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- Herausgeber: Booksell-Verlag
- Kategorie: Fachliteratur
- Sprache: Englisch
The 1990 CIA World Factbook serves as a comprehensive compendium of geopolitical and social data, reflecting the intricacies of global affairs on the brink of significant geopolitical changes. With a detailed and analytical approach, this edition encompasses a wide array of topics, including demographics, economics, and governmental structures, all presented in a succinct and accessible format. The meticulous organization of information alongside rich cartographic content allows readers to grasp the complexities of international relations in a rapidly shifting world, marked by the end of the Cold War and the reconfiguration of regional power dynamics. The Central Intelligence Agency, having derived from the post-World War II environment, is tasked with providing vital intelligence and data to support national security. The publication of the World Factbook is a culmination of the agency's efforts to disseminate accurate information that informs policymakers and the public alike. This edition reflects the agency's commitment to presenting facts in a world where uncertainty loomed, illustrating the breadth of its research capabilities and its role as a key player in international understanding. For scholars, policymakers, and informed citizens, The 1990 CIA World Factbook is an indispensable resource that contextualizes an era rife with change. It offers not merely statistics but a gateway to understanding the interconnections that shaped international relations at a pivotal moment in history. Delve into this authoritative resource to gain valuable insights that remain relevant for contemporary geopolitical discourse. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
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Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020
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The 1990 CIA World Factbook
Table of Contents
Introduction
"A country is not just its borders, but its people, culture, and history intertwined—an intricate tapestry woven from countless threads." This quote captures the essence of the 1990 CIA World Factbook, emphasizing the depth of understanding that goes beyond mere statistics and geographical boundaries. Each entry within this reference not only provides data on nations but also highlights the unique qualities that define them, inviting readers to appreciate the diverse threads of humanity and geography that make up our world.
The 1990 CIA World Factbook has earned its designation as a classic, standing out as an enduring resource for scholars, students, and curious minds alike. Its encyclopedic nature combines factual data with insights about nations, making it a fundamental work in the field of geography and global studies. The Factbook’s comprehensive approach to presenting information has influenced other reference works, guiding them in terms of meticulous research, accuracy, and clarity essential for understanding the global landscape.
Authored by the United States Central Intelligence Agency, the 1990 Factbook encapsulates a pivotal point in history, reflecting geopolitical tensions and developments of the late 20th century. Written during a time when the world was experiencing profound changes, including the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, the Factbook serves as a snapshot of global conditions. Its contents span demographic data, economic statistics, military information, and political frameworks, presenting a holistic view of world nations.
The 1990 edition of the CIA World Factbook was published with the intention to inform and educate, providing decision-makers and the public insight into the socio-political climate of various countries. The CIA sought to neutralize misinformation and conspiracy theories by presenting raw data grounded in robust intelligence gathering. It reflects the organization’s dedication to transparency and its commitment to fostering a better understanding of international relations and global issues through factual reporting.
Importantly, the Factbook does not merely list facts and figures; it contextualizes them within the cultures and histories of the nations covered. This unique approach invites a more thorough examination of how factors such as geography, politics, and economy intersect, which leaves readers with a comprehensive understanding rather than fragmented knowledge. Each entry contains a wealth of information that can bridge the divide between disciplines and interests.
One of the chief appeals of the 1990 CIA World Factbook is its timeless relevance. Even over three decades since its release, the themes it explores—national identity, socio-economic outlines, geopolitical rivalries, and environmental challenges—remain pertinent. Today's scholars and historians continue to refer back to this resource, underscoring its role as not merely a compilation of facts, but as a document that offers insight into ongoing global dialogues and disputes.
As readers delve into the pages of the Factbook, they may find it encompasses broad themes such as power dynamics, cultural exchanges, and historical contexts, framing contemporary world events within larger narratives. The insights gained from the 1990 edition lay the groundwork for understanding modern geopolitical issues, enabling readers to connect past events with present realities, shedding light on the progression of global conflicts and alliances over time.
The meticulous detail provided in this reference book has made it a go-to resource not only for researchers but also for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in global affairs. Its systematic approach—with country entries organized alphabetically and rich in data—fuels its utility in academic settings and among professionals. This enduring accessibility keeps it in the public discourse, inviting critique, reflection, and scholarly inquiry into the present state of the world.
Another reason for its classic status can be found in the adaptability of the CIA World Factbook across varying contexts. While it serves primarily as a factual repository, its contents spark vital conversations and inspire curiosity among its readership regarding international relations, trade, immigration, and human rights. This versatility allows the Factbook to remain relevant across disciplines, providing a common ground for discussion among students and scholars from diverse backgrounds.
The themes explored in the 1990 edition underscore the significance of international cooperation and the delicate balance of power on the global stage. The entries reveal the interconnectedness of nations, illustrating how one country's conditions can have far-reaching implications for others. Understanding these dynamics is essential for fostering meaningful dialogues about contemporary issues ranging from climate change to security, reflecting the ongoing necessity for a nuanced grasp of world affairs.
Additionally, the language and style employed in the Factbook enhance its accessibility. Written in a straightforward manner, it invites readers from various levels of expertise to engage with its content. This design consideration ensures that even those less familiar with geographical or political terminology can benefit from the wealth of information presented, promoting a broader understanding among the general public.
The CIA's commitment to producing a factual and authoritative resource is another hallmark of its classic nature. Stripping away personal biases and subjective interpretations, the Factbook relies on data and research, allowing readers to form their own conclusions based on presented facts. This commitment to objective analysis stands as a pillar upon which the credibility of the work is built, establishing it firmly in the realm of respected reference literature.
As an indicator of its impact, the 1990 CIA World Factbook has influenced not just the reference genre but also shaped popular media narratives concerning international affairs. News outlets and journals often draw upon data featured in the Factbook to support their analyses, demonstrating its integration into the wider discourse about global issues. Awareness of the book's content empowers journalists and writers to present well-informed perspectives that contribute to a more educated public.
In a swiftly evolving global landscape, the comprehensive overview provided by the 1990 edition remains significant. The evolving nature of nations—changes in governance, economic conditions, and demographic trends—means that historical documents like the Factbook can often serve as critical benchmarks for analysis. By examining the data and conclusions drawn within its pages, analysts can chart progress, regressions, and transformations within the international realm.
Furthermore, the 1990 CIA World Factbook acts as a bridge between historical context and the modern era, allowing contemporary readers to appreciate how past world events have shaped today's realities. Each entry provides a timeline of developments and shifts, granting insights into how histories have unfolded and how they continue to influence present conditions. As the world navigates complex relationships, the lessons gleaned from this publication are ever more crucial.
Ultimately, the 1990 CIA World Factbook stands as a testament to the importance of been well-informed. In a world rife with misinformation and uncertainty, references like this work act as a beacon of knowledge, providing readers with clarity amidst the noise. As it endorses the understanding of nations in a holistic manner, it brings attention to issues of importance that resonate with contemporary audiences, bridging gaps between populations and promoting informed citizenship.
As we journey through this foundational text, it is vital to engage with the multitude of insights and queries it presents. Readers are invited to appreciate not only the facts laid out before them but also the deeper narratives that shape our world. The 1990 CIA World Factbook remains an essential resource, challenging us to think critically about the geopolitical events that continue to unfold and inspiring a commitment to a more comprehensive understanding of global citizenship.
