Chapter M: Major infectious diseases (63)
4.049 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 39
Telephones - mobile cellular:
15.178 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 48
Telephone system:
general assessment: Portugal's telephone system has a state-of-the-art network with broadband, high-speed capabilities
domestic: integrated network of coaxial cables, open-wire, microwave radio relay, and domestic satellite earth stations
international: country code - 351; a combination of submarine cables provide connectivity to Europe, North and East Africa, South Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the US; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA Eutelsat; tropospheric scatter to Azores (2008)
Broadcast media:
the publicly-owned TV broadcaster operates 2 domestic channels and external service channels to Africa; overall, roughly 40 domestic TV stations; viewers have widespread access to international broadcasters with more than half of all households connected to multi-channel cable or satellite TV systems; publicly-owned radio operates 3 national networks and provides regional and external services; several privately-owned national radio stations and some 300 regional and local commercial radio stations (2008)
Internet country code:
.pt
Internet hosts:
3.267 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 28
Internet users:
5.168 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 45
Transportation ::Portugal
Airports:
65 (2010) country comparison to the world: 77
Airports - with paved runways:
total: 43
over 3,047 m: 5
2,438 to 3,047 m: 8
1,524 to 2,437 m: 7
914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 10 (2010)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
total: 22
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 21 (2010)
Pipelines:
gas 1,098 km; oil 11 km; refined products 188 km (2009)
Railways:
total: 2,786 km country comparison to the world: 59 broad gauge: 2,603 km 1.668-m gauge (1,351 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 183 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)
Roadways:
total: 82,900 km country comparison to the world: 57 paved: 71,294 km (includes 2,613 km of expressways)
unpaved: 11,606 km (2008)
Waterways:
210 km (on Douro River from Porto) (2008) country comparison to the world: 96
Merchant marine:
total: 111 country comparison to the world: 47 by type: bulk carrier 8, cargo 33, carrier 1, chemical tanker 17, container 8, liquefied gas 9, passenger 13, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 7, roll on/roll off 1, vehicle carrier 9
foreign-owned: 80 (Belgium 8, Denmark 4, Germany 13, Greece 5, Italy 10, Japan 9, Mexico 1, Netherlands 1, Norway 1, Spain 15, Sweden 6, Switzerland 3, US 4)
registered in other countries: 14 (Cyprus 2, Malta 3, Panama 9) (2010)
Ports and terminals:
Leixoes, Lisbon, Setubal, Sines
Military ::Portugal
Military branches:
Portuguese Army (Exercito Portuguesa), Portuguese Navy (Marinha Portuguesa; includes Marine Corps), Portuguese Air Force (Forca Aerea Portuguesa, FAP) (2010)
Military service age and obligation:
18 years of age for voluntary military service; no compulsory military service; women serve in the armed forces, on naval ships since 1993, but are prohibited from serving in some combatant specialties; reserve obligation to age 35 (2010)
Manpower available for military service:
males age 16-49: 2,572,007
females age 16-49: 2,474,719 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 2,104,945
females age 16-49: 2,034,912 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 62,628
female: 55,737 (2010 est.)
Military expenditures:
2.3% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 65
Transnational Issues ::Portugal
Disputes - international:
Portugal does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over the territory of Olivenza based on a difference of interpretation of the 1815 Congress of Vienna and the 1801 Treaty of Badajoz
Illicit drugs:
seizing record amounts of Latin American cocaine destined for Europe; a European gateway for Southwest Asian heroin; transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Europe; consumer of Southwest Asian heroin
page last updated on January 20, 2011
======================================================================
@Puerto Rico (Central America and Caribbean)
Introduction ::Puerto Rico
Background:
Populated for centuries by aboriginal peoples, the island was claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following COLUMBUS' second voyage to the Americas. In 1898, after 400 years of colonial rule that saw the indigenous population nearly exterminated and African slave labor introduced, Puerto Rico was ceded to the US as a result of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship in 1917. Popularly-elected governors have served since 1948. In 1952, a constitution was enacted providing for internal self government. In plebiscites held in 1967, 1993, and 1998, voters chose not to alter the existing political status.
Geography ::Puerto Rico
Location:
Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic
Geographic coordinates:
18 15 N, 66 30 W
Map references:
Central America and the Caribbean
Area:
total: 13,790 sq km country comparison to the world: 162 land: 8,870 sq km
water: 4,921 sq km
Area - comparative:
slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island
Land boundaries:
0 km
Coastline:
501 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Climate:
tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation
Terrain:
mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north; mountains precipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastal areas
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m
highest point: Cerro de Punta 1,338 m
Natural resources:
some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and offshore oil
Land use:
arable land: 3.69%
permanent crops: 5.59%
other: 90.72% (2005)
Irrigated land:
400 sq km (2003)
Natural hazards:
periodic droughts; hurricanes
Environment - current issues:
erosion; occasional drought causing water shortages
Geography - note:
important location along the Mona Passage - a key shipping lane to the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean; many small rivers and high central mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north
People ::Puerto Rico
Population:
3,978,702 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 128
Age structure:
0-14 years: 19.8% (male 402,473/female 384,655)
15-64 years: 66.1% (male 1,260,191/female 1,361,359)
65 years and over: 14.1% (male 239,957/female 317,578) (2010 est.)
