*Madagascar, Government

Legislative branch: unicameral Popular National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale Populaire); note - the National Assembly has suspended its operations during 1992 and early 1993 in preparation for new legislative elections. In its place, an interim High Authority of State and a Social and Economic Recovery Council have been established Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme), High Constitutional Court (Haute Cour Constitutionnelle) Leaders: Chief of State: President Adm. Didier RATSIRAKA (since 15 June 1975) Head of Government: Prime Minister Guy RAZANAMASY (since 8 August 1991) Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Pierrot Jocelyn RAJAONARIVELO chancery: 2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 265-5525 or 5526 consulate general: New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Douglas BARRETT embassy: 14 and 16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo mailing address: B. P. 620, Antananarivo telephone: [261] (2) 212-57, 209-56, 200-89, 207-18 FAX: 261-234-539 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a vertical white band of the same width on hoist side

*Madagascar, Economy

Overview: Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is the mainstay of the economy, accounting for over 30% of GDP and contributing to 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. After mid-1991, however, output dropped sharply because of protracted antigovernment strikes and demonstrations for political reform. National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion (1992 est.) National product real growth rate: 1% (1992 est.) National product per capita: $200 (1992 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 20% (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $250 million; expenditures $265 million, including capital expenditures of $180 million (1991) Exports: $312 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: coffee 45%, vanilla 20%, cloves 11%, sugar, petroleum products partners: France, Japan, Italy, Germany, US Imports: $350 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.) commodities: intermediate manufactures 30%, capital goods 28%, petroleum 15%, consumer goods 14%, food 13% partners: France, Germany, UK, other EC, US External debt: $4.4 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 5.2% (1990 est.); accounts for 13% of GDP Electricity: 125,000 kW capacity; 450 million kWh produced, 35 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: agricultural processing (meat canneries, soap factories, breweries, tanneries, sugar refining plants), light consumer goods industries (textiles, glassware), cement, automobile assembly plant, paper, petroleum Agriculture: 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 rice Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis (cultivated and wild varieties) used mostly for domestic consumption Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $136 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3,125 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $491 million

*Madagascar, Economy

Currency: 1 Malagasy franc (FMG) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Malagasy francs (FMG) per US$1 - 1,910.2 (December 1992), 1,867.9 (1992), 1,835.4 (1991), 1,454.6 (December 1990), 1,603.4 (1989), 1,407.1 (1988), 1,069.2 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year

*Madagascar, Communications

Railroads: 1,020 km 1.000-meter gauge Highways: 40,000 km total; 4,694 km paved, 811 km crushed stone, gravel, or stabilized soil, 34,495 km improved and unimproved earth (est.) Inland waterways: of local importance only; isolated streams and small portions of Canal des Pangalanes Ports: Toamasina, Antsiranana, Mahajanga, Toliara Merchant marine: 11 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 35,359 GRT/48,772 DWT; includes 6 cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 oil tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 1 liquefied gas Airports: total: 146 usable: 103 with permanent-surface runways: 30 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 3 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 36 Telecommunications: above average system includes open-wire lines, coaxial cables, radio relay, and troposcatter links; submarine cable to Bahrain; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and broadcast stations - 17 AM, 3 FM, 1 (36 repeaters) TV

*Madagascar, Defense Forces

Branches: Popular Armed Forces (including Intervention Forces, Development Forces, Aeronaval Forces - including Navy and Air Force), Gendarmerie, Presidential Security Regiment Manpower availability: males age 15-49 2,826,018; fit for military service 1,681,553; reach military age (20) annually 118,233 (1993 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $37 million, 2.2% of GDP (1991 est.)

*Malawi, Geography

Location: Southern Africa, between Mozambique and Zambia Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 118,480 km2 land area: 94,080 km2 comparative area: slightly larger than Pennsylvania Land boundaries: total 2,881 km, Mozambique 1,569 km, Tanzania 475 km, Zambia 837 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none; landlocked International 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 mountains Natural resources: limestone, unexploited deposits of uranium, coal, and bauxite Land use: arable land: 25% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 20% forest and woodland: 50% other: 5% Irrigated land: 200 km2 (1989 est.) Environment: deforestation Note: landlocked

*Malawi, People

Population: 9,831,935 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: -0.95% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 51.1 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 22.87 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: -37.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 141.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 40.48 years male: 39.61 years female: 41.37 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 7.5 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Malawian(s) adjective: Malawian Ethnic divisions: Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuko, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Asian, European Religions: Protestant 55%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 20%, traditional indigenous beliefs Languages: English (official), Chichewa (official), other languages important regionally Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1966) total population: 22% male: 34% female: 12% 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)

*Malawi, Government

Names: conventional long form: Republic of Malawi conventional short form: Malawi former: Nyasaland Digraph: MI Type: one-party republic note: a referendum to determine whether Malawi should remain a one-party state is scheduled to be held on 14 June 1993 Capital: Lilongwe Administrative 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, Zomba Independence: 6 July 1964 (from UK) Constitution: 6 July 1964; republished as amended January 1974 Legal 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 jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 6 July (1964) Political parties and leaders: only party - Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Wadson DELEZA, administrative secretary; John TEMBO, treasurer general; top party position of secretary general vacant since 1983 Other political or pressure groups: Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), Chakufwa CHIHANA; United Democratic Front (UDF) Bakili MULUZI; Malawi Democratic People (MDP), leader NA Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal Elections: President: President BANDA sworn in as President for Life on 6 July 1971 National Assembly: last held 26-27 June 1987 (next to be held by June 1997); results - MCP is the only party; seats - (141 total, 136 elected) MCP 141 Executive branch: president, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly Judicial branch: High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Dr. Hastings Kamuzu BANDA (since 6 July 1966; sworn in as President for Life 6 July 1971)

*Malawi, Government

Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Robert B. MBAYA chancery: 2408 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 797-1007 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Michael T. F. PISTOR embassy: address NA, in new capital city development area in Lilongwe mailing address: P. O. Box 30016, Lilongwe telephone: [265] 730-166 FAX: [265] 732-282 Flag: 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