Synopsis
The 1990 CIA World Factbook compiled by the United States Central Intelligence Agency serves as a comprehensive reference source that outlines essential information on the world's nations and territories. This annual publication provides detailed statistical data, geographic information, political structures, economic indicators, and demographic trends. Aimed at providing clear insight into global dynamics, the Factbook serves not just as a guide for governmental officials, but also for academics, researchers, and the general public seeking understanding of international affairs as of the early 1990s.
Beginning with global geographic perspectives, the Factbook highlights important physical and political features of each country. It includes maps, descriptions of geographical boundaries, and noteworthy landforms, illustrating the geographical diversity of our planet. This section establishes a foundational understanding for the context in which nations operate, emphasizing their unique locations and characteristics that directly influence their sociopolitical and economic environments.
The publication then transitions to political information, detailing the governmental structures of various countries. It offers insights into the political systems in place, identifying regimes—whether democratic, authoritarian, or otherwise—and outlining the role of leadership within these frameworks. The interconnectedness of political stability and governance impacts international relations, which the Factbook elucidates through succinct descriptions of each nation’s political landscape.
Economic data featured in the Factbook presents a vivid picture of global markets at the time. This includes key indicators such as GDP, inflation rates, employment statistics, and trade balances. By laying out these economic parameters, the Factbook allows readers to understand each country's economic strengths and weaknesses, paving the way to exams of how economic policies influence global interdependencies and the shifting nature of trade relations around the world in 1990.
Demographic statistics, including population size, density, and growth rates, are meticulously outlined to provide a snapshot of social structures within different countries. This demographic data is crucial for contextualizing social dynamics, as it highlights diverse aspects like ethnicity, language, education levels, and age distribution. Understanding these factors is essential for interpreting how populations operate and engage with their governments and economies.
The World Factbook further delves into international relationships, discussing historical alliances and conflicts that shaped the geopolitical landscape of the time. This exploration reflects on past events and current trends, informing readers of potential future shifts in power dynamics. By documenting these relationships, the Factbook reinforces the concept that a comprehensive understanding of history is vital for analyzing contemporary issues in international politics.
In addition to presenting quantitative data, the document also emphasizes qualitative narratives that unveil critical challenges countries faced in 1990. Issues such as environmental hazards, human rights concerns, and public health crises are explored. These themes offer insights into the various sociopolitical contexts and provide a broader understanding of global challenges, highlighting the interconnectedness of nations amidst these issues.
Following the exploration of individual nations and territories, the Factbook concludes with reflections on regional and global trends, drawing connections between the presented data. It encourages readers to consider how geopolitical realities impact economic opportunities and social developments globally, reinforcing the interdependence of nations. This synthesization of data serves as a reminder of the complex relationships that exist on the international stage.
Overall, the 1990 CIA World Factbook stands as a vital resource for readers aiming to grasp a snapshot of the world at a pivotal historical moment. By compiling extensive data in an organized manner, it not only informs but also invites further inquiry into global dynamics. Ultimately, it serves as both a historical document and a tool for fostering understanding among various stakeholders in the realms of diplomacy, commerce, and academia.
Historical Context
The 1990 CIA World Factbook was published during a transformative period in global history, set against the backdrop of the Cold War's nearing conclusion. This year, 1990, marked a shift from a world order dominated by the United States and the Soviet Union to a new geopolitical landscape influenced by globalization and the decreasing influence of the Soviet Union. The fall of the Berlin Wall in late 1989 symbolized the decline of communist ideologies, setting the stage for democratization in Eastern Europe. The Factbook aimed to encapsulate this rapidly changing environment, providing essential data on nations' demographics, economies, and political structures, while reflecting the shifting dynamics on the world stage. The choice to compile this information in a comprehensive format exemplified the CIA's role in intelligence gathering and public information. It was a time of both hope and uncertainty, exemplifying the tensions inherent in the transition from the old world order to the new.
In 1989, the fall of the Berlin Wall signified not only the physical reunification of East and West Germany but also symbolized the collapse of communist regimes throughout Eastern Europe. Major events surrounding this period included the peaceful revolutions across Eastern Europe that led to democratic transitions. The CIA World Factbook of 1990 reflects these shifts by providing updated data on these nations. This represented a shift in intelligence reporting, emphasizing the importance of democratic development and potential stability in Europe.
The dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991 was a consequential event that shaped the early 1990s geopolitically. The 1990 CIA World Factbook captures the last months of the Soviet Union, illustrating the complexities of governance in a region fraught with ethnic tensions and economic challenges. The Factbook provides a snapshot of the republics on the verge of independence, revealing how the Soviet collapse influenced neighboring countries and global affairs. With a focus on these developing states, the book anticipated the consequences of this breakup on American and global policy.
The Gulf War of 1990-1991 was another pivotal point in international relations, beginning with Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. This conflict underscored the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics and the U.S.'s role as a military and diplomatic leader. The CIA World Factbook provided context regarding the involved nations, including Iraq under Saddam Hussein and the coalition forces led by the United States. The war highlighted issues surrounding oil resources and U.S. strategic interests, showcasing the importance of the Middle East in global affairs.
In the Persian Gulf region, events like the Iranian Revolution in 1979 and subsequent regional conflicts significantly influenced global politics. Radical groups began to reshape the political landscape in several Muslim-majority countries. The Factbook's data on regions like Iran and Iraq offered insight into the socio-economic realities that facilitated these movements. By highlighting these trends, the Factbook served as a reference for understanding challenges Western democracies faced concerning Islamic insurgencies and their influence.
The anti-apartheid movement, prominent in South Africa, reached a critical point in 1990 when Nelson Mandela was released after 27 years in prison. The movement garnered international attention, prompting economic sanctions against South Africa and calls for democratic reforms. The 1990 CIA World Factbook presents statistics on South Africa, highlighting its political landscape and economic conditions during a period of significant change. This aspect of the Factbook underscores international efforts against apartheid and the global momentum toward human rights reforms.
In Latin America, the transition from authoritarian regimes to democratic governance marked the 1980s and 1990s. The CIA World Factbook documented these developments, noting their implications for regional stability and foreign relations. Events such as democratic elections in countries like Chile and Argentina mirrored broader democratization patterns. Through the Factbook, readers could see how shifting political winds in the Americas reflected a desire for social change and participatory governance.
The reunification of Germany in 1990 was another historical milestone captured by the Factbook. This event followed the process announced in mid-1990, posing challenges including economic integration and social disparities. The Factbook provided data on Germany’s economic metrics, reflecting the tasks ahead for this newly unified state. The emphasis on a unified Germany highlighted the importance of cooperation among European nations in strengthening democracy.
The political climate of the 1990s in the United States saw a decline in Cold War-era bipartisan consensus, with emerging movements sparking a re-examination of foreign policy and domestic priorities. The 1990 CIA World Factbook mirrors this landscape by presenting data reflecting areas of concern like economic competitiveness and social inequality. This shift indicated a growing need to address domestic issues while managing international responsibilities.
By the late 20th century, globalization began reshaping the economic landscape with lowered trade barriers and technological advancements. The 1990 CIA World Factbook included statistics on global trade and economic partnerships. The representation of globalization in the Factbook highlighted the benefits of an interconnected world and the risks of economic dependence and competition.
Environmentalism emerged as a significant movement by the late 20th century, emphasizing sustainable practices to counteract industrial effects and climate change. The Factbook included data relevant to environmental policies, indicating that awareness of environmental issues was beginning to influence public policy and international negotiations.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw increased awareness of human rights, driven by movements seeking to end oppression globally. The 1990 CIA World Factbook reflected this trend by presenting information on political prisoners and civil liberties, showcasing a push for accountability and reform.