Median age:
total: 36.8 years
male: 35 years
female: 38.5 years (2010 est.)
Population growth rate:
0.27% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174
Birth rate:
11.42 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172
Death rate:
7.82 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 111
Net migration rate:
-0.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 153
Urbanization:
urban population: 98% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female
total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2010 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
total: 8.23 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 162 male: 9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 7.43 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 78.77 years country comparison to the world: 43 male: 75.15 years
female: 82.57 years (2010 est.)
Total fertility rate:
1.62 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
7,397 (1997) country comparison to the world: 115
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
NA
Nationality:
noun: Puerto Rican(s) (US citizens)
adjective: Puerto Rican
Ethnic groups:
white (mostly Spanish origin) 76.2%, black 6.9%, Asian 0.3%, Amerindian 0.2%, mixed 4.4%, other 12% (2007)
Religions:
Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15%
Languages:
Spanish, English
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 94.1%
male: 93.9%
female: 94.4% (2002 est.)
Education expenditures:
NA
Government ::Puerto Rico
Country name:
conventional long form: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
conventional short form: Puerto Rico
Dependency status:
unincorporated, organized territory of the US with commonwealth status; policy relations between Puerto Rico and the US conducted under the jurisdiction of the Office of the President
Government type:
commonwealth
Capital:
name: San Juan
geographic coordinates: 18 28 N, 66 07 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions:
none (territory of the US with commonwealth status); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 78 municipalities (municipios, singular - municipio) at the second order; Adjuntas, Aguada, Aguadilla, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Anasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barceloneta, Barranquitas, Bayamon, Cabo Rojo, Caguas, Camuy, Canovanas, Carolina, Catano, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerio, Corozal, Culebra, Dorado, Fajardo, Florida, Guanica, Guayama, Guayanilla, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Hatillo, Hormigueros, Humacao, Isabela, Jayuya, Juana Diaz, Juncos, Lajas, Lares, Las Marias, Las Piedras, Loiza, Luquillo, Manati, Maricao, Maunabo, Mayaguez, Moca, Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Penuelas, Ponce, Quebradillas, Rincon, Rio Grande, Sabana Grande, Salinas, San German, San Juan, San Lorenzo, San Sebastian, Santa Isabel, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja, Vieques, Villalba, Yabucoa, Yauco
Independence:
none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)
National holiday:
US Independence Day, 4 July (1776); Puerto Rico Constitution Day, 25 July (1952)
Constitution:
ratified 3 March 1952; approved by US Congress 3 July 1952; effective 25 July 1952
Legal system:
based on Spanish civil code and within the US Federal system of justice
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal; island residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections
Executive branch:
chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)
head of government: Governor Luis FORTUNO (since 2 January 2009)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with the consent of the legislature (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as Puerto Rico, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor elected by popular vote for a four-year term (no term limits); election last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)
election results: Luis FORTUNO elected governor with 52.8% of the vote
Legislative branch:
bicameral Legislative Assembly consists of the Senate (at least 27 seats; members directly elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives (51 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012); House of Representatives - last held on 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - PNP 81.5%, PPD 18.5%; seats by party - PNP 22, PPD 5; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - PNP 72.5%, PPD 27.5%; seats by party - PNP 37, PPD 14
note: Puerto Rico elects, by popular vote, a resident commissioner to serve a four-year term as a nonvoting representative in the US House of Representatives; aside from not voting on the House floor, he enjoys all the rights of a member of Congress; elections last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PNP 1
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court; Appellate Court; Court of First Instance composed of two sections: a Superior Court and a Municipal Court (justices for all these courts appointed by the governor with the consent of the Senate)
Political parties and leaders:
National Democratic Party [Roberto PRATS]; National Republican Party of Puerto Rico [Dr. Tiody FERRE]; New Progressive Party or PNP [Pedro ROSSELLO] (pro-US statehood); Popular Democratic Party or PPD [Anibal ACEVEDO-VILA] (pro-commonwealth); Puerto Rican Independence Party or PIP [Ruben BERRIOS Martinez] (pro-independence)
Political pressure groups and leaders:
Boricua Popular Army or EPB (a revolutionary group also known as Los Macheteros); note - the following radical groups are considered dormant by Federal law enforcement: Armed Forces for National Liberation or FALN, Armed Forces of Popular Resistance, Volunteers of the Puerto Rican Revolution
International organization participation:
Caricom (observer), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ITUC, UNWTO (associate), UPU
Diplomatic representation in the US:
none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)
Flag description:
five equal horizontal bands of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bears a large, white, five-pointed star in the center; the white star symbolizes Puerto Rico; the three sides of the triangle signify the executive, legislative and judicial parts of the government; blue stands for the sky and the coastal waters; red symbolizes the blood shed by warriors, while white represents liberty, victory, and peace
note: design initially influenced by the US flag, but similar to the Cuban flag, with the colors of the bands and triangle reversed
National anthem:
name: "La Borinquena" (The Puerto Rican)
lyrics/music: Manuel Fernandez JUNCOS/Felix Astol ARTES
note: music adopted 1952, lyrics adopted 1977; the local anthem's name is a reference to the indigenous name of the island, Borinquen; the music was originally composed as a dance in 1867 and gained popularity in the early 20th century; there is some evidence that the music was written by Francisco RAMIREZ; as a commonwealth of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is official (see United States)
Economy ::Puerto Rico
Economy - overview:
Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region. A diverse industrial sector has far surpassed agriculture as the primary locus of economic activity and income. Encouraged by duty-free access to the US and by tax incentives, US firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. US minimum wage laws apply. Sugar production has lost out to dairy production and other livestock products as the main source of income in the agricultural sector. Tourism has traditionally been an important source of income with estimated arrivals of more than 3.6 million tourists in 2008.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$64.84 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 $68.84 billion (2009 est.)
