have been targets of bandit activity. Travelers who do not use the services of reputable travel firms or knowledgeable guides or drivers are especially at risk. Safaris are best undertaken with a minimum of two vehicles so that there is a backup in case of mechanical failure or other emergency. Solo camping is always risky.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. The penalty for possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana, is 10 years imprisonment, with no option of fine. The penalty for purchasing or selling illegal drugs, including marijuana, is 20 years imprisonment, with no option of fine.Other Information: Water in Nairobi is potable. In other parts of the country, water must be boiled or bottled water used. Travel by passenger train may be unsafe, particularly during the rainy season, because of the lack of routine maintenance and safety checks.Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi and may obtain updated information on travel and security in Kenya. The U.S. Embassy is located at the intersection of Moi and Haile Selassie Avenues in Nairobi; the telephone number is (254-2) 334141. The international mailing address is P.O. BOX 30137 Nairobi, Kenya. Mail using domestic postage may be addressed to Box 21A, Unit 64100, APO AE 09831. No. 95-141This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued October 28, 1994, to update information concerning game park security.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kazakhstan GeographyLocation: Central Asia, northwest of ChinaMap references: Commonwealth of Independent States - Central Asian StatesArea: total area: 2,717,300 sq km land area: 2,669,800 sq km comparative area: slightly less than four times the size of TexasLand boundaries: total 12,012 km, China 1,533 km, Kyrgyzstan 1,051 km, Russia 6,846 km, Turkmenistan 379 km, Uzbekistan 2,203 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked) note: Kazakhstan borders the Aral Sea (1,015 km) and the Caspian Sea (1,894 km)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: Caspian Sea boundaries are not yet determinedClimate: continental, cold winters and hot summers, arid and semiaridTerrain: extends from the Volga to the Altai Mountains and from the plains in western Siberia to oasis and desert in Central AsiaNatural resources: major deposits of petroleum, coal, iron ore, manganese, chrome ore, nickel, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, lead, zinc, bauxite, gold, uraniumLand use: arable land: 15% permanent crops: NEGL% meadows and pastures: 57% forest and woodland: 4% other: 24%Irrigated land: 23,080 sq km (1990)Environment: current issues: radioactive or toxic chemical sites associated with its former defense industries and test ranges are found throughout the country and pose health risks for humans and animals; industrial pollution is severe in some cities; because the two main rivers which flowed into the Aral Sea have been diverted for irrigation, it is drying up and leaving behind a harmful layer of chemical pesticides and natural salts; these substances are then picked up by the wind and blown into noxious dust storms; pollution in the Caspian Sea; soil pollution from overuse of agricultural chemicals and salinization from faulty irrigation practices natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Climate Change, Desertification THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kazakhstan GeographyNote: landlocked THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kazakhstan PeoplePopulation: 17,376,615 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 30% (female 2,589,509; male 2,664,952) 15-64 years: 63% (female 5,531,519; male 5,371,563) 65 years and over: 7% (female 820,900; male 398,172) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.62% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 19.26 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 7.93 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -5.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 40 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.25 years male: 63.61 years female: 73.13 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.43 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Kazakhstani(s) adjective: KazakhstaniEthnic divisions: Kazakh (Qazaq) 41.9%, Russian 37%, Ukrainian 5.2%, German 4.7%, Uzbek 2.1%, Tatar 2%, other 7.1% (1991 official data)Religions: Muslim 47%, Russian Orthodox 44%, Protestant 2%, other 7%Languages: Kazakh (Qazaqz) official language spoken by over 40% of population, Russian (language of interethnic communication) spoken by two-thirds of population and used in everyday businessLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989) total population: 98% male: 99% female: 96%Labor force: 7.356 million by occupation: industry and construction 31%, agriculture and forestry 26%, other 43% (1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kazakhstan GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Kazakhstan conventional short form: Kazakhstan local long form: Qazaqstan Respublikasy local short form: none former: Kazakh Soviet Socialist RepublicDigraph: KZType: republicCapital: AlmatyAdministrative divisions: 19 oblystar (singular - oblys) and 1 city (qalalar, singular - qala)*; Almaty Qalasy*, Almaty Oblysy, Aqmola Oblysy, Aqtobe Oblysy, Atyrau Oblysy, Batys Qazaqstan Oblysy (Oral), Kokshetau Oblysy, Mangghystau Oblysy (Aqtau), Ongtustik Qazaqstan Oblysy (Shymkent), Qaraghandy Oblysy, Qostanay Oblysy, Qyzylorda Oblysy, Pavlodar Oblysy, Semey Oblysy, Shyghys Qazaqstan Oblysy (Oskemen; formerly Ust'-Kamenogorsk), Soltustik Qazaqstan Oblysy (Petropavl), Taldyqorghan Oblysy, Torghay Oblysy, Zhambyl Oblysy, Zhezqazghan Oblysy note: names in parentheses are administrative centers when name differs from oblys nameIndependence: 16 December 1991 (from the Soviet Union)National holiday: Independence Day, 16 December (1991)Constitution: adopted 28 January 1993Legal system: based on civil law systemSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Nursultan NAZARBAYEV (since NA April 1990); Vice President Yerik ASANBAYEV (since 1 December 1991); election last held 1 December 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV ran unopposed; note - NAZARBAYEV has extended his term to the year 2000 by a nationwide referendum held 30 April 1995 head of government: Prime Minister Akezhan KAZHEGELDIN (since 12 October 1994); First Deputy Prime Ministers Nigmatzhan ISINGARIN (since 12 October 1994) and Vitalia METTE (since March 1995) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the prime ministerLegislative branch: unicameral THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kazakhstan Government Supreme Council: elections last held 7 March 1994 (next to be held NA 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (177 total) Union Peoples' Unity of Kazakhstan 33, Confederation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan 11, Peoples' Congress of Kazakhstan Party 9, Socialist Party of Kazakhstan 8, Peasant Union of the Republic Kazakhstan 4, Social Movement LAD 4, Organization of Veterans 1, Union of Youth of Kazakhstan 1, Democratic Committee for Human Rights 1, Association of Lawyers of Kazakhstan 1, International Public Committee "Aral-Asia-Kazakhstan" 1, Congress of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan 1, Deputies of the 12th Supreme Soviet 40, independents 62 note: the Supreme Council disbanded 12 March 1995 following a Constitutional Court ruling that the March 1994 elections were invalidJudicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: People's Unity Party (PUP; was Union of People's Unity), Kuanysh SULTANOV, chairman; People's Congress of Kazakhstan (PCK), Olzhas SULEYMENOV, chairman; Socialist Party of Kazakhstan (SPK; former Communist Party), Yermukhamet YERTYSHBAYEV, co-chairman; Republican Party (Azat), Kamal ORMANTAYEV, chairman; Democratic Progress (Russian) Party, Alexandra DOKUCHAYEVA, chairman; Confederation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Peasant Union of the Republic Kazakhstan (KPU); Social Movement LAD, V. MIKHAYLOV, chairman; Union of Youth of Kazakhstan; Democratic Committee for Human Rights; Association of Lawyers of Kazakhstan; International Public Committee "Aral-Asia-Kazakhstan"; Congress of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan; Deputies of the 12th Supreme Soviet; People's Cooperative Party, Umirzak SARSENOV, chairman; Organization of VeteransOther political or pressure groups: Independent Trade Union Center (Birlesu; an association of independent trade union and business associations), Leonid SOLOMIN, presidentMember of: AsDB, CCC, CIS, EBRD, ECO, ESCAP, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NACC, OIC (observer), OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Tuleutai S. SULEYMENOV chancery: (temporary) 3421 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 333-4504 through 4507 FAX: [1] (202) 333-4509US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador William H. COURTNEY embassy: 99/97 Furmanova Street, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan 480012 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [7] (3272) 63-24-26 FAX: [7] (3272) 63-38-83Flag: sky blue background representing the endless sky and a gold sun with 32 rays soaring above a golden steppe eagle in the center; on the hoist side is a "national ornamentation" in yellow THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kazakhstan EconomyOverview: Kazakhstan, the second largest of the former Soviet states in territory, possesses enormous untapped fossil-fuel reserves as well as plentiful supplies of other minerals and metals. It also has considerable agricultural potential with its vast steppe lands accommodating both livestock and grain production. Kazakhstan's industrial sector rests on the extraction and processing of these natural resources and also on a relatively large machine building sector specializing in construction equipment, tractors, agricultural machinery, and some defense items. The breakup of the USSR and the collapse of demand for Kazakhstan's traditional heavy industry products have resulted in a sharp contraction of the economy since 1991, with the steepest annual decline occurring in 1994. The government has pursued a moderate program of economic reform and privatization which is gradually lifting state controls over economic activity and shifting assets into the private sector. Nevertheless, government control over key sectors of the economy remains strong. Sustained economic hardships and continued pressures from industrial elites will make it difficult for the government to sustain its policies of monetary and fiscal discipline which had brought down inflation by the end of 1994. Continued lack of pipeline transportation for expanded oil exports has closed off a likely source of economic recovery.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $55.2 billion (1994 estimate as extrapolated from World Bank estimate for 1992)National product real growth rate: -25% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $3,200 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 24% per month (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 1.1% includes only officially registered unemployed; also large numbers of underemployed workers (1994)Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports: $3.1 billion (1994) commodities: oil, ferrous and nonferrous metals, chemicals, grain, wool, meat, coal partners: Russia, Ukraine, UzbekistanImports: $3.5 billion (1994) commodities: machinery and parts, industrial materials, oil and gas partners: Russia and other former Soviet republics, ChinaExternal debt: less than $1 billion debt to RussiaIndustrial production: growth rate -28% (1994)Electricity: capacity: 17,380,000 kW production: 65.1 billion kWh THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kazakhstan Economy consumption per capita: 3,750 kWh (1994)Industries: accounts for 26% of net national product; extractive industries (oil, coal, iron ore, manganese, chromite, lead, zinc, copper, titanium, bauxite, gold, silver, phosphates, sulfur), iron and steel, nonferrous metal, tractors and other agricultural machinery, electric motors, construction materialsAgriculture: accounts for 20% of GDP; employs about 26% of the labor force; grain, mostly spring wheat; meat, cotton, woolIllicit drugs: illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy; mostly for CIS consumption; limited government eradication program; used as transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe and North America from Southwest AsiaEconomic aid: recipient: approximately $1 billion in foreign loans and credits allocated in 1994; disbursements projected at $700 billion through 1995Currency: national currency the tenge introduced on 15 November 1993Exchange rates: tenges per US$1 - 54 (yearend 1994)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kazakhstan TransportationRailroads: total: 14,460 km in common carrier service; does not include industrial lines broad gauge: 14,460 km 1.520-m gauge (1990)Highways: total: 189,000 km paved and graveled: 108,100 km unpaved: earth 80,900 km (1990)Inland waterways: Syrdariya River, Ertis RiverPipelines: crude oil 2,850 km; refined products 1,500 km; natural gas 3,480 km (1992)Ports: Aqtau (Shevchenko), Atyrau (Gur'yev), Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk), Pavlodar, Semey (Semipalatinsk)Airports: total: 352 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 7 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 23 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 5 with paved runways under 914 m: 9 with unpaved runways over 3,047 m: 9 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 25 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 65 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 190 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kazakhstan CommunicationsTelephone system: 2.2 million telephones; telephone service is poor; about 17 telephones/100 persons in urban areas and 7.6 telephones/100 persons in rural areas; Almaty has 184,000 telephones local: NA intercity: land line and microwave radio relay international: international traffic with other former USSR republics and China carried by landline and microwave, and with other countries by satellite and through 8 international telecommunications circuits at the Moscow international gateway switch; INTELSAT earth station; new satellite earth station established at Almaty with Turkish financial help (December 1992) with 2500 channel band widthRadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: 4.088 million (with multiple speakers for program diffusion 6,082,000)Television: broadcast stations: Orbita (TV receive only) earth station televisions: 4.75 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK Kazakhstan Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Republic National Guard, Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 4,513,089; males fit for military service 3,605,584; males reach military age (18) annually 154,280 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: 69.3 billion rubles, NA% of GDP (forecast for 1993); note - conversion of the military budget into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results</text>
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<text>KAZAKHSTAN - Passport and visa required. For additional informationcontact the Embassy of Kazakhstan, 3421 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington,D.C. 20007 (202/333-4504 or 07).Kazakhstan - Consular Information SheetFebruary 16, 1994Country Description: Kazakhstan is a nation undergoing profound politicaland economic change. It is a new independent state still in the process ofstabilizing its relations with neighboring countries. Political activitieshave been peaceful. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and manyof the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yetavailable. Internal air travel generally operates but suffers disruptions.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Visas are issued atthe Kazakhstan Embassy (on the basis of a letter of invitation from aKazakhstani organization) and at the Almaty Airport. Visas issued at theairport without a letter of invitation are only valid for three days.Kazakhstan immigration officials consider visas for Russia, Uzbekistan,Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Belarus to be valid for transit (up tothree days) through Kazakhstan. U.S. citizens can contact the KazakhstanEmbassy, 3421 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington D.C. 20007, telephone (202)333-4507 for current information on visa requirements.Medical Facilities: Medical care in Kazakhstan is limited. There is asevere shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles,anesthetics, and antibiotics. Incidence of infectious diseases is generallyhigher than in the U.S., and immunizations are unavailable. Drinking onlyboiled or bottled water will help guard against cholera, which has beenreported. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may beat risk due to inadequate medical facilities. The U.S. Embassy maintains alist of English speaking physicians in the area. Doctors and hospitalsoften expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medicalinsurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers havefound that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specificoverseas coverage, including medical evacuation coverage, has proved to beuseful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from theCenters for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline, tel: (404)332-4559.Crime Information: Common street crime has increased, especially at night,and some robbery victims have been assaulted. Robbers congregate aroundhotels that cater to foreigners. Walking in a group or utilizing anofficial metered taxi with door to door service is the best way to traversethe cities after sunset. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport shouldbe reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy orconsulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protectingpersonal security, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided inthe Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips forTravelers to Russia." They are available from the Superintendent ofDocuments, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Currency Regulations: Kazakhstan is a cash only economy. Traveler's checksand credit cards are rarely accepted. Kazakhstan has its own currency, theten'ge. U.S. dollars can be changed only at official exchange offices or inbanks. Anyone caught dealing on the black market can expect harsh punishment.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking inillegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentencesand fines.Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S.Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security withinKazakhstan.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is located at99/97A Furmanova Street, Telephone (7-3272) 63-24-26.No. 94-012This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 29, 1993 to addinformation on visas, include details on street crime and infectiousdiseases, and to note the danger of changing U.S. dollars on the black market.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Juan de Nova Island HeaderAffiliation: (possession of France) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Juan de Nova Island GeographyLocation: Southern Africa, island in the Mozambique Channel, about one-third of the way between Madagascar and MozambiqueMap references: AfricaArea: total area: 4.4 sq km land area: 4.4 sq km comparative area: about 7.5 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 24.1 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 12 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: claimed by MadagascarClimate: tropicalTerrain: NANatural resources: guano deposits and other fertilizersLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 90% other: 10%Irrigated land: 0 sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: periodic cyclones international agreements: NANote: wildlife sanctuary THE WORLD FACTBOOK Juan de Nova Island PeoplePopulation: uninhabited THE WORLD FACTBOOK Juan de Nova Island GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Juan de Nova Island local long form: none local short form: Ile Juan de NovaDigraph: JUType: French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic, resident in ReunionCapital: none; administered by France from ReunionIndependence: none (possession of France) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Juan de Nova Island EconomyOverview: no economic activity THE WORLD FACTBOOK Juan de Nova Island TransportationRailroads: total: NA km; short line going to a jettyPorts: none; offshore anchorage onlyAirports: total: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Juan de Nova Island Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of France</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jordan HeaderAffiliation: (also see separate West Bank entry) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jordan GeographyLocation: Middle East, northwest of Saudi ArabiaMap references: Middle EastArea: total area: 89,213 sq km land area: 88,884 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than IndianaLand boundaries: total 1,619 km, Iraq 181 km, Israel 238 km, Saudi Arabia 728 km, Syria 375 km, West Bank 97 kmCoastline: 26 kmMaritime claims: territorial sea: 3 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)Terrain: mostly desert plateau in east, highland area in west; Great Rift Valley separates East and West Banks of the Jordan RiverNatural resources: phosphates, potash, shale oilLand use: arable land: 4% permanent crops: 0.5% meadows and pastures: 1% forest and woodland: 0.5% other: 94%Irrigated land: 570 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jordan PeoplePopulation: 4,100,709 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 44% (female 884,462; male 930,266) 15-64 years: 53% (female 1,058,060; male 1,119,347) 65 years and over: 3% (female 53,709; male 54,865) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.69% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 37.32 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 4.02 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -6.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 32.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.27 years male: 70.43 years female: 74.21 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 5.25 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Jordanian(s) adjective: JordanianEthnic divisions: Arab 98%, Circassian 1%, Armenian 1%Religions: Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 8%Languages: Arabic (official), English widely understood among upper and middle classesLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1991) total population: 83% male: 91% female: 75%Labor force: 600,000 (1992) by occupation: industry 11.4%, commerce, restaurants, and hotels 10.5%, construction 10.0%, transport and communications 8.7%, agriculture 7.4%, other services 52.0% (1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jordan GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan conventional short form: Jordan local long form: Al Mamlakah al Urduniyah al Hashimiyah local short form: Al Urdun former: TransjordanDigraph: JOType: constitutional monarchyCapital: AmmanAdministrative divisions: 8 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Balqa', Al Karak, Al Mafraq, 'Amman, At Tafilah, Az Zarqa', Irbid, Ma'anIndependence: 25 May 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)National holiday: Independence Day, 25 May (1946)Constitution: 8 January 1952Legal system: based on Islamic law and French codes; judicial review of legislative acts in a specially provided High Tribunal; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 20 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: King HUSSEIN Bin Talal Al Hashimi (since 11 August 1952) head of government: Prime Minister Zayd BIN SHAKIR (since 8 January 1995) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarchLegislative branch: bicameral National Assembly (Majlis al-'Umma) House of Notables (Majlis al-A'ayan): consists of a 40-member body appointed by the king from designated categories of public figures House of Representatives: elections last held 8 November 1993 (next to be held NA November 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (80 total) Muslim Brotherhood (fundamentalist) 16, Independent Islamic bloc (generally traditionalist) 6, Radical leftist 3, pro-government 55 note: the House of Representatives has been convened and dissolved by the King several times since 1974 and in November 1989 the first parliamentary elections in 22 years were heldJudicial branch: Court of Cassation THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jordan GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Al-'Ahd (Pledge) Party, Sec. Gen. 'Abd al-Hadi al-MAJALI; Al-Ahrar (Liberals) Party, Sec. Gen. Ahmad al-ZU'BI; Al-Hurriyah (Freedom) Party, Sec. Gen. Fawwaz al-ZUBI; Al-Watan (Homeland) Party, leader 'Akif al-FAYIZ; Al-Yaqazah (Awakening) Party, Sec. Gen. 'Abd al-Ra'uf al-RAWABIDAH; Constitutional Jordanian Arab Front Party, leader Milhim al-TALL; Democratic Arab Islamic Movement Party-Du'a', Sec. Gen. Yusuf Abu BAKR; Democratic Arab Unionist Party-Wad, Sec. Gen. Anis al-MU'ASHIR; Islamic Action Front (IAF), Sec. Gen. Ishaq al-FARHAN; Jordanian Arab Democratic Party, Sec. Gen. Mu'nis al-RAZZAZ; Jordanian Arab Masses Party, Sec. Gen. 'Abd al-Khaliq SHATAT; Jordanian Arab Socialist Ba'th Party, Command First Secretary Taysir al-HIMSI; Jordanian Communist Party (JCP), Sec. Gen. Ya'qub ZAYADIN; Jordanian Democratic Popular Unity Party, Sec. Gen. 'Azmi al-KHAWAJA; Jordanian Democratic Progressive Party, Sec. Gen. 'Ali 'AMIR; Jordanian National Alliance Party, Sec. Gen. Mijhim al-KHURAYSHAH; Jordanian People's Democratic Party-Hashd, Sec. Gen. Taysir al-ZIBRI; Jordanian Socialist Democratic Party, Sec. Gen. 'Isa MADANAT; Pan-Arab Action Front Party, Sec. Gen. Muhammad al-ZU'BI; Popular Unity Party-the Unionists, Sec. Gen. Talal al-RAMAHI; Progress and Justice Party, Sec. Gen. 'Ali al-SA'D; Progressive Arab Ba'th Party, Command Secretary Mahmud al-MA'AYITAH; Al-Mustaqbal (Future) Party, Sec. Gen. Sulayman 'ARARMember of: ABEDA, ACC, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OIC, PCA, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMIL, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR, UNRWA, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Fayiz A. TARAWNEH chancery: 3504 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 966-2664 FAX: [1] (202) 966-3110US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Wesley E. EGAN, Jr. embassy: Jabel Amman, Amman mailing address: P. O. Box 354, Amman 11118 Jordan; APO AE 09892-0200 telephone: [962] (6) 820101 FAX: [962] (6) 820159Flag: three equal horizontal bands of black (top), white, and green with a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bearing a small white seven-pointed star; the seven points on the star represent the seven fundamental laws of the Koran THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jordan EconomyOverview: Jordan benefited from increased Arab aid during the oil boom of the late 1970s and early 1980s, when its annual real GNP growth averaged more than 10%. In the remainder of the 1980s, however, reductions in both Arab aid and worker remittances slowed real economic growth to an average of roughly 2% per year. Imports - mainly oil, capital goods, consumer durables, and food - outstripped exports, with the difference covered by aid, remittances, and borrowing. In mid-1989, the Jordanian Government began debt-rescheduling negotiations and agreed to implement an IMF-supported program designed to gradually reduce the budget deficit and implement badly needed structural reforms. The Persian Gulf crisis that began in August 1990, however, aggravated Jordan's already serious economic problems, forcing the government to shelve the IMF program, stop most debt payments, and suspend rescheduling negotiations. Aid from Gulf Arab states, worker remittances, and trade contracted; and refugees flooded the country, producing serious balance-of-payments problems, stunting GDP growth, and straining government resources. The economy rebounded in 1992, largely due to the influx of capital repatriated by workers returning from the Gulf, but the recovery was uneven throughout 1994. The government is implementing the reform program adopted in 1992 and continues to secure rescheduling and write-offs of its heavy foreign debt. Debt, poverty, and unemployment remain Jordan's biggest on-going problems.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $17 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 5.5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $4,280 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 16% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $2 billion expenditures: $2.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $630 million (1995 est.)Exports: $1.4 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: phosphates, fertilizers, potash, agricultural products, manufactures partners: India, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, EU, Indonesia, UAEImports: $3.5 billion (c.i.f., 1994) commodities: crude oil, machinery, transport equipment, food, live animals, manufactured goods partners: EU, US, Iraq, Japan, TurkeyExternal debt: $6 billion (March 1995 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 3% (1993 est.); accounts for 20% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 1,050,000 kW production: 4.2 billion kWh THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jordan Economy consumption per capita: 1,072 kWh (1993)Industries: phosphate mining, petroleum refining, cement, potash, light manufacturingAgriculture: accounts for about 8% of GDP; wheat, barley, citrus fruit, tomatoes, melons, olives; sheep, goats, poultry; large net importer of foodEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.7 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $9.5 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $44 millionCurrency: 1 Jordanian dinar (JD) = 1,000 filsExchange rates: Jordanian dinars (JD) per US$1 - 0.6994 (January 1995), 0.5987 (1994), 0.6928 (1993), 0.6797 (1992), 0.6808 (1991), 0.6636 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jordan TransportationRailroads: total: 789 km narrow gauge: 789 km 1.050-m gaugeHighways: total: 7,500 km paved: asphalt 5,500 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone 2,000 kmPipelines: crude oil 209 kmPorts: Al'AqabahMerchant marine: total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 61,678 GRT/113,080 DWT ships by type: bulk 1, oil tanker 1Airports: total: 17 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 9 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jordan CommunicationsTelephone system: 81,500 telephones; adequate telephone system local: NA microwave, cable, and radio links intercity: NA international: 2 INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 ARABSAT earth station; coaxial cable and microwave to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Syria; microwave link to Lebanon is inactive; participant in MEDARABTEL, a microwave radio relay network linking Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and MoroccoRadio: broadcast stations: AM 5, FM 7, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 8 and 1 TV receive-only satellite link televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jordan Defense ForcesBranches: Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF; includes Royal Jordanian Land Force, Royal Naval Force, and Royal Jordanian Air Force); Ministry of the Interior's Public Security Force (falls under JAF only in wartime or crisis situations)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 981,004; males fit for military service 699,891; males reach military age (18) annually 45,494 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $564.2 million, 9.1% of GDP (1995 est.)</text>