The emergence of regional conflicts, such as violence in the former Yugoslavia, posed challenges during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The CIA World Factbook provided insights into ethnic tensions, civil wars, and humanitarian crises. This period marked a test of international diplomacy as nations confronted nationalism and self-determination issues.
The 1990 CIA World Factbook serves as more than just a statistical compendium; it acts as a reflection of its time. By presenting data on emerging democracies, conflicts, and economic disparities, the Factbook highlighted the challenges faced by nations in transition. This serves as a reflection of the era's complexities, highlighting intersections of economic policies, social justice, and human rights.
The Factbook not only documented facts but also highlighted underlying political issues prevalent in the era. By emphasizing changing power dynamics, it initiated conversations regarding governance and international organizations' roles. It shed light on the inadequacies of established systems when faced with new challenges.
Through its portrayal of political climates, the CIA World Factbook exposed the fragility of emerging democracies, illustrating the difficulties new governments faced. This was particularly evident in regions undergoing significant democratic transitions. The challenges posed by corruption and instability were presented against the backdrop of social aspirations for freedom.
Ultimately, the 1990 CIA World Factbook provided insights into a world on the brink of transformation. Through its comprehensive examination of demographics, economies, and governance, it served as a reflection of contemporary concerns while also projecting future trajectories. It illustrated the dynamic interplay between historical events and their significance.
Author Biography
Introduction
The United States Central Intelligence Agency, established in the late 1940s under the National Security Act, evolved from wartime intelligence traditions to become a central pillar of America’s national security apparatus. Charged with collecting foreign intelligence, conducting covert action under presidential direction, and producing rigorous analysis for policymakers, the Agency has shaped—and been shaped by—global events from the Cold War through the present. Its most recognizable products include National Intelligence Estimates and contributions to the President’s Daily Brief, while its operations and assessments have sparked both acclaim and controversy. Through reforms, oversight, and adaptation, the CIA remains a consequential and closely scrutinized institution.
Education and Literary Influences
As an organization rather than an individual, the CIA’s “education” is institutional. It recruits from universities, the military, and public service, then immerses officers in specialized training. Case officers learn clandestine tradecraft and operational security at facilities widely reported in public sources, while analysts undergo structured instruction in critical thinking, source evaluation, and estimative methods. Language proficiency, cultural literacy, and ethical obligations are emphasized throughout. The Agency’s analytic training has been formalized through internal schools and programs often associated by name with pioneers of intelligence analysis, reinforcing standards intended to separate objective assessment from advocacy and to safeguard sources and methods.
The Agency’s analytic ethos has been shaped by verifiable intellectual influences. Sherman Kent, an early architect of U.S. strategic analysis, advocated rigorous estimation, disciplined use of probability, and clarity of judgment, principles reflected in modern intelligence writing. Richards J. Heuer Jr. further influenced the craft with Psychology of Intelligence Analysis, highlighting cognitive biases and structured techniques such as Analysis of Competing Hypotheses. These ideas, along with community-wide analytic standards and best practices, encourage transparent sourcing, explicit confidence levels, and methodological rigor. The result is a style that privileges evidence, caveats, and humility in the face of uncertainty, rather than rhetorical flourish.
Literary Career
The CIA’s “works” are institutional productions: finished intelligence for senior leaders, National Intelligence Estimates crafted with community input, and contributions to the President’s Daily Brief. Its analytic writing favors careful sourcing, explicit confidence judgments, and alternative hypotheses. Internally, the Center for the Study of Intelligence fosters discourse, and its journal Studies in Intelligence publishes unclassified and classified essays on history and tradecraft, some later released to the public. Beyond policymaker products, the Agency issues The World Factbook, a widely consulted reference on countries and territories. Collectively, these outputs represent a distinctive analytic voice: cautious, precise, and methodologically self-aware.
Operationally, the CIA took shape amid early Cold War pressures. It developed human intelligence networks, partnered with allies, and supported technical reconnaissance programs, including early overhead photography that transformed strategic insight into adversary capabilities. Some covert actions altered political landscapes abroad and remain subjects of intense historical debate. High-profile setbacks underscored the limits of clandestine power and the costs of misjudgment. Through both successes and failures, the Agency’s operational record fed back into its analytic enterprises, prompting refinements in tradecraft, interagency coordination, and the balance between secrecy, accountability, and the need to inform policy without overstating confidence.
Public scrutiny surged in the 1970s. Investigations by congressional committees spotlighted abuses and excesses, catalyzing reforms that reshaped the Agency’s governance environment. Congressional oversight committees and new legal frameworks tightened accountability for surveillance and covert action. Internally, oversight mechanisms, clearer authorities, and procedures for legal review developed. The episode encouraged a more explicit separation of analysis from policy advocacy and reinforced norms of documentation and dissent. Over time, selective declassification—including historical releases—allowed broader public engagement with the Agency’s past, enabling scholars and citizens to examine both the institutional learning that followed and the boundaries of appropriate secrecy.
After the Cold War, the CIA recalibrated toward diffuse threats, from regional conflicts to proliferation. Counterterrorism gained momentum, with a dedicated center coordinating collection and analysis. The attacks of September 11 profoundly tested the institution, leading to wartime operations, intense interagency collaboration, and later, searching critiques of analytic misjudgments—most notably concerning Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction. Subsequent reviews led to structural change, including the creation of a Director of National Intelligence and a redefinition of the CIA’s leadership role. In response, the Agency invested in tradecraft, red-teaming, and more explicit standards to strengthen evidence, transparency, and analytic accountability.
Beliefs and Advocacy
The CIA’s core beliefs, as articulated in its public statements and professional standards, emphasize objective analysis, protection of the nation, and the safeguarding of sources and methods. The analytic creed prizes speaking truth to power, even when assessments are politically inconvenient. Officers are trained to separate evidence from inference, to articulate levels of confidence, and to entertain alternative explanations. Operationally, the Agency asserts adherence to U.S. law, executive directives, and oversight. The enduring challenge is reconciling secrecy with democratic accountability and delivering timely intelligence while recognizing the inherent uncertainty that characterizes complex international developments.
Institutional advocacy has often taken the form of transparency initiatives within lawful bounds. The CIA maintains a Freedom of Information Act Electronic Reading Room that hosts declassified documents, and it has collaborated with the National Archives on large-scale releases. Studies in Intelligence has made portions of tradecraft and historical scholarship publicly accessible. The World Factbook provides open, regularly updated reference material for global audiences. These publications, while limited by classification, reflect an institutional acknowledgment that certain information can and should inform the public and the scholarly community, building understanding of the intelligence profession’s constraints, responsibilities, and historical trajectory.
Public engagement also appears in recruitment, educational outreach, and statements on professional ethics. The Agency has highlighted its inspector general function, compliance training, and internal mechanisms for dissent and review. It has described efforts to broaden language capability and cultural expertise, and to modernize technology and data practices. While public detail is necessarily constrained, the messaging underscores commitments to analytic integrity, lawful operations, and workforce development. In debates over security and civil liberties, the Agency’s position is typically presented through official testimony and reports, subject to oversight, reflecting the tension between operational secrecy and the need for public accountability.
Final Years & Legacy
In recent years, the CIA has pursued modernization to address digital-age challenges. A major reorganization in the mid-2010s emphasized integrated mission centers and created a directorate focused on digital innovation, reflecting the growing importance of cyber operations, data science, and open-source exploitation. The Agency has invested in partnerships across the intelligence community and with other government entities, while adapting collection and analysis to strategic competition, persistent terrorism, and rapidly evolving technologies. These shifts built on lessons from earlier decades: strengthening tradecraft, fostering collaboration, and improving agility in an environment where information volume and velocity complicate secrecy and assessment.