$71.51 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
$93.52 billion (2010 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
-5.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212 -3.7% (2009 est.)
-2.8% (2008 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$16,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $17,400 (2009 est.)
$18,100 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 1%
industry: 45%
services: 54% (2005 est.)
Labor force:
1.479 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 133
Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 2.1%
industry: 19%
services: 79% (2005 est.)
Unemployment rate:
12% (2002) country comparison to the world: 129
Population below poverty line:
NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
6.5% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 170
Market value of publicly traded shares:
$NA
Agriculture - products:
sugarcane, coffee, pineapples, plantains, bananas; livestock products, chickens
Industries:
pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, tourism
Industrial production growth rate:
NA%
Electricity - production:
23.72 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 68
Electricity - consumption:
22.06 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 67
Electricity - exports:
0 kWh (2008 est.)
Electricity - imports:
0 kWh (2008 est.)
Oil - production:
1,783 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 103
Oil - consumption:
164,100 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 63
Oil - exports:
16,520 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 93
Oil - imports:
225,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 41
Oil - proved reserves:
0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134
Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141
Natural gas - consumption:
806.6 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 90
Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 140
Natural gas - imports:
806.6 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 56
Natural gas - proved reserves:
0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109
Exports:
$46.9 billion (2001) country comparison to the world: 55
Exports - commodities:
chemicals, electronics, apparel, canned tuna, rum, beverage concentrates, medical equipment
Imports:
$29.1 billion (2001) country comparison to the world: 61
Imports - commodities:
chemicals, machinery and equipment, clothing, food, fish, petroleum products
Debt - external:
$NA
Exchange rates:
the US dollar is used
Communications ::Puerto Rico
Telephones - main lines in use:
870,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 83
Telephones - mobile cellular:
2.716 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 118
Telephone system:
general assessment: modern system integrated with that of the US by high-capacity submarine cable and Intelsat with high-speed data capability
domestic: digital telephone system; mobile-cellular services
international: country code - 1-787, 939; submarine cables provide connectivity to the US, Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
Broadcast media:
more than 30 television stations operating; cable TV subscription services are available; roughly 125 radio stations operating (2007)
Internet country code:
.pr
Internet hosts:
482 (2010) country comparison to the world: 182
Internet users:
1 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 100
Transportation ::Puerto Rico
Airports:
29 (2010) country comparison to the world: 117
Airports - with paved runways:
total: 17
over 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 5 (2010)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
total: 12
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 10 (2010)
Roadways:
total: 26,670 km country comparison to the world: 102 paved: 25,337 km (includes 427 km of expressways)
unpaved: 1,333 km (2008)
Merchant marine:
total: 3 country comparison to the world: 138 by type: roll on/roll off 3
foreign-owned: 3 (US 3)
registered in other countries: 1 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1) (2008)
Ports and terminals:
Ensenada Honda, Mayaguez, Playa de Guayanilla, Playa de Ponce, San Juan
Military ::Puerto Rico
Military branches:
no regular indigenous military forces; paramilitary National Guard, Police Force
Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 704,833
females age 16-49: 788,234 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 30,616
female: 29,196 (2010 est.)
Military - note:
defense is the responsibility of the US
Transnational Issues ::Puerto Rico
Disputes - international:
increasing numbers of illegal migrants from the Dominican Republic cross the Mona Passage to Puerto Rico each year looking for work
page last updated on January 11, 2011
======================================================================
@Qatar (Middle East)
Introduction ::Qatar
Background:
Ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Qatari economy was crippled by a continuous siphoning off of petroleum revenues by the Amir, who had ruled the country since 1972. His son, the current Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, overthrew him in a bloodless coup in 1995. In 2001, Qatar resolved its longstanding border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. As of 2007, oil and natural gas revenues had enabled Qatar to attain the second-highest per capita income in the world.
Geography ::Qatar
Location:
Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia
Geographic coordinates:
25 30 N, 51 15 E
Map references:
Middle East
Area:
total: 11,586 sq km country comparison to the world: 165 land: 11,586 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
slightly smaller than Connecticut
Land boundaries:
total: 60 km
border countries: Saudi Arabia 60 km
Coastline:
563 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: as determined by bilateral agreements or the median line
Climate:
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Terrain:
mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravel
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
highest point: Tuwayyir al Hamir 103 m
Natural resources:
petroleum, natural gas, fish
Land use:
arable land: 1.64%
permanent crops: 0.27%
other: 98.09% (2005)
Irrigated land:
130 sq km (2002)
Total renewable water resources:
0.1 cu km (1997)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
total: 0.29 cu km/yr (24%/3%/72%)
per capita: 358 cu m/yr (2000)
Natural hazards:
haze, dust storms, sandstorms common
Environment - current issues:
limited natural fresh water resources are increasing dependence on large-scale desalination facilities
Environment - international agreements:
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:
strategic location in central Persian Gulf near major petroleum deposits
People ::Qatar
Population:
840,926 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159
Age structure:
0-14 years: 21.8% (male 93,805/female 88,040)
15-64 years: 76.8% (male 454,714/female 185,004)
65 years and over: 1.4% (male 6,792/female 4,930) (2010 est.)
