Category Archives: Earth I – The Nations and Possessions
World Political Subdivisions
(196 political subdivisions)
POPULATION: The three figures are in the years of 2005, 20256, and 2050 the latter as projections.
POPULATION GROWTH: Many countries of the world are already as density populated as their economies can comfortably tolerate. Any increase in population density will adversely affect their economies. Many Middle East countries are already importing such essentials as food and water. Current projections are that their populations will more than double by 2050.
LANGUAGE: A major part of the communication within each country is through language. Only through communication will the people of the country become educated in the essentials of life and the necessity of limiting family size.
LITERACY: The percentage of the people over 15 years of age that is able to read and write.
LOCATION: Unless we know where a country is located, we will have difficulty in relating that country to those around it.
NATIONAL PRODUCT PER CAPITA: This is the national output per person of the country’s economy. Figures are converted to American dollars. These figures may, or may not include the following variables.
- Barter between individuals and companies.
- Home consumption of goods produced by the family unit.
- Underground Economy where goods and services are bought but not reported to any agency.
- Trade in illegal items such as producing, processing, and seling contraband such as heroin or opium.
LAND USE: This section will allow the reader to better visualize the country and its potential and its problems.
TOPOGRAPHY: topography and land use will, together, give a picture of the problems that face the government and society of any country.
WATER: Water is the essential that makes it possible to have a city, to grow crops, to support life. When Rome was deprived of its water supply, it shrank from over a million people to under 20,000 within months.
GOVERNMENT: In the years to come, the government will be one of the two major organizations that can activate programs to control population growth and maintain an infrastructure to maintain a viable standard of living and a meaningful life.
RELIGION: The religious leaders hold the second key to the fate of the people. Through their teachings, they may transmit the message of the need for family planning, which is the basic tool for population control.
NATURAL RESOURCES: Natural resources are essential in the maintaining of populations and the functioning of economies. An example of this is Saudi Arabia, a country that sustains itself, and supports the major part of 30 million people, through the export of petroleum. The exhausting of this natural resource will create a major crisis.
WORLD TRADE: Imports and exports are all we have to go on in the dependence or the contribution of a country toward a world economy. A country that has a negative balance and, at the same time, it has a rapidly growing population, will either creat a great burden upon other countries or, if they withhold credits, it will spiral into chaos and will eventual collapse and widespread famine will result.
OVERVIEW: An abbreviated summation of current knowledge of that country.
AREAS OF THE WORLD
- AFRICA (52 political subdivisions)
- ASIA (35 political subdivisions)
- AUSTRALIA
- EUROPE (43 subdivisions)
- LATIN AMERICA ((34 political subdivisions)
- MIDDLE EAST (17 political subdivisions)
- NORTH AMERICA (U.S. & Canada
- PACIFIC ISLAND NATIONS (13 political subdivisions
- SOUTH AMERICA (See Latin America)
POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS
Population estimates are as of 2005 unless otherwise indicated; followed by the estimated populations in 2025 & 2050. These figures were made available in the 2007 “World Almanac”.
Nations
Afghanistan | East Timor | Libya | Senegal |
Albania | Ecuador | Liechtenstein | Serbia |
Algeria | Egypt | Lithuania | Seychelles |
Andorra | El Salvador | Luxembourg | Sierra Leone |
Angola | Equatorial Guinea | Macedonia | Singapore |
Antigua & Bermuda | Eritrea | Madagascar | Slovakia |
Argentina | Estonia | Malawi | Slovenia |
Armenia | Ethiopia | Malaysia | Solomon Islands |
Australia | Fiji | Maldives | Somalia |
Austria | Finland | Mali | South Africa |
Azerbaijan | France | Malta | South Sudan |
Bahamas | Gabon | Marshal Islands | Spain |
Bahrain | Gambia | Mauritania | Sri Lanka |
Bangladesh | Georgia | Mauritius | St. Kitt & Nevis |
Barbados | Germany | Mexico | St. Lucia |
Belarus | Ghana | Micronesia | St. Vincent & Grenadines |
Belgium | Greece | Moldova | Sudan |
Belize | Grenada | Monaco | Surinam |
Benin | Guatemala | Mongolia | Swaziland |
Bhutan | Guinea | Montenegro | Sweden |
Bolivia | Guinea-Bissau | Morocco | Switzerland |
Bosnia | Guinea, Equatorial | Mozambique | Syria |
Botswana | Guyana | Myanmar | Taiwan |
Brazil | Haiti | Namibia | Tajikistan |
Brunei | Honduras | Nauru | Tanzania |
Bulgaria | Hungary | Nepal | Thailand |
Burkina-Faso | Iceland | Netherlands | Timor, East |
Burma (Myanmar) | India | New Zealand | Togoland |
Burundi | Indonesia | Nicaragua | Tonga |
Cambodia | Iran | Niger | Trinidad & Tobago |
Cameroon | Iraq | Nigeria | Tunisia |
Canada | Ireland | Norway | Turkey |
Cape Verde | Israel | Oman | Turkmenistan |
Central African Republic | Italy | Pakistan | Tuvalu |
Chad | Ivory Coast | Palau | Uganda |
Chile | Jamaica | Panama | Ukraine |
China | Japan | Papua | Union of Soviet Socialist Republics |
Colombia | Jordan | Paraguay | United Arab Emirates |
Comoros | Kampuchea (see Cambodia) | Peru | United Kingdom |
Congo (Brazzaville) | Kazakhstan | Philippines | United States |
Congo (Zaire) | Kenya | Poland | Uruguay |
Costa Rica | Kiribati | Portugal | Uzbekistan |
Cote D’Ivory | Korea, North | Qatar | Vanatu |
Croatia | Korea, South | Romania | Venezuela |
Cuba | Kuwait | Russia | Vietnam |
Cyprus | Kyrgyzstan | Rwanda | Yemen |
Czech Republic | Laos | S. Georgia & S. Soviet Union | Yugoslavia |
Denmark | Latvia | Samoa | Zaire |
Djibouti | Lebanon | San Marino | Zambia |
Dominica | Lesotho | Sao Tome & Princeps | Zimbabwe |
Dominican Republic | Liberia | Saudi Arabia |
Afghanistan – Dominican Republic
AFGHANISTAN (Asia)
255,773 sq. miles (About the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 28 mil. (2025O 39 mil, (2050) 53 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 4%, the highest in the world.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 42.9 years.
45% of population in 2005 was under 15 years of age & 2% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 167 deaths per 1,000 live births. Medical Facilities generally inadequate or unavailable. There were about 21 Doctors, 22 nurses & 40 hospital beds per100, 000 people. Major causes of death are starvation, disease, and war. Diarrhea is a major cause of death among children. HIV-AIDS prevalence is less than 1,000 cases nationwide.
CAPITAL: Kabul
LANGUAGES: Pushtun. 35%; Afghan, 50%, Uzbek & Turkmen, 11%
LITERACY: (Can read & write) Male, 41%; Female, 14%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) Per Capita GDP, $800; Rate of growth, 8%; Rate of inflation, 16%; People with income below poverty level, 57%
LOCATION: Central Asia, landlocked, S. of Tajikistan, W. of Pakistan, SW. of Chin, N. of Iran. N. Of Uzbekistan, and NE. Of Turkmenistan.
LAND USE: Arable land, 12%; pasture, 40%; forest, 3%; other (mountains & desert), 39%. Irrigated land is about 10,000 sq. miles.
TOPOGRAPHY: Terrain is mostly rugged with plains in North & Southwest.
WATER: Insufficient rain in most areas.
CLIMATE: Arid to semiarid with cold winters and hot summers.
GOVERNMENT: A coalition controls the general area of Kabul. The rest of the country is controlled by various warlords and local officials. There is a continual struggle for power. A new constitution was ratified in 2004. The Taliban is still active along the Pakistan border.
RELIGION: Muslim, conflict between sects such as Sunni & Talibanl
NATURAL RESOURCES: natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, talc, sulphur, zinc, iron ore, sulfur, semi precious stones. Many minerals are in abundance.
WORLD TRADE: 2004: Export, 98 mil. Import, 1,007 mil. Deficit, 909 mil.
Afghans are major supplies of illicit drugs for the world marked. The above figures may or may not reflect the export of contraband.
OVERVIEW; Exploding population has already strained resources. Pastures are overgrazed. A fragmented political system makes central government impotent and there is little prospect of population control through education or governmental participation likely in the near future. Average number of live births is 6.2 per woman living to age 45, among the largest in the world. Life expectancy is about 43 years. Much of the country outside the major cities has virtually no social or health services. The growth of Poppies for opium is a major cash crop. The Taliban, a radical Muslim organization continues to fight for control of the country*
ALBANIA (Europe)
11,100 sq. miles (larger than Maryland)
POPULATION: (2009) 3.6 mil. (2025) 3.9 mil. (2050) 4.0 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: In 2005 the annual rate was 0.59%.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Average life expectancy is 77.2 years.
22% of the people in 2005 are under 15 years of age and 8% are over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 27 per 1,000 live births. In 2004, there were 545 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. Leading causes of death are cardiovascular disease, cancer, trauma, and respiratory diseases. HIV-AIDS prevalence is nearly zero. AIDS is unknown in Albania.
CAPITAL: Tirana+
LANGUAGE: Albanian (Tosk is the official dialect) Indo-European, modified by Latin, Greek
LITERACY: can read & write; male, 80%; female, 65%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) GDP per capita, $4,000 est., annual growth, 6%; inflation rate 2.2%; people with income below poverty level, 55%
LOCATION: It is on Adriatic and bordered by Serbia, Montenegro and Greece.
LAND USE: arable land, 21%; permanent crop, 4%; pasture, 15%; forest, 38%; other, 22%
TOPOGRAPHY: mostly mountains & hills with plains along coast.
CLIMATE: cool, mild winters and hot, dry summers. 40 to100 inches
NATURAL RESOURCES: Oil, natural gas, coal, chromium.
RELIGION: Muslim, 70%, Orthodox, 20%, Catholic, 10%
GOVERNMENT: Socialist Republic, with legislature and appointed leader.
WORLD TRADE: Export, 425 mil. Import, 1,077 mil. deficit. 652 mil.
OVERVIEW: Living conditions are among the lowest in Europe. Rural areas tend to be family oriented with an emphasis on the greater family. Albania remained a closed country in the latter part of the 20th century. Its future remains an enigma. *
“National Geographic”, July, 1992, (pp 60-93j) Dusko Doder “Albania Opens The Door”
In 1944 the Communists under Enver Hoxha took over. They established an absolute dictatorship under which all activities were regulated and religion was forbidden. In 1990, Hoxha’s successor lost power and in 1991 a democracy was set up. The result was chaos. All concept of work ethic was lost; economic order was gone and the strong tribal family no longer existed. Religion had returned and the tradition of “Besa” promises must always be kept on pain of disgrace or even prison or death.
“National Geographic”, February, 2000” (pp53-83) “Albanians, a People Undone”
The roads are still terrible and many villages in ruins. The seaport of Vlore is a major transit port for illegal drugs and the Mafiosi are active.
Kosovo with 2 million people is 90% Albanian. In 19988-9, Serbian atrocities increased as Serbs tried to curb freedom that Kosovo enjoyed under Communist rule. The NATO forces entered Kosovo to stop Serbian activities.
ALGERIA (Africa)
919,595 sq. miles (31/2 the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 34.2 mil. (2025) 40.2 mil. (2050) 44.1 mil.
Population is 99% Arab-Berber.
POPULATION GROWTH: In 2005, annual growth1.6%. Total fertility rate in 2005 was 3.2 children per woman. Women are increasingly using contraceptives.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 73 years.
31% of people in 2005 were under 15; years of age and 5% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 31 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 382 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. Major health problems have been tuberculosis, trachoma, malaria and malnutrition. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2008 was .1% of the population.
CAPITAL: Algiers
LANGUAGE: Arabic (official, French), Berber dialects
LITERACY: (can read and write): male, 70%; female, 45%
INCOME (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP $7,300). GDP annual growth was 7.1%; and the inflation rate was 4.2%. People with income below poverty level were 25%
LOCATION: North Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea between Morocco & Tunisia.
LAND USE: arable land, 3%; pasture13%; forest, 2%; desert & mountain, 82%. Irrigated land is about 1,900 square miles,
TOPOGRAPHY: The country is made up of narrow coastal plains, some mountains and the balance is a high plateau, part of the Sahara.
WATER: rainfall is less than 8 inches except the coast, 25 in
CLIMATE: Arid to semi-arid with mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers along the coast. The high plateau has cool winters and hot dry summers.
NATURAL RESOURCES: Petroleum, Natural Gas Iron ore, Phosphorous, Uranium
GOVERNMENT: Democratic form with assembly and president. 2004 election gave government in power a landslide victory and charges of vote fraud. There are signs of the development of a more democratic government. *
RELIGION: Sunni Muslim (state religion) with small Christian minority.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 24.5 bil Import 12.55 bil Surplus 12 bil.
OVERVIEW: Petroleum is the major base of the economy. Current major problems include soil erosion from poor farming practices, desertification, poor control of waste, leading to pollution of rivers and coastal waters of the Mediterranean. Mountainous areas are subject to severe earthquakes Family planning and expansion of the health system are vital keys to the future.
ANDORRA (Europe)
181 sq. miles (1/7 the size of Rhode Island)
POPULATION (2009) 83 Th. (22025) 85 Th. (2050) 74 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: estimated growth .40% in 2005.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: In 2000, life expectancy was 83.5 years
15% of the people in 2005 were under the age of 15 and 13% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 4.00 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2005 there were 559 physicians and nurses. Major causes of death are typical of the aging process. HIV0AIDS prevalence is under.01%
CAPITAL: Andorra la Vela
LANGUAGE: Catalan. French & Spanish are also spoken
LITERACY: NA
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $20,800; growth, 2.8: inflation, 4.5%
LOCATION: It is a landlocked country on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees Mountains. It shares borders with Spain and France. The land is mountainous and about ¼ forested. Because of extensive lumbering, the country must deal with soil erosion.
LAND USE: arable land, 2%; pasture, 56%; forest, 22%; other (mountain), 20%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Andorra has several valleys formed by branches of the Rio Vela. Elevation ranges from 3,0000 to 9,000 feet. Winters are severe and upper valleys are snowed up for several months each year. There is very little arable land. The major crop is tobacco and much of the industry involves tobacco or the brewing of various alcoholic beverages.
CLIMATE: snowy cold winters, and warm, dry summers
GOVERNMENT: democracy. Moves are being made to modernize political and social structure to join the European Union.
RELIGION; Roman Catholic
NATURAL RESOURCES: water, timber and iron ore
WORLD TRADE: no figure
OVERVIEW: Almost 80% of GDP involves tourism. Many residents are French and Spanish immigrants seeking employment. Economic downturn in Europe is adversely affecting Andorra. Spain is now heavily in debt and this may seriously impact Andorra*
ANGOLA (Africa)
481,354 sq. mi (almost twice the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 12.8 mil. (2025) 17.015.6 mil (2050) 24.7 mil
U.N. estimates population for2005 at 15,370,000. World Almanac for 2006 World Almanac shows a similar pattern as 2007
POPULATION GROWTH: 2.2% in 2005.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 38.43 years
46% of the people were under 15 years of age in 2005 and 2% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2004 was 187 per 1,000 live births, the highest in the world. In 2004 there were 77 medical personnel per 100,000 people. Major health problems: Yellow fever, cholera and aids. HIV positive rate in 2005 was 3.90 per 100 people. Malnutrition affects nearly 555% of all children under 5 years of age. Less than half the population has access to safe drinking water. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 3,90 % of the adult population
CAPITAL: Luanda.
LANGUAGE: Portuguese (official language) and various local languages in many dialects
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 56%; female, 28%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) $2,500; current annual growth, 14.1%, people with income below poverty level, 70%
LOCATION: bordering the South Atlantic between Namibia, Zaire, Zimbabwe and Botswana
LAND USE: Arable land, 2%; pasture, 23%; forest, 43%; arid, 32% TOPOGRAPHY: Along the coast is a broad tableland that is about 3,300 feet above sea level. A large interior plateau rises up to 6,000 feet. The highest point is Mt. Moco at 8,500 feet in the Humboldt Range.
CLIMATE: The climate is wet & tropical along the North shore and proceeds to a hot dry climate in the Southeast. Rainfall ranges from 13 inches in the Southeast to over 50 in the Northwest.
GOVERNMENT: Civil War has been the norm. No current information. There is an active independence movement in the oil-rich province of Cabinda.
NATURAL RESOURCES; petroleum, iron ore, phosphorous, copper, & other ores.
RELIGIONS: indigenous beliefs, 47%; Catholic, 38%; Protestant, 15%
WORLD TRADE: exports, 9.6 bil import 4.1 bil Surplus, 5.5 bil.
OVERVIEW: Subsistence agriculture provides work for 80% of the people. Oil provides 60% of GDP. Only a part of exports benefit the people. The high birth rate will create serious difficulties in the near future. The population growth and the spread of AIDS must be addressed. There will be a serious shortage of work for the labor force in the near future unless more land can be made arable. *
ANTIGUA & BERMUDA (Latin Am)
171 sq. males (1/7 the size of Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 85 Th. (2025) 105 Th. (2050) 122Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: Population growth in 2005 was under .0%. The people are almost entirely of African descent.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 71.9 years.
26% of the population is under 15 years of age and 8% is over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 22 per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 365 physicians, dentists and nurses. Leading causes of death are cancer, cardiovascular disease, and trauma. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2000 was about 0.5% of adult population.
CAPITAL: St Johns, with a population of over 30,000.
LANGUAGE: English
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 90%; female, 88%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $11,000; annual growth, 3%; inflation, 0.4%.
LOCATION: Caribbean Sea Northeast of Puerto Rica
LAND USE: Arable land, 18%; pasture, 7%; forest, 16%; other, 59%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Productive land is about 40% of total. The islands are partly volcanic and partly coral. Barbados is a coral island.
CLIMATE: Temperatures average about 75. Rainfall is about 540 inches a year. The islands are subject to periodic droughts. Water management is a particular concern.
GOVERNMENT: Democratic, patterned after the British model. Election was held in 2004 with the defeat of the government in power.
RELIGION: Anglican and Roman Catholic.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export. 40 MIL. Import, 357 MIL. Deficit, 267 MIL
Tourism is an important part of the economy.
OVERVIEW: Current economic conditions are not favorable. Economy is locked in to the tourist trade. A downturn in tourism would be immediately felt in the islands. The United States is a major supporter of the economy. Rising of the ocean level may seriously impact Barbados. Climate changes are forecast that will include more and more violent hurricanes. Population growth is of major concern. *
ARGENTINA (Latin Am.)
1,073,518 sq. mi. (4 times the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 40 mil. (2025) 47 mil. (2050) 53 mil
POPULATION GROWTH: Under 1% with a tapering off after 2025.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 75.9 years.
27% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 10% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 15 per 1,000 live births. In 2005 there were 620 physicians, dentists, and nurses. No major health problems apart from AIDS were indicated. HIV-AIDS prevalence was 0.70% of the adult population.
CAPITAL: Buenos Aires
LANGUAGE: Spanish (official), English, German, Italian & French.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 96%; female, 92%
INCOME: (2005, CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $11,600; current growth rate, 2%; inflation, 11%.
LOCATION: Southern South America bordered on West by Chile and North by Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay.
LAND USE: arable land, 9%; permanent crop, 4%; pasture, 52%, forest, 22%; other, 13%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The Western border area, the Andean area covers about 30% of Argentina. Patagonia, part of the lowlands, extends to the far South and is partly arid. The lowlands are generally from 400to 2000 feet above sea level. Large areas are cattle land and other areas grow wheat and other crops.
CLIMATE: The climate is generally temperate but there are great variations from Buenos Aires to the southern Steppes and desert. Which are hot in summer and cold in winter.
GOVERNMENT: Republic system with a house of representatives and executive branch. At numerous times in the past, the power of the legislature has been suspended by a coalition with the military. Free elections were held in 2004 with a new party in power.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 90% but only about 20% participating.
NATURAL RESOURCES: fertile plains of the pampas, lead, tin, zinc, iron ore, petroleum, and uranium.
WORLD TRADE (2004) Export, 29.6 bil. Import, 13.3 bil. Surplus, 16.3 bil.
OVERVIEW: The key to future prosperity of Argentina lies in the wisdom of the government leaders and control of the rate of inflation. . It is a bright spot on the World scene. Control and treatment of HIV-AIDS is vital. Desertification is forecast as the climate changes. This would seriously impact the Pampas, the major pastureland of Argentina. *
ARMENIA (Europe)
11,506 sq. mi. (Larger than Maryland)
(Former Soviet state)
POPULATION: (2009) 2.9 mil. (2025) 3.0 mil. (2050) 2.9 mil
POPULATION CHANGE: little change expected
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 71.55 years.
22% of people in 2005 were under 15 and 11% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 22 per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 700 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. Heart disease is the most difficult health problem at present. HIV-AIDS prevalence is under 0.1% of the adult population.
CAPITAL: Yerevan
LANGUAGE: Armenian, 96%.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 99%; female, 98%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $5,100; current growth, 8%; current inflation, 2.4%; people with income below poverty level, 45%.
LOCATION: Landlocked; Southeast Asia, South of Georgia, East of Turkey, North of Iran & West of Azerbaijan. It is a new country from the former Soviet.
LAND USE: Arable land, 17%; Permanent crop, 3%; Pasture, 20%; Desert and mountains, 60%.
TOPOGRAPHY: High Armenian plain with mountains. Fast flowing rivers with fertile land in the valley of the Aras River.
CLIMATE: Hot summers & Cold winters.
NATURAL RESOURCES: copper, zinc, molybdenum, alumna.
GOVERNMENT: Nominally democratic. Some riots occurred during last presidential election.
RELIGION: Armenian Orthodox, 94%.
WORLD TRADE (2004) Export, 786 mil. Import, 1,180 mil. Deficit, 394 mil.
OVERVIEW: At 20 years of existence, it is difficult to assess the future. At present, the country has an unfavorable balance of trade with little promise for the near future. Internally, the country is not doing too badly, with a potential of developing hydropower. Global Warming is expected to cause the extent of desert. *
AUSTRALIA
2,988,902 sq. miles (85% the size of the U. S.)
POPULATION: (2009) 21 mil. (2025) 25 mil. (2050) 29 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 0.7% Insignificant
LIFE EXPECTANCY: life expectancy in 2005 was 80.3 years.
20% of the population in 2005 was under age of 15 & 16% over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 4.69 per thousand live births. Public health system is one of the finest in the world. There are over 1300 physicians per 100,000 people. Major diseases and cause of death are cardio-vascular disease and cancer. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2008 was under 0.2%.
CAPITAL: Canberra
LANGUAGE: Australian English
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 100%; female, 100%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $32,000. Current growth rate, n.a.; inflation, n.a.
LOCATION: South of Indonesia, New Guinea. Island nation with one province, Tasmania. A wide shallow channel to the South.
LAND USE: Arable land, 6%; pastures, 58%; forests, 14%; arid, 22%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Country is mostly low plain with a large desert in the middle, a fertile plain in the southeast, and tropical and subtropical in the northeast. A mountain range divides the southeast from the arid and semiarid areas.
CLIMATE: generally arid to semiarid; temperate to South & East. Tropical in North. A serious long –lasting drought in the South has seriously impacted total agricultural output. Floods in 2011 will have a long-term impact in the Northeast coastal areas.
GOVERNMENT: House of Commons and Prime Minister.
RELIGION: Anglican, 20%; Roman Catholic, 26%; other Christian, 24%. Unspecified, 30%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: bauxite, coal, iron, copper, tin, silver, uranium, lead, zinc, gas, petroleum.
WORLD TRADE: (2005) Export, 70 bil. Import, 84 bil Deficit, 14 bil.
OVERVIEW: Prosperous Western-style Capitalist economy. Its location allows it to strictly control immigration. Its overall outlook for the future will depend on weather and Global Warming. Oceans are rising, causing dislocation of the inhabitants of several Pacific countries. Many are seeking relocation in Australia.
Australia lists 15 droughts in the 19th Century, at least eight major droughts in the 20th Century, and the current 7-year drought in the 21st Century.
The organization “Sustainable Population Australia” believes that Australia, the driest inhabited continent, cannot sustain present population growth without suffering from overpopulation. Drought in Australia, Wikipedia, 8/22/2010.
. Suggested reading: “Water is Life” National Geographic, April, 2010 *
AUSTRIA (Europe)
32,378 sq. mi. (Smaller than Maine)
POPULATION: (2009) 8.2 mil. (2025) 8.1 mil (2050) 7.9 mil
POPULATION GROWTH:: static, with gradual decline after 2025.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 78.9 years.
16% of the population was under 15 years of age and 15% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 4.66 per thousand live births. In 2004 there were 913 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. Cardiovascular, cancer, and respiratory ailments are common to an ageing population. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 0.30% of the population,
CAPITAL: Vienna
LANGUAGE: German
LITERACY: total population, 99%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) $32,000; current growth, 1.9%; inflation, 2.3%; people with income below poverty level, 4%
LOCATION: Central Europe, South of Germany & Czech Republic, West of Hungary, North of Serbia and East of Switzerland.
LAND USE: Arable land, 17%; Pastureland, 27%; forests, 39); mountains, 17%.
TOPOGRAPHY: West and South are mountainous and the East is hilly.. The valley of the Danube is along the South border.
CLIMATE: Temperate with moderate, snowy winters and mild summers.
GOVERNMENT: Federal Republic with democratically elected Parliament. The Chancellor is usually a member of the leading party. Elections are every 4 years or sooner if called for by a vote of no support.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 885%; Protestant, 6%; other, 6%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: timber, magnesium, lignite, aluminum, lead, coal, copper, hydropower.
WORLD TRADE: (2005) Export, 89.2 bil. Import, 91.5 bil. Deficit, 2.3 bil.
Tourism is also a factor.
OVERVIEW: It has a population with a strong work ethic and a stable government. Tourism gives it a comfortable economic outlook. The prevalence of AIDS needs to be addressed. Tourism continues to be important. *
AZERBAIJAN (Asia)
33,436 sq. miles (the same size as Maine)
(former Soviet state)
POPULATION: (2009) 8.2 mil. (2025) 9.3 mil.; (2050) 10.0 mil
POPULATION GROWTH: 0.93%. Population growth is expected to level off after 2025.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: life expectancy in 2005, 63.3 years.
26% of population in 2005 was under l5years of age and 7% over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 81.74 deaths per 1,000 live births. About 1,100 doctors & nurses per 100,000. 99% of all children over 1 year of age are immunized for contagious diseases. Major diseases are diphtheria, tuberculosis, hepatitis A, acute respiratory infections, and diarrhea. HIV-AIDS prevalence was less than .2% of the adult population in 2008.
CAPITAL: Baku
LANGUAGE: Azeri, 89%; Russian, 3%; Armenian, 2%; other, 6%.
LITERACY: (can read & writer) male, 99%; female, 95%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates): GDP per capita, $4,000; annual growth, 1.8%; inflation, 1.2%; people with income below poverty level, 45%.
LOCATION: Landlocked: Southwestern Asia bordering the Caspian Sea. Between Iran and Russia Northeast of Armenia, South of Georgia,
LAND USE: Arable land, 18%; pastures, 25%; arid & mountain, 53%; other, 4%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Large flat lowland, much of it below sea level with Caucus Mountains to the North. uplands are to the West
CLIMATE: dry, semiarid steppes.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship by edict: Constitutional with Sheikh Hamad Isa al-Kkhilfa as king. hereditary monarchy. 2002 elections were conducted to favor the YAP majority party with irregularities observed. 2008 election was boycotted because of restrictions.
RELIGION: Muslim, 93%; Russian Orthodox, 3%; Armenian Orthodox 3
NATURAL RESOURCES: Iron, nonferrous metals
WORLD TRADE: (2005) Export, 2,805 mil. Import, 2,6 surplus, 200 mil.
OVERVIEW: The Country suffers from severe land, water, and air pollution, dating back to the Russian rule when production was paramount. Overuse of irrigation, pesticides, and defoliants in the production of cotton. All drainage to the Aral Sea was used for irrigation. The lake has been destroyed for commercial purposes and gradually disappearing. *
BAHAMAS (Latin Am.)
5,358 sq. miles (larger than Connecticut)
POPULATION: (2009) 308 Th. (2025) 349 Th. (2050) 371 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: An aging population is expected to decline after 2025.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 65.5 years.
30% of the people are under 15 and 5% are over 65.
HEALTH: Infant m mortality in 2005 was 25.22 per thousand live births. In 2005 there were 565 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people. The most common causes of death were diseases of the circulatory system, followed by communicable diseases. In 2003, 3% of all adults are HIV positive, presenting a major health problem.
CAPITAL: Nassau
LANGUAGE: English is the spoken and official language.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 90%; female,89%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $18,800; current economy growth, 0.03%; inflation, 0.05%. people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: East of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean.
LAND USE: Arable land, 1%; forests, 32%; hills & swamps, 67%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The land is outcroppings of 2 banks, and is mostly lowland and swamps, and a number of lakes. There are low, flat coral formations and rounded hills.
CLIMATE: tropical marine
GOVERNMENT: Republic.
RELIGION: Baptist, 322%; Anglican, 20%; Roman Catholic, 19%
NATURAL RESOURCES: Salt and Argonite
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 617 mil. Import, 1,614 mil. Deficit, 997 mil.
OVERVIEW: Tourist trade is vital to the Bahamas. Of special concern is the decay of coral reefs and handling of waste. On the financial scene, money laundering is an ongoing problem. AIDS control and treatment need to be a priority. Rising ocean levels will impact the country by the year 2100.
BAHRAIN (Middle E.)
268 sq. miles (1/4 the size of Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 829 Th. (2025) 868 Th. (2050) 980 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.0% population control is critical
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 72.3 years.
28% of people in 2005 were under 15& and 6% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 17.27 deaths per 1,000 live births. There are about 60 doctors & nurses per 100,0000 population. Medical services are free to all the population. Aids among women age 20 to 45 has doubled in 2 years. Major diseases are malaria and AIDS. HIV-AIDS in 2008 was 3.0% of the adult population, epidemic proportions.
CAPITAL: Manana
LANGUAGE: Arabic, Gulf dialect. English is widely understood.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 89%; female, 77%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $20,500; current economic growth, 5.6%; inflation, 6.7%.
LOCATION: A group of 15 islands in Western Persian Gulf. The main island is linked to Saudi Arabia by causeway and bridges.
LAND USE: Arable land, 2%; permanent crop, 2%; pasture, 6%; desert, 90%
TOPOGRAPHY: Low rolling hills with numerous cliffs and wadis. The lesser islands are low and sandy.
WATER SOURCE: Rainfall is less than 4 inches per year and occurs in the First quarter. There are natural springs and artesian wells on the main island. Potable water is of major concern and will be critical in the future.
CLIMATE: Summers are hot and humid and winters are fairly cold.
GOVERNMENT: Paternity although nominally a republic. Political parties are illegal. Women may vote and outnumbered the men in the 2002 election.
RELIGION: Muslim, 83%; Hindu, 15%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: Oil
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 6.4 bil. Import, 5.1 bil. Surplus, 1.3 bil.
OVERVIEW: Total income depends on oil. A well-developed refinery offers income even if oil production should lag. Desertification is occurring because of misuse of land. Bahrain is also attempting to establish itself as a trading and financial center. The availability of potable water will ultimately define the future of the country. *
An uprising in 2011 by the Shiite majority against the Royal family and a Sunni ruling class was put down with the assistance of troops by Saudi Arabia. Democratic elections would change the country from Sunni to Shiite. American Legion Magazine, March 2012.
BANGLADESH (Asia)
55,598 sq. miles (The size of Illinois)
POPULATION: (2009) 156 mil. (2025) 193 mi. (2050) 233 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.44%. Bangladesh already suffers from overpopulation. Further growth will have serious international consequences.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 62 years.
35% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 67.6 deaths per 1,000 live births. There are about 47 doctors & other health workers per 100,000. Infant ;mortality is 63 per thousand live births. Malaria, tuberculosis and other communicable diseases are endemic. A new strain of cholera is a threat. HIV is not a major problem. Malnutrition in children under 5 is 59% in 2005. HIV-AIDS in 2003 was 0.2% of the adult population.
CAPTOL: Dhaka
LANGUAGE: Bengaliof Indo-Aryan subgroup
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 47%; female, 22%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $2,100; economic growth rate, 5.2%; inflation, 6.7%; people with income below poverty level, 45%.
LOCATION: On the Bay of Bengal and shares West and North boundaries with India and on the East with Burma.
LAND USE: Arable land, 67%; pastures, 4%; forests, 16%; and other, 13%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Most of Bangladesh is lowland, much of that is in the delta of the confluence of Ganges and Brahamputra rivers.
RIVERS: Ganges, Januna (Brahmaputi), & Meghna which form the Padma in the lower flood plain; a few feet above sea level. Virtually all snow melt of the Himalayas passes through the Bangladesh flood plain.
WATER: There is too much water, much of it unsafe to drink.
CLIMATE: Tropical. Rainfall ranges from 47 to 143 inches, mostly from August to October. Occasional cyclones do great damage and sometimes cause thousands of deaths. The very rich delta area floods annually, preventing permanent living areas..
GOVERNMENT: Parliamentary Democracy with President as nominal head of state and a Prime Minister as chief executive. A large number of opposition leaders, slated to replace the current government, were arrested, resulting in some violence. Some leaders propose adopting Islamic Law.
RELIGION: Muslim, 86%, (mostly Sunni); Hindu, 12%
NATURAL RESOURCES: Natural gas & timber
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 6.71 bil. Import, 9.45 bil. Deficit, 2.56 bil.
OVERVIEW: The government is addressing the problem of overpopulation. The question is whether it will succeed. Religion will play a major part in success or failure of efforts. Special concerns include a falling water table in the North, decline of fishing because of the effect of the use of pesticides and the farming of lowlands by the landless, which are in danger whenever there is a storm. Global Warming is expected to increase the intensity and number of storms and a rise in ocean levels will mean less land. *
BARBADOS (Latin Am.)
166 sq. miles (1/8 the size of Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 285 Th. (2025) 297 Th. (2050) 2824 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: Little change is anticipated.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy was not given.
22% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 12% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 11.72 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 2,500 cases of HIV positive. HIV0AIDS prevalence was 1.5% of the adult population. (World Almanac (2010) reports HIV rate of 12%)
CAPITAL: Bridgetown
LANGUAGE: English
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 99%; female, 99%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates). Per capita GDP, $6,800; economic growth rate, 3.8%; inflation, 3.%
LOCATION: Island between the Caribbean and the North Atlantic.
LAND USE: Arable land, 77%; meadows, 9%; other, 14%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The island is almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs. From Mt. Hillaby at 1,102 feet the land falls away in terraces to a coastal flat.
WATER: rainfall ranges from 40 to 90 inches. There are many small streams.
CLIMATE: It is a tropical climate tempered by constant sea breeze from the Northeast and Southeast.