As a living institution, the CIA has no final chapter. Its legacy includes contributions to strategic warning, crisis decision-making, and the development of analytic methodology, as well as episodes that have prompted enduring controversy and reform. Public reaction to its work remains mixed—respect for its mission and professionalism coexists with scrutiny of its methods and authorities. The Agency’s influence is visible in intelligence doctrine, academic study, and cultural depictions of espionage. Its future significance will depend on its capacity to maintain analytic objectivity, uphold legal and ethical standards, and adapt tradecraft to new technologies and geopolitical realities.
The 1990 CIA World Factbook
There have been some significant changes in this edition. In the Government section the former Branches entry has been replaced by three entries—Executive branch, Legislative branch, and Judicial branch. The Leaders entry now has subentries for Chief of State, Head of Government, and their deputies. The Elections entry has been completely redone with information for each branch of the national government, including the date for the last election, the date for the next election, results (percent of vote by candidate or party), and current distribution of seats by party. In the Economy section there is a new entry on Illicit drugs.
Abbreviations: (see Appendix B for international organizations)
avdp. avoirdupois c.i.f. cost, insurance, and freight CY calendar year DWT deadweight ton est. estimate Ex-Im Export-Import Bank of the United States f.o.b. free on board FRG Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) FY fiscal year GDP gross domestic product GDR[1] German Democratic Republic (East Germany) GNP gross national product GRT gross register ton km kilometer km2 square kilometer kW kilowatt kWh kilowatt-hour m meter NA not available NEGL negligible nm nautical mile NZ New Zealand ODA official development assistance OOF other official flows PDRY People's Democratic Republic of Yemen {Yemen (Aden) or South Yemen} UAE United Arab Emirates UK United Kingdom US United States USSR Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Soviet Union) YAR Yemen Arab Republic {Yemen (Sanaa) or North Yemen}
Administrative divisions: The numbers, designatory terms, and first-order administrative divisions are generally those approved by the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN) as of 5 April 1990. Changes that have been reported but not yet acted upon by BGN are noted.
Area: Total area is the sum of all land and water areas delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines. Land area is the aggregate of all surfaces delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines, excluding inland water bodies (lakes, reservoirs, rivers). Comparative areas are based on total area equivalents. Most entities are compared with the entire US or one of the 50 states. The smaller entities are compared with Washington, DC (178 km2, 69 miles2) or The Mall in Washington, DC (0.59 km2, 0.23 miles2, 146 acres).
Birth rate: The average annual number of births during a year per 1,000 population at midyear. Also known as crude birth rate.
Contributors: Information was provided by the Bureau of the Census (Department of Commerce), Central Intelligence Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency, Defense Nuclear Agency, Department of State, Foreign Broadcast Information Service, Navy Operational Intelligence Center and Maritime Administration (merchant marine data), Office of Territorial and International Affairs (Department of the Interior), United States Board on Geographic Names, United States Coast Guard, and others.
Dates of information: In general, information available as of 1 January 1990 was used in the preparation of this edition. Population figures are estimates for 1 July 1990, with population growth rates estimated for mid-1990 through mid-1991. Major political events have been updated through 30 March 1990. Military age figures are average annual estimates for 1990-94.
Death rate: The average annual number of deaths during a year per l,000 population at midyear. Also known as crude death rate.
Diplomatic representation: The US Government has diplomatic relations with 162 nations. There are only 144 US embassies, since some nations have US ambassadors accredited to them, but no physical US mission exists. The US has diplomatic relations with 149 of the 159 UN members—the exceptions are Albania, Angola, Byelorussia (constituent republic of the Soviet Union), Cambodia, Cuba, Iran, Vietnam, People's Democratic Republic of Yemen {Yemen (Aden) or South Yemen}, Ukraine (constituent republic of the Soviet Union) and, obviously, the US itself. In addition, the US has diplomatic relations with 13 nations that are not in the UN—Andorra, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Nauru, San Marino, South Korea, Switzerland, Tonga, Tuvalu, and the Vatican City. North Korea is not in the UN and the US does not have diplomatic relations with that nation. The US has not recognized the incorporation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into the Soviet Union and continues to accredit the diplomatic representatives of their last free governments.
Disputes: This category includes a wide variety of situations that range from traditional bilateral boundary disputes to unilateral claims of one sort or another. Every international land boundary dispute in the "Guide to International Boundaries," a map published by the Department of State, is included. References to other situations may also be included that are border- or frontier-relevant, such as maritime disputes, geopolitical questions, or irredentist issues. However, inclusion does not necessarily constitute official acceptance or recognition by the US Government.
Entities: Some of the nations, dependent areas, areas of special sovereignty, and governments included in this publication are not independent, and others are not officially recognized by the US Government. Nation refers to a people politically organized into a sovereign state with a definite territory. Dependent area refers to a broad category of political entities that are associated in some way with a nation. Names used for page headings are usually the short-form names as approved by the US Board on Geographic Names. The long-form name is included in the Government section and an entry of "none" indicates a long-form name does not exist. In some instances, no short-form name exists—then the long-form name must serve for all usages.
There are 249 entities in the Factbook that may be categorized as follows:
NATIONS 157 UN members (there are 159 members in the UN, but only 157 are included in The World Factbook because Byelorussia and Ukraine are constituent republics of the Soviet Union) 15 nations that are not members of the UN—Andorra, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, Monaco, Namibia, Nauru, North Korea, San Marino, South Korea, Switzerland, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vatican City
OTHER 1 Taiwan
DEPENDENT AREAS 6 Australia—Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island 2 Denmark—Faroe Islands, Greenland 16 France—Bassas da India, Clipperton Island, Europa Island, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Glorioso Islands, Guadeloupe, Juan de Nova Island, Martinique, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Reunion, St. Pierre and Miquelon, Tromelin Island, Wallis and Futuna 2 Netherlands—Aruba, Netherlands Antilles 3 New Zealand—Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau 3 Norway—Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard 1 Portugal—Macau 16 United Kingdom—Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, Jersey, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, St. Helena, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands 15 United States—American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau), Virgin Islands, Wake Island
MISCELLANEOUS 7 Antarctica, Gaza Strip, Iraq-Saudi Arabia Neutral Zone, Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, West Bank, Western Sahara
OTHER ENTITIES 4 oceans—Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean 1 World === 249 total
Notes: The US Government has not recognized the incorporation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into the Soviet Union as constituent republics during World War II. Those Baltic states are not members of the UN and are not included in the list of nations. The US Government does not recognize the four so-called "independent" homelands of Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, Transkei, and Venda in South Africa.
Gross domestic product (GDP): The value of all goods and services produced domestically.
Gross national product (GNP): The value of all goods and services produced domestically, plus income earned abroad, minus income earned by foreigners from domestic production.
GNP/GDP methodology: GNP/GDP dollar estimates for the OECD countries, the USSR, Eastern Europe, and a portion of the developing countries, are derived from purchasing power parity (PPP) calculations rather than from conversions at official currency exchange rates. The PPP methods involve the use of average price weights, which lie between the weights of the domestic and foreign price systems; using these weights, US $100 converted into German marks by a PPP method will buy an equal amount of goods and services in both the US and Germany. One caution: the proportion of, say, military expenditures as a percent of GNP/GDP in local currency accounts may differ substantially from the proportion when GNP/GDP is expressed in PPP dollar terms, as, for example, when an observer estimates the dollar level of Soviet or Japanese military expenditures. Similarly, dollar figures for exports and imports reflect the price patterns of international markets rather than PPP price patterns.