*Malawi, Economy

Overview: 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. The economy depends on substantial inflows of economic assistance from the IMF, the World Bank, and individual donor nations. National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.9 billion (1992 est.) National product real growth rate: -7.7% (1992 est.) National product per capita: $200 (1992 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 21% (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $398 million; expenditures $510 million, including capital expenditures of $154 million (FY91 est.) Exports: $400 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: tobacco, tea, sugar, coffee, peanuts, wood products partners: US, UK, Zambia, South Africa, Germany Imports: $660 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: food, petroleum products, semimanufactures, consumer goods, transportation equipment partners: South Africa, Japan, US, UK, Zimbabwe External debt: $1.8 billion (December 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 4.0% (1990 est.); accounts for about 18% of GDP (1988) Electricity: 190,000 kW capacity; 620 million kWh produced, 65 kWh per capita (1992) Industries: agricultural processing (tea, tobacco, sugar), sawmilling, cement, consumer goods Agriculture: accounts for 40% of GDP; cash crops - tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, and corn; subsistence crops - potatoes, cassava, sorghum, pulses; livestock - cattle, goats Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $215 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2,150 million Currency: 1 Malawian kwacha (MK) = 100 tambala Exchange rates: Malawian kwacha (MK) per US$1 - 4.3418 (November 1992), 2.8033 (1991), 2.7289 (1990), 2.7595 (1989), 2.5613 (1988), 2.2087 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March

*Malawi, Communications

Railroads: 789 km 1.067-meter gauge Highways: 13,135 km total; 2,364 km paved; 251 km crushed stone, gravel, or stabilized soil; 10,520 km earth and improved earth Inland waterways: Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi); Shire River, 144 km Ports: Chipoka, Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, and Nkotakota - all on Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) Airports: total: 47 usable: 41 with permanent-surface runways: 5 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 10 Telecommunications: fair system of open-wire lines, radio relay links, and radio communications stations; 42,250 telephones; broadcast stations - 10 AM, 17 FM, no TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT Note: a majority of exports would normally go through Mozambique on the Beira, Nacala, and Limgogo railroads, but now most go through South Africa because of insurgent activity and damage to rail lines

*Malawi, Defense Forces

Branches: Army (including Air Wing and Naval Detachment), Police (including paramilitary Mobile Force Unit), paramilitary Malawi Young Pioneers Manpower availability: males age 15-49 2,059,509; fit for military service 1,048,986 (1993 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $22 million, 1.6% of GDP (1989 est.)

*Malaysia, Geography

Location: Southeast Asia, bordering the South China Sea, between Vietnam and Indonesia Map references: Asia, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 329,750 km2 land area: 328,550 km2 comparative area: slightly larger than New Mexico Land boundaries: total 2,669 km, Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782 km, Thailand 506 km Coastline: 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 nm International 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 Indonesia Climate: tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons Terrain: coastal plains rising to hills and mountains Natural resources: tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite Land use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 10% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 63% other: 24% Irrigated land: 3,420 km2 (1989 est.) Environment: subject to flooding; air and water pollution Note: strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea

*Malaysia, People

Population: 18,845,340 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 2.32% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 28.93 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 5.77 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 26.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.82 years male: 65.96 years female: 71.81 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.54 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Malaysian(s) adjective: Malaysian Ethnic 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 State of Sabah: English Malay, numerous tribal dialects, Chinese (Mandarin and Hakka dialects predominate) State of Sarawak: English Malay, Mandarin, numerous tribal languages, Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 78% male: 86% female: 70% Labor force: 7.258 million (1991 est.)

*Malaysia, Government

Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Malaysia former: Malayan Union Digraph: MY Type: 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 within Malaysia, holds 27 seats in House of Representatives, with foreign affairs, defense, internal security, and other powers delegated to federal government Capital: Kuala Lumpur Administrative 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) Constitution: 31 August 1957, amended 16 September 1963 Legal 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 jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 31 August (1957) Political 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, Datuk LIM Keng Yaik; Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), Datuk S. Samy VELLU Sabah: Berjaya Party, Datuk Haji Mohammed NOOR Mansor; Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Joseph Pairin KITINGAN; 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 NOOR Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal

*Malaysia, Government

Elections: House of Representatives: last held 21 October 1990 (next to be held by August 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 got 71 seats and MCA 18 seats Executive branch: paramount ruler, deputy paramount ruler, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Parlimen) consists of an upper house or Senate (Dewan Negara) and a lower house or House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Paramount Ruler AZLAN Muhibbuddin Shah ibni Sultan Yusof Izzudin (since 26 April 1989); Deputy Paramount Ruler JA'AFAR ibni Abdul Rahman (since 26 April 1989) Head of Government: Prime Minister Dr. MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (since 16 July 1981); Deputy Prime Minister Abdul GHAFAR Bin Baba (since 7 May 1986) Member of: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM, OIC, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOMOZ, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Abdul MAJID Mohamed chancery: 2401 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 328-2700 consulates general: Los Angeles and New York US 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 telephone: [60] (3) 248-9011 FAX: [60] (3) 242-2207 Flag: 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

*Malaysia, Economy

Overview: The Malaysian economy, a mixture of private enterprise and a soundly managed public sector, has posted a remarkable record of 8%-9% average growth in 1987-92. This growth has resulted in a substantial reduction in poverty and a marked rise in real wages. Despite sluggish growth in the major world economies in 1992, demand for Malaysian goods remained strong 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 - exchange rate conversion - $54.5 billion (1992 est.) National product real growth rate: 8% (1992 est.) National product per capita: $2,960 (1992 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.7% (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: 4.1% (1992 est.) Budget: revenues $15.6 billion; expenditures $18.0 billion, including capital expenditures of $4.5 billion (1992 est.) Exports: $39.8 billion (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: electronic equipment, palm oil, petroleum and petroleum products, wood and wood products, rubber, textiles partners: Singapore 23%, US 18.6%, Japan 13.2%, UK 4%, Germany 4% Imports: $39.1 billion (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: food, consumer goods, petroleum products, chemicals, capital equipment partners: Japan 26%, US 15.8%, Singapore 15.7%, Taiwan 5.6%, Germany 4.2% External debt: $25.7 billion (1992 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 13% (1992); accounts for NA% of GDP Electricity: 8,000,000 kW capacity; 30,000 million kWh produced, 1,610 kWh per capita (1992) 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 Agriculture: accounts for 20% of GDP Peninsular Malaysia: natural rubber, palm oil, rice Sabah: mainly subsistence, but also rubber, timber, coconut, rice

*Malaysia, Economy

Sarawak: rubber, timber, pepper; deficit of rice in all areas; fish catch of 608,000 metric tons in 1987 Illicit drugs: transit point for Golden Triangle heroin going to the US, Western Europe, and the Third World Economic aid: 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), $42 million Currency: 1 ringgit (M$) = 100 sen Exchange rates: ringgits (M$) per US$1 - 2.6238 (January 1993), 2.5475 (1992), 2.7501 (1991), 1.7048 (1990), 2.7088 (1989), 2.6188 (1988) Fiscal year: calendar year