Median age:
total: 30.8 years
male: 32.9 years
female: 25.4 years (2010 est.)
Population growth rate:
0.869% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 130
Birth rate:
15.54 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134
Death rate:
2.44 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 223
Net migration rate:
-4.41 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197
Urbanization:
urban population: 96% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.056 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 2.44 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.36 male(s)/female
total population: 1.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
total: 12.24 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 137 male: 13.02 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 11.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 75.51 years country comparison to the world: 83 male: 73.78 years
female: 77.33 years (2010 est.)
Total fertility rate:
2.44 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 161
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
NA
Nationality:
noun: Qatari(s)
adjective: Qatari
Ethnic groups:
Arab 40%, Indian 18%, Pakistani 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%
Religions:
Muslim 77.5%, Christian 8.5%, other 14% (2004 census)
Languages:
Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 89%
male: 89.1%
female: 88.6% (2004 census)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total: 13 years
male: 12 years
female: 15 years (2008)
Education expenditures:
3.3% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 140
Government ::Qatar
Country name:
conventional long form: State of Qatar
conventional short form: Qatar
local long form: Dawlat Qatar
local short form: Qatar
note: closest approximation of the native pronunciation falls between cutter and gutter, but not like guitar
Government type:
emirate
Capital:
name: Doha
geographic coordinates: 25 17 N, 51 32 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions:
7 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Khawr wa adh Dhakhirah, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Ash Shamal, Az Za'ayin, Umm Salal
Independence:
3 September 1971 (from the UK)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 3 September (1971); also observed is National Day, 18 December (anniversary of Al Thani family accession to the throne)
Constitution:
ratified by public referendum on 29 April 2003, endorsed by the Amir on 8 June 2004, effective on 9 June 2005
Legal system:
based on Islamic and civil law codes; discretionary system of law controlled by the Amir, although civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law dominates family and personal matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani (since 27 June 1995 when, as heir apparent, he ousted his father, Amir KHALIFA bin Hamad Al Thani, in a bloodless coup); Heir Apparent TAMIM bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, fourth son of the amir (selected Heir Apparent by the amir on 5 August 2003); note - Amir HAMAD also holds the positions of Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
head of government: Prime Minister HAMAD bin Jasim bin Jabir Al Thani (since 3 April 2007); Deputy Prime Minister Abdallah bin Hamad al-ATIYAH (since 3 April 2007)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the amir (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the amir is hereditary
note: in April 2007, Qatar held nationwide elections for a 29-member Central Municipal Council (CMC), which has limited consultative powers aimed at improving the provision of municipal services; the first election for the CMC was held in March 1999
Legislative branch:
unicameral Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura (35 seats; members appointed)
note: no legislative elections have been held since 1970 when there were partial elections to the body; Council members have had their terms extended every year since the new constitution came into force on 9 June 2005; the constitution provides for a new 45-member Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura; the public would elect 30 members and the Amir would appoint 15; elections to the Majlis al-Shura are tentatively scheduled for June 2010
Judicial branch:
Courts of First Instance, Appeal, and Cassation; an Administrative Court and a Constitutional Court were established in 2007; note - all judges are appointed by Amiri Decree based on the recommendation of the Supreme Judiciary Council for renewable three-year terms
Political parties and leaders:
none
Political pressure groups and leaders:
none
International organization participation:
ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CICA (observer), FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Ali Fahad al-Shahwany al-HAJRI
chancery: 2555 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone: [1] (202) 274-1600 and 274-1603
FAX: [1] (202) 237-0061
consulate(s) general: Houston
Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph E. LEBARON
embassy: Al-Luqta District, 22 February Road, Doha
mailing address: P. O. Box 2399, Doha
telephone: [974] 488 4161
FAX: [974] 488 4150
Flag description:
maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on the hoist side; maroon represents the blood shed in Qatari wars, white stands for peace; the nine-pointed serrated edge signifies Qatar as the ninth member of the "reconciled emirates" in the wake of the Qatari-British treaty of 1916
note: the other eight emirates are the seven that compose the UAE and Bahrain; according to some sources, the dominant color was formerly red, but this darkened to maroon upon exposure to the sun and the new shade was eventually adopted
National anthem:
name: "Al-Salam Al-Amiri" (The Peace for the Anthem)
lyrics/music: Sheikh MUBARAK bin Saif al-Thani/Abdul Aziz Nasser OBAIDAN
note: adopted 1996; the anthem was first performed that year at a meeting of the Gulf Cooperative Council hosted by Qatar
Economy ::Qatar
Economy - overview:
Despite the global financial crisis, Qatar has prospered in the last several years - in 2010 Qatar had the world's highest growth rate. Qatari authorities throughout the crisis sought to protect the local banking sector with direct investments into domestic banks. GDP rebounded in 2010 largely due to the increase in oil prices. Economic policy is focused on developing Qatar's nonassociated natural gas reserves and increasing private and foreign investment in non-energy sectors, but oil and gas still account for more than 50% of GDP, roughly 85% of export earnings, and 70% of government revenues. Oil and gas have made Qatar the second highest per-capita income country - following Liechtenstein - and likely the country with the lowest unemployment. Proved oil reserves of 15 billion barrels should enable continued output at current levels for 37 years. Qatar's proved reserves of natural gas exceed 25 trillion cubic meters, about 14% of the world total and third largest in the world. Qatar's successful 2022 world cup bid will likely accelerate large-scale infrastructure projects such as Qatar's metro system and the Qatar-Bahrain causeway.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$122.2 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $102.3 billion (2009 est.)