GOVERNMENT: Kingdom. Two- house legislature and a Governor General who is appointed by England. It is recognized as a sovereign state.
RELIGION: Anglican, 70%. The rest are of many faiths.
NATURAL RESOURCES: Petroleum, fishing, natural gas
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 206 mil. Import, 1,039 mil. Deficit, 833 mil.
OVERVIEW: Because of overcrowding, the government encourages emigration. A continuing problem has been soil erosion in the area of high rainfall, and mud slides. Of special concern is the waste being dumped by passing cruise ships. Long-term economic prospects are not encouraging. Rising ocean levels pose a special threat. *
BELARUS (Europe)
80,155 sq. miles (the size of Kentucky)
(former Soviet state)
POPULATION: (2009) 9.7 mil. (2025) 9.0 mil. (2050) 7.7 mil
POPULATION GROWTH: Negative.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 68.72 years.
16% of the population was under 15 years of age and 14% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 13.37 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004, there were 1650 physicians, dentists, and nurses. The major concern was the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear fallout with long-term radiation. 10,000 people are HIV positive. HIV-AIDS prevalence was about 0.3% of the adult population in 2004.
CAPITAL Minsk
LANGUAGE: Belarus & Russian
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 99%; female, 96%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates): per capita GDP, $7,000, economic growth rate, 7.6%; inflation, 11.3%; people with income below poverty level, 27%.
LOCATION: bordered by Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine
LAND USE: Arable land, 29%; pastures, 15%, other (mostly marshland), 55%
TOPOGRAPHY: The land is generally flat and consists mostly of marshland.
WATER: Rainfall averages between 22 and 26 inches per year.
CLIMATE: Winters are cold and summers are cool and moist.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship by Aleksander Lukashenka since 1994. Election in 2004 was marked by repressive measures by the government in power. KGB, secret service, is accused of extensive murder and torture. (2010)
RELIGION: Eastern Orthodox
NATURAL RESOURCES: Forest products and peat.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 9,4 bil. Import, 11.1 bil. Deficit, 1.7 bil.
OVERVIEW: Belarus is the most well developed of the former Soviet states with an industrial complex that employs 40% of work force. Air pollution is a problem being dealt with. In the southern part of the country there is radiation contamination from fallout from the 11986 Chernobyl Atomic Plant meltdown. Soil has also been polluted by overuse of pesticides. A break with Russia has quadrupled fuel prices and the country is suffering from inflation and unemployment. A turn toward democracy is required before aid from the EU is forthcoming. *
BELGIUM (Europe)
11,787 sq. miles (a little larger than Maryland)
POPULATION: (2009) 10.4 mil. (2025) 10.5 mil. (2050) 9.9 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: none projected
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 79 years.
17% of population was under 15 in 2005 and 17% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 5 per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 1652 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people. Nearly 100% of population has access to health service. HIV prevalence was .2% in 2009.
CAPITAL: Brussels
LANGUAGE: 3 official languages: Flemish, French, & German. Various provinces have one of the three.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male population, 99%; female (est.) 99%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates): per capita GDP, $31,800; economic growth rate, 5.9%; inflation, 2.7%; people with income below poverty level, 4%.
LOCATION: North Sea coast with France & Luxemburg to the West, Germany to the South and Netherlands to the East.
LAND USE: Arable land, 24%; pastures, 20%; forests, 21%; other, 35%.
TOPOGRAPHY: flat coastal plain, central area is rolling hills. The far South is the Ardennes with rugged mountains and forest.
WATER: Rainfall is from 28 to 40 inches. Schelde & Meuse Rivers. Extensive irrigation. Much drinking water has been polluted by effluvium from steel mills.
CLIMATE: In the coastal region, the climate is mild & humid Inland areas have hot summers and cold winters.
GOVERNMENT: Hereditary monarchy. In practice the government is democratic..
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 70%. No designation is given for the rest.
NATURAL RESOURCES: Coal & natural gas
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 183 bil. Import, 173 bil. Surplus, 10 bil.
OVERVIEW: It is a prosperous country with an efficient government and a stable population. Health services are adequate but attention to AIDS is necessary.
BELIZE (Latin Am.)
8,867 sq. miles (94% the size of New Hampshire)
POPULATION: (2009) 308 Th. (2025) 410 Th. (2050) 541 th.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2004) 1.7%. Rate of growth is too high to comfortably adjust economy. Ultimately, it will become impossible to cope internally.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 68 years.
36% of the population is under 15 years of age and 4% is over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 25 per 1,000 live births. As of2004 there were approximately 290 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. Of public concern are cholera and Aids. HIV-AIDS prevalence was 2.40% of adult population in 2005.
CAPITAL: Belmopan
LANGUAGE: English (official), Everyone speaks Creole., also Spanish
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 91%; female, 91%
INCOME: (2005cCIA estimates) per capita GDP, $2,700, economic growth rate, 3.8%; inflation, 3.0%; people with income below poverty level, 11%. (Estimate is much higher)
LOCATION: Caribbean coast of Central Am. It is bordered on the North by Mexico & West by Guatemala
LAND USE: Arable land, 2%; pastures, 2%,, forest, 44%; other (swamps & mountains), 52%
TOPOGRAPHY: flat, swampy coastal plain with low mountains in the South.
WATER: Rainfall ranges from 50 in the North to over 150 inches in the South.
CLIMATE: subtropical and humid, tempered by predominant NE trade winds. Occasional hurricanes cause severe flooding.
GOVERNMENT: Parliament and Prime Minister
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 58%; Protestant, 30%; Anglican, 12%
NATURAL RESOURCES: timber & fishing
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 208 mil. Import, 501 mil. Deficit, 293 mil.
OVERVIEW: tourism is an important part of the economy. Exports are mainly timber products and farm products. Of special concern are deforestation and pollution from sewerage and runoff from industrial plants. The debt of the government is very high and attempts to resolve it are being challenged. Incidence of AIDS has reached epidemic proportions. *
BENIN (Africa)
43,474 sq. miles (the size of Pennsylvania)
POPULATION: (2009) 8.8 mil. (2025) 13.6 mil. (2050) 22.1 mil
POPULATION GROWTH: 2.1¾%. Fertility rate per woman, who attains the age of 45, in 2004 was 6.1 children. Neither economy nor social organization can long cope with population growth at this rate.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 53 years.
44% of the population is under 15 and 3% is over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2004 was estimated at 81 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 31 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. 65% of the people have safe water but only 25% have adequate sanitary facilities. 25% of children under 5 are malnourished. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 1.9% of adults.
CAPITAL: Porto-Novo
LANGUAGE: French (official); Fon & Youba
LITERACY: (can read & write) males, 32%; females, 10%. Literacy rates are among the lowest in the world.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $1,200; economic growth rate, 3.2%; inflation, 3.5%; people with income below poverty level, 35%.
LOCATION: Western Africa, bordering N. Atlantic, between Nigeria & Togo.
LAND USE: Arable land, 12% pasture, 8%; forests, 35%; other, 45%
TOPOGRAPHY: Terrain is mostly flat to hills & low mountains.
WATER: Rainfall is 37 to50 inches per year.
CLIMATE: Tropical & humid; semiarid in North.
GOVERNMENT: National assembly
RELIGION: Indigenous beliefs, 70%; Muslim, 15%;Christian, 15%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: Limestone, marble & timber.
WORLD TRADE: (2005) Export 485 mil. Import 720 mil Deficit 235 mil
OVERVIEW: The country is underdeveloped and government is inexperienced. The economy depends on subsidies. There is possible desertification in North because of climate change. As of 2005, the economy continues to lag behind population growth. AIDS has reached epidemic levels. In view of the spread of AIDS, the health system is inadequate. Aids will also affect population growth.*
BHUTAN (Asia)
18,147 sq. miles. (½ the size of Indiana)
POPULATION: (2009) 691 Th. (2025) 820 Th. (2050) 961 Th.
The country has a great number of refugees from Tibet, Nepal, and Assam.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 2.3% Fertility rate for woman reaching 45 years of age, was 5.2 children.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 52.7 years.
40% of the population in 2005 was under 15 and 4% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was100 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were about 84 doctors, nurses, and midwives per 100,000 people. Infant mortality rate was 100 per thousand live births. Major diseases are Malaria, measles, tuberculosis, and venereal disease. HIV is relatively rare, with less than 1 case per 1,000 adults.
CAPITAL: Thinphu
LANGUAGE: Dzongkha (official language). Other Tibetan & Nepal dialects are also spoken.
LITERACY: NA
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $4,200; economic growth rate 5.3%; inflation, 3.0%/
LOCATION: small landlocked country in Himalayas. It is West & North of India & East & South of China.
LAND USE: Arable land, 2%; pasture, 5%; forest, 70%; mountains, 23%.
TOPOGRAPHY: mostly mountainous with fertile valleys.
WATER: Rivers adequate for hydropower. There is a lack of potable water in many areas.
CLIMATE: Valleys are cool in winter & hot in summer. The mountains are cool in summer and with severe weather in winter. It is subject to violent storms from the Himalayas.
GOVERNMENT: Limited monarchy with king appointed by Legislature from the Royal heritage.
RELIGION: Lamaistic Buddhism, 75%; Hindu, 25%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: forests, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 154 mil. Import, 196 Deficit, 42 mil.
OVER VIEW: One of the World’s least developed economies, Bhutan requires subsidy from the outside. Population growth gives little hope of easy solutions. It is landlocked and relatively isolated.*
“National Geographic” May, 1994 (pp79ff) “Kingdom in the Clouds”
Some progress has been made but resources remain largely undeveloped. People are regulated as to dress and manner. Close ties are being developed with India.
BOLIVIA (Latin Am.)
424,164 sq. miles (slightly larger than Ohio)
POPULATION: (2009) 9.8 mil. (2025) 12.5 mil (2050) 16.0 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.2%2.3%. Economy will not long support this rate of growth.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was estimated at 65.3 years. 37% of the population was under 15 years of age and 4% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 55 per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 188 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people. An estimated 27% of children less than 5 years of age were suffering from malnutrition in 2005. HIV-AIDS prevalence was 0.2% in 2008.
CAPITALS: Sucre (legal & judicial CAPITAL) & La Paz, administrative CAPITAL)
LANGUAGE: Spanish (official), Quechua, Aymara are also official
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 88%; female, 72%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $6,800; economic growth, 3.8%; inflation, 3.0%; people with income below poverty level, 60%
LOCATION: Landlocked, it is bordered on the N. & NE by Brazil; SE by Paraguay; on the S by Argentina; on the SW by Chile & on the W by Peru.
TOPOGRAPHY: Arable land, 3%; pastures, 25%; forests, 52%; other, 20%. Bolivia has 3 geographic zones; the Andes highlands in the West, the moist slopes and valleys E. of the Andes, and the Eastern tropical lowlands.
LAKE: Lake Titicaca
WATER: Rainfall ranges from 3 inches in the extreme Southwest to adequate in the north.
CLIMATE: Bolivia lies entirely in the tropics. Weather & temperatures vary according to whether you are in the Andes, the highlands, the valleys, or at La Paz, which has the climate of Trinidad.
GOVERNMENT: Republic Universal suffrage.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 95%
NATURAL RESOURCES: tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, lead, iron, and timber
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 1,495 mil. Import, 1,505 mil. Deficit, 10 mil.
Export of natural gas continues to grow.
OVERVIEW: Bolivia has had a long history of inflation, feudal social conflicts, and a dependence on volatile prices for its mineral exports. The overview is that a great improvement in administrative and economic experience will achieve their ends in a more prosperous future. The population increase may well create economic depression in the future. Its greatest needs are in health and education.*
BOSNIA-HERGOVINA (Europe)
19,767 sq. miles. (twice the size of Vermont)
(former Yugoslavia state)
POPULATION: (2009) 4.6 mil (2025) 4.5 mil. (2050) 3.9 mil.
U.N. estimates are 3.8 million in 2005.
POPULATION GROWTH: No appreciable change
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 78 years.
18% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 12% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 11 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 There were approximately 560 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people. HIV-AIDS was less than 1 in 1,000 people in 2003.
CAPITAL: Sarajevo
LANGUAGE: Serbo-Croatian
LITERACY: na
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $6,800; economic growth, 5.2%; inflation, 1.4%; people with income below poverty level, 25%.
LOCATION: Southeastern Europe bordering the Adriatic Sea and Croatia.
LAND USE: Arable land, 20%; Permanent crop, 2%; Pastures, 25% forests, 30%; other, , 17%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Terrain is mountains and valleys.
WATER: No record available. The country has moderate rainfall
CLIMATE: High elevations have cool summers and severe winters. Low elevations have hot summers and cool winters.
GOVERNMENT: Federation of two countries. There continued efforts to integrate the Muslim and Christian countries.
RELIGION: Muslim, 40%; Orthodox, 31%; Catholic, 15%; other, 14%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: coal, iron, bauxite, manganese, timber, wood products, chromium, lead, zinc
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 1.28 bil. Import. 4.70 bil. Deficit, 3.42 bil.
OVERVIEW: people are well educated, but the trade deficit is not promising. Of special concern have been air pollution, waste from metallurgical plants and disposal of waste. Its future is closely tied to that of the EU;.*
“National Geographic” July, 1996 (pp48-60) “Bosnia” (See also, Yugoslavia)
In 1991, Slobodan Meloseviic attempted to place Serbia over the other 5 Balkan States. Bosnia was one of 4 that broke away. The ethnic cleansing and war waged by Serbia against Bosnia resulted in many thousands of Muslims being killed and 60 percent of all homes in Bosnia were either damaged or destroyed. More than a million land mines are scattered in the countryside. U.N. intervention stopped the killing. Today is an uneasy republic with many faction harboring old grievances against each other. Divisions are more or less classified under religious belief.. There can be no clear division because the mix is countrywide..
BOTSWANA (Africa)
224,607 sq. miles (7/8 the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 2.0 mil. (2025) 2.4 mil (2050) 2.9 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: The prevalence of HIV, AIDS may change figures radically.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2002 was 33.6 years, the second lowest in the world..
39% of the population in 2004 was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 54.58 per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were an estimated 273 physicians, dentists and nurses. The major health problems are tuberculosis and malnutrition. As of 2000 17% of the children were considered malnourished. HIV-AIDS in 2003 was 37.30 per 100 adults (37.3%)
CAPITAL: Gaboron
LANGUAGE: English (official language) Setswana is the language of the people.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 32%; female, 10%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $10,100; current growth, 4.5%; inflation, 8.5%; people with income below poverty level, 47%
LOCATION: Landlocked; SW of Zimbabwe, NW & N of South Africa, and E and S of Namibia.
LAND USE: Arable land, 2%; pasture, 75%; forest, 2%; desert, 21%.:
TOPOGRAPHY: The land is predominately flat to rolling with the Kalahari desert in the South.
WATER: limited natural fresh water, rainfall ranges from 27 inches in the North to18 on the plains and less than 10 in the Kalahari.
CLIMATE: semi-arid with warm winters & hot summers
GOVERNMENT: National Assembly and President. Operation is similar to that of the British Government. Government has been free of known corruption.
RELIGION: indigenous beliefs, 50%; Christian, 50%
NATURAL RESOURCES: large resource of diamonds, salt, soda ash. Copper, iron ore, coal, potash. Its National Parks are well managed and popular. Tourists are welcome and well treated.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export. 2.54 bil ., Imports, 1.75 bil., Surplus 79 mil
OVERVIEW: The economy is based on cattle raising and crops. Statistics seem to show favorably in the short term. All other problems of the country are submerged by the epidemic of AIDS. The major causes of the spread have been the lack of influence by women, general sexual behavior and prostitution. Continued existence of the country will depend on expansion of health facilities and universal education.*
National Audubon rates its park system, especially the delta of the Cubaango
River which lies in northern Botswana very highly National Audubon, July-August, 2012, pp. 36-43.
BRAZIL (Latin Am.)
3,300,171 sq. miles (Larger than U.S. without Alaska)
POPULATION: (2009) 199 mil. (2025) 232 mil. (22050) 261 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: nearly 1.0%. Although population growth rate is not high by world standards, the size of the country makes the increase significant.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 72 years.
29% of the population in 2005 was under 15 and 6% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 29.6 per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 612 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Health services vary widely from region to region. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003was .70% of the adult population. In 2004 there were about 600,000 with AIDS positive (3%). (World Almanac (2010) reports a rate of 0.6%)
CAPITAL: Brasilia
LANGUAGE: Portuguese (official language) Spanish, English, French and many Indian dialects are regionally common.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 80%; female, 80%
INCOME; ((2005 CIA estimates) per capita GFNP, $12,800; economic growth, 2.8%; inflation, 13.0%; people with income below poverty level, 13%
LOCATION: Eastern South America. It covers a major part of the Continent, and with extensive coast on Central Atlantic Ocean. It shares borders with 10 South American countries..
LAND USE: Arable land, 7%; pastures, 19%; forests, 67%; other, 7%
TOPOGRAPHY: The northern part of Brazil is dominated by the Amazon River and its tributaries and the great tropical forests through which it runs. Mountain ranges lie in the Northern part of the basin and the Andes form the Western boundary.
WATER: Rainfall in the Amazon basin is excessive but much of the South is quite dry. Over 10,000 square miles of Brazil are under irrigation.
CLIMATE: Brazil straddles the equator and much of the country is tropical. Rio de Janeiro has a relatively moderate climate. Much of the highlands along the Andes have a more Alpine climate.
GOVERNMENT: Federal constitutional republic with President and Congress. The President and Congress are seeking to improve political stability. Voting is compulsory between ages 18 and 70.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 70%
NATURAL RESOURCES: Hydropower, timber and a good supply of many other minerals including gold and diamonds.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 77 bil. Import, 49 bil. Surplus, 28 bil.
Overview: Brazil has been plagued with inflation and by land abuse in the past. Its future is bright unless a possible drought seriously involves the Amazon Basin, as well as deforestation. Widespread deforestation may seriously upset the climate balance worldwide. A major problem was the need for an expansion of the health sector especially to deal with AIDS. The Administration is faced in 2010 with unreal entitlements such as retirements at age 53. The impact on Brazil’s Social Security will be far greater than the U.S. baby boom. Newsweek, November 22, 2010, p. 1. *
BRUNEI (Asia)
2,226 sq. miles (Larger than Delaware)
(Brunei Darussalam)
POPULATION: (2009) 388 Th. (2025) 499 Th. (2050) 638 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.6% Growth rate is too high for sustained economic health. The government feels the current rate is satisfactory. 30% of the population is of workers from foreign lands.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy is 71.8.
32% of the population was under 15 and 3% was over 65 years.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 13 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were 384 doctors and nurses per100,000 people. The state provides free medical service including mobile clinics to remote areas. Disease risk is from filariasis, malaria, tuberculosis, and intestinal flu. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was less than 1 per 1,000 adults.
CAPITAL: Bandai
LANGUAGE: Malay is official language. English is language of commerce and is spoken widely “Handbook of the Nations” lists it as Chinese.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 92%; female, 82%
IN;COME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $2,300; economic growth rate, 3.2%; inflation, 0.3%;
LOCATION: Is on the northern coast of Borneo, and split by the Limbang River.
LAND USE: Arable land, 1%; pastures, 1%; forests, 79%; Other, 18%%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The land is mostly primary & secondary tropical forest with a narrow strip of arable land along the cost.
WATER: Rainfall ranges from 100 inches along the coast to 200 inches in the highlands. Except for pollution along the coast, water presents no problem.
CLIMATE: Tropical, with an occasional typhoon with accompanying floods.
GOVERNMENT: Independent Islamic Sultanate. Nominally a republic but no elections were held since 19962. The Sultan ha announced a review of the constitution.
RELIGION: Muslim, Islam dominates everyday life. Muslim, 60%; Buddhism, 32%; Christian, 8%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: timber
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 3.4 bil. Import, 1.96 Surplus, 1.44 bil.
OVERVIEW: Apart from projected population growth, Brunei will not be seriously affected for some time by world conditions. Democracy in government seems remote.*
BULGARIA (Europe)
42,823 sq. miles. (the size of Tennessee)
POPULATION: (2009) 7.2 mil. (2025) 6.3 mil (2050) 4.7 mil.
POPULATION CHANGE: -1.2% (no explanation) Fertility rate is now 1.3 births per woman.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 72 years.
14% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 17% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 13 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were approximately 833 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,,000 people in 2004. Bulgarians have high sugar and salt diets and one out of eight suffers from high blood pressure. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was less than 1 in 1,000 adults.
CAPITAL: Sofia
LANGUAGE: Bulgarian (Slav)
LITERACY: (can read & write) males, 99%; females, 97%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $9,000; economic growth rate, 5.4%; inflation rate, 4.5% people living with income below poverty level, 15%/
LOCATION: on the Balkan Peninsula, S of Romania, W. of the Black Sea, NW of Turkey, N; of Greece & E of former Yugoslavia.
LAND USE: Arable land, 34%; pasture, 3%; pastures, 18%; forests, 35%; other, 10%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Danube tableland in N, Balkan mountains in the middle, and the Thracian plains near the Maritsa River in the South.
WATER: Average rainfall is 25 inches. The Danube is highly polluted.
CLIMATE: North of the mountains it is cold in winter and hot in summer. South of the mountains is a Mediterranean climate with moderate winters.
GOVERNMENT: Emerging democracy with National Assembly. Bulgaria has now joined NATO.
RELIGION: Bulgarian Orthodox, 85%; Muslim, 13%;
NATURAL RESOURCES: bauxite, coal, tin, zinc, coal, timber & arable land
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 7.3 bil. Import, 9.7 bil. Deficit, 2.4 bil.
OVERVIEW: The economy is still struggling to overcome the occupation and later the domination of the economy by the Soviets. The air is polluted from steel mills and the rivers are polluted from raw sewage and industrial chemicals. An aging population presents serious economic problems in the future, requiring the importation of labor.*
BURKINA FASO (Africa)
105,792 sq. miles (smaller than Nevada)
(Upper Volta)
POPULATION: (2009) 15.7 mil (2025) 255.4 mil (2050) 47.4 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005j) 2.8% In view of the prevalence of HIV-AIDS, the growth rate is overstated. The projected current growth rate is greater than the economy could deal with. The impact of petroleum shortage and climate changes has not been adequately fact oared in.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 48.4 years.
46% of population is under 15 years of age and 3% is over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 92.24 per 1,000 live births.. There were only 4 physicians and nurses per 100,000 population in 2004. Major health problems include leprosy, sleeping sickness, yellow fever and other contagious diseases. One of the most serious is river blindness. HIV-AIDS prevalence was 4.2% of the population in 2003. About 70% of all women undergo genital mutilation.
CAPITAL: Ouagadougou
LANGUAGE: French is official language. More is spoken by 55%.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 28%; female, 9% (among the lowest in the world)
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $1,200; economic growth rate, 5.0%; inflation, 6.0%; people with income below poverty level, 45%
LOCATION: Landlocked country in W. Africa. W. of Niger; NW. of Benin; N. of Togo et al; E. & S. of Mali.
LAND USE: Arable land, 10%; pastures, 37%; forests, 26%; other, 27%.
TOPOGRAPHY: It consists of a vast plate in the Western African savanna. In the South there are highlands and valleys formed by the Bock, the White Volta & the Red Volta Rivers. The land is dry and poor.
WATER: Rainfall ranges from less than 10 inches in the North to 45 inches in the South. Rivers are alternately dry or in flood. The country suffers periodically from severe drought.
CLIMATE: The country is hot and dry and suffers from periodic droughts, especially in the North, which is in semiarid Sahara.
GOVERNMENT: democratic form of government, very inexperienced. The Military played a major role in former governments.
RELIGION: indigenous beliefs, 40%; Muslim, 50%;
NATURAL RESOURCES: manganese, limestone, marble, nickel, bauxite, lead, phosphorous
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 283 mil. Import, 634 mil. Deficit, 351 mil.
OVERVIEW: This is a worst-case scenario with a country suffering from an inexperienced leadership, population growth totally out of control, periodic droughts and a faltering general economy. The country depends heavily on outside assistance. The question is how long can this continue. Relations with Cote d’Ivory are tense. The high incidence of AIDS and the inadequate health infrastructure foretells a full-grown uncontrolled epidemic. Global Warming presents an additional challenge.*
BURMA (see) MYANMAR
BURUNDI (Africa)
10,747 sq. miles (larger than Vermont)
POPULATION: (2009) 9.5 mil. (2025) 15.5 mil.; (2050) 27.1 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 2.7%. The estimate of population growth seems much too high because of the epidemic of HIV-AIDS and the lack of a medical infrastructure.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 50 years.
47k% of population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 56.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 64.39 per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 33 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. Major diseases are meningitis, sleeping sickness, malaria, bilharzias, 36% of children are malnourished. HIV/Aids prevalence was 6% of adult population in 2003.
CAPITAL: Bujumbura
LANGUAGE: Kirundi & French
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 61%; female, 40%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $700; growth rate, 5.5%; inflation, 14.0%; people with income below poverty level, 68%
LOCATION: Landlocked, on the N. by Rwanda; S by Tanzania; and on W. by Zaire
LAND USE: Arable land43%; permanent crops, 8%; pasture, 35%; forests, 2%; other, 12%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Mainly of mountains and plateaus. Ruzizi R. forms W border N. of L Tanganyika. The central plateau is about 5,600 ft. above sea level.
River: Ruzizi River
WATER: rainfall ranges from 30 to 60 inches in various areas. There have been some seasons of drought.
CLIMATE: tropical highland climate.
GOVERNMENT: President and National Assembly. One party system.. International pressure has isolated Burma but its military Junta continues in power.
RELIGION: Christian, 85%
NATURAL RESOURCES: nickel, uranium, cobalt, copper
Not yet exploited
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export 40 mil. Import 120 mil Deficit 80 mil.
OVERVIEW: Inexperienced government, relatively poor in natural resources, the country has an uncertain future. Of special concern are deforestation; soil erosion because of overgrazing and the extension of agriculture into marginal lands and global climate change. In view of the prevalence of HIV-AIDS and the poor health infrastructure, an epidemic of major proportions is inevitable.*
CAMBODIA (Asia)
69,898 sq. miles (the size of Washington)
Also referred to as KAMPUCHEA
POPULATION: (2009 14.5 mil. (2025) 19.0 mil. (2050) 24.0 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 1.67% Current projections are 2.2%.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy increased from 59 in 2000 to 71 in 2005. 37% of the population in 2005 was under 15 & 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 59 per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were only about 78 physicians, nurses and dentists per 1000,000 people. Malnutrition & inadequate sanitation are major problems. Major diseases include diarrhea, respiratory diseases, dengue fever, malaria, tuberculosis, & yaws. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 2.0% of adults.
CAPITAL: Phnom Penh
LANGUAGE: Khmer, French
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 40%; female, 22%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $2,200; economic growth rate, 4.0%; inflation, 4.3%; people with income below poverty level, 40%
LOCATION: Southeast Asia, on the Gulf of Thailand, Thailand, & Vietnam
LAND USE: Arable land, 16%; permanent crop, 1%; pastures, 3%; forest, 76%; other, 4%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Mountains rise from the sea in the East. Other mountains are along the border of Thailand in the North and along the West. Much of the interior has forests. low, flat plains, and mountains in SW & N. is the Mekong River. The Tonle Sap River dominates the lives of the Cambodians.
WATER: Rainfall ranges from 50 inches in the central plains to 200 inches in the SE.
CLIMATE: Tropical, rainy, monsoon, May to October.
GOVERNMENT: Constitutional Monarchy. Election of parliament in 2003 created a furor that lasted a year. Many issues remain to be settled.
RELIGION: Theravada Buddhism, 955%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: timber, iron ore, manganese, phosphorous, hydropower.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export 2.3 bil.; Import, 3.1 bil.l; Deficit, 800 mil.
OVERVIEW: The economy was badly hurt by decades of war. It is slowly recovering. Population growth is excessive. Logging throughout the country and strip mining in the West are reducing land productivity and habitat diversity. In view of inadequate health services, AIDS constitutes an epidemic. Cambodia lacks an adequate educational system. Female education is particularly inadequate.*
CAMEROON (Africa)
183,569 sq. miles (smaller than California)
POPULATION: (2009) 18.5 mil. (2025) 25.5 mil. (2050) 34.9 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (1005), 1.82% current projections are equally alarming.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 51 years.
44% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 205 was 65 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2005 there were 45 physicians, dentists & nurses per 100,000 people. The need for modern hospital and clinic equipment is urgent. Malaria is prevalent in lowlands. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 6.9%; of the population,
CAPITAL: Yaounde
LANGUAGE: French & English are official languages. Many African languages and dialects are spoken.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 60%; female, 45%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $2,000; economic growth rate, 5%; inflation, 15.0%; people with income below poverty level, 45%
LOCATION: Cameroon is shaped like a triangle. It is situated on the gulf of Guinea. Nigeria is to NW, Chad is to N, & NE., Central African Republic on E., and on Congo, Gabon, & Equatorial Guinea are to the SE.
LAND USE: Arable land, 13%, permanent crops, 2%; pasture, 18%; forest, 54%: other, 13%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Coastal strip extends inland about 60 miles. Highlands
Consist of forested volcanic mountain areas. Mt. Cameroon at 13,435 feet is the only active volcano. It stands isolated along S. coast. Central highlands are a vast savannah.
RIVER: Benue River.
WATER: Along the coast, rainfall ranges between 100 &160 inches. Western slope of Mt. Cameroon receives up to 350 inches a year. Rainfall drops to 24 inches near L. Chad., The Benue R. potential source of hydropower.
CLIMATE: The climate is tropical along the cost and is drier and hotter farther inland.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship with Paul Biya in power in 2007. Unitary Republic since 1982, with opposition parties legalized in 1990.
RELIGION: Indigenous beliefs, 55%; Christian, 33%; Muslim, 16%
NATURAL RESOURCES:; petroleum, bauxite ore, timber, hydropower potential.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export1.89 bil Import 1.95 bil. Deficit 60 mil.
OVERVIEW: Current issues are waterborne diseases (pervasive), deforestation, and overgrazing of pasturelands. A rapid population expansion is a major threat to the future of Cameroon. HIV-AIDS presents a major problem. *
CANADA (N. America)
3,558,0067 sq miles. (larger than U.S.)
POPULATION: (2009) 33.5 mil. (2025) 38.2 mil.; (2050) 41.4 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005 .72%. Growth is greatest in major cities and is beginning to pose a problem for handling waste and providing public health benefits.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 80 years.
18% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 13% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 5 deaths per 1,000 live births. Most health costs are paid for by the government and drug cost remains low. Diseases of the heart and arteries account for 46% of all deaths in 2005. HIV/AIDS prevalence was 0.4% of the population in 2009
CAPITAL: Ottawa
LANGUAGE: French in the Province of Quebec ; English in the rest of Canada except among the Northern Native tribes.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male population 97%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $32,800; growth rate, 2.8%; inflation, 2.3%; people with income below poverty level, 13%
LOCATION: Canada covers nearly all the area of N. America North of 49th parallel except for Alaska.
LAND USE: Arable land, 5%; pasture, 3%; forests, 35%; other, 57%..
TOPOGRAPHY: Canadian Ice Shield is a land of Precambrian rock scoured by glaciers. It has many lakes and forests and mineral deposits. Along the Pacific coast are the Cascades. The Rocky Mountains form the border between British Columbia & Alberta. Flat prairie land lies along the Southern border. The border between Canada and the United States includes 4 of the 5 Great Lakes and a section of the St. Lawrence River.
WATER: Canada has great quantities of water in the mountains and the Canadian Shield. The Western prairies are subject to periodic droughts and are classified as semiarid. Rainfall is less than 20 inches in the Prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba..
RIVERS & LAKES:: part of the Columbia River, the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. There are a number of other large lakes to the North & NW of Ll. Superior.
CLIMATE: Temperate in the South and Arctic in the North. Large areas of the North have permafrost.
GOVERNMENT: Parliament & Prime Minister
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 46%; United Church, 16%; Anglican, 10%; others, 28%. Catholic in Quebec, Protestant in other provinces.
NATURAL RESOURCES: hydropower, forests, petroleum and a large number of other minerals.
WORLD TRADE (2005) Export 272 bill; Import 253 bil Surplus 32 bil.
OVERVIEW: Air pollution and resulting acid rain have seriously damaged forests and affected lakes. Smelting facilities, coal burning utilities, and automobiles has been the sources of air pollution. General outlook is favorable.*
CAPE VERDE (Africa)
1,557 sq. miles (1 ¼ the size of Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 429 Th. 2025) 453 Th. (2050) 389 Th.
The U.N. estimates the population at 479,000.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 0.40%
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 70.25 years.
42% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 6% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 47.75 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2000 there were about 82 physicians, dentists and nurses. Cape Verde, as islands, is isolated from most diseases endemic to the African continent. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 1.17% of population and is epidemic.
CAPITAL: Praia
LANGUAGE: Portuguese is official language. Portuguese dialects are common.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 75%; female, 53%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $6,000; economic growth rate, 5.5%; inflation,(2005) 30%; people with income below poverty level, 30%.
LOCATION: It consists of about 10 islands in the Atlantic about 250 miles W. of Senegal
LAND USE: Arable land, 9%; pastures, 6%; mountains, 85%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Islands are of volcanic origin. Pico de Cano is only active volcano. elevation 9,286 feet.
WATER: There are several small streams on some islands. Average rainfall is about 12 in. Long periods of drought are common. Potable water is inadequate.
CLIMATE: Tropical & temperate. A cold Atlantic current surrounds the islands.
GOVERNMENT: Universal suffrage. Multiple party government. National Assembly. It is very stable.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic infused with indigenous beliefs.
NATURAL RESOURCES: salt, basalt rock
WORLD TRADE (2004) Exports 51 mil. Import 316 mil. Deficit 265 mil.
OVERVIEW: The economy depends heavily on tourism. With the tourist industry aimed at luxury markets and catering mainly to visitors from North America, almost 90% of food and consumer goods are imported. The Cayman 0mians enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world. The land has suffered from overgrazing and of farming on land too steep for suitable cultivation. Health services are inadequate for the increasing number of HIV-AIDS cases.*
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (Africa)
240,535 sq. miles (smaller than Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 4.5 mil (2025) 5.5 mil. (2050) 6.5 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 1.0%. projections paint a dismal picture. Economic infrastructure will not easily absorb such an increase in population. The high incidence of HIV-AIDS renders such a population increase doubtful.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 43.39 years.
43% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 4% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rater in 2005 was 87.35 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2005 there were fewer than 12 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. 60% of the people had access to safe drinking water. Most common diseases are bilharzia, leprosy, malaria, and tuberculosis. and yaws. HIV/AIDS prevalence in 2003 was13.50% of adults. With a totally inadequate health infrastructure, the epidemic is out of control.
CAPITAL: Bangui
LANGUAGE: French, colonial; Sangho, Swahili
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 51%; female, 25%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $1,200; growth rate, 2.8%; inflation, 3.0%; people with income below poverty level, not available.