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<text>JORDAN - Passport and visa required. Visa requires 1 application form,1 photo, letter stating purpose of visit and itinerary. Entry intoJordan is sometimes denied to persons holding passports with Israeli visasstamps. (This is especially true when the holders are U.S./Jordanian dualnationals.) Send SASE for return of passport by mail. For detailscheck Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, 3504 International Dr.,N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/966-2664).Jordan - Consular Information SheetApril 8, 1994Country Description: The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a constitutionalmonarchy with a developing economy. While Jordan is modern and Western-oriented, Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation ofthe country's customs, laws and practices. Tourist facilities are widelyavailable, although quality may vary depending on price and location. Theworkweek in Jordan is Sunday through Thursday.Entry Requirements: Passports are required. Visitors may obtain a visa forJordan at international ports of entry, not including the Allenby Bridge,upon arrival. Entry into Jordan is sometimes not granted to persons,especially U.S.-Jordanian dual nationals, with passports showing an Israelivisa or exit/entry stamp. For further information, travelers can contactthe Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, 3504 International DriveN.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 966-2664.Medical Facilities: Basic modern medical care and medicines are availablein the principal cities of Jordan, but not necessarily in outlying areas.Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for services.U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proveduseful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for DiseaseControl, telephone (404) 332-4559, has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: Crime is generally not a serious problem fortravelers in Jordan. However, petty crime is prevalent in the downtownAmman Hashemiyah Court area and around the Roman amphitheater. Visitingthese areas during daylight and in groups will reduce the risk of pettycrime. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reportedimmediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security,and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department ofState pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to the MiddleEast and North Africa." They are available from the Superintendent ofDocuments, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws and legal practicesof the country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use ortrafficking in illegal drugs are severe in Jordan, and convicted offenderscan expect jail sentences and fines.Areas of Instability: There is a risk of violent incidents duringdemonstrations, other large public gatherings, or in refugee camps. Two non-American tourists were attacked in separate incidents in February indowntown Amman, following the violence in the West Bank town of Hebron onFebruary 25.Land mines are located within two miles of all military installations andborders, including the popular Dead Sea area. Mine fields are fenced offand marked with signs carrying a skull and crossbones, but the fences andsigns may be in poor repair or hard to see. Avoiding these areas reducesthe risk of accidentally setting off a mine.Terrorism: Tension in the region remains high, especially in the wake ofthe violence in the West Bank town of Hebron. Although there is no specificinformation on threats to U.S. citizens or U.S. targets in Jordan, terrorismremains a concern. U.S. citizens in Jordan can receive more detailedinformation from the U.S. Embassy in Amman on reducing the risk of becominga target of terrorist attack.Dual Nationality: Although no longer subject to immediate conscription, allU.S.-Jordanian dual national males under the age of thirty-seven arerequired to register for service in the Jordanian military. Those subjectto registration may be prevented from leaving Jordan until permission to doso is obtained. This permission is often granted to U.S. citizens, but maytake some time to obtain and is limited to one trip only. Consularassistance to dual nationals may be limited in some instances.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can obtainupdated information on travel and security within Jordan.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan, is located in Abdoun,Jabel Amman, P.O. Box 354. The telephone number is (962) (6) 820-101.No. 94-044This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 31, 1993, and thepublic announcement of March 1, 1994, to add information on areas ofinstability, and to update the information on terrorism, crime, and entryrequirements.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Johnston Atoll HeaderAffiliation: (territory of the US) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Johnston Atoll GeographyLocation: Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-third of the way from Hawaii to the Marshall IslandsMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 2.8 sq km land area: 2.8 sq km comparative area: about 4.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 10 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical, but generally dry; consistent northeast trade winds with little seasonal temperature variationTerrain: mostly flat with a maximum elevation of 4 metersNatural resources: guano (deposits worked until about 1890)Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100%Irrigated land: 0 sq kmEnvironment: current issues: no natural fresh water resources natural hazards: NA international agreements: NANote: strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; Johnston Island and Sand Island are natural islands; North Island (Akau) and East Island (Hikina) are manmade islands formed from coral dredging; closed to the public; former nuclear weapons test site; site of Johnston Atoll Chemical Agent Disposal System (JACADS); some low-growing vegetation THE WORLD FACTBOOK Johnston Atoll PeoplePopulation: 327 (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0% (1995 est.)Birth rate: NADeath rate: NANet migration rate: NAInfant mortality rate: NALife expectancy at birth: NATotal fertility rate: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Johnston Atoll GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Johnston AtollDigraph: JQType: unincorportated territory of the US administered by the US Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA) and managed cooperatively by DNA and the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge systemCapital: noneDiplomatic representation in US: none (territory of the US)US diplomatic representation: none (territory of the US)Flag: the flag of the US is used THE WORLD FACTBOOK Johnston Atoll EconomyOverview: Economic activity is limited to providing services to US military personnel and contractors located on the island. All food and manufactured goods must be imported.Electricity: supplied by the management and operations contractor THE WORLD FACTBOOK Johnston Atoll TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: NA paved: NA unpaved: NAPorts: Johnston IslandAirports: total: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Johnston Atoll CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; excellent system including 60-channel submarine cable, Autodin/SRT terminal, digital telephone switch, Military Affiliated Radio System (MARS station), and UHF/VHF air-ground radio local: NA intercity: NA international: NARadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: commercial satellite television system televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Johnston Atoll Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of the US</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jersey HeaderAffiliation: (British crown dependency) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jersey GeographyLocation: Western Europe, island in the English Channel, northwest of FranceMap references: EuropeArea: total area: 117 sq km land area: 117 sq km comparative area: about 0.7 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 70 kmMaritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: temperate; mild winters and cool summersTerrain: gently rolling plain with low, rugged hills along north coastNatural resources: agricultural landLand use: arable land: 57% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NANote: largest and southernmost of Channel Islands; about 30% of population concentrated in Saint Helier THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jersey PeoplePopulation: 86,649 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 17% (female 7,029; male 7,450) 15-64 years: 69% (female 30,156; male 29,916) 65 years and over: 14% (female 7,202; male 4,896) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.7% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 12.83 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 9.97 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 4.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 4.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.9 years male: 73.81 years female: 80.32 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.44 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Channel Islander(s) adjective: Channel IslanderEthnic divisions: UK and Norman-French descentReligions: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Congregational New Church, Methodist, PresbyterianLanguages: English (official), French (official), Norman-French dialect spoken in country districtsLiteracy: NA%Labor force: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jersey GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Bailiwick of Jersey conventional short form: JerseyDigraph: JEType: British crown dependencyCapital: Saint HelierAdministrative divisions: none (British crown dependency)Independence: none (British crown dependency)National holiday: Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)Constitution: unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practiceLegal system: English law and local statuteSuffrage: NA years of age; universal adultExecutive branch: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) Head of Government: Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief Air Marshal Sir John SUTTON (since NA 1990); Bailiff Sir Peter L. CRILL (since NA) cabinet: committees; appointed by the StatesLegislative branch: unicameral Assembly of the States: elections last held NA (next to be held NA); results - no percent of vote by party since all are independents; seats - (56 total, 52 elected) 52 independentsJudicial branch: Royal CourtPolitical parties and leaders: none; all independentsMember of: noneDiplomatic representation in US: none (British crown dependency)US diplomatic representation: none (British crown dependency)Flag: white with the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland) extending to the corners of the flag THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jersey EconomyOverview: The economy is based largely on financial services, agriculture, and tourism. Potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes, and especially flowers are important export crops, shipped mostly to the UK. The Jersey breed of dairy cattle is known worldwide and represents an important export earner. Milk products go to the UK and other EU countries. In 1986 the finance sector overtook tourism as the main contributor to GDP, accounting for 40% of the island's output. In recent years the government has encouraged light industry to locate in Jersey, with the result that an electronics industry has developed alongside the traditional manufacturing of knitwear. All raw material and energy requirements are imported, as well as a large share of Jersey's food needs.National product: GDP $NANational product real growth rate: 8% (1987 est.)National product per capita: $NAInflation rate (consumer prices): 8% (1988 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $308 million expenditures: $284.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1985)Exports: $NA commodities: light industrial and electrical goods, foodstuffs, textiles partners: UKImports: $NA commodities: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, foodstuffs, mineral fuels, chemicals partners: UKExternal debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate NA%Electricity: capacity: 50,000 kW standby production: power supplied by France consumption per capita: NA kWh (1992)Industries: tourism, banking and finance, dairyAgriculture: potatoes, cauliflowers, tomatoes; dairy and cattle farmingEconomic aid: noneCurrency: 1 Jersey pound (#J) = 100 pence THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jersey EconomyExchange rates: Jersey pounds (#J) per US$1 - 0.6250 (January 1995), 0.6529 (1994), 0.6658 (1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5603 (1990); the Jersey pound is at par with the British poundFiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jersey TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: NA paved: NA unpaved: NAPorts: Gorey, Saint Aubin, Saint HelierMerchant marine: noneAirports: total: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jersey CommunicationsTelephone system: 63,700 telephones local: NA intercity: NA international: 3 submarine cablesRadio: broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 1 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jersey Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of the UK</text>
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card_53034.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jarvis Island HeaderAffiliation: (territory of the US) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jarvis Island GeographyLocation: Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to the Cook IslandsMap references: OceaniaArea: total area: 4.5 sq km land area: 4.5 sq km comparative area: about 7.5 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 8 kmMaritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sunTerrain: sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reefNatural resources: guano (deposits worked until late 1800s)Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100%Irrigated land: 0 sq kmEnvironment: current issues: no natural fresh water resources natural hazards: the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard international agreements: NANote: sparse bunch grass, prostrate vines, and low-growing shrubs; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife; feral cats THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jarvis Island PeoplePopulation: uninhabited; note - 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; public entry is by special-use permit only and generally restricted to scientists and educators THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jarvis Island GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Jarvis IslandDigraph: DQType: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge SystemCapital: none; administered from Washington, DC THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jarvis Island EconomyOverview: no economic activity THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jarvis Island TransportationPorts: none; offshore anchorage only; note - there is one boat landing area in the middle of the west coast and another near the southwest corner of the islandNote: there is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jarvis Island Defense Forces defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US Coast Guard</text>
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card_52779.xml
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Japan GeographyLocation: Eastern Asia, island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean peninsulaMap references: AsiaArea: total area: 377,835 sq km land area: 374,744 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than California note: includes Bonin Islands (Ogasawara-gunto), Daito-shoto, Minami-jima, Okinotori-shima, Ryukyu Islands (Nansei-shoto), and Volcano Islands (Kazan-retto)Land boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 29,751 kmMaritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm; 3 nm in the international straits - La Perouse or Soya, Tsugaru, Osumi, and Eastern and Western Channels of the Korea or Tsushima StraitInternational disputes: islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai group occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia, claimed by Japan; Liancourt Rocks disputed with South Korea; Senkaku-shoto (Senkaku Islands) claimed by China and TaiwanClimate: varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in northTerrain: mostly rugged and mountainousNatural resources: negligible mineral resources, fishLand use: arable land: 13% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 1% forest and woodland: 67% other: 18%Irrigated land: 28,680 sq km (1989)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's appetite for fish and tropical timber is contributing to the depletion of these resources in Asia and elsewhere natural hazards: many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500 seismic occurrences (mostly tremors) every year; tsunamis THE WORLD FACTBOOK Japan Geography international agreements: party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification, Law of the SeaNote: strategic location in northeast Asia THE WORLD FACTBOOK Japan PeoplePopulation: 125,506,492 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 16% (female 9,955,603; male 10,542,973) 15-64 years: 69% (female 43,377,425; male 43,843,645) 65 years and over: 15% (female 10,514,017; male 7,272,829) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.32% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 10.66 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 7.46 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 4.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 79.44 years male: 76.6 years female: 82.42 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.56 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Japanese (singular and plural) adjective: JapaneseEthnic divisions: Japanese 99.4%, other 0.6% (mostly Korean)Religions: observe both Shinto and Buddhist 84%, other 16% (including 0.7% Christian)Languages: JapaneseLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1970 est.) total population: 99%Labor force: 65.87 million (December 1994) by occupation: trade and services 54%, manufacturing, mining, and construction 33%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 7%, government 3% (1988) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Japan GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: JapanDigraph: JAType: constitutional monarchyCapital: TokyoAdministrative divisions: 47 prefectures; Aichi, Akita, Aomori, Chiba, Ehime, Fukui, Fukuoka, Fukushima, Gifu, Gumma, 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, YamanashiIndependence: 660 BC (traditional founding by Emperor Jimmu)National holiday: Birthday of the Emperor, 23 December (1933)Constitution: 3 May 1947Legal system: modeled after European civil law system with English-American influence; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 20 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989) head of government: Prime Minister Tomiichi MURAYAMA (since 30 June 1994); Deputy Prime Minister Yohei KONO (since 30 June 1994) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the prime ministerLegislative branch: bicameral Diet (Kokkai) consists of an upper house or House of Councillors and a lower house or House of Representatives House of Councillors (Sangi-in): half of the members elected every three years to six-year terms; elections last held on 26 July 1992 (next set to be held 23 July 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (252 total) LDP 106, SDPJ 73, Komeito 24, DSP 12, JCP 11, JNP 4, others 16, independents 6; note - the distribution of seats as of 1 April 1995 is as follows - LDP 94, SDPJ 68, Heisei-kai 47, Shin Ryokufu-kai 16, JCP 11, others 15, vacant 1 House of Representatives (Shugi-in): all members elected every four years to four-year terms; elections last held on 18 July 1993 (next to be held by 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (511 total) LDP 223, SDPJ 70, Shinseito 55, Komeito 51, JNP 35, JCP 15, DSP 15, Sakigake 13, others 4, independents 30; note - the distribution of seats as of 1 April 1995 is as follows - LDP 207, Shinshinto 173, SDPJ 70, Sakigake 21, JCP 15, others 19, vacant 6Judicial branch: Supreme Court THE WORLD FACTBOOK Japan GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Yohei KONO, president and Yoshiro MORI, secretary general; Social Democratic Party of Japan (SDPJ), Tomiichi MURAYAMA; Japan Communist Party (JCP), Tetsuzo FUWA, Presidium chairman; Sakigake (Harbinger), Masayoshi TAKEMURA, chairman; Shinshinto (New Frontier Party, NFP), Toshiki KAIFU, chairman and Ichiro OZAWA, secretary general note: Shinshinto was formed in December 1994 by the merger of Shinseito (Japan Renewal Party, JRP), Komeito (Clean Government Party, CGP), Japan New Party (JNP), Democratic Socialist Party (DSP), and several minor groups; Shin Ryokufu-kai is a parliamentary alliance which exists only in the upper house, it includes remnants of Shinseito, JNP, DSP, and a minor labor group; Heisei-kai is a joint bloc of Shinshinto and Komei members; Komei is a group formed from what remains of Komeito in the upper houseMember of: AfDB, AG (observer), APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, G- 2, G- 5, G- 7, G- 8, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MTCR, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNOMOZ, UNRWA, UNU, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Takakazu KURIYAMA chancery: 2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 939-6700 FAX: [1] (202) 328-2187 consulate(s) general: Agana (Guam), Anchorage, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Kansas City (Missouri), Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Portland (Oregon), San Francisco, and Seattle consulate(s): Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands)US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Walter F. MONDALE embassy: 10-5, Akasaka 1-chome, Minato-ku (107), Tokyo mailing address: Unit 45004, Box 258, Tokyo; APO AP 96337-0001 telephone: [81] (3) 3224-5000 FAX: [81] (3) 3505-1862 consulate(s) general: Naha (Okinawa), Osaka-Kobe, Sapporo consulate(s): Fukuoka, NagoyaFlag: white with a large red disk (representing the sun without rays) in the center THE WORLD FACTBOOK Japan EconomyOverview: Government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of high technology, and a comparatively small defense allocation (roughly 1% of GDP) have helped Japan advance with extraordinary rapidity to the rank of second most powerful economy in the world. Industry, the most important sector of the economy, is heavily dependent on imported raw materials and fuels. Usually self-sufficient in rice, Japan must import about 50% of its requirements of other grain and fodder crops. Japan maintains one of the world's largest fishing fleets and accounts for nearly 15% of the global catch. Overall economic growth has been spectacular: a 10% average in the 1960s, a 5% average in the 1970s and 1980s. Economic growth came to a halt in 1992-93 largely because of contractionary domestic policies intended to wring speculative excesses from the stock and real estate markets. Growth resumed at a 0.6% pace in 1994 largely because of consumer demand. As for foreign trade, the stronger yen and slower global growth are containing export growth. Unemployment and inflation remain remarkably low in comparison with the other industrialized nations. Japan continues to run a huge trade surplus - $121 billion in 1994, roughly the same size as in 1993 - which supports extensive investment in foreign assets. Prime Minister MURAYAMA has yet to formalize his government's plans for administrative and economic reform, including reduction in the trade surplus. As leader of a coalition government, he has softened his own socialist positions. The crowding of the habitable land area and the aging of the population are two major long-run problems.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $2.5274 trillion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 0.6% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $20,200 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.7% (1994)Unemployment rate: 2.9% (1994)Budget: revenues: $569 billion expenditures: $671 billion, including capital expenditures (public works only) of about $126 billion (1994 est.)Exports: $395.5 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: manufactures 97% (including machinery 46%, motor vehicles 20%, consumer electronics 10%) partners: Southeast Asia 33%, US 29%, Western Europe 18%, China 5%Imports: $274.3 billion (c.i.f., 1994) commodities: manufactures 52%, fossil fuels 20%, foodstuffs and raw materials 28% partners: Southeast Asia 25%, US 23%, Western Europe 15%, China 9%External debt: $NAIndustrial production: growth rate 1% (1994); accounts for 30% of GDP THE WORLD FACTBOOK Japan EconomyElectricity: capacity: 205,140,000 kW production: 840 billion kWh consumption per capita: 6,262 kWh (1993)Industries: steel and non-ferrous metallurgy, heavy electrical equipment, construction and mining equipment, motor vehicles and parts, electronic and telecommunication equipment and components, machine tools and automated production systems, locomotives and railroad rolling stock, shipbuilding, chemicals, textiles, food processingAgriculture: accounts for only 2% of GDP; highly subsidized and protected sector, with crop yields among highest in world; principal crops - rice, sugar beets, vegetables, fruit; animal products include pork, poultry, dairy and eggs; about 50% self-sufficient in food production; shortages of wheat, corn, soybeans; world's largest fish catch of 10 million metric tons in 1991Economic aid: donor: ODA and OOF commitments (1970-94), $132 billion note: ODA outlay of $9.9 billion in 1994 (est.)Currency: yen (Y)Exchange rates: yen (Y) per US$1 - 99.75 (January 1995), 102.21 (1994), 111.20 (1993), 126.65 (1992), 134.71 (1991), 144.79 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Japan TransportationRailroads: total: 27,327 km (5,724 km double track and multitrack sections) standard gauge: 2,012 km 1.435-m gauge (2,012 km electrified) narrow gauge: 25,315 km predominantly 1.067-m gauge (9,038 km electrified) (1987)Highways: total: 1,111,974 km paved: 754,102 km (including 4,869 km of national expressways) unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, or earth 357,872 km (1991)Inland waterways: about 1,770 km; seagoing craft ply all coastal inland seasPipelines: crude oil 84 km; petroleum products 322 km; natural gas 1,800 kmPorts: Akita, Amagasaki, Chiba, Hachinohe, Hakodate, Higashi-Harima, Himeji, Hiroshima, Kawasaki, Kinuura, Kobe, Kushiro, Mizushima, Moji, Nagoya, Osaka, Sakai, Sakaide, Shimizu, Tokyo, TomakomaiMerchant marine: total: 851 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 18,195,386 GRT/27,292,044 DWT ships by type: bulk 210, cargo 63, chemical tanker 7, combination ore/oil 7, container 41, liquefied gas tanker 41, multifunction large-load carrier 1, oil tanker 264, passenger 10, passenger-cargo 5, refrigerated cargo 48, roll-on/roll-off cargo 43, short-sea passenger 30, specialized tanker 2, vehicle carrier 79 note: Japan owns an additional 1,537 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 45,490,202 DWT that operate under Panamanian, Liberian, Vanuatu, Bahamian, Singaporian, Cypriot, Philippines, Hong Kong, and Maltese registryAirports: total: 175 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 6 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 31 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 36 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 30 with paved runways under 914 m: 70 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Japan CommunicationsTelephone system: 64,000,000 telephones; excellent domestic and international service local: NA intercity: NA international: 5 INTELSAT (4 Pacific Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) earth stations; submarine cables to US (via Guam), Philippines, China, and RussiaRadio: broadcast stations: AM 318, FM 58, shortwave 0 radios: 95 millionTelevision: broadcast stations: 12,350 (1 kW or greater 196) televisions: 100 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK Japan Defense ForcesBranches: Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (Army), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (Navy), Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Air Force)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 31,947,532; males fit for military service 27,494,758; males reach military age (18) annually 910,970 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $47.2 billion, 1% of GDP (FY95/96)</text>
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<text>JAPAN - Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa not requiredfor tourist/business stay up to 90 days. Departure tax $15.50 paid atairport. For specific information consult Embassy of Japan, 2520 Mass. Ave.,N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-6800) or nearest Consulate: AK(907/279-8428), CA (213/624-8305 or 415/777-3533), FL (305/530-9090),GA (404/892-2700), Guam (671/646-1290), HI (808/536-2226), IL(312/280-0400),LA (504/529-2101), MA (617/973-9772), MI 9313/567-0120), MO(816/471-0111),NY (212/371-8222), OR 9503/221-1811), TX (713/652-2977) or WA(206/682-9107).Japan - Consular Information SheetJuly 20, 1994Country Description: Japan is a highly developed stable parliamentarydemocracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: Passports are required. Onward/return tickets arerequired for visitors arriving on the visa waiver and may be requested forvisitors arriving on other types of visas. Visas are not required fortourist/business stays of up to 90 days. However, anyone arriving under theterms of the 90-day visa waiver will not be allowed to extend his/her stayor adjust status. There are no exceptions to this rule. For specificinformation concerning travel to Japan, travelers may consult the ConsularSection of the Embassy of Japan at 2520 Massachusetts Avenue N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20008, Tel: [202] 939-6700, or the nearest consulate inAnchorage, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Guam, Honolulu, Houston, Kansas City,Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Portland, San Francisco, or Seattle.Medical Facilities: Health care facilities in Japan are good. However,Japan has a national health insurance system, and it can be very difficultfor foreigners not insured in Japan to receive medical care. Medical careclinics do not require deposits, but insist upon payment in full at time oftreatment and may require proof of ability to pay prior to treating aforeigner. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the UnitedStates. Supplemental medical insurance which specifically covers treatmentin Japan has proven useful. The Centers for Disease Controls' internationaltravelers hotline may be reached at (404) 332-4559 for additional usefulhealth information.Information on Crime: Crimes against U.S. citizens are rare and those thatoccur usually involve petty theft and vandalism. The loss or theft abroadof a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police, andthe nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on guardingvaluables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad isprovided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad". It isavailable from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government PrintingOffice, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices ofthe country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use ortrafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expectjail sentences and fines. It is illegal to bring Vicks inhalers, Sudafed,and other types of over-the-counter medicines containing trace amounts ofamphetamines or amphetamine-like drugs into Japan. Travelers carrying theseitems have been detained by Japanese customs officials and subjected toinvestigation, sometimes for several weeks. Japanese officials may requiretravelers in possession of medicines to present copies of prescriptions.Detention for Minor Offenses: Persons arrested in Japan, even for a minoroffense, can be held in detention for weeks or months during theinvestigation and legal proceedings.Other Information: Japan is an extremely expensive country to visit.Visitors have found it useful to determine in advance what expenses will beand to make sure they have ample funds for their expected stay. In Japan,vehicular traffic moves on the left but turns at red lights are not allowedunless specifically authorized. Traffic accidents are automaticallyconsidered to involve professional negligence, and criminal charges can bebrought in any case involvinginjury without specific proof of the negligence. Heavy criminal penaltiesare possible in cases involving injury.Registration: U. S. citizens who register at the Embassy or a consulate canobtain updated information on travel and security within the country.Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Japan is located at 10-5, Akasaka 1-chome, Minato-ku (107), Tokyo, telephone, (81-3) 224-5000. TheU.S. Consulate General in Naha is located at 2564 Nishihara, Urasoe, Okinawa901-21 - telephone: (81-98) 876-4211. The U.S. Consulate General in OsakaKobe is located at 11-5 Nishitenma 2-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka 530, telephone:(81-6) 315-5900. The U.S. Consulate General in Sapporo is located at Kita 1-jo Nishi 28-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064, telephone: (81-11) 641-1115. TheU.S. Consulate in Fukuoka is located at 5-26 Ohori 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka810, telephone: (81-92) 751-9331/4. The U.S. Embassy fax number is (81-3)3505-1862; for Naha it is (81-98) 876-4243; for Osaka-Kobe it is (81-6) 315-5930; for Sapporo it is (81-11) 643-1283; for Fukuoka it is (81-92) 713-9222.No. 94-120This replaces the Consular Information Sheet of July 9, 1993 and providesthe current fax number for the U.S. Consulate General in Osaka-Kobe.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jan Mayen HeaderAffiliation: (territory of Norway) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jan Mayen GeographyLocation: Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the Norwegian Sea, northeast of IcelandMap references: Arctic RegionArea: total area: 373 sq km land area: 373 sq km comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 124.1 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 10 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 4 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: arctic maritime with frequent storms and persistent fogTerrain: volcanic island, partly covered by glaciers; Beerenberg is the highest peak, with an elevation of 2,277 metersNatural resources: noneLand use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100%Irrigated land: 0 sq kmEnvironment: current issues: NA natural hazards: dominated by the volcano Beerenberg; volcanic activity resumed in 1970 international agreements: NANote: barren volcanic island with some moss and grass THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jan Mayen PeoplePopulation: no permanent inhabitants; note - there are personnel who man the LORAN C base and the weather and coastal services radio station THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jan Mayen GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Jan MayenDigraph: JNType: territory of NorwayCapital: none; administered from Oslo, Norway, through a governor (sysselmann) resident in Longyearbyen (Svalbard)Independence: none (territory of Norway) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jan Mayen EconomyOverview: Jan Mayen is a volcanic island with no exploitable natural resources. Economic activity is limited to providing services for employees of Norway's radio and meteorological stations located on the island.Electricity: capacity: 15,000 kW production: 40 million kWh consumption per capita: NA kWh (1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jan Mayen TransportationHighways: total: NA paved: NA unpaved: NAPorts: none; offshore anchorage onlyAirports: total: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 1 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jan Mayen CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones local: NA intercity: NA international: NARadio: broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA radios: NA note: radio and meteorological stationTelevision: broadcast stations: NA televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jan Mayen Defense ForcesNote: defense is the responsibility of Norway</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jamaica GeographyLocation: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, south of CubaMap references: Central America and the CaribbeanArea: total area: 10,990 sq km land area: 10,830 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than ConnecticutLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 1,022 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: tropical; hot, humid; temperate interiorTerrain: mostly mountains with narrow, discontinuous coastal plainNatural resources: bauxite, gypsum, limestoneLand use: arable land: 19% permanent crops: 6% meadows and pastures: 18% forest and woodland: 28% other: 29%Irrigated land: 350 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: deforestation; coastal waters polluted by industrial waste, sewage, and oil spills; damage to coral reefs; air pollution in Kingston results from vehicle emissions natural hazards: hurricanes (especially July to November) international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship PollutionNote: strategic location between Cayman Trench and Jamaica Channel, the main sea lanes for Panama Canal THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jamaica PeoplePopulation: 2,574,291 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 33% (female 412,565; male 431,043) 15-64 years: 60% (female 786,700; male 770,681) 65 years and over: 7% (female 96,348; male 76,954) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.78% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 22.03 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 5.62 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -8.