$93.44 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
$126.5 billion (2010 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
19.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 9.5% (2009 est.)
11.7% (2008 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$145,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1 $122,800 (2009 est.)
$113,300 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 0.1%
industry: 78.8%
services: 21.1% (2010 est.)
Labor force:
1.254 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137
Unemployment rate:
0.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 0.5% (2009 est.)
Population below poverty line:
NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Investment (gross fixed):
33% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12
Public debt:
10.3% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 14% of GDP (2009 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 -4.9% (2009 est.)
Central bank discount rate:
5.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 80 5.5% (31 December 2008)
Commercial bank prime lending rate:
7.04% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 6.84% (31 December 2008 est.)
Stock of narrow money:
$15.98 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 66 $14.59 billion (31 December 2009 est)
Stock of broad money:
$65.95 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $59.09 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Stock of domestic credit:
$70.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $69.21 billion (31 December 2009)
Market value of publicly traded shares:
$87.86 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 42 $76.31 billion (31 December 2008)
$95.49 billion (31 December 2007)
Agriculture - products:
fruits, vegetables; poultry, dairy products, beef; fish
Industries:
liquefied natural gas, crude oil production and refining, ammonia, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars, cement, commercial ship repair
Industrial production growth rate:
27.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 1
Electricity - production:
15.11 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 80
Electricity - consumption:
13.73 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 78
Electricity - exports:
0 kWh (2008 est.)
Electricity - imports:
0 kWh (2008 est.)
Oil - production:
1.213 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 21
Oil - consumption:
142,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 69
Oil - exports:
753,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 22
Oil - imports:
0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 208
Oil - proved reserves:
25.41 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 12
Natural gas - production:
76.98 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 11
Natural gas - consumption:
20.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 33
Natural gas - exports:
56.78 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 5
Natural gas - imports:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 144
Natural gas - proved reserves:
25.47 trillion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3
Current account balance:
$20.11 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $809 million (2009 est.)
Exports:
$57.82 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $33.28 billion (2009 est.)
Exports - commodities:
liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products, fertilizers, steel
Exports - partners:
Japan 34.68%, South Korea 22.44%, Singapore 10.03%, India 4.86% (2009)
Imports:
$23.38 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $20.89 billion (2009 est.)
Imports - commodities:
machinery and transport equipment, food, chemicals
Imports - partners:
US 13.43%, Italy 8.34%, South Korea 8.33%, Japan 8.04%, Germany 7.31%, France 6.26%, UK 5.59%, China 5%, UAE 4.67%, Saudi Arabia 3.96% (2009)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$22.41 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $18.81 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Debt - external:
$71.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $70.37 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
$26.38 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $20.75 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
$19.49 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $14.27 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Exchange rates:
Qatari rials (QAR) per US dollar - 3.64 (2010), 3.64 (2009), 3.64 (2008), 3.64 (2007), 3.64 (2006)
Communications ::Qatar
Telephones - main lines in use:
285,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 116
Telephones - mobile cellular:
2.472 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 122
Telephone system:
general assessment: modern system centered in Doha
domestic: combined fixed and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership exceeds 300 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 974; landing point for the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and the US; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and the UAE; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat (2009)
Broadcast media:
television and radio broadcast media are state controlled; home of the satellite TV channel Al-Jazeera, which was originally owned and financed by the Qatari Government; Al-Jazeera claims editorial independence in broadcasting; transmissions of several international broadcasters are accessible on FM in Doha (2007)
Internet country code:
.qa
Internet hosts:
822 (2010) country comparison to the world: 170
Internet users:
563,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 117
Transportation ::Qatar
Airports:
6 (2010) country comparison to the world: 173
Airports - with paved runways:
total: 4
over 3,047 m: 3
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
total: 2
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 1 (2010)
Heliports:
1 (2010)
Pipelines:
condensate 145 km; condensate/gas 132 km; gas 980 km; liquid petroleum gas 90 km; oil 382 km (2009)
Roadways:
total: 7,790 km (2006) country comparison to the world: 144
Merchant marine:
total: 29 country comparison to the world: 86 by type: bulk carrier 3, chemical tanker 2, container 14, liquefied gas 6, petroleum tanker 4
foreign-owned: 7 (Kuwait 7)
registered in other countries: 30 (Liberia 5, Marshall Islands 24, Panama 1) (2010)
Ports and terminals:
Doha, Mesaieed (Umaieed), Ra's Laffan
Military ::Qatar
Military branches:
Qatari Amiri Land Force (QALF), Qatari Amiri Navy (QAN), Qatari Amiri Air Force (QAAF) (2009)
Military service age and obligation:
18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)
Manpower available for military service:
males age 16-49: 387,399
females age 16-49: 163,652 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
males age 16-49: 320,277
females age 16-49: 138,558 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
male: 6,403
female: 5,144 (2010 est.)