LOCATION: Landlocked. Central Africa, entirely within the tropical zone. It is S of Chad, W of Sudan, N of Zaire, and E of Cameroon.
LAND USE: Arable land, 3%; pasture, 5%; forests, 64: other, 28%
TOPOGRAPHY: The land consists of an undulating plain from 2,000 to 2,500 feet in elevation.. NW has a high granite plateau rising to 4,600 feet. In the NE the Bongo Massif rises to 4,400 feet.. Sand and clay soils are predominate. Land is well drained.
WATER: rainfall of about 70 inches, decreasing to about 31 inches in the far NE.
RIVER SYSTEMS:: Ubangi in the S & tributaries of the Shari & Logon Rivers in the N.
DESERTIFICATION: The infringement of the Sahara Desert is a threat so long as droughts continue, a possible effect of Global Warming.
CLIMATE: Tropical with hot, dry winters; hot, wet summers.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship with a compliant legislature Republic. A military coup overthrew the republic. U.N. pressure has encouraged a plan for free elections, which are planned for 2010..
RELIGION: indigenous beliefs, 24%; Roman Catholic, 25%; , Protestant, 25%; Muslim, 15%.
NATIONAL RESOURCES: diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 172 mil Import, 132 mil Surplus, 40 mil.
OVERVIEW: subsistence farming and forestry are the backbone of the economy. The country has no well-developed transportation system, necessary for development. Its great animal preserves are subject to organized poaching. Current concerns involve potable water, poaching on the great animal preserve, and the encroaching of the Sahara on to pasturelands. The health problems presented by Aids dwarfs all other concern.*
CHAD (Africa)
495,753 sq. mi. (1 7/8 the size of Texas)
POPULATION (2009) 10.3 mil. (2025) 13.9 mil. (2050) 29 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 2.1% Current projection of population growth is higher after 2025. The figure for 2050 is probably too high..
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 49.9 years.
48% of the population is under 15 years of age and 3% is over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 93.13 deaths per 1,000 live births. 60% of women have genital mutilation. There were only 20 physicians, nurses and midwives per 100,000 people. Prevalent diseases are schistosomiasis, leprosy, malaria, spinal meningitis, tuberculosis, yaws and malnutrition. Immunization is far lower than most countries. HIV positive percentage was 2.0 cases per hundred people in 2003, classified as epidemic.
CAPITAL: N’djamena
LANGUAGE: French is .he official language. Arabic is spoken in the North. Many dialects are spoken by different tribal groups.
LITERACY: (can read and write) male, 42%; female, 18%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $1,800; economic growth rate, 14%; inflation, 5.5%; people with income below poverty level, 80%
LOCATION: It is in Central African on the edge of the Sahara. It is bordered on the N. by Libya, E. by Sudan; S. by Central African Republic and the SW & W by Cameroon, Nigeria & Niger.
LAND USE: Arable land, 2%; pastures, 36%; forests, 11%; other (arid), 51%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Major feature is Lake Chad at the foot of a sloping plain and surrounded by great marshes. The Lake is fed by the Shari & Logone Rivers. WATER: Lake Chad has an average depth of 3 to 4 feet and elevation of 750 feet The land rises to an elevation of11,294 feet at Emi Koussi, an extinct volcano in the Tibesti mountains of S. Chad.
DESERTIFICATION: Droughts in Chad and the continued expansion of the Sahara to the South, threatens much of the countryside.
CLIMATE: Three Zones: Saharan with a wide range of temperatures between night and day; the Sahelian, a semi desert; and the Sudanic, with relatively moderate temperatures. The country has suffered from several droughts lasting more than 1 year.
GOVERNMENT: The President is serving a third 6-year term. He has considerable authority. The National Assembly has been established. A new constitution in 90’s uncertain as to its final structure.
RELIGION: Muslim, 50%; Christian, 25%; indigenous beliefs, 25%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, kaolin
WORLD TRADE (2004) export, 365 mil. Import, 760-mil deficit, 395 mil.
OVERVIEW The Chad is particularly sensitive to drought. The changing climate and the apparent expansion of the Sahara Desert leaves little room for optimism. The current and projected growth in population presents a national calamity. Raiders from Sudan have killed thousands and robbed many of their possessions.*
CHILE (Latin Am.)
292,135 sq. mi. (1 1/7 the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009 16.6 mil. (2025) 18.65 mil. (2050) 19.4 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 2005 – 2025, 0.7%
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 76.6 years.
24% of the population is under 15 and 7% over 665. Moderate growth is manageable.
HEALTH: Infant mortality is 8.4 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004, there ware approximately 215 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. About 15% of children fall below nutritional standards. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 0.3% of adults..
CAPITAL: Santiago
LANGUAGE: Spanish is official language.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male,94%; female, 94%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates: per capita GDP, $11,300; economic growth rate, 5.4%; inflation, 4.0T; people with income below poverty level, 20%
LOCATION: It covers a narrow strip of South America on the Western slope of the Andes. Argentina is to the East and Peru is to the North.
LAND USE: Arable land, 7%; pasture, 16%; forest, 21%; other, 56%
TOPOGRAPHY: Low coastal mountains, then fertile central valleys; rugged Andes mountains in the East. The driest desert in the world lies between the coastal range and the Andes to the East. The South is subject to major earthquakes.
WATRER: Rainfall varies from under one inch to over 100 in the far South.
CLIMATE: temperate, desert in North, & damp in South.
GOVERNMENT: Republic. The political atmosphere lends itself to sudden changes in government and sometimes dictatorships.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 89%
WORLD TRADE: export, 20.4 bil. Import, 17.4 bil. Surplus, 3.0 bil.
OVERVIEW: Current problems are air pollution from industries and Automobiles, water pollution from raw sewage and land erosion from deforesting. Natural hazards are earthquakes and volcanic action. The economy is prosperous with varying degrees of participation or interference by the government.*
CHINA (Asia)
3,692,371 sq. miles`(6% larger than U.S.)
POPULATION: (2009) 1,338 mil. (2025) 1,453 mil (2050) 1,424 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: growth is under .1% .
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 is 72.2 years.
22% of the population was under 15 years of age & 8%; was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was estimated at 25 deaths per 1,000 live births. There are about 275 doctors & nurses per 100,000 people. A universal campaign is to eliminate rats and mosquitoes with mixed success. Major health problems are malaria, injuries and parasites. H:IV-AIDS prevalence in 2008 was under 1% of adults.
CAPITAL: Beijing (Peking)
LANGUAGES: Standard Mandarin, is based on the Beijing dialect. Yue (Cantonese) Wu (Shanghaiaanese), Minbe (Hokien-Taiwanese), are common dialects.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 87%; female, 68%
INCOME (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $8,000; growth rate, 8.0%; inflation, 0.3%; people with income below poverty level, 10%
LOCATION; Eastern Asia bordering the Yellow Sea and South China Sea It borders Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burma, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrygyzstan, North Korea, Laos, Macao, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, & Russia.
LAND USE: arable land, 10%; pasture, 31%; forest, 14%; other, 51%.
TOPOGRAPHY Eastern lowlands, 20%; a large section of plateaus in the West; A mountain chain separates the Western plateau from the East. In the far SW are the Himalayas of Tibet.
RIVERS: Yalu along Korean border; Sungari in Manchuria, Huang (Yellow) R. in the North, and the Yangtze from the Himalayas through the Western plateaus and the industrial area of Chunking and the 3 gorges to the sea at Shanghai. The Yangtze is navigable by seagoing ships to Chunking,.
WATER; Rainfall varies from 80 inches in the SW to 20 in the NE. About 30% of the country in the W receives less than 10 inches of rainfall. Water pollution is endemic.
CLIMATE: The climate varies from North temperate in Manchuria to subtropical in the South of China. Himalayan areas have an alpine climate and the West is semiarid with cold winters and hot seasons.
GOVERNMENT: Central Dictatorship, Ho Jinla has been in power since the 2002 transition to 4th generation of The Peoples Republic. Provinces and several cities (Canton, Shanghai, Tannin) do the regular administrative work and handle most projects, subject to approval.
RELIGION: officially atheistic but pragmatic with strong family orientation.
NATURAL RESOURCES: coal, iron ore, petroleum (inadequate), tin, mercury, lead, and most other necessary metals, hydropower. (see Yangtze & 3 Gorges project)
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 436 bil. Import, 397 bil. Surplus, 39 bil.
OVERVIEW: Rapid development of industry is accompanied by air pollution. The rise in living standards affects the cities but has little effect on the rural economy. The 3 Gorges dam and power project will have a major effect on South China. World concerns are the incursion of Chinese into other Asian and African countries*
COLOMBIA (Latin Am.)
439,737 sq. miles (71% larger than Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 43.7 mil (2025) 51.2 mil (2050) 56.2 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 1.2% although there is a projected reduction in the growth after 2025, the impact of growth will be severe.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 71.7 years.
32% of people in 2005 were under 15 years of age and 5% over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 20.97 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 450 physicians dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Many Colombians suffer from intestinal parasites. About 13% of children in 2000 were classified as malnourished. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was .7% of the adults.
CAPITAL: Bogotá
LANGUAGE: Spanish
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 88%; female, 88%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $7,000; economic growth rate,4.5%; inflation, 5.55%; people with income below poverty level, 59%.
LOCATION: It is on both Caribbean and Pacific. It borders Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru & Panama.
LAND USE: Arable land, 4%; permanent crop, 2%; pasture, 29%; forest, 49%; other, 16%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The Andes divides into 2 chains dividing the country into 3 areas. Pastureland is on mountain slopes and forests in the valleys.
RIVERS: Cauca between Western & Central Andes; Magdalena separates the central and Eastern range… The two rivers merge after emerging from the mountains.
The Orinoco is East of the Andes in largely lowlands.
WATER: Rainfall averages 42 inches. It is heaviest W of the Andes. No problems indicated
CLIMATE: Climate ranges from tropical to alpine, depending on altitude.
GOVERNMENT: Republic with house and senate. It is plagued by actions of guerilla forces, some of who are supported by the drug lords.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 95%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 12.9 bil. Import, 13.1 bil. Deficit .2 bil.
Does this take into consideration the export of illegal drugs?
OVERVIEW: Control of drug trade seems central to governmental effectiveness.
Current concerns are soil damage from overuse of pesticides, soil erosion after deforestation, air pollution, especially in Bogotá from automobiles. Natural hazards include periodic drought, volcanic action and occasional earthquakes. Police and government executives are targets of drug gangs.*
COMOROS (Africa)
719 sq. miles (6/10 the size of Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 762 Th. (2025) 1.1 mil (2050 1.8 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 2.4%
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 61 years.
In 2005, 43% of the people were under 15 years of age and 3% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality is approximately 74.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 81 physicians, dentists, nurses and midwives per 100,000 people. Lack of animal protein is a serious problem. There is a large incidence of tuberculosis and leprosy and over half the population has malaria. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 0.12% of adults.
CAPITAL: Moroni
LANGUAGE: French & Arabic
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 50%; female, 40%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $600; economic growth rate, 3.0%; inflation, 3.0%; people with income below poverty level, 60%
LOCATION: It is a Southern African island group in the Mozambique Channel Between East coast of Africa and Madagascar.
LAND USE: arable land, 35%; permanent crops, 8%; pasture, 7%; forest, 16%; other (mountain & desert lava field), 34%.
TOPOGRAPHY: volcanic in origin with highest peak, Mt. Kartala is 7,740 ft..
CLIMATE: humid & tropical. Cyclones & tidal waves are frequent.
RAINFALL, 16.5 to 33 inches
GOVERNMENT: Republic, National Assembly
RELIGION: Islam is state religion with 99%.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 28 mil. Import, 86 mil Deficit, 58 mil.
OVERVIEW: The country is made up of 7 islands with poor transportation, few natural resources and a young and rapidly growing population. It is not self-sustaining. Further population growth is forecast. Without population control, the future is dismal. It is one of the poorest countries in the world.*
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE) (Africa)
REPUBLIC OF CONGO
132,047 sq. miles (Larger than New Mexico)
POPULATION: (2009) 4.0 mil (2025) 6.1 mil (2050) 9.6 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 2.4%. In view of inadequate health services and th high rate of HV-AIDS prevalence, this estimate of growth seems unrealistic.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 52.6 years.
In 2005, 43% of the population was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 87.4 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 204 there were approximately 235 physicians, nurses, and midwives per 100,0000 people. Immunization of children is about 35%, fewer than most countries. HIV/AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 4.7% of the population.
CAPITAL: Brazzaville
LANGUAGE: French is official language. Several Bantu dialects are spoken.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 71%; female, 49%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $900; economic growth rate, 4.2%; inflation, 3.0%
LOCATION: It lies astride the equator. Cameroon is to N; Central Republic of Africa on the E., and Angola on the S. The Atlantic Ocean is on the West.
LAND USE: Arable land, 2%; pastures, 29%; forest, 62%; other, 7%
TOPOGRAPHY: zones of savannah, forested, and with treeless coast.
RIVERS: Zaire R. subject to seasonal flooding.
WATER: Rainfall ranged from 41 inches to75 inches.
CLIMATE: tropical climate with high humidity & heat.
GOVERNMENT: President has arbitrary authority. Governed under constitution with National Assembly
RELIGION: Christian, 92%
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphorous, natural gas:
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export 2.28 bil. Import, 667 mil. Surplus, 1.6 bil.
OVERVIEW: Current issues are water pollution from raw sewage, air pollution from emissions, and hazard from seasonal flooding; Major activities are agriculture and handicraft. There are no large industries. Population growth is high. The International Monetary Fund has set up a three-year program to improve economic growth. A combination of low immunization rates and high incidence of AIDS threatens the future health of the country. Education lags far behind world standards.*
CONGO (ZAIRE) (KINSHASA) (Africa)
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
905,355 sq. miles ( 3 ½ THE SIZE OF Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 69 mil. (2025) 110 mi. (2050) 188 mil
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 2.8%. In view of the prevalence of HIV-AIDS, actual growth will be far less than the above estimates. It is extremely doubtful whether or not the economy can adjust to current growth, assuming it is realistic.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectance is approximately 51.2 years.
In 2005, 48% of the population was under 15 years of age and 3% was- over65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 90.65 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2005 here were approximately 52 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Common diseases are malaria, trypamosomiasis, omchoriasis, schistosomiasis, diarrheal diseases, measles, tuberculosis, malaria, leprosy, typhus, and hookworm. Malnutrition is common. Approximately 35% of children under 5 suffer from malnutrition. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 4.20% of the adult population.
CAPITAL: Kinshasa
LANGUAGE: French is official language. Upwards of 700 languages & dialects are spoken in Zaire.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 81%; female, 61%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP $5,900; growth (-4.0%; inflation, 9.0%
LOCATION: It is in Central Equatorial Africa . The western tip of it reaches to the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Congo R.
LAND USE: arable land, 3%; pasture, 4%; forests, 78%; other, 15%
TOPOGRAPHY: The land is mainly on a plateau that rises from 1,000 feet to 4,000 feet above sea level near the Great Rift Valley.
RAINFALL: between 39 & 7 0 inches.
RIVERS: Congo (2nd largest river in world)
CLIMATE: Tropical, hot and humid, in the lower areas. In the center the average is 75 degrees F.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship. Early experience was chaotic without trained civil service. Several rebel groups continue to disrupt governmental functions.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 54% Protestant, 39%
NATURAL RESOURCES: Cobalt, copper, cadmium, many other minerals including diamonds, hydropower
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 1.41 bil. Import, 935 mil. Surplus, .5 bil.
OVERVIEW: Current concerns include deforestation, refugees from Rwanda and Sudan, air & water pollution. Although the country is large, unrestrained population growth is a serious threat. The economy has actually declined. Currently, the economy is in a serious slump, largely because of rebel groups.*
CNN (TV) (Documentary), 6 Oct, 2006: It was a report of the rape and killing of thousands of civilians in the province of Darfur and of the forced flight of many into Chad. Thousands were reported to be raped and many children seriously injured or killed by the act.
COSTA RICA (Latin Am.)
19,730 sq. miles (twice the size of Vermont)
POPULATION: (2009 4.0 mil. (2025) 6.2 mil. (2050) 9.6 mil.
U.N. reports 2005 population at 4.3 million.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.12%. Projection suggests a high rate of growth prior to 2025 and a gradual tapering off after that. The rate is beyond economic capacity.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 76.6 years.
In 2005, 30% of the population was under 15 years of age and 6% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 9.9 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were 459 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people in 2005. Immunization rates are very high and nearly100% of population has access to safe drinking water. Diseases of the circulatory system are the leading cause of death. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 0.60% of adults. A vigorous treatment program and education can control the impact of the disease.
CAPITAL: San Jose
LANGUAGE: Spanish is the official language but English is commonly spoken.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 93%; female, 91%
INCOME;: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $10,000; economic growth rate, 3.2%; inflation, 13.8%; people with income below poverty level, 18%
LOCATION: Central America with coast on both Caribbean and Pacific. It has boundaries on the North with Nicaragua and on the South with Panama.
LAND USE: Arable land, 6%; permanent crops, 7%; pastures, 45%; forests, 34%; other, 8% Total National Park land is about 10% J(the highest worldwide)
TOPOGRAPHY: highlands, , plateaus and mountains. The highest of which is Chiripo Grande, 12,500 ft. elevation.
RAINFALL: more than 100 inches.
CLIMATE: Seasons range from subtropical along the sea to temperate in the highlands.
GOVERNMENT: Democratic republic
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 95%
NATURAL RESOURCES: hydropower, petroleum
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 6.17 bil. Import, 7.06 bil. Deficit, 899 mil.
Tourism is an additional plus.
OVERVIEW: Costa Rica is a peaceful country, and has no standing army. The major current problem of population control seems manageable. Agriculture forms 70% of exports. The current goal is to control inflation.*
COTE D’ IVOR (IVORY COAST) (Africa)
124,504 sq. miles (same as New Mexico)
POPULATION: (2009) 20.6 mil. (2025) 27.6 bil. (2050) 37.1 mail.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 1.6%. Population growth estimates are probably too high in view of endemic disease and inadequate health services.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was about 48.62 years.
In 2005, 41% of the people were under 15 years of age and 3% over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 90.;83 deaths per 1,000 live births. There are approximately 55 physicians, nurses and midwives per 100,000 people. About 60% of females had genital mutilation. Malaria, yellow fever, sleeping sickness, yaws, leprosy and meningitis are endemic. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 20083 was about 3.5% of the people. The health services are inadequate.
CAPITAL: Abidjan
LANGUAGE: French is official language. More than 60 African languages and dialects are spoken.
LITERACY: (can read and write) male, 44%; female, 23%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $1,400; economic growth rate (-4%); inflation, 9.0%; people with income below poverty level, 37%.
LOCATION: South coast of western bulge of Africa. It is bordered on N. by Mali, E. by Ghana & W. by Liberia.
LAND USE: Arable land, 9%; permanent crops, (coffee) 4%; pastures, 9%; forests, 26%; other, 52%..
TOPOGRAPHY: Except for highlands in the N. the country is a large plateau, tilted gently toward the Atlantic. It is drained by 4 rivers; each flowing from N. to S.
WATER. Rainfall ranges upward from 31 inches, driest in the North. Bandana river has been dammed and a large lake (Komoe) is formed in the middle of the country.
RIVERS: Rivers are responsive to rainfall. They run low in the dry season and tend to flood in the rainy season.
CLIMATE: Tropical,, temperatures from 70 to 95, with rainy season in the summer
GOVERNMENT: Republic, multiparty. Country is split by revolution, not resolved in 2005.
RELIGION: Government is secular, traditional religions, 655%; Muslim 23%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, bauxite.
WORLD TRADE:(2004) Export, 5.2 bil Import, 2.8 bil Surplus, 2.4 bil. Only a relatively small number of people benefit from the surplus.
OVERVIEW: population is growing at an alarming rate. Economy is strongly affected by coffee and cocoa process. Current problems include deforestation, pollution of rivers, and population growth. Deforestation has increased danger of flooding and damage to landforms. Revolution prevents adequate dealing with any other problems.*
CROATIA (Europe)
21,829 sq. miles (smaller than W. Virginia)
(FORMER Yugoslavia state)
POPULATION: (2009) 4.5 mil. (2025) 4.4 mil. (2050) 3.9 mil.
POPULATION STATUS: projection of a continued decline in population from a high in 1993 of 4.6 million.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 74.45 years.
In 2005, 17%% of the people were under 15 years of age and 16% were is over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 6.84 deaths per 1,000 live births. There are approximately 804 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Major causes of death are related to the aging process. HIAVA-AIDS prevalence was under 1 per 1,000 adults in 2008.
CAPITAL: Zagreb
LANGUAGE: Serbo-Croatian
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 99%%; female, 95%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $11,000; economic growth rate, 3.2%; inflation, 3.2%; people with income below poverty level, 11%
LOCATION: Balkan state, formerly part of Yugoslavia, & bordering the Adriatic Sea. It lies between Bosnia, Herzegovina & Slovenia.
LAMD USE: Arable land, 32%; permanent crops 20%; pastures, 18%; forests, 15%; other, 15%
TOPOGRAPHY: plains to the NE. and low mountains toward Adriatic.
CLIMATE Predominately continental with Mediterranean climate along the coast.
GOVERNMENT:: Republic with intentions of joining the European Union.
It is a member of NATO.
RELIGION Roman Catholic, 70%; Orthodox, 11%; Muslim, 12%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: oil, some coal, low-grade iron ore, bauxite, silica & clays.
WORLD TRADE: (2009) Export, 14 bil. Import, 30 bil. Deficit, 16 bil.
OVERVIEW: The country is less than 10 years old. It is heavily dependent on assistance from the European community. Problems include pollution, hazardous waste, and sewerage. A current problem is air pollution from metallurgical plants, causing acid rain that is damaging the forests. *
“National Geographic” , June,1996, (P 51) “Bosnia” (see Yugoslavia)
“Secession in June, 1991, unleashed a savage response from Belgrade, which was sympathetic to Croatia’s large Serb ethnic minority. The district of eastern Slovenia is under U.N. supervision.
CUBA (Latin Am.)
42,804 sq. miles (same size as Tennessee)
POPULATION: (2009) 11.4 mil. (2025) 11.6 mil. (2050) 10.4 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: negative 1.2%.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 is 77.23 years.
In 2005, 21% of the people were under 15 years of age and 10% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 is 6.35 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were about 1342 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Major causes of death in 2005 were circulatory diseases, cancer and injuries. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2008 was under 1 per 1,000 people.
CAPITAL: Havana
LANGUAGE: Spanish
LITERACY: (can read & write) male population, 98%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $3,000; economic growth rate, 3.5%; inflation, 5.0%
LAND USE: Arable land, 23%; permanent crops, 6%;j pastures, 23%; forests, 17%; other, 31%. Problem: deforestation.
LOCATION: Island, S of Florida &W. of Haiti
TOPOGRAPHY: mostly plains & rolling hills with rugged terrain in SE.
CLIMATE: subtropical, moderated by trade winds. Cuba is especially exposed to hurricanes, several of which caused serious damage in 2004.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship by Raoul Castro because of ill health.. Individual commercial rights have been further curtailed in 2004. The new head of government has not announced his policies. Communist State with government ownership of major works.Raoul Castro was 79 in 2011 with no prominent figure as successor.
RELIGION: nominally Roman Catholic, 83%.
WORLD TRADE: (2009) Export, 3.6 bil. Import, 14.83 bil. Deficit, 11.26 bil.
OVERVIEW: Cuba is dependent on foreign aid. The country is hampered by U.S. embargos, limiting tourism & trade. Other problems include deforestation and pollution of Havana harbor. Management of tourist facilities has been transferred to the Minister of Defense. Major trading partner is Venezuela. Fiscal problems have been exacerbated by a reduction of money received from Cubans living in the U.S.*
There was considerable unrest in 2010 because of serious economic problems Newsweek, April 26, 2010, p 11.
CYPRUS (Middle East)
3,572 sq. miles (3/4 the size of Connecticut)
POPULATION: (2009) 1.1 mil. (2025) 1.3 mil. . (2050) 1.4 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: .40%
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 77.8 years.
In 2005, 20% of the people were under 15 years of age & 11% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was about 7 deaths per thousand live births. There are about 785 doctors & nurses per 100,000 people. No major diseases are listed. HIV-AIDS prevalence was under1 per 1,000 adults in 2008.
CAPITAL: Nicosia
LANGUAGE: Greek & Turkish are official languages, Greek is spoken in the S and Turkish in the N..
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 95%; female, 91%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita, GDP, $21,000; economic growth rate, 3% Rate of inflation not available.
LOCATION: Third largest island in the Mediterranean. It is in the extreme NE part of the Sea, S. of Turkey & E. of Syria.
LAND USE: Arable land, 40%; permanent crop, 7%; pasture, 10%; forests, 18%; other, 25%
TOPOGRAPHY: Two mountain systems flank a central plain. The mountains to the N. are old formations.
CLIMATE: for the most part, dry, sunny, & healthful.
WATER: rainfall is 12 to 16 inches. Rivers & lakes are insignificant. There is some irrigation.
GOVERNMENT: Republic, with Greek & Turkish division of administration. Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004.
RELIGION: Greek Orthodox, 78%; Muslim, 18%
NATURAL RESOURCES: copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum.
WORLD TRADE: (2009) Export, 1.7 bil. Import, 9.9 bil. Deficit, 8.2 bil
OVERVIEW: The economy is not self-supporting. The part of the Island dominated by the Greeks is more prosperous than that dominated by the Turks. Major support comes from Greece, Netherlands, the U. K., and United States. Greece is financially bankrupt and may no longer be able to support Cyprian economy. Turkish North applied for independence in 2009.*
CZECH REPUBLIC (Europe)
30,450 sq. miles (same size as S. Carolina)
POPULATION: (2009) 10.2 mil (2025) 9.8 mil (2050) 8.8 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: negative, beginning before 2000.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 76.2 years.
In 2005, 15% of the people were under 15 years of age and 14% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 3.93 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were about 1346 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people. Major causes of death are related to the aging process. HIV-AIDS prevalence was under 1 per 1,000 adults in 2008.
CAPITAL: Prague (an important cultural & learning center)
LANGUAGE: Czech, Slovak
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 99%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $18,000k; economic growth rate, 4.0%; inflation, 2.0%.
LOCATION: Central Europe, SE of Germany. Poland is N. & Slovakia is E.
LAND USE: not available.
TOPOGRAPHY: low hills, plains & plateau surrounded by low mountains.
WATER rainfall is from 22 to over 50 inches.
RIVER: Elbe. Some pollution from Industry/
CLIMATE: temperate with cloudy humid winters and cool summers.
GOVERNMENT: Parliamentary democrat.
RELIGION: atheist, 39%; Roman Catholic, 39%; Protestant, 5%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: Hard coal, kaolin, clay
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 46.8 bil. Import. 50.4 bil. Deficit, 3.6 bil.
OVERVIEW: Current issues are water & air pollution. Current trade deficit is partially covered by tourism. Among current problems is air pollution casing acid rain. An aging population will require later retirement and the import of labor from other countries*
DENMARK (Europe)
16,638 sq. miles (2/3 the size of W. Virginia)
POPULATION: (2009P 5.5 mil. (2025) 5.7 mil. (2050) 5.6 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 0.3%, not significant.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 77.62 years.
In 2005, 19%$ of the people were under 15 years of age and 15% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 4.56 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were; approximately 1334 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. Cardiovascular diseases and cancer were the major causes; of death. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2008 was under 0.2% of adults.
CAPITAL: Copenhagen
LANGUAGE: Danish, closely related to Swedish & Norwegian,
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 99%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $33,000; growth rate, 2.2%; inflation, 1.9%.
LOCATION: N. of Germany separating Baltic & North Seas. Part of Denmark is on mainland. A major part is on the island of Jutland..
LAND USE: Arable land, 61%; pastures, 6%; forest, 12%; other, 21%%.
TOPOGRAPHY: It is all lowland with the highest point only 368 feet above sea level.
WATER: Rainfall is about 24 inches per year, evenly distributed annually.
CLIMATE: temperate with mean temperatures ranging from 32 F in February to
63 F in July.
GOVERNMENT: Limited monarchy with parliament.
RELIGION: Evangelical Lutheran, 91%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, natural gas, fish, salt, & limestone.
Denmark is under international criticism because of failure to regulate its fishing fleets in the North Atlantic
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 64.2 bil. Import, 554.5 bil. Surplus, 8.8 bil.
OVERVIEW: The fishing fleets have come under question for over-fishing certain areas of the ocean. The country is highly integrated and is able to respond quickly to world changes. A rising ocean level threatens its future. Copenhagen is only a few meters above sea level. Its long-term future is seriously endangered by rising sea levels*
DJIBOUTI (Africa)
8,958 sq. miles (smaller than New Hampshire)
(formerly French Somali)
POPULATION: (2009) 725 Th. (2025) 1,016 Th. (2050) 1,397 Th.
U.N. population estimate for 2005 is 793,000.
POPULATION GROWTH: Growth is 1.7% to 1.9%, compound rate. The CIA reported the population in 1995 as 421,000. The government is attempting to repatriate 100,000 illegal immigrants, requesting them to become citizens or apply for asylum.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: In 2005, life expectancy Was only 43.1 years. In 2005, 41% of the people were under 15 years of age and 3% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 104.13 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2005 there were only 78 physicians, dentists. And nurses. Malnutrition is common and Malaria is endemic. HIV0AIDS prevalence in 2008 was 3.18% of adult population. In view of inadequate health services this is classed as an epidemic.
CAPITAL: Djibouti.
LANGUAGE: French & Arabic are official languages. Somali is the language of most of the people.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 63%; female, 34%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $1,300; economic growth rate, 3.5;%, inflation, 2.0%; people with income below poverty level, 50%
LOCATION: on the east coast of Africa Bab el-Mandab, the strip of water that links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. It is bordered on the N., E., &W. by Ethiopia and on the S. by Somalia.
LAND USE: Arable land, none; pasture, 9%; other (arid tablelands), 91%
TOPOGRAPHY: of volcanic origin, the country consists of a series of high tablelands, separated by low plains. There is a low plain along the sea. The plateaus rise from 1,000 to 3,000 feet in elevation& the mountains up to 6,500 ft.
WATER: annual rainfall is less than 5 inches.
CLIMATE: temperatures range from 77 F. to 95 F and humidity is high.
GOVERNMENT: Republic.
RELIGION: Muslim, 94%; Christian, 6%
NATURAL RESOURCES: Geothermal areas.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 155 mil. Import, 665 mill. Deficit, 510 mil.
OVERVIEW: The economy is based on the country’s location and status as a free trade zone. One third of people are nomad herders. The rest live in the city and provide services for trans shipping and refueling of ships.. An expanding population could create havoc in the economy. Ill health and short life span is an additional barrier to a healthy economy.
Decline in oil production by the Middle East will affect the economy negatively. This, combined with population growth offers little optimism for the future*
DOMINICA (Latin Am.)
290 sq. miles (1/4 the size of Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 727 Th. (2025) 74.6 Th. (2050) 64.8 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: not significant
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy was 74.6 in 2005.
In 2005, 289% of the people were under 15 and 8% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 14.1 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 570 physicians, dentists, and nurses. Because of rain and high humidity, tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases are difficult to deal with. HIV-AIDS prevalence is not listed in U.N. book of reference.
CAPITAL: Roseau
LANGUAGE: English is official Language. Nearly all natives speak a French mixed with African words.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 94^; female, 94^%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $5,000; economic growth rate, (-0.5%); inflation, 1.0%; people with income below poverty level, 35%.
LOCATION: an island located between Guadalupe & Martinique with East shore on the Atlantic.
LAND USE: Arable land, 9%; permanent crops, 13%; pastures, 3%%; forestland, 41%; other (volcanic mountains), 34%
TOPOGRAPHY: It is the most rugged island of the Lesser Antilles, , it is a mass of peaks, ravines & ridges. Several mountains are over 4,000 ft. The highest is Mt. Diablatin at 4,774 ft.. A number of mountain cones have boiling water in them.
WATER: rainfall ranges from 80 inches on the Caribbean side to 230 inches on the wet (Atlantic) side..
CLIMATE: Mild tropical in the cold months and wet and hot in June & July.
GOVERNMENT: Republic with National Assembly & President. Attempts are being made to curb corruption in government. All citizens over 18 may vote.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 77%; Protestant, 15%; other Christian, 10%
NATURAL RESOURCES: geothermal areas.
WORLD TRADE: (2008) Export, 98 mil. Import, 298 mil. Deficit, 200 mil.
Tourism in 2008 was 74 mil.
OVERVIEW: Economy is dependent on agriculture, & is highly vulnerable to tropical storms & weather changes. Major suppliers are Japan and China .*
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (Latin Am.)
18,730 sq. mi. (3/4 the size of W. Virginia)
POPULATION: (2009) 9.7 mil. (2025) 11.9 mil. (2050) 14.88 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 2.0% Present projected increase is above that figure. An unknown number of the people have emigrated to the U.S.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 71.4 years.
In 2005 ,34% of the people were under 15 years of age and 5% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant rate in 2005 was 25.3 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2005 there were about 456 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people. Over 70% of the people had safe water and adequate sanitary facilities. About 15% of children under 5 were considered malnourished. HIV prevalence in 2003 was 1.7% of adult population. Health services are marginal. The ability to control AIDS is in question.
CAPITAL: Santo Domingo
LANGUAGE: Spanish is the official language. Some English is spoken.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 85%; female, 82%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), peer capita GDP, $6,500; economic growth rate, 4.4%; inflation, 4.5%; people with income below poverty level, 25%`
LOCATION: It occupies the Eastern 2/3 of the Island of Hispania. It shares the Island with Haiti.. It is almost directly E. of Cuba.
LAND USE: Arable land, 23%; permanent crops, 7%; pastures, 43k%; forests, 13%; other, 14%.
TOPOGRAPHY: generally mountainous with deserts in the extremely West. Fertile valleys are in the center & Eastern areas, separated from the coast by mountain ridges. Mount Duarte is the highest mountain in the West Indies at an elevation of 10,417 ft..
WATER: rainfall is 33 in. in the E. & 82 in. in the N. About 1,000 sq miles is land under irrigation.
CLIMATE: Temperatures range from 63 F to 84F, with cooler temperatures at high altitudes.. The country is subject to severe tropical storms.
GOVERNMENT: Republic. All citizens, 18 years or older, may vote’s
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 95%
NATURAL RESOURCES: nickel, bauxite, gold, silver
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 5.5 bil. Import, 7.9 bil. Deficit, 2.4 bil.
OVERVIEW: Population growth is the largest single threat to the economy. The deficit in 2004 is an indicator of greater problems ahead. Other current problems are damaged coral reefs, soil erosion and water shortages.*
East Timor – Liberia
EAST TIMOR (Asia) 5,743 sq. mi.
(smaller than Hawaii)
POPULATION: (2009) 1.1 mil (2025) 1.4 mil. (2050) 1.9 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: .1.17%
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 65.9.