*Malaysia, Communications

Railroads: Peninsular Malaysia: 1,665 km 1.04-meter gauge; 13 km double track, government owned Sabah: 136 km 1.000-meter gauge Sarawak: none Highways: Peninsular Malaysia: 23,600 km; 19,352 km hard surfaced, mostly bituminous surface treatment, and 4,248 km unpaved Sabah: 3,782 km Sarawak: 1,644 km Inland waterways: Peninsular Malaysia: 3,209 km Sabah: 1,569 km Sarawak: 2,518 km Pipelines: crude oil 1,307 km; natural gas 379 km Ports: Tanjong Kidurong, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Pasir Gudang, Penang, Port Kelang, Sandakan, Tawau Merchant marine: 184 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,869,817 GRT/2,786,765 DWT; includes 1 passenger-cargo, 2 short-sea passenger, 71 cargo, 28 container, 2 vehicle carrier, 2 roll-on/roll-off, 1 livestock carrier, 38 oil tanker, 6 chemical tanker, 6 liquefied gas, 27 bulk Airports: total: 111 usable: 102 with permanent-surface runways: 32 with runways over 3,659 m: 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 7 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 18 Telecommunications: good intercity service provided on Peninsular Malaysia mainly by microwave radio relay; adequate intercity microwave radio relay network between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; international service good; good coverage by radio and television broadcasts; 994,860 telephones (1984); broadcast stations - 28 AM, 3 FM, 33 TV; submarine cables extend to India and Sarawak; SEACOM submarine cable links to Hong Kong and Singapore; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT, and 2 domestic

*Malaysia, Defense Forces

Branches: Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force, Royal Malaysian Police Force, Marine Police, Sarawak Border Scouts Manpower availability: males age 15-49 4,837,256; fit for military service 2,941,577; reach military age (21) annually 181,435 (1993 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.4 billion, about 5% of GDP (1992)

*Maldives, Geography

Location: South Asia, in the Indian Ocean off the southwest coast of India Map references: Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 300 km2 land area: 300 km2 comparative area: slightly more than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 644 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 35-310 nm as defined by geographic coordinates; segment of zone coincides with maritime boundary with India territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: 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 meters Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land: 10% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 3% forest and woodland: 3% other: 84% Irrigated land: NA km2 Environment: 1,200 coral islands grouped into 19 atolls Note: archipelago of strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean

*Maldives, People

Population: 243,094 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 3.64% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 44.34 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 7.91 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 57.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 63.86 years male: 62.5 years female: 65.28 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.36 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Maldivian(s) adjective: Maldivian Ethnic divisions: Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, African Religions: Sunni Muslim Languages: Divehi (dialect of Sinhala; script derived from Arabic), English spoken by most government officials Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1985) total population: 92% male: 92% female: 92% Labor force: 66,000 (est.) by occupation: fishing industry 25%

*Maldives, Government

Names: conventional long form: Republic of Maldives conventional short form: Maldives Digraph: MV Type: republic Capital: Male Administrative 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, Waavu Independence: 26 July 1965 (from UK) Constitution: 4 June 1964 Legal system: based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 26 July (1965) Political parties and leaders: no organized political parties; country governed by the Didi clan for the past eight centuries Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal Elections: President: last held 23 September 1988 (next to be held September 1993); results - President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM reelected Citizens' Council: last held on 7 December 1989 (next to be held 7 December 1994); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (48 total, 40 elected) Executive branch: president, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Citizens' Council (Majlis) Judicial branch: High Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11 November 1978) Member of: AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: Maldives does not maintain an embassy in the US, but does have a UN mission in New York US 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

*Maldives, Government

telephone: 2581 Flag: 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

*Maldives, Economy

Overview: The economy is based on fishing, tourism, and shipping. Agriculture is limited to the production of a few subsistence crops that provide only 10% of food requirements. Fishing is the largest industry, employing 25% of the work force and accounting for over 60% of exports; it is also an important source of government revenue. During the 1980s tourism became one of the most important and highest growth sectors of the economy. In 1988 industry accounted for about 5% of GDP. Real GDP is officially estimated to have increased by about 10% annually during the period 1974-90. National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $140 million (1991 est.) National product real growth rate: 4.7% (1991 est.) National product per capita: $620 (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 11.5% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: NEGL% Budget: revenues $52 million (excluding foreign transfers); expenditures $83 million, including capital expenditures of $39 million (1991 est.) Exports: $53.7 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: fish, clothing partners: US, UK, Sri Lanka Imports: $150.9 million (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: consumer goods, intermediate and capital goods, petroleum products partners: Singapore, Germany, Sri Lanka, India External debt: $90 million (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 24.0% (1990); accounts for 6% of GDP Electricity: 5,000 kW capacity; 11 million kWh produced, 50 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: fishing and fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, some coconut processing, garments, woven mats, coir (rope), handicrafts Agriculture: accounts for almost 25% of GDP (including fishing); fishing more important than farming; limited production of coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; most staple foods must be imported; fish catch of 67,000 tons (1990 est.) Economic aid: 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 million Currency: 1 rufiyaa (Rf) = 100 laaris Exchange rates: rufiyaa (Rf) per US$1 - 10.506 (January 1993), 10.569 (1992), 10.253 (1991), 9.509 (1990), 9.0408 (1989), 8.7846 (1988) Fiscal year: calendar year

*Maldives, Communications

Highways: Male has 9.6 km of coral highways within the city Ports: Male, Gan Merchant marine: 14 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 38,848 GRT/58,496 DWT; includes 12 cargo, 1 container, 1 oil tanker Airports: total: 2 useable: 2 with permanent-surface runways: 2 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 0 Telecommunications: minimal domestic and international facilities; 2,804 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Maldives, Defense Forces

Branches: National Security Service (paramilitary police force) Manpower availability: males age 15-49 53,730; fit for military service 30,014 (1993 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Mali, Geography

Location: Western Africa, between Mauritania and Niger Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 1.24 million km2 land area: 1.22 million km2 comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas Land 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 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none; landlocked International 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 Niger Climate: subtropical to arid; hot and dry February to June; rainy, humid, and mild June to November; cool and dry November to February Terrain: mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna in south, rugged hills in northeast Natural resources: gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper deposits are known but not exploited Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 25% forest and woodland: 7% other: 66% Irrigated land: 50 km2 (1989 est.) Environment: hot, dust-laden harmattan; haze common during dry seasons; desertification Note: landlocked