Military expenditures:
10% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 2
Transnational Issues ::Qatar
Disputes - international:
none
Trafficking in persons:
current situation: Qatar is a destination country for men and women from South and Southeast Asia who migrate willingly, but are subsequently trafficked into involuntary servitude as domestic workers and laborers, and, to a lesser extent, commercial sexual exploitation; the most common offense was forcing workers to accept worse contract terms than those under which they were recruited; other conditions include bonded labor, withholding of pay, restrictions on movement, arbitrary detention, and physical, mental, and sexual abuse
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - the Government of Qatar does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; in February 2009, Qatar enacted a new migrant worker sponsorship law that criminalizes some practices commonly used by trafficking offenders, and it announced plans to use that law effectively to prevent human trafficking; punishment for offenses related to trafficking in persons remains lower than that for crimes such as rape and kidnapping, and the Qatari government has yet to take significant action to investigate, prosecute, and punish trafficking offenses; the government continues to lack formal victim identification procedures and, as a result, victims of trafficking are likely punished for acts committed as a direct result of being trafficked (2009)
page last updated on January 27, 2011
======================================================================
@Romania (Europe)
Introduction ::Romania
Background:
The principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia - for centuries under the suzerainty of the Turkish Ottoman Empire - secured their autonomy in 1856; they united in 1859 and a few years later adopted the new name of Romania. The country gained recognition of its independence in 1878. It joined the Allied Powers in World War I and acquired new territories - most notably Transylvania - following the conflict. In 1940, Romania allied with the Axis powers and participated in the 1941 German invasion of the USSR. Three years later, overrun by the Soviets, Romania signed an armistice. The post-war Soviet occupation led to the formation of a Communist "people's republic" in 1947 and the abdication of the king. The decades-long rule of dictator Nicolae CEAUSESCU, who took power in 1965, and his Securitate police state became increasingly oppressive and draconian through the 1980s. CEAUSESCU was overthrown and executed in late 1989. Former Communists dominated the government until 1996 when they were swept from power. Romania joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.
Geography ::Romania
Location:
Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Ukraine
Geographic coordinates:
46 00 N, 25 00 E
Map references:
Europe
Area:
total: 238,391 sq km country comparison to the world: 82 land: 229,891 sq km
water: 8,500 sq km
Area - comparative:
slightly smaller than Oregon
Land boundaries:
total: 2,508 km
border countries: Bulgaria 608 km, Hungary 443 km, Moldova 450 km, Serbia 476 km, Ukraine (north) 362 km, Ukraine (east) 169 km
Coastline:
225 km
Maritime claims:
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate:
temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms
Terrain:
central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the Moldavian Plateau on the east by the Eastern Carpathian Mountains and separated from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
highest point: Moldoveanu 2,544 m
Natural resources:
petroleum (reserves declining), timber, natural gas, coal, iron ore, salt, arable land, hydropower
Land use:
arable land: 39.49%
permanent crops: 1.92%
other: 58.59% (2005)
Irrigated land:
30,770 sq km (2003)
Total renewable water resources:
42.3 cu km (2003)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
total: 6.5 cu km/yr (9%/34%/57%)
per capita: 299 cu m/yr (2003)
Natural hazards:
earthquakes, most severe in south and southwest; geologic structure and climate promote landslides
Environment - current issues:
soil erosion and degradation; water pollution; air pollution in south from industrial effluents; contamination of Danube delta wetlands
Environment - international agreements:
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Geography - note:
controls most easily traversable land route between the Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine
People ::Romania
Population:
21,959,278 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53
Age structure:
0-14 years: 15.5% (male 1,772,583/female 1,681,539)
15-64 years: 69.7% (male 7,711,062/female 7,784,041)
65 years and over: 14.7% (male 1,332,120/female 1,934,076) (2010 est.)
Median age:
total: 38.4 years
male: 36.9 years
female: 39.9 years (2010 est.)
Population growth rate:
-0.247% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 216
Birth rate:
9.58 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203
Death rate:
11.78 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34
Net migration rate:
-0.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131
Urbanization:
urban population: 54% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: -0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)
Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female
total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
total: 11.32 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 145 male: 12.76 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 9.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 73.74 years country comparison to the world: 110 male: 70.26 years
female: 77.42 years (2010 est.)