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 16.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.65 years male: 72.39 years female: 77.01 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.42 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Jamaican(s) adjective: JamaicanEthnic divisions: African 76.3%, Afro-European 15.1%, East Indian and Afro-East Indian 3%, white 3.2%, Chinese and Afro-Chinese 1.2%, other 1.2%Religions: Protestant 55.9% (Church of God 18.4%, Baptist 10%, Anglican 7.1%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6.9%, Pentecostal 5.2%, Methodist 3.1%, United Church 2.7%, other 2.5%), Roman Catholic 5%, other, including some spiritual cults 39.1% (1982)Languages: English, CreoleLiteracy: age 15 and over has ever attended school (1987) total population: 82% male: 77% female: 86%Labor force: 1,062,100 by occupation: services 41%, agriculture 22.5%, industry 19%, unemployed 17.5% (1989) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jamaica GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: JamaicaDigraph: JMType: parliamentary democracyCapital: KingstonAdministrative divisions: 14 parishes; Clarendon, Hanover, Kingston, Manchester, Portland, Saint Andrew, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Saint Mary, Saint Thomas, Trelawny, WestmorelandIndependence: 6 August 1962 (from UK)National holiday: Independence Day (first Monday in August) (1962)Constitution: 6 August 1962Legal system: based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir Howard COOKE (since 1 August 1991) head of government: Prime Minister P. J. PATTERSON (since 30 March 1992); Deputy Prime Minister Seymour MULLINGS (since NA 1993) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime ministerLegislative branch: bicameral Parliament Senate: consists of a 21-member body appointed by the governor general House of Representatives: elections last held 30 March 1993 (next to be held by March 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (60 total) PNP 52, JLP 8Judicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: People's National Party (PNP) P. J. PATTERSON; Jamaica Labor Party (JLP), Edward SEAGAOther political or pressure groups: Rastafarians (black religious/racial cultists, pan-Africanists); New Beginnings Movement (NBM)Member of: ACP, C, CARICOM, CCC, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Richard Leighton BERNAL THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jamaica Government chancery: 1520 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 452-0660 FAX: [1] (202) 452-0081 consulate(s) general: Miami and New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador J. Gary COOPER (since October 1994) embassy: Jamaica Mutual Life Center, 2 Oxford Road, 3rd floor, Kingston mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [1] (809) 929-4850 through 4859 FAX: [1] (809) 926-6743Flag: diagonal yellow cross divides the flag into four triangles - green (top and bottom) and black (hoist side and fly side) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jamaica EconomyOverview: Key sectors in this island economy are bauxite (alumina and bauxite account for more than half of exports) and tourism. The government's tight fiscal and monetary policies, which have been partially successful in curbing inflation, have held growth to 1.2% in 1993 and 2.0% in 1994.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $7.8 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 2% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $3,050 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 26.7% (1994)Unemployment rate: 15.7% (1992)Budget: revenues: $600 million expenditures: $736 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY90/91 est.)Exports: $1.2 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: alumina, bauxite, sugar, bananas, rum partners: US 47%, UK 11%, Canada 9%, Norway 7%; France 4% (1993)Imports: $2.2 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, fuel, food, chemicals partners: US 54%, Japan 4.0%, Mexico 6%, UK 4%, Venezuela 3% (1993)External debt: $3.6 billion (1994 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 0.4% (1992); accounts for almost 30% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 730,000 kW production: 2.6 billion kWh consumption per capita: 988 kWh (1993)Industries: bauxite mining, tourism, textiles, food processing, light manufacturesAgriculture: accounts for about 7% of GDP, 22% of work force, and 17% of exports; commercial crops - sugarcane, bananas, coffee, citrus, potatoes, vegetables; livestock and livestock products include poultry, goats, milk; not self-sufficient in grain, meat, and dairy productsIllicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine from Central and South America to North America and Europe; illicit cultivation of cannabis; government has an active cannabis eradication programEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.2 billion; other countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.6 billion THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jamaica EconomyCurrency: 1 Jamaican dollar (J$) = 100 centsExchange rates: Jamaican dollars (J$) per US$1 - 33.195 (December 1994), 33.986 (1994), 24.949 (1993), 22.960 (1992), 12.116 (1991), 7.184 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jamaica TransportationRailroads: total: 370 km standard gauge: 370 km 1.435-m gaugeHighways: total: 18,200 km paved: 12,600 km unpaved: gravel 3,200 km; improved earth 2,400 kmPipelines: petroleum products 10 kmPorts: Alligator Pond, Discovery Bay, Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Longs Wharf, Rocky PointMerchant marine: total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,931 GRT/10,545 DWT ships by type: bulk 1, oil tanker 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1Airports: total: 41 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 31 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 4 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jamaica CommunicationsTelephone system: 127,000 telephones; fully automatic domestic telephone network local: NA intercity: NA international: 2 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stations; 3 coaxial submarine cablesRadio: broadcast stations: AM 10, FM 17, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 8 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Jamaica Defense ForcesBranches: Jamaica Defense Force (includes Ground Forces, Coast Guard and Air Wing), Jamaica Constabulary ForceManpower availability: males age 15-49 670,958; males fit for military service 475,235; males reach military age (18) annually 26,244 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $19.3 million, 1% of GDP (FY91/92)</text>
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<text>JAMAICA - Passport (or original birth certificate and photo ID),onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds required. (Photo IDis not required for U.S. citizens under 16 using birth certificate.) Tourist card issued on arrival for stay up to 6 months; must be returned toimmigration authorities on departure. For business or study, visa mustbe obtained in advance, no charge. Departure tax $15 paid at airport. Check information with Embassy of Jamaica, Suite 355, 1850 K St., N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20006 (202/452-0660) or nearest Consulate: CA(213/380-9471 or 415/886-6061), FL (305/374-8431), GA (404/593-1500),IL (312/663-0023) or NY (212/935-9000).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Jamaica============================================================Jamaica - Consular Information Sheet August 24, 1995Country Description: Jamaica is a developing nation. Facilities for tourism are widely available.Entry Requirements: If traveling directly from the U.S., Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens can enter Jamaica with proof of U.S. citizenship, photo identification, return ticket and sufficient funds. A tourist card is issued on arrival for stays up to six months. For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of Jamaica, 1520 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W, Washington, D.C. 20036, tel: (202) 452-0660 or the nearest consulate in Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago or New York.Medical Facilities: Medical care is often limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the U.S. In some cases, supplementary medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including medical evacuation insurance, has proved useful. For additional health information, the traveler may contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Crime is a serious problem in Kingston. Criminal acts can rapidly turn violent. The U.S. Embassy in Kingston advises its staff not to use buses, which are often overcrowded and provide a venue for crime. Travelers who use taxicabs should take only licensed taxicabs.It is dangerous to walk outside in Kingston after dark. It is also dangerous for visitors to frequent neighborhoods known for high crime rates. In 1995 for example, sporadic gang violence spread from neighborhoods west of the downtown area to the fringes of downtown Kingston. These areas are sometimes subject to curfew. Tourist areas are usually not affected by curfews, but travelers should check with local authorities or the U.S. Embassy for details.The U.S. Embassy advises its staff to exercise caution when traveling to and from the airport area via Windward and Mountain View Avenues because of the crime threat. The U.S. Embassy suggests that flights in and out of Kingston be scheduled for daylight hours whenever possible and discourages after dark travel to and from the Morgan's Harbour/Port Royal area.The government of Jamaica has taken a number of steps, including assignment of special tourist security personnel, to enhance security in the major resort areas on the north and west coasts. Resorts that feature self-contained facilities offer a higher degree of security than other facilities. Particular care is called for at isolated villas and smaller establishments and at facilities which have fewer security arrangements because of eco-tourism concerns. Valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft.There have been recent scams involving relatives of U.S. citizen visitors and prisoners in Jamaica who have received telephone calls from people alleging that they are Jamaican police officers or other public officials. The callers state that the visitor or prisoner has had trouble and that money should be sent to the caller, who will assist the U.S. citizen. These calls are hoaxes. The American Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy's Consular Section can assist in confirming the validity of the call.The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported to local police and the U.S. Embassy or Consular Agency. A U.S. birth certificate and/or drivers license generally cannot be replaced outside of the U.S. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Both this pamphlet and "Tips for Travelers to The Caribbean" are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Criminal penalties for possession, use and dealing in illegal drugs, including marijuana, are strict and have recently been increased to include possible life imprisonment. Substantial fines plus mandatory sentences of six to nine months are common. Departing visitors are thoroughly screened for drug possession.Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in November 1994, the FAA has found the Government of Jamaica's Civil Aviation Authority to not be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Jamaican air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, Jamaican air carriers are permitted to conduct limited operations to the U.S. subject to heightened FAA surveillance. The FAA is not providing heightened surveillance for operations to destinations other than the U.S. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens may register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kingston. The U.S. Embassy is located on the third floor of the Jamaica Mutual Life Centre, 2 Oxford Road; telephone (809) 929-4850 through 9859; fax (809) 926-6743. The Consular Section is located at the Life of Jamaica Building, 16 Oxford Road; telephone (809) 929-4850 through 4859; Consular fax (809) 935-6018.There is also a U.S. Consular Agency in Montego Bay at St. James Place, 2nd floor, Gloucester Avenue; telephone (809) 952-0160; fax (809) 952-5050; office hours Monday-Friday 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m.The U.S. Embassy in Kingston also has consular responsibility for the Cayman Islands. A Consular Agency will reopen soon in George Town, Grand Cayman. U.S. citizens may obtain updated information from the U.S. Embassy on travel and security in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. No. 95-099This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 28, 1995, to include Aviation Oversight Information and additional Crime Information----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Jamaica============================================================Jamaica - Consular Information Sheet August 24, 1995Country Description: Jamaica is a developing nation. Facilities for tourism are widely available.Entry Requirements: If traveling directly from the U.S., Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens can enter Jamaica with proof of U.S. citizenship, photo identification, return ticket and sufficient funds. A tourist card is issued on arrival for stays up to six months. For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of Jamaica, 1520 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W, Washington, D.C. 20036, tel: (202) 452-0660 or the nearest consulate in Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago or New York.Medical Facilities: Medical care is often limited. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the U.S. In some cases, supplementary medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including medical evacuation insurance, has proved useful. For additional health information, the traveler may contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Crime is a serious problem in Kingston. Criminal acts can rapidly turn violent. The U.S. Embassy in Kingston advises its staff not to use buses, which are often overcrowded and provide a venue for crime. Travelers who use taxicabs should take only licensed taxicabs.It is dangerous to walk outside in Kingston after dark. It is also dangerous for visitors to frequent neighborhoods known for high crime rates. In 1995 for example, sporadic gang violence spread from neighborhoods west of the downtown area to the fringes of downtown Kingston. These areas are sometimes subject to curfew. Tourist areas are usually not affected by curfews, but travelers should check with local authorities or the U.S. Embassy for details.The U.S. Embassy advises its staff to exercise caution when traveling to and from the airport area via Windward and Mountain View Avenues because of the crime threat. The U.S. Embassy suggests that flights in and out of Kingston be scheduled for daylight hours whenever possible and discourages after dark travel to and from the Morgan's Harbour/Port Royal area.The government of Jamaica has taken a number of steps, including assignment of special tourist security personnel, to enhance security in the major resort areas on the north and west coasts. Resorts that feature self-contained facilities offer a higher degree of security than other facilities. Particular care is called for at isolated villas and smaller establishments and at facilities which have fewer security arrangements because of eco-tourism concerns. Valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft.There have been recent scams involving relatives of U.S. citizen visitors and prisoners in Jamaica who have received telephone calls from people alleging that they are Jamaican police officers or other public officials. The callers state that the visitor or prisoner has had trouble and that money should be sent to the caller, who will assist the U.S. citizen. These calls are hoaxes. The American Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy's Consular Section can assist in confirming the validity of the call.The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported to local police and the U.S. Embassy or Consular Agency. A U.S. birth certificate and/or drivers license generally cannot be replaced outside of the U.S. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," which provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Both this pamphlet and "Tips for Travelers to The Caribbean" are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Criminal penalties for possession, use and dealing in illegal drugs, including marijuana, are strict and have recently been increased to include possible life imprisonment. Substantial fines plus mandatory sentences of six to nine months are common. Departing visitors are thoroughly screened for drug possession.Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in November 1994, the FAA has found the Government of Jamaica's Civil Aviation Authority to not be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Jamaican air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, Jamaican air carriers are permitted to conduct limited operations to the U.S. subject to heightened FAA surveillance. The FAA is not providing heightened surveillance for operations to destinations other than the U.S. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873.Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens may register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kingston. The U.S. Embassy is located on the third floor of the Jamaica Mutual Life Centre, 2 Oxford Road; telephone (809) 929-4850 through 9859; fax (809) 926-6743. The Consular Section is located at the Life of Jamaica Building, 16 Oxford Road; telephone (809) 929-4850 through 4859; Consular fax (809) 935-6018.There is also a U.S. Consular Agency in Montego Bay at St. James Place, 2nd floor, Gloucester Avenue; telephone (809) 952-0160; fax (809) 952-5050; office hours Monday-Friday 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m.The U.S. Embassy in Kingston also has consular responsibility for the Cayman Islands. A Consular Agency will reopen soon in George Town, Grand Cayman. U.S. citizens may obtain updated information from the U.S. Embassy on travel and security in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. No. 95-099This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 28, 1995, to include Aviation Oversight Information and additional Crime Information----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Italy GeographyLocation: Southern Europe, a peninsula extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, northeast of TunisiaMap references: EuropeArea: total area: 301,230 sq km land area: 294,020 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Arizona note: includes Sardinia and SicilyLand boundaries: total 1,899.2 km, Austria 430 km, France 488 km, Holy See (Vatican City) 3.2 km, San Marino 39 km, Slovenia 199 km, Switzerland 740 kmCoastline: 4,996 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: noneClimate: predominantly Mediterranean; Alpine in far north; hot, dry in southTerrain: mostly rugged and mountainous; some plains, coastal lowlandsNatural resources: mercury, potash, marble, sulfur, dwindling natural gas and crude oil reserves, fish, coalLand use: arable land: 32% permanent crops: 10% meadows and pastures: 17% forest and woodland: 22% other: 19%Irrigated land: 31,000 sq km (1989 est.)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 natural hazards: regional risks include landslides, mudflows, avalanches, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding; land subsidence in Venice THE WORLD FACTBOOK Italy Geography international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, DesertificationNote: strategic location dominating central Mediterranean as well as southern sea and air approaches to Western Europe THE WORLD FACTBOOK Italy PeoplePopulation: 58,261,971 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 15% (female 4,352,325; male 4,603,083) 15-64 years: 68% (female 19,969,086; male 19,874,528) 65 years and over: 17% (female 5,630,747; male 3,832,202) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.21% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 10.89 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 9.78 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 1.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 7.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.85 years male: 74.67 years female: 81.23 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.41 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Italian(s) adjective: ItalianEthnic divisions: Italian (includes small clusters of German-, French-, and Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian-Italians and Greek-Italians in the south), Sicilians, SardiniansReligions: Roman Catholic 98%, other 2%Languages: Italian, 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)Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 97% male: 98% female: 96%Labor force: 23.988 million by occupation: services 58%, industry 32.2%, agriculture 9.8% (1988) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Italy GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Italian Republic conventional short form: Italy local long form: Repubblica Italiana local short form: Italia former: Kingdom of ItalyDigraph: ITType: republicCapital: RomeAdministrative divisions: 20 regions (regioni, singular - regione); Abruzzi, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Liguria, Lombardia, Marche, Molise, Piemonte, Puglia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Toscana, Trentino-Alto Adige, Umbria, Valle d'Aosta, VenetoIndependence: 17 March 1861 (Kingdom of Italy proclaimed)National holiday: Anniversary of the Republic, 2 June (1946)Constitution: 1 January 1948Legal system: based on civil law system, with ecclesiastical law influence; appeals treated as trials de novo; judicial review under certain conditions in Constitutional Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universal (except in senatorial elections, where minimum age is 25)Executive branch: chief of state: President Oscar Luigi SCALFARO (since 28 May 1992) head of government: Prime Minister (referred to in Italy as the President of the Council of Ministers) Lamberto DINI (since 1 February 1995) cabinet: Council of Ministers; nominated by the President of the Council (i.e., Prime Minister) and approved by the President of the RepublicLegislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Parlamento) Senate (Senato della Repubblica): elections last held 27-28 March 1994 (next must be held by spring 1999, but may be held by end of 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (326 total, 315 elected, 11 appointed senators-for-life) PDS 61, Northern League 60, National Alliance 48, Forza Italia 36, Italian Popular Party 31, Communist Refoundation 18, Greens and The Network 13, Italian Socialists 13, Christian Democratic Center 12, Democratic Alliance 8, Christian Socialists 5, Pact for Italy 4, Radical Party (Pannella List) 1, others 5 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Italy Government Chamber of Deputies (Camera dei Deputati): elections last held 27-28 March 1994 (next must be held by spring 1999, but may be held by end of 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (630 total) Northern League 117, PDS 114, Forza Italia 113, National Alliance 109, Communist Refoundation 39, Christian Democratic Center 33, Italian Popular Party 33, Greens and The Network 20, Democratic Alliance 18, Italian Socialists 16, Pact for Italy 13, Christian Socialists 5Judicial branch: Constitutional Court (Corte Costituzionale)Political parties and leaders: Forza Italia (FI), Silvio BERLUSCONI; National Alliance, Gianfranco FINI, party secretary; Northern League - Federal Italy (NL), Umberto BOSSI, president; Italian Social Movement, Pino RAUTI; Democratic Party of the Left (PDS, Massimo D'ALEMA, secretary; Communist Refoundation (RC), Fausto BERTINOTTI; Greens, Gianni MATTIOLI; Italian Socialists, Ottaviano DELTURCO; Rete (The Network), Leoluca ORLANDO; Christian Socialists, Ermanno GORRIERI; Pact for Italy, Mario SEGNI; Italian Popular Party (PPI), Rocco BUTTIGLIONE, Gerardo BIANCO; Christian Democratic Center (CCD), Pier Ferdinando CASINI; Union of the Democratic Center (UDC), Raffaele COSTA; Pannella List, Marco PANNELLAOther political or pressure groups: the Roman Catholic Church; three major trade union confederations (Confederazione Generale Italiana del Lavoro or CGIL which is PDS-dominated, Confederazione Italiana dei Sindacati Lavoratori or CISL which is centerist, and Unione Italiana del Lavoro or UIL which is center-left); Italian manufacturers and merchants associations (Confindustria, Confcommercio); organized farm groups (Confcoltivatori, Confagricoltura)Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CDB (non-regional), CE, CEI, CERN, EBRD, EC, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, ESA, FAO, G- 7, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), MINURSO, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, ONUSAL, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMOGIP, UNOMOZ, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Boris BIANCHERI-CHIAPPORI chancery: 1601 Fuller Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 328-5500 consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco consulate(s): Detroit and New OrleansUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Reginald BARTHOLOMEW embassy: Via Veneto 119/A, 00187-Rome mailing address: PSC 59, Box 100, Rome; APO AE 09624 telephone: [39] (6) 46741 FAX: [39] (6) 4882672 consulate(s) general: Florence, Milan, Naples THE WORLD FACTBOOK Italy GovernmentFlag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; similar to the flag of 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 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Italy EconomyOverview: Since World War II the Italian economy has changed from one based on agriculture into a ranking industrial economy, with approximately the same total and per capita output as France and the UK. The country is still divided into a developed industrial north, dominated by private companies, and an undeveloped agricultural south, dominated by large public enterprises. Services account for 48% of GDP, industry 35%, agriculture 4%, and public administration 13%. Most raw materials needed by industry and over 75% of energy requirements must be imported. After growing at an average annual rate of 3% in 1983-90, growth slowed to about 1% in 1991 and 1992, fell by 0.7% in 1993, and recovered to 2% in 1994. In the second half of 1992, Rome became unsettled by the prospect of not qualifying to participate in EU plans for economic and monetary union later in the decade; thus it finally began to address its huge fiscal imbalances. Subsequently, the government has adopted fairly stringent budgets, abandoned its highly inflationary wage indexation system, and started to scale back its extremely generous social welfare programs, including pension and health care benefits. Monetary officials were forced to withdraw the lira from the European monetary system in September 1992 when it came under extreme pressure in currency markets. For the 1990s, Italy faces the problems of pushing ahead with fiscal reform, refurbishing a tottering communications system, curbing pollution in major industrial centers, and adjusting to the new competitive forces accompanying the ongoing expansion and economic integration of the European Union.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $998.9 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 2.2% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $17,180 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.9% (1994)Unemployment rate: 12.2% (January 1995)Budget: revenues: $339 billion expenditures: $431 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1994 est.)Exports: $190.8 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: metals, textiles and clothing, production machinery, motor vehicles, transportation equipment, chemicals, other partners: EU 53.4%, US 7.8%, OPEC 3.8% (1994)Imports: $168.7 billion (c.i.f., 1994) commodities: industrial machinery, chemicals, transport equipment, petroleum, metals, food, agricultural products partners: EU 56.3%, OPEC 5.3%, US 4.6% (1994)External debt: $67 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 4.3% (1994 est.); accounts for 35% of GDP THE WORLD FACTBOOK Italy EconomyElectricity: capacity: 61,630,000 kW production: 209 billion kWh consumption per capita: 4,033 kWh (1993)Industries: machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, food processing, textiles, motor vehicles, clothing, footwear, ceramicsAgriculture: accounts for about 4% of GDP; self-sufficient in foods other than meat, dairy products, and cereals; principal crops - fruits, vegetables, grapes, potatoes, sugar beets, soybeans, grain, olives; fish catch of 525,000 metric tons in 1990Illicit drugs: important gateway country for Latin American cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin entering the European marketEconomic aid: donor: ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $25.9 billionCurrency: 1 Italian lira (Lit) = 100 centesimiExchange rates: Italian lire (Lit) per US$1 - 1,609.5 (January 1995), 1,612.4 (1994), 1,573.7 (1993), 1,232.4 (1992), 1,240.6 (1991), 1,198.1 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Italy TransportationRailroads: total: 19,503 km standard gauge: 18,230 km 1.435-m gauge (10,499 km electrified; 2,112 km privately owned) narrow gauge: 1,273 km 0.950-m to 1.000-m gauge (224 km electrified; 1,273 km privately owned)Highways: total: 305,388 km paved: 277,388 km (6,940 km of expressways) unpaved: gravel, crushed stone 23,000 km; earth 5,000 km (1992)Inland waterways: 2,400 km for various types of commercial traffic, although of limited overall valuePipelines: crude oil 1,703 km; petroleum products 2,148 km; natural gas 19,400 kmPorts: Ancona, Augusta, Bari, Cagliari (Sardinia), Catania, Gaeta, Genoa, La Spezia, Livorno, Naples, Oristano (Sardinia), Palermo (Sicily), Piombino, Porto Torres (Sardinia), Ravenna, Savona, Trieste, VeniceMerchant marine: total: 441 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,767,969 GRT/8,547,221 DWT ships by type: bulk 40, cargo 62, chemical tanker 34, combination ore/oil 3, container 18, liquefied gas tanker 37, multifunction large-load carrier 1, oil tanker 136, passenger 7, roll-on/roll-off cargo 54, short-sea passenger 30, specialized tanker 11, vehicle carrier 8Airports: total: 138 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 5 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 34 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 15 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 26 with paved runways under 914 m: 34 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 22 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Italy CommunicationsTelephone system: 25,600,000 telephones; modern, well-developed, fast; fully automated telephone, telex, and data services local: NA intercity: high-capacity cable and microwave radio relay trunks international: international service by 21 submarine cables, 3 satellite earth stations operating in INTELSAT with 3 Atlantic Ocean antennas and 2 Indian Ocean antennas; also participates in INMARSAT and EUTELSAT systemsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 135, FM 28 (repeaters 1,840), shortwave 0 radios: 16 millionTelevision: broadcast stations: 83 (repeaters 1,000) televisions: 18 million THE WORLD FACTBOOK Italy Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, CarabinieriManpower availability: males age 15-49 14,934,657; males fit for military service 12,962,594; males reach military age (18) annually 382,142 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $21.5 billion, 2% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>ITALY - Passport required. Visa not required for tourist stay up to 3months. For longer stays, employment or study, obtain visa in advance.For additional information consult Embassy of Italy, 1601 Fuller St.,N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/328-5500) or nearest Consulate General: CA(310/820-0622 or 415/931-4924), FL (305/374-6322), IL (312/467-1550),LA (504/524-2272), MA (617/542-0483/4), MI (313/963-8560), NJ(201/643-1448),NY (212/737-9100), PA (215/592-7329) or TX (713/850-7520).Italy - Consular Information SheetOctober 24, 1994Country Description: Italy is a developed democracy with a modern economy.Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: A passport is required. A visa is required to work orstudy in Italy, but not for business or tourist stays of up to three months. For further information concerning entry requirements for Italy, travelerscan contact the Embassy of Italy at 1601 Fuller Street, NW, Washington, DC20009, telephone: (202) 328-5500, or the Italian Consulates General inBoston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia,or San Francisco.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Italy are adequate for mostemergencies. Many hospitals in major cities have at least some personnelwho speak English. Public hospitals sometimes do not maintain the samestandards as hospitals in the U.S., so travellers may wish to obtaininsurance that would cover a stay in a private Italian hospital or clinic.In public hospitals, patients are billed sometime after discharge. Privatehospitals usually require cash payment before discharge; neither creditcards nor foreign medical coverage is generally accepted. Travelers maywish to purchase supplemental medical insurance with specific overseascoverage. Further information on health matters can be obtained from theCenters for Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Italy has a very low rate of violent crime, little ofwhich is directed toward tourists. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing,theft from parked cars, and purse snatching, however, are serious problems,especially in large cities. Most reported thefts occur at crowded touristsites, on public buses, or at the major railway stations, including Rome'sTermini, Milan's Centrale, Florence's Santa Maria Novella, and the Centralein Naples. Consular officers report cases of elderly tourists who sought toresist petty thieves on motor scooters and have suffered broken arms andcollarbones. Carrying wallets or purses should be avoided when possible.When carried, shoulder bags should be held tightly under the arm with theclasp facing the body. Waist packs may be worn in the front, although theycan unobtrusively be opened. Extra cash, credit cards and personaldocuments are better left in a hotel safe. Travelers should only carry whatcash or checks are necessary. Copies of passports and financial documentsshould be carried separately from those items.Thieves in Italy often work in groups or pairs. In most cases, one thiefdistracts a victim while an accomplice performs the robbery. Groups ofstreet urchins are known to poke tourists with newspapers or pieces ofcardboard to divert their attention so that another urchin can pickpocketthem. In one popular routine, one thief throws trash or waste at a victim;a second thief assists the victim in cleaning up the mess; and the thirddiscreetly takes the victim's belongings. Criminals on crowded publictransportation slit the bottoms of purses or bags with a razor or sharpknife, then remove the contents through the bottom.Theft of small items such as radios, luggage, cameras, briefcases, and evencigarettes from parked cars is a major problem. Robbers in southern Italytake items from cars at gas stations (often by smashing car windows).Tourists should immediately report thefts or other crimes to the localpolice station.In a scam practiced on the highway running between Rome and Naples, onethief punctures the tire of a rental or out-of-town car. An accomplicesignals the flat tire to the driver and encourages the driver to pull over.When the driver stops, one thief helps change the tire, while the otherhelps himself to the driver's belongings. Highway robberies have occurredon the super highway between Salerno and Reggio Calabria in Sicily. A U.S.citizen was killed by gunshot during a random nighttime robbery attempt in1994.In a scam practiced on trains, primarily in northern Italy, one or morepersons will befriend a traveller and offer a drink. The drink will bedrugged, and the traveller awakens to find he has been robbed. Thieves havebeen known to impersonate police officers to gain the confidence oftourists. The thief shows the prospective victim a circular plastic signwith the words "police" or "international police." If this happens, thetourist should insist on seeing the officer's identification card(documento), as impersonators tend not to carry forged documents.The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediatelyto the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. U.S.citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe TripAbroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet isavailable from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government PrintingOffice, Washington, DC 20402.Terrorist Activities: In May 1993, bombs exploded on separate occasions inRome and in Florence. The explosions resulted in the death of five people,more than 40 injuries, and extensive property damage. In July 1993 threeseparate car bombings, two in Rome and one in Milan, left five people deadand 28 injured. In September 1993 a hand grenade was thrown and 12 shotswere fired at the air base in Aviano. Between October 1993 and January 1994four bombs exploded in public offices in Padova, and in February 1994 inRome, the vehicle of a Spanish military officer exploded, causing lightinjuries to the driver. Most of the bombs were placed near public buildings(e.g. churches, museums) and all exploded during non-business hours.Officials of the Italian government have indicated their belief that thebombs are the work of criminal elements or international terrorists. U.S.citizens have not been the targets of these attacks.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. Those convicted of drug-related crimes in Italycan expect jail sentences and fines.Dual Nationality: U.S. citizens who are also considered to be Italiancitizens may be subject to compulsory military service and other Italianlaws while in Italy. Those who might be affected can inquire at an ItalianEmbassy or Consulate regarding their status. In some instances, dualnationality may hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide protection abroad.Other Information: U.S. citizens are reminded that certain Alitalia flightsbetween Italy and various Middle Eastern points (usually Damascus or Amman)make en route stops in Beirut. The State Department warns U.S. citizens toavoid all travel to or through Lebanon.Registration: U.S. citizens who plan to be in Italy for more than a fewweeks, or who have friends or relatives who may wish to contact them, shouldregister at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Rome or at one ofthe three U.S. Consulates, where they may obtain updated information ontravel and security in Italy.Embassy and Consulate Locations: The U.S. Embassy in Rome is located at ViaVeneto 119/A, telephone: (39) (6) 46741, fax: (39) (6) 46742217.There are U.S. Consulates at the following locations:Florence, at Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci 38, telephone (39)(55) 239-8276/8/9,or 217-605; fax (55) 284088;Milan, at Via Principe Amedeo 2/10, telephone (39) (2) 290351; fax (2)29001165;Naples, at Piazza Della Repubblica, telephone (39) (81) 5838111; fax (81)7611869.U.S. Consular Agents are located at:Genoa, Via Dante 2, telephone (39) (010) 584492;Palermo, 18/BIS Via Re Frederico, telephone (39) (091) 6110020; andTrieste, at Via Roma 15, telephone (39) (040) 660177, fax (39)(040) 631240.No. 94-252This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 28, 1994, toadd information on crime in Italy.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Israel HeaderAffiliation: (also see separate Gaza Strip and West Bank entries)Note: The territories occupied by Israel since the 1967 war are not included in the data below. In keeping with the framework established at the Madrid Conference in October 1991, bilateral negotiations are being conducted between Israel and Palestinian representatives, Syria, and Jordan to determine the final status of the occupied territories. On 25 April 1982, Israel withdrew from the Sinai pursuant to the 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace treaty. Outstanding territorial and other disputes with Jordan were resolved in the 26 October 1994 Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace. THE WORLD FACTBOOK Israel GeographyLocation: Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and LebanonMap references: Middle EastArea: total area: 20,770 sq km land area: 20,330 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than New JerseyLand boundaries: total 1,006 km, Egypt 255 km, Gaza Strip 51 km, Jordan 238 km, Lebanon 79 km, Syria 76 km, West Bank 307 kmCoastline: 273 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: to depth of exploitation territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: separated from Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank by the 1949 Armistice Line; the Gaza Strip and Jericho area, formerly occupied by Israel, are now administered largely by the Palestinian Authority; other areas of the West Bank outside Jericho are administered jointly by Israel and the Palestinian Authority; Golan Heights is Israeli occupied; Israeli troops in southern Lebanon since June 1982Climate: temperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areasTerrain: Negev desert in the south; low coastal plain; central mountains; Jordan Rift ValleyNatural resources: copper, phosphates, bromide, potash, clay, sand, sulfur, asphalt, manganese, small amounts of natural gas and crude oilLand use: arable land: 17% permanent crops: 5% meadows and pastures: 40% forest and woodland: 6% other: 32%Irrigated land: 2,140 sq km (1989)Environment: current issues: limited arable land and natural fresh water resources pose serious constraints; desertification; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; groundwater pollution from industrial and domestic waste, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides natural hazards: sandstorms may occur during spring and summer THE WORLD FACTBOOK Israel Geography international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Climate Change, Desertification, Marine Life ConservationNote: there are 199 Jewish settlements and civilian land use sites in the West Bank, 42 in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, 24 in the Gaza Strip, and 25 in East Jerusalem (August 1994 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Israel PeoplePopulation: 5,433,134 (July 1995 est.) note: includes 122,000 Jewish settlers in the West Bank, 14,500 in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, 4,800 in the Gaza Strip, and 149,000 in East Jerusalem (August 1994 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 29% 15-64 years: 61% 65 years and over: 10%Population growth rate: 1.4% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 20.39 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.38 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 8.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.14 years male: 76 years female: 80.39 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.81 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Israeli(s) adjective: IsraeliEthnic divisions: Jewish 82% (Israel born 50%, Europe/Americas/Oceania born 20%, Africa born 7%, Asia born 5%), non-Jewish 18% (mostly Arab) (1993 est.)Religions: Judaism 82%, Islam 14% (mostly Sunni Muslim), Christian 2%, Druze and other 2%Languages: Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority, English most commonly used foreign languageLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1992) total population: 95% male: 97% female: 93%Labor force: 1.9 million (1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Israel People by occupation: public services 29.3%, industry 22.1%, commerce 13.9%, finance and business 10.4%, personal and other services 7.4%, construction 6.5%, transport, storage, and communications 6.3%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 3.5%, other 0.6% (1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Israel GovernmentNames: conventional long form: State of Israel conventional short form: Israel local long form: Medinat Yisra'el local short form: Yisra'elDigraph: ISType: republicCapital: Jerusalem note: Israel proclaimed Jerusalem its capital in 1950, but the US, like nearly all other countries, does not recognize this status, and maintains its Embassy in Tel AvivAdministrative divisions: 6 districts (mehozot, singular - mehoz); Central, Haifa, Jerusalem, Northern, Southern, Tel AvivIndependence: 14 May 1948 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)National holiday: Independence Day, 14 May 1948 (Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948, but the Jewish calendar is lunar and the holiday may occur in April or May)Constitution: no formal constitution; some of the functions of a constitution are filled by the Declaration of Establishment (1948), the basic laws of the parliament (Knesset), and the Israeli citizenship lawLegal system: mixture of English common law, British Mandate regulations, and, in personal matters, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim legal systems; in December 1985, Israel informed the UN Secretariat that it would no longer accept compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Ezer WEIZMAN (since 13 May 1993) election last held 24 March 1993 (next to be held NA March 1999); results - Ezer WEIZMAN elected by Knesset head of government: Prime Minister Yitzhak RABIN (since NA July 1992) cabinet: Cabinet; selected from and approved by the KnessetLegislative branch: unicameral parliament (Knesset): elections last held NA June 1992 (next to be held by NA 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (120 total) Labor 44, Likud 32, MERETZ 12, Tzomet 8, National Religious Party 6, SHAS 6, United Torah Jewry 4, Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Hadash) 3, Moledet 3, Arab Democratic Party 2; note - in 1994 four legislators broke party ranks, resulting in the following new distribution of seats - Labor Party 44, Likud bloc 32, MERETZ 12, National Religious Party 6, SHAS 6, Tzomet 5, United Torah Jewry 4, Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Hadash) 3, Moledet 2, Arab Democratic Party 2, independents 4 (1 in coalition, 3 voting with opposition) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Israel GovernmentJudicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: members of the government: Labor Party, Prime Minister Yitzhak RABIN; MERETZ, Minister of Communications Shulamit ALONI; independent, Gonen SEGEV not in coalition, but voting with the government: Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Hadash), Hashim MAHAMID; Arab Democratic Party, Abd al Wahab DARAWSHAH opposition parties: Likud Party, Binyamin NETANYAHU; Tzomet, Rafael EITAN; National Religious Party, Zevulun HAMMER; United Torah Jewry, Avraham SHAPIRA; Moledet, Rehavam ZEEVI; Peace Guard (independent), Shaul GUTMAN; SHAS, Arieh DERI note: Israel currently has a coalition government comprising 2 parties and an independent that hold 57 seats of the Knesset's 120 seatsOther political or pressure groups: Gush Emunim, Israeli nationalists advocating Jewish settlement on the West Bank and Gaza Strip; Peace Now supports territorial concessions in the West Bank and is critical of government's Lebanon policyMember of: AG (observer), CCC, CE (observer), CERN (observer), EBRD, ECE, FAO, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, OAS (observer), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Itamar RABINOVICH chancery: 3514 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 364-5500 FAX: [1] (202) 364-5610 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Martin INDYK embassy: 71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv mailing address: PSC 98, Box 100, Tel Aviv; APO AE 09830 telephone: [972] (3) 517-4338 FAX: [972] (3) 663-449 consulate(s) general: JerusalemFlag: white with a blue hexagram (six-pointed linear star) known as the Magen David (Shield of David) centered between two equal horizontal blue bands near the top and bottom edges of the flag THE WORLD FACTBOOK Israel EconomyOverview: Israel has a market economy with substantial government participation. It depends on imports of crude oil, grains, raw materials, and military equipment. Despite limited natural resources, Israel has intensively developed its agricultural and industrial sectors over the past 20 years. Industry employs about 22% of Israeli workers, construction 6.5%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 3.5%, and services most of the rest. Israel is largely self-sufficient in food production except for grains. Diamonds, high-technology equipment, and agricultural products (fruits and vegetables) are leading exports. Israel usually posts current account deficits, which are covered by large transfer payments from abroad and by foreign loans. Roughly half of the government's external debt is owed to the United States, which is its major source of economic and military aid. To earn needed foreign exchange, Israel has been targeting high-technology niches in international markets, such as medical scanning equipment. The influx of Jewish immigrants from the former USSR, which topped 450,000 during the period 1990-94, increased unemployment, intensified housing problems, and strained the government budget. At the same time, the immigrants bring to the economy valuable scientific and professional expertise.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $70.1 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 6.8% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $13,880 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 14.5% (1994)Unemployment rate: 7.5% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $42.3 billion expenditures: $45.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $11.1 billion (FY92/93)Exports: $16.2 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery and equipment, cut diamonds, chemicals, textiles and apparel, agricultural products, metals partners: US, EU, JapanImports: $22.5 billion (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: military equipment, investment goods, rough diamonds, oil, other productive inputs, consumer goods partners: EU, US, JapanExternal debt: $25.9 billion (November 1994 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 8% (1994 est.); accounts for about 30% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 4,140,000 kW production: 23 billion kWh THE WORLD FACTBOOK Israel Economy consumption per capita: 4,290 kWh (1993)Industries: food processing, diamond cutting and polishing, textiles and apparel, chemicals, metal products, military equipment, transport equipment, electrical equipment, miscellaneous machinery, potash mining, high-technology electronics, tourismAgriculture: citrus and other fruits, vegetables, cotton; beef, poultry, dairy productsIllicit drugs: increasingly concerned about cocaine and heroin abuse and traffickingEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $18.2 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.8 billionCurrency: 1 new Israeli shekel (NIS) = 100 new agorotExchange rates: new Israeli shekels (NIS) per US$1 - 3.070 (December 1994), 3.0111 (1994), 2.8301 (1993), 2.4591 (1992), 2.2791 (1991), 2.0162 (1990), 1.9164 (1989)Fiscal year: calendar year (since 1 January 1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Israel TransportationRailroads: total: 520 km (diesel operated; single track) standard gauge: 520 km 1.435-m gaugeHighways: total: 13,461 km paved: 13,461 kmPipelines: crude oil 708 km; petroleum products 290 km; natural gas 89 kmPorts: Ashdod, Ashqelon, Elat, Hadera, Haifa, Tel Aviv-YafoMerchant marine: total: 32 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 624,861 GRT/720,765 DWT ships by type: cargo 7, container 22, refrigerated cargo 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1Airports: total: 57 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 2 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 8 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 7 with paved runways under 914 m: 31 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 3 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Israel CommunicationsTelephone system: 1,800,000 telephones; most highly developed in the Middle East although not the largest local: NA intercity: good system of coaxial cable and microwave radio relay international: 3 submarine cables; 3 INTELSAT (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 9, FM 45, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 20 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Israel Defense ForcesBranches: Israel Defense Forces (includes ground, naval, and air components), Pioneer Fighting Youth (Nahal), Frontier Guard, Chen (women); note - historically there have been no separate Israeli military servicesManpower availability: males age 15-49 1,309,502; females age 15-49 1,283,923; males fit for military service 1,072,501; females fit for military service 1,047,575; males reach military age (18) annually 47,950; females reach military age (18) annually 45,839 (1995 est.) note: military service mandatory for men and womenDefense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $6.5 billion, about 10% of GDP (1995)</text>
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<text>ISRAEL - Passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient fundsrequired. Tourist visa issued upon arrival valid for 3 months, but canbe renewed. Departure tax $15 payable at airport. Consult Embassy ofIsrael, 3514 International Dr., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/364-5500) ornearest Consulate General: CA (213/651-5700 and 415/398-8885), FL(305/358-8111), GA (404/875-7851), IL (312/565-3300), MA(617/542-0041), NY(212/351-5200), PA (215/546-5556) or TX (713/627-3780).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Israel============================================================Israel - Public Announcement August 25, 1995 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman For Immediate ReleaseThe August 21 bus bombing in Jerusalem was the sixth incidence of aterrorist suicide bombing attack since October 1994, five of whichwere directed against passengers travelling on public buses inIsrael and the Gaza Strip. Fatalities have totalled 64, includingtwo American citizens. The Department of State therefore wishes toreiterate information provided in the Consular Information Sheet onIsrael dated May 21, 1995, that : "The U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv andthe Consulate General in Jerusalem have warned their employees andAmerican citizens to avoid use of public transportation, especiallybuses and bus stops. This restriction does not apply to tour buses."Israel, The Gaza Strip, Jericho Area, and The Territories Occupiedand Administered by Israel - Consular Information SheetMay 22, 1995Country Description: The State of Israel is a parliamentarydemocracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widelyavailable.Israel occupied the lands known as the "Occupied Territories" (theWest Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and East Jerusalem) as aresult of the 1967 war. Pursuant to the SeptemberJ13, 1993,Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-GovernmentArrangements (DOP); the MayJ4, 1994, Cairo Agreement on the GazaStrip and Jericho Area; and the August 29, 1994 Agreement onPreparatory Transfer of Powers and Responsibilities, certain powersand responsibilities for the Gaza Strip, Jericho Area and the WestBank have been transferred to the Palestinian Authority. The DOPprovides that Israel will retain responsibility during a five-yeartransitional period for external security and for internal securityand public order of settlements and Israelis. During thistransitional period, definitive information on entry and customsrequirements, arrests, and other matters may not be available, ormay change without prior notice. Should questions arise in the WestBank, including the Jericho Area, U.S. citizens may telephone theU.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem for assistance; for questionsconcerning the Gaza Strip, U.S. citizens may phone the U.S. Embassyin Tel Aviv.Entry Requirements: Passports, an onward or return ticket, andproof of sufficient funds are required for entry to Israel and theOccupied Territories. A three-month visa may be issued for nocharge upon arrival, and may be renewed. Anyone who has beenrefused entry or experienced difficulties with his/her visa statusduring a previous visit, or who has overstayed a visa, can obtaininformation from the Israeli Embassy or nearest consulate regardingthe advisability of attempting to return to Israel. Permission mustbe obtained from Israel for anyone attempting to claim the status ofa returning resident in Gaza or the Jericho Area. At present, U.S.citizens may enter and exit Gaza and the Jericho Area on a U.S.passport, without obtaining visas from either Israel or thePalestinian Authority. Private vehicles frequently encounter longdelays entering or leaving Gaza; only cars with special permits areallowed to cross the checkpoints.International crossing points are now in operation between Israeland Jordan at Arava (Wadi al-'Arabah) crossing in the south and theJordan River crossing (Sheikh Hussein Bridge) in the north. Priorvisas are not necessary for American citizens using these twocrossing points, but private vehicles are not allowed to cross intoJordan. Crossing procedures for the Allenby Bridge which linksJordan and the occupied West Bank remain unchanged. Previous visasand bridge crossing permits are required to cross the AllenbyBridge. Procedures for all crossings into Jordan are subject tofrequent changes. Travelers wishing the most up-to-date bordercrossing information should contact the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv orthe U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. For further entryinformation, travelers may contact the Embassy of Israel, 3514International Dr., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202)364-5500, or the nearest Israeli Consulate General in Los Angeles,San Francisco, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston, NewYork, Philadelphia, or Houston.Customs Requirements: Video cameras, among other items, must bedeclared upon entry to Israel and travelers carrying these itemsmust go through the red zone at customs.Security Measures in Israel and the Occupied Territories: Israelhas strict security measures that may affect visitors. Prolongedquestioning and detailed searches may take place at the time ofentry and/or departure at all points of entry to Israel or theOccupied Territories. American citizens with Arab surnames mayexpect close scrutiny at Ben Gurion Airport and the Allenby Bridgefrom Jordan. For security reasons, delays or obstacles in bringingin or departing with cameras or electronics equipment are notunusual. Items commonly carried by travelers such as toothpaste,shaving cream, and cosmetics may be confiscated or destroyed forsecurity reasons, especially at the Allenby Bridge. During searchesand questioning, access may be denied to U.S. consular officers,lawyers, or family members. Should questions arise at the AllenbyBridge, U.S. citizens may telephone the U.S. Consulate General inJerusalem for assistance; for assistance at Ben Gurion Airport, theArava crossing from Jordan in the south or the Sheikh Hussein Bridgein the north, U.S. citizens may telephone the U.S. Embassy in TelAviv.Areas of Instability: While the situation in Israel remains calm,following several terrorist incidents in Israel (e.g. bus bombings)the Department of State reiterates its advice to avoid use of publictransportation, especially buses and bus stops in Israel and theOccupied Territories. In April 1995, several Americans wereinjured in a bus bombing in Gaza, one of whom subsequently diedfrom her injuries. There is continued violence and unrest in theGaza Strip and West Bank. The Department advises all Americancitizens to avoid travel to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, exceptfor daylight visits to Bethlehem, Jericho, Highway 1 from Jerusalemto the Dead Sea, Route 90 through the Jordan Valley, and touristsites along these routes.In view of the continued violence and unrest in the West Bank andGaza Strip, American citizens should be aware that those U.S.government employees authorized to travel to the West Bank and GazaStrip may normally do so only during daylight hours, and they mustobserve strict security precautions. The U.S. governmentinstituted and continues to maintain tight security proceduresregarding travel of U.S. government employees, officials, anddependents to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Frequently, U.S.government employees are instructed not to travel at all to the WestBank, the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. However, the ConsularSection of the Consulate General in Jerusalem, located at 27 NablusRoad in East Jerusalem just off the main north/south highway, isconsidered to be safe and accessible to all visitors. Travel onstrike days or after dark is prohibited unless otherwise authorized. At this time, daylight trips to Bethlehem, Jericho, Highway 1 fromJerusalem to the Dead Sea, and Highway 90 through the Jordan Valleyare usually allowed. This includes permission to visit touristsites located along these routes, including the Inn of theSamaritan, Nebi Musa, St. George's Monastery, Mount of TemptationMonastery, Qumran, and Qualiah Water Park. Travel guidelines forU.S. government employees may change at any time.Demonstrations by Palestinians and Israelis in the West Bank haveled to confrontation between these groups and with Israeliauthorities, resulting in the wounding or death of someparticipants. Such incidents can occur without warning.Stone-throwing and other forms of protest can escalate, particularlyin Hebron, where violence has been ongoing since the FebruaryJ25,1994, massacre. Tourists using public transportation or travelingby car in areas less frequented by tourists are at risk. Vehicleshave been damaged, with rental cars in particular being targeted.During periods of unrest or insecurity, the West Bank is sometimesclosed off or put under curfew by the Israeli government. Suchtravel restrictions may be imposed with little or no advancenotification.In the Gaza Strip, many guns remain in the hands of the populace.The Palestinian police force has been established in Gaza and theJericho Area. Joint Israeli/Palestinian police patrols andcheckpoints may be encountered.In Jerusalem, travelers can reduce their risk of being involved inviolent incidents by traveling in groups, avoiding the Old City atnight, except for the Jewish quarter, and exercising caution atreligious sites on holy days, Fridays, and Saturdays. Most roadsinto ultra-orthodox Jewish neighborhoods are blocked off onSaturdays. Assaults on secular visitors, either in cars or"immodestly dressed," have been known to occur in theseneighborhoods.In the Golan Heights, there are live land mines in many areas, andsome minefields have not been clearly marked or fenced. Visitorswho walk only on established roads or trails will reduce the risk ofinjury from mines.Rocket attacks from Lebanese territory can occur without warningclose to the northern border of Israel.Persons contemplating travel to the West Bank or East Jerusalem mayconsult with the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem, and in thecase of travel to the Gaza Strip, with the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv,for current information on the advisability of such travel.Terrorism: Although U.S. citizens are not targeted for attack,terrorist incidents in the Occupied Territories, as well as withinIsrael, sometimes have involved U.S. citizens. Several violentattacks have involved passengers on buses and at bus stops. TheU.S. Embassy and the Consulate General have warned their employeesand American citizens to avoid use of public transportation,especially buses and bus stops. This restriction does not apply totour buses.Arrests in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Jericho Area: U.S.citizens arrested or detained in the West Bank on suspicion ofsecurity offenses often are not permitted to communicate withconsular officials, lawyers, or family members in a timely mannerduring the interrogation period of their case. Youths who are overthe age of fourteen have been detained and tried as adults. TheU.S. Embassy is not normally notified of the arrests of Americans inthe West Bank by Israeli authorities, and access to detainees isfrequently delayed. Notification may be more rapid if the arrestedAmerican shows an American passport to Israeli officials as proof ofU.S. citizenship.Under the Gaza/Jericho Agreement, Israeli authorities will notifythe U.S. Embassy when an American is arrested by Palestinian policein Gaza or the Jericho area, and requests by the U.S. Consul tovisit arrested Americans will be communicated to the PalestinianAuthority through a joint Israeli-Palestinian committee.Significant delays in notification and consular access may occurunder these procedures.Medical Facilities: Modern medical care and medicines areavailable in Israel. However, some hospitals in Israel andhospitals in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including the JerichoArea, fall below U.S. standards. Travelers can find informationwritten in English about emergency medical facilities andafter-hours pharmacies in the "Jerusalem Post" newspaper. Doctorsand hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for healthservices. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside theUnited States. Supplemental medical insurance with specificoverseas coverage has proven useful. The international travelershotline at the Centers for Disease Control, telephone (404)332-4559, has additional health information.Information on Crime: The crime rate is moderate in Israel, theGaza Strip, the Jericho Area, and elsewhere in the OccupiedTerritories. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should bereported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy orconsulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protectingpersonal security, and other matters is provided in the Departmentof State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers tothe Middle East and North Africa," available from the Superintendentof Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of thecountry in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, useor trafficking in illegal drugs are severe in Israel, and convictedoffenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Dual Nationality of Israeli Citizens: It is our understanding thatIsraeli citizens who are naturalized in the United States retaintheir Israeli citizenship, and their children are considered Israelicitizens as well. In addition, children born in the United Statesto Israeli parents acquire both U.S. and Israeli nationality atbirth. Israeli citizens, including dual nationals, are subject toIsraeli laws requiring service in Israel's armed forces.U.S.-Israeli dual nationals of military age who do not wish to servein the Israeli armed forces may contact the Israeli Embassy toobtain proof of exemption or deferment from Israeli military servicebefore going to Israel. Israeli citizens, including dual nationals,must enter and depart Israel on their Israeli passports.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy inTel Aviv or the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem can obtainupdated information on travel and security within Israel, the GazaStrip, the Jericho Area, and elsewhere in the Occupied Territories.Embassy and Consulate Location: The U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv,Israel, is located at 71 Hayarkon Street. The U.S. mailing addressis PSC 98, Box 100, APO AE 09830. The telephone number is (972-3)517-4338.The Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem islocated at 27 Nablus Road. The U.S. mailing address is PSC 98, Box100, APO AE 09830. The telephone number is (972) (2) 253-288 (viaIsrael). There is a U.S. Consular Agent in Haifa, at 12 JerusalemStreet, Haifa 33132, telephone (972-4) 670-616. No. 95-048This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated March 8, 1995,to correct omissions in the country description, to add informationabout delays entering or leaving Gaza by private vehicle, and tonote American casualties in a bus bombing in Gaza.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ireland GeographyLocation: Western Europe, occupying five-sixths of the island of Ireland in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Great BritainMap references: EuropeArea: total area: 70,280 sq km land area: 68,890 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than West VirginiaLand boundaries: total 360 km, UK 360 kmCoastline: 1,448 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: not specified exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: Northern Ireland question with the UK; Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Denmark, Iceland, and the UK (Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary agreement in the Rockall area)Climate: temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild winters, cool summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the timeTerrain: mostly level to rolling interior plain surrounded by rugged hills and low mountains; sea cliffs on west coastNatural resources: zinc, lead, natural gas, petroleum, barite, copper, gypsum, limestone, dolomite, peat, silverLand use: arable land: 14% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 71% forest and woodland: 5% other: 10%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: water pollution, especially of lakes, from agricultural runoff natural hazards: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ireland Geography international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Biodiversity, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Life ConservationNote: strategic location on major air and sea routes between North America and northern Europe; over 40% of the population resides within 60 miles of Dublin THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ireland PeoplePopulation: 3,550,448 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 24% (female 415,640; male 440,468) 15-64 years: 64% (female 1,125,638; male 1,155,823) 65 years and over: 12% (female 237,098; male 175,781) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.33% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 14.04 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 8.48 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -2.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 7.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.99 years male: 73.15 years female: 79 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.95 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Irishman(men), Irishwoman(men), Irish (collective plural) adjective: IrishEthnic divisions: Celtic, EnglishReligions: Roman Catholic 93%, Anglican 3%, none 1%, unknown 2%, other 1% (1981)Languages: Irish (Gaelic), spoken mainly in areas located along the western seaboard, English is the language generally usedLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1981 est.) total population: 98%Labor force: 1.37 million by occupation: services 57.0%, manufacturing and construction 28%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 13.5%, energy and mining 1.5% (1992) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ireland GovernmentNames: conventional long form: none conventional short form: IrelandDigraph: EIType: republicCapital: DublinAdministrative divisions: 26 counties; Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford, WicklowIndependence: 6 December 1921 (from UK)National holiday: Saint Patrick's Day, 17 MarchConstitution: 29 December 1937; adopted 1 July 1937 by plebesciteLegal system: based on English common law, substantially modified by indigenous concepts; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Mary Bourke ROBINSON (since 9 November 1990); election last held 9 November 1990 (next to be held November 1997); results - Mary Bourke ROBINSON 52.8%, Brian LENIHAN 47.2% head of government: Prime Minister John BRUTON (since 15 December 1994) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by president with previous nomination of the prime minister and approval of the House of RepresentativesLegislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Oireachtas) Senate (Seanad Eireann): elections last held NA February 1992 (next to be held NA February 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (60 total, 49 elected) Fianna Fail 26, Fine Gael 16, Labor 9, Progressive Democrats 2, Democratic Left 1, independents 6 House of Representatives (Dail Eireann): elections last held on 25 November 1992 (next to be held by November 1997); results - Fianna Fail 39.1%, Fine Gael 24.5%, Labor Party 19.3%, Progressive Democrats 4.7%, Democratic Left 2.8%, Sinn Fein 1.6%, Workers' Party 0.7%, independents 5.9%; seats - (166 total) Fianna Fail 68, Fine Gael 45, Labor Party 33, Progressive Democrats 10 Democratic Left 4, Greens 1, independents 5Judicial branch: Supreme CourtPolitical parties and leaders: Democratic Left, Proinsias DE ROSSA; Fianna Fail, Bertie AHERN; Labor Party, Richard SPRING; Fine Gael, John BRUTON; Communist Party of Ireland, Michael O'RIORDAN; Sinn Fein, Gerry ADAMS; Progressive Democrats, Desmond O'MALLEY; The Workers' Party, Marion DONNELLY; Green Alliance, Bronwen MAHER THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ireland Government note: Prime Minister BRUTON heads a three-party coalition consisting of the Fine Gael, the Labor Party, and the Democratic LeftMember of: Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE, EBRD, EC, ECE, EIB, ESA, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MTCR, NEA, NSG, OECD, ONUSAL, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNOMOZ, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UNTSO, UPU, WEU (observer), WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Dermot A. GALLAGHER chancery: 2234 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 462-3939 consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, New York, and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Jean Kennedy SMITH embassy: 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [353] (1) 6687122 FAX: [353] (1) 6689946Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and orange; similar to the flag of the Cote d'Ivoire, which is shorter and has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green; also similar to the flag of Italy, which is shorter and has colors of green (hoist side), white, and red THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ireland EconomyOverview: The economy is small and trade dependent. Agriculture, once the most important sector, is now dwarfed by industry, which accounts for 37% of GDP, about 80% of exports, and employs 28% of the labor force. Although exports remain the primary engine for Ireland's robust growth, the economy is also benefiting from a rise in consumer spending and recovery in both construction and business investment. Ireland has substantially reduced its external debt since 1987, to 40% of GDP in 1994. Over the same period, inflation has fallen sharply and chronic trade deficits have been transformed into annual surpluses. Unemployment remains a serious problem, however, and job creation is the main focus of government policy. To ease unemployment, Dublin aggressively courts foreign investors and recently created a new industrial development agency to aid small indigenous firms. Government assistance is constrained by Dublin's continuing deficit reduction measures.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $49.8 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 5.5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $14,060 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.7% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 16% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $16 billion expenditures: $16.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1994)Exports: $28 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: chemicals, data processing equipment, industrial machinery, live animals, animal products partners: EU 75% (UK 32%, Germany 13%, France 10%), US 9%Imports: $26 billion (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: food, animal feed, data processing equipment, petroleum and petroleum products, machinery, textiles, clothing partners: EU 66% (UK 41%, Germany 8%, France 4%), US 15%External debt: $20 billion (1994 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 8.5% (1994 est.); accounts for 37% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 3,930,000 kW production: 14.9 billion kWh consumption per capita: 3,938 kWh (1993)Industries: food products, brewing, textiles, clothing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery, transportation equipment, glass and crystal THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ireland EconomyAgriculture: accounts for 10% of GDP; principal crops - turnips, barley, potatoes, sugar beets, wheat; livestock - meat and dairy products; 85% self-sufficient in food; food shortages include bread grain, fruits, vegetablesIllicit drugs: transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to the UK and NetherlandsEconomic aid: donor: ODA commitments (1980-89), $90 millionCurrency: 1 Irish pound (#Ir) = 100 penceExchange rates: Irish pounds (#Ir) per US$1 - 0.6420 (January 1995), 0.6676 (1994), 0.6816 (1993), 0.5864 (1992), 0.6190 (1991), 0.6030 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ireland TransportationRailroads: total: 1,947 km broad gauge: 1,947 km 1.600-m gauge (36 km electrified; 485 km double track)Highways: total: 92,327 km paved: 86,787 km (32 km of expressways) unpaved: gravel, crushed stone 5,540 km (1992)Inland waterways: limited for commercial trafficPipelines: natural gas 225 kmPorts: Arklow, Cork, Drogheda, Dublin, Foynes, Galway, Limerick, New Ross, WaterfordMerchant marine: total: 47 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 129,996 GRT/160,419 DWT ships by type: bulk 4, cargo 33, chemical tanker 2, container 2, oil tanker 1, short-sea passenger 3, specialized tanker 2Airports: total: 44 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 2 with paved runways under 914 m: 32 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 4 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ireland CommunicationsTelephone system: 900,000 telephones; modern digital system using cable and microwave radio relay local: NA intercity: microwave radio relay international: 1 INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean) earth stationRadio: broadcast stations: AM 9, FM 45, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 86 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Ireland Defense ForcesBranches: Army (includes Naval Service and Air Corps), National Police (Garda Siochana)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 926,831; males fit for military service 749,646; males reach military age (17) annually 34,215 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $500 million, 1.3% of GDP (1994)</text>
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<text>IRELAND - Passport required. Tourists are not required to obtain visasfor stays under 90 days, but may be asked to show onward/return ticket. For further information consult Embassy of Ireland, 2234 Mass. Ave., N.W.,Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/462-3939) or nearest Consulate General: CA(415/392-4214), IL (312/337-1868), MA (617/267-9330) or NY(212/319-2555).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Ireland============================================================Ireland - Consular Information Sheet October 20, 1995Country Description: Ireland is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: For information concerning entry requirements for Ireland, travelers can contact the Embassy of Ireland at 2234 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 462-3939, or the nearest Irish Consulate General in Boston, Chicago, New York or San Francisco.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical air evacuation, has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404)332-4559.Crime Information: Ireland has a low rate of violent crime. There is a high incidence of petty crime, mostly theft, burglary, and purse-snatching. Rental cars and tourists, particularly in the vicinity of tourist attractions, are targeted by thieves. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a trouble-free trip. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Terrorist Activities: Since the cease-fire took effect in August of 1994, terrorist incidents in Northern Ireland have all but ceased, and the danger of acts of violence spilling over into the Republic of Ireland decreased accordingly. The police and military security profile in the border areas has also decreased.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens who register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security in Ireland. Travelers to Northern Ireland may consult the Consular Information Sheet for the United Kingdom. The U.S. Embassy in Dublin is located at 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Telephone (353-1) 668-7122, fax (353-1) 668-9946. The Consular section is located across the street from the U.S. Embassy in Hume House, 3rd Floor, Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge. No. 95-134This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 20, 1994 to update the decreased threat of terrorist activities.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Ireland============================================================Ireland - Consular Information Sheet October 20, 1995Country Description: Ireland is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available.Entry Requirements: For information concerning entry requirements for Ireland, travelers can contact the Embassy of Ireland at 2234 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 462-3939, or the nearest Irish Consulate General in Boston, Chicago, New York or San Francisco.Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including provision for medical air evacuation, has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404)332-4559.Crime Information: Ireland has a low rate of violent crime. There is a high incidence of petty crime, mostly theft, burglary, and purse-snatching. Rental cars and tourists, particularly in the vicinity of tourist attractions, are targeted by thieves. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a trouble-free trip. The pamphlet is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Terrorist Activities: Since the cease-fire took effect in August of 1994, terrorist incidents in Northern Ireland have all but ceased, and the danger of acts of violence spilling over into the Republic of Ireland decreased accordingly. The police and military security profile in the border areas has also decreased.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens who register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security in Ireland. Travelers to Northern Ireland may consult the Consular Information Sheet for the United Kingdom. The U.S. Embassy in Dublin is located at 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Telephone (353-1) 668-7122, fax (353-1) 668-9946. The Consular section is located across the street from the U.S. Embassy in Hume House, 3rd Floor, Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge. No. 95-134This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 20, 1994 to update the decreased threat of terrorist activities.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iraq GeographyLocation: Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iran and KuwaitMap references: Middle EastArea: total area: 437,072 sq km land area: 432,162 sq km comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of IdahoLand boundaries: total 3,631 km, Iran 1,458 km, Jordan 181 km, Kuwait 242 km, Saudi Arabia 814 km, Syria 605 km, Turkey 331 kmCoastline: 58 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: not specified territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: Iran and Iraq restored diplomatic relations in 1990 but are still trying to work out written agreements settling outstanding disputes from their eight-year war concerning border demarcation, prisoners-of-war, and freedom of navigation and sovereignty over the Shatt al Arab waterway; in November 1994, Iraq formally accepted the UN-demarcated border with Kuwait which had been spelled out in Security Council Resolutions 687 (1991), 773 (1993), and 883 (1993); this formally ends earlier claims to Kuwait and to Bubiyan and Warbah islands; potential dispute over water development plans by Turkey for the Tigris and Euphrates RiversClimate: mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows which melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding in central and southern IraqTerrain: mostly broad plains; reedy marshes along Iranian border in south; mountains along borders with Iran and TurkeyNatural resources: petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfurLand use: arable land: 12% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 9% forest and woodland: 3% other: 75%Irrigated land: 25,500 sq km (1989 est) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iraq GeographyEnvironment: current issues: government water control projects have drained most of the inhabited marsh areas west of Al Qurnah by drying up or diverting the feeder streams and rivers; a once sizable population of Shi'a Muslims, who have inhabited these areas for thousands of years, has been displaced; furthermore, the destruction of the natural habitat poses serious threats to the area's wildlife populations; inadequate supplies of potable water; development of Tigris-Euphrates Rivers system contingent upon agreements with upstream riparian Turkey; air and water pollution; soil degradation (salinization) and erosion; desertification natural hazards: duststorms, sandstorms, floods international agreements: party to - Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Environmental Modification THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iraq PeoplePopulation: 20,643,769 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 48% (female 4,850,028; male 5,009,513) 15-64 years: 49% (female 5,021,710; male 5,125,191) 65 years and over: 3% (female 338,790; male 298,537) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 3.72% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 43.6 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.82 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0.39 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 62.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 66.52 years male: 65.54 years female: 67.56 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 6.56 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Iraqi(s) adjective: IraqiEthnic divisions: Arab 75%-80%, Kurdish 15%-20%, Turkoman, Assyrian or other 5%Religions: Muslim 97% (Shi'a 60%-65%, Sunni 32%-37%), Christian or other 3%Languages: Arabic, Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions), Assyrian, ArmenianLiteracy: age 15-45 can read and write (1985) total population: 89% male: 90% female: 88%Labor force: 4.4 million (1989) by occupation: services 48%, agriculture 30%, industry 22% note: severe labor shortage; expatriate labor force was about 1,600,000 (July 1990); since then, it has declined substantially THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iraq GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Iraq conventional short form: Iraq local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Iraqiyah local short form: Al IraqDigraph: IZType: republicCapital: BaghdadAdministrative divisions: 18 provinces (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Anbar, Al Basrah, Al Muthanna, Al Qadisiyah, An Najaf, Arbil, As Sulaymaniyah, At Ta'mim, Babil, Baghdad, Dahuk, Dhi Qar, Diyala, Karbala', Maysan, Ninawa, Salah ad Din, WasitIndependence: 3 October 1932 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)National holiday: Anniversary of the Revolution, 17 July (1968)Constitution: 22 September 1968, effective 16 July 1970 (provisional Constitution); new constitution drafted in 1990 but not adoptedLegal system: based on Islamic law in special religious courts, civil law system elsewhere; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President SADDAM Husayn (since 16 July 1979); Vice President Taha Muhyi al-Din MARUF (since 21 April 1974); Vice President Taha Yasin RAMADAN (since 23 March 1991) head of government: Prime Minister SADDAM Husayn (since NA May 1994); Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Mikhail AZIZ (since NA 1979) Revolutionary Command Council: Chairman SADDAM Husayn, Vice Chairman Izzat IBRAHIM al-Duri cabinet: Council of MinistersLegislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Majlis al-Watani): elections last held on 1 April 1989 (next to be held NA); results - Sunni Arabs 53%, Shi'a Arabs 30%, Kurds 15%, Christians 2% (est.); seats - (250 total) number of seats by party NA note: in northern Iraq, a "Kurdish Assembly" was elected in May 1992 and calls for Kurdish self-determination within a federated Iraq; the assembly is not recognized by the Baghdad governmentJudicial branch: Court of CassationPolitical parties and leaders: Ba'th Party THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iraq GovernmentOther political or pressure groups: political parties and activity severely restricted; opposition to regime from disaffected members of the Ba'th Party, Army officers, and Shi'a religious and ethnic Kurdish dissidents; the Green Party (government-controlled)Member of: ABEDA, ACC, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-19, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Iraq has an Interest Section in the Algerian Embassy in Washington, DC chancery: Iraqi Interests Section, 1801 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 483-7500 FAX: [1] (202) 462-5066US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: (vacant); note - operations have been temporarily suspended; a US Interests Section is located in Poland's embassy in Baghdad embassy: Masbah Quarter (opposite the Foreign Ministry Club), Baghdad mailing address: P. O. Box 2447 Alwiyah, Baghdad telephone: [964] (1) 719-6138, 719-6139, 718-1840, 719-3791 FAX: Telex 212287Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with three green five-pointed stars in a horizontal line centered in the white band; the phrase ALLAHU AKBAR (God is Great) in green Arabic script - Allahu to the right of the middle star and Akbar to the left of the middle star - was added in January 1991 during the Persian Gulf crisis; similar to the flag of Syria that has two stars but no script and the flag of Yemen that has a plain white band; also similar to the flag of Egypt that has a symbolic eagle centered in the white band THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iraq EconomyOverview: The Ba'thist regime engages in extensive central planning and management of industrial production and foreign trade while leaving some small-scale industry and services and most agriculture to private enterprise. The economy has been dominated by the oil sector, which has traditionally provided about 95% of foreign exchange earnings. In the 1980s, financial problems caused by massive expenditures in the eight-year war with Iran and damage to oil export facilities by Iran, led the government to implement austerity measures and to borrow heavily and later reschedule foreign debt payments. After the end of hostilities in 1988, oil exports gradually increased with the construction of new pipelines and restoration of damaged facilities. Agricultural development remained hampered by labor shortages, salinization, and dislocations caused by previous land reform and collectivization programs. The industrial sector, although accorded high priority by the government, also was under financial constraints. Iraq's seizure of Kuwait in August 1990, subsequent international economic embargoes, and military action by an international coalition beginning in January 1991 drastically changed the economic picture. Industrial and transportation facilities, which suffered severe damage, have been partially restored. Oil exports remain at less than 5% of the previous level. Shortages of spare parts continue. Living standards deteriorated even further in 1993 and 1994; consumer prices have more than doubled in both 1993 and 1994. The UN-sponsored economic embargo has reduced exports and imports and has contributed to the sharp rise in prices. The Iraqi government has been unwilling to abide by UN resolutions so that the economic embargo can be removed. The government's policies of supporting large military and internal security forces and of allocating resources to key supporters of the regime have exacerbated shortages. In brief, per capita output in 1993-94 is far below the 1989-90 level, but no precise estimate is available.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $NANational product real growth rate: NA%National product per capita: $NAInflation rate (consumer prices): NA%Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports: $10.4 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: crude oil and refined products, fertilizer, sulfur partners: US, Brazil, Turkey, Japan, Netherlands, Spain (1990)Imports: $6.6 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: manufactures, food partners: Germany, US, Turkey, France, UK (1990) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iraq EconomyExternal debt: $50 billion (1989 est.), excluding debt of about $35 billion owed to Gulf Arab statesIndustrial production: growth rate NA%; manufacturing accounts for 10% of GNP (1989)Electricity: capacity: 7,170,000 kW production: 25.7 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,247 kWh (1993)Industries: petroleum production and refining, chemicals, textiles, construction materials, food processingAgriculture: accounted for 11% of GNP and 30% of labor force before the Gulf war; principal products - wheat, barley, rice, vegetables, dates, other fruit, cotton, wool; livestock - cattle, sheep; not self-sufficient in food outputEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-80), $3 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $647 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $3.9 billionCurrency: 1 Iraqi dinar (ID) = 1,000 filsExchange rates: Iraqi dinars (ID) per US$1 - 3.2 (fixed official rate since 1982); black-market rate (March 1995) US$1 = 1200 Iraqi dinars; semi-official rate US$1 = 650 Iraqi dinarsFiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iraq TransportationRailroads: total: 2,457 km standard gauge: 2,457 km 1.435-m gaugeHighways: total: 45,550 km paved: 38,400 km unpaved: 7,150 km (1989 est.)Inland waterways: 1,015 km; Shatt al Arab is usually navigable by maritime traffic for about 130 km; channel has been dredged to 3 meters and is in use; Tigris and Euphrates Rivers have navigable sections for shallow-draft watercraft; Shatt al Basrah canal was navigable by shallow-draft craft before closing in 1991 because of the Persian Gulf warPipelines: crude oil 4,350 km; petroleum products 725 km; natural gas 1,360 kmPorts: Umm Qasr, Khawr az Zubayr, and Al Basrah have limited functionalityMerchant marine: total: 36 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 795,346 GRT/1,431,154 DWT ships by type: cargo 14, oil tanker 16, passenger 1, passenger-cargo 1, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 3Airports: total: 121 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 21 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 34 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 8 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 7 with paved runways under 914 m: 22 with unpaved runways over 3,047 m: 3 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 5 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 16 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iraq CommunicationsTelephone system: 632,000 telephones; reconstitution of damaged telecommunication facilities began after the Gulf war; most damaged facilities have been rebuilt local: NA intercity: the network consists of coaxial cables and microwave radio relay links international: 2 INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 GORIZONT (Atlantic Ocean) in the Intersputnik system, and 1 ARABSAT earth station; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Jordan, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey; Kuwait line is probably non-operationalRadio: broadcast stations: AM 16, FM 1, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 13 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iraq Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Republican Guard and Special Republican Guard, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Force, Border Guard Force, Internal Security ForcesManpower availability: males age 15-49 4,626,610; males fit for military service 2,597,687; males reach military age (18) annually 229,015 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GNP</text>