*Mali, People

Population: 8,868,617 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 2.66% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 51.73 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 20.81 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: -4.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 108 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 45.45 years male: 43.89 years female: 47.06 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 7.33 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Malian(s) adjective: Malian Ethnic 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 languages Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 32% male: 41% female: 24% Labor force: 2.666 million (1986 est.) by occupation: agriculture 80%, services 19%, industry and commerce 1% (1981) note: 50% of population of working age (1985)

*Mali, Government

Names: conventional long form: Republic of Mali conventional short form: Mali local long form: Republique de Mali local short form: Mali former: French Sudan Digraph: ML Type: republic Capital: Bamako Administrative divisions: 8 regions (regions, singular - region); Gao, Kayes, Kidal, Koulikoro, Mopti, Segou, Sikasso, Tombouctou Independence: 22 September 1960 (from France) Constitution: new constitution adopted in constitutional referendum in January 1992 Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Section of Court of State; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Anniverary of the Proclamation of the Republic, 22 September (1960) Political parties and leaders: Alliance for Democracy (Adema), Alpha Oumar KONARE; National Committee for Democratic Initiative (CNID), Mountaga TALL; Sudanese Union/African Democratic Rally (US/RAD), Baba Hakib HAIDARA and Treoule Mamadon KONATE; 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), Col. Youssouf TRAORE; Party for Democracy and Progress (PDP), Idrissa TRAORE; Malian Union for Democracy and Development (UMDD) Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal Elections: President: last held in April 1992; Alpha KONARE was elected in runoff race against Montaga TALL National Assembly: last held on 8 March 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (total 116) 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 1 Executive branch: Transition Committee for the Salvation of the People (CTSP) composed of 25 members, predominantly civilian Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

*Mali, Government

Leaders: Chief of State: President Alpha Oumar KONARE (since 8 June 1992) Head of Government: Prime Minister Younoussi TOURE (since 8 June 1992) Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Siragatou Ibrahim CISSE chancery: 2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 332-2249 or 939-8950 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Herbert Donald GELBER embassy: Rue Rochester NY and Rue Mohamed V., Bamako mailing address: B. P. 34, Bamako telephone: [223] 225470 FAX: [233] 228059 Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

*Mali, Economy

Overview: Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, with about 70% 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 live as nomads and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in agriculture and fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities. In consultation with international lending agencies, the government has adopted a structural adjustment program for 1992-95, aiming at GDP annual growth of 4.6%, inflation of no more than 2.5% on average, and a substantial reduction in the external current account deficit. National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.3 billion (1991 est.) National product real growth rate: -0.2% (1991 est.) National product per capita: $265 (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.4% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $329 million; expenditures $519 million, including capital expenditures of $178 (1989 est.) Exports: $320 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: livestock, peanuts, dried fish, cotton, skins partners: mostly franc zone and Western Europe Imports: $390 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: textiles, vehicles, petroleum products, machinery, sugar, cereals partners: mostly franc zone and Western Europe External debt: $2.6 billion (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 15.0% (1990 est.); accounts for 10.0% of GDP Electricity: 260,000 kW capacity; 750 million kWh produced, 90 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: small local consumer goods and processing, construction, phosphate, gold, fishing Agriculture: accounts for 50% of GDP; most production based on small subsistence farms; cotton and livestock products account for over 70% of exports; other crops - millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $349 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3,020 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $92 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $190 million Currency: 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January 1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988)

*Mali, Economy

Fiscal year: calendar year

*Mali, Communications

Railroads: 642 km 1.000-meter gauge; linked to Senegal's rail system through Kayes Highways: about 15,700 km total; 1,670 km paved, 3,670 km gravel and improved earth, 10,360 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 1,815 km navigable Airports: total: 34 usable: 27 with permanent-surface runways: 8 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 5 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 10 Telecommunications: domestic system poor but improving; provides only minimal service with radio relay, wire, and radio communications stations; expansion of radio relay in progress; 11,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT

*Mali, Defense Forces

Branches: Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Police (Surete Nationale) Manpower availability: males age 15-49 1,749,662; fit for military service 995,554 (1993 est.); no conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $41 million, 2% of GDP (1989)

*Malta, Geography

Location: in the central Mediterranean Sea, 93 km south of Sicily (Italy), 290 km north of Libya Map references: Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 320 km2 land area: 320 km2 comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 140 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 25 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers Terrain: mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs Natural resources: limestone, salt Land use: arable land: 38% permanent crops: 3% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 59% Irrigated land: 10 km2 (1989) Environment: numerous bays provide good harbors; fresh water very scarce; increasing reliance on desalination Note: the country comprises an archipelago, with only the 3 largest islands (Malta, Gozo, and Comino) being inhabited

*Malta, People

Population: 363,791 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 0.84% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 13.9 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 7.52 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: 1.98 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 8.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.52 years male: 74.32 years female: 78.9 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.97 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Maltese (singular and plural) adjective: Maltese Ethnic divisions: Arab, Sicilian, Norman, Spanish, Italian, English Religions: 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)

*Malta, Government

Names: conventional long form: Republic of Malta conventional short form: Malta Digraph: MT Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Valletta Administrative divisions: none (administration directly from Valletta) Independence: 21 September 1964 (from UK) Constitution: 26 April 1974, effective 2 June 1974 Legal system: based on English common law and Roman civil law; has accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September Political parties and leaders: Nationalist Party (NP), Edward FENECH ADAMI; Malta Labor Party (MLP), Alfred SANT Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Elections: House of Representatives: last held on 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) Executive branch: president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives Judicial branch: Constitutional Court, Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State: President Vincent (Censu) TABONE (since 4 April 1989) Head of Government: Prime Minister Dr. Edward (Eddie) FENECH ADAMI (since 12 May 1987); Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Guido DE MARCO (since 14 May 1987) Member of: C, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Albert BORG OLIVIER DE PUGET chancery: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 462-3611 or 3612 FAX: (202) 387-5470

*Malta, Government

consulate: New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: (vacant) embassy: 2nd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana, Valletta mailing address: P. O. Box 535, Valletta telephone: [356] 240424, 240425, 243216, 243217, 243653, 223654 FAX: same as telephone numbers Flag: 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