Growth rate (population): The annual percent change in the population, resulting from a surplus (or deficit) of births over deaths and the balance of migrants entering and leaving a country. The rate may be positive or negative.
Illicit drugs: There are five categories of illicit drugs—narcotics, stimulants, depressants (sedatives), hallucinogens, and cannabis. These categories include many drugs legally produced and prescribed by doctors as well as those illegally produced and sold outside medical channels.
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) is the common hemp plant, provides hallucinogens with some sedative properties, and includes marijuana (pot, Acapulco gold, grass, reefer), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, Marinol), hashish (hash), and hashish oil (hash oil).
Coca (Erythroxylon coca) is a bush and the leaves contain the stimulant cocaine. Coca is not to be confused with cocoa which comes from cacao seeds and is used in making chocolate, cocoa, and cocoa butter.
Cocaine is a stimulant derived from the leaves of the coca bush.
Depressants (sedatives) are drugs that reduce tension and anxiety and include chloral hydrate, barbiturates (Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, phenobarbital), benzodiazepines (Librium, Valium), methaqualone (Quaalude), glutethimide (Doriden), and others (Equanil, Placidyl, Valmid).
Drugs are any chemical substances that effect a physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral change in an individual.
Drug abuse is the use of any licit or illicit chemical substance that results in physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral impairment in an individual.
Hallucinogens are drugs that affect sensation, thinking, self-awareness, and emotion. Hallucinogens include LSD (acid, microdot), mescaline and peyote (mexc, buttons, cactus), amphetamine variants (PMA, STP, DOB), phencyclidine (PCP, angel dust, hog), phencyclidine analogues (PCE, PCPy, TCP), and others (psilocybin, psilocyn).
Hashish is the resinous exudate of the cannabis or hemp plant (Cannabis sativa).
Heroin is a semisynthetic derivative of morphine.
Marijuana is the dried leaves of the cannabis or hemp plant (Cannabis sativa).
Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain, often induce sleep, and refer to opium, opium derivatives, and synthetic substitutes. Natural narcotics include opium (paregoric, parepectolin), morphine (MS-Contin, Roxanol), codeine (Tylenol w/codeine, Empirin w/codeine, Robitussan A-C), and thebaine. Semisynthetic narcotics include heroin (horse, smack), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid). Synthetic narcotics include meperidine or Pethidine (Demerol, Mepergan), methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), and others (Darvon, Lomotil).
Opium is the milky exudate of the incised, unripe seedpod of the opium poppy.
Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is the source for many natural and semisynthetic narcotics.
Poppy straw concentrate is the alkaloid derived from the mature dried opium poppy.
Qat (kat, khat) is a stimulant from the buds or leaves of Catha edulis that is chewed or drunk as tea.
Stimulants are drugs that relieve mild depression, increase energy and activity, and include cocaine (coke, snow, crack), amphetamines (Desoxyn, Dexedrine), phenmetrazine (Preludin), methylphenidate (Ritalin), and others (Cylert, Sanorex, Tenuate).
Infant mortality rate: The number of deaths to infants under one year of age in a given year per l,000 live births occurring in the same year.
Land use: Human use of the land surface is categorized as arable land—land cultivated for crops that are replanted after each harvest (wheat, maize, rice); permanent crops—land cultivated for crops that are not replanted after each harvest (citrus, coffee, rubber); meadows and pastures—land permanently used for herbaceous forage crops; forest and woodland—land under dense or open stands of trees; and other—any land type not specifically mentioned above (urban areas, roads, desert). The percentage figure for irrigated refers to the portion of the entire amount of land area that is artificially supplied with water.
Leaders: The chief of state is the titular leader of the country who represents the state at official and ceremonial funcions but is not involved with the day-to-day activities of the government. The head of government is the administrative leader who manages the day-to-day activities of the government. In the UK, the monarch is the chief of state and the prime minister is the head of government. In the US, the President is both the chief of state and the head of government.
Life expectancy at birth: The average number of years to be lived by a group of people all born in the same year, if mortality at each age remains constant in the future.
Maritime claims: The proximity of neighboring states may prevent some national claims from being fully extended.
Merchant marine: All ships engaged in the carriage of goods. All commercial vessels (as opposed to all nonmilitary ships), which excludes tugs, fishing vessels, offshore oil rigs, etc. Also, a grouping of merchant ships by nationality or register.
Captive register—A register of ships maintained by a territory, possession, or colony primarily or exclusively for the use of ships owned in the parent country. Also referred to as an offshore register, the offshore equivalent of an internal register. Ships on a captive register will fly the same flag as the parent country, or a local variant of it, but will be subject to the maritime laws and taxation rules of the offshore territory. Although the nature of a captive register makes it especially desirable for ships owned in the parent country, just as in the internal register, the ships may also be owned abroad. The captive register then acts as a flag of convenience register, except that it is not the register of an independent state.
Flag of convenience register—A national register offering registration to a merchant ship not owned in the flag state. The major flags of convenience (FOC) attract ships to their register by virtue of low fees, low or nonexistent taxation of profits, and liberal manning requirements. True FOC registers are characterized by having relatively few of the ships registered actually owned in the flag state. Thus, while virtually any flag can be used for ships under a given set of circumstances, an FOC register is one where the majority of the merchant fleet is owned abroad. It is also referred to as an open register.
Flag state—The nation in which a ship is registered and which holds legal jurisdiction over operation of the ship, whether at home or abroad. Differences in flag state maritime legislation determine how a ship is manned and taxed and whether a foreign-owned ship may be placed on the register.
Internal register—A register of ships maintained as a subset of a national register. Ships on the internal register fly the national flag and have that nationality but are subject to a separate set of maritime rules from those on the main national register. These differences usually include lower taxation of profits, manning by foreign nationals, and, usually, ownership outside the flag state (when it functions as an FOC register). The Norwegian International Ship Register and Danish International Ship Register are the most notable examples of an internal register. Both have been instrumental in stemming flight from the national flag to flags of convenience and in attracting foreign-owned ships to the Norwegian and Danish flags.
Merchant ship—A vessel that carries goods against payment of freight. Commonly used to denote any nonmilitary ship but accurately restricted to commercial vessels only.
Register—The record of a ship's ownership and nationality as listed with the maritime authorities of a country. Also, the compendium of such individual ships' registrations. Registration of a ship provides it with a nationality and makes it subject to the laws of the country in which registered (the flag state) regardless of the nationality of the ship's ultimate owner.
Money figures: All are expressed in contemporaneous US dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Net migration rate: The balance between the number of persons entering and leaving a country during the year per 1,000 persons (based on midyear population). An excess of persons entering the country is referred to as net immigration (3.56 migrants/1,000 population); an excess of persons leaving the country as net emigration (-9.26 migrants/1,000 population).
Population: Figures are estimates from the Bureau of the Census based on statistics from population censuses, vital registration systems, or sample surveys pertaining to the recent past, and on assumptions about future trends.
Total fertility rate: The average number of children that would be born per woman if all women lived to the end of their childbearing years and bore children according to a given fertility rate at each age.
Years: All year references are for the calendar year (CY) unless indicated as fiscal year (FY).