In 2005, 41% of the pep[;e were under the age of 15 & 3% over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was estimated at 47.41 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2005, there were approximately 2,000 health workers including 567 doctors . Most health workers left the country after independence. Many health facilities were damaged or destroyed during the rebellion. A number of world organizations provide health assistance. Endemic diseases include malaria, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, tuberculosis & dengue fever. HIV-AIDS prevalence information was not given by the U.N.
CAPITOL: Dili
LANGUAGE: Tetun Portuguese & 14 other indigenous tongues.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $400; economic growth rate, 1.0%; inflation, 1.0%; people with income below poverty level, 42%.
LOCATION: Eastern half of Timor, an island that lies between Asia &Australia and is part of the East Indies.
LAND USE: Not given
TOPOGRAPHY: Rugged mountains, lagoons and lowland forests.
WATER: Heavy tropical rainy season and subject to typhoons..
CLIMATE: tropical, with hot days & generally cool nights.
GOVERNMENT: Parliament with Prime Minister
RELIGION: (2005) 90% Roman Catholic.
NATURAL RESOURCES: agriculture, marble, fishing, oil and natural gas.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 8 mil. Import, 237 mil. Deficit, 228 mil..
OVERVIEW: It is a new nation, at odds with its nearest neighbor, Indonesia but with strong ties with Australia. East Timor was over 50% forest. Logging nearly wiped out the forests. Reestablishing forest areas is a prime goal.*
ECUADOR (Latin Am.) 103,484 sq. mi.
(same size as Colorado)
POPULATION: (2009) 14.5 mil (2025) 17.9 mil (2050) 21.1 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.2% The quality of life will suffer greatly in the years to come if this population growth remains high.
LIFE EXPECTANCY Life expectancy in 2005 was 76.2 years.
33% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 7% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 23.6 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were about 324 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Major health problems are malaria and infant morality. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003\8 was 0.30% of adults. Health infrastructure to deal with AIDS is marginal.
CAPITOL: Quito
LANGUAGE: Spanish, (official) generally Quechua
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 90%; female, 84%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $3,000; economic growth rate, 3.05%; inflation, 2.0k%; people with income below poverty level, 45% It is among the poorer countries in the Americas.
LOCATION: Western S. America, bordering the Pacific at the equator, between Colombia & Peru.
LAND USE: Arable land, 6%; permanent crop, 3%; pastures, 17%; forests, 51%; other, 23%.. irrigated land, 2,000 sq miles.
TOPOGRAPHY: coastal plains, inter-Andean, and flat to rolling Eastern Jungle.
WATER: up to 50 inches with more in the tropical lowlands.
CLIMATE: tropical along the coast, becoming cooler inland.:
GOVERNMENT: Republic Ecuador is involved in disputes with foreign Corporations.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 95%
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, fish, timber
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 6.0 bll. Import, 6.2 bil. Deficit, 200 mil.
OVERVIEW: Ecuador has substantial oil resources and rich agricultural land but has been unable to fully utilize them. Oil is its environmental nemesis. Unless population growth and the spread of HIV-AIDS can be contained, the country has a difficult future.*
EGYPT (Africa) 386,662 sq. mi. (1 ½ times the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 79 mil (2025) 104 mil (2050) 1387mil.
POPULATIOON GROWTH: (2005), 1.25 Current rate of growth is about the same. Egypt is unable to support its present population without aid from the U.S.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 71 years.
36% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 5% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 32.59 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 515 physicians, dentists, and nurses per100,000 people. Major diseases include schistosomiasis, malaria, hookworm, trachoma, tuberculosis, dysentery, beriberi, and typhus. HIV-AIDS prevalence was less than 1 per thousand adults in 2008.
CAPITOL: Cairo
LANGUAGE: Arabic (official) English & French are widely understood..
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 65%; female, 34%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $4,000; growth rate 4.4%; inflation, 4.5%k, people with income below the poverty level, 17%
LOCATION: North Africa, bordering Mediterranean Sea. E. of Libya.
LAND USE: Arable land, 3%; permanent crop, 2%; pastures, none; forests, none; other (Sahara Desert), 95%
TOPOGRAPHY: In Egypt proper the altitude ranges from 436 feet to below sea level in the Libyan desert. In the Sinai it ranges to 8,660. .95% of Egypt is desert. See section on deserts and on rivers.
RIVERS: The Nile is the only river in Egypt. It has no tributaries in Egypt. Nearly the entire population of Egypt lives within miles of the river.
WATER: Rainfall averages 8 inches along the Mediterranean and about 1 inch South of Cairo. Virtually the only source of water now available to the country is the Nile. A large aquifer West of the Nile, has not been exploited.
CLIMATE: Dry subtropical climate. Interior areas are very hot.
GOVERNMENT: Military Tribunal Mobarik was President from 1980 to 2011. Major rioting occurred in February 2011. Elections have not been held in 2011 A new constitution is being drawn up.
RELIGION: Sunni Islamic, 81%;
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, natural gas, phosphate, manganese, limestone.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 8.75 bil. Import, 14.75 bil. Deficit, 6.0 bil.
OVERVIEW: Population is growing far beyond resources. Aswan High Dam may well be silting up. The Nile delta is gradually sinking into the Sea because the annual floods no longer renew the silt or remove the sludge and pollution that accumulates. The current Democratic executive is strongly supported by the affluent. 40% of the populace is now living from day to day. A serious upheaval seems imminent. Also ref p. 242 “Islam*
EL SALVADOR (Latin A) 8,124 sq. mi.
(The same size as New Jersey)
POPULATION: (2009) 7.2 mil. (2025) 9.1 mil. (2050) 12.1 mil
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.5% Trade deficit is 30% of total trade. Any increase in population strains the economy.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 71.2 years
33% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 5% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 23 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were about 357 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people. 23% of children under 5 are malnourished. Major causes of death are gastroenteritis, influenza, malaria, measles, pneumonia and bronchitis. HIV-aids prevalence was 0.8% of the adult population in 2008. The medical infrastructure is in need of expansion to deal with current and future needs.
CAPITOL: San Salvador
LANHGUAGE: Spanish (official language)
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 76%; female, 70%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $5,000; economic growth rate, 2%; inflation, 4.55%; people with income below poverty level, 36%
LOCATION: smallest Central American Country, on the Pacific Ocean and shares boundaries with Guatemala & Honduras.
LAND USE: arable land, 27%; permanent crops, 8%; pastures, 29%; forests, 6%; other, 30%.
TOPOGRAPHY: It is a land of mountains and once fertile uplands. It has a hot narrow belt along the Pacific, the central plateau at about 2,700 feet, and the N. lowland formed by the wide Lempa R. valley, bonded by a high mountain range along the Honduras border.
WATER: Average rainfall is 72 inches although some areas require irrigation.
CLIMATE: Tropical with dry winter and wet summer
GOVERNMENT: Republic
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 75%. Protestant groups are very active.
NATURAL RESOURCES: hydropower, geothermal power, petroleum
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 3.16 bil. Import, 5.46 bil. Deficit, 2.30 bil.
OVERVIEW: Population is growing at an alarming rate with a projected 100% increase in the next 45 years. Major crop is coffee, subject to international fluctuation.
2.5 million Salvadorians send over 3 billion to their homeland each year.*
“National Geographic” September, 1995 (pp108ff)
In 1931, a Junta, led by Duarte, led an insurrection in which 62,000 died and the republic was toppled in 1932. During the rule by Duarte, the landed gentry, expanded their holdings and the peasants were little more than serfs. The Junta was toppled in 1981 reinstated the republic. Since then, much of the land has been parceled to the peasants. The tropical forests are virtually gone but some effort has been made to replant forests in land that is seriously eroded by tropical rains.
EQUATORIAL GUINEA (Africa) 10,831 sq. mi.
(the same size as Maryland)
POPULATION: (2009) 633 Th. (2025) 9350 Th. (2050) 1.428 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 1.7%. AIDS will materially change the population growth pattern in the coming years.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 49.7 years.
43% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 4% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 91.16 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were about 68 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Major health concerns are malaria, parasitic diseases, upper respiratory infections, gastroenteritis and complications of pregnancy. HIV-Aids prevalence was 3.4% in 2008.
CAPITOL: Malabo (formerly Santa Isabel)
LANGUAGE: Spanish (official) vernacular, Fang
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 77%; female, 48%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $50,200; growth rate, not available; inflation, 5.0%. people with income below poverty level, not available. Oil revenues in 2005 were 257 billion dollars.
LOCATION: W. coast of Africa. The country consists of mainland & 5 inhabited islands S. of Cameroon & N. of Gabon.
LAND USE: Arable land, 8%; permanent crops, 4%; pasture, 4%; forest, 51%; other (volcanic outcroppings & mountains), 33%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Islands are volcanic and mainland rises to a plateau..
WATER: rainfall from 103 inches to 430 inches..
CLIMATE: tropical.
GOVERNMENT: (2005) Dictatorship with Teodoro ObiangNguema in power since 1979. There have been a number of arrests and violence in the country.
RELIGION: nominally Christian and predominately Roman Catholic
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, timber, gold
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 2.10 bil. Import, 1.37 bil. Surplus, 730 mil.
Oil revenue was 257 billion. The above figures must be questioned.
OVERVIEW: Population is expected to double by 2050, seriously straining resources. Drinking and cooking water must be stored in cisterns or tanked on the islands. Some of the land on the mainland is suffering from desertification. Oil revenues are expected to maintain a high level for decades to come, in view of additional discoveries.
There has been some loss of revenue through fraud and misappropriation. *
ERITREA (Africa) 45,4006 sq. mi.
(the same size as Pennsylvania)
POPULATION: (2009) 536 mil (2025) 8.0 mil. (2050) 11.4 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 2.46%. An alarming rate, especially for a country already in a trade deficit situation and with net per capita GDP in decline after factoring in the present inflation. Droughts have reduced crops below current needs.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 58.4 years.
45% of population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 47.41 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were about 20 (twenty) physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Pharmacies are less than 1 per 100,000 people. In 2004, HIV-AIDS prevalence was 2,7%. The absence of adequate medical facilities portends a full-scale epidemic.
CAPITOL: Asmara
LANGUAE: Tigrin. & Kunala
LITERACY: NA
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $1,000; economic growth rate, 2.0%; inflation, 15%; people with income below poverty level, 50%. This will be increased unless inflation can be controlled.
LOCATION: Eastern Africa bordering the Red Sea. Between Djibouti & Sudan
LAND USE: arable land, 3%; permanent crops, 2%; pasture, 40%; forest, 5%; other (mainly desert), 50%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Ethiopian Highlands descending to a coastal desert plain in the North and hilly to the S.
WATER: dry in lowlands and up to 24 inches in the highlands. The country is subject to periodic droughts.
CLIMATE: hot & dry along the Red Sea and cooler in the central highlands.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship with Isayas Afewerko in power since 1991.
RELIGION: Muslim, Coptic Christian, Catholic, Protestant
NATURAL RESOURCES: gold, potash, zinc, copper, salt and probably oil.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 56 mil. Import, 60 mil. Deficit, 4 mil.
OVERVIEW: Current concerns include famine, deforestation, overgrazing, and loss of infrastructure due to civil war. It was separated from Ethiopia in 1993. It is a small, very poor country with an exploding population.
An uneasy peace exists between Eritrea and Ethiopia. 65,000 troops were demobilized in 2004. In view of drought, burgeoning population, dictatorship, and AIDS, the country has 4 strikes against it.
“National Geographic”, June, 1990 (pp 85-105) Eritrea Wins its Peach
The war for independence from Ethiopia lasted from 1961 to1990 with the loss of 65,000 guerillas and hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians. The rebellion was made up of many groups, both Christian and Muslim. Since the war, women have equal right with men, unusual for Africa, even for property and in case of divorce. The reporter saw a willingness to work and many were volunteering for extra jobs such as rebuilding the railroad from the port. The GNP has quadrupled in 14 years, more than three times the inflation rate.*
ESTONIA (Europe) 17,413 sq. mi.
(7/10 the size of W. Virginia)
(former Soviet state)
POPULATION: (2009) 1.2 mil (205) 1.1 mil (2050) 865 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: Negative. Mature society. Fertility rate of women
in 2000 was 1.2, insufficient to support a maturing people and among the lowest in the world..
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 71.72 years.
16% of the people are under 16 years of age and 16% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 7.87 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were an estimated 950 physicians per 100,000 people. In 2003, HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was 1.331%. A vigorous program of treatment and control is likely within the capacity of the health system.
CAPITOL: Tallimn
LANGUAGE: Estonian (official) Latvian, Lithuanian, Russian
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 100%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $18,000; economic growth rate, 7.4%; inflation, 4.0%; people with income below poverty level, 8.0%
LOCATION: on Baltic Sea & Gulf of Finland between Latvia& Russia
LAND USE: Arable land, 22%; pastures, 11%; forests, 41%; other, 26%
TOPOGRAPHY: mostly lowlands
WATER: average rainfall is 28 inches
CLIMATE: cool summers, cold winters.
GOVERNMENT: Republic It joined NATO & the European Union in 2004.
RELIGION: Lutheran
NATURAL RESOURCES: shale oil, peat, phosphorous, amber
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 4.08 bil. Import, 5.54 bil. Deficit, 1.46 bil.
OVERVIEW: Current concern is air that is heavily polluted with sulfur dioxide. It is an ageing population with negative population growth. Workers will need to be imported.
It is necessary to develop products to balance trade deficit. *
ETHIOPIA (Africa) 426,373 sq. mi.
(1 7/10 the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 88.5 mil. (2025) 108 mil. (2050) 145 mill.
(WA 2010) (2009) 85 mil. (2025) 140 mil. (2050) 278 mil.(a)
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.9%.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was only48.8 years.
44% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 93.3 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were only about 253 physicians, nurses and midwives per 100,000 people in 2003. Periodic famines have cost hundreds of thousands of lives. Widespread diseases include malaria, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, leprosy, dysentery, and schistosomiasis. In 2004 HIV-AIDS prevalence was 4.8%, epidemic in light of inadequate health infrastructure.
CAPITOL: Addis Ababa
LANGUAGE: Annaharic (official) Tigrinya At least 77 languages and dialects are spoken in Ethiopia.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 35%; female, 16%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimate) per capita GDP, $800; economic growth rate, 6.5%; inflation, 11.6%; people with income below poverty level, 50%. Inflation will erode incomes even more.
LOCATION: East coast of Africa, W. of Somalia.
LAND USE: Arable land, 12%; permanent crops, 1%; pastures, 41%; forests, 24%: other, 22%.
TOPOGRAPHY: lands vary from the Denakil depression at 386 feet bellow sea level to 15,000 feet elevation in the mountains Mt. Ras Dashm is 15,148 ft above sea level.. Most distinctive is northern part of Great Rift Valley, which bisects the country SW. to NE with elevations of 4,900 to 9,800 feet.. West of the Rift is a rugged high plateau. East is the Somali plateau, arid and rocky. In the N. is the Danakil desert, running to the Red Sea.
RIVERS: Lake Tana is the source of the Blue Nile. which wends its way in a great circling a canyon reaching depths of 4,000 feet. In the SW.
WATER Rainfall in the E. is less than 4 inches but averages 80 inches in the West, although there have been severe droughts.
CLIMATE: Climate is according to area and varies greatly with desert in the NE. Mountain temperatures in the W, are moderate.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship with Meles Zenawa in power since 1995. The Kingdom is in transition to a Republic.
RELIGION: Muslim, 45%; Ethiopian Orthodox, 35%, anamist, 12%
NATURAL RESOURCES: gold, platinum, copper, potash
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export 537 mil. Import 1.964 bil. Def. 1.43 bil.
OVERVIEW: Current concerns include deforestation, soil erosion, desertification & overgrazing. Much of the country suffers from periodic drought, accompanied by starvation. Ethiopia is classified as being one of the poorest and most undeveloped countries of Africa. Its rapidly growing population is a major concern. A border dispute with Eritrea has not been resolved. *
(a) World Almanac for 2010.
FIJI (Pacific Is.) 7,056 sq. mi.
(larger than Hawaii)
POPULATION: (2009) 944 Th (2025) 1.1 mil. (2050) 1.4 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.2% between 2005 and 2025
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 69 years.
30% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 4% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 12.62 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were 234 doctors & nurses and 132 hospital beds per 100,000 people. Major health problems are diabetes, hypertension, & venereal disease. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was less than 1 in 1,000 adults.
CAPITOL: Suva
LANGUAGE: English is official language but Fijian & Hindi are spoken.
LITERACY: (can read and write) male, 90%; female 84%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $6,000; economic growth rate, 2.0%; inflation, 1.6%; people with income below poverty level, 25%
LOCATION : oceanic island group in the South Pacific about 2/3 of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand.
LAND USE: Arable land, 8%; permanent crops, 5%; pastures, 3%; forest, 65%; other (m1ountain))\ 19%.,
TOPOGRAPHY: Large islands are volcanic with rugged peaks. There are flatlands where rivers have built deltas.
WATER: rainfall averages 112 inches in Suva. On leeward areas rainfall is about 70 inches.
CLIMATE: Temperatures range from 61 to 90 F. Fiji is subject to occasional devastation by typhoons.
` GOVERNMENT: Republic. Economic problems & political corruption have hampered the democratic process..
RELIGION: Virtually all are Christian. Methodist, 85%; Roman Catholic, 12%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: timber, fishing, gold, offshore petroleum
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 609 mil. Import, 845 mil. Deficit, 236 mil.
Income from tourism equals trade deficit.
OVERVIEW: Current concerns are deforestation and soil erosion. Economy is based on agriculture. Price fluctuations and drought have affected economy. As in other developing countries, population growth is difficult to deal with. The expansion of health facilities should be a priority.*
FINLAND (Europe) 130,553 sq. mi.
(larger than New Mexico)
POPULATION: (20095) 5.3 mil. (2025) 5.3 mil. (2050) 4.8 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: No growth, mature society. Fertility rate of women in 2005 was 1.7 children.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 78.33 years.
18% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 16% was over 65
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 3.57 deaths per 1,000 live births, one of the lowest in the world. In 2005 there were over 2475 physicians and nurses plus 91 dentists, 77 midwives and 193 pharmacies per 100,000 people, the highest in the world. Deaths from cardiovascular disease in Finland are higher than many other Western countries. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was under 1 per 1,000 adults.
CAPITOL: Helsinki
LANGUAGE: Finnish
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 100%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP was $30,200; economic growth rate, 2.0%; inflation, 1.6%; people with income below poverty level, n.a. All residents have health coverage and there are no known homeless.
LOCATION: East side of the northern Baltic, bordered by Norway, Sweden,
& Russia.
LAND USE: arable land, 8%; forest, 76%; other (tundra & swamps), 16%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Western Finland is a low plain with severely indented coastline and a myriad of small islands. The country has some 60,000 lakes. Northern Finland is a densely forested upland, with tundra in the far N to the Arctic Ocean.
WATER: Precipitation ranges from 17 inches in the North to 23 inches in the S.
CLIMATE: Climate is comparatively mild with snow on the ground from 90 days in the S. to 250 days in the far North.
GOVERNMENT: Republic
RELIGION: Evangelical Lutheran, 89%
NATONAL RESOURCES: lumber, iron ore, zinc, copper
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 54.3 bil. Import, 37.4 bil. Surplus, 16.9 bil.
OVERVIEW: Current concern is air pollution from manufacturing and power plants. It has a stable economy and hard-working people. The country is highly industrialized and has as excellent prospects for the future as any country. Finland claims there are no homeless. *
FRANCE (Europe) 212,935 sq. mi.
(5/6 the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 64 mil (2025) 68 mil (2050) 69 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: zero growth; mature society. Total fertility rate in 2000 was 1.9 children per woman. Immigration from Morocco has maintained population balance..
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy rate in 2005 was 79.6 years.
15% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 16% over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 4.26 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2005 there were about 1,060 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people. HIV-Aids prevalence in 2009 was 0.40% of the adult population.
CAPITOL: Paris
LANGUAGE: French
LITERACY: (can read & write): total population, 99%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $29,900; economic growth rate, 1.2%; inflation, 2.2%; people with income below poverty level, 6.5%
LOCATION: west coast of Europe, facing English Channel, Atlantic Ocean. & the Mediterranean Sea on the S. It borders Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland & Andorra.
LAND USE: Arable land, 32%; permanent crops, 2%; pastures, 23%; forest, 27%; other, 16%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Extremely varied with mountains in E. & SW., valleys and forests. The core is the Paris area of the Seine River drainage area.
RIVERS: Seine running from E. to W. through Paris to the English Channel.. The Rhone runs S. through Lyon to the Mediterranean. The Loire flows through central France to the Atlantic.
WATER: Rain varies from 27 to 39 inches. Water problems are mostly from pollution
CLIMATE: Western (oceanic) with small temperature ranges, ample rainfall and cool summers; Eastern (continental) with colder winters and snow; Southern (Mediterranean) with lighter rainfall and warmer temperatures.
GOVERNMENT: Republic
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 90%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: coal, iron ore, bauxite, fish, timber, zinc, potash.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 346 bil. Import, 339 bil. Surplus, 7 bil.
OVERVIEW: current problems include air pollution from industrial emissions and water pollution from agricultural runoff. It is one of the world’s most highly developed societies, It is largely self-sufficient. Most electric power is from nuclear plants. Import of natural gas makes it vulnerable to supplier, Russia
An attempt to adjust the cost of pensions in 2011 was greeted by riots. An ageing population and resistance to increased taxes have created an impasse. *
GABON (Africa) 103,347 sq. mi.
(larger than Wyoming)
POPULATION: (2009) 1.5 mil. (2025) 2.0 mil (2050) 3.28 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 2.0% It seems unlikely that population will continue to expand as forecast in view of the HIV-AIDS epidemic.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 55.0 years.
In 22005, 40% of the population was under 15 years of age and 4% over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 55.3 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were an estimated 29 physicians per 100,000 people. Gabon has one of the best health infrastructures in West Africa. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 8.1% of adults which is epidemic. Diseases under partial control are Ebola, leprosy, sleeping sickness, malaria, filariasis, intestinal worms, and tuberculosis. The health system cannot cope with the HIV-AIDS epidemics.
CAPITOL: Libreville
LANGUAGE: French (official), native also speak Fang, Bantu, Bateke, and others.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 74%; female, 48%. Higher education facilities are inadequate with a shortage of qualified teachers.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) , per capita GDP, $5,800; economic growth rate, 1.0%; inflation, 1.5%; people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Western Africa bordering the Atlantic. Gabon shares orders with Cameroon, Congo, & Equatorial Guinea.
LNAND USE: arable land, 1%; permanent crops, 1%; pasture, 18%; forest, 78%; other, 2%
TOPOGRAPHY: narrow coastal lowlands; broad, rocky escarpment, ranging from 1,400 to 1,900 feet high; a rough plateau with lakes in the interior. . The Northern coast is deeply indented with bays, estuaries as far as the Ogooue River.
RIVERS: Ogooue R.
WATER: Rainfall is over 100 inches.
CLIMATE: hot climate of the tropics.
GOVERNMENT: The President has nearly dictatorial powers through the use of veto, calling for new elections and dismissing the legislature for up to 18 months at a time. Republic, multiparty, with President.
RELIGION: Christian 55%-75%
NATURAL RESOURCES: fishing, timber, manganese, offshore oil.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export. 2,7 bil, import, 1.4 bil. Surplus, 1.3 bil.
OVERVIEW: current issues are deforestation and poaching. The country is sparsely populated and seems able to absorb a growing population. Per-capita income is high for sub-Sahara. The economy, at last report, was disorganized. An over-riding issue is AIDS. It may well dwarf all other factors in the economy and society itself. *
GAMBIA (Africa) 4,361 sq. mi. .
(smaller than Connecticut)
POPULATION: (20090) 1.8 mil. (2025) 2.6 mil (2050) 3.9 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 2.5% Current projections are consistent with prior figures. The country cannot economically sustain this number of people.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 53.75 years.
45% of the population was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 73.02 deaths per1,000 live births. There were fewer than 20 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Female genital mutilation is practiced on nearly every woman in The Gambia. Government policy discourages the practice. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 1.2% of adult population.
CAPITOL: Banjul
LANGUAGE: English (official). There are 21 distinct languages spoken.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 39); female, 16%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $1,900; economic growth rate, 7.0%; inflation, 8.5%; people with income below poverty level, 57%.
LOCATION: West coast of Africa with Atlantic to the W. and Senegal on all other sides.
LAND USE: Arable land, 16%; pasture, 9%; forest, 20%; other, 55%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The Gambia R. dominates the country. Brown mango swamps line the river on both sides.. The land on either side of the river is open savannah. with wooded slopes along the drainage channels.
RIVERS: Gambia R. rises in Guinea and follows a twisted path for 1,000 miles.. In last 294 miles it flows through the Gambia. Narrowing to 3 miles. During the dry season, tidal salt water travels up to 250 miles up the river.
WATER: Rainfall ranges from 30 to 51 inches a year.
CLIMATE: It is a typical subtropical climate with distinct hot and cool seasons.
GOVERNMENT: Republic, multiparty
RELIGION: Muslim, 90%; Christian, 9%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: fish
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 156 mil. Import, 271 mil. Deficit, 115 mil.
OVERVIEW: Current issues, include deforestation, desertification and waterborne diseases. There are no important natural resources. The Gambia had a revolution in the early 90’s. The country is poorly prepared for any increase in population, yet it is expected to nearly triple in the next 50 years. Many are fleeing the country for lack of opportunity. Its education system is one of the poorest in the world.*
GEORGIA (Europe) 26,911 sq. mi.
(larger than W. Virginia)
(former Soviet state)
POPULATION: (2009) 4.6 mil. (2025) 4.3 mil. (2050) 3.9 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Negative growth
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 75.8 years.
19% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 13% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 18.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were about 822 physicians, dentists, nurses and midwives per 100,000 people.
Diphtheria is a major health concern. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was under 1 per thousand adults.
CAPITOL: T’bilisi
LANGUAGE: Armenian, 7%; Azeri, 6%; Georgian, 71%
LITERACY: (can read & write) males, 100%; females, 98%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $3,400; economic growth rate, 10%; inflation, 8.0%; people with income below poverty level, 54%
LOCATION: on the Black Sea between Turkey & Russia.
LAND USE: arable land, 11%; permanent crops, 4%; pastures, 29%; forests, 38%; other, 18%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Caucasus Mountains are in N.; In S are lowlands and fertile, have rich soil. Georgia is open to the Black Sea in the West. The highest mountain is Shakhara at 17,004 feet,
RIVERS: The Kura River with rich soil in its valley.
WATER: Average rainfall is 20 inches. There is an inadequate supply of potable
water.
CLIMATE: warm & pleasant
GOVERNMENT: Republic, subject to civil strife . Voting was from party lists.
There were 34 parties. Parties with less than a set voting total were disenfranchised.
RELIGION: Georgian Orthodox, 65%; Muslim, 10%; Armenian orthodox, 8%; Russian Orthodox, 10%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: forests, manganese, petroleum, coal, iron ore
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 615 mil. Import, 1,250 mil. Deficit, 635 mil.
OVERVIEW: Current concerns include heavy pollution of Mikvari R. Economy has revolved around agriculture & tourism. . The weak area is its dependence on foreign fuels. Domestic peace seems the key to economic tranquility. Internal strife and attempt to remain independent of Russia are continuing problems.*
GERMANY (Europe) 137,847 sq. mi.
(smaller than Montana)
POPULATION: (2009) 82.4 mil. (2025) 80.6 mil. (2050) 73.9 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (-0.11%) Mature society
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 78.5 years.
15% of the people in 2005 were under 15 years of age and 18% were over65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 4.16 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2005 there were about 1375 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was under 1 per thousand adults.
CAPITOL: Berlin
LANGUAGE: German
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 99%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $29,700; economic growth rate, 0.8%; inflation, 1.1%; people living below poverty level, 10%
LOCATION: Western Europe with seaports on Baltic & North Seas. It has common borders with Belgium, Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, and Netherlands..
LAND USE arable land, 34%; permanent crops, 1%; pastures, 16%; forests, 30%; other, 19%.: Irrigation is on 1500 sq miles.
TOPOGRAPHY: The lowlands near the Baltic & North Seas are sandy. The land rises gradually to the foothills leading to the black forest & the Alps. . Lake Constance is shared by Germany, Austria, & Switzerland.. It is 118 sq mi.
RIVERS: Elbe; Oder; Rhine, Mosel, Main, and Danube
WATER: Precipitation occurs throughout the year with 27 to 60 inches brought by prevailing winds from the West. The Bavarian Alps have as much as 80 in. of precipitation. In Eastern Germany, precipitation averages 24 inches.
CLIMATE: Moderate with little snow. Summers are rarely hot.
GOVERNMENT: Federal Republic. Germany’s position as the most influential member of the European Union has caused considerable controversy.
RELIGION: Protestant, 45%; Roman Catholic, 37%
NTURAL RESOURCES: iron ore, coal potash, timber, lignite, uranium, copper
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 697 bil. import 585 bill. Surplus, 108 bil.
OVERVIEW: Current issues include emissions from coal-burning power plants and manufacturing plants. Germany has taken a lead in the European Union. Its economy appears very strong and its fiscal policies are sound. Reports indicate that Eastern Germany still has economic problems that are not fully solved. Its heavy debt load is now near the critical stage. *
Germany has considerable bonded debt. About 45% of its exports are within the E.U.. The current debt emergencies in Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal affect German banks that hold Bonds of these countries. Germany is deeply involved in Southern Europe. Newsweek, March 15, 2010, p. 7.
GHANA (Africa) 92,096 sq. mi.
(smaller than Wyoming)
POPULATION: (2009) 23.9 mi (2025) 30 9il. (2050) 40.3 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 1.6% The prevalence of HIV-AIDS and the lack of an adequate health system make the estimates doubtful.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 58 years.
40% of the people in 2005 were under 15 years of age and 3% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 56.36 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2005 there ware approximately 93 physicians, nurses, and midwives per 100,000 people. Waterborne diseases are a widespread health hazard. Development of irrigation systems has led to increase in malaria, sleeping sickness, and schistosomiasis.
The upper Volta is afflicted with onchocerciasis, a parasitic worm. 26%of children under 5 were malnourished. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2004 was 3.10 per hundred adults.
CAPITOL: Accra
LANGUAGE: English (official) various African languages.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 70%; female, 51%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita, GDP, $2,500; economic growth rate, 4.5%; inflation, 15.0%; people with income below poverty level, 39%
LOCATION: Western Africa, bordering the N. Atlantic. Land borders: Burkina, Cote d’Ivoty, & Togo.
LAND USE: Arable land, 5%; permanent crops, 7%; pastures, 15%; forest, 37%; other, 36%.:
TOPOGRAPHY: mostly low plains with a dissected plateau in S. central area.
RIVERS: Volta with dams and irrigation systems.
WATER: rainfall ranges from 37 to 80 inches.
CLIMATE: tropical, warm, comparatively dry along southern coast, hot & humid in SW., hot & dry in North.
GOVERNMENT: constitutional democracy
RELIGION: indigenous beliefs, 38%; Muslim, 30%; Christian, 24%
NATURAL RESOURCES: industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber, gold, timber.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 2.64 bil. Import, 3.24 bil. Deficit, 600 mil.
OVERVIEW: Of long-term concern is the health and medical problem. Current issues are deforestation, overgrazing, and periodic drought. The country is relatively well off so far as natural resources are concerned. Much of the deficit is covered by current investment in the country by outside interests. It is, nevertheless, a debtor nation and the rate of growth of the population is a serious threat to its future.
It relies heavily on international assistance but is well endowed with natural resources. The economy depends heavily on subsistence agriculture. Population growth is projected to taper off after 2025. Assistance from other countries may well be withdrawn, with severe adjustment necessary.*
GREECE (Europe) 50,949 sq. mi.
(larger than Pennsylvania)
POPULATION: (2009) 10.7 mil (2025) 10.7 mil. (2050) 10.0 mil.
The U>N. estimates 2005 population at 11,100,000.
POPULATION STATUS: No change is expected. This is a mature society.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 79 years.
15% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 18% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 5.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2005 there were 410 physicians per 100,000 people. Air pollution is a serious problem in the Athens area. Major health problems now limited are pulmonary tuberculosis, dysentery, and malaria. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was 0.2% of the population.
CAPITOL: Athens
LANGUAGE: Greek (official), English, French
LITERACY: (can read & write) males, 98%; females, 93%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $22,800; economic growth rate, 3.3%; inflation, 3.3%; people with income below poverty level, n.a.:
LOCATION:: Southeastern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, the Ionian Sea & the Mediterranean. It has mainland and a number of islands. On the N. it borders Macedonia & Bulgaria& on the NE. by Turkey.
LAND USE: Arable land, 23%; permanent crops, 8%; pastures, 40%; forest, 20%; other (mostly mountain), 9%
TOPOGRAPHY 4/5 of Greece is mountainous and includes more than 1,400 islands in Aegean & Ionian Seas.
WATER: Average annual rainfall varies from 20 to 44 inches
CLIMATE: Southern Greece & the islands have hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters. In the North, the summers are moderate & cold winters.
GOVERNMENT: Limited monarchy with President & Parliament.
RELIGION: Greek Orthodox, 98%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: bauxite, lignite, magnesium, petroleum, marble.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 13.1 bil. Import, 34.4 bil. Deficit, 25.3 bil.
OVERVIEW: Trade deficit is largely balanced by tourism and shipping interests. The country is suffering from air pollution with deterioration of many buildings by acid rain, a product of pollution. Marble is particularly vulnerable to its effects.
In 2010, the government defaulted on bonds and was forced to apply for relief from the EU. Total GDP is insufficient to satisfy the expectations of the populace.
The populace has strongly resisted reduction in entitlements and there is strong resistance to tax increases*
Excessive entitlements have brought Greece to the brink of bankruptcy. Bank bailouts are in process but the country is still unable to meet all obligations. As of July, 2012, the problem has not been resolved.
GRENADA ( W. Indies) 133 sq. mi.
(1/10 the size of Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 90 Th. (2025) 90 Th. (2050) 89 Th.
The U.N. estimates population in 2006 at 101,000.
POPULATION STATUS: projection is for no net change in the next 40 years.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 64.53 years.
35% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 8% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 14.92 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 438 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. Officials have an active program to eradicate mosquitoes hosting malaria and yellow fever. HIV-Prevalence in 2003 was less than 1 per thousand adults.
CAPITOL: St. George
LANGUGE: English is legal & commercial language
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 98%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $5,000; economic growth rate, 2.5% inflation, 2.8%; people with income below poverty level, 38%.`
LOCATION: Caribbean island N of Trinidad.
LAND USE: Arable land, 15%: permanent crops, 26%; pastures, 3%; forests, 9% other, 47%
TOPOGRAPHY: It is volcanic in origin. The coastline is indented with many small bays & beaches.
WATER: Rainfall ranges from 60 to 150 inches in various areas.