*Malta, Economy

Overview: 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 27% of GDP, with the electronics and textile industries major contributors and the state-owned Malta drydocks employing about 4,300 people. In 1991, about 900,000 tourists visited the island. Per capita GDP at $7,600 places Malta in the middle-income range of the world's nations. National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.7 billion (1991 est.) National product real growth rate: 5.9% (1991) National product per capita: $7,600 (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.9% (1991) Unemployment rate: 3.6% (1992) Budget: revenues $1.1 billion; expenditures $1.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $161 million (1992 est.) Exports: $l.2 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: clothing, textiles, footwear, ships partners: Italy 30%, Germany 22%, UK 11% Imports: $2.1 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: food, petroleum, machinery and semimanufactured goods partners: Italy 30%, UK 16%, Germany 13%, US 4% External debt: $127 million (1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 19.0% (1990); accounts for 27% of GDP Electricity: 328,000 kW capacity; 1,110 million kWh produced, 3,000 kWh per capita (1992) Industries: tourism, electronics, ship repair yard, construction, food manufacturing, textiles, footwear, clothing, beverages, tobacco Agriculture: accounts for 3% of GDP and 2.5% 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 Economic aid: 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 million Currency: 1 Maltese lira (LM) = 100 cents

*Malta, Economy

Exchange rates: Maltese liri (LM) per US$1 - 0.3687 (January 1993), 0.3178 (1992), 0.3226 (1991), 0.3172 (1990), 0.3483 (1989), 0.3306 (1988) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March

*Malta, Communications

Highways: 1,291 km total; 1,179 km paved (asphalt), 77 km crushed stone or gravel, 35 km improved and unimproved earth Ports: Valletta, Marsaxlokk Merchant marine: 789 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 11,059,874 GRT/18,758,969 DWT; includes 6 passenger, 17 short-sea passenger, 272 cargo, 26 container, 2 passenger-cargo, 20 roll-on/roll-off, 2 vehicle carrier, 3 barge carrier, 17 refrigerated cargo, 19 chemical tanker, 15 combination ore/oil, 3 specialized tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 131 oil tanker, 223 bulk, 26 combination bulk, 3 multifunction large load carrier, 1 railcar carrier; note - a flag of convenience registry; China owns 2 ships, Russia owns 52 ships, Cuba owns 10, Vietnam owns 6, Croatia owns 37, Romania owns 3 Airports: total: 1 useable: 1 with permanent-surface runways: 1 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 0 Telecommunications: automatic system satisfies normal requirements; 153,000 telephones; excellent service by broadcast stations - 8 AM, 4 FM, and 2 TV; submarine cable and microwave radio relay between islands; international service by 1 submarine cable and 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Malta, Defense Forces

Branches: Armed Forces, Maltese Police Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49 97,446; fit for military service 77,481 (1993 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $21.9 million, 1.3% of GDP (1989 est.)

*Man, Isle of, Header

Affiliation: (British crown dependency)

*Man, Isle of, Geography

Location: in the Irish Sea, between Ireland and Great Britain Map references: Europe Area: total area: 588 km2 land area: 588 km2 comparative area: nearly 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 113 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: cool summers and mild winters; humid; overcast about half the time Terrain: hills in north and south bisected by central valley Natural resources: lead, iron ore Land 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 km2 Environment: strong westerly winds prevail Note: one small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to the southwest, and is a bird sanctuary

*Man, Isle of, People

Population: 71,263 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 1.07% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 13.57 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 12.87 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: 9.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 8.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.98 years male: 73.25 years female: 78.92 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Manxman, Manxwoman adjective: Manx Ethnic divisions: Manx (Norse-Celtic descent), Briton Religions: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Society of Friends Languages: English, Manx Gaelic Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: 25,864 (1981) by occupation: NA

*Man, Isle of, Government

Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Isle of Man Digraph: IM Type: British crown dependency Capital: Douglas Administrative divisions: none (British crown dependency) Independence: none (British crown dependency) Constitution: 1961, Isle of Man Constitution Act Legal system: English law and local statute National holiday: Tynwald Day, 5 July Political parties and leaders: there is no party system and members sit as independents Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal Elections: House of Keys: last held in 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote NA; no party system; seats - (24 total) independents 24 Executive branch: British monarch, lieutenant governor, president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: bicameral Tynwald consists of an upper house or Legislative Council and a lower house or House of Keys Judicial branch: Court of Tynwald Leaders: 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) Member of: none Diplomatic 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

*Man, Isle of, Economy

Overview: 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 GNP. Banking now contributes over 20% to GNP and manufacturing about 15%. Trade is mostly with the UK. The Isle of Man enjoys free access to European Community markets. National product: GNP - exchange rate conversion - $490 million (1988) National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $7,500 (1988) 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 (FY85 est.) Exports: $NA commodities: tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, meat partners: UK Imports: $NA commodities: timber, fertilizers, fish partners: UK External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 61,000 kW capacity; 190 million kWh produced, 2,965 kWh per capita (1992) Industries: an important offshore financial center; financial services, light manufacturing, tourism Agriculture: cereals and vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry Economic aid: NA Currency: 1 Manx pound (M) = 100 pence Exchange rates: Manx pounds (M) per US$1 - 0.6527 (January 1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5603 (1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988); the Manx pound is at par with the British pound Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March

*Man, Isle of, Communications

Railroads: 60 km; 36 km electric track, 24 km steam track Highways: 640 km motorable roads Ports: Douglas, Ramsey, Peel Merchant marine: 59 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,363,502 GRT/2,363,502 DWT; includes 10 cargo, 6 container, 9 roll-on/roll-off, 14 oil tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 4 liquefied gas, 12 bulk; note - a captive register of the United Kingdom, although not all ships on the register are British owned Airports: total: 1 useable: 1 with permanent-surface runways: 1 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 1 Telecommunications: 24,435 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 4 FM, 4 TV

*Man, Isle of, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

*Marshall Islands, Geography

Location: Oceania, in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way between Hawaii and Papua New Guinea Map references: Oceania, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 181.3 km2 land area: 181.3 km2 comparative area: slightly larger than Washington, DC note: includes the atolls of Bikini, Eniwetok, and Kwajalein Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 370.4 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: claims US territory of Wake Island Climate: wet season May to November; hot and humid; islands border typhoon belt Terrain: low coral limestone and sand islands Natural resources: phosphate deposits, marine products, deep seabed minerals Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 60% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 40% Irrigated land: NA km2 Environment: occasionally subject to typhoons; two archipelagic island chains of 30 atolls and 1,152 islands Note: Bikini and Eniwetok are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein, the famous World War II battleground, is now used as a US missile test range