Total fertility rate:
1.27 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 212
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 127
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
15,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 87
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
350 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 102
Nationality:
noun: Romanian(s)
adjective: Romanian
Ethnic groups:
Romanian 89.5%, Hungarian 6.6%, Roma 2.5%, Ukrainian 0.3%, German 0.3%, Russian 0.2%, Turkish 0.2%, other 0.4% (2002 census)
Religions:
Eastern Orthodox (including all sub-denominations) 86.8%, Protestant (various denominations including Reformate and Pentecostal) 7.5%, Roman Catholic 4.7%, other (mostly Muslim) and unspecified 0.9%, none 0.1% (2002 census)
Languages:
Romanian 91% (official), Hungarian 6.7%, Romany (Gypsy) 1.1%, other 1.2%
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 97.3%
male: 98.4%
female: 96.3% (2002 census)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total: 15 years
male: 14 years
female: 15 years (2008)
Education expenditures:
4.4% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 94
Government ::Romania
Country name:
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Romania
local long form: none
local short form: Romania
Government type:
republic
Capital:
name: Bucharest
geographic coordinates: 44 26 N, 26 06 E
time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Administrative divisions:
41 counties (judete, singular - judet) and 1 municipality* (municipiu); Alba, Arad, Arges, Bacau, Bihor, Bistrita-Nasaud, Botosani, Braila, Brasov, Bucuresti (Bucharest)*, Buzau, Calarasi, Caras-Severin, Cluj, Constanta, Covasna, Dimbovita, Dolj, Galati, Gorj, Giurgiu, Harghita, Hunedoara, Ialomita, Iasi, Ilfov, Maramures, Mehedinti, Mures, Neamt, Olt, Prahova, Salaj, Satu Mare, Sibiu, Suceava, Teleorman, Timis, Tulcea, Vaslui, Vilcea, Vrancea
Independence:
9 May 1877 (independence proclaimed from the Ottoman Empire; independence recognized 13 July 1878 by the Treaty of Berlin); 26 March 1881 (kingdom proclaimed); 30 December 1947 (republic proclaimed)
National holiday:
Unification Day (of Romania and Transylvania), 1 December (1918)
Constitution:
8 December 1991; revised 29 October 2003
Legal system:
based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: President Traian BASESCU (since 20 December 2004)
head of government: Prime Minister Emil BOC (since 22 December 2008); Deputy Prime Minister Marko BELA (since 23 December 2009)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 22 November 2009 with runoff on 6 December 2009 (next to be held in November-December 2014); prime minister appointed by the president with the consent of the Parliament
election results: Traian BASESCU reelected president; percent of vote - Traian BASESCU 50.3%, Mircea GEOANA 49.7%
Legislative branch:
bicameral Parliament or Parlament consists of the Senate or Senat (137 seats; members elected by popular vote in a mixed electoral system to serve four-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camera Deputatilor (334 seats; members elected by popular vote in a mixed electoral system to serve four-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held on 30 November 2008 (next expected to be held in November 2012); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 30 November 2008 (next expected to be held in November 2012)
election results: Senate - percent of vote by alliance/party - PSD-PC 34.2%, PDL 33.6%, PNL 18.7%, UDMR 6.4%, other 7.1%; seats by alliance/party - PSD-PC 49, PDL 51, PNL 28, UDMR 9; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by alliance/party - PSD-PC 33.1%, PDL 32.4%, PNL 18.6%, UDMR 6.2%, ethnic minorities 3.6%, other 6.1%; seats by alliance/party - PDL 115, PSD-PC 114, PNL 65, UDMR 22, ethnic minorities 18
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court of Justice (comprised of 11 judges appointed for three-year terms by the president in consultation with the Superior Council of Magistrates, which is comprised of the minister of justice, the prosecutor general, two civil society representatives appointed by the Senate, and 14 judges and prosecutors elected by their peers); a separate body, the Constitutional Court, validates elections and makes decisions regarding the constitutionality of laws, treaties, ordinances, and internal rules of the Parliament; it is comprised of nine members serving nine-year terms, with three members each appointed by the president, the Senate, and the Chamber of Deputies
Political parties and leaders:
Conservative Party or PC [Daniel CONSTANTIN] (formerly Humanist Party or PUR); Democratic Liberal Party or PDL [Emil BOC]; Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania or UDMR [Bela MARKO]; National Liberal Party or PNL [Crin ANTONESCU]; National Union for Romania's Progress or UNPR [Gabriel OPREA]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Victor PONTA] (formerly Party of Social Democracy in Romania or PDSR)
Political pressure groups and leaders:
other: various human rights and professional associations
International organization participation:
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CBSS (observer), CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Adrian Cosmin VIERITA
chancery: 1607 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 332-4846, 4848, 4851, 4852
FAX: [1] (202) 232-4748
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York
Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Mark GITENSTEIN
embassy: Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9, Bucharest
mailing address: pouch: American Embassy Bucharest, US Department of State, 5260 Bucharest Place, Washington, DC 20521-5260 (pouch)
telephone: [40] (21) 200-3300
FAX: [40] (21) 200-3442
Flag description:
three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; modeled after the flag of France, the colors are those of the principalities of Walachia (red and yellow) and Moldavia (red and blue), which united in 1861 to form Romania; the national coat of arms that used to be centered in the yellow band has been removed
note: now similar to the flag of Chad, whose blue band is darker; also resembles the flags of Andorra and Moldova
National anthem:
name: "Desteapta-te romane!" (Wake up, Romanian)
lyrics/music: Andrei MURESIANU/Anton PANN
note: adopted 1990; the anthem was written during the 1848 Revolution
Economy ::Romania
Economy - overview:
Romania, which joined the European Union on 1 January 2007, began the transition from Communism in 1989 with a largely obsolete industrial base and a pattern of output unsuited to the country's needs. The country emerged in 2000 from a punishing three-year recession thanks to strong demand in EU export markets. Domestic consumption and investment have fueled strong GDP growth in recent years, but have led to large current account imbalances. Romania's macroeconomic gains have only recently started to spur creation of a middle class and address Romania's widespread poverty. Corruption and red tape continue to handicap its business environment. Inflation rose in 2007-08, driven in part by strong consumer demand and high wage growth, rising energy costs, a nation-wide drought affecting food prices, and a relaxation of fiscal discipline. Romania's GDP contracted markedly in the last quarter of 2008 as the country began to feel the effects of a global downturn in financial markets and trade, and GDP fell more than 7% in 2009, prompting Bucharest to seek a $26 billion emergency assistance package from the IMF, the EU, and other international lenders. Drastic austerity measures, as part of Romania's IMF-led agreement led to a further 1.9% GDP contraction in 2010. The economy is expected to return to positive growth in 2011.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$253.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $258.2 billion (2009 est.)