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<text>IRAQ - Passport and visa required. AIDS test required for stay over 5days. The United States suspended diplomatic and consular operationsin Iraq in 1990. Since February 1991, U.S. passports are not valid fortravel in, to, or through Iraq without authorization from the Department ofState. Application for exemptions to this restriction should be submitted inwriting to Passport Services, U.S. Department of State, 1425 K St.,N.W., Washington, D.C. 20524, Attn: CA/PPT/C, Room 300. Attention: U.S.citizens need a Treasury Dept. license in order to engage in anytransactions related to travel to and within Iraq. Before planning anytravel to Iraq, U.S. citizens should contact the Licensing Division,Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury, 1331 G St.,N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220 (202/622-2480). For visa information contact acountry that maintains diplomatic relations with Iraq.Iraq - Travel WarningSeptember 15, 1994The Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against traveling to Iraq.Conditions within the country remain unsettled and dangerous. The UnitedStates does not maintain diplomatic relations with Iraq and cannot providenormal consular protective services to U.S. citizens. U.S. passports arenot valid for travel to, in or through Iraq, unless they are speciallyendorsed by the U.S. Government. There is a U.S. trade embargo whichseverely restricts financial and economic activities with Iraq, includingtravel-related transactions.Further details can be found in the Department of State Consular InformationSheet on Iraq.No. 94-038This extends the Department of State Warning on Iraq dated August 31, 1993.Iraq - Consular Information SheetSeptember 15, 1994Warning: The Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against travelingto Iraq. Conditions within the country remain unsettled and dangerous. TheUnited States does not maintain diplomatic relations with Iraq and cannotprovide normal consular protective services to U.S. citizens. U.S.passports are not valid for travel to, in or through Iraq, unless they arespecially endorsed by the U.S. Government. There is a U.S. trade embargowhich severely restricts financial and economic activities with Iraq,including travel-related transactions.Country Description: The Republic of Iraq is governed by the repressiveRevolutionary Command Council. Iraq has a developing economy that wasseriously damaged in the 1991 Gulf War. U.N trade sanctions have alsoaffected the economy. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservativefoundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. Tourist facilitiesare not widely available. The work week in Iraq is Sunday through Thursday.Entry Requirements: Passports and visas are required. On February 8, 1991,U.S. passports ceased to be valid for travel to, in or through Iraq and maynot be used for that purpose unless a special validation has been obtained.Without the requisite validation, use of a U.S. passport for travel to, inor through Iraq may constitute a violation of 18 U.S.C. 1544, and may bepunishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. An exemption to the aboverestriction is granted to Americans residing in Iraq as of February 8, 1991who continue to reside there and to American professional reporters orjournalists on assignment there.In addition, the Department of the Treasury prohibits all travel-relatedtransactions by U.S. persons intending to visit Iraq, unless specificallylicensed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. The only exceptions tothis licensing requirement are for journalistic activity or for U.S.government or United Nations business.The categories of individuals eligible for consideration for a specialpassport validation are set forth in 22 C.F.R. 51.74. Passport validationrequests for Iraq should be forwarded in writing to the following address:Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport ServicesU.S. Department of State1111 19th Street, N.W., Suite 260Washington, D.C. 20522-1705Attn: Office of Passport Policy and Advisory ServicesTelephone (202) 955-0231 or 955-0232Fax (202) 955-0230The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation according to thecategory under which validation is sought. Currently, the four categoriesof persons specified in 22 C.F.R. 51.74 as being eligible for considerationfor passport validation are as follows:[a] Professional reporters: Includes full-time members of the reporting orwriting staff of a newspaper, magazine or broadcasting network whose purposefor travel is to gather information about Iraq for dissemination to thegeneral public.[b] American Red Cross: Applicant establishes that he or she is arepresentative of the American Red Cross or International Red Crosstraveling pursuant to an officially-sponsored Red Cross mission.[c] Humanitarian considerations: Applicant must establish that his or hertrip is justified by compelling humanitarian considerations or for familyunification. At this time, "compelling humanitarian considerations" includesituations where the applicant can document that an immediate family memberis critically ill in Iraq. Documentation concerning family illness mustinclude the name and address of the relative, and be from that relative'sphysician attesting to the nature and gravity of the illness. "Familyunification" situations may include cases in which spouses or minor childrenare residing in Iraq, with and dependent on, an Iraqi national spouse orparent for their support.[d] National interest: The applicant's request is otherwise found to be inthe national interest.In all requests for passport validation for travel to Iraq, the name, dateand place of birth for all concerned persons must be given, as well as theU.S. passport numbers. Documentation as outlined above should accompany allrequests. Additional information may be obtained by writing to the aboveaddress or by calling the Office of Passport Policy and Advisory Services at[202] 955-0231 or 955-0232.U.S. Treasury Restrictions: In August 1990 President Bush issued ExecutiveOrders 12722 and 12724, imposing economic sanctions against Iraq including acomplete trade embargo. The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of ForeignAssets Control administers the regulations related to these sanctions, whichinclude restrictions on all financial transactions related to travel toIraq. These regulations prohibit all travel-related transactions, except asspecifically licensed. The only exceptions to this licensing requirementare for persons engaged in journalism or in official U.S. government or U.N.business. Questions concerning these restrictions should be addresseddirectly to:Licensing SectionOffice of Foreign Assets ControlU.S. Department of the Treasury,Washington, D.C. 20220Telephone: (202) 622-2480; Fax: (202) 622-1657Areas of Instability: Hostilities in the Gulf region ceased on February 27,1991. United Nations Security Council Resolution 687, adopted on April 3,1991, set terms for a permanent cease-fire, but conditions in Iraq remainunsettled. Travel in Iraq is extremely hazardous, particularly for U.S.citizens.Regional conflicts continue in northern Iraq between Kurdish ethnic groupsand Iraqi security forces. In southern Iraq, governmental repression of theShia communities is severe.U.S. citizens in Kuwait working near the Kuwait-Iraq border are in jeopardyof detention by Iraqi security personnel. In 1992 and 1993, a number ofU.S. citizens and other foreigners working near the Kuwait-Iraq border weredetained by Iraqi authorities for lengthy periods under harsh conditions.Medical Facilities: Basic modern medical care and medicines may not beavailable. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment forservices. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the UnitedStates. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage hasproved useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers forDisease Control, telephone (404) 332-4559, has additional useful healthinformation.Information on Crime: Reports of crime in Iraq are increasing, especiallyin the larger cities. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should bereported immediately to local police, and the U.S. Interests Section or thenearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Useful information on safeguardingvaluables, protecting personal security, and other matters while travelingabroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe TripAbroad" and "Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa." Theyare available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government PrintingOffice, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country inwhich they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking inillegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentencesand fines.Terrorism: Tension in the Persian Gulf region remains high because ofcontinuing Iraqi defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions. As aresult, the risk of terrorism directed against U.S. citizens in Iraq remainsa continuing concern.Registration: There is no U.S. Embassy in Iraq. The U.S. government is notin a position to accord normal consular protective services to U.S. citizenswho, despite this warning, are in Iraq. U.S. Government interests arerepresented by the Government of Poland, which, as a protecting power, isable to provide only limited emergency services to U.S. citizens.Embassy Location: There is no U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Iraq. The U.S.Interests Section of the Embassy of Poland is located opposite the ForeignMinistry Club (Masbah Quarter); P.O. Box 2447 Alwiyah, Baghdad, Iraq. Thetelephone number is (964) (1) 719-6138, 719-6139, 719-3791, 718-1840.No. 94-219This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 31, 1993 to updatethe section on areas of instability, and to show the new address and phonenumbers of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport Services, U.S.Department of State</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iran GeographyLocation: Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and PakistanMap references: Middle EastArea: total area: 1.648 million sq km land area: 1.636 million sq km comparative area: slightly larger than AlaskaLand boundaries: total 5,440 km, Afghanistan 936 km, Armenia 35 km, Azerbaijan (north) 432 km, Azerbaijan (northwest) 179 km, Iraq 1,458 km, Pakistan 909 km, Turkey 499 km, Turkmenistan 992 kmCoastline: 2,440 km note: Iran also borders the Caspian Sea (740 km)Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: natural prolongation exclusive economic zone: bilateral agreements, or median lines in the Persian Gulf territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: Iran and Iraq restored diplomatic relations in 1990 but are still trying to work out written agreements settling outstanding disputes from their eight-year war concerning border demarcation, prisoners-of-war, and freedom of navigation and sovereignty over the Shatt al Arab waterway; Iran occupies two islands in the Persian Gulf claimed by the UAE: Tunb as Sughra (Arabic), Jazireh-ye Tonb-e Kuchek (Persian) or Lesser Tunb, and Tunb al Kubra (Arabic), Jazireh-ye Tonb-e Bozorg (Persian) or Greater Tunb; it jointly administers with the UAE an island in the Persian Gulf claimed by the UAE, Abu Musa (Arabic) or Jazireh-ye Abu Musa (Persian); in 1992 the dispute over Abu Musa and the Tunb islands became more acute when Iran unilaterally tried to control the entry of third country nationals into the UAE portion of Abu Musa island, Tehran subsequently backed off in the face of significant diplomatic support for the UAE in the region, but in 1994 it increased its military presence on the disputed islands; periodic disputes with Afghanistan over Helmand water rights; Caspian Sea boundaries are not yet determinedClimate: mostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along Caspian coastTerrain: rugged, mountainous rim; high, central basin with deserts, mountains; small, discontinuous plains along both coastsNatural resources: petroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, iron ore, lead, manganese, zinc, sulfurLand use: arable land: 8% permanent crops: 0% THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iran Geography meadows and pastures: 27% forest and woodland: 11% other: 54%Irrigated land: 57,500 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: air pollution, especially in urban areas, from vehicle emissions, refinery operations, and industrial effluents; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; oil pollution in the Persian Gulf; inadequate supplies of potable water natural hazards: periodic droughts, floods; duststorms, sandstorms; earthquakes along the Western border international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iran PeoplePopulation: 64,625,455 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 45% (female 14,113,933; male 14,995,015) 15-64 years: 51% (female 16,237,810; male 16,803,943) 65 years and over: 4% (female 1,197,869; male 1,276,885) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 2.29% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 34.85 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.85 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: -5.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 54.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 66.97 years male: 65.77 years female: 68.22 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 4.93 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Iranian(s) adjective: IranianEthnic divisions: Persian 51%, Azerbaijani 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7%, Arab 3%, Lur 2%, Baloch 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1%Religions: Shi'a Muslim 95%, Sunni Muslim 4%, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i 1%Languages: Persian and Persian dialects 58%, Turkic and Turkic dialects 26%, Kurdish 9%, Luri 2%, Baloch 1%, Arabic 1%, Turkish 1%, other 2%Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1991) total population: 66% male: 74% female: 56%Labor force: 15.4 million by occupation: agriculture 33%, manufacturing 21% note: shortage of skilled labor (1988 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iran GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Iran conventional short form: Iran local long form: Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran local short form: IranDigraph: IRType: theocratic republicCapital: TehranAdministrative divisions: 24 provinces (ostanha, singular - ostan); Azarbayjan-e Bakhtari (West Azerbaijan), Azarbayjan-e Khavari (East Azerbaijan), Bakhtaran, Bushehr, Chahar Mahall va Bakhtiari, Esfahan, Fars, Gilan, Hamadan, Hormozgan, Ilam, Kerman, Khorasan, Khuzestan, Kohkiluyeh va Buyer Ahmadi, Kordestan, Lorestan, Markazi, Mazandaran, Semnan, Sistan va Baluchestan, Tehran, Yazd, Zanjan note: there may be a new province named Ardabil formed from a part of Azarbayjan-e Khavari (East Azerbaijan) which may have been renamed Azarbayjan-e Markazi (Central Azerbaijan); the name Bakhtaran may have been changed to KermanshahanIndependence: 1 April 1979 (Islamic Republic of Iran proclaimed)National holiday: Islamic Republic Day, 1 April (1979)Constitution: 2-3 December 1979; revised 1989 to expand powers of the presidency and eliminate the prime ministershipLegal system: the Constitution codifies Islamic principles of governmentSuffrage: 15 years of age; universalExecutive branch: supreme leader (rahbar) and functional chief of state: Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-KHAMENEI (since 4 June 1989) head of government: President Ali Akbar Hashemi-RAFSANJANI (since 3 August 1989); election last held June 1993 (next to be held June 1997); results - Ali Akbar Hashemi-RAFSANJANI was elected with 63% of the vote cabinet: Council of Ministers; selected by the president with legislative approvalLegislative branch: unicameral Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majles-e-Shura-ye-Eslami): elections last held 8 April 1992 (next to be held April 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (270 seats total) number of seats by party NAJudicial branch: Supreme Court THE WORLD FACTBOOK Political parties and leaders: there are at least 76 licensed parties; the three most important are - Tehran Militant Clergy Association, Mohammad Reza MAHDAVI-KANI; Militant Clerics Association, Mehdi MAHDAVI-KARUBI and Mohammad Asqar MUSAVI-KHOINIHA; Fedaiyin Islam Organization, Sadeq KHALKHALIOther political or pressure groups: groups that generally support the Islamic Republic include Hizballah, Mojahedin of the Islamic Revolution, Muslim Students Following the Line of the Imam; armed political groups that have been almost completely repressed by the government include Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK), People's Fedayeen, Kurdish Democratic Party; the Society for the Defense of FreedomMember of: CCC, CP, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, OIC, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Iran has an Interests Section in the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, DC chancery: Iranian Interests Section, 2209 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 965-4990US diplomatic representation: protecting power in Iran is SwitzerlandFlag: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red; the national emblem (a stylized representation of the word Allah) in red is centered in the white band; Allah Alkbar (God is Great) in white Arabic script is repeated 11 times along the bottom edge of the green band and 11 times along the top edge of the red band THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iran EconomyOverview: Iran's economy is a mixture of central planning, state ownership of oil and other large enterprises, village agriculture, and small-scale private trading and service ventures. Over the past several years, the government has introduced several measures to liberalize the economy and reduce government intervention, but most of these changes have moved slowly because of political opposition. Iran has faced increasingly severe financial difficulties since mid-1992 due to an import surge that began in 1989 and general financial mismanagement. At yearend 1993 the Iranian Government estimated that it owed foreign creditors about $30 billion; an estimated $8 billion of this debt was in arrears. At yearend 1994, Iran rescheduled $12 billion in debt. Earnings from oil exports - which provide 90% of Iran's export revenues - are providing less relief to Iran than usual because of reduced oil prices.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $310 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: -2% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $4,720 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 35% (1994)Unemployment rate: over 30% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NAExports: $16 billion (f.o.b., FY92/93 est.) commodities: petroleum 90%, carpets, fruits, nuts, hides partners: Japan, Italy, France, Netherlands, Belgium/Luxembourg, Spain, and GermanyImports: $18 billion (c.i.f., FY92/93 est.) commodities: machinery, military supplies, metal works, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, technical services, refined oil products partners: Germany, Japan, Italy, UK, UAEExternal debt: $30 billion (December 1993)Industrial production: growth rate 4.6% (1993 est.); accounts for almost 30% of GDP, including petroleumElectricity: capacity: 19,080,000 kW production: 50.8 billion kWh consumption per capita: 745 kWh (1993)Industries: petroleum, petrochemicals, textiles, cement and other building materials, food processing (particularly sugar refining and vegetable oil production), metal fabricating, armaments and military equipment THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iran EconomyAgriculture: accounts for about 20% of GDP; principal products - wheat, rice, other grains, sugar beets, fruits, nuts, cotton, dairy products, wool, caviar; not self-sufficient in foodIllicit drugs: illicit producer of opium poppy for the domestic and international drug trade; produced 35-70 metric tons in 1993; net opiate importer but also a key transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin to EuropeEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-80), $1 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.675 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $976 million note: aid fell sharply following the 1979 revolutionCurrency: 10 Iranian rials (IR) = 1 toman; note - domestic figures are generally referred to in terms of the tomanExchange rates: Iranian rials (IR) per US$1 - 1,749.04 (January 1995), 1,748.75 (1994), 1,267.77 (1993), 65.552 (1992), 67.505 (1991); black market rate: 3,000 rials per US$1 (December 1994)Fiscal year: 21 March - 20 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iran TransportationRailroads: total: 4,850 km; note - 480 km under construction from Bafq to Bandar-e 'Abbas; segment from Bafq to Sirjan has been completed and is operational; section from Sirjan to Bandar-e 'Abbas still under construction broad gauge: 90 km 1.676-m gauge narrow gauge: 4,760 km 1.432-m gaugeHighways: total: 140,200 km paved: 42,694 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone 46,866 km; improved earth 49,440 km; unimproved earth 1,200 kmInland waterways: 904 km; the Shatt al Arab is usually navigable by maritime traffic for about 130 km; channel has been dredged to 3 meters and is in usePipelines: crude oil 5,900 km; petroleum products 3,900 km; natural gas 4,550 kmPorts: Abadan (largely destroyed in fighting during 1980-88 war), Ahvaz, Bandar Beheshti, Bandar-e 'Abbas, Bandar-e Anzali, Bandar-e Bushehr, Bandar-e Khomeyni, Bandar-e Mah Shahr, Bandar-e Torkeman, Jazireh-ye Khark, Jazireh-ye Lavan, Jazireh-ye Sirri, Khorramshahr (limited operation since November 1992), Now ShahrMerchant marine: total: 132 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,816,820 GRT/6,991,693 DWT ships by type: bulk 48, cargo 38, chemical tanker 5, combination bulk 2, liquefied gas tanker 1, oil tanker 26, refrigerated cargo 3, roll-on/roll-off cargo 8, short-sea passenger 1Airports: total: 261 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 28 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 12 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 32 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 20 with paved runways under 914 m: 46 with unpaved runways over 3,047 m: 2 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 18 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 101 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iran CommunicationsTelephone system: 2,143,000 telephones; 35 telephones/1,000 persons local: NA intercity: microwave radio relay extends throughout country; system centered in Tehran international: 3 INTELSAT (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) earth stations; HF radio and microwave radio relay to Turkey, Pakistan, Syria, Kuwait, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; submarine fiber optic cable to UAERadio: broadcast stations: AM 77, FM 3, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 28 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iran Defense ForcesBranches: Islamic Republic of Iran Ground Forces, Navy, Air and Air Defense Force, Revolutionary Guards (includes Basij militia with its ground, air, and naval forces), Law Enforcement ForcesManpower availability: males age 15-49 14,639,290; males fit for military service 8,703,732; males reach military age (21) annually 615,096 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: according to official Iranian data, Iran spent 1,785 billion rials, including $808 million in hard currency, in 1992 and budgeted 2,507 billion rials, including $850 million in hard currency, for 1993 note: conversion of rial expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results</text>
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<text>IRAN - Passport and visa required. The United States does not maintaindiplomatic or consular relations with Iran. Travel by U.S. citizens isnot recommended. For visa information contact Embassy of Pakistan, IranianInterests Section, 2209 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007(202/965-4990).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Iran============================================================Iran - Travel Warning October 4, 1995The Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against travel to Iran, which remains dangerous because of the generally anti-American atmosphere and Iranian government hostility to the U.S. government. U.S. citizens traveling to Iran have been detained without charge, arrested, and harassed by Iranian authorities. Former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as persons who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible execution. In addition, the Iranian government reportedly has the names of all individuals who filed claims against Iran at the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at the Hague pursuant to the 1981 Algiers Accords. There are restrictions on both import and export of goods from Iran to the United States.The U.S. government does not currently have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran, but the Iranian government is reluctant to permit the Swiss to provide protective services for American citizens whom they consider to be Iranian nationals by birth or naturalization. Neither U.S. passports nor visas to the U.S. are issued in Tehran. No. 95-032This replaces the Department of State Travel Warning for Iran, issued August 31, 1993, to include the following information: That former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as those who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible execution; that the Iranian government has names of individuals who filed claims against the government of Iran at the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at the Hague; and that there are trade restrictions.Iran - Consular Information Sheet October 5, 1995Warning: The Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against travel to Iran, which remains dangerous because of the generally anti-American atmosphere and Iranian government hostility to the U.S. government. U.S. citizens traveling to Iran have been detained without charge, arrested, and harassed by Iranian authorities. Former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as persons who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible execution. In addition, the Iranian government reportedly has the names of all individuals who filed claims against Iran at the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at The Hague pursuant to the 1981 Algiers Accords. There are restrictions on both import and export of goods from Iran to the United States. The U.S. government does not currently have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as the Protecting Power for U.S. Interests in Iran, but the Iranian Government is reluctant to permit the Swiss to provide protective services for American citizens whom they consider to be Iranian nationals by birth or naturalizations. Neither U.S. passports nor visas to the U.S. are issued in Tehran. For additional information see paragraphs on "Dual Citizenship" and "Embassy Location."Country Description: Iran is a constitutional Islamic Republic, governed by executive and legislative branches that derive national leadership primarily through the Muslim clergy. Shia Islam is the official religion of Iran, and Islamic law is the basis of the authority of the state. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. Iran is a developing country. The workweek in Iran is Saturday through Thursday; however, many of the government offices and private companies are closed on Thursdays. Friday is a public holiday for all establishments. Offices in Iran are open to the public generally during morning hours only.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. The Iranian Interests Section of the Embassy of Pakistan is located at 2209 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007, telephone (202) 965-4990. U.S. passports are valid for travel to Iran. However, U.S./Iranian dual nationals have often had their U.S. passports confiscated upon arrival and have been denied permission to depart Iran documented as U.S. citizens. To prevent the confiscation of U.S. passports, the Department of State suggests that dual nationals leave their U.S. passports at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas for safekeeping before entering Iran. To facilitate their travel in the event of the confiscation of a U.S. passport, dual nationals may, prior to entering Iran, obtain in their Iranian passports the necessary visas for countries which they will transit on their return to the U.S., and where they may apply for a new U.S. passport. In case of having failed to obtain in advance the necessary visas for their return trip to the U.S., dual nationals can obtain a "Confirmation of Nationality" from the Embassy of Switzerland, U.S. Interests Section, addressed to the relevant embassies in Tehran, only after their U.S. nationality is confirmed to the said office - a procedure that would take some time which may delay their plans and deadlines for their return trip. The "Confirmation of Nationality" issued by the U.S. Interests Section in Tehran is meant to enable the dual nationals to apply for third country visas in Tehran. Dual nationals must enter and leave the United States on U.S. passports.Trade and Investment Restrictions: On May 6, 1995, President Clinton signed Executive Order 12959, 60 Federal Register 24757 (May 9, 1995), which prohibits exporting goods or services to Iran, reexporting certain goods to Iran, new investments in Iran or in property owned or controlled by the government of Iran and brokering or other transactions involving goods or services of Iranian origin or owned or controlled by the government of Iran. These restrictions have been added to those already contained in the Iranian Transactions Regulations, 31 CFR Part 560, which prohibited unauthorized importation of Iranian-origin goods or services into the United States, effective October 19, 1987. The Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of Treasury, provides guidance to the public on the interpretation of the order. For information regarding the issuance of licenses, contact the Licensing Division Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury at 202-622-2500. For information regarding banking and compliance, contact Compliance Programs Division at 202-622-2490.Medical Facilities: Basic medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities of Iran, but may not be available in outlying areas. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tel. (404) 332-4559, has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: Major crime is generally not a problem for travelers in Iran, though foreigners occasionally have been victims of petty street crime. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to local police and the U.S. Interests Section or nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to The Middle East and North Africa." They are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Criminal Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws and legal practices of the countries in which they travel. Fines, public floggings, and long prison terms are common. Former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as persons who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible execution. Penalties in Iran for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict. Iran executes scores of persons each year on drug-related charges.U.S. citizens in Iran who violate Iranian laws, including laws which are unfamiliar to Westerners (such as laws regarding the proper wearing apparel), may face severe penalties.The Iranian government reportedly has obtained the names of all claimants who filed claims against Iran at the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at The Hague pursuant to the 1981 Algiers Accords. In addition, the Iranian government reportedly has compiled a list of the claimants who were awarded compensation in the Iran Claims Program administered by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. The Iranian government is allegedly targeting awardholders who travel to Iran. Upon the claimants' entry into Iran, Iranian authorities are questioning them as to the status of payment of their respective awards with a view to recouping the award money. It is also reported that the Iranian government has threatened to prevent claimants visiting in Iran from departing the country until they make arrangements to pay part or all of their award money to that government.Dual Citizenship: U.S. citizens who were born in Iran, who have become naturalized citizens of Iran, or who were at one time citizens of Iran, and the children of such persons, are considered Iranian nationals by Iranian authorities. Therefore, despite the fact that these individuals possess U.S. citizenship, they usually must enter and exit Iran bearing an Iranian passport. Exit visas are required for departure from Iran. Recently we have been advised that some former Iranian nationals have been issued visas in their U.S. passports.In addition, U.S./Iranian dual nationals are subject to Iranian laws which impose special obligations upon Iranian nationals, such as military service or taxes. Exit permits for departure from Iran for such persons may be denied until such obligations are met. For more specific information on Iranian passport and exit visa requirements, you should contact the Iranian Interests Section of the Embassy of Pakistan. Dual nationals often have their U.S. passports confiscated and may be denied permission to leave Iran, or encounter other problems with Iranian authorities.Measures which can be taken to facilitate travel, in the event a U.S. passport is confiscated, are discussed in the section called "Entry Requirements" of this Information Sheet. Specific questions on dual nationality may be directed to the Office of American Citizens Services, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, phone: (202) 647-7899.Embassy Location: There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in Iran. The U.S. Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran is located at Argentine Square, Bucharest Ave., 17th Street, no. 5, Tehran. The local telephone numbers are (98-21) 87152 23/24 and 871 69 06. The work week is Sunday through Thursday. The U.S. Interests Section does not issue U.S. visas or accept visa applications. The limited consular services provided by the U.S. Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, Iran to U.S. citizens include:(a) registering U.S. citizens;(b) answering inquiries concerning the welfare and whereabouts of U.S. citizens in Iran;(c) rendering assistance in times of distress or physical danger;(d) providing U.S. citizens with passport applications and other citizenship forms for approval at the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland;(e) performing notarial services on the basis of accommodation; and(f) taking provisional custody of the personal effects of deceased U.S. citizens. No. 95-123This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 31, 1993 to update the Travel Warning, the section on entry Requirements, and the section on Drug Penalties (now called Criminal Penalties), and to delete the section on Areas of Instability.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories------------------------------------------------------------------------------STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Iran============================================================Iran - Travel Warning October 4, 1995The Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against travel to Iran, which remains dangerous because of the generally anti-American atmosphere and Iranian government hostility to the U.S. government. U.S. citizens traveling to Iran have been detained without charge, arrested, and harassed by Iranian authorities. Former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as persons who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible execution. In addition, the Iranian government reportedly has the names of all individuals who filed claims against Iran at the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at the Hague pursuant to the 1981 Algiers Accords. There are restrictions on both import and export of goods from Iran to the United States.The U.S. government does not currently have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as the protecting power for U.S. interests in Iran, but the Iranian government is reluctant to permit the Swiss to provide protective services for American citizens whom they consider to be Iranian nationals by birth or naturalization. Neither U.S. passports nor visas to the U.S. are issued in Tehran. No. 95-032This replaces the Department of State Travel Warning for Iran, issued August 31, 1993, to include the following information: That former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as those who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible execution; that the Iranian government has names of individuals who filed claims against the government of Iran at the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at the Hague; and that there are trade restrictions.Iran - Consular Information Sheet October 5, 1995Warning: The Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against travel to Iran, which remains dangerous because of the generally anti-American atmosphere and Iranian government hostility to the U.S. government. U.S. citizens traveling to Iran have been detained without charge, arrested, and harassed by Iranian authorities. Former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as persons who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible execution. In addition, the Iranian government reportedly has the names of all individuals who filed claims against Iran at the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at The Hague pursuant to the 1981 Algiers Accords. There are restrictions on both import and export of goods from Iran to the United States. The U.S. government does not currently have diplomatic or consular relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Swiss government, acting through its Embassy in Tehran, serves as the Protecting Power for U.S. Interests in Iran, but the Iranian Government is reluctant to permit the Swiss to provide protective services for American citizens whom they consider to be Iranian nationals by birth or naturalizations. Neither U.S. passports nor visas to the U.S. are issued in Tehran. For additional information see paragraphs on "Dual Citizenship" and "Embassy Location."Country Description: Iran is a constitutional Islamic Republic, governed by executive and legislative branches that derive national leadership primarily through the Muslim clergy. Shia Islam is the official religion of Iran, and Islamic law is the basis of the authority of the state. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. Iran is a developing country. The workweek in Iran is Saturday through Thursday; however, many of the government offices and private companies are closed on Thursdays. Friday is a public holiday for all establishments. Offices in Iran are open to the public generally during morning hours only.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. The Iranian Interests Section of the Embassy of Pakistan is located at 2209 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007, telephone (202) 965-4990. U.S. passports are valid for travel to Iran. However, U.S./Iranian dual nationals have often had their U.S. passports confiscated upon arrival and have been denied permission to depart Iran documented as U.S. citizens. To prevent the confiscation of U.S. passports, the Department of State suggests that dual nationals leave their U.S. passports at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas for safekeeping before entering Iran. To facilitate their travel in the event of the confiscation of a U.S. passport, dual nationals may, prior to entering Iran, obtain in their Iranian passports the necessary visas for countries which they will transit on their return to the U.S., and where they may apply for a new U.S. passport. In case of having failed to obtain in advance the necessary visas for their return trip to the U.S., dual nationals can obtain a "Confirmation of Nationality" from the Embassy of Switzerland, U.S. Interests Section, addressed to the relevant embassies in Tehran, only after their U.S. nationality is confirmed to the said office - a procedure that would take some time which may delay their plans and deadlines for their return trip. The "Confirmation of Nationality" issued by the U.S. Interests Section in Tehran is meant to enable the dual nationals to apply for third country visas in Tehran. Dual nationals must enter and leave the United States on U.S. passports.Trade and Investment Restrictions: On May 6, 1995, President Clinton signed Executive Order 12959, 60 Federal Register 24757 (May 9, 1995), which prohibits exporting goods or services to Iran, reexporting certain goods to Iran, new investments in Iran or in property owned or controlled by the government of Iran and brokering or other transactions involving goods or services of Iranian origin or owned or controlled by the government of Iran. These restrictions have been added to those already contained in the Iranian Transactions Regulations, 31 CFR Part 560, which prohibited unauthorized importation of Iranian-origin goods or services into the United States, effective October 19, 1987. The Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of Treasury, provides guidance to the public on the interpretation of the order. For information regarding the issuance of licenses, contact the Licensing Division Office of Foreign Assets Control, Department of the Treasury at 202-622-2500. For information regarding banking and compliance, contact Compliance Programs Division at 202-622-2490.Medical Facilities: Basic medical care and medicines are available in the principal cities of Iran, but may not be available in outlying areas. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tel. (404) 332-4559, has additional useful health information.Information on Crime: Major crime is generally not a problem for travelers in Iran, though foreigners occasionally have been victims of petty street crime. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to local police and the U.S. Interests Section or nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security, and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to The Middle East and North Africa." They are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Criminal Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws and legal practices of the countries in which they travel. Fines, public floggings, and long prison terms are common. Former Muslims who have converted to other religions, as well as persons who encourage Muslims to convert, are subject to arrest and possible execution. Penalties in Iran for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict. Iran executes scores of persons each year on drug-related charges.U.S. citizens in Iran who violate Iranian laws, including laws which are unfamiliar to Westerners (such as laws regarding the proper wearing apparel), may face severe penalties.The Iranian government reportedly has obtained the names of all claimants who filed claims against Iran at the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at The Hague pursuant to the 1981 Algiers Accords. In addition, the Iranian government reportedly has compiled a list of the claimants who were awarded compensation in the Iran Claims Program administered by the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission. The Iranian government is allegedly targeting awardholders who travel to Iran. Upon the claimants' entry into Iran, Iranian authorities are questioning them as to the status of payment of their respective awards with a view to recouping the award money. It is also reported that the Iranian government has threatened to prevent claimants visiting in Iran from departing the country until they make arrangements to pay part or all of their award money to that government.Dual Citizenship: U.S. citizens who were born in Iran, who have become naturalized citizens of Iran, or who were at one time citizens of Iran, and the children of such persons, are considered Iranian nationals by Iranian authorities. Therefore, despite the fact that these individuals possess U.S. citizenship, they usually must enter and exit Iran bearing an Iranian passport. Exit visas are required for departure from Iran. Recently we have been advised that some former Iranian nationals have been issued visas in their U.S. passports.In addition, U.S./Iranian dual nationals are subject to Iranian laws which impose special obligations upon Iranian nationals, such as military service or taxes. Exit permits for departure from Iran for such persons may be denied until such obligations are met. For more specific information on Iranian passport and exit visa requirements, you should contact the Iranian Interests Section of the Embassy of Pakistan. Dual nationals often have their U.S. passports confiscated and may be denied permission to leave Iran, or encounter other problems with Iranian authorities.Measures which can be taken to facilitate travel, in the event a U.S. passport is confiscated, are discussed in the section called "Entry Requirements" of this Information Sheet. Specific questions on dual nationality may be directed to the Office of American Citizens Services, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520, phone: (202) 647-7899.Embassy Location: There is no U.S. embassy or consulate in Iran. The U.S. Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran is located at Argentine Square, Bucharest Ave., 17th Street, no. 5, Tehran. The local telephone numbers are (98-21) 87152 23/24 and 871 69 06. The work week is Sunday through Thursday. The U.S. Interests Section does not issue U.S. visas or accept visa applications. The limited consular services provided by the U.S. Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, Iran to U.S. citizens include:(a) registering U.S. citizens;(b) answering inquiries concerning the welfare and whereabouts of U.S. citizens in Iran;(c) rendering assistance in times of distress or physical danger;(d) providing U.S. citizens with passport applications and other citizenship forms for approval at the U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland;(e) performing notarial services on the basis of accommodation; and(f) taking provisional custody of the personal effects of deceased U.S. citizens. No. 95-123This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 31, 1993 to update the Travel Warning, the section on entry Requirements, and the section on Drug Penalties (now called Criminal Penalties), and to delete the section on Areas of Instability.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Indonesia GeographyLocation: Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific OceanMap references: Southeast AsiaArea: total area: 1,919,440 sq km land area: 1,826,440 sq km comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of TexasLand boundaries: total 2,602 km, Malaysia 1,782 km, Papua New Guinea 820 kmCoastline: 54,716 kmMaritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: sovereignty over Timor Timur (East Timor Province) disputed with Portugal and not recognized by the UN; two islands in dispute with MalaysiaClimate: tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlandsTerrain: mostly coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior mountainsNatural resources: petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, copper, fertile soils, coal, gold, silverLand use: arable land: 8% permanent crops: 3% meadows and pastures: 7% forest and woodland: 67% other: 15%Irrigated land: 75,500 sq km (1989 est.)Environment: current issues: deforestation; water pollution from industrial wastes, sewage; air pollution in urban areas natural hazards: occasional floods, severe droughts, and tsunamis international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Marine Life Conservation, Tropical Timber 94 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Indonesia GeographyNote: archipelago of 13,500 islands (6,000 inhabited); straddles Equator; strategic location astride or along major sea lanes from Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean THE WORLD FACTBOOK Indonesia PeoplePopulation: 203,583,886 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 32% (female 32,548,039; male 33,485,810) 15-64 years: 64% (female 65,394,816; male 64,914,362) 65 years and over: 4% (female 4,027,367; male 3,213,492) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.56% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 24.06 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 8.48 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 65 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 61.22 years male: 59.13 years female: 63.42 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.74 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Indonesian(s) adjective: IndonesianEthnic divisions: Javanese 45%, Sundanese 14%, Madurese 7.5%, coastal Malays 7.5%, other 26%Religions: Muslim 87%, Protestant 6%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 2%, Buddhist 1%, other 1% (1985)Languages: Bahasa Indonesia (modified form of Malay; official), English, Dutch, local dialects the most widely spoken of which is JavaneseLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 82% male: 88% female: 75%Labor force: 67 million by occupation: agriculture 55%, manufacturing 10%, construction 4%, transport and communications 3% (1985 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Indonesia GovernmentNames: 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 IndiesDigraph: IDType: republicCapital: JakartaAdministrative divisions: 24 provinces (propinsi-propinsi, singular - propinsi), 2 special regions* (daerah-daerah istimewa, singular - daerah istimewa), and 1 special capital city district** (daerah khusus ibukota); Aceh*, Bali, Bengkulu, Irian Jaya, Jakarta Raya**, Jambi, Jawa Barat, Jawa Tengah, Jawa Timur, Kalimantan Barat, Kalimantan Selatan, Kalimantan Tengah, Kalimantan Timur, Lampung, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Riau, Sulawesi Selatan, Sulawesi Tengah, Sulawesi Tenggara, Sulawesi Utara, Sumatera Barat, Sumatera Selatan, Sumatera Utara, Timor Timur, Yogyakarta*Independence: 17 August 1945 (proclaimed independence; on 27 December 1949, Indonesia became legally independent from the Netherlands)National holiday: Independence Day, 17 August (1945)Constitution: August 1945, abrogated by Federal Constitution of 1949 and Provisional Constitution of 1950, restored 5 July 1959Legal system: based on Roman-Dutch law, substantially modified by indigenous concepts and by new criminal procedures code; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 17 years of age; universal and married persons regardless of ageExecutive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Gen. (Ret.) SOEHARTO (since 27 March 1968); Vice President Gen. (Ret.) Try SUTRISNO (since 11 March 1993) cabinet: CabinetLegislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat or DPR): elections last held on 8 June 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results - GOLKAR 68%, PPP 17%, PDI 15%; seats - (500 total, 400 elected, 100 military representatives appointed) GOLKAR 282, PPP 62, PDI 56 note: the People's Consultative Assembly (Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat or MPR) includes the DPR plus 500 indirectly elected members who meet every five years to elect the president and vice president and, theoretically, to determine national policyJudicial branch: Supreme Court (Mahkamah Agung) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Indonesia GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: GOLKAR (quasi-official party based on functional groups), Lt. Gen. (Ret.) HARMOKO, general chairman; Indonesia Democracy Party (PDI - federation of former Nationalist and Christian Parties), Megawati SUKARNOPUTRI, chairman; Development Unity Party (PPP, federation of former Islamic parties), Ismail Hasan METAREUM, chairmanMember of: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIH, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Arifin Mohamad SIREGAR chancery: 2020 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 775-5200 FAX: [1] (202) 775-5365 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Robert L. BARRY embassy: Medan Merdeka Selatan 5, Box 1, Jakarta mailing address: APO AP 96520 telephone: [62] (21) 360360 FAX: [62] (21) 3862259 consulate(s) general: Medan, SurabayaFlag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; similar to the flag of Monaco, which is shorter; also similar to the flag of Poland, which is white (top) and red THE WORLD FACTBOOK Indonesia EconomyOverview: Indonesia is a mixed economy with some socialist institutions and central planning but with a recent emphasis on deregulation and private enterprise. Indonesia has extensive natural wealth, yet, with a large and rapidly increasing population, it remains a rather poor country. Real GDP growth in 1985-94 averaged about 6%, quite impressive, but not sufficient to both slash underemployment and absorb the 2.3 million workers annually entering the labor force. Agriculture, including forestry and fishing, is an important sector, accounting for 21% of GDP and over 50% of the labor force. The staple crop is rice. Once the world's largest rice importer, Indonesia is now nearly self-sufficient. Plantation crops - rubber and palm oil - and textiles and plywood are being encouraged for both export and job generation. Industrial output now accounts for almost 40% of GDP and is based on a supply of diverse natural resources, including crude oil, natural gas, timber, metals, and coal. Foreign investment has also boosted manufacturing output and exports in recent years. Indeed, the economy's growth is highly dependent on the continuing expansion of nonoil exports. Japan remains Indonesia's most important customer and supplier of aid. Rapid growth in the money supply in 1989-90 prompted Jakarta to implement a tight monetary policy in 1991, forcing the private sector to go to foreign banks for investment financing. Real interest rates remained above 10% and off-shore commercial debt grew. The growth in off-shore debt prompted Jakarta to limit foreign borrowing beginning in late 1991. Despite the continued problems in moving toward a more open financial system and the persistence of a fairly tight credit situation, GDP growth in 1992-94 has matched the government target of 6%-7% annual growth.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $619.4 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 6.7% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $3,090 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9.3% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 3% official rate; underemployment 40% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $32.8 billion expenditures: $32.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $12.9 billion (FY94/95)Exports: $41.3 billion (f.o.b, 1994 est.) commodities: manufactures 56.7%, fuels 24.8%, foodstuffs 11.1%, raw materials 7.4% (1994 est.) partners: Japan 30%, US 14%, Singapore 9%, South Korea 6%, Taiwan 4% (1993)Imports: $31.4 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: capital equipment 44.2%, intermed and raw materials 37.0%, consumer goods 11.5%, fuels 7.2% (1994 est.) partners: Japan 22%, US 11%, South Korea 7%, Germany 7%, Singapore 6%, Australia 5%, Taiwan 5% (1993)External debt: $87 billion (1994) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Indonesia EconomyIndustrial production: growth rate 8.4% (1993 est.); accounts for 40% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 12,100,000 kW production: 44 billion kWh consumption per capita: 207 kWh (1993)Industries: petroleum and natural gas, textiles, mining, cement, chemical fertilizers, plywood, food, rubberAgriculture: accounts for 21% of GDP; subsistence food production; small-holder and plantation production for export; main products are rice, cassava, peanuts, rubber, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, copra, other tropical products, poultry, beef, pork, eggsIllicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade, but not a major player; government actively eradicating plantings and prosecuting traffickers; growing role as transshipment point for Golden Triangle heroin; increasing indigenous methamphetamine abuseEconomic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $4.4 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $25.9 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $213 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $175 millionCurrency: 1 Indonesian rupiah (Rp) = 100 sen (sen no longer used)Exchange rates: Indonesian rupiahs (Rp) per US$1 - 2,203.6 (January 1995), 2,160.7 (1994), 2,087.1 (1993), 2,029.9 (1992), 1,950.3 (1991), 1,842.8 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK Indonesia TransportationRailroads: total: 6,964 km narrow gauge: 6,389 km 1.067-m gauge (101 km electrified; 101 km double track); 497 km 0.750-m gauge; 78 km 0.600-m gaugeHighways: total: 119,500 km paved: NA unpaved: NA undifferentiated: provincial 34,180 km; district 73,508 km; state 11,812 kmInland waterways: 21,579 km total; Sumatra 5,471 km, Java and Madura 820 km, Kalimantan 10,460 km, Celebes 241 km, Irian Jaya 4,587 kmPipelines: crude oil 2,505 km; petroleum products 456 km; natural gas 1,703 km (1989)Ports: Cilacap, Cirebon, Jakarta, Kupang, Palembang, Semarang, Surabaya, UjungpandangMerchant marine: total: 438 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,942,527 GRT/2,818,296 DWT ships by type: bulk 26, cargo 259, chemical tanker 7, container 11, liquefied gas tanker 6, livestock carrier 1, oil tanker 85, passenger 6, passenger-cargo 12, roll-on/roll-off cargo 7, short-sea passenger 7, specialized tanker 7, vehicle carrier 4Airports: total: 450 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 3 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 10 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 35 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 42 with paved runways under 914 m: 324 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 4 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 32 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Indonesia CommunicationsTelephone system: 763,000 telephones (1986); domestic service fair, international service good local: NA intercity: interisland microwave system and HF police net; 1 earth station for a domestic satellite international: 2 INTELSAT (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) earth stationsRadio: broadcast stations: AM 618, FM 38, shortwave 0 radios: NA note: radiobroadcast coverage goodTelevision: broadcast stations: 9 televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Indonesia Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National PoliceManpower availability: males age 15-49 55,883,688; males fit for military service 32,952,204; males reach military age (18) annually 2,247,586 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.4 billion, 1.5% of GNP (FY94/95)</text>
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<text>INDONESIA - Valid passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa notrequired for tourist stay up to 2 months (non-extendable). For longerstays and additional information consult Embassy of the Republic ofIndonesia, 2020 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/775-5200)or nearest Consulate: CA (213/383-5126 or 415/474-9571), IL(312/938-0101), NY (212/879-0600) or TX (713/626-3291).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Indonesia============================================================Indonesia - Consular Information Sheet May 8, 1995Country Description: Indonesia is an independent republic consisting of more than 13,500 islands spread over 3000 miles. Its economy is developing and tourist services are plentiful in the major tourist sites.Entry Requirements: Passports valid for a minimum of six months at the time of admission and onward return tickets are required. Visas are not required for tourist/business stays of up to two months (nonextendable). Special permits are required for some areas of Indonesia. For longer stays and more current information, the traveler may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, 2020 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202) 775-5200.Areas of Instability: Periodically, limited civil unrest resulting in violence has occurred in the province of Aceh, located in the far northern tip of Sumatra and in the Province of East Timor, located 300 miles north of Australia. In the Province of Irian Jaya, certain regions require special permits to visit. Permits can be obtained from police authorities in Indonesia.Medical Facilities: The general level of sanitation and health is below U.S. expectations. Adequate routine medical care is available in all major cities. Emergency services are generally inadequate outside of major cities. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful. The international travelers hotline at the Centers for Disease Control can be reached at (404) 332-4559 for additional useful health information.Information on Crime: The crime rate in Jakarta is moderate. Minor crimes such as pickpocketing and thefts occur in popular tourist sites throughout the country. Incidents of car-jackings and robbery have been reported. Lost or stolen passports should be reported to the local police and the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. consulate. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices of the country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. consulate may obtain updated information on travel and security within the country.Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located in Jakarta at Medan Merdeka Selatan 5; telephone (62-21) 360-360. U.S. consulates general are in Medan at Jalan Immam Bonjol 13; telephone (62-61) 322200 and in Surabaya at Jalan Raya Dr. Sutomo 33; telephone (62-31)582-287/8. There is a Consular Agent in Bali at Jalan Segara Ayu No. 5, Sanur Bali, telephone 62-0361-288478. No. 95-062This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated November 25, 1994, to report incidents of car-jackings and robbery.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Indian Ocean GeographyLocation: body of water between Africa, Antarctica, Asia, and AustraliaMap references: WorldArea: total area: 73.6 million sq km comparative area: slightly less than eight times the size of the US; third-largest ocean (after the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean, but larger than the Arctic Ocean) note: includes Arabian Sea, Bass Straight, Bay of Bengal, Great Australian Bight, Gulf of Oman, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Strait of Malacca, and other tributary water bodiesCoastline: 66,526 kmInternational disputes: some maritime disputes (see littoral states)Climate: northeast monsoon (December to April), southwest monsoon (June to October); tropical cyclones occur during May/June and October/November in the northern Indian Ocean and January/February in the southern Indian OceanTerrain: surface dominated by counterclockwise gyre (broad, circular system of currents) in the southern Indian Ocean; unique reversal of surface currents in the northern Indian Ocean, low atmospheric pressure over southwest Asia from hot, rising, summer air results in the southwest monsoon and southwest-to-northeast winds and currents, while high pressure over northern Asia from cold, falling, winter air results in the northeast monsoon and northeast-to-southwest winds and currents; ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Indian Ocean Ridge and subdivided by the Southeast Indian Ocean Ridge, Southwest Indian Ocean Ridge, and Ninety East Ridge; maximum depth is 7,258 meters in the Java TrenchNatural resources: oil and gas fields, fish, shrimp, sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodulesEnvironment: current issues: endangered marine species include the dugong, seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Red Sea natural hazards: ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme south near Antarctica from May to October international agreements: NANote: major chokepoints include Bab el Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz, Strait of Malacca, southern access to the Suez Canal, and the Lombok Strait THE WORLD FACTBOOK Indian Ocean GovernmentDigraph: XO THE WORLD FACTBOOK Indian Ocean EconomyOverview: The Indian Ocean provides major sea routes connecting the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia with Europe and the Americas. It carries a particularly heavy traffic of petroleum and petroleum products from the oilfields of the Persian Gulf and Indonesia. Its fish are of great and growing importance to the bordering countries for domestic consumption and export. Fishing fleets from Russia, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan also exploit the Indian Ocean, mainly for shrimp and tuna. Large reserves of hydrocarbons are being tapped in the offshore areas of Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, and western Australia. An estimated 40% of the world's offshore oil production comes from the Indian Ocean. Beach sands rich in heavy minerals and offshore placer deposits are actively exploited by bordering countries, particularly India, South Africa, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.Industries: based on exploitation of natural resources, particularly fish, minerals, oil and gas, fishing, sand and gravel THE WORLD FACTBOOK Indian Ocean TransportationPorts: Bombay (India), Calcutta (India), Colombo (Sri Lanka), Durban (South Africa), Jakarta (Indonesia), Madras (India), Melbourne (Australia), Richard's Bay (South Africa) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Indian Ocean CommunicationsTelephone system: international: submarine cables from India to United Arab Emirates and Malaysia, and from Sri Lanka to Djibouti and Indonesia</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK India GeographyLocation: Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Bangladesh and PakistanMap references: AsiaArea: total area: 3,287,590 km2 land area: 2,973,190 km2 comparative area: slightly more than one-third the size of the USLand boundaries: total 14,103 km, Bangladesh 4,053 km, Bhutan 605 km, Burma 1,463 km, China 3,380 km, Nepal 1,690 km, Pakistan 2,912 kmCoastline: 7,000 kmMaritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: boundaries with Bangladesh and China; status of Kashmir with Pakistan; water-sharing problems with downstream riparians, Bangladesh over the Ganges and Pakistan over the IndusClimate: varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in northTerrain: upland plain (Deccan Plateau) in south, flat to rolling plain along the Ganges, deserts in west, Himalayas in northNatural resources: coal (fourth-largest reserves in the world), iron ore, manganese, mica, bauxite, titanium ore, chromite, natural gas, diamonds, petroleum, limestoneLand use: arable land: 55% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 23% other: 17%Irrigated land: 430,390 sq km (1989)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 rapidly growing population is overstraining natural resources THE WORLD FACTBOOK India Geography natural hazards: droughts, flash floods, severe thunderstorms common; earthquakes international agreements: party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Desertification, Law of the SeaNote: dominates South Asian subcontinent; near important Indian Ocean trade routes THE WORLD FACTBOOK India PeoplePopulation: 936,545,814 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 35% (female 159,921,309; male 168,812,255) 15-64 years: 61% (female 274,105,407; male 296,145,798) 65 years and over: 4% (female 18,870,762; male 18,690,283) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 1.77% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 27.78 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 10.07 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 76.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 59.04 years male: 58.5 years female: 59.61 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 3.4 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Indian(s) adjective: IndianEthnic divisions: Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid and other 3%Religions: Hindu 80%, Muslim 14%, Christian 2.4%, Sikh 2%, Buddhist 0.7%, Jains 0.5%, other 0.4%Languages: English enjoys associate status but is the most important language for national, political, and commercial communication, Hindi the national language and primary tongue of 30% of the people, Bengali (official), Telugu (official), Marathi (official), Tamil (official), Urdu (official), Gujarati (official), Malayalam (official), Kannada (official), Oriya (official), Punjabi (official), Assamese (official), Kashmiri (official), Sindhi (official), Sanskrit (official), Hindustani a popular variant of Hindu/Urdu, is spoken widely throughout northern India note: 24 languages each spoken by a million or more persons; numerous other languages and dialects, for the most part mutually unintelligibleLiteracy: age 7 and over can read and write (1991) total population: 52% male: 64% female: 39% THE WORLD FACTBOOK India PeopleLabor force: 314.751 million (1990) by occupation: agriculture 65% (1993 est.) THE WORLD FACTBOOK India GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of India conventional short form: IndiaDigraph: INType: federal republicCapital: New DelhiAdministrative divisions: 25 states and 7 union territories*; Andaman and Nicobar Islands*, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh*, Dadra and Nagar Haveli*, Daman and Diu*, Delhi*, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep*, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Pondicherry*, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West BengalIndependence: 15 August 1947 (from UK)National holiday: Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic, 26 January (1950)Constitution: 26 January 1950Legal system: based on English common law; limited judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservationsSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Shankar Dayal SHARMA (since 25 July 1992); Vice President Kicheril Raman NARAYANAN (since 21 August 1992) head of government: Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha RAO (since 21 June 1991) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president on recommendation of the prime ministerLegislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Sansad) Council of States (Rajya Sabha): body consisting of not more than 250 members, up to 12 appointed by the president, the remainder chosen by the elected members of the state and territorial assemblies People's Assembly (Lok Sabha): elections last held 21 May, 12 and 15 June 1991 (next to be held by 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (545 total, 543 elected, 2 appointed) Congress (I) Party 245, BJP 119, Janata Dal Party 39, Janata Dal (Ajit Singh) 20, CPI/M 35, CPI 14, Telugu Desam 13, AIADMK 11, Samajwadi Janata Party 5, Shiv Sena 4, RSP 4, BSP 1, Congress (S) Party 1, other 23, vacant 9; note - the distribution of seats as of 18 January 1995 is as follows: Congress (I) Party 260, BJP 117, CPI/M 36, Janata Dal Party 24, Samta Party 14, CPI 14, AIADMK 12, Janata Dal (Ajit) 7, Telugu Desam 7, RSP 4, Janata Dal (Ex-Ajit) 3, Samajwadi Party 3, BSP 3, AIFB 3, Shiv Sena 2, Congress (S) Party 1, Kerala Congress (Mani faction) 1, Bihar Peoples Party 1, India National League 1, other 14, vacant 16Judicial branch: Supreme Court THE WORLD FACTBOOK India GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Congress (I) Party, P. V. Narasimha RAO, president; Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), L.K. ADVANI; Janata Dal Party, S.R. BOMMAI; Janata Dal (Ajit), Ajit SINGH; Janata Dal (Ex-Ajit), leader NA; Communist Party of India/Marxist (CPI/M), Harkishan Singh SURJEET; Communist Party of India (CPI), Indrajit GUPTA; Telugu Desam (a regional party in Andhra Pradesh), N. T. Rama RAO; All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (AIADMK; a regional party in Tamil Nadu), Jayaram JAYALALITHA; Samajwadi Party (SP), Mulayam Singh YADAV (President), Om Prakash CHAUTALA, Devi LAL; Shiv Sena, Bal THACKERAY; Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), Tridip CHOWDHURY; Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Kanshi RAM; Congress (S) Party, leader NA; Communist Party of India/Marxist-Leninist (CPI/ML), Vinod MISHRA; Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (a regional party in Tamil Nadu), M. KARUNANIDHI; Akali Dal factions representing Sikh religious community in the Punjab; National Conference (NC; a regional party in Jammu and Kashmir), Farooq ABDULLAH; Bihar Peoples Party, Lovely ANAND; Samta Party (formerly Janata Dal members), Natish KUMAR; Indian National League, Suliaman SAIT; Kerala Congress (Mani faction), K.M. MANI; All India Forward Bloc (AIFB), Prem Dutta PALIWAL (Chairman), Chitta BASU (General Secretary)Other political or pressure groups: various separatist groups seeking greater communal and/or regional autonomy; numerous religious or militant/chauvinistic organizations, including Adam Sena, Ananda Marg, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and Rashtriya Swayamsevak SanghMember of: AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G- 6, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), PCA, SAARC, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNOMIL, UNOMOZ, UNOSOM, UNU, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Siddhartha Shankar RAY chancery: 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 939-7000 consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York, and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Frank G. WISNER embassy: Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri 110021, New Delhi mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [91] (11) 600651 FAX: [91] (11) 6872028 consulate(s) general: Bombay, Calcutta, MadrasFlag: three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green with a blue chakra (24-spoked wheel) centered in the white band; similar to the flag of Niger, which has a small orange disk centered in the white band THE WORLD FACTBOOK India EconomyOverview: India's economy is a mixture of traditional village farming, modern agriculture, handicrafts, a wide range of modern industries, and a multitude of support services. Faster economic growth in the 1980s permitted a significant increase in real per capita private consumption. A large share of the population, perhaps as much as 40%, remains too poor to afford an adequate diet. Financial strains in 1990 and 1991 prompted government austerity measures that slowed industrial growth but permitted India to meet its international payment obligations without rescheduling its debt. Production, trade, and investment reforms since 1991 have provided new opportunities for Indian businessmen and an estimated 100 million to 200 million middle class consumers. New Delhi has always paid its foreign debts on schedule and has stimulated exports, attracted foreign investment, and revived confidence in India's economic prospects. Foreign exchange reserves, precariously low three years ago, now total more than $19 billion. Positive factors for the remainder of the 1990s are India's strong entrepreneurial class and the central government's recognition of the continuing need for market-oriented approaches to economic development, for example in upgrading the wholly inadequate communications facilities. Negative factors include the desperate poverty of hundreds of millions of Indians and the impact of the huge and expanding population on an already overloaded environment.