*Marshall Islands, People

Population: 51,982 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 3.87% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 46.65 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 7.91 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 50.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 62.79 years male: 61.27 years female: 64.38 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.99 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Marshallese (singular and plural) adjective: Marshallese Ethnic divisions: Micronesian Religions: Christian (mostly Protestant) Languages: English (universally spoken and is the official language), two major Marshallese dialects from the Malayo-Polynesian family, Japanese Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980) total population: 93% male: 100% female: 88% Labor force: 4,800 (1986) by occupation: NA

*Marshall Islands, Government

Names: conventional long form: Republic of the Marshall Islands conventional short form: Marshall Islands former: Marshall Islands District (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands) Digraph: RM Type: constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 21 October 1986 Capital: Majuro Administrative divisions: none Independence: 21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship) Constitution: 1 May 1979 Legal system: based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws National holiday: Proclamation of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 1 May (1979) Political parties and leaders: no formal parties; President KABUA is chief political (and traditional) leader Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Elections: President: last held 6 January 1992 (next to be held NA; results - President Amata KABUA was reelected Parliament: last held 18 November 1991 (next to be held November 1995); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (33 total) Executive branch: president, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Nitijela (parliament) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Amata KABUA (since 1979) Member of: AsDB, ESCAP, IBRD, ICAO, IFC, IMF, INTERPOL, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, WHO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Wilfred I. KENDALL chancery: 2433 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 234-5414 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador David C. FIELDS

*Marshall Islands, Government

embassy: NA address, Majuro mailing address: P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 96960-1379 telephone: (011) 692-4011 FAX: (011) 692-4012 Flag: 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

*Marshall Islands, Economy

Overview: 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. In 1987 the US Government provided grants of $40 million out of the Marshallese budget of $55 million. National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $63 million (1989 est.) National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $1,500 (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $55 million; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (1987 est.) Exports: $2.5 million (f.o.b., 1985) commodities: copra, copra oil, agricultural products, handicrafts partners: NA Imports: $29.2 million (c.i.f., 1985) commodities: foodstuffs, beverages, building materials partners: NA External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 42,000 kW capacity; 80 million kWh produced, 1,840 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: copra, fish, tourism; craft items from shell, wood, and pearls; offshore banking (embryonic) Agriculture: coconuts, cacao, taro, breadfruit, fruits, pigs, chickens Economic aid: under the terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US is to provide approximately $40 million in aid annually Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September

*Marshall Islands, Communications

Highways: paved roads on major islands (Majuro, Kwajalein), otherwise stone-, coral-, or laterite-surfaced roads and tracks Ports: Majuro Merchant marine: 29 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,786,070 GRT/3,498,895 DWT; includes 2 cargo, 1 container, 9 oil tanker, 15 bulk carrier, 2 combination ore/oil; note - a flag of convenience registry Airports: total: 16 usable: 16 with permanent-surface runways: 4 with runways over 3,659m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 8 Telecommunications: telephone network - 570 lines (Majuro) and 186 (Ebeye); telex services; islands interconnected by shortwave radio (used mostly for government purposes); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV, 1 shortwave; 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations; US Government satellite communications system on Kwajalein

*Marshall Islands, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the US

*Martinique, Header

Affiliation: (overseas department of France)

*Martinique, Geography

Location: in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Venezuela Map references: Central America and the Caribbean, South America Area: total area: 1,100 km2 land area: 1,060 km2 comparative area: slightly more than six times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 290 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October) Terrain: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano Natural resources: coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable land Land use: arable land: 10% permanent crops: 8% meadows and pastures: 30% forest and woodland: 26% other: 26% Irrigated land: 60 km2 (1989 est.) Environment: subject to hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic activity that result in an average of one major natural disaster every five years

*Martinique, People

Population: 387,656 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 1.21% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 18.07 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 5.94 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 10.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.82 years male: 74.68 years female: 81.01 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.94 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Martiniquais (singular and plural) adjective: Martiniquais Ethnic 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 patois Literacy: 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%

*Martinique, Government

Names: conventional long form: Department of Martinique conventional short form: Martinique local long form: Departement de la Martinique local short form: Martinique Digraph: MB Type: overseas department of France Capital: Fort-de-France Administrative divisions: none (overseas department of France) Independence: none (overseas department of France) Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: French legal system National holiday: National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) Political parties and leaders: Rally for the Republic (RPR); Union for a Martinique of Progress (UMP); Martinique Progressive Party (PPM); Socialist Federation of Martinique (FSM); Martinique Communist Party (PCM); Martinique Patriots (PM); Union for French Democracy (UDF) Other political or pressure groups: Proletarian Action Group (GAP); Alhed Marie-Jeanne Socialist Revolution Group (GRS); Martinique Independence Movement (MIM); Caribbean Revolutionary Alliance (ARC); Central Union for Martinique Workers (CSTM), Marc PULVAR; Frantz Fanon Circle; League of Workers and Peasants Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Elections: French Senate: 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: last held on 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (4 total) PPM 1, FSM 1, RPR 1, UDF 1 General Council: last held in 25 September and 8 October 1988 (next to be held by 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: last held on NA March 1992 (next to be held by March 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (41 total) UMP 16 Executive branch: government commissioner Legislative branch: unicameral General Council Judicial branch: Supreme Court

*Martinique, Government

Leaders: Chief of State: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) Head of Government: Government Commissioner Jean Claude ROURE (since 5 May 1989); President of the General Council Emile MAURICE (since NA 1988) Member of: FZ, WCL Diplomatic representation in US: as an overseas department of France, Martiniquais interests are represented in the US by France US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Consul General Raymond G. ROBINSON embassy: Consulate General at 14 Rue Blenac, Fort-de-France mailing address: B. P. 561, Fort-de-France 97206 telephone: [596] 63-13-03 Flag: the flag of France is used

*Martinique, Economy

Overview: 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 - exchange rate conversion - $2 billion (1988) National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $6,000 (1988) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.9% (1990) Unemployment rate: 32.1% (1990) Budget: revenues $268 million; expenditures $268 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989 est.) Exports: $196 million (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: refined petroleum products, bananas, rum, pineapples partners: France 65%, Guadeloupe 24%, Germany (1987) Imports: $1.3 billion (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: petroleum products, crude oil, foodstuffs, construction materials, vehicles, clothing and other consumer goods partners: France 65%, UK, Italy, Germany, Japan, US (1987) External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 113,100 kW capacity; 588 million kWh produced, 1,580 kWh per capita (1992) Industries: construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, tourism Agriculture: including fishing and forestry, accounts for about 12% of GDP; principal crops - pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables, sugarcane for rum; dependent on imported food, particularly meat and vegetables Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.1 billion Currency: 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.4812 (January 1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988)