CLIMATE: tropical, tempered by northern trade winds. Rainfall is periodic throughout the year. Tropical storms are common in the 3rd quarter of the year. In 2004, Hurricane Ivan wiped out nearly all the crops in this agriculture-based country.
GOVERNMENT: Parliament and a Prime Minister who is appointed by the Governor General and the parliament. The Governor General is appointed by the British Crown.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 95%
NATURAL RESOURCES: land & beaches.
WORLD TRADE: (2004). Export, 46 mil. Import, 208 mil. Deficit, 162 mil.
Tourism is a factor in balancing trade deficits.
OVERVIEW: Economy is essentially agricultural and depends on spices & tropical plants. The country is heavily dependent on assistance from other countries.
Tourism is a factor in balance of payments.*
GUATEMALA (LA) 42.042 sq. mi.
(larger than Ohio)
POPULATION: (2009) 13.2 mil (2025) 17.6 mil. (2050) 22.9 mil
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 1.79% .
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 69.06 years.
42% of the population in 2005 was less than 15 years of age and 4% was over 65
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 32 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 511 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Chief causes of death are heart disease, intestinal parasites, bronchitis, influenza and tuberculosis. Other major causes of death include prenatal conditions, intestinal infectious diseases, and nutritional deficiencies. HIV-AIDS prevalence was 1.1% of the adult population.
CAPITOL: Guatemala City
LANGUAHGE: Spanish is the official language. 28 dialects of 5 major languages are spoken locally.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 63%; female, 47%.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $42,00; economic growth rate, 3.1%; inflation, 9.1%; people with income below poverty level, 75%.
LOCATION: Pacific coast of Central America. It borders Mexico on the NW., & N., & Belize, Honduras, & El Salvador on the E.
LAND USE: Arable land, 12%; permanent crops, 4%; pastures, 12%; forests, 40%; other, 32%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Tropical plain is along the Pacific. From it rises a Piedmont region from 300 ft. to 4,500 ft. above sea level. Above this, rises lies 2/3 of the country. Containing volcanic mountains, the highest of which is Mt. Tajumuico at 13,816 ft. ft. The large towns & Lake Atilan are located in this area at altitudes from 5,000 to 8,000 ft. altitude.
WATER: Rainfall ranges from 30 to 60 inches over much of the country. In the North, rainfall ranges from 80 to 150 inches.
CLIMATE: Climate varies with altitude. The lowlands are tropical and the uplands are temperate. It is called the land of Eternal Spring.
GOVERNMENT: Republic, Citizens over 18 and literate are obliged to vote.
RELIGION: predominantly Roman Catholic but large parts of population are Protestant and many other beliefs including ancient animism.
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, nickel, rare woods
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 2.76 bil. Import, 5.75 bil. Deficit, 2.99 bil
OVERVIEW: 60% of labor force is employed in agriculture. Rapid population growth and a large number of ethnic language groups will lead to chaos and possible disintegration of government. The current government in 2004 took major steps to curb violence, especially to women, and establish women’s rights. Pending health problems suggest that the health system be significantly expanded. Expanding education is a long-term goals. Many families depend on payments from workers in other countries. *
GUINEA (S. Africa) 94,926 sq. mi.
(smaller than Oregon)
POPULATION: (2009) 10.0 mil. (2025) 15.2 mil. (2050) 26.4 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 2.7%. Population growth is at a dangerous rate. AIDS is on the verge of changing the picture.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 49.36 years.
44% of population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 91.45 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were about 80 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Only about 48% of the people had access to safe drinking water. Goiter is common. Other major diseases are leprosy, malaria, yaws, and sleeping sickness. Schistosomiasis remains widespread. Many children suffer from diarrhea and 26% of all children under 5 years of age suffer from malnutrition. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2004 was 3.20% of the adult population.
CAPITOL: Conakry
LANGUAGE: French is official language. There are 8 principal local languages.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 32%; female, 13%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $2,200; economic growth rate, 3.0%; inflation, 35.0%; people with income below poverty level, 40%
LOCATION: On the Atlantic Ocean N. of Sierra Leone. Bounded on the N. by Senegal; and by Mali, Cote d’Ivory, & Liberia
LAND USE: Arable land, 6%; pastures, 12%; forests, 42%; other, 40%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Its geographic areas begin with an alluvial coastal plain, rising through an area deeply cut with narrow valleys to a gently undulating Savanna with occasional rocky outcrops. Finally there are the heavily forested highlands, composed of rocky formations including Mt. Nimba, 5,747 ft.
WATER: Rainfall in various areas range from 60 to 169 inches.
CLIMATE: The coastal plain and much of the inland area have a tropical climate with relatively high temperature and humidity. In the drier savannah, the temperatures will vary during the dry season.
GOVERNMENT: Multiparty Republic
RELIGION: Muslim, 85%; Christian, 8%.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 726 mil. Import, 646 mil. Surplus, 80 mil.
OVERVIEW: Slash & burn has been practiced for decades. Much of the forest has become savannah. The projected population growth is alarming. The diverse languages make it even more difficult the process of teaching people the dangers of large families and the practice of safe sex. Guinea remains one of the poorest countries in the world although its potential for development is great in agriculture, hydropower, and mineral exploitation. The country needs major assistance to deal with current epidemics and the development of educational facilities.*
.
GUINEA-BISSAU (Africa) 13,947 sq. mi.
(1.3 the size of Maryland)
POPULATION: (2009) 1.5 mil. (2025) 2.0 mil. (2050) 3.0 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.8% Fertility rate in 2005 was5.6 birth per woman reaching the age of 45. Projection for a doubling of population by 2050 is extremely unlikely in view of the prevalence of AIDS.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 46.61 years.
46% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was estimated at 107 per 1,000 live births. In 2005 there were about 127 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people and only 1 pharmacy per 100,000 people. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2004 was 10.60% of adult population.\
CAPITOL: Bissau
LANGUAGE: Portuguese (official)
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 50%; female, 24%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $800; growth rate, 2.8%; inflation, 4.0%; people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Western Africa, on Atlantic Ocean. Border on N. by Senegal and on E. & SE. by Guinea.. 10% of land submerged by high tides.
LAND USE: Arable land, 10%; permanent crops, 1%; pastures, 43%; forest, 38%; other, 8%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The land is swampy along the coast and low lying except in the North. There are a number of islands offshore. Much of island and shoreline is submerged in time of high tide.
RIVERS: Cacheu, Manso, Geba, & Corubal
WATER: rain from 79 to 82 inches.
CLIMATE: hot, humid tropical climate with rainy season from mid-May to mid-November with a cooler, dry season the rest of the year..
GOVERNMENT: Republic, formerly highly centralized
RELIGION: indigenous beliefs, 65%; Muslim, 30%; Christian,5%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: unexploited deposits of petroleum, bauxite, fish, timber.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 54 mil. Import, 104 mil. Deficit, 50 mil.
OVERVIEW: It ranks among the poorest countries of the world. The economy is based on agriculture. Resources have not been available to the national government to develop the infrastructure to exploit the natural resources. The country will likely remain underdeveloped for some time. HIV-AIDS epidemic is out of control.*
GUYANA (Latin Am.) 83,0900 sq. miles
Smaller than Minnesota)
POPULATION: (2009) 752 Th. (2025) 786 Th. (2050) 868 Th.
POPULATION STATUS: No growth is projected
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 65.5 years.
38% of the population is under 15 years of age and 5% is over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 33.2y deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 279 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Major causes of illness and death are malaria, filariasis, enteric fever, helminthiasis, nutritional deficiencies, and venereal diseases. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was 2.5% of adult population.
CAPITOL: Georgetown
LANGUAGE: English (official) is used in government & schools. Chinese, Portuguese, and Amerindian are also in common use..
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 98%; female, 95%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $3,000; economic growth rate, 0.55%; inflation, 5.5%; people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: NE. coast of S. America. Bounded on E. by Surinam, on the SE. & S. by Brazil, & on the W. by Venezuela.
LAND USE: Arable land, 3%; pasture, 6%; forests, 84%; other, 7%/
TOPOGRAPHY: Lowland, just above sea level & stretching inland 10 to30 miles. Some dikes have been built to restrict the effects of high tides. Inland is rolling countryside . To S. & SW are mountains.
RIVERS: major rivers are the Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice. None are commercially navigable.
WATER: rainfall is 91 inches along the coast, & 59 inches in the SW.
CLIMATE: subtropical and rainy with little seasonal variation.
GOVERNMENT: Republic
RELIGIONS: Christian, 57%; Hindu, 31%; Muslim, 9%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: bauxite, gold, diamonds, fishing, shrimp
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 512 mil. Import, 612 mil. Deficit, 100 mil.
OVERVIEW: Guyana is one of the poorest countries in Western Hemisphere. Fortunately it has a small population which is not projected to expand. Problems that plagued the economy such as inflation, show signs of abating and the near future shows promise. Statistics indicate the inability of the health system to cope with current epidemics. HIV-AIDS is epidemic. Early control is vital.*
HAITI (Latin Am.) 10,714 sq. mi.
(slightly larger than Maryland)
POPULATION: (2009) 9.0 mil. (2025) 12.0 mil. (2050) 16.1 mil,
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 2.3%, the highest in the Western Hemisphere The prevalence of AIDS will change predictions and likely duplicate the problems seen in Africa..
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was estimated at 52.9 years.. 42% of the population is under 15 years of age and 3% is over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 75.45 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2005 there were only 27 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. Cuba is presently training 125 Haitians for medical practice and lending some professional aid. Vaccination and inoculation of children lags far behind most countries. Only half the urban population has access to safe water, and city sewerage systems are inadequate. World organizations are helping deal with several diseases. Major concerns include Malaria, Yaws, tuberculosis, and gastrointestinal diseases. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 5.6% of the adult population,
CAPITOL: Port-au-Prince
LANGUAGE: French (official) Creole
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 37%; female, 32%. Most schools are
non-government.
INCOME: (2005 estimates) per capita GDP, $1,600; economic growth rate, 3.5; inflation, 13.5%; people with income below poverty level, 85%, the highest in the world.
LOCATION: Western 1/3 of the island called Hispania, sharing the Island with the Dominican Republic.
LAND USE: Arable land, 20%; permanent crops, 13%; pastures, 18%; forest, 4%; other, 45%. 99% of forests have been cut down, creating serious erosion.
TOPOGRAPHY: Coastal plains rise to mountain ridges. There are 3 mountain ranges. Nearly half of Haiti is mountain, virtually useless for agriculture..
WATER: Haiti lacks water, both in quality and quantity. Some land is irrigated. Rainfall ranges to 51 inches with some mountain areas receiving much less.
CLIMATE: tropical with some variation depending on altitude. Haiti is subject
to tropical storms including occasional force 4 hurricanes. It was hit by 4 major hurricanes in 2008.
GOVERNMEN: Republic established in 2006 with Rene Preval as the first elected president. Haiti has suffered from 2 centuries of corrupt dictatorships.
RELIGONS: Roman Catholic; however an overwhelming majority also practice Voodoo.
NATURAL RESOURCES: bauxite.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 321 mil. Import, 1,028 mil. Deficit, 707 mil.
OVERBVIEW: Agriculture employs 2/3 of work force, mostly subsistence farming. 1% of the population owns 99% of wealth. 4 hurricanes destroyed much of the infrastructure in 2008. An earthquake on 1/12/2010 killed 250,000 people and completely destroyed infrastructure in a large area around Port-au-Prince. *
Haiti – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, 4/13/2010
HONDURAS (Latin Am.) 43,277 sq. mi.
(same size as Pennsylvania)
POPULATION: (2009) 7.8 mil. (2025) 10.1 mil. (2050) 12.9 mil.
POPULAION GROWTH: 1.6% Population growth since 1995 is consistent with the projected growth to 2025. The future is bleak.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 69.30.
41% of the population was under 15 years of age and 4% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 26.42 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2005 there were about 109 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people. Nearly 39% of children under 5 years of age were considered malnourished.. Major causes of illness & death are intestinal diseases, intestinal parasites, accidents, suicides, influenza, cancer, and infant diseases. Major health problems are impure water, sewerage, malnutrition, and housing. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 1.80% of adult population.
CAPITOL: Tegucigalpa
LANGUAGE: Spanish (official) English is used extensively and several native languages are commonly used.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 76%; female, 71%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $2,900; economic growth, 4.0%; inflation, 9.2%; people with income below poverty level, 55%
LOCATION: Central America with Caribbean Sea to North. Guatemala is NW,
El Salvador is W, & Nicaragua is S.
LAND USE: Arable land, 14%; permanent crops, 2%; pastures, 30%; forest, 34%; other, 20%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Honduras is mountainous with the exception of the valleys of the Ulua & Patuca Rivers in the Caribbean coastal area. Many mountain valleys and the Pacific slopes are settled.
WATER: Rainfall varies from 95 inches along to coast to 35 inches in the mountains.
CLIMATE: Caribbean area has a wet tropical climate but the interior is cooler and drier.. Several hurricanes have caused millions in damage and thousands of lives. A hurricane in the late 90’s caused flooding and mud slides that required up to 10 years to undo.
GOVERNMENT: Republic
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 97%
NATURAL RESOURCES: timber, gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, iron ore, antimony, coal.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 1.37 bil. Import, 3.11 bil. Deficit, 1.74 bil.
OVERVIEW: Natural resources are limited and food and raw materials must be imported. An economy that was doing well in the early 90’s, is still recovering from the last hurricane and many roads and bridges are still being replaced. Population growth is a serious problem with no solution in sight. HIV-AIDS is nearing the epidemic state..*
HUNGARY; (Europe) 35,920 sq. mi.
(slightly larger than Maine)
POPULATION: (2009) 9.9 mil. (2025) 9.4 mil. (2050) 8.4 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: birth and death rate are balanced at about 12.44 per 1,000 people. It is an ageing Society
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 72.4 years.
16% of the population In 2005 was under 15 years of age and 16% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 8.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 1,192 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people. An ageing population will put a strains on the health system and costs involved. The major cause of death is heart disease. Pressures from work and widespread smoking are contributing factors. HIV-AIDS prevalence was under 1 per thousand adults in 2009.
CAPITOL: Budapest
LANGUAGE: Hungarian
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 99%; female, 98%
INCOME: (2005 estimates), per capita GDP, $15,000; current economic growth, 3.7%; inflation, 5.7%; people with income below poverty level, 17%
LOCATION Central Europe, NW of Romania. It is bisected by the Danube River.
LAND USE: Arable land, 51%; permanent crops, 6%; pasture, 12%; forest, 18%; other, 13%.
TOPOGRAPHY: 80% of Hungary is a low plain. The Matra Mountains. NW of Budapest, rise to a height of 3,600 ft. Mountains with fertile valleys are in NE. Generally, the soil is fertile.
RIVERS: Major rivers are the Danube &Tisza, which are generally navigable.
LAKE: L. Balaton with area of 231 sq. males, is 48 miles long and from 2 to 9 miles wide.
WATER: Rainfall averages 25 inches with more in W. & less in E.
CLIMATE: Yearly temperatures vary from a low of 7 degrees to a maximum of 90 F..
GOVERNMENT: Republic. Hungary joined the European Union in 2004. Voting turnout has been low with 48% for joining the EU and only 28% for a general election
RELITGION: Roman Catholic, 67%; Calvinist, 20%;
NATURAL RESOURCES: Bauxite, coal, natural gas, fertile soil
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 42.0 bil. Import, 46.1 bil. Deficit, 4.1 bil
OVERVIEW: Economic reforms, beginning during the Communist era, have aided the country to attain relative stability. A declining birth rate has created a population that is now top heavy with older people. Entitlements for elderly and a shortage of workers portends a crisis in the near future *
ICELAND (Europe) 39,769 sq. mi.
(smaller than Virginia)
POPULATION: (209) 306 Th. (2025) 338 th. (2050) 351 th.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1%. Population growth is within the capacity of the economy. The ideal is zero growth, considering the world population.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 80.19 years.
23% of the population in 2005 was under 15 and 12% was over 654\
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 3.3 deaths per 1,000 live births. Health costs were19% of GDP. In 2004 there were about 1,439 physicians, dentists, nurses and midwives per 100,000 people. Major causes of death were circulatory diseases, cardiovascular disease, cancers and diseases of the respiratory system. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 0.2% of adults.
CAPITOL: Reykjavik
LANGAGE: Icelandic (closely related to Scandinavian)
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 100%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $34,000; economic growth, 5.9%; inflation, 4.1%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Island, located in N. Atlantic, E. of Greenland
LAND USE; arable land, 1%; pastures, 20%; forests, 1%; other (ice, snow, volcanoes), 78k%. :
TOPOGRAPHY: It is mainly a volcanic plateau with elevation of 2,300 to 2,600 ft. ringed by mountains. There are many active volcanoes, ice fields, lava beds and lakes.
WATER: precipitation in the N. ranges from 12 to 28 inches and in the S. from 31 to 5jj0 inches.
CLIMATE: Climate is fairly mild because of the Gulf Stream., with frequent weather changes, Winters are mild and summers are cool..
GOVERNMENT: Republic
RELIGION: Evangelical Lutheran, 96%
NATURAL RESOURCES: fish, hydropower, geothermal power, diatomite
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 2.37 bil. Import, 2.59 bil. Deficit, 220 mil.
OVERVIEW: Economy is capitalistic but with an extensive welfare system. Economy is vulnerable to world fish prices and developing regulation of fishing as some species become affected by over fishing especially by Denmark & Portugal.. The government is deeply in debt and is seeking assistance from other countries. It seems likely that such assistance will be severely handicapped by worldwide problems of a similar nature. *
The economy is described to have disintegrated in 2008 with the collapse of the country’s major commercial banks. Newsweek, March 18, 2012, p 8.
INDIA (Asia) 1,269,129 sq. mi,.
(slightly more than 1/3 the size of the U.S.)
POPULATION: (2009) 1.156 billion (2025) 1.390billion (2050) 1.657 billion
POPULATION GROWTH; 1.755% The population grew by 65 million in the 10 years from 1995 to 2004. The population growth, combined with the shear numbers involved, is of concern to the entire world because of the demands this economy will have on the world economy.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy was 64.5% in 2005.
36% of the population was under 15 years of age & 4% over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 56.5 deaths per 1,000 in 2005. There were about 123 doctors &nurses per 100,000 people in 2003. Major health problems include malaria, tuberculosis, pneumonic plague, childhood malnutrition, hypertension & AIDS. HIV-AIDS prevalence in200 was 0.90% of adults. There are about 5,100,000 Indians with HIV positive.
CAPITOL: New Delhi
LANGUAGE: Hindi is the principal tongue and commonly used by 30% of the population. English is most important language. A 1961 census indicates that there are 10,652 distinct dialects & languages in India.
LITERACY: (age 15 & over can read & write) male, 64%; female, 39%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $3,400; current economic growth, 7.1%; inflation, 4.4%; people with incomes below poverty level, 25%.
LOCATION: South Asia and called the Indian sub-continent.
LAND USE: Arable land, 55%; permanent crop, 1%; pasture, 4%; forest, 23%; other, 17%.. Irrigated land is about 200,000 acres.
TOPOGRAPHY: In the North are the Himalayas & related ranges as young formations,. In the middle is the peninsula, a huge, stable massif of ancient crystalline rock severely eroded and weathered. In the Southeast are the Ganges-Brahamputra lowlands, an alluvial plain with the rivers that carry water and soil from the Himalayas. In the far West is desert.
RIVERS: Ganges, Brahamputra, Indus,
WATER: Rainfall in the desert West is 5 inches and ranges up to 450 inches in an area of Assam. India is highly dependent on the monsoon season
CLIMATE: Climate ranges from subtropical in the South to Alpine in the far North and desert in the far West with temperatures up to 120 F..
GOVERNMENT: Parliament & Prime Minister
RELIGION: Hindu, 80%^; Muslim, 14%;
NATURAL RESOURCES: coal, iron ore, manganese, mica, bauxite, titanium ore, chromate, natural gas, petroleum, limestone
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 57 bil. Import, 74 bil. Deficit, 17 bil.
OVERVIEW: CIA reports indicate that 40% of India’s people are too poor to have an adequate diet. The great increase in population in the next 45 years may well bring chaos to the economy by 2050. The country has about 1/10th the number of health workers it needs to cope with health problems. All branches of government are inadequate. Legislative, executive, and judicial systems suffer from rampant corruption. *
INDONESIA (Asia) 735,358 sq. miles
(2 ¾ the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 240 mil (2025) 279 mil (2050) 313 mil.
The U.N. estimates population in 2005 at 221.932,000.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.00%, this rate is an extension of previous experience. The diversity of dialects makes education and family planning quite difficult. Java, the main population center, is already heavily populated. A decline in the standard of living is inevitable. From 1995 to 2050, the population is likely to nearly double.
LIFE EXPTANCY: Life expectancy was 69 years in 2005.
30% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age & 5% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 30.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. Health services have low priority. There were 65 doctors, nurses & midwives per 100,000. Overcrowded cities & poor sanitation are common. Endemic diseases are cholera and malaria. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was 0.2% of adults.
CAPITOL: Jakarta
LANGUAGE: Bahamas Indonesia is official language. Malay, Dutch, English
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 88%l female, and 75%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capital GDP, $3.700; current growth, 5.3%; inflation, 9.3%; people with incomes below poverty level, 15%
LOCATION: Islands N. of Australia and S. of Asia.
LAND USE: Arable land, 8%; permanent crops, 3%; pastures, 7%; forests, 67%, other (mostly mountains), 15%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Larger islands are volcanic in origin. Many have some coral buildup. There are a great number of active volcanoes. New Guinea is particularly mountainous. There is heavy jungle on many islands. Indonesia is subject to both volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. An earthquake in December 2004 off the coast of Sumatra caused a tsunami that killed over 100,000 people in Indonesia.
RIVERS: None of significance.
WATER: Rainfall is about 80 inches.
CLIMATE: Indonesia straddles the equator. Its climate is tropical, except at high altitude.
GOVERNMENT: Republic, The first elected head of government took office in 2004.
RELIGION: Muslim 88%
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, coal, gold silver, and fertile soil.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 63.8 bil. Import, 42.0 bil. Surplus, 21 bil.
OVERVIEW: The population increase is troublesome, though not as fast as other developing countries. Modernization has made the country self- sufficient in many areas. Timber sales have caused some soil erosion. The government is actively promoting reforestation. Earthquakes and active volcanoes continue to threaten major areas of Sumatra and Java. *
IRAN (ASIA) 636,377 sq. miles
(2.4 times the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 68 million. (2025) 77 mil. (2050) 81 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 0.78%%. The government has had considerable success in reducing the fertility rate.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 69.9 years.
30% of population was under 15 years of age & 4% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant morality was 41.5 deaths per 1,000 live births in 22005. 16% of all children were malnourished. There were about 370 doctors & nurses per 100,000 people in 2004. Major health concerns were low body weight of children at birth, malnourished children, and malaria. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was 0.2% of the adult population.
CAPITOL: Tehran
LANGUAGE: Persian (Farsi)
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 75%, and female, 50%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $7,000; current economic growth, 5.0%; inflation, 17.3%; people with incomes below poverty level, 53%.
LOCATION: Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman. Land boundaries are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan.
LAND USE: Arable land, 8%; pastures, 27%; forest, 11%; other, (desert
& mountains) 54%
TOPOGRAPHY: Most of the land consists of a plateau about 4,000 ft. above sea level and strewn with mountains. Zagros & Elburz ranges form a V with the apex in the NW. Within the mountains are salt flats & desert. Most of the drainage from these ranges is into the interior desert. The tallest mountain is Mt. Damavand at 18,606 ft.
RIVER: Karun
WATER: Much of Iran receives 5 to 12 inches of rainfall. Snow falls heavily on mountain peaks with annual precipitation of 40 to 60 inches. Hydropower may be developed.
CLIMATE: Cool winters & hot summers. :
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship with Sayvo Al Khamenei in power since 1989. Theocracy (highly centralized under Muslim law with church leader most influential). 2009 elections confirmed the control of government by a largely conservative parliament.
The religious leader is considered the most powerful man in Iran.
RELIGION: Muslim, 96% (mostly Shiite) (Seel Iraq)
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, lead, iron ore
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 28.8 bil. Import, 25.2 billion; Surplus, 3.6 billion
OVERVIEW: State ownership of all large enterprises and oil. Smaller operations are private. The theocracy has faced opposition from within the country. There is indication that the country is managing to limit the growth of population. In view of various economic and political factors, Iran poses little threat beyond its borders with the exception of Iraq in which a large majority of the people are Shiite.
IRAQ (ME) 169,233 sq. miles
(larger than California)
POPULATION: (2009) 29.8 mil (2025) 40 mil (2050) 56 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 2.4%. It’s population growth is one of the highest in the world. The chaotic state of the government, with active revolutionary elements and a major conflict between Sunni & Shiite faction makes social development unlikely. There is no organization presently able to address the mater of population growth.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 68,5 years.
42% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age & 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality was 50 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2004. Almost 60,000 children die each year of malnutrition and diarrhea. There are about 360 doctors & nurses per 100,000 people. Major health concerns are malnutrition, tuberculosis, and loss of homes and health facilities during the conflict beginning in2002 and not resolved in 2007. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was under 1 per thousand adults.
CAPITOL: Baghdad
LANGUAGE: Arabic, Kurdish
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 90%; and female, 88%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $3,400; current economic growth, 2.0%; inflation, 4.0%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a. The current chaotic economic conditions make it impossible to make accurate predictions.
LOCATION: Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf. It shares common borders with Syria, Iran, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
LAND USE: Arable land, 12%; Permanent crop, 1%; pasture, pasture, 9%; forests, 3%; other (mainly desert), 75%
TOPOGRAPHY: There are three distinct zones: the desert in the West & Southwest, the plains, & the highlands in the NE, which rise to 10,000 feet.
RIVERS: Tigris & Euphrates join near the Persian Gulf to form a river called Shatt al-Arab. The Tigris begins in the Iraq highlands. The Euphrates begins in Turkey.
WATER: Rainfall in most of Iraq is less than 15 inches and irrigation is needed.
CLIMAT From November to May, the country is warm. The rest of the year will have temperatures up to 120 F.
GOVERNMENT: A republic has been formed under U.S. & U.N. supervision. It is opposed by Sunni Muslims who are a minority that once ruled the country. Bombings and scattered actions by terrorist minorities continue to plague the country, causing an estimated 100 or more deaths each week. Leaders in 2011 favor close relations with Iran.
RELIGION: Shiite Muslim, Sunni Muslim, Kurd
NATURAL RESOURCES: Petroleum, natural gas, phosphates.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 7.5 bil. Import, 6.5 billion; Surplus, 1.0 bil.
OVERVIEW: Iraq is very rich in petroleum. The current Shiite controlled government is strongly opposed. The Kurds in the NW, form a separate enclave that awaits its disposition. Population increase is a separate problem that has not been dealt with but must be. Turkish plans to divert much of the waters of the Tigris & Euphrates, if implemented, would be a disaster since these rivers are the only source of water for much of Iraq. Baghdad, in 2011, has made a remarkable recovery. National Geographic, July, 2011, pp 76ff. also, ref. P. 242. “Islam” *
IRELAND (Europe) 27,133 sq. miles
(4/5 the size of Maine)
POPULATION: (2009) 4.2 mil (2025) 4.8 mil. (2050) 5.4 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: under 1%
LIFE EXPECTANCY. Life expectancy in 2005 was 77.56 years.
9% of the population was under 15 years of age and 11% was over 65,
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 5.3 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 278 physicians and dentists and 1662 nurses per 100,000 people. Major causes of death are from heart disease and cancer, particularly lung cancer, typical of an ageing population with many heavy smokers. HIV0AIDS prevalence was 0.2% of the adult population.
CAPITOL: Dublin
LANGUAGE: English, Irish (Gaelic)
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 98%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $34,100; current economic growth, 4.9%; inflation, 2.7%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a. .
LOCATION: Island in Eastern Atlantic N. of England and part of British Isles.
LAND USE: arable land, 14%; pastures, 71%; woodland, 5%; other, 10%
TOPOGRAPHY: Limestone based plateau, rimmed with highlands. The land is characterized by many bogs, swamps, and lakes. Low mountains mark the border with Ulster.
RIVERS The River Shannon is the principal river. It rises in the mountains of the Ulster area.
WATER: Rainfall is about 30 inches except in the mountains where it is as much as 100 inches.
CLIMATE: moderate with cool summers and warm winters.
GOVERNMENT: republic
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 96%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: (figures not available)
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 98.3 bil. Import, 57.5 bil. Surplus, 40.8 bil.
OVERVIEW: Prior to entry into the EU, Ireland had a struggling economy. Today, it was doing well until the recession in 2009. Entitlements and low taxes have created a fiscal crisis In view of world population explosion, the projected increase may be troublesome. The increase in population is mainly because of an increase in life expectancy. Its future will depend in part on the continued fiscal stability of the EU. *
ISRAEL (Middle E.) 8,130 sq. mi.
(The size of Massachusetts)
POPULATION: (2009) 7.2 mil. (20255) 8.9 mil. (2050) 10.8 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 0.92% IN 2005.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy was 79.9 years in 2005.
28% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age & 10% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality was 7 deaths per 1,000 live births. There are about 1,005 doctors & nurses per 100,000 people. No major medical problems are listed. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was under 1 per thousand adults.
CAPITOL: Jerusalem:
LAGUAGE: Hebrew (official) Arabic for the minority, English
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 97%; female, 93%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita, $22,000; current economic growth, 4.3%; inflation, 1.3%; people with incomes below poverty rate, n.a. Eventually the Palestinians, although functioning as a separate country, must be taken into consideration.
LOCATION: on E. Mediterranean coast between Lebanon and the Egyptian Sinai. Jordan & Syria are to E.
LAND USE: Arable land, 17% permanent crop, 5%; pasture, 40%; forest, 6%; other, (desert &arid), 32%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Mediterranean shore area, the hills of Galilee, and the Jordan valley.
RIVER: The only river is the Jordan, which flows into the Dead Sea
WATER: Rainfall ranges from 43 inches along the coast to less than one in the Jordan valley. Water is always at a premium. The Israeli have made a science of using it most frugally.
CLIMATE: The weather is temperate with summers below 100 F. and winters are near 60. Snow occasionally falls in the hills. Temperatures at the Dead Sea might reach 120 F in August.
GOVERNMENT: Republic, strongly conservative.
RELIGION: Judaism, 82%%, Muslim is minority.
NATURAL RESOURCES: copper, phosphates, bromine, potash, clay, sand, and sulfur.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 29.2 bil. Import, 32.3 bil. Deficit, 3.1 bil.
OVERVIEW: Market economy with substantial government participation. Israel depends on the U.S. for subsidies. For the future of Israel, read the Torah. Relations with Palestine West Bank continue to require special attention. Certain Muslim organizations are dedicated to the destruction of Israel. The unrest in Egypt is of serious concern to Israel since Israel’s longest border is with Egypt.*
SATELLITE REVELATION, a new look at the Holy Land. Of special interest is the extension of the Great Rift Valley of Africa, which extends to the Dead Sea and the Jordan R. The Golan Heights and the Dead Sea make a natural barrier for Israel.
ITALY (Europe) 116,340 sq miles
(The size of Arizona)
POPULATION: (2009) 58 million (2025) 56 mil. (2050) 50 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: no growth forecast. Mature Society. These figures
Seem to ignore the necessity for importing labor to support the economy.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 79.8 years.
14% of the population in 2005 was under; 15 years of age and 19% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 5.91 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 600 physicians, 440 nurses, and 59 dentists per 100,000 people. The major cases of death were circulatory diseases, heart disease, cancer, and alcoholism. HIV-AIDA prevalence in2004 was 0.4% of population.
CAPITOL ROME
LANGUAGE: Italian, (official) German, French. There are several distinct
Dialects, especially Neapolitan and Sicilian.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 98%; female, 96%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $28,500; current economic growth, 1.9%; inflation 2.1%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: central Mediterranean. On the North, it borders France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia.
LAND USE: Arable land, 32%; permanent crops, 10%; pastures, 17%; forest, 22%; other (mountain), 19%
TOPOGRAPHY: A mountain spine runs the length of Italy and forms the border with France, Switzerland, and Austria. The Po valley and narrow belts along the coast are the major fertile lands in mainland Italy. Much of the country is subject to seismic activity. Mt. Vesuvius & Mt. Etna are active volcanoes.
RIVERS: Tiber, Po,
LAKES: L. Como, L. Maggio, & L. Garda
WATER: 20 inches in Sicily, Sardinia & SE coast of Italy, up to 80 inches in the Alps.
CLIMATE: warm and relatively sunny except in mountain areas.
GOVERNMENT: Republic. Governments are reorganized quite frequently.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 98%
NATURAL RESOURCES: mercury, potash, marble, sulfur
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 278 bil. Import, 271 bil. Surplus, 7 bil
OVERVIEW: Italy has developed an industrial economy on a par with France & UK. The country is divided into an industrial North and an Agricultural South. Population is now declining and young workers are coming from other countries. The government is presently seriously in debt (2011). An ageing population expects support from the government.
Government financing is in crisis because of entitlements, heavy borrowing and inadequate taxing system. Many have avoided paying taxes. Financial problems have not been fully addressed as of July, 2012. *
JAMAICA (Caribbean) 4,243 sq. miles
(Twice the size of Delaware)
POPULATION: (2009) 2.8 mil. (2025) 3.1 mil (2050) 3.6 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (1995) .75%. Growth rate projection is consistent with prior records.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 73.3 years.
Approximately 31% of the population was under 15 years of age and 7% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 16.3 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2003. In 2004 there were about 250 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Health problems include tuberculosis, hookworm, venereal disease, yaws, and malaria. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was 1.6% of adults (epidemic).
CAPITOL: Kingstown
LANGUAGE: English speaking country
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 77%; female, 86%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $4,000; current economic growth rate, 3.2%; inflation, 14.9%; people with incomes below poverty level, 19%.
LOCATION: 90 miles S. of Cuba in the Caribbean.
LAND USE: Arable land, 19%; permanent crops, 6%; pastures, 18%; forest, 28%; other, 29%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Most of Jamaica is a plateau with a limestone base at 1,500 ft elevation. The interior is mountainous. Blue Mountain Peak, at 7,402 ft. is the highest peak. Coastal plains are largely alluvial.
WAT ER: The mean average rainfall is 78 inches. The South coast has areas where rainfall is about 30 inches per year.
CLIMATE: The climate ranges from tropical at sea level to temperate at higher elevations.
GOVERNMENT: Parliamentarian Democracy
RELIGION: Protestant, 56%
NATURAL RESOURCES: bauxite, gypsum, limestone
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 1.36 bil. Import, 3.26 bil. Deficit, 1.9 bil.
Tourism is an important part of GNM.
OVERVIEW: Export of Bauxite and tourism are key factors in balance of payment. The island has a stable government and population growth seems under control. Jamaica has taken steps to control drug passage from S. America through Jamaica to the U.S. Current population growth and limited deposits of bauxite portend a troublesome future. *
JAPAN (ASIA) 143,881 sq. mi.