—————————————————————————————————- THE WORLD FACTBOOK 1990 —————————————————————————————————-
Country: Afghanistan - Geography Total area: 647,500 km2; land area: 647,500 km2
Comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas
Land boundaries: 5,826 km total; China 76 km, Iran 936 km, Pakistan 2,430 km, USSR 2,384 km
Coastline: none—landlocked
Maritime claims: none—landlocked
Disputes: Pashtun question with Pakistan; Baloch question with Iran and Pakistan; periodic disputes with Iran over Helmand water rights; insurgency with Iranian and Pakistani involvement; traditional tribal rivalries
Climate: arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers
Terrain: mostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwest
Natural resources: natural gas, crude oil, coal, copper, talc, barites, sulphur, lead, zinc, iron ore, salt, precious and semiprecious stones
Land use: 12% arable land; NEGL% permanent crops; 46% meadows and pastures; 3% forest and woodland; 39% other; includes NEGL% irrigated
Environment: damaging earthquakes occur in Hindu Kush mountains; soil degradation, desertification, overgrazing, deforestation, pollution
Note: landlocked
- People Population: 15,862,293 (July 1990), growth rate 7.7% (1990)
Birth rate: 44 births/1,000 population (1990)
Death rate: 18 deaths/1,000 population (1990)
Net migration rate: 51 migrants/1,000 population (1990); note—there are flows across the border in both directions, but data are fragmentary and unreliable
Infant mortality rate: 154 deaths/1,000 live births (1990)
Life expectancy at birth: 47 years male, 46 years female (1990)
Total fertility rate: 6.4 children born/woman (1990)
Nationality: noun—Afghan(s); adjective—Afghan
Ethnic divisions: 50% Pashtun, 25% Tajik, 9% Uzbek, 12-15% Hazara; minor ethnic groups include Chahar Aimaks, Turkmen, Baloch, and others
Religion: 74% Sunni Muslim, 15% Shia Muslim, 11% other
Language: 50% Pashtu, 35% Afghan Persian (Dari), 11% Turkic languages (primarily Uzbek and Turkmen), 4% thirty minor languages (primarily Balochi and Pashai); much bilingualism
Literacy: 12%
Labor force: 4,980,000; 67.8% agriculture and animal husbandry, 10.2% industry, 6.3% construction, 5.0% commerce, 10.7% services and other (1980 est.)
Organized labor: some small government-controlled unions
- Government Long-form name: Republic of Afghanistan
Type: authoritarian
Capital: Kabul
Administrative divisions: 30 provinces (velayat, singular—velayat); Badakhshan, Badghis, Baghlan, Balkh, Bamian, Farah, Faryab, Ghazni, Ghowr, Helmand, Herat, Jowzjan, Kabol, Kandahar, Kapisa, Konar, Kondoz, Laghman, Lowgar, Nangarhar, Nimruz, Oruzgan, Paktia, Paktika, Parvan, Samangan, Sar-e Pol, Takhar, Vardak, Zabol; note—there may be a new province of Nurestan (Nuristan)
Independence: 19 August 1919 (from UK)
Constitution: adopted 30 November 1987
Legal system: has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
National holiday: Anniversary of the Saur Revolution[3], 27 April (1978)
Executive branch: president, four vice presidents, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)
Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly (Meli Shura) consists of an upper house or Senate (Sena) and a lower house or House of Representatives (Wolasi Jirgah)
Judicial branch: Supreme Court
Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government—President (Mohammad) NAJIBULLAH (Ahmadzai) (since 30 November 1987); Chairman of the Council of Ministers Executive Committee Soltan Ali KESHTMAND (since 21 February 1989); Prime Minister Fazil Haq KHALIQYAR (since 21 May 1990)
Political parties and leaders: only party—the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA[2]) has two factions—the Parchami faction has been in power since December 1979 and members of the deposed Khalqi faction continue to hold some important posts mostly in the military and Ministry of Interior; nonparty figures hold some posts
Suffrage: universal, male ages 15-50
Elections: Senate—last held NA April 1988 (next to be held April 1991); results—PDPA is the only party; seats—(192 total, 115 elected) PDPA 115;
House of Representatives—last held NA April 1988 (next to be held April 1993); results—PDPA is the only party; seats—(234 total) PDPA 184, 50 seats reserved for opposition
Communists: the PDPA claims 200,000 members (1988)
Other political or pressure groups: the military and other branches of internal security have been rebuilt by the USSR; insurgency continues throughout the country; widespread anti-Soviet and antiregime sentiment and opposition on religious and political grounds
Member of: ADB, CCC, Colombo Plan, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB—Islamic Development Bank, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, ITU, NAM, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO, WSG; suspended from OIC in January 1980
Diplomatic representation: Minister-Counselor, Charge d'Affaires MIAGOL; Chancery at 2341 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 234-3770 or 3771; US—Charge d'Affaires (vacant); Embassy at Ansari Wat, Wazir Akbar Khan Mina, Kabul; telephone 62230 through 62235 or 62436; note—US Embassy in Kabul was closed in January 1989
Flag: three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green with the national coat of arms superimposed on the hoist side of the black and red bands; similar to the flag of Malawi which is shorter and bears a radiant, rising, red sun centered in the black band
- Economy Overview: Fundamentally, Afghanistan is an extremely poor, landlocked country, highly dependent on farming (wheat especially) and livestock raising (sheep and goats). Economic considerations, however, have played second fiddle to political and military upheavals, including the nine-year Soviet military occupation (ended 15 February 1989) and the continuing bloody civil war. Over the past decade, one-third of the population has fled the country, with Pakistan sheltering some 3 million refugees and Iran perhaps 2 million. Another 1 million have probably moved into and around urban areas within Afghanistan. Large numbers of bridges, buildings, and factories have been destroyed or damaged by military action or sabotage. Government claims to the contrary, gross domestic product almost certainly is lower than 10 years ago because of the loss of labor and capital and the disruption of trade and transport. Official claims indicate that agriculture grew by 0.7% and industry by 3.5% in 1988.
GDP: $3 billion, per capita $200; real growth rate 0% (1989 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): over 50% (1989 est.)
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget: revenues NA; expenditures $646.7 million, including capital expenditures of $370.2 million (FY87 est.)
Exports: $512 million (f.o.b., FY88); commodities—natural gas 55%, fruits and nuts 24%, handwoven carpets, wool, cotton, hides, and pelts; partners—mostly USSR and Eastern Europe
Imports: $996 million (c.i.f., FY88); commodities—food and petroleum products; partners—mostly USSR and Eastern Europe
External debt: $1.8 billion (December 1989 est.)