$277.9 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
$158.4 billion (2010 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
-1.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205 -7.1% (2009 est.)
7.1% (2008 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$11,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 $11,700 (2009 est.)
$12,600 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 12.8%
industry: 36%
services: 51.2% (2010 est.)
Labor force:
9.35 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 52
Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 29.7%
industry: 23.2%
services: 47.1% (2006)
Unemployment rate:
8.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93 7.8% (2009 est.)
Population below poverty line:
25% (2005 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: 1.2%
highest 10%: 20.8% (2006)
Distribution of family income - Gini index:
32 (2008) country comparison to the world: 103 28.8 (2003)
Investment (gross fixed):
21.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 74
Public debt:
34.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 24% of GDP (2009 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 5.6% (2009 est.)
Central bank discount rate:
NA%
Commercial bank prime lending rate:
17.28% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 46 14.99% (31 December 2008 est.)
Stock of narrow money:
$24.39 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 60 $26.03 billion (31 December 2009 est)
Stock of broad money:
$63.67 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $61.66 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Stock of domestic credit:
$77.46 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $72.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Market value of publicly traded shares:
$30.32 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 61 $19.92 billion (31 December 2008)
$44.93 billion (31 December 2007)
Agriculture - products:
wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, sunflower seed, potatoes, grapes; eggs, sheep
Industries:
electric machinery and equipment, textiles and footwear, light machinery and auto assembly, mining, timber, construction materials, metallurgy, chemicals, food processing, petroleum refining
Industrial production growth rate:
1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140
Electricity - production:
58.28 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 44
Electricity - consumption:
49.44 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45
Electricity - exports:
5.169 billion kWh (2008 est.)
Electricity - imports:
921 million kWh (2008 est.)
Oil - production:
117,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 50
Oil - consumption:
214,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 53
Oil - exports:
115,600 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 64
Oil - imports:
217,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43
Oil - proved reserves:
600 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 43
Natural gas - production:
11.42 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 40
Natural gas - consumption:
16.92 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 38
Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 139
Natural gas - imports:
5.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 30
Natural gas - proved reserves:
63 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60
Current account balance:
-$7.934 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175 -$7.139 billion (2009 est.)
Exports:
$51.91 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $40.6 billion (2009 est.)
Exports - commodities:
machinery and equipment, textiles and footwear, metals and metal products, machinery and equipment, minerals and fuels, chemicals, agricultural products
Exports - partners:
Germany 18.76%, Italy 15.42%, France 8.2%, Turkey 4.99%, Hungary 4.33% (2009)
Imports:
$59.84 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $50.03 billion (2009 est.)
Imports - commodities:
machinery and equipment, fuels and minerals, chemicals, textile and products, metals, agricultural products
Imports - partners:
Germany 17.3%, Italy 11.78%, Hungary 8.36%, France 6.14%, China 4.91%, Austria 4.75% (2009)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$50.51 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $44.11 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Debt - external:
$108.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $110 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
$80.16 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $73.96 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
$1.831 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $1.731 billion (31 December 2009 est.)
Exchange rates:
lei (RON) per US dollar - 3.2 (2010), 3.0493 (2009), 2.5 (2008), 2.43 (2007), 2.809 (2006)
Communications ::Romania
Telephones - main lines in use:
5.313 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 30
Telephones - mobile cellular:
25.377 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 34
Telephone system:
general assessment: the telecommunications sector is being expanded and modernized; domestic and international service improving rapidly, especially mobile-cellular services
domestic: more than 90 percent of telephone network is automatic; fixed-line teledensity exceeds 20 telephones per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity, expanding rapidly, roughly 115 telephones per 100 persons
international: country code - 40; the Black Sea Fiber Optic System provides connectivity to Bulgaria and Turkey; satellite earth stations - 10; digital, international, direct-dial exchanges operate in Bucharest (2009)
Broadcast media:
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The 2010 CIA World FactbookChapter M: Major infectious diseases (63)
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