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $1.2539 trillion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 5% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $1,360 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: NA%Budget: revenues: $30.85 billion expenditures: $48.35 billion, including capital expenditures of $10.5 billion (FY93/94)Exports: $24.4 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: clothing, gems and jewelry, engineering goods, chemicals, leather manufactures, cotton yarn, and fabric partners: US, Japan, Germany, UK, Hong KongImports: $25.5 billion (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: crude oil and petroleum products, machinery, gems, fertilizer, chemicals partners: US, Germany, Saudi Arabia, UK, Belgium, JapanExternal debt: $89.2 billion (November 1994)Industrial production: growth rate 7% (1994 est.); accounts for 28% of GDPElectricity: capacity: 81,200,000 kW production: 314 billion kWh THE WORLD FACTBOOK India Economy consumption per capita: 324 kWh (1993)Industries: textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machineryAgriculture: accounts for 34% of GDP; principal crops - rice, wheat, oilseeds, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, potatoes; livestock - cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, poultry; fish catch of about 3 million metric tons ranks India among the world's top 10 fishing nationsIllicit drugs: licit producer of opium poppy for the pharmaceutical trade, but an undetermined quantity of opium is diverted to illicit international drug markets; major transit country for illicit narcotics produced in neighboring countries; illicit producer of hashish and methaqualone; produced 82 metric tons of illicit opium in 1994Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $4.4 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $31.7 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $315 million; USSR (1970-89), $11.6 billion; Eastern Europe (1970-89), $105 millionCurrency: 1 Indian rupee (Re) = 100 paiseExchange rates: Indian rupees (Rs) per US$1 - 31.374 (January 1995), 31.374 (1994), 30.493 (1993), 25.918 (1992), 22.742 (1991), 17.504 (1990)Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March THE WORLD FACTBOOK India TransportationRailroads: total: 62,211 km (6,500 km electrified; 12,617 km double track) broad gauge: 34,544 km 1.676-m gauge narrow gauge: 23,599 km 1.000-m gauge; 4,068 km 0.762-m and 0.610-m gauge (1994 est.)Highways: total: 1.97 million km paved: 960,000 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, earth 1.01 million km (1989)Inland waterways: 16,180 km; 3,631 km navigable by large vesselsPipelines: crude oil 3,497 km; petroleum products 1,703 km; natural gas 902 km (1989)Ports: Bombay, Calcutta, Cochin, Haldia, Kandla, Madras, Mormugao, New Mangalore, Pondicherry, Port Blair (Andaman Islands), Tuticorin, VishakhapatnamMerchant marine: total: 299 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,288,902 GRT/10,454,178 DWT ships by type: bulk 114, cargo 78, chemical tanker 9, combination bulk 2, combination ore/oil 5, container 10, liquefied gas tanker 6, oil tanker 68, passenger-cargo 5, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1, short-sea passenger 1Airports: total: 352 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 11 with paved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 48 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 85 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 72 with paved runways under 914 m: 81 with unpaved runways 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,438 m: 7 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 46 THE WORLD FACTBOOK India CommunicationsTelephone system: NA telephones; 5 telephones/1,000 persons; domestic telephone system is poor; long-distance telephoning has been improved by a domestic satellite system which also carries TV local: NA intercity: NA international: 3 INTELSAT (Indian Ocean) earth stations and submarine cables to Malaysia and the United Arab EmiratesRadio: broadcast stations: AM 96, FM 4, shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 274 (government controlled) televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK India Defense ForcesBranches: Army, Navy, Air Force, various security or paramilitary forces (includes Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, and Coast Guard)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 253,134,487; males fit for military service 148,814,104; males reach military age (17) annually 9,461,907 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $7.8 billion, 2.8% of GDP (FY94/95)</text>
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<text>INDIA - Passport and visa required. Obtain visa in advance. Touristvisa valid for stay up to 1 month, requires $5 fee, up to 6 months $25 feeand up to 12 months $50 fee, 1 application form, 2 photos, onward/returnticket and proof of sufficient funds. Visa must be obtained before arrival.Business visa requires $50 fee, 2 application forms, 2 photos andcompany letter stating purpose of trip and itinerary. Include prepaid envelopefor return of passport by certified mail. Allow 2 weeks for processing.Yellow fever immunization needed if arriving from infected area. AIDStest required for all students and anyone over 18 staying more than 1 year;U.S. test sometimes accepted. Check requirements with Embassy of India,2536 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-9839/9850) or nearestConsulate General: Chicago (312/781-6280), New York (212/879-7800) orSan Francisco (415/668-0683).India - Consular Information SheetOctober 13, 1994Country Description: India is a developing democratic republic. Touristfacilities varying in degree of comfort and amenities are widely availablein the major population centers and main tourist areas.Entry Requirements: A passport and visa (which must be obtained in advance)are required for entry into India for tourism or business. Evidence ofyellow fever immunization is needed if the traveler is arriving from aninfected area. For further entry information, the traveler can contact theEmbassy of India at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008,telephone (202) 939-9839 or 939-9850 or the Indian Consulates in Chicago,New York, San Francisco, Honolulu, and New Orleans.Terrorism: There have been no major terrorist events in India since Marchof 1993 when bombings at public buildings, hotels and transportation centersin Bombay caused several hundred deaths and many injuries. Foreigners werenot targeted in those attacks, and none were reported injured. While thethreat of acts of terrorism remains, there have been no comparable bombingsin more than one year.Areas of Instability:Countrywide - The potential exists for outbreaks of communal and inter-casteviolence in most major cities. Major civil disturbances can pose risks to atraveler's personal safety and can disrupt transportation systems and cityservices. In response to communal violence, Indian authorities mayoccasionally impose curfews. In addition, political rallies anddemonstrations in India have the potential for violence. Foreigners havenot been the targets of either communal or political violence in India, andare principally at risk only of becoming inadvertent victims. U.S. citizensmay contact the American Embassy or the nearest American Consulate Generalfor further information about the current situation in areas where they wishto travel.Kashmir - In July 1994 an American tourist was fatally shot in Srinagar, andin June 1994 militants held two British hikers hostage for eighteen daysbefore releasing them. These recent events demonstrate that the KashmirValley in the State of Jammu and Kashmir remains a dangerous place whereterrorist activities and violent civil disturbances continue.Uttar Pradesh - In September and October 1994 there were numerous incidentsof violent encounters between police and activists for a separate state forthe hill districts of Uttar Pradesh. Dozens were killed and many moreinjured in the incidents of mob action which resulted in imposition ofcurfew and disruption of public transportation in many towns includingDehradun, Rishikesh, Nainital and other popular tourist destinations.Northeast States - Civil unrest pervades the Northeast States. Terroristgroups in Assam have bombed trains, buses and bridges. The government ofIndia has declared Assam to be a "disturbed area." Numerous politicalkillings have occurred in Nagaland and Manipur.India/Pakistan Border - Tensions run high between India and Pakistan,particularly over Kashmir. The only official India-Pakistan border-crossingpoint is between Atari, India and Wagah, Pakistan. A Pakistani visa isrequired for entry to Pakistan.Restricted Areas: Permission from the Indian government (from Indiandiplomatic missions abroad or, in some cases, from the Ministry of HomeAffairs) is required to visit the states of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland,Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, parts of Kulu Districtand Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh, border areas of Jammu and Kashmir,areas of Uttar Pradesh, the area west of National Highway No. 15 runningfrom Ganganagar to Sanchar in Rajasthan, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands andthe Union Territory of the Laccadive Islands.Medical Facilities: Adequate medical care is available in the majorpopulation centers, but is usually limited in the rural areas of thecountry. Medical authorities suggest that travelers to India takepreventive measures against malaria, hepatitis, meningitis and Japaneseencephilitis (if arriving during the monsoon season). Travelers arrivingfrom countries where outbreaks of yellow fever have occurred will berequired to furnish a certificate of yellow fever vaccination. Cholera andgastroenteritis occur during the summer monsoon months, mostly in the poorerareas of India. The best protection includes eating only at better qualityrestaurants or hotels, drinking only boiled or bottled mineral water andavoiding ice. Eating untreated fruits and vegetables and cooked foods soldby street vendors can be risky.U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate payment in cash for healthservices. Supplemental health insurance which specifically covers overseastreatment and medical evacuation has proven useful. The interiors ofinternational flights arriving in India may be sprayed with insecticideswhile passengers are still aboard, a practice discontinued in the U.S.because of human health concerns. Additional information on health matterscan be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's internationaltravelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.Information on Crime: Petty crime, especially theft of personal property,is common. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reportedimmediately to local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.Useful information on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security,and other matters while traveling abroad is provided in the Department ofState pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to SouthAsia." They are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: Travelers are subject to the laws and legal practices ofthe country in which they travel. Penalties for possession, use, ortrafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders inIndia can expect a minimum jail sentence of ten years and fines.Customs Considerations: Indian customs authorities strictly enforce thelaws and regulations governing the declaration, importation or possession ofgold and gold objects. Travelers have sometimes been detained forpossession of undeclared gold objects.Mountain Climbing: Both India and Pakistan claim an area of the Karakorammountain range which includes the Siachen Glacier. The two countries haveestablished military outposts in the region, and armed clashes haveoccurred. Because of this situation, U.S. citizens traveling to or climbingpeaks anywhere in the disputed area face significant risk of injury anddeath. The disputed area includes the following peaks: Rimo Peak, ApsarasasI, II, and III, Tegam Kangri I, II, and III, Suingri Kangri, Ghaint I andII, Indira Col, and Sia Kangri.Piloting Civil Aircraft: In past years there have been a number ofincidents in which civil aircraft have been detained for deviating fromapproved flight plans. U.S. citizens piloting civil aircraft in India mustfile any changes to previous flight plans and may not overfly restrictedairspace.Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhior at one of the U.S. Consulates in India can obtain updated information ontravel and security in India and Bhutan and can obtain a copy of a booklet,"Guidelines for American Travelers in India."Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy is located in the capital city of NewDelhi on Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri 110021; telephone (91) (11) 600651.There are U.S. Consulates General in Bombay at Lincoln House, 78 BhulabhaiDesai Road, Bombay 400026, telephone (91) (22) 363-3611; in Calcutta at 5/1Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Calcutta 700071, telephone (91) (033) 22-3611 through 22-3615 and 22-2335 through 22-2337; and in Madras on Mount Road, Madras600006, telephone (91) (44) 473-040/477-542. The workweek is Monday throughFriday.No. 94-235This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 16, 1994, torevise the section on Areas of Instability.</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iceland GeographyLocation: Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the UKMap references: Arctic RegionArea: total area: 103,000 sq km land area: 100,250 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than KentuckyLand boundaries: 0 kmCoastline: 4,988 kmMaritime claims: continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nmInternational disputes: Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Denmark, Ireland, and the UK (Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary agreement in the Rockall area)Climate: temperate; moderated by North Atlantic Current; mild, windy winters; damp, cool summersTerrain: mostly plateau interspersed with mountain peaks, icefields; coast deeply indented by bays and fiordsNatural resources: fish, hydropower, geothermal power, diatomiteLand use: arable land: 1% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 20% forest and woodland: 1% other: 78%Irrigated land: NA sq kmEnvironment: current issues: water pollution from fertilizer runoff; inadequate wastewater treatment natural hazards: earthquakes and volcanic activity international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iceland GeographyNote: strategic location between Greenland and Europe; westernmost European country; more land covered by glaciers than in all of continental Europe THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iceland PeoplePopulation: 265,998 (July 1995 est.) note: population data estimates based on average growth rate may differ slightly from official population data because of volatile migration ratesAge structure: 0-14 years: 24% (female 31,482; male 32,912) 15-64 years: 65% (female 84,559; male 87,089) 65 years and over: 11% (female 16,554; male 13,402) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.92% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 15.85 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 6.7 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 4 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.98 years male: 76.69 years female: 81.39 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.06 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Icelander(s) adjective: IcelandicEthnic divisions: homogeneous mixture of descendants of Norwegians and CeltsReligions: Evangelical Lutheran 96%, other Protestant and Roman Catholic 3%, none 1% (1988)Languages: IcelandicLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1976 est.) total population: 100%Labor force: 127,900 by occupation: commerce, transportation, and services 60.0%, manufacturing 12.5%, fishing and fish processing 11.8%, construction 10.8%, agriculture 4.0% (1990) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iceland GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Iceland conventional short form: Iceland local long form: Lyoveldio Island local short form: IslandDigraph: ICType: republicCapital: ReykjavikAdministrative divisions: 23 counties (syslar, singular - sysla) and 14 independent towns* (kaupstadhir, singular - kaupstadhur); Akranes*, Akureyri*, Arnessysla, Austur-Bardhastrandarsysla, Austur-Hunavatnssysla, Austur-Skaftafellssysla, Borgarfjardharsysla, Dalasysla, Eyjafjardharsysla, Gullbringusysla, Hafnarfjordhur*, Husavik*, Isafjordhur*, Keflavik*, Kjosarsysla, Kopavogur*, Myrasysla, Neskaupstadhur*, Nordhur-Isafjardharsysla, Nordhur-Mulasys-la, Nordhur-Thingeyjarsysla, Olafsfjordhur*, Rangarvallasysla, Reykjavik*, Saudharkrokur*, Seydhisfjordhur*, Siglufjordhur*, Skagafjardharsysla, Snaefellsnes-og Hnappadalssysla, Strandasysla, Sudhur-Mulasysla, Sudhur-Thingeyjarsysla, Vesttmannaeyjar*, Vestur-Bardhastrandarsysla, Vestur-Hunavatnssysla, Vestur-Isafjardharsysla, Vestur-SkaftafellssyslaIndependence: 17 June 1944 (from Denmark)National holiday: Anniversary of the Establishment of the Republic, 17 June (1944)Constitution: 16 June 1944, effective 17 June 1944Legal system: civil law system based on Danish law; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: 18 years of age; universalExecutive branch: chief of state: President Vigdis FINNBOGADOTTIR (since 1 August 1980); election last held on 29 June 1988 (next scheduled for June 1996); results - there was no election in 1992 as President Vigdis FINNBOGADOTTIR was unopposed head of government: Prime Minister David ODDSSON (since 30 April 1991) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Althing): elections last held on 8 April 1995 (next to be held by April 1999); results - Independence Party 37.1%, Progressive Party 23.3%, Social Democratic Party 11.4%, Socialists 14.3%, People's Movement 7.2%, Women's Party 4.9%; seats - (63 total) Independence 25, Progressive 15, Social Democratic 7, Socialists 9, People's Movement 4, Women's Party 3Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Haestirettur) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iceland GovernmentPolitical parties and leaders: Independence Party (conservative), David ODDSSON; Progressive Party, Halldor ASGRIMSSON; Social Democratic Party, Jon Baldvin HANNIBALSSON; People's Alliance (left socialist), Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON; Women's Party; People's Movement (moderate left); National Awakening, Johanna SIGURDARDOTTIRMember of: Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, OECD, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNU, UPU, WEU (associate), WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Einar BENEDIKTSSON chancery: Suite 1200, 1156 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 telephone: [1] (202) 265-6653 through 6655 FAX: [1] (202) 265-6656 consulate(s) general: New YorkUS diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Parker W. BORG embassy: Laufasvegur 21, Box 40, Reykjavik mailing address: US Embassy, PSC 1003, Box 40, Reykjavik; FPO AE 09728-0340 telephone: [354] (1) 629100 FAX: [354] (1) 629139Flag: blue with a red cross outlined in white that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iceland EconomyOverview: Iceland's Scandinavian-type economy is basically capitalistic, but with an extensive welfare system, relatively low unemployment, and comparatively even distribution of income. The economy is heavily dependent on the fishing industry, which provides nearly 75% of export earnings and employs 12% of the work force. In the absence of other natural resources - except energy - Iceland's economy is vulnerable to changing world fish prices. The economy, in recession since 1988, began to recover in 1993, posting 0.4% growth, but was still hampered by cutbacks in fish quotas as well as falling world prices for its main exports: fish and fish products, aluminum, and ferrosilicon. Real GDP grew by perhaps 2.4% in 1994. The center-right government plans to continue its policies of reducing the budget and current account deficits, limiting foreign borrowing, containing inflation, revising agricultural and fishing policies, diversifying the economy, and privatizing state-owned industries. The government, however, remains divided on the issue of EU membership, primarily because of Icelanders' concern about losing control over their fishing resources.National product: GDP - purchasing power parity - $4.5 billion (1994 est.)National product real growth rate: 2.4% (1994 est.)National product per capita: $17,250 (1994 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.3% (1994 est.)Unemployment rate: 7% (1994 est.)Budget: revenues: $1.9 billion expenditures: $2.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1994 est.)Exports: $1.4 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: fish and fish products, animal products, aluminum, ferrosilicon, diatomite partners: EC 68% (UK 25%, Germany 12%), US 11%, Japan 8% (1992)Imports: $1.3 billion (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment, petroleum products, foodstuffs, textiles partners: EC 53% (Germany 14%, Denmark 10%, UK 9%), Norway 14%, US 9% (1992)External debt: $2.5 billion (1993 est.)Industrial production: growth rate 1.75% (1991 est.)Electricity: capacity: 1,070,000 kW production: 4.7 billion kWh consumption per capita: 16,458 kWh (1993)Industries: fish processing, aluminum smelting, ferro-silicon production, geothermal power THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iceland EconomyAgriculture: accounts for about 15% of GDP; fishing is most important economic activity, contributing nearly 75% to export earnings; principal crops - potatoes, turnips; livestock - cattle, sheep; fish catch of about 1.1 million metric tons in 1992Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $19.1 millionCurrency: 1 Icelandic krona (IKr) = 100 aurarExchange rates: Icelandic kronur (IKr) per US$1 - 67.760 (January 1995), 69.944 (1994), 67.603 (1993), 57.546 (1992), 58.996 (1991), 58.284 (1990)Fiscal year: calendar year THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iceland TransportationRailroads: 0 kmHighways: total: 11,373 km paved: 2,513 km unpaved: gravel, earth 8,860 km (1992)Ports: Akureyri, Hornafjordur, Isafjordur, Keflavik, Raufarhofn, Reykjavik, Seydhisfjordhur, Straumsvik, VestmannaeyjarMerchant marine: total: 6 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 30,025 GRT/40,410 DWT ships by type: cargo 1, chemical tanker 1, oil tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2Airports: total: 90 with paved runways over 3,047 m: 1 with paved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 with paved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 6 with paved runways under 914 m: 53 with unpaved runways 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 with unpaved runways 914 to 1,523 m: 23 THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iceland CommunicationsTelephone system: 140,000 telephones; adequate domestic service local: NA intercity: the trunk network consists of coaxial and fiber-optic cables and microwave radio relay links international: 2 earth stations carry all international traffic through an Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT satelliteRadio: broadcast stations: AM 5, FM 147 (transmitters and repeaters), shortwave 0 radios: NATelevision: broadcast stations: 202 (transmitters and repeaters) televisions: NA THE WORLD FACTBOOK Iceland Defense ForcesBranches: no regular armed forces; Police, Coast Guard; note - Iceland's defense is provided by the US-manned Icelandic Defense Force (IDF) headquartered at KeflavikManpower availability: males age 15-49 70,743; males fit for military service 62,698 (1995 est.)Defense expenditures: none</text>
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<text>ICELAND - Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 3months. (Period begins when entering Scandinavian area: Denmark, Finland,Norway, Sweden.) For additional information call Embassy of Iceland, 2022Conn. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/265-6653-5) or ConsulateGeneral in New York (212/686-4100).STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Iceland============================================================Iceland - Consular Information Sheet July 6, 1995Country Description: Iceland is a highly developed stable democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available. Entry Requirements: A passport is required. A tourist or business visa is not required for stays up to 90 days (the period begins when entering the Nordic area: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland). For further information concerning entry requirements for Iceland, travelers can contact the Embassy of Iceland at 1156 15th Street N.W., Suite1200, Washington, D.C. 20005, tel (202) 265-6653, or the Icelandic Consulate General in New York. Tel. (212) 686-4100.Medical Facilities: Excellent medical facilities are available. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline at (404) 332-4559.Crime Information: Iceland has a low crime rate. However, travelers can become the targets of purse snatchers and pickpockets in urban areas. Tourists should be aware that downtown Reykjavik can become disorderly on late evenings, especially over weekends. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and the U.S. Embassy. Useful information on personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad", available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or dealing in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Driving under the influence of alcohol In Iceland is considered a serious matter, is measured by a stricter standard, and is generally penalized more severely than in the United States.Registration and Embassy Location: U.S. citizens who register with the Consular Section of the Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security in Iceland. The U.S. Embassy in Reykjavik is located at Laufasvegur 21, telephone (354-5) 629100. No. 95-078This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 20, 1994, to change the address of the Icelandic Embassy in Washington and to update crime information.----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet andBITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings andConsular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing theword "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.eduArchives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL:"http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher:gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories.</text>
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<text>HUNGARY</text>
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<text> THE WORLD FACTBOOK Hungary GeographyLocation: Central Europe, northwest of RomaniaMap references: Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, EuropeArea: total area: 93,030 sq km land area: 92,340 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than IndianaLand boundaries: total 1,989 km, Austria 366 km, Croatia 329 km, Romania 443 km, Serbia and Montenegro 151 km (all with Serbia), Slovakia 515 km, Slovenia 82 km, Ukraine 103 kmCoastline: 0 km (landlocked)Maritime claims: none; landlockedInternational disputes: Gabcikovo Dam dispute with SlovakiaClimate: temperate; cold, cloudy, humid winters; warm summersTerrain: mostly flat to rolling plains; hills and low mountains on the Slovakian borderNatural resources: bauxite, coal, natural gas, fertile soilsLand use: arable land: 50.7% permanent crops: 6.1% meadows and pastures: 12.6% forest and woodland: 18.3% other: 12.3%Irrigated land: 1,750 sq km (1989)Environment: current issues: air pollution; industrial and municipal pollution of Lake Balaton natural hazards: levees are common along many streams, but flooding occurs almost every year international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the SeaNote: landlocked; strategic location astride main land routes between Western Europe and Balkan Peninsula as well as between Ukraine and Mediterranean basin THE WORLD FACTBOOK Hungary PeoplePopulation: 10,318,838 (July 1995 est.)Age structure: 0-14 years: 18% (female 918,281; male 958,027) 15-64 years: 68% (female 3,534,218; male 3,440,036) 65 years and over: 14% (female 914,221; male 554,055) (July 1995 est.)Population growth rate: 0.02% (1995 est.)Birth rate: 12.65 births/1,000 population (1995 est.)Death rate: 12.44 deaths/1,000 population (1995 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1995 est.)Infant mortality rate: 11.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1995 est.)Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.9 years male: 67.94 years female: 76.06 years (1995 est.)Total fertility rate: 1.82 children born/woman (1995 est.)Nationality: noun: Hungarian(s) adjective: HungarianEthnic divisions: Hungarian 89.9%, Gypsy 4%, German 2.6%, Serb 2%, Slovak 0.8%, Romanian 0.7%Religions: Roman Catholic 67.5%, Calvinist 20%, Lutheran 5%, atheist and other 7.5%Languages: Hungarian 98.2%, other 1.8%Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980) total population: 99% male: 99% female: 98%Labor force: 5.4 million by occupation: services, trade, government, and other 44.8%, industry 29.7%, agriculture 16.1%, construction 7.0% (1991) THE WORLD FACTBOOK Hungary GovernmentNames: conventional long form: Republic of Hungary conventional short form: Hungary local long form: Magyar Koztarsasag local short form: MagyarorszagDigraph: HUType: republicCapital: BudapestAdministrative divisions: 38 counties (megyek, singular - megye) and 1 capital city* (fovaros); Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya, Bekes, Bekescsaba, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen, Budapest*, Csongrad, Debrecen, Dunaujvaros, Eger, Fejer, Gyor, Gyor-Moson-Sopron, Hajdu-Bihar, Heves, Hodmezovasarhely, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Kaposvar, Kecskemet, Komarom-Esztergom, Miskolc, Nagykanizsa, Nograd, Nyiregyhaza, Pecs, Pest, Somogy, Sopron, Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Szeged, Szekesfehervar, Szolnok, Szombathely, Tatabanya, Tolna, Vas, Veszprem, Zala, ZalaegerszegIndependence: 1001 (unification by King Stephen I)National holiday: St. Stephen's Day (National Day), 20 August (commemorates the founding of Hungarian state circa 1000 A.D.)Constitution: 18 August 1949, effective 20 August 1949, revised 19 April 1972; 18 October 1989 revision ensured legal rights for individuals and constitutional checks on the authority of the prime minister and also established the principle of parliamentary oversightLegal system: in process of
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