(Slightly smaller than Montana)
POPULATION: (2009) 127 mil. (2025) 118 mil. (2050) 94 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: projections are for a declining population. There were only 10 births per thousand people in 2000. There will not be enough of a working force to support the expectations of the people.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 81.15 years.
14% of population in 2005 was under 15 years of age & 20% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 3.26 deaths per 1,000 live births. There are about 1,095 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people. Major causes of death are age related. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was less than 1 per thousand adults.
CAPITOL: Tokyo
LANGUAGE: Japanese
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 99%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $30,400; current growth rate, 2.1%; inflation, (-0.2%); people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Eastern Asia, island chain between N. Pacific & Sea of Japan. They number in the thousands. The chain stretches for over 1,800 miles.
LAND USE: Arable land, 13%; permanent crops, 1%; pastures, 1%; forest, 67%; other, 18%
TOPOGRAPHY: The islands are the peaks of a vast chain of mountains that circle the Pacific. They are part of the “Circle of Fire” .77% of land is in mountains. Notable among the mountains is Mt. Fuji, which is 12,388 ft. There are few good harbors. The three best are Yokohama, Kobe, and Nagoya.
RIVEWRS: Rivers in Japan are short and swift. None are over 250 miles long.
WATER: Rainfall varies from 40 to 120 inches.
CLIMATE: Japan is located at the northern edge of the Asia monsoon belt. It is also affected by the Siberian weather system. Climate tends to be moderate with relatively high humidity. Only the North islands have snow and cold weather. Ocean currents flow North from the warmer Central Pacific, both E &W. of the main islands.
GOVERNMENT: Parliamentary democracy with Prime Minister. The Emperor has little power but continues to be the symbolic head of state.
RELIGION: Shinto & Buddhist rites are observed by 84% of people.
NATURAL RESOURCES: negligible, apart from coal deposits.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 447 bil. Import, 342 bil. Surplus, 1jj04.5 bil.
OVERVIEW: The Tsunami in 201 reduced Japan’s electrical output by a sixth. Other loss was in agriculture and loss of homes. Japan’s economy was stagnated by a lack of industrial development and a lack of demand for its products. The economy never recovered fully from the serious loss in property values. A decline in the birthrate to less than 1.5 in the 2000’s is adding the burden of an ageing population to Japan’s other woes.
Japan’s future seems to be one of struggle and a possible relaxation of tight controls on importation of labor. Long-term recovery will depend on setting up new power plants. Pollution of air and water are current problems. *
JORDAN (Middle E.) 35,467 sq. mi.
(The same size as Pennsylvania)
POPULATION: (2009) 6.2 mil. (2025) 7.9 mil. (2050) 11.2 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: the current rate is 2.0%. Between 1995 & 2004 the population grew 20%. The government has indicated that it views the population growth with alarm.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy was 78.2 years in 2005.
37% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age & 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality was 30 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2004. There were about 425 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people in 2004. 96% of the population had access to safe drinking water and over 90% had sanitary disposal conditions. Major diseases are trachoma, hepatitis, typhoid fever, intestinal parasites, and acute skin inflammation. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was less than 1 per thousand adults.
CAPITOL: Amman
LANGUAGE: Arabic (official) English is in frequent use
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 91%; female, 75%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates); per capita GDP $4,800; current economic growth rate, is 5.3%; inflation, 3.9%; people with incomes below poverty level, 30%.
LOCATION: Middle East, just East of Israel. It has common borders with West Bank, Saudi Arabia, & Iraq. It is landlocked.
LAND USE: Arable land, 4%; permanent crops, 0.5%; pasture, 1%; forest, 0.5%; other (desert & mountains), 94%
TOPOGRAPHY: The land rises to the East from the Dead Sea at 1,302 ft. below sea level to highlands at 5,400 ft. The desert occupies 88% of the East Bank.
RIVER: Jordan, which is shared with Israel. (See Dead Sea)
WATER: The desert regions have a rainfall of less than 8 inches. The West Bank has up to 23 inches
CLIMATE: Winters are pleasant but summers are very hot and may reach 120 degrees F. in the Jordan valley and well over 100 F. on the desert. Desert temperatures may vary by 60 degrees in a single day.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship: The King has wide powers under a constitutional monarchy. A small group of terrorists had operations in Jordan in 2004, aimed at disrupting governmental functions, and with a possible take over. General disturbances in many Arabic countries have occurred in 2011 with demands for democracy and self-rule.
RELIGION: Sunni Muslim, 92%
NATURAL RESOURCES: Shale oil, potash, phosphates
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 2.9 bil. Import, 5.0 bil. Deficit, 2.1 bil.
OVERVIEW: Serious current problems are hazardous waste and water pollution. Without aid from other countries, Jordan would be near collapse. It must import nearly all of its needs. A doubling of the population by 2050 can only mean severe crisis for Jordan and for its companion Arabic States. Political unrest is developing in 2011 with major disruption probable in years to come. Also ref. P. 242, “Islam”.*
KAMPUCHIA (see CAMBODIA)
KAZAKHKHSTAN (Asia) 1,0049,151 sq. miles
(Former Soviet state)
(Less than 1/3 the size of the U.S.)
POPULATION: (2009) 15.4 mi (2025) 16.0 mil. (2050) 15.1 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH : virtually static
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 66.5 years.
27% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 8% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate was 29.8 deaths per 1,000 live births. There are about 925 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people. Major health problems are cardio-vascular disease and injuries. No other diseases are listed as major. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 0.2% of the adult population.
CAPITOL: Almaty (Ama-Ata) New Capital is Astama
LANGUAGE: Kazakh, Russian
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 99%; female, 98%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $8,700; current economic growth rate, 9.0%; inflation, 7.4%; people with incomes below poverty level, 19%
LOCATION: Central Asia, N. of China. Land borders: China, Kyrgyz Stan, Turkmenistan, Russia, and Uzbekistan. It touches the Caspian Sea on the West.
LAND USE: Arable land, 15%; pastures, 57%; forests, 4%; other, 24%. Irrigated land is 10, 000 sq miles.
TOPOGRAPHY: It extends E. from the Volga to the Altai Mountains, and extends South from Siberia to deserts and oases in Central Asia.
LAKE: It borders on the Caspian Sea.
RIVERS: Volga,
WATER: rainfall ranges from 10 to 15 inches
CLIMATE: cool winters & hot summers
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship with a “Republic” façade. (The validity of the 2004 election was questioned). It is a virtual dictatorship. The last election failed to meet the OSCE criteria for a democratic election. Karin Masinov took office in 2007 as Prime Minister.
RELIGION: Muslim, 47%; Russian Orthodox, 44%
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, coal, iron ore, manganese, chrome ore, nickel cobalt, copper, molybdenum, zinc, bauxite, gold, uranium
WORLD TRADE:(2008) Export, 72 bil. Import, 38 bil. Surplus, 34 bil.
OVERVIEW: Major areas of country need cleaning from military testing during Soviet era. Irrigation has dried up rivers to Aral Sea, which has ceased to be a commercial asset as it dries up. Much irrigated land needs to be flushed to remove pesticides & excess fertilizer. Country is rich in natural resources and has a stable population. The political future will have much-increased disturbance.*
KENYA (Africa) 224,081 sq. miles
(5/6 the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 39.0 mil. (2025) 51.3 mil. (2050) 65.2 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.80%. Fertility rate for women in 2005 was 4.7 children. Population growth is probably greatly overstated in view of the high prevalence of HIV-AIDS.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 47.9 years.
43% of the population in 2005 was less than 15 years of age and 2% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 61.47 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 105 physicians, nurses, and dentists per 100,000 people. Major health problems are tuberculosis and protein deficiency diseases especially among growing children. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2004 was 6.7% of adults.
CAPITOL: Nairobi
LANGUAGE: English (official) Swahili (official) m numerous indigenous languages.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 81%; female, 62%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $1,200; current economic growth rate, n.a.; inflation, 12%; people with incomes below poverty level, 50%
LOCATIO N: eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean; and bordering Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda.
LAND USE: Arable land, 3%; permanent crop, 1%; pastures, 7%; forest, 4%; other, 85%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The Indian Ocean shore is dotted with island and coral reefs. The narrow, fertile lowlands rise gradually to a dry region. At about an altitude of over 5,000ft. feet, & 300 miles inland, it becomes a high plateau rising in places to10,000 feet. This is where most people live. The northern section of Kenya, about 3/5 of area, is arid semiarid desert on the high plateau, known as the Kenya Highlands. The highest points are Mt. Kenya (17,057 ft.); Mt. Elgon (14,140 ft); & the Aberdare Range, (13,120 ft.). The plateau is split by the Great Rift Valley. In the North is Lake Rudolf (L. Turkana). West of the Great Rift Valley, the plains gradually descend to Lake Victoria
RIVERS: Athi & Tana which flow SE to the Indian Ocean, and the Ewaso which flows NE to the Loran swamps.
LAKES: Lake Rudolph
WATER: Rainfall varies from 5 in. in the arid region to 76 in. near L. Victoria.
CLIMATE: Climate varies from tropical near the ocean to Mt. Kenya which is snow covered. The plateau is temperate with cool & hot seasons.
GOVERNMENT: Republic in form. The Assembly has limited powers.
RELIGION: Protestant, including Anglican, 30%; Roman Catholic, 26%; indigenous, 28%
NATURAL RESOURCES: gold, limestone, soda ash, barites, salt,
WORLD TRADE: (2008) Export, 5.014 bil. Import, 11.114 bil. Deficit, 6.1 bil.
OVERVIEW: Projections indicate a slower population growth than in earlier years. Deforestation and soil erosion are attributed to population growth. The government has made it illegal to kill wild animals. Success, at this time, is doubtful.*
KIRIBATI (Pacific I.) 280 sq. mi.
(1/4 the size of Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 112 Th. (2025) 158 Th. (2050) 256 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 2.0%.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 20095 was 61.71 years.
40% of the population was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2002 was 48.52 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were 270 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people in 2003. Major health concern is tuberculosis. Other endemic diseases are leprosy, filariasis, and dysentery. HIV-AIDS prevalence is not available.
CAPITOL: Tarawa
LANGUAGE: Principle languages are Gilbertese & English
LITERACY: na
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $800; current economic growth
rate, 1.5%; inflation, 2.5%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: They are 33 islands in Central Pacific.
LAND USE: permanent crops, 51%; forest, 3%; other, 46%
TOPOGRAPHY: With one exception, the islands are all coral atolls, lying about 13 feet above sea level. Banaba is an up thrust of an atoll and rises to a height of 266 ft. on the Western Island of Bamabi.
WATER: Rainfall is 40 inches near the equator &120 inches farther away.
CLIMATE: Maritime tropical climate.
GOVERNMENT: Republic
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 52%; Congregational (Protestant), 40%
NATURAL RESOURCES: no significant resources except fishing.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 35 mil. Import, 83 mil. Deficit, 48 mil.
OVERVIEW: Islands have few resources and no room for expansion. Growth in population offers no reason for optimism. Global warming may well lead to the necessity for partial or total evacuation to – where?
The government recognized Taiwan in 2004. China withdrew its diplomatic representatives.*
The government is negotiating with Fiji for 6,000 acres of land for a new location as its country is expected to disappear ass the ocean rises. Fiji seems agreeable. This would seem inadequate since Kiribati’s population is over 100,000 and expected to continue to increase to over 250,000 by 2062, the target date of the move to Fiji. Newsweek, March Mach 19, 2012. p. 8.
KOREA, NORTH 47,399 sq. miles
(Larger than Ohio)
POPULATION: (2009) 22 7il. (2025) 23.6 mil. (2050) 22.9 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: under 1%
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy rate in 2000 was 71.73 years.
27% of the population was under 15 years of age and 8% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 24 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were about 475 doctors and nurses per 100,000 people. Major health hazard is industrial pollution. The government has not reported other health hazards.
CAPITOL: Pyongyang
LANGUAGE: Korean
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 99%; female, 99%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $1,800; current economic growth rate, 1.0%; inflation, n.a.; people with incomes below the poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: North half of Korean peninsula in Eastern Asia, between the Korean Bay and Sea of Japan. It borders S. Korea, China, & Russia
LAND USE: Arable land, 18%; permanent crop, 1%; forests, 74%; other, 7%.
TOPOGRAPHY: North Korea is bisected by a range of mountains that rise as high as 9,000 feet. The lowlands that are along the shores of the Korean Bay, the Sea of Japan, and the Yalu River make up only 20% of the land area but have most of the population.
RIVER: Yalu
WATER: Rainfall averages 30-40 inches but only 20 in. at Pyongyang.
CLIMATE: January temperature averages 1 F. on N. Central border but much warmer farther South. Summer temperatures average 75 F.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship with Kim Jong-un came into power in December, 2011 after his father’s death. Kim Il Sung was President and Dictator from 1972 to1990. Communist state has an Assembly with 687 members. It meets for a few days each year to approve the actions of the President..
RELIGION: Organized religion is not encouraged.
NATURAL RESOURCES: gold, lead, tungsten, magnesium, iron ore, coal, graphite, copper
WOURLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 1.04 bil. Import, 2.04 bil. Deficit, 1.0 bil.
OVCERVIEW: The inability to provide sufficient food and consumer goods for the people has hampered the country’s development. Virtually the entire economy is state owned. Farming has been collectivized and food production is inadequate for population. A major problem today is inadequate power for industry. The continued emphasis on the military sector has literally starved the economy. Atomic Energy has been hampered by the determination of the government to produce nuclear weapons. The use of belligerent acts may well escalate into a major incident with the U.S. and South Korea. It is possible that China’s support of the North Korean government is based on an avoidance of a flood of North Koreans looking for relief from famine and inadequate life style. China also does not wish to have a n American ally on its borders. Newsweek, November 22, 2010, p7.*
KOREA, SOUTH (ROK) 38,328 sq. miles
(Smaller than Kentucky)
POPULATION: (2009) 48.5 mil. (2025) 49.4 m (2050) 43.3 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Ultimately negative. Current fertility rate is 1.4 children per woman. Projections are that South Korea will reach a maximum of 51 million and then gradually decline in the manner of fully developed ageing economies.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 76.8 years.
19% of the population was under 15 and 9% was over 65 years of age.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 6.28 deaths per 1,000 live births. Medical services are adequate with hospitals and clinics throughout the country. 92% of the people have safe drinking water and 65% have adequate sanitary facilities. Leading causes of death are cardiovascular disease and traffic deaths. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was under 1 per thousand adults.
CAPITOL: Seoul
LANGUAGE: Korean
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 99%; female, 94%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $20,300; current economic growth rate, 3.7%; inflation, 2.8%; people living below poverty level, 4%
LOCATION: Southern half of Korean peninsula, situated between the Sea of Japan & the Yellow Sea. It shares a common border with North Korea.
LAND USE: Arable land, 21%; permanent crop, 1%; pasture, 1%; forests, 67%; other, 10%
TOPOGRAPHY: About 30% of the country is lowland mostly along the Yellow Sea. The mountains in the center of the peninsula are heavily forested.
WATER: Most of the country receives 30 to 40 inches of rain. The Southeast receives 50 inches. Water pollution has become a factor to be dealt with.
CLIMATE: Temperatures range from 23. F. to 81 F. over the year. The climate is relatively comfortable.
GOVERNMENT: Republic. President is elected by direct ballot.
RELIGION: Christian, 48%; Buddhist, 47%
NATURAL RESOURCES: coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydropower
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 201.3 bil Import, 175.6 bil. Surplus, 24.7 bil.
OVERVIEW: South Korea has taken a place alongside Japan in the development of a world market economy. It is thriving. In future decades ageing population will be a burden.*
Relations with North Korea have switched between accommodations and hard
line. The current government has made demands with poor results. Newsweek, April 26, 2010,p. 8.
KUWAIT (Middle E.) 6,880 sq. mi.
(Larger than Connecticut)
POPPULATION: (2009) 2.7 mil. (2025) 4.2 mil. (2050) 6.4 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 2.7%. Growth rate is deceiving since much of the population growth has been the influx of workers. Actual birth rate is relatively low and not likely to rise. The population growth is of concern since the workers will find it difficult to relocate when gulf oil production begins to decline.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy rate in 2005 was 77.00 years.
26% of the population was under 15 years of age in 2005 and 2% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 9.95 deaths per 1,000 live births. Public health service is highly advanced. There were about 575 doctors, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people in 2005. Major medical concerns are influenza and measles. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 0.12% of the adult population.
CAPITOL: Kuwait
LANGUAGE: Arabic (official language)
LITERACY: can read & write) male, 78%; female, 69%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $22,100; current economic growth rate, 4.5%; inflation, 3.5%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Western head of the Persian Gulf It shares common borders with Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
LAND USE: pasture, 8%; other (desert), 92%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Desert
WATER: Rainfall is less than 4 inches per year.
CLIMATE: Winters are pleasant with temperatures between 32F & 80F. Summer temperatures can climb as high as 120F.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship with rule by the family of Emir Mubarakas-Sabah.
RELIGION: Muslim, 85%
NATURAL RESOURCES: Petroleum
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export. 22.6 bil. Import, 9.2 bil. Surplus, 13.4 bil.
OVERVIEW: Kuwait was separated from Iraq in 1971 by influential sheiks. They then sought protection by the UK.. The name of the game is oil. In 1985 over 95% of the residents in Kuwait maintained citizenship in other countries. I have no way to judge the accuracy of the above figures. If they are correct, Kuwait will be a basket case by 2050 with declining oil production and no water to speak of.*
KYRGYZSTAN (Asia) 75,869 sq. miles
(Former Soviet state)
(Smaller than S. Dakota)
POPULATION: (2009) 5.4 mil (2025) 6.7 mil. (2050) 8.2 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.19%. Population growth will create difficult in this, one of the poorer countries. Its economy is not fully self- supporting.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 68 years.
35% of the population was under 15 years of age in 2005, and 6% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate was 35.6 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were about 960 physicians, dentists, and nurses, all in the public health system, in 2005. Major causes of illness and death are communicable disease and economic hardship. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was less than 1 per thousand adults.
CAPITOL: Bishkek
LANGUAGE: Kirghiz
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 99%; female, 996%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $1,800; current economic growth rate, 2.0%; inflation, 4.2%; people with incomes below poverty level, 40%
LOCATION: Central Asia, West of China. Borders with Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Russia.
LAND USE: Arable land, 7%; pasture, 42%; forest, none; other, 51%
TOPOGRAPHY: mountain peaks and valleys
WATER:
CLIMATE: subtropical in SW, dry continental to polar at high altitudes,
GOVERNMENT: on. A coup in April, 2010 gives promise of a more democratic government. Most of new leaders seem to favor democracy Newsweek, April 19, 2010, p. 7.
RELIGION: Muslim, 70%, Russian Orthodox NA.
NATURAL RESOURCES: abundant hydroelectric potential, significant deposits of gold and rare earth metals, coal, oil, natural gas & other minerals.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 1.8 bil.. Import, 3.8 bil. Def. 2.0 bil.
OVERVIEW: It is one of the smallest and poorest of the former Soviet states. It had serious inflation during its early years after its separation from the Soviet in 1990. Its economy is based on outmoded industrial machinery and on agriculture. Its economy was heavily dependent on subsidies from Moscow. Universal literacy is in its favor.*
“National Geographic”, February, 2002: (pp 114-115)
630,000 Russians remain in Kyrgyz Stan, about 13% of the population. The government recognized Russian as a second official language to encourage skilled workers to remain in the country. In spite of restrictions, an independent press and political parties still survive. The government has promise of stability. Both Russia and the United States have lent support to development. Newsweek, April 10, 2010, p. 8.
LAOS (Asia) 91,429 sq. miles
(Smaller than Oregon)
POPULATION: (2009) 6.8 mil. (2025) 9.5 mil. (2050) 13.2 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.9%. As the population grows, the crowding will increase the effect of disease. The above projections may be too high.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy rate in 2005 was 55.05 years.
40% of the population in 2005 is under 15 years of age and 4% is over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 85.22 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were about 167 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people in 2005. In 2000, 90% of the population had safe drinking water and 46% had adequate sanitary systems. Major health problems are acute respiratory infections, cholera, diarrhea & dysentery, parasites, skin problems, yaws, hepatitis, venereal disease & tuberculosis. 25% of children of school age were reported to have goiter. HIV-AAIDS prevalence in 2009 was 0.2% of adult population.
CAPITOL: Vientiane
LANGUAGE: Lao (official) French, English
LOCATION: Southeast Asia, NE of Thailand. It is bordered on the N by China, E by Vietnam, S by Cambodia, and on the NE by Burma.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 65%; female, 35%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $1,900; current economic growth rate, 7.2%; inflation, 4.4%; people with incomes below poverty level, 44%.
LAND USE: Arable land, 4%; pastures, 3%; forest, 58%, other, 35%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The terrain is rugged &mountainous, especially in the North and in the Annam cordillera along the border with Vietnam. The fertile Bolovens plateau reaches a height of 3,500 feet. Fertile alluvial soil is found only along the Mekong where rice is grown.
RIVER: Mekong
WATER: During 5 month monsoon season rainfall will be 11 to 12 inches a month with virtually no rain the rest of the year.
CLIMATE: Laos has two seasons of 5 months, wet, and 7 months dry. It is in a tropical monsoon area.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship with Chounnaly Sayasonne in power since 2006. Communist state. It has liberalized its stand on property ownership and has had a significant improvement in International relations.
RELIGION: Buddhist, 60%; animist & other, 40%
NATURAL RESOURCES: timber, hydropower, tin, gypsum, gold, gemstones
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 332 mil. Import, 492 mil. Deficit, 170 mil.
OVERVIEW: Although a communist state, the government has been decentralizing and encouraging private enterprise. It has been struggling for some time to become self-sufficient. Periodic floods and pests have created shortages. The possibility of overpopulation is worrisome. Steps need to be made to educate women and give them more self-determination. Education and worker training are keys to improvement of the country’s future.*
LATVIA (Europe) 24,749 sq. mi.
(Former Soviet state)
(The same size as W. Virginia)
POPULATION: (2009) 2.2 mil. (2025) 2.0 mil (20500) 1.5 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: population in decline, mature state with many in migration. Fertility rate of women in 2005 was 1.2 children. The country will need to import workers as the population ages.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 71.05 years.
15% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 16% over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 9.55 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 874 physicians, dentists, nurses, and midwives per 100,000 people. Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was 0.82% of adult population.
CAPITOL: Riga
LANGUAGE: Russian, other
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 100%; female, 99%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $12,100; current economic growth rate, 2.8%; inflation, 5.9%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Baltic Sea, between Estonia & Lithuania
LAND USE: Arable land, 27%; pastures, 13%; forest, 39%; other, 21%
TOPOGRAPHY: low plain
WATER: about 40 inches.
CLIMATE: similar to Eastern Poland, moderate, damp winters and moderate
summers.
GOVERNMENT: Republic
RELIGION: Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox
NATURAL RESOURCES: Amber, Peat
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 3.00 bil. Import, 4.92 bil. Deficit, 1.92 bil.
OVERVIEW: Difficulty in dealing with air & water pollution. Economic advancement is limited in scope. The economy is not fully self- supporting. Latvia has found it difficult to support diplomatic missions to many other countries. Much of its population is from Russia with Russian ethnic ties an ageing population puts special stress on economics.*
LEBANON Middle E.) 4,075 sq. mi.
(4/5 the size of Connecticut)
POPULATION: (2009) 4.0 mil. (2025) 4.6 mil. (2050) 5.0 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: under 1.0% Lebanon is in turmoil an will likely be unable to address such issues as high birth rate for some time.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 72.6 years.
28% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 6% over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 100 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were about 540 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people in2005. 100% had safe drinking water and 99% had adequate sanitary facilities. Major health problems include hypertension, diabetes and asthma. Vitamin deficiencies are a problem. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 20099 was less than 1 per 5housand people.
CAPITOL: Beirut
LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), French (official)
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 88%; female, 73%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $5,200; current economic growth rate, 0.5%; inflation, 2.9%; people with incomes below poverty level, 39%.
LOCATION: Eastern Mediterranean, N. of Israel & W. of Syria
LAND USE: Arable land, 21%; permanent crops, 9%; Pasture, 1%. Forest, 8%; other, 61%.
TOPOGRA PHY: Low mountains & valleys. Harbors tend to be shallow.
WATER: rainfall is about 50 inches W, of mountains & 15 in. E. Of the mountains. Abundant springs provide water for cultivation up to 4,900 ft. elevation.
CLIMATE: moderate Mediterranean, with temperature rarely above 85 except W of the mountains.
GOVERNMENT: Republic with top officials divided among Christian, Sunni
and Shear Muslim.
RELIGION: Islamic, Christian
NATURAL RESOURCES: iron ore, salt, limestone, and water surplus in an areas W of mountains.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 1.36 bil. Import, 6.007 bil. Deficit, 4.71 bil.
OVERVIEW: Lebanon seems incapable of controlling its future so long as Syria, on the one hand, and dissident Islamic elements, on the other hand, continues to control much of the country. It is heavily dependent on tourist trade & foreign aid for its function. Anti-Jewish elements have caused periodic incursions into the country by Israel, further delaying self-determination.*
LESOTHO (Africa) 11,720 sq. miles
(Larger than Vermont)
POPULATION: (2009) 2.1 mil. (2025) 2.1 mil. (2050) 1.9 mil.
POPULATION STATUS: available statistics indicate some loss of population. The constant flow of peoples between S. Africa and Lesotho renders a separate estimate relatively meaningless. Fertility rate for women in 2005 was 4.4 live births.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2006 was 34.45 years.
38% of population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 5% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant morality in 2005 was 88.75 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were about 60 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people in 2004. Tuberculosis and venereal disease are serious problems. 45% of children under 5 years of age are malnourished. About 43% of children suffer from goiter. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 28.9% of the adult population and 23.2% of total population in 2009.
CAPITOL: Maseru
LANGUAGE: Lesotho, English (official)
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 44%; female, 68%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $3,300; current economic growth rate, 2.0%; inflation, 4.7%; people with incomes below poverty level, 49%
LOCATION: Landlocked, within South Africa.
LAND USE: Arable land, 10%; pasture, 66%; other, 24%
TOPOGRAPHYHY: Drakensberg Range forms the E. &S. borders. Much of the land is very poor and badly eroded. Rich volcanic soil lies in foothills and slopes of the mountains.
WATER: Rainfall is 75 inches in parts of the mountains and 24 inches in the lowlands.
CLIMAT E: Temperatures vary widely by geographic area. In the lowlands, they may go over 90 F. and rarely below 19 F. in winter. Winter temperatures may go to zero F. in the highlands. Frost is a hazard much of the year.
GOVERNMENT: Constitutional Monarchy. Power is in legislature. The king is appointed for life by the College of Chiefs.
RELIGION: Christian, 80%; indigenous beliefs
NATURAL RESOURCES: water, agriculture, grazing
WORLD TRADE: (92004) Export, 450 mil. Import, 661 mil. Deficit, 211 mil.
Much of the labor force works in S. Africa.
OVERVIEW: Periodic drought is a long-time worry. Of vital necessity is medical treatment for AIDS. Outside intervention is necessary for the government to function. Lesotho is entirely within S. Africa and its future is closely tied to that of S. Africa.*
LIBERIAA (Africa) 43,000 sq. miles
Larger than Tennessee)
POPULATION: (2009) 3.4 mil (2025) 4.8 mil. (2050) 7.17 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 2.27%. Fertility rate is 6 live births for every woman surviving her childbearing years. This is one of the highest in the world. All forecasts of population growth are subject to the impact of the AIDS epidemic and future food shortages.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 38.86 years.
46% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 2% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 161.99 deaths per 1,000 live births, one of the highest in the world. There are only 2 physicians, 6 nurses, and 4 midwives per 100,000 people. Immunization rate for children under 1 year is extremely low. Staple foods are deficient in protein. Major health concerns are malaria and gastrointestinal diseases. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 5.90% of adults. An estimated 180,000 people have AIDS.
CAPITOL: Monrovia
LANGUAGE: English, 20% (official), Congo, Niger
LITERACY: male, 50%; female, 29%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $700.00, current economic growth rate, 8.0%; inflation, 15.0%; people with incomes below poverty level, 80%.
LOCATION: It is on the W. coast of Africa, bounded by Guinea, Cote d’Ivory, & Sierra Leone
LAND USE: Arable land, 1%; permanent crops, 3%; pasture, 2%; forest, 39%, other, 55%
TOPOGRAPHY: There; are 3 geographic belts, lying parallel to ocean; a narrow coastal belt with tidal creeks, lagoons, and mangrove swamps; rolling hills with elevations to 500 feet. Beyond, the bulk of Liberia, is an area of rugged hills and a plateau less heavily forested than the lower areas.
WATER: Rainfall is 200 inches on the coast, decreasing to 80 inches farther inland.
CLIMATE: The climate is tropical with little change during the year:
GOVERNMENT: Republic. The country is recovering from 14 years of civil war and is in the process of reorganizing the political infrastructure patterned after that of the United States.
RELIGION: traditional, 70%; Muslim, 20%; Christian, 10
NATURAL RESOURCES: iron ore, timber, diamonds
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export,1,079 mil.; Import, 5,051 mil.; Deficit, 3,972 mil.
OVERVIEW: The AIDS epidemic overshadows all other consideration. The economy is already dependent on outside aid. Over 200,000 people were displaced during the civil war. The economy is also dependent of the control of inflation. The country is in desperate need of help to improve the education system.*
Libya – Saudi Arabia
LIBYA (Africa) 679,362 sq. miles
(2 ½ times the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 6.3 mil. (2025) 8.5 mil. (2050) 10.8 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.6%
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 76.50 years.
In 2005, 35% of the population was under 15 years of age and 4% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 24.6 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were about 503 physicians, nurses, and dentists per 100,000 people. Tuberculosis is pervasive. Common causes of illness and death are common to the ageing process. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 0.2% of the adult population.
CAPITOL: Tripoli
LANGUAGE: Arabic, Italian, and English.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 77%; female, 42%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $8,400; current economic growth rate, 8.5%; inflation rate, n.a.; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: It is on the Mediterranean Sea with Egypt to the E. Sudan &Chad on the S. & Algeria on the W.
LAND USE: Arable land, 2%; pasture, 8%; other (Sahara desert), 90%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Nearly all of Libya lies in the Sahara. The highest point is Bette at 7,415 feet. In the NW, a series of terraces rise to an escarpment. Farther S. is a great depression with many oases & artesian wells. There are a number of depressions in the desert, which have oases.
WATER: The Jabal Akhdar region of Cyrenaica receives about 16 to 24 inches of rainfall per year. This comes in a short period and evaporation is rapid. The rest of Libya receives less than 8 inches per year.
CLIMATE: winter temperatures may be as low as 55 F. Summer temperatures reach as high as 90 in Tobruq and up to 120 F in desert areas.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship with Mamwar Al-Qaddafi in power since 1969. The dictatorship was toppled in 2011. A new government is still in formation.
RELIGION: Sunni Muslim, 97%
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, natural gas, gypsum
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 14.3 bil. Import, 6.3 bil. Surplus, 8.0 bil.
OVERVIEW: Outlook for the present is favorable. The future is not as favorable. The forecast is for a doubling of population in 40 years. It will require strong governmental controls to deal with the problem, or well-applied education for family planning. A priority should be emancipation and education of women.
Trade sanctions have been removed and the country has reestablished diplomatic relations with the U.S. and Europe. The future is uncertain until a new government has been fully established. “Libya is plagued by tribal rivalries.” National Geographic, July, 2011, p. 106.
also ref. P. 242, “Islam”*
LIECHENSTEIN (Europe) 62 sq. miles
(The area is smaller than Chicago)
POPULATION: (2009) 35 Th. (2025) 38 Th. (2050) 36 Th.
POPULATIOON GROWTH: static, subject to minor changes as population ages.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was about 79.55 years.
18% of the population is under 15 years of age and 11% is over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was about 4.7 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were about 88 physicians in the country.
CAPITOL: Vaduz
LANGUAGE: German
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 100%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita, $25,000; current economic growth rate, 11.0%; inflation, 1.9%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: It lies on the W. bank of the Rhine between Austria & Switzerland.
LAND USE: arable land, 25%; pastures, 38; %; forest, 19%; other, 18%.
TOPOGRAPHY: It is a narrow band of land bordering the Rhine rising to uplands and mountains. .
WATER: Annual precipitation is about 45 inches.
CLIMATE: temperatures are very moderate with a low of 24 F. in January to 70 F. in summer.
GOVERNMENT: hereditary constitutional Monarchy. The constitution of 1921 with revisions in 1984 provides for a legislature.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 87%
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 2,470 mil. Import, .917 mil. Surplus, 1,357 mil. Printing of stamps and money for tourist trade is a lucrative activity.
OVERVIEW: Future depends on continued prosperity of Austria and Switzerland. An important feature of the country is the art museum, which is being renovated. This museum, with many great treasures, is a valuable attraction for tourists. Postage stamps are sought by amateur collectors.*
LITHUANIA (Europe) 23,174 sq. miles
(Former Soviet state)
(Smaller than W. Virginia)
POPULATION: (2009) 3.6 mil. (2025) 3.4 mil.; (2050) 2.8 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: declining population
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 73.97 years.
In 2005, 18% of the population was under 15 years of age and 15% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 6.89 deaths per1,000 live births. In 2004 there were about 1274 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Most serious causes of death and illness are related to the ageing process. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was less than 1 per 1,000 adults.
CAPITOL: Vilnius
LANGUAGE Lithuanian (official), Russian:
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 99%; female, 98%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $13,900; current economic growth rate, 6.4%; inflation, 2.6%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCTION: Baltic Sea, between Latvia & Poland
LAND USE: Arable land, 49%; pastures, 22%; forests, 16%; other, 13%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Lowland, fertile soil, many small lakes
WATER: Average rainfall is 40 inches
CLIMATE: maritime, wet, moderate winters & summers
GOVERNMENT: republic. Lithuania became a member of NATO in 2004 and joined the European Union in May, 2004.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Russian Orthodox, other
NATURAL RESOURCES: peat
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 7.9 bil. Import, 9.2 bil. Deficit, 1.3 bil.
OVERVIEW: The country is dependent on foreign aid. Economic health of Lithuania is dependent on the general prosperity of the European Union. A large Russian minority maintains ties with Russia. An ageing population is severely taxing the financial resources of the government. *
LUXEMBOURG (Europe) 998 sq. miles
(Smaller than Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 492 Th. (2025) 586 Th. (2050) 721 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.05%
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 78.74 years.
19% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 14% was over65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 4.81 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2005 there were about 255 physicians per 100,000 people. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 20093 was about 2 per thousand total population.
CAPITOL: Luxembourg
LANGUAGE: Luxembourg & German
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 100%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $62,700; current economic growth rate, 3.5%; inflation, 2.6%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Landlocked. It is bounded on the E. by Germany, W. by France, & N. by Belgium.