*Martinique, Economy

Fiscal year: calendar year

*Martinique, Communications

Highways: 1,680 km total; 1,300 km paved, 380 km gravel and earth Ports: Fort-de-France Airports: total: 2 useable: 2 with permanent-surface runways: 1 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 0 Telecommunications: domestic facilities are adequate; 68,900 telephones; interisland microwave radio relay links to Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Saint Lucia; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 6 FM, 10 TV; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations

*Martinique, Defense Forces

Branches: French Forces, Gendarmerie Note: defense is the responsibility of France

*Mauritania, Geography

Location: Northern Africa, along the North Atlantic Ocean, between Western Sahara and Senegal Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 1,030,700 km2 land area: 1,030,400 km2 comparative area: slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico Land boundaries: total 5,074 km, Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km, Western Sahara 1,561 km Coastline: 754 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or the edge of continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: boundary with Senegal Climate: desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty Terrain: mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hills Natural resources: iron ore, gypsum, fish, copper, phosphate Land use: arable land: 1% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 38% forest and woodland: 5% other: 56% Irrigated land: 120 km2 (1989 est.) Environment: hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March and April; desertification; only perennial river is the Senegal

*Mauritania, People

Population: 2,124,792 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 3.14% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 47.97 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 16.54 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 87 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 47.59 years male: 44.81 years female: 50.48 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 7.05 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Mauritanian(s) adjective: Mauritanian Ethnic divisions: mixed Maur/black 40%, Maur 30%, black 30% Religions: Muslim 100% Languages: Hasaniya Arabic (official), Pular, Soninke, Wolof (official) Literacy: age 10 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 34% male: 47% female: 21% Labor force: 465,000 (1981 est.); 45,000 wage earners (1980) by occupation: agriculture 47%, services 29%, industry and commerce 14%, government 10% note: 53% of population of working age (1985)

*Mauritania, Government

Names: conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Mauritania conventional short form: Mauritania local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah local short form: Muritaniyah Digraph: MR Type: republic Capital: Nouakchott Administrative 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 Nouakchott Independence: 28 November 1960 (from France) Constitution: 12 July 1991 Legal system: three-tier system: Islamic (Shari'a) courts, special courts, state security courts (in the process of being eliminated) National holiday: Independence Day, 28 November (1960) Political 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 BADI Other political or pressure groups: Mauritanian Workers Union (UTM) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Elections: President: last held January 1992 (next to be held January 1998); results - President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid 'Ahmed TAYA elected Senate: last held 3 and 10 April 1992 (one-third of the seats up for re-election in 1994) National Assembly: last held 6 and 13 March 1992 (next to be held March 1997) Executive branch: president Legislative branch: bicameral legislature consists of an upper house or Senate (Majlis al-Shuyukh) and a lower house or National Assembly (Majlis al-Watani)

*Mauritania, Government

Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed TAYA (since 12 December 1984) Member of: ABEDA, ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed Fall OULD AININA chancery: 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 232-5700 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Gordon S. BROWN embassy: address NA, Nouakchott mailing address: B. P. 222, Nouakchott telephone: [222] (2) 526-60 or 526-63 FAX: [222] (2) 525-89 Flag: 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

*Mauritania, Economy

Overview: 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, the droughts, the endemic conflict with Senegal, rising energy costs, 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. But the reform process suffered a major setback following the Gulf war of early 1991. Because of Mauritania's support of SADDAM Husayn, bilateral aid from its two top donors, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, was suspended, and multilateral aid was reduced. National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion (1991 est.) National product real growth rate: 3% (1991 est.) National product per capita: $555 (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.2% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 20% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $280 million; expenditures $346 million, including capital expenditures of $61 million (1989 est.) Exports: $447 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: iron ore, processed fish, small amounts of gum arabic and gypsum; unrecorded but numerically significant cattle exports to Senegal partners: EC 43%, Japan 27%, USSR 11%, Cote d'Ivoire 3% Imports: $385 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: foodstuffs, consumer goods, petroleum products, capital goods partners: EC 60%, Algeria 15%, China 6%, US 3% External debt: $1.9 billion (1990) Industrial production: growth rate 4.4% (1988 est.); accounts for almost 33% of GDP Electricity: 190,000 kW capacity; 135 million kWh produced, 70 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: fish processing, mining of iron ore and gypsum Agriculture: accounts for 50% 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 drought

*Mauritania, Economy

Economic aid: 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 million Currency: 1 ouguiya (UM) = 5 khoums Exchange rates: ouguiya (UM) per US$1 - 116.990 (February 1993), 87.082 (1992), 81.946 (1991), 80.609 (1990), 83.051 (1989), 75.261 (1988) Fiscal year: calendar year

*Mauritania, Communications

Railroads: 690 km 1.435-meter (standard) gauge, single track, owned and operated by government mining company Highways: 7,525 km total; 1,685 km paved; 1,040 km gravel, crushed stone, or otherwise improved; 4,800 km unimproved roads, trails, tracks Inland waterways: mostly ferry traffic on the Senegal River Ports: Nouadhibou, Nouakchott Merchant marine: 1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,290 GRT/1,840 DWT Airports: total: 29 usable: 29 with permanent-surface runways: 9 with runways over 3,659 m: 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 5 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 16 Telecommunications: poor system of cable and open-wire lines, minor microwave radio relay links, and radio communications stations (improvements being made); broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 1 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 ARABSAT, with six planned

*Mauritania, Defense Forces

Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Guard, National Police, Presidential Guard Manpower availability: males age 15-49 452,008; fit for military service 220,717 (1993 est.); conscription law not implemented Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $40 million, 4.2% of GDP (1989)

*Mauritius, Geography

Location: Southern Africa, in the western Indian Ocean, 900 km east of Madagascar Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 1,860 km2 land area: 1,850 km2 comparative area: slightly less than 10.5 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint Brandon), and Rodrigues Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 177 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or the edge of continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: claims UK-administered Chagos Archipelago, which includes the island of Diego Garcia in UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory; claims French-administered Tromelin Island Climate: 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 plateau Natural resources: arable land, fish Land use: arable land: 54% permanent crops: 4% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 31% other: 7% Irrigated land: 170 km2 (1989 est.) Environment: subject to cyclones (November to April); almost completely surrounded by reefs