Industrial production: growth rate 6.2% (FY89 plan)
Electricity: 480,000 kW capacity; 1,470 million kWh produced, 100 kWh per capita (1989)
Industries: small-scale production of textiles, soap, furniture, shoes, fertilizer, and cement; handwoven carpets; natural gas, oil, coal, copper
Agriculture: largely subsistence farming and nomadic animal husbandry; cash products—wheat, fruits, nuts, karakul pelts, wool, mutton
Illicit drugs: an illicit producer of opium poppy and cannabis for the international drug trade; world's second largest opium producer (after Burma) and a major source of hashish
Aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $265 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $419 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $57 million; Communist countries (1970-88), $4.1 billion
Exchange rates: afghanis (Af) per US$1—50.6 (fixed rate since 1982)
Fiscal year: 21 March-20 March
- Communications Railroads: 9.6 km (single track) 1.524-meter gauge from Kushka (USSR) to Towraghondi and 15.0 km from Termez (USSR) to Kheyrabad transshipment point on south bank of Amu Darya
Highways: 21,000 km total (1984); 2,800 km hard surface, 1,650 km bituminous-treated gravel and improved earth, 16,550 km unimproved earth and tracks
Inland waterways: total navigability 1,200 km; chiefly Amu Darya, which handles steamers up to about 500 metric tons
Pipelines: petroleum, oil, and lubricants pipelines—USSR to Bagram and USSR to Shindand; natural gas, 180 km
Ports: Shir Khan and Kheyrabad (river ports)
Civil air: 2 TU-154, 2 Boeing 727, assorted smaller transports
Airports: 38 total, 34 usable; 9 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 10 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 15 with runways 1,220-2,439 m
Telecommunications: limited telephone, telegraph, and radiobroadcast services; television introduced in 1980; 31,200 telephones; stations—5 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 satellite earth station
- Defense Forces Branches: Armed Forces (Army; Air and Air Defense Forces); Border Guard Forces; National Police Force (Sarandoi); Ministry of State Security (WAD); Tribal Militia
Military manpower: males 15-49, 3,880,124; 2,080,725 fit for military service; 168,021 reach military age (22) annually
Defense expenditures: 9.1% of GDP (1984) —————————————————————————— Country: Albania - Geography Total area: 28,750 km2; land area: 27,400 km2
Comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland
Land boundaries: 768 km total; Greece 282 km, Yugoslavia 486 km
Coastline: 362 km
Maritime claims:
Continental shelf: not specified;
Territorial sea: 15 nm
Disputes: Kosovo question with Yugoslavia; Northern Epirus question with Greece
Climate: mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers; interior is cooler and wetter
Terrain: mostly mountains and hills; small plains along coast
Natural resources: crude oil, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, timber, nickel
Land use: 21% arable land; 4% permanent crops; 15% meadows and pastures; 38% forest and woodland; 22% other; includes 1% irrigated
Environment: subject to destructive earthquakes; tsunami occur along southwestern coast; deforestation seems to be slowing
Note: strategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic Sea to Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea)
- People Population: 3,273,131 (July 1990), growth rate 1.9% (1990)
Birth rate: 25 births/1,000 population (1990)
Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1990)
Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1990)
Infant mortality rate: 52 deaths/1,000 live births (1990)
Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 78 years female (1990)
Total fertility rate: 3.0 children born/woman (1990)
Nationality: noun—Albanian(s); adjective—Albanian
Ethnic divisions: Albanian 90%, Greeks 8%, other 2% (Vlachs, Gypsies, Serbs, and Bulgarians) (1989 est.)
Religion: Albania claims to be the world's first atheist state; all churches and mosques were closed in 1967 and religious observances prohibited; pre-1967 estimates of religious affiliation—70% Muslim, 20% Albanian Orthodox, 10% Roman Catholic
Language: Albanian (Tosk is official dialect), Greek
Literacy: 75%
Labor force: 1,500,000 (1987); about 60% agriculture, 40% industry and commerce (1986)
Organized labor: Central Council of Albanian Trade Unions, 610,000 members
- Government Long-form name: People's Socialist Republic of Albania
Type: Communist state (Stalinist)
Capital: Tirane
Administrative divisions: 26 districts (rrethe, singular—rreth); Berat, Dibre, Durres, Elbasan, Fier, Gjirokaster, Gramsh, Kolonje, Korce, Kruje, Kukes, Lezhe, Librazhd, Lushnje, Mat, Mirdite, Permet, Pogradec, Puke, Sarande, Shkoder, Skrapar, Tepelene, Tirane, Tropoje, Vlore
Independence: 28 November 1912 (from Turkey); People's Socialist Republic of Albania declared 11 January 1946
Constitution: 27 December 1976
Legal system: judicial review of legislative acts only in the Presidium of the People's Assembly, which is not a true court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
National holiday: Liberation Day, 29 November (1944)
Executive branch: president of the Presidium of the People's Assembly, three vice presidents, Presidium of the People's Assembly; chairman of the Council of Ministers, three deputy chairmen, Council of Ministers
Legislative branch: unicameral People's Assembly (Kuvendi Popullor)
Judicial branch: Supreme Court
Leaders: Chief of State—President of the Presidium of the People's Assembly Ramiz ALIA (since 22 November 1982);
Head of Government—Chairman of the Council of Ministers Adil CARCANI (since 14 January 1982)
Political parties and leaders: only party—Albanian Workers Party, Ramiz Alia, first secretary
Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18
Elections: President—last held 19 February 1987 (next to be held February 1991); results—President Ramiz Alia was reelected without opposition;
People's Assembly—last held 1 February 1987 (next to be held February 1991); results—Albanian Workers Party is the only party; seats—(250 total) Albanian Workers Party 250
Communists: 147,000 party members (November 1986)
Member of: CCC, CEMA (has not participated since rift with USSR in 1961), FAO, IAEA, IPU, ITU, UN, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO
Diplomatic representation: none—the US does not recognize the Albanian Government and has no diplomatic or consular relations with Albania; there is no third-power representation of Albanian interests in the US or of US interests in Albania
Flag: red with a black two-headed eagle in the center below a red five-pointed star outlined in yellow
- Economy Overview: As the poorest country in Europe, Albania's development lags behind even the least favored areas of the Yugoslav economy. The Stalinist-type economy operates on the principles of central planning and state ownership of the means of production. In recent years Albania has implemented limited economic reforms to stimulate its lagging economy, although they do not go nearly so far as current reforms in the USSR and Eastern Europe. Attempts at self-reliance and a policy of not borrowing from international lenders—sometimes overlooked in recent years—have greatly hindered the development of a broad economic infrastructure. Albania, however, possesses considerable mineral resources and is largely self-sufficient in food. Numerical estimates of Albanian economic activity are subject to an especially wide margin of error because the government is isolated and closemouthed.