LAND USE: Arable land, 24%; permanent crop, 1%; pasture, 20%; forest, 21%; other 34%
TOPOGRAPHY: It consists of two areas, the rugged uplands of the Ardennes & the fertile Southland along the Sure River.
RIVERS: Sure, which flows into the Moselle.
WATER: Rainfall is about 30 inches per year.
CLIMATE: Climate is temperate & mild with winter average above freezing & summers about 68 F.
GOVERNMENT: It is a constitutional monarchy governed by the 1888 constitution with revisions in 1919.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 97%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: none exploited
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 8.6 bil. Import, 11.6 bil. Deficit, 3.0 bil.
OVERVIEW: economy is dependent on France & Germany. Income from tourism has some impact. Private Banking and investment are an important part of the economy.*
MACEDONIA (e) 9,9028 sq. miles
(The former Yugoslav Republic)
(Smaller than Maryland)
POPULATION: (2009) 2.1 Mil. (2025) 2.1 mil. (2050) 2.1 mil
POPULATION STATUS: No change in 10 years, the projection is for a continued ageing static population.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 73.75 years.
20% of the population was under 15 and 11% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 10.69 deaths per 1,000 live births. Medical service is adequate but serious ill patients often go to other countries for treatment. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was less than 1 per 1,000 people.
CAPITOL: Skopje
LANGUAGE: Macedonian, 70%; Albanian, 21%
LITERACY: NA
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $7,400; current economic growth rate, 4.0%; inflation, 1.0%; people with incomes below poverty level, 30%
LOCTION: Balkan, Southeastern Europe, N. of Greece, S of Serbia,, E of Albania & W of Bulgaria..
LAND USE: Arable land, 5%; permanent crop, 5%; pasture, 20%; forest, 30%; other, 40%
TOPOGRAPHY: Mountainous, deep basins & valleys. There are 3 lakes.
WATER: rainfall averages 20 inches a year.
CLIMATE: hot, dry summers, cool winters.
GOVERNMENT: emerging democracy
RELIGION: Eastern Orthodox, 67%; Muslim, 30%
NAURAL RESOURCES: chromium, lead, zinc, iron ore, asbestos, nickel
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 1.36 bil. Import, 2.18 bil. Deficit, 820 mil.
OVERVIEW: It can meet its basic food and energy needs. Imports are of other consumer products. The country is dependent on the EU for living above poverty line. Population is stable.*
“National Geographic” June, 1996, “Bosnia” (see also “Yugoslavia”
“Macedonians spoke their own language and share their land with a large Albania minority. Theirs was the only republic to secede from Yugoslavia peacefully.”
MADAGASCAR (Africa) 226,658 sq. miles
(5/6 that of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 20.78 mil. (2025) 32.4 mil (2050) 56.4 mil.
The U.N. estimates the population in 20055 at 17,380,000.
POPULATIN GROWTH: 3.06%. The economy cannot adjust to a population growth of this magnitude. It is likely that health issues will limit population growth. Population growth seems overstated, considering health issues including AIDS.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 58.85 years. In 2005,
45% of the population was under 15 years of age and only 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 78.83 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were 37 physicians, nurses, and midwives per 100,000 people in 2004. Medical services are free when available. Less than half the people have access to safe drinking water. Major health problems include malaria, tuberculosis, and schistosomiasis. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2005 was 1.7% of adults. In 2005, 48% of the children under 5 years of age were considered malnourished.
CAPITOL: Antananarivo
LANGUAGE: French, (official), Malagasy (official)
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 85%; female, 73% (probably overstated, in view of decades of civil strife)
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $800.00; current economic growth rate, 6.5%; inflation, 10.0%; people with incomes below poverty level, 50%
LOCATION: Large island off the SE coast of Africa
LAND USE: Arable land, 4%; permanent crop, 1%; pasture, 58%; forest, 26%; other, 11%
TOPOGRAPHY: A plain rising sharply from E. coast & descending to sedimentary rocks on W. coast East edge is deeply cut by gorges. There are many volcanic outcroppings, the highest of which is 9,436 ft.
RIVERS: major rivers flow westward and are navigable for 100 miles.
WATER: Average rainfall ranges from 55 in to 110 inches. The far South receives little rain.
CLIMATE: The E. & NW coasts are dominated by the Trade Winds. The central plateau enjoys a tropical climate. The climate is temperate without real chill. The country is in the hurricane belt, and a number have been destructive, destroying crops and causing many casualties.
GOVERNMEMT: Dictatorship with format of a Republic The President is elected by universal vote but has virtually Dictatorial powers with veto and the appointment of 1/3 of the legislature. Civil strife has been a factor. The African Union suspended Madagascar’s membership in 2010.
RELIGION: indigenous beliefs, 52%; Christian, 41%; Muslim, 7%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: salt, quartz, chromate, coal, fish, bauxite
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 700 mil. Import, 920; Deficit, 220 mil.
OVERVIEW: Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. It suffers from malnutrition, famine, poor education facilities, and severe loss of forest cover. In 2005, 48% of children under 5 years of age were undernourished. Unless changes are made the future is bleak.*
MALAWI (Africa) 43,747 sq. miles
(Slightly larger than Tennessee)
POPULATION: (2009) 15.02 mil. (2025) 22.8 mil. (2050) 37.4 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 2.15%. This is well above the capacity of the economy to adjust without serious unemployment and lowered standard of living. Estimates of population growth seem to ignore the AIDS prevalence which will reduce ;and possibly reverse the population growth pattern.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 41.43 years. In 2005,
46% of the population was under 15 years of age. and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 96.14 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were fewer than 2 physicians per 100,000 people. Health services rank among the poorest in Africa. The major health threats are malnutrition, malaria, tuberculosis, measles, dysentery, and bilharzias. HIVB-AIDS prevalence was 14.3% of the adult population in 2003. 48% of children under 5 were considered malnourished. 11.9% of the total population was HIV positive in 2009.
CAPITOL: Lilongwe
LANGUAGE: English (official); Chichewa (official)
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 65%; female, 34%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $600; current economic growth rate, 1.0%; inflation, 15.4%; people with incomes below poverty level, 55%
LOCATION: It is a landlocked country in SE Africa. Mozambique is both SE & SW, Zambia is in NW and. Tanzania is in NE.
LAND USE: arable land, 25%; pasture, 20%; forest, 50%; other, 5%.
TOPOGRAPHY: It lies within the Great Rift Valley system. 75% of country is a plateau at elevations from 2,400 to 4,300 ft. Highest elevation is Mt. Sapitwa, (9,843 ft.) & the lowest elevation is 1,137 ft. at the confluence of the Zambezi & Shire rivers.
LAKES: L. Malawi is 360 mi. long. At elevation of 1,500 ft.
RIVERS: Zambezi, Malawi
WATER: greatest rainfall is 64 inches along the Malawi. Most of the country has rainfall of 30 to 40 inches.
CLIMATE: Most of the country has a temperate climate with higher humidity along the Malawi.
GOVERNMENT: multiparty democracy
RELIGION: Protestant, 53%; Roman Catholic, 20%; Muslim, 20%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: limestone, uranium, coal, bauxite
WORLD TRADE:(2004) Export, 455 mil. Import, 505 mil. Deficit, 50 mil.
OVERVIEW: It is agricultural with 90% of work force n agriculture and 90% of exports are in agriculture. Economy is still with a trade deficit. Health services are totally inadequate. In view of the rapidly rising cost of petroleum, the country has a dismal future. *
MALAYSIA (Asia) 127,320 sq. miles.
(A little larger than New Mexico)
POPULATION: (2009) 25.7 mil. (2025) 33.5 mil. (2050) 43.1 mil.
POPULATIOON GROWTH: 2.08%. Government is developing programs to reduce population growth.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy rate in 2005 was 72.25 years. In 2005,
33% of the population was under 15 years of age and 5% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality was 8 per 1,000 births in 2004. Malaysia had about 245 doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives in 2004. It has well established medical and health services. About 23% of children under 5 are considered to be malnourished. Other major health concerns are AIDS, malaria and diabetes. HI”V-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was .4% of the adult population.
CAPITOL: Kuala Lumpur
LANGUAGE: English, Malay, and Chinese.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 86%; female, 70%)..
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $10,400; current economic growth rate, 5.1%; inflation, 2.0%; people with incomes below poverty level, 8%.
LOCATION: SE. Asia, and the islands of Sarawak & Sabah, which are NW of Borneo.
LAND USE: Arable land, 3%; permanent crop, 10%; forest, 63%; other, 24%
TOPOGRAPHY: Rainforest, jungle, & swamp covers 4/5 of mainland Malaysia. Northern regions are divided by a mountain range. Swift flowing rivers have cut deep gorges. Sarawak has an alluvial & swampy coastal plain, an area of rolling country interspersed with mountain ranges. Rain forest covers the greater part. Many rivers are navigable. Sabah is split in two by the Crocker mountains, which extend N. & S. some 58 miles. Most of the interior is covered with tropical forest. Western coast areas raise rice & rubber trees.
WATER: Peninsular Malaysia, 100 inches; East Malaysia, 80 to 120 inches.
CLIMATE: Peninsular Malaysia is equatorial with high & uniform temperatures. (73 to 80 F.) with high humidity. East Malaysia is relatively cool.
GOVERNMENT: constitutional monarchy. Laws are made by parliament.
RELIGION: Muslim, Buddhism, and Hindu
NATURAL RESOURCES: copper, iron ore, bauxite, tin, timber, petroleum, natural gas.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 90.9 bil. Imports, 74.4 bil. Surplus, 26.5 bil
OVERVIEW: It is a healthy economy. Population growth rate is worrisome.
Health problems need to be addressed, especially that of AIDS. *
MALDIVES (Asia) 115 sq. miles
(Malawi Islands)
(Less than 1/10 of Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 396 Th. (2025) 388 Th. (2050) 444 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: 2.32%. Birth rate is 42 per thousand per year. Death rate is only 8 per thousand per year. Either the birth rate is reduced drastically or the islands will face starvation. Fertility rate is 5.2 per woman but other health factors limit growth. Population density was over 3,000 per sq mile in 2005.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy as of 2005 was 64 years.
36% of the population was under 15 and 4% was over 65 in 2004.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2002 was 37.4 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were about 260 doctors and nurses and 188 midwives per hundred thousand in 2004. 30% of children under five were underweight in 2005. 88% of the population has access to safe water and 40% have access to adequate sanitary facilities. Major health problems are malaria and diarrhea. Water-born diseases are sometimes epidemic. HIV-AIDS prevalence was less than 1 per 1,000 adults in 2004.
CAPITOL: Male
LANGUAGE: Divehl (an Arabic dialect), English
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 91%; female, 92%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $3,900; current economic growth rate, in 2004 was 2.3%; inflation, 3.9%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Group of islands SW of India & Sri Lanka
LAND USE: Arable land, 10%; pasture, 3%; forest, 3%; other, 84%
TOPOGRAPHY: An archipelago of coral islands and sand banks in the Indian Ocean. There are about 1,200 islands in 26 atolls. They rarely exceed 6 ft above sea level.
WATER: Rainfall averages about 180 inches. Water must be collected since there are no sources of ground water.
CLIMATE: Equatorial climate is generally hot & humid with a mean temperature of about 81 F.
GOVERNMENT: republic
RELIGION: Sunni Muslim.
NATURAL RESOURCES: fish
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 90 mil. Import, 392 mil. Deficit, 302 mil
OVERVIEW: The country is dependent on other countries for its continued existence. A rapidly growing population and an expected rise in the level of the Ocean can only spell evacuation for much, if not all, its population. Many of the islands are only 6 feet above sea level. The expected rise in sea levels will expose the population to great danger in case of a major storm. The Tsunami of 2004 nearly destroyed the country.*
MALI (Africa) 4778,841 sq. miles
(1.8 times the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 13.4.7 mil. (2025) 20 mil. (2050) 32.4 mil.
The U.N. estimates population in 2005 at 13,500,000.
POPULATION GROWTH: 3%. The projected growth rate is far above the capacity of the economy to absorb without serious decline in living standards, and possibly famine. Spread of AIDS and famine may greatly reduce the growth rate.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 48.64 years.
47% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 109 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were fewer than five physicians per 100,000 people in 2005. Principal diseases are malaria, (which is widespread), leprosy, tuberculosis, enteritis and other intestinal diseases, cholera, pneumonia, schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, trypamosomiasis. Anemia and malnutrition are also major factors. HIV-AIDS prevalence was 1.9% of adults in 200 and 1/5% of total population in 2009.
CAPITOL: Bamako
LANGUAGE: French (official), Banbara & various African languages
LITERACY: (can read & write) male 27%; female, 12%.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $1,000; current economic growth rate, 1.9%; inflation, 15.4%; people with incomes below poverty level, 55%
LOCATION: Landlocked country in W. Africa. Borders: SSE of Algeria; E. & N of Niger; N of Burkina- Faso & Cote d’Ivory; NE Guinea; & on the SE Mauritania.
LAND USE: Arable land, 2%; pasture, 25%; forest, 7%; other (desert), 66%
TOPOGRAPHY: The country is divided into 3 natural zones: the Sudanese, an area of cultivation, covering 77,000 sq miles in the south, the inland delta, into which the upper Niger once flowed, the Sahelian; and the Sahara. SW. has low mountains deeply notched by valleys formed by rivers. In the center is a high area circled by the Niger and called Homobori Tondo, the highest point in Mali. In the NE is an extension of Algeria’s Ahaggar Mountains.
RIVERS: Niger & Senegal
WATER: Rainfall in the Sahelian is about 9 inches and in the SW. about 55 inches. In the last century there have two droughts that lasted a number of years.
CLIMATE: The climate has a short, rainy season, and a long dry season. Half of Mali is in the Sahara zone. It is feared that the Sahara is expanding to the South.
GOVERNMENT: Republic with National Assembly and President elected by popular vote.
RELIGION: Muslim, 90%
NATURAL RESOURCES: gold, phosphorous, salt, limestone, titanium, bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, copper
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 915 mil. Import, 927 mil. Deficit, 12 mil.
OVERVIEW: Extremely poor country, with much of the land part of the desert which is expanding. The country was badly hit in 2004 by a plague of locusts that destroyed crops in much of Southern Africa. Health services are totally inadequate. The AIDS epidemic and the lack of an adequate health system create an uncertain future. *
MALTA (Europe) 122 sq. miles
(1/10 the size of Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 405 Th. (2025) 421 Th. (2050) 396 Th.
POPULATION STATUS: The growth is 0%9. The population growth should be static by 2020 and then gradually decline. The illegal entry of Libyans and blacks into Malta has created a serious problem.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 78.85 years.
18% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 13% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 3.89 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2005 there were 602 physicians, dentists, nurses, and midwives per 100,000 people. Additional support was provided by the E.U. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was about 2 per 1,000 adults in 2003.
CAPITOL: Valletta
LANGUAGE: Maltese, colloquial English
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 82); female, 80%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $18,900; current economic growth rate, 2.7%; inflation, 2.5%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: It is in the Central Mediterranean Sea, 38 miles S of Sicily & 180 miles N of the nearest African shore.
LAND USE: Arable land, 38%; permanent crop, 3%; other, 59%
TOPOGRAPHY: The islands are a rocky formation, chiefly limestone, rising out of the Mediterranean to a maximum height of 786 feet, with clefts that form deep holes, bays and indentations.
WATER: Rainfall is about 22 inches per year.
CLIMATE: Climate is typically Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
GOVERNMENT: parliamentary democracy
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 98%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: limestone, salt
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 2.17 bil. Import, 2.76 bil. Deficit, 590 mil.
OVERVIEW: Highly dependent on foreign trade. It depends on imports for 80% of its food. Tourism is an important part of its economy. *
MARSHAL ISLANDS (Pacific Is.) 70 Sq. MI.
(Area is less than New York City)
POPULATION: (2009) 65 Th. (2025) 83 Th. (2050) 103 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.63%. With low elevations and rising ocean levels, the islands will need partial or full evacuation in the future.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 70 years.
42% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 29 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 87 doctors, 288 nurses and 185 midwives per 100,000 population. The prevalence of anemia in children under five years of age was 43%. Alcoholism and drug abuse is common. Other major concerns are sexually related diseases. HIV-AIDS prevalence is not documented.
CAPITOL: Majuro
LANGUAGE: English is commonly spoken as well as 2 Polynesian dialects
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 100%^; female, 88%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $1,600; current economic
growth rate, 1.0%; inflation, 1.0%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Central Pacific N of the equator The Capitol lies 2,400 miles W of Honolulu.
LAND USE: Permanent crop, 60%; other, 40%
TOPOGRAPHY: Islands lie in low formation of atolls, narrow strips of land enclosing a lagoon. Soils are porous, sandy, and of poor quality
WATER: Rainfall is 70 inches in the North up to170 inches in the South.
CLIMATE: The climate is hot and humid with little temperature change.
GOVERNMENT: constitutional democracy
RELIGION: Christian (mostly protestant).
NATURAL RESOURCES: phosphate, mango, deep-sea mineral deposits
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 9 mil. Import, 54 mil. Deficit, 45 mil.
OVERVIEW: dependent on foreign imports. The continued existence of the government is in balance. Further population growth needs to be curtailed.*
MAURITANIA (Africa) 395,955 sq. miles
1 ½ the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 3.1 mill (2025) 4.4 mil. (2050) 6.5 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 2.6%. Fertility rate is 5.7 live births per woman reaching the age of 45. The population grew 800,000 (34%) between 1995 and 2005. The question is now how long can the country function. For this country, there seem to be little future. It is a male-dominated society.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 52.23 years.
43% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 70.89 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were about 78 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Only 63% of the people have access to health care. 37% of the people had access to safe drinking water. Major health problems include malaria, tuberculosis, measles, dysentery, guinea worm, and influenza. 45% of children under 5 were malnourished. Pregnancy has many problems because of a lack of hygiene and health care. HIV-AIDS prevalence was 0.8% of population in 2008.
CAPITOL: Nouakchott
LANGUAGE: Hasamiya, Arabic
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 46%; female, 25%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $2,000; current economic growth rate, 5.5%; inflation, 7.0%; people with incomes below poverty level, 40%
LOCATION: West Africa, S. of Morocco; N. of Senegal& W. of Mali
LAND USE: Arable land, 1%; pastures, 38%; forest, 5%; other (Sahara desert), 56%
TOPOGRAPPHY: Three distinct geographical regions; a narrow belt along the Senegal River valley in the South, where soil and climate conditions permit settled agriculture. North of this valley is a broad E-W band characterized by vast sand plains and fixed dunes held in place by sparse grass & scrub trees; and a large Northern area shading into the Sahara and moving over a mile each year and characterized by shifting sand dune, rock outcroppings and rugged mountainous plateaus.
WATER: Rainfall at Atar is 4 inches a year.
CLIMATE: Temperatures are Saharan in most of the country, sometimes reaching 100 degrees F. Nights are cool, often down to 55 F.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship. The Military controls the polls at election time. Republic in general organization. Communist party enjoyed 67% of popular vote in 2004.
RELIGION: Muslim, 100%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: iron ore, phosphates, fish, copper, gypsum
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 560 mil. Import, 841 mil. Deficit, 281 mil.
OVERVIEW: The country depends heavily on export of iron ore. World demand has dropped. The incursion of the Sahara desert threatens much of the grazing land. The country has few prospects for an improved future.*
MAURITIUS (Africa) 695 sq, nukes
(More than half the size of Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 1.34 million (2025) 1.40 mil. (2050) 1.4 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: insignificant
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 72.3 years.
In 2005 25^% of the population was under 15 years of age and 7% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 15.01 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 320 physicians, nurses and dentists per 100,000 people. 100%of the people had access to safe drinking water. The major health problem is cardiovascular disease. HIV-AIDS prevalence was 1.7% of population in 2009. CAPITOL: Port Louis
LANGUAGE: English (official), Creole
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 85%; female, 75%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $13,300; current economic growth rate, 3.6%; inflation, 5.0%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Southern Africa, island in Indian Ocean
LAND USE: arable land, 54%; permanent crop, 4%; pasture, 4%; woodland, 31%; other, 7%
TOPOGRAPHY: small coastal plain leading to mountains circling plateau.
CLIMATE: It has a tropical climate modified by SE trade winds.
GOVERNMENT: parliamentary democracy
RELIGION: Hindu, 52%; Christian, 28%Muslim, 16%
NATURAL RESOURCES: arable land, fish
WORLD TRADE: (1995) export, 1.32 bil. import, 1.75 bil. Deficit 430 mil.
OVERVIEW: The country is heavily dependent on a single company for much of the GDP. It has a better economy than most African nations.*
MEXICO (Latin A.m.) 756,066 sq. miles
(Less than¼ the size of the U.S.)
POPULATION: (2009) 111 mil. (2025) 130 mil. (2050) 148 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 0.98% est.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 205 was 75.19 years.
31% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 5% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in2005 was 32.91 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were about 392 physicians, nurses, and dentists per 100,000 people.
Most major diseases have been eliminated or under control. Malaria is a regional problem. Vigorous efforts are being made ton deal with tuberculosis, polio, skin disease, tuberculosis, leprosy, and serious childhood diseases. Major causes of death were neoplasms, injuries, and circulatory diseases. HIV-AIDS prevalence was 0.30% in 2003, between 100,000 and 300,000 people were HIV positive..
CAPITOL: Mexico City
LANGUAGE: Spanish dialect
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 90%; female, 85%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $10,000; current economic growth rate, 3.0%; inflation, 4.7%; people with incomes below poverty level, 40%
LOCATION: South of the United States & North of Belize & Guatemala.
LAND USE: Arable land, 12%; permanent crop, 1%; pasture, 39%; forest, 24%, other (Sonora Desert & mountains), 24%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Mexico is 2,000 miles from NW to SE. A great central plateau extends the length of Mexico, averaging 3,000 to 4,000 ft above sea level in the North & up to 7,000-8,000 in the center. The plateau s enclosed by 2 continental mountain ranges. Popacatepetl at 17,939 ft, Pico de Orizaba, 18501 ft. are the highest mountains. On the East side of the plateau there is extensive lowlands.
RIVERS: Rio Grand, Papaloapan, the latter of which is important for hydropower. There are no other important inland waterways.
WATER: Most of Mexico is deficient in rainfall. Two coastal belts, about 12% of Mexico, receive 39 to110 inches of rain a year.
CLIMATE: Climate ranges from tropical along the coasts to very dry with great temperature fluctuations by time of day and season, reaching up to 120 F. in the Sonora desert located in the Northwest. (See deserts).
GOVERNMENT: Republic
RELIGION: nominally Roman Catholic, 89%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: oil, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber,
WORLD TRADE: (2008) Export, 291 bil. Import, 308 bil. Deficit, 17 bil.
OVERVIEW: With the exception of continued population growth, Mexico has done well in the past few years. Its future depends on the control of overpopulation and the impact of global warming. Mexico needs to address the problems of air pollution, especially in greater Mexico City. Industrial plants are poorly monitored. The current war among drug cartels and attempt to control by the government continues unabated.*
MICRONESIA, FEDERATED STATES (Pacific I) 271 SQ. MI.
(Less than ¼ the size of Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 107 Th, (2025) 98 Th. (2050) 74 Th.
The above figures were from the 22010 World Almanac.
POPULATION GROWTH: negative Fertility rate per woman in 2000 was 3.9 children. Population loss indicates a major emigration of working people.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 69 years.
34% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 4% over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortalityin2005 was 30.21 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were 60 physicians per 100,000 people. All states have hospitals. Immunization is generally practiced. Anemia was seen in 35% of children less than 5 years of age. HIV-AIDS prevalence is not documented.
CAPITOL: Palikir
LANGUAGE: English (official), Trukese,
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 91%; female, 88%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $2,000; current economic growth rate, 1.0%; inflation, 2.0%; people with income below poverty line, 28%.
LOCATION: Island group in the N. Pacific, about ¾ of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia.
LAND USE: information is not available
TOPOGRAPHY: Islands are partially mountainous volcanic peaks and partially coral islands.
WATER: heavy year-round rainfall
CLIMATE: Tropical, Micronesia is on the edge of the typhoon belt. Coral is
lands are particularly at risk during major storms.
GOVERNMENT: constitutional government
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 50%; Protestant, 47%
NATURAL RESOURCES: deep sea minerals, forest products, marine products
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 22 mil. Import, 149 mil. Deficit, 127 mil.
OVERVIEW: It is in relative isolation and has a lack of resources, thus hindering development of tourist trade. The country is dependent upon foreign sources for most needs except food and shelter. Loans from U.S. for development are inadequate for the islands. The rising ocean level is a threat to all coral islands, many of which may need to be evacuated in the future.*
MOIDOVA (Europe) 13,012 sq. miles
(Former soviet state)
(1.3 times the size of Maryland)
POPULATION: (209) 4.3 mil. (2025) 4.2 mil. (2050) 3.6 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Negative, not significant
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 65.18 years.
20% of the people were under 15 years of age and 10% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 40.42 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 35 physicians per 100,000 people. The government is actively promoting expansion of health services. Epidemic diphtheria has spread throughout the country. HIV-AIDS prevalence was 0.4% of total population in 2009.
CAPITOL: Chisifiau
LANGUAGE: Moldovan (official), closely related to Romanian language. Russian
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 99%; female, 94%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $27,000; current economic growth rate, 6.9%; inflation, 1.0%; people with income below poverty rate, n.a.
LOCATION: Eastern Europe, northeast of Romania between Romania and Ukraine.
LAND USE: Arable land, 50%; permanent crop, 13%; pasture, 9%; other, 28%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Rolling steppe, sloping gradually toward the Black Sea.
WATER: information, not available
CLIMATE: Moderate winters, warm summers.
GOVERNMENT: republic. Transnisti, part of Moldova, has declared its independence. Disputes have not been settled as of 2004.
RELIGION: Eastern Orthodox, 98%
NATURAL RESOURCES: Lignite, phosphate, gypsum
WORLD TRADE: (2008) export, 4.8 bil. Import, 4.940 mil. Deficit, 3.1 bil.
OVERVIEW: Moldova is an agricultural country with good soil but few natural resources. It must therefore import most needs. It has a stable population. An international increasing demand for food products should improve the economic position of Moldova. Long-term prospects are cautiously optimistic. The increasing cost of petroleum has a serious effect on all agricultural economies. *
MONACO (Europe) .58 sq. miles
POPULATION: (2009) 33 Th. (2025) 33 Th. (2050) 33 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: not an issue.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 79.5 years.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate was estimated at 5.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. With 2125 physicians, dentists, and nurses, Monaco has the most physicians per capita in the world. The entire population has safe water and adequate sanitation.
CAPITOL: Monaco. The country is a city.
LANGUAGE: French
LITERACY: NA
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $27,000; current economic
growth rate, 6.9%. Inflation, 1.0%.
LOCATION: French Riviera.
TOPOGRAPHY: Mountain hillside
CLIMATE: Mediterranean
GOVERNMENT: King. He has no issue.
RELIGON: Roman Catholic
WORLD TRADE: No commercial exports, French economy.
OVERFVIEW: Popular resort and gambling casino. Its economy is that of France. Monaco will become a part of France if the royal line dies off. At present, unless the son of Prince Rainier, Prince Albert, has children, the country will revert to French rule. Prince Albert is unmarried as of 2004.*
MONGOLIA (Asia) 604,829 sq. miles
(Almost twice the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 3.0 mil. (2025) 3.7 mil. (2050) 4.3 mil.
POPULSYION GROWTH: 1.6%. Fertility rate per woman in 2000 was 2.6 children.
IFE EXECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was an estimated 64.5 years. 31%% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 4% of those over 65. .
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 53.3 deaths per 1,000 live births. All medical services are state run and free to population. As of 2004 there were about 600 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. In 2000, 60% of the population had access to safe drinking water and 30% had adequate sanitary facilities. At least 30% of children of school age had goiter. HIV-AIDS prevalence was less than 1 per 1,000 adults in 2009.
CAPITOL: Ulaanbaatar (Ub)
LANGUAGE: Khalkha Mongolian
LITERACY: (can read & write) NA
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates; per capita GDP, $2,200; current economic growth rate, 5.0%; inflation, 11.0%; people with income below poverty level, 33%.
LOCATION: Landlocked, East-Central Asia. It is the largest landlocked country in the world. It is bounded on the N. by former Soviet states, on the E. S., & W. by China
LAND USE: Arable land, 1%; pasture, 79%; forest, 10%; other, 10%.
TOPGRAPHY: It is essentially a vast plateau at an average elevation 5,180 feet. The MTR comprises an area in the extreme West where the peak of the Khuiten of the Mongolian Altay Mountains rises to a height of 14,350 feet. Other mountain ranges are along the Soviet border. The Southern part of the country is the Gobi Desert.
WATER: Annual precipitation ranges from 10 to 15 inches in the mountains and less than 5 in the Gobi.
CLIMATE: Mongolia has an arid continental climate with a wide seasonal range of temperatures. Winter temperatures will be below zero F in January and dry and without snows. Summers are dry & hot.
GOVERNMENT: Republic, Multiparty. One house legislature and President are elected. The Prime Minister is nominated by the President and approved by the Legislature.
RELIGION: predominately Tibetan Buddhist.
NATURAL RESOURCES: oil, copper, coal, molybdenum, tungsten, phosphate, zinc, wolfram, fluorspar, gold. Over a trillion dollars worth of natural recourses lie underground.. National Geographic, October 2011, “Ulaanbaatar ” pp11129/
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 524 mil. Import, 691 mil. Deficit, 167 mil.
OVERVIEW: The economy is based on agriculture and the extraction of minerals. The scattered population and a lack of good transportation seriously hamper economic growth. Anything beyond basic needs is imported. Early development was made with Soviet aid. Little aid is now received. Incursion by China would not be surprising.*
Half a million ex-herders live in gars around the capital. Over 8 million animals
were lost in the winter of 2009-10 from storms
MONTENEGRO (Europe) 5,333 square miles
(A little larger than Connecticut)
POPULATION: (2009) 672 Th. (2025) 635 Th. (2050) 578 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: Negative
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 74.73 years.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 7.4 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were an estimated 20 physicians per 100,000 people. HIV-AIDS prevalence was 0.2% of the adult population in 2003. Health services are available in adjacent countries.
CAPITAL: Podgorica
LANGUAGE: Serbian
LITERACY: (can read & write) Total population, over 95%.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $2.700; current economic growth rate, 5.l%; inflation, 1.0%. People with income below poverty rate, 30%.
LOCATION: SE Europe along the Adriatic Sea; It boarders Bosnia, Serbia, & Albania
LAND USE: No percentages are available.
TOPOGRAPHY: The country is mostly mountainous with a rugged coastline and offshore islands. The lowland is in the Zeta plain and the Zeta river valley.
WATER: annual precipitation varies from 22 to 45 inches
LAKE: Lake Scutari (Skadarsko Jjezero) is 150 sq. miles.
CLIMATE: Summers are hot and dry. Winters are cold with heavy snow inland.
GOVETRNMENT: The country separated from Serbia in 2006. The government is republican in format.
RELIGIONS: 74% are Serbian Orthodox; 17% are Muslim.
NATIONAL RESOURCES: forest, bentonite, ceramic clay, asbestos, fire clay, feldspar, magnesium, mica, kaolin and other minerals.
WORLD TRADE: The country is just establishing itself. So far imports exceed exports.
OVERVIEW: Until the country has fully established itself, the future is uncertain. An ageing population presents future problems. Its future will be closely tied to that of Bosnia and Serbia.*
\
MOROCCO (Africa) 172,414 sq. miles
(Larger than California)
POPULATION: (2009) 31 mil. (2025) 38 mil. (2050) 42 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.3%. Total fertility rate in 2000 was 2.6 children per woman. Contraception is acceptable.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 70.66 years.
40^ of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 5% was over 65.
HEALTH. Infant mortality in 2005 was 41.62 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004, there were 156 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was less than 1 per thousand adults.
CAPITOL: Rabat
LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), French is the common language of business.
LITERACY: can read & write) male, 61%; female, 38%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $4,300; economic growth rate, 1.8%; inflation, 2.1%; people with income below poverty level, 19%
LOCATION: N. Africa on Mediterranean Sea. It is located between Mauritania & Algeria.
LAND USE: Arable land, 18%; permanent crop, 1%; pasture, 28%; forest, 12%; other, desert, 41%. 4,000 sq miles are irrigated.
TOPOGRAPHY: Three regions: The fertile north coastal plain which also contains El Riff mountains of varying heights to 8,000 feet; the rich plateaus and lowlands lying between the thee parallel ranges of the rugged Atlas mountains, which extend from the Atlantic to the Algerian border; and the semiarid area in Southern & Eastern Morocco that merges into the Sahara.
MOUNTAINS: The Atlas Mountains with an average height of 11,00 feet include Mt. Ttoubkal (13,605 ft). South of the Atlas are the Ami-Atlas with volcanic Mt. Siroua (10,800 ft).
WATER: Rainfall in the northwest is between 30 & 40 inches. Half of all arable land receives less than14 inches.
CLIMATE: Casablanca in January ranges from 45 F. to 70 F., and in July it ranges from 65 F. to 79 F. Temperatures are moderate except in the semiarid South
. GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship. Hereditary constitutional monarchy. The King claims descent from Mohammed. He can sign edicts, make treaties. He can dismiss the legislature by referendum. The Western Sahara area has negotiated for independence.
RELIGION: Muslim, 98%. A new family law now gives male & female equal status.
NAATURAL RESOURCES: phosphates, lead, zinc, fishing, iron ore, manganese, salt
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 8.4 bil. Import, 12.7 bil. Deficit, 4.3 bil.
OVERVIEW: Among current problems are overgrazing, desertification and soil erosion. Overpopulation clouds the future of Morocco. World trade deficit is symptomatic of problems. On the plus side is the trend toward recognizing the rights of women and hopefully equal educational opportunities. Also, see ‘. 242, “Islam.)*
MOZAMBIQE (Africa) 309,4996 sq, mi.
(larger than Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 21.8 mil. (2025) 28.8 mil. (2050) 42.1 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.7%, doubtful with the high incidence of
AIDS.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was only 40.27 years.
44% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 3% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 130.79 deaths per 1,000 live births, one of the highest in the world. There were only about 24 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Less than half the people have access to health care except for native healers. Mozambique is almost entirely dependent on donations for its drug needs. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2008 was 12.50% of the adult population.
CAPITOL: Maputo
LANGUAGE: Portuguese (official), indigenous dialects
` LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 45%; female, 21%, one of the lowest in the world.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $1,300; economic growth rate, 7.0%; inflation, 7.8%; people with income below poverty rate, 70%.
LOCATION: On the SE coast of Africa opposite the island of Madagascar, it is North of the Union of South Africa.
LAND USE: Arable land, 4%; pasture, 56%; forest, 20%; other, 20%
TOPOGRAPHY: Mozambique is 44% coastal lowlands, rising to a plateau 600 to 2,000 feet elevation and, on the Western border, to a higher plateau of 1,800 to 3,000 feet with mountains reaching a height of nearly 8,000 feet.