*Mauritius, People

Population: 1,106,516 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 0.95% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 19.67 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 6.44 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: -3.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 19 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.24 years male: 66.34 years female: 74.3 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.23 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Mauritian(s) adjective: Mauritian Ethnic 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, Bojpoori Literacy: age 13 and over can read and write (1962) total population: 61% male: 72% female: 50% Labor force: 335,000 by occupation: government services 29%, agriculture and fishing 27%, manufacturing 22%, other 22% note: 43% of population of working age (1985)

*Mauritius, Government

Names: conventional long form: Republic of Mauritius conventional short form: Mauritius Digraph: MP Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Port Louis Administrative 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*, Savanne, Independence: 12 March 1968 (from UK) Constitution: 12 March 1968 Legal system: based on French civil law system with elements of English common law in certain areas National holiday: Independence Day, 12 March (1968) Political parties and leaders: government coalition: Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), A. JUGNAUTH Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM), Paul BERENGER; Organization of the People of Rodrigues (OPR), Louis Serge CLAIR; Democratic Labor Movement (MTD), Anil BAICHOO opposition: Mauritian Labor Party (MLP), Navin RAMGOOLMAN Socialist Workers Front, Sylvio MICHEL; Mauritian Social Democratic Party (PMSD), X. DUVAL Other political or pressure groups: various labor unions Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Elections: Legislative Assembly: last held on 15 September 1991 (next to be held by 15 September 1996); results - MSM/MMM 53%, MLP/PMSD 38%; seats - (70 total, 62 elected) MSM/MMM alliance 59 (MSM 29, MMM 26, OPR 2, MTD 2); MLP/PMSD 3 Executive branch: president, vice president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Cassam UTEEM (since 1 July 1992); Vice President Robin Dranooth 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)

*Mauritius, Government

Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Chitmansing JESSERAMSING chancery: Suite 134, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 244-1491 or 1492 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador vacant embassy: 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis mailing address: 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis telephone: [230] 208-9763 through 208-9767 FAX: [230] 208-9534 Flag: four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow, and green

*Mauritius, Economy

Overview: The economy is based on sugar, manufacturing (mainly textiles), and tourism. Sugarcane is grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and accounts for 40% of export earnings. The government's development strategy is centered on industrialization (with a view to exports), agricultural diversification, and tourism. Economic performance in FY91 was impressive, with 6% real growth and low unemployment. National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion (FY91 est.) National product real growth rate: 6.1% (FY91 est.) National product per capita: $2,300 (FY91 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7% (FY91) Unemployment rate: 2.4% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $557 million; expenditures $607 million, including capital expenditures of $111 million (FY90) Exports: $1.2 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: textiles 44%, sugar 40%, light manufactures 10% partners: EC and US have preferential treatment, EC 77%, US 15% Imports: $1.6 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: manufactured goods 50%, capital equipment 17%, foodstuffs 13%, petroleum products 8%, chemicals 7% partners: EC, US, South Africa, Japan External debt: $869 million (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 7% (1990); accounts for 25% of GDP Electricity: 235,000 kW capacity; 630 million kWh produced, 570 kWh per capita (1992) Industries: food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles, wearing apparel, chemicals, metal products, transport equipment, nonelectrical machinery, tourism Agriculture: 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 Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $76 million; Western (non-US) countries (1970-89), $709 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $54 million Currency: 1 Mauritian rupee (MauR) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Mauritian rupees (MauRs) per US$1 - 16.982 (January 1993), 15.563 (1992), 15.652 (1991), 14.839 (1990), 15.250 (1989), 13.438 (1988)

*Mauritius, Economy

Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June

*Mauritius, Communications

Highways: 1,800 km total; 1,640 km paved, 160 km earth Ports: Port Louis Merchant marine: 7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 103,328 GRT/163,142 DWT; includes 3 cargo, 1 liquefied gas, 3 bulk Airports: total: 5 usable: 4 with permanent-surface runways: 2 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 0 Telecommunications: small system with good service utilizing primarily microwave radio relay; new microwave link to Reunion; high-frequency radio links to several countries; over 48,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 4 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Mauritius, Defense Forces

Branches: National Police Force (including the paramilitary Special Mobile Force (SMF), Special Support Units (SSU), and National Coast Guard Manpower availability: males age 15-49 312,056; fit for military service 159,408 (1993 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $5 million, 0.2% of GDP (FY89)

*Mayotte, Header

Affiliation: (territorial collectivity of France)

*Mayotte, Geography

Location: Southern Africa, in the northern Mozambique Channel about halfway between Madagascar and Mozambique Map references: Africa Area: total area: 375 km2 land area: 375 km2 comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 185.2 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: claimed by Comoros Climate: 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 ravines Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA% Irrigated land: NA km2 Environment: subject to cyclones during rainy season Note: part of Comoro Archipelago

*Mayotte, People

Population: 89,983 (July 1993 est.) Population growth rate: 3.8% (1993 est.) Birth rate: 49.22 births/1,000 population (1993 est.) Death rate: 11.22 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) Infant mortality rate: 81.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 57.35 years male: 55.23 years female: 59.55 years (1993 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.84 children born/woman (1993 est.) Nationality: noun: Mahorais (singular and plural) adjective: Mahoran Ethnic divisions: NA Religions: Muslim 99%, Christian (mostly Roman Catholic) Languages: Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French Literacy: total population: NA male: NA female: NA Labor force: NA

*Mayotte, Government

Names: conventional long form: Territorial Collectivity of Mayotte conventional short form: Mayotte Digraph: MF Type: territorial collectivity of France Capital: Mamoutzou Administrative divisions: none (territorial collectivity of France) Independence: none (territorial collectivity of France) Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: French law National holiday: Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) Political parties and leaders: Mahoran Popular Movement (MPM), Younoussa BAMANA; Party for the Mahoran Democratic Rally (PRDM), Daroueche MAOULIDA; Mahoran Rally for the Republic (RMPR), Mansour KAMARDINE; Union of the Center (UDC) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Elections: General Council: last held March 1991 (next to be held March 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (17 total) MPM 12, RPR 5 French Senate: last held on 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) MPM 1 French National Assembly: last held 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) UDC 1 Executive branch: government commissioner Legislative branch: unicameral General Council (Conseil General) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Tribunal Superieur d'Appel) Leaders: Chief of State: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) Head of Government: Commissioner, Representative of the French Government Jean-Paul COSTE (since NA 1991); President of the General Council Youssouf BAMANA (since NA 1976) Member of: FZ Diplomatic representation in US: as a territorial collectivity of France, Mahoran interests are represented in the US by France Flag: the flag of France is used