GNP: $3.8 billion, per capita $1,200; real growth rate NA% (1989 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA%
Unemployment rate: NA%
Budget: revenues $2.3 billion; expenditures $2.3 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (1989)
Exports: $378 million (f.o.b., 1987 est.); commodities—asphalt, bitumen, petroleum products, metals and metallic ores, electricity, oil, vegetables, fruits, tobacco; partners—Italy, Yugoslavia, FRG, Greece, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary
Imports: $255 million (f.o.b., 1987 est.); commodities—machinery, machine tools, iron and steel products, textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; partners—Italy, Yugoslavia, FRG, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, GDR
External debt: $NA
Industrial production: growth rate NA
Electricity: 1,630,000 kW capacity; 4,725 million kWh produced, 1,440 kWh per capita (1989)
Industries: food processing, textiles and clothing, lumber, oil, cement, chemicals, basic metals, hydropower
Agriculture: arable land per capita among lowest in Europe; one-half of work force engaged in farming; produces wide range of temperate-zone crops and livestock; claims self-sufficiency in grain output
Aid: none
Exchange rates: leke (L) per US$1—8.00 (noncommercial fixed rate since 1986), 4.14 (commercial fixed rate since 1987)
Fiscal year: calendar year
- Communications Railroads: 543 km total; 509 1.435-meter standard gauge, single track and 34 km narrow gauge, single track (1988); line connecting Titograd (Yugoslavia) and Shkoder (Albania) completed August 1986
Highways: 16,700 km total; 6,700 km highway and roads, 10,000 km forest and agricultural
Inland waterways: 43 km plus Albanian sections of Lake Scutari, Lake Ohrid, and Lake Prespa
Pipelines: crude oil, 145 km; refined products, 55 km; natural gas, 64 km (1988)
Ports: Durres, Sarande, Vlore
Merchant marine: 11 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 52,886 GRT/75,993 DWT; includes 11 cargo
Airports: 12 total, 10 usable; more than 5 with permanent-surface runways; more than 5 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 5 with runways 1,220-2,439 m
Telecommunications: stations—17 AM, 5 FM, 9 TV; 52,000 TV sets; 210,000 radios
- Defense Forces Branches: Albanian People's Army, Frontier Troops, Interior Troops, Albanian Coastal Defense Command, Air and Air Defense Force
Military manpower: males 15-49, 882,965; 729,635 fit for military service; 33,598 reach military age (19) annually
Defense expenditures: 1.1 billion leks, 11.3% of total budget (FY88); note—conversion of the military budget into US dollars using the official administratively set exchange rate would produce misleading results —————————————————————————— Country: Algeria - Geography Total area: 2,381,740 km2; land area: 2,381,740 km2
Comparative area: slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Texas
Land boundaries: 6,343 km total; Libya 982 km, Mali 1,376 km, Mauritania 463 km, Morocco 1,559 km, Niger 956 km, Tunisia 965 km, Western Sahara 42 km
Coastline: 998 km
Maritime claims:
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Disputes: Libya claims about 19,400 km2 in southeastern Algeria
Climate: arid to semiarid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers along coast; drier with cold winters and hot summers on high plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in summer
Terrain: mostly high plateau and desert; some mountains; narrow, discontinuous coastal plain
Natural resources: crude oil, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, uranium, lead, zinc
Land use: 3% arable land; NEGL% permanent crops; 13% meadows and pastures; 2% forest and woodland; 82% other; includes NEGL% irrigated
Environment: mountainous areas subject to severe earthquakes; desertification
Note: second largest country in Africa (after Sudan)
- People Population: 25,566,507 (July 1990), growth rate 2.8% (1990)
Birth rate: 37 births/1,000 population (1990)
Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1990)
Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1990)
Infant mortality rate: 87 deaths/1,000 live births (1990)
Life expectancy at birth: 61 years male, 64 years female (1990)
Total fertility rate: 5.4 children born/woman (1990)
Nationality: noun—Algerian(s); adjective—Algerian
Ethnic divisions: 99% Arab-Berber, less than 1% European
Religion: 99% Sunni Muslim (state religion); 1% Christian and Jewish
Language: Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects
Literacy: 52%
Labor force: 3,700,000; 40% industry and commerce, 24% agriculture, 17% government, 10% services (1984)
Organized labor: 16-19% of labor force claimed; General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA) is the only labor organization and is subordinate to the National Liberation Front
- Government Long-form name: Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria
Type: republic
Capital: Algiers
Administrative divisions: 31 provinces (wilayat, singular—wilaya); Adrar, Alger, Annaba, Batna, Bechar, Bejaia, Biskra, Blida, Bouira, Constantine, Djelfa, El Asnam, Guelma, Jijel, Laghouat, Mascara, Medea, Mostaganem, M'sila, Oran, Ouargla, Oum el Bouaghi, Saida, Setif, Sidi Bel Abbes, Skikda, Tamanrasset, Tebessa, Tiaret, Tizi Ouzou, Tlemcen; note—there may now be 48 provinces with El Asnam abolished, and the addition of 18 new provinces named Ain Delfa, Ain Temouchent, Bordjbou, Boumerdes, Chlef, El Bayadh, El Oued, El Tarf, Illizi, Jijel, Khenchela, Mila, Naama, Relizane, Souk Ahras, Tindouf, Tipaza, Tissemsilt
Independence: 5 July 1962 (from France)
Constitution: 19 November 1976, effective 22 November 1976
Legal system: socialist, based on French and Islamic law; judicial review of legislative acts in ad hoc Constitutional Council composed of various public officials, including several Supreme Court justices; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
National holiday: Anniversary of the Revolution, 1 November (1954)
Executive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)
Legislative branch: unicameral National People's Assembly (Assemblee Nationale Populaire)
Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)
Leaders: Chief of State—President Chadli BENDJEDID (since 7 February 1979);
Head of Government—Prime Minister Mouloud HAMROUCHE (since 9 September 1989)
Political parties and leaders: National Liberation Front (FLN), Col. Chadli Bendjedid, chairman; Abdelhamid Mehri, secretary general; the government established a multiparty system in September 1989 and as of 1 February 1990 19 legal parties existed
Suffrage: universal at age 18
Elections: President—last held on 22 December 1988 (next to be held December 1993); results—President Bendjedid was reelected without opposition;
People's National Assembly—last held on 26 February 1987 (next to be held by February 1992); results—FLN was the only party; seats—(281 total) FLN 281; note—the government has promised to hold multiparty elections (municipal and wilaya) in June 1990, the first in Algerian history
Communists: 400 (est.); Communist party banned 1962
Member of: AfDB, AIOEC, Arab League, ASSIMER, CCC, FAO, G-77, GATT (de facto), IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB—Islamic Development Bank, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, ILZSG, INTERPOL, IOOC, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OAU, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO
Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Abderrahmane BENSID; Chancery at 2118 Kalorama Road NW, Washington DC 20008; telephone (202) 328-5300; US—Ambassador Christopher W. S. ROSS; Embassy at 4 Chemin Cheich Bachir Brahimi, Algiers (mailing address is B. P. Box 549, Alger-Gare, 16000 Algiers); telephone p213o (2) 601-425 or 255, 186; there is a US Consulate in Oran
Flag: two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and white with a red five-pointed star within a red crescent; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam (the state religion)
- Economy Overview: The exploitation of oil and natural gas products forms the backbone of the economy. Algeria depends on hydrocarbons for nearly all of its export receipts, about 30% of government revenues, and nearly 25% of GDP. In 1973-74 the sharp increase in oil prices led to a booming economy that helped to finance an ambitious program of industrialization. Plunging oil and gas prices, combined with the mismanagement of Algeria's highly centralized economy, have brought the nation to its most serious social and economic crisis since independence. The government has promised far-reaching reforms, including giving public sector companies more autonomy, encouraging private-sector activity, boosting gas and nonhydrocarbon exports, and a major overhaul of the banking and financial systems. In 1988 the government started to implement a new economic policy to dismantle large state farms into privately operated units.
GDP: $54.1 billion, per capita $2,235; real growth rate - 1.8% (1988)
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.9% (1988)
Unemployment rate: 19% (1988)
Budget: revenues $17.4 billion; expenditures $22.0 billion, including capital expenditures of $8.0 billion (1988)
Exports: $9.1 billion (f.o.b., 1989 est.); commodities—petroleum and natural gas 98%; partners—Netherlands, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Italy, France, US
Imports: $7.8 billion (f.o.b., 1989 est.); commodities—capital goods 35%, consumer goods 36%, food 20%; partners—France 25%, Italy 8%, FRG 8%, US 6-7%
External debt: $26.2 billion (December 1989)
Industrial production: growth rate 5.4% (1986)
Electricity: 4,333,000 kW capacity; 14,370 million kWh produced, 580 kWh per capita (1989)
Industries: petroleum, light industries, natural gas, mining, electrical, petrochemical, food processing
Agriculture: accounts for 8% of GDP and employs 24% of labor force; net importer of food—grain, vegetable oil, and sugar; farm production includes wheat, barley, oats, grapes, olives, citrus, fruits, sheep, and cattle
Aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-85), $1.4 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $8.2 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $1.8 billion; Communist countries (1970-88), $2.7 billion