RIVERS: Zambezi flows SE into the Indian Ocean; the Limpo in the south and the Lugenda in the north.
LAKE: Lake Nyssa (navigable)
WATER: The rainfall is greatest (56 in) over the western hills and the center and 16 to32 inches in the south.
CLIMATE: The climate is dictated by the wet & dry seasons. The wet season is humid and up to 84 F. and the dry is somewhat cooler.
GOVERNMENT: Multiparty republic in 1990. Prior to that it was a single party government with a President who had great authority.
RELIGION: indigenous beliefs, 60%; Christian, 30%; Muslim, 10%
NATURAL RESOURCES: coal, titanium
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 2.7 bil. Import, 3.5 bil. Deficit 800 mil.
OVERVIEW: It is a very poor country. It has failed to exploit its resources. Mozambique has suffered from drought for a number of years. This coupled with floods in the North, has required food and other relief necessary. HIV/Aids has grown to epidemic proportions to the extent of a shortage of workers for agriculture. AIDS epidemic has become a national catastrophe.*
MYANMAR (BURMA) (Asia) 261,228 sq. miles
(Slightly smaller than Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 48 mil. (2025) 53 mil. (2050) 54 mil. (World Almanac) The U.N projects 2025 with a population of 59 million.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) under 0.1%
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 60.7 years. In 2004,
29% of population was under 15 years of age and 5% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 63.56 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2000 there were 71 physicians, nurses, dentists and midwives per 100,000 people. Gastrointestinal diseases such as typhoid, cholera, & dysentery are prevalent. 60% of the population has access to safe drinking water and 46% to adequate sanitary facilities. HIV-AODS prevalence in 2003 was 3.2% of the adult population, est. 240,0000 in 2011. AIDS is now epidemic in Myanmar.
CAPITOL: Rangoon
LANGUAGE: Burmese, 80%. Ethnic minorities maintain their own tongues.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 89%; female, 72%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $1,600; inflation, 18.0%; people with income below poverty level, 25%
LOCATION: It shares boundaries on the N. & E. by China, on the E. by Laos, on the SE, by Thailand, on the W by India. The Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea are on the S. & W.
LAND USE: Arable land, 15%; permanent crops, 1%;’ pastures, 1%; forest, 49%; other, 34%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Mountains in N. &W.; (6,000 to 20,000 ft); Shan highlands in the E; (a deeply dissected plateau averaging 2,900 ft in elevation); central Burma, an area of intense cultivation bounded by Salwen R.; on East & Crawdad R. on the West, the fertile delta and lower valley of the Irrawaddy R.
WATER: Rain ranges up to 200 inches in upper Burma and up to 100 inches in lower Burma.
CLIMATE: Largely tropical climate with 3 seasons: Monsoon from June to mid October; the hot season, April & May and from October to November; and a cool season from December through March. Mountain areas are temperate. The country is subject to occasional destructive cyclones and typhoons. Cyclone “Nargis” killed about 200,000 people and rendered a million homeless.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship. Than Shwe has been in power since 1992. Socialist Republic but is actually a military dictatorship. See article in Appendix
RELIGION: Buddhism, 89%; Christian, 4%
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, natural gas, and many other metals
WORLD TRADE (2004) Export, 2.4 bil. Import, 2.1 bil. Surplus, 300 mil.
OVERVIEW: Burma is still isolationist and has not exploited its resources for export. Although the Military have taken steps to set up a popular government, it may take decades to become effective. The United States and the European Union have instituted tough sanctions, pending liberalization of the government. Health problems, especially AIDS need to be addressed. Chinese companies and government are exporting Burmese resources and oil to China without restraint.*
NAMIBIA (Africa) 318,261 sq. miles
(4/5 the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2005) 2.1 mil. (2025) 2.3 mil. (2050) 2.1 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Negative growth. The high death rate because of AIDS and other diseases now exceeds the birth rate.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 43.3 years.
40% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 4% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 48.98 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were about 202 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. More than 26% of children under 5 years of age are malnourished. Goiter is a common problem. In 2003, 213% of the adult population was HIV positive..
CAPITOL: Windhoek
LANGUAGE: English, common language, indigenous dialects
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 45%; female, 31%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $1,800; economic growth rate, 4.2%; inflation, 2.72%; people with income below poverty rate, 50%
LOCATION: W. Africa. It is located on the Atlantic S. of Angola and Zambia and by South Africa in the SSE.
LAND USE: Arable land, 1%; pastures, 64%; forest, 22%; other, 13%
TOPOGRAPHY: Namibia is largely a waterless elevated plateau suitable for arid grazing. The highest point is Mt. Konigstein at 8,550 ft. Along almost the entire coast there are sandy wastes and high reddish sand dunes. The coast area comprises the Namib Desert.
RIVERS: Zambezi in the SE; Kunene & Okavango in the North.
WATER: Rainfall averages over 20 inches in the far north, and from 1 to 6 inches in the south. The south could see several years without any rain.
CLIMATE: Namibia’s climate is the driest in Africa. The temperature is moderate. In the far north it is always warm.
GOVERNMENT: republic. President and Legislature are elected by direct ballot. The government exercises considerable control over the country, and has used its power to expropriate the holdings of white farmers.
RELIGION: Christian, 80% -90%. (50%, Lutheran)
NATURAL RESOURCES: diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, lead, lithium, tin, cadmium, zinc, salt, fish, suspected deposits of oil
WORLD TRADE: (2008) Export 6.3 bil. Import, 3.4 bil. surplus 2.9 bil.
OVERVIEW: Current concerns are desertification and very limited natural resources. Mining and processing of minerals is major export and 25% of GNP. Survival of the country will depend on the World Health Organization. Namibia can no longer survive without outside assistance. HIV-AIDS is a national disaster. Privatizing in 2010 strongly favored associates of the Junta. An election in 2010 barred almost all opposition. Dollar value of trade had quadrupled in 4 years since 2004 *
NAURU (Pacific I) 8 sq. miles
POPULATION: (2009) 14 Th. (2025) 18 Th. (2050) 22 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: Growth is over 1.3%. Half of the people are immigrant workers.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was estimated at 62.7 years. 41% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 2% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 9.93 deaths per 1,000 live births. There are two hospitals, one of which is for the phosphate workers and the other offers free service for the rest of the island. Patients needing special attention are flown to Australia. Main health problems are tuberculosis, leprosy, diabetes, and vitamin deficiencies. There are no reported cases of HIV-AAIDS.
CAPITOL: District of Yaren
LANGUAGE: Nauru an (official). English is widely spoken.
LITERACY: (can read & write) NA
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $5,000. Other information is not available.
LOCATION: Western Pacific. It is located between the Solomon and the Gilbert Island groups.
LAND USE: None is listed.
TOPOGRAPHY: It is one of the largest phosphate rock islands in the Pacific. It has no natural harbor or anchorage. A fertile belt encircles the island. Inland is a plateau about 200 feet high.
WATER: Average rainfall varies from year to year but averages about 18 inches. There are several brackish ponds and a small underground lake. For fresh water, rainfall must be collected. Fresh water is imported from Australia
CLIMATE: Temperatures remain steady between 75 & 91 degrees and humidity stays at about 80%.
GOVERNMENT: republic with president and parliament. A special provision protects the rights of non-citizens who include migrant workers.
RELIGION: Christian: 2/3 Protestant, 1/3 Catholic.
NATURAL RESOURCES: Virtually none. Export of phosphate is dwindling as deposits are virtually gone.
WORLD TRADE:(2004) Export, 18 mil. Import, 31 mil. Deficit, 13 mil
OVERVIEW: As phosphate deposits are depleted, alternative sources of export revenue are meager. The country receives aid from Australia and has applied for an increase. *
NEPAL 54,844 sq. miles
(Slightly smaller than Michigan)
POPULATION: (2009) 29 million. (2025) 37 million, (2050) 46 million
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.19%. Serious efforts need to be made to encourage birth control and family planning.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 62.7 years.
39% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 4% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 66.9 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were only 38 physicians, nurses and midwives per 100,000 people. Major diseases are encephalitis, black fever, cholera, amoebic dysentery, eye disease, typhoid and venereal diseases. About one in 200 is HIV positive. Nepal has a large number of drug addicts. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 0.50% of adults. Civil unrest complicat4es the function of health services.
CAPITOL: Kathmandu
LANGUAGE: Nepali is official language. 20 dialects are in common use.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 38%; female, 13%, among the lowest worldwide.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates, per capita GDP, $1,500; current economic growth rate, 2.5%; inflation, 2.4%; people with incomes below poverty level, 42%
LOCATION: A comparatively narrow strip of land dividing India from China
LAND USE: Arable land, 17%; pasture, 13%; forests, 33%; other (mountains), 37%.
TOPOGRAPHY: There are three main areas: Southern Nepal has many of the characteristics of India’s northern plain; a combination of cultivated land and dense jungle. The largest are is that formed by the Mahabharal, Churia, and Himalayan mountains rang extending from east to west. Mt. Everest is the highest mountain in Nepal. There are other noble peaks such as K-2. The third is a large valley between the Himalayan and the Mahabharal. The valley has fertile soil and temperate climate. At 12,000 feet severe winters are normal.
RIVERS: Rivers rising in the Himalayas are the Karnali, Garndak and Kosi.
WATER: Precipitation is about 60 inches.
CLIMATE: The valleys have moderate temperatures and the mountains have severe cold.
GOVERNMENT: Constitution was set up in 2006 and peace was made with the Maoists. The leader in 2010 is a Maoist although not a dictator.
RELIGION: Hindu, 90%; Buddhism, 7%
NATURAL RESOURCES: quartz, water, timber, hydroelectric potential, lignite, copper iron ore, scenic beauty
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 868 mil; Import, 3.2 bil. Deficit, 2.3 bil.
OVERVIEW: Nepal is one of the least developed countries in the world. Apart from timber, its natural resources and commercial potential have not been fully developed. Given the present unrest, the future is uncertain. Much of the country is threatened or under the control of rebel factions. The border between Nepal and India is virtually an open border. Most of financial aid is from India.*
NE THERLANDS (Europe) 10527 sq. miles
(Larger than New Hampshire)
POPULATION: (2009) 16.7 mil. (2025) 17.5 mil. (2050) 17.3 mil.
POPULATION STATUS: stable with little growth. Fertility rate in 2005 was 1.7 births per woman. There is some immigration of workers from Muslim countries.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 78.8 years.
19% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 14% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 5.04 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 1,700 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people. Most deaths were caused by cardiovascular diseases and cancer. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 0.2% of adult population.
CAPITOL: Amsterdam. Head of government The Hague
LANGUAGE: Dutch
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 99%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $30,500; current economic growth, 5.0%; inflation, 1.0%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: NE Europe on the North Sea between Belgium and Denmark with Germany to the SE.
LAND USE: Arable land, 26%; permanent crop, 1%; pasture, 32%; forest, 9%, other, 32%
TOPOGRAPHY: There are three geographic areas: the low-lying “polder” area reclaimed from the sea and lake (about 27% of the country). A long line of sand dunes protects other land from high tides. Higher land is alluvial sand and gravel soil. The lowest point is 22 ft below sea level and the highest is 1,025 feet above sea level.
RIVERS: Rhine River, Meuse River.
WATER: Annual rainfall is approximately 30 inches. Control of water is a major
concern.
CLIMATE: Cool summer & mild winters
GOVERNMENT: constitutional monarchy. Parliament is the active head of the government. The Monarch and the Council of Ministers constitute the executive branch.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 32%; Protestant, 25%. This may change because of the immigration of Turk, who are mainly Muslims.
NATURAL RESOURCES: natural gas, petroleum, fertile soil
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 253 bil. Import, 218 bil. Surplus, 35 bil.
OVERVIEW: highly developed and affluent economy. The government is struggling with the problem of integration of immigrant workers from Turkey. About half of the country is below sea level. A rise in ocean levels has a series overtone for the Netherlands. One of the most deadly floods in history involved the failure of the dike system.*
NEW ZEALAND (Pacific I) 104,454 sq. miles
(Smaller than Nevada)
POPULATION: (2009) 4.2 MI (2025) 4.8 mil. (2050) 5.1 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Population growth is 0.6%. It is expected to be nearly zero growth after 2025.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy at birth in 2005 was 78.8 years.
22% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age & 12% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 5.8 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were 1,070 physicians, horses and dentists per 100, 000 people inn 2004. 80% of all health costs are met by public sector. Major causes of death are cardiovascular and other diseases of an ageing populations. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was under 1 per thousand adults.
CAPITOL: Wellington
LANGUAGE: English with accent.
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 99%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates. Per capita GDP, $24,100; current economic growth rate, 2.5%; inflation, 3.0%; people with incomes below poverty rate, n.a.
LOCATION: Southern Pacific Ocean about 1,200 miles SE of Australia and between 35th and 50 degrees south latitude.
LAND USE: Arable land, 2%; pasture, 53%; forest, 38%; other (mountains), 7%.
TOPOGRAPHY: It extends almost a thousand miles North to South. The North Island is of volcanic origin. There are thermal areas and the highest mountain is Taranaki (8261 ft). Several mountains are still considered active volcanoes. The lowlands are mainly on the east and in the area nearest to the other island. The south island is the result of uplift and is significantly more mountainous with the range running almost the entire length of the island. Mt. Cook at 12,349 feet is the highest. The plains are east of the mountains with a narrow forested area on the west.
WATER: Precipitation West; of the far south ranges from 180 to 300 inches. Rainfall is heavy west of the mountains but is far less(as-20 inches) East of the coastal mountains.
CLIMATE: New Zealand has a temperate climate with marked variations in temperature and rainfall. Prevailing winds are westerly. Along the West coast is rain forest. The plains east of the mountains are relatively dry (under 30 inches of rainfall). Occasional tropical storms and hurricanes have been quite destructive.
GOVERNMENT: republic. The Governor General is appointed by the English Monarch. Parliament is based on the English system. New Zealand acts as an independent member of the Commonwealth.
RELIGION: Anglican, 24%; Other Protestant, 61% Roman Catholic, 15%,
NATURAL RESOURCES: natural gas, sand, hydropower, coal, gold, iron ore
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 15.8 bil. Import, 16.0 bil. Deficit, 200 mil.
Tourism is also a factor in the World Trade balance.
OVERVIEW: Its dependence on the British market has been minimized and it now has virtually a net zero balance of payment. Its economy has been industrialized to meets its needs. The effect of Global Warming has not been established.*
NICARAGUA (Latin Am.) 50,193 sq. miles
Smaller than Alabama)
POPULATION: (2009) 5.9 mil. (2025) 7.5 mil. (2050) 9.4 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Population growth is less than the average for Central America but is too high for a sustainable economy.
LIFE EXPECTAANCY: Life expectance in 2005 was 70.33 years.
42% of the population was under 15 years of age and 5% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2002 was 4.8 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004, there were about 271 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. Malnutrition and anemia are common. Polio, goiter and intestinal parasites are of concern. HIV-AIDS prevalence was 0.2% of the total population in 2009.
CAPITOL: Managua
LANGIAGE: Spanish (official), English, indigenous dialects
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 57%’ female. 58%, one of the lowest in
the Western Hemisphere.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $2,800; current economic growth rate, 3.5%; inflation, 10.0%; people with income below poverty level, 50%. LO OCATION: Central America, between the Pacific Ocean & the Caribbean Sea. It is basically triangular in shaped. The border with Honduras forms the NW leg; the border with Costa Rica forms the E. leg; and the Pacific Ocean forms the South leg. The Caribbean coast is a tiny strip in the North.
LAND USE: Arable land, 9%; permanent crop, 1%; pasture, 43%; forest, 35%; other (mountain), 12%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Nicaragua has a low, wet jungle area in the North, leading to a plateau, which makes up a third of the country. The plateau is broken by mountains that rise to 6,000 feet. The mountain form a broad band at the Honduras border and narrow to a point near Costa Rica. Managua is on the Pacific slope. Near the Pacific are two lakes at a low altitude; L. Managua drains into L. Nicaragua (45 mi by 20 mil) which drains through the San Juan River into the Pacific. Nicaragua has active volcanoes and is in an earthquake zone. In 1976 an earthquake destroyed much of the city of Managua and killed 10,000 people. A major volcanic eruption of Como Megra occurred in 1968.
WATER: Pacific coast averages 80 inches of rainfall. Managua received 40 inches. Areas near the Caribbean have from 120 to 250 inches of rainfall.
CLIMATE: The climate is warm & humid with the central highlands somewhat more comfortable.
GOVERNMENT: republic. Presidents’ names are picked by the voters who add them to the ballot. There is a parliament and judiciary. The Constitution is fully operational.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 95%
NATURAL RESOURCES: gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 632 mil. Import, 1,658 mil. Deficit, 1,026 mil.
OVERVIEW: Nicaragua depends on substantial aid from abroad. Its continued population growth will eventually stretch its need for further aid beyond the resources now available. *
NIGER (Africa) 489,191 sq miles
(Almost twice the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 15.3 mil (2025) 27.0 mil. (2050) 55.3 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Population growth is beyond supportable rates. Fertility rate in 2002 was 7.5 live births per woman who lived past 45 years. I believe current projections are far beyond reality.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 43.50 years.
40% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 4% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 119.69 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 32 physicians, nurses and midwives per 100,000 people. About 50% of the people had access to safe drinking water. Immunization rates for children under 1 year were less than half the norm for other countries. Common diseases were measles, guinea worm, leprosy, and deaths from diarrheal diseases. HIV0-AIIDS prevalence in 2003 was 1.2% of adult population. Health services are limited to cities. The size of the country makes it difficult to serve smaller communities.
CAPITOL: Niamey
LANGUAGE: French (official) local dialects
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 19%; female, 9%. Elementary schools are being organized in many areas. This is probably the lowest literacy rate in the world.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $900; current economic growth rate 3.5%; inflation, 2.0%; people with incomes below poverty level, 63%.
LOCATION: A landlocked country in W. Africa. It is S of Libya; W of Chad; N of Nigeria; NE of Benin, Burkina Faso, & Algeria
LAND USE: arable land, 3%; pastures, 7%; forest, 2%; other, (desert), 88%.
TOPOGRAPHY: It is 4/5 desert, much of which is uninhabitable. The rest is savannah and suitable for livestock. In the north central is the volcanic Aif Massif. Altitudes range from 1,000 to 2,600 feet below the mountains.
RIVERS: The Niger flows for 350 miles through SW Niger.
LAKES: a portion of Lake Chad extends into SE Niger.
WATER: Rainfall in the savannah is about 10 inches. At Niamey, in the southern Sahel, it averages 23 inches.
CLIMATE: mostly hot, dry, dusty
GOVERNMENT: republic. It is the Fifth Republic, begun in 1999. Raiders have attacked civilian areas of the East. The government has restricted the activities of reporters.
RELIGION: Muslim, 88%, balance indigenous beliefs
NATURAL RESOURCES; uranium, iron ore, coal, tin, phosphates
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 280 mil. Import, 400 mil. Deficit 120 mil.
OVERVIEW: a basket case. The continuing advance of the Sahara makes the future even more desolate. Great distance complicates the treatment of disease and the development of education and health systems..*
NIGERIA (Africa) 356,609 sq miles
(A third larger than Texas)
POOPULATION: (2009) 149 mil. (2025) 197 mil. (2050) 264 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Population growth is 3.54%. Internal strife has made it impossible to address the problem of growth. Fertility rate in 2003 was 5.3 children per woman. Population growth will be affected by the AIDS epidemic.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 46.74 years. In 2004,
43% of the people were under 15 years of age and 3% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 98.80 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 95 physicians, nurses, and dentists per 100,000 people. About 57% of the people have safe drinking water. About 46% of all children under 5 suffer from malnutrition. Nearly 15% of all children die before their 15th birthday. Major causes of illness & death are schistosomiasis, yaws, guinea worm, sleeping sickness; HIV-AIDS prevalence was 5.40% of the adult population in 2003. Many areas are without health services.
CAPITOL: Niamey
LANGUAGE. French (official), Hausa,
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 62%; female, 40%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $1,000; current economic growth rate, 5.2%; inflation, 13.3%; people with incomes below poverty level, 60%.
LOCATION: It is located on the extreme inner corner of the Gulf of Guinea on the West coast of Africa with a 650-mile coastline. It is SW of Chad, W of Cameroon, & SE of Niger.
LAND USE: Arable land, 31%, permanent crops, 3%; pastures, 23%; forests, 15%; other, 28%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The entire coast is lined from 10 to 60 miles with mangrove swamp forest. Above that is tropical rain forest. The land rises to a plateau at 2,000 feet. Beyond the plateau are mountains and the vegetation changes to savannah. Large areas in the E & NE are arid.
RIVERS: Niger River enters Nigeria from NW, flowing SE and joining its principal tributary, the Benue at Lokoja, about 349 miles from thee sea. It then flows S to the delta on the Atlantic.
WATER: Rainfall varies from about 70 inches to about 170. Rainfall decreases to about 50 inches inland. Rainfall is under 20 inches in the arid areas of the NE.
CLIMATE: There are wide climate changes from the tropical coast, with high humidity and few season changes, to the inland with distinct seasons. In the dry season temperatures reach 100 F. but nights are cool.
GOVERNMENT: republic. The Constitution was established in 1999. Democracy has been threatened by civil unrest and a number of clashes with armed protesters.
RELIGION: Muslim, 50%; Christian, 40%. Religious violence caused the deaths of hundreds in 2004.
NATURAL RESOURCES: uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, petroleum
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 21.8 bil. Import, 14.5 bil. Surplus, 7.3 bil.
OVERVIEW: The favorable balance of trade has not benefited the general population. The population increase and AIDS epidemic further threaten chaos.. *
NORWAY (Europe) 149,151 sq. miles
(Larger than Montana)
POPULATION: (2009) 4.7 mil. (2025) 4.9 mil. (2050) 4.9 mil.
POPULATION GROOWTH: Population growth is not significant except in dealing with an ageing population.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 79.40 years.
20% of the people in 2004 were under 15 years of age and 15% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 3.70 deaths per 1,000 live births, one of the lowest in the world. In 2004 there were 356 physicians and 2,005 nurses per 100,000 people. Heart disease is the major cause of death. HIV-AIDS prevalence was less than 1 in 1,000 adults.
CAPITOL: Oslo
LANGUAGE: Norwegian, closely related to Swedish & Danish
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 99%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $42,400; current economic growth rate, 3.8%; inflation, 2.7%, people with incomes below poverty level, n.a. Income is among the highest, internationally.
LOCATION: Northern Europe on the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Almost one-third of the country is N of the Arctic Circle.
LAND USE: Arable land, 3%; forests, 27%; other, 70%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Norway is formed from some of oldest rocks in the world. It is mainly mountainous with high plateau in the SW and a low plain in the SE where Oslo is located.
WATER: Eastern valleys have less than 12 inches of rainfall. On the coast, rainfall ranges up to 130 inches.
CLIMATE: The coast benefits from the Gulf Stream and weather is temperate with few days over 80 and winters are snowy but not frigid. In valleys over the mountains the weather is more severe and some mountains have permanent snow cover. Much of the land above the Arctic Circle has severe weather.
GOVERNMENT: constitutional monarchy. The King has only the power of assent.
RELIGION: Evangelical Lutheran, 87%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, natural gas, copper, nickel, timber, hydropower. Petroleum sources are offshore and are well developed. Production will go down within a few years, with a major impact on GDP.
WORLD TRADE: (2005) export, 67.3 bil. Import, 40.3 bil. Surplus, 27.0 bil.
OVERVIEW: Norway has a mixed economy with both government and private enterprise. The population is stable and the near future is secure. Some have voiced the fear that the preponderance of ageing people will seriously affect the country in the future. The effect of Global Warming is not yet clear. The benefits to the people of the high petroleum revenues have not been indicated.*
OMAN (Middle E.) 119,499 sq. miles
(Sultanate of Oman)
(The same size as New Mexico)
POPULATION: (2009) 3.4 mil. (2025) 5.3 mil. (2050) 8.3 mil. (World
Almanac) U.N estimate is 2.45 million.
POPULATION GROWHT: Population growth is nearly 2.6%. Active efforts to control this growth need to be instituted now. Some of the population growth can be attributed to immigration and workers from other countries.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 73 years.
33% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age & 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality was 15 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2005. There were about 336 physicians, dentists, & nurses per 100,000 people in 2004. About 12% of children under 5 were malnourished. 10% of school age children had goiter. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was less than 1 in 1,000 adults.
CAPITOL: Muscat
LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), English
LITERACY: (can read & write) NA
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimat3es) per capita GDP, $13,400; current economic growth rate, 1.9%; inflation, 0.4%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Second largest country on Arabian Peninsula. It occupies the end of the peninsula. Its borders are with Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Sea
LAND USE: Arable land is under 2%; pastures, 5%; Desert, 93%
TOPOGRAPHY: Most of the coastline is barren & forbidding. The area near Salalah is a fertile semicircle. Back of the coast the land rises to mountains that rise to 10,000 feet. The land of the plateau is barren, rocky and dry. Beyond is the Empty Quarter of the Arabian Desert.
WATER: Rainfall in Muscat averages 4 inches a year. Dhofar, subject to monsoon, receives up to 25 inches. The mountains receive more plentiful rainfall; much of the desert area may receive no rainfall at all.
CLIMATGE: Hot and dry and may go to 129 F in July.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship by the monarchy. All citizens have the right to vote for members of a legislature except armed forces and security forces. The legislature has limited powers to pass laws which must be approved by the Monarch.
RELIGION: Ibadhi Muslim, 75%; other Muslim faiths
NATURAL RESOUR SES: Petroleum, Natural Gas
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 11.7 bil. Import, 5.7 bil. Surplus, 6.1 bil.
OVERVIEW: Economy is based on petroleum. . Oman is investing heavily in other countries. The future is uncertain as petroleum runs out.*
PAKISTAN (As8a) 307,374 sq. miles
(A fourth larger than Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 175 mil. (2025) 218 mil. (2050) 276 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Population growth rate estimated between 1.6% & 2.4%. A National policy of family planning needs to be instituted.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 63 years.
42% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years; of age and 4% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 72 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were about 110 physicians, dentists & nurses per 100,000 people in 2004. Malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy, intestinal diseases, venereal diseases and skin disease remain major problems. 36% of all children under 5 were considered malnourished. 40 of every hundred school children were affected by goiter. HIV-AIDS prevalence was under 1 per thousand adults in 2003.
CAPITOL: Islamabad
LANGUAGE: Urdu (official), English (official)
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 47%; female, 21%.
INCOME: (2005 C.I.A. estimates) per capita GDP, $2,400; current economic growth rate, 8.4%; inflation, 9.4%; people with income below poverty level, 32%
LOCATION: Southern Asia with long coastline on Arabian Sea. It is bounded on the W. by Iran & Afghanistan, on the NE by China, and on the E by India.
LAND USE: arable land, 23%; pasture, 6%; forest, 4%; other (desert, arid, and mountains), 67%
TOPOGRAPHY: 2/3 of Pakistan is arid or semiarid. The West is dominated by the Baluchistan plateau which consisting of arid plains & ridges. The arid South stops near the coast. To the North, the Sulainan extends to the Indus plains. In the North the forest clad hills give way to mountains include several Himalayan ranges. Southward the Punjab plains support 60% of the population. The country is subject to major earthquakes.
RIVERS: Indus R. rises in Tibet, North of the Himalayan Mountains. The river and valley are vital to irrigation and agriculture in Pakistan.
WATER: Rainfall is about 15 inches in the river basin & up to 100 inches in the North. There is very little rain in the desert areas.
CLIMATE: The climate is hot and dry in the South with temperatures sometimes reaching 120 F. The North is cooler, depending on the altitude.
GOVERNMENT: It is a republic in name.. Application of Islamic Law.
RELIGION: Muslim, 97%, mainly Sunni.
NATURAL RESOURCES: iron ore, copper, salt, low quality coal, limited petroleum & natural gas,
WORLD TRADE: (2008) Export, 21.97 bil. Import, 38.35 bil. Deficit, 16.4 bil..
OVERVIEW: the future of Pakistan will likely be as turbulent as the past. Population growth is excessive; the country has too little irrigated land and that is in dispute. Terrorism, border disputes, and millions of refugees all handicap the government. The floods of 2010 have inundated 1/5 of the country. The civilian leadership has a shaky future. “Pakistan lets its generals take over again” Newsweek, 8/13/2010*
PALAU (Pacific I.) 177 sq. miles
(1/7 the size of Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 21 Th. (2025) 22 Th. (2050) 23 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: Population growth is 0.9%. It rose from 17 thousand to over 20 in ten years. It is a matter of concern, especially on coral islands, which have a very low profile and are seriously affected as the ocean rises, as is forecasted.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy at birth was 70 years in 2005.
24% of population in 2005 was under 15; years of age and 5% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 14.8 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were about 261 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Health concerns were not listed. HIV-AIDS prevalence is nearly zero.
CAPITOL: Koror
LANGUAGE: English
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 99%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $9,000; current economic growth rate, 1.0%; inflation, 3.4%. People with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Western extremities of the Pacific Ocean about 400 miles E of New Guinea. It is the Palau group in the Caroline Islands.
LAND USE: Percentages are not available
TOPOGRAPJHY: The Islands are of 4 types of topographical formation: volcanic, high limestone, low platform, and coral atolls. A barrier reef encloses the group except Angaur, which is far to the South. There are mangrove swamps, savannah lands and rain forests.
WATER: up to 150 inches of precipitation.
CLIMATE: Maritime tropical with little seasonal change. Daytime temperatures rarely exceed 82 F.
GOVERNMENT: self-governing territory in association with U.S.
RELIGION: Christian
NATURAL RESOURCES: forests, gold, marine products
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 18 mil. Import, 90 mil. Deficit, 72 mil.
OVERVIEW: Economy is fishing and subsistence farming. Major employer is the government. The country relies heavily on the U.S. for financial assistance. The government of Palau is actively working on the development of alternate energy and tourism. It has also recognized Taiwan as a viable independent country.*
PANAMA (Latin A) 29,155 sq. miles
(Smaller than Maine)
POPULATION: (2009) 3.7 mil. (2025) 4.1 mil. (2050) 4.9 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Population growth, 1.3%. It is too high for 21st century.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in2005 was 70 years.
In 2005 29% of the population was under 15 years of age and 6% was over 675.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 16.73 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were about 370 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. About 18% of children under 5 suffer from malnutrition. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 1/0% of population. It needs to be treated as an epidemic.
CAPITOL: Panama City
LANGUAGE: Spanish, several local dialects, English
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 89%; female, 88%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) est. capita GDP, $7,300; current growth rate, 4.3%; inflation, 2.5%; people with incomes below poverty level, 37%.
LOCATION: Southernmost Central American country. It straddles the peninsula with the Pacific Ocean to the South and the Caribbean See to the North. Columbia is SE and Dominica is NW.
LAND USE: Arable land, 6%; Permanent crops, 2^; pastures, 15%; forest, 54%; other, 23%.
TOPOGRAPHY: heavily forested hills and mountains. Two ranges of mountains parallel the coasts, and culminating in the Baru volcano (11,401 ft)
WATER: Rainfall is 79 inches in Panama City and 129 inches in Colon.
CLIMATE: Panama is tropical but temperatures vary considerably according to location & altitude.
GOVERNMENT: republic. Corruption in prior administrations was addressed and the Constitution is under revision.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 85%
NATURAL RESOURCES: copper, mahogany, shrimp, and the Panama Canal.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 5.23 bil. Import, 6.62 bil. Deficit, 1.39 biI Income from the Panama Canal and tourism are an important in the economy.
OVERVIEW: Economy depends heavily on tourism, payments for Canal use, and some aid from U.S.*
PAPUA NEW GUINEA (Pacific Is.) 178,704 sq. miles
(1/7 Larger than California)
POPULATION: (2009) 5.9 MIL (2025) 7.8 MIL (2050) 10.1 MIL.
POPULATION GROWTH: Population growth: 1.7%. In this society, which is part urban and part mixed and tribal, the problem can best be dealt with in urban areas. Religious leaders will need to participate in any family planning in tribal areas.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 63 years.
40% of population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 2% was over 65.
HEALTH: The infant mortality in 2005 was 52 deaths per thousand live births. There were about 60 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people. About half the children have received shots for tetanus, polio and other infectious diseases. The main health problems are malaria, tuberculosis, and venereal diseases. Papua has the highest rate of positive HIV in the Pacific area at 1.5% of total population in 2009.
CAPITOL: Port Moresby
LANGUAGE: English, Pidgin English, local dialects.
LITERACH: (can read & write) male, 65%; female, 38%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $2,400; current economic growth rate, 1.1%; inflation, 1.7%; people with income below poverty level 37%. Hundreds of dialects complicate educational efforts.
LOCATION: North of Australia. It is the Eastern half of the Island of New Guinea.
LAND USE: permanent crop, 1%; forest, 71%; other, 28%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The Owen Stanley Ranges is the Eastern terminus of a range that extends west to Java. Active and recently active volcanoes are a prominent feature of New Guinea. A second range of mountains runs along the N. coast parallel to the Owen Stanley Range. In the lowlands there are many swamps and flood plains.
MOUNTAIN: Mt. Wilhelm (15,436 ft)
RIVERS: Sepek & the Fly, which is navigable for 500 miles.
WATER: Rainfall varies from 40 inches at Port Moresby to as much as 300 inches in spots on the N. slope of the coast range.
CLIMATE: Temperatures are chiefly according to altitude with sea level temperatures about 90 F. in the daytime. Relative humidity is stable at 80% in much of the lowland
GOVERNMENT: Parliamentary Democracy. As a former Australian territory, Papua continues to have close ties. Its form of government is patterned after that of Australia.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 22%; Balance is of various Protestant denominations & indigenous beliefs.
NATURAL RESOUCES: Natural gas, oil, potash, timber, gold, copper.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 1,938 mil. Import, 967 mil. Surplus, 971 mil.
OVERVIEW: Exploitation of natural resources has been slow. “Population is made up of several hundred ethnic groups. It has an extremely high rate of domestic violence and violence against women. “Doctors Without Borders
There are very few all-weather roads and development is slow to come.* .
PARAGUAY (Latin Am.) 157,046 sq. miles
(Slightly larger than California)
POPULATION: (2009) 7.0 mil. (2025) 9.9 mil. (2050) 14.6 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Population Growth: 2.01%. Rate of growth is alarmingly high. Over 50% of married women now use contraceptives. Population growth may well be less than expected.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 74.89 years.
In 2004 32% of the population was under 15 years of age and 4% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 25.63 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2005, there were approximately 173 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Principal causes of death are dysentery and other intestinal diseases, heart disease, pneumonia, and cancer. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was 0.6% of total population. The disease needs to be treated as an epidemic.
CAPITOL: Asuncion
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 92%; female, 88%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $4,900; current annual economic growth, 3.5%; inflation, 7.3%; people with annual income below poverty level, 35%.
LANGUAGE: Spanish
LOCATION: Central South America, borders with Argentina, Bolivia & Brazil
LAND USE: Arable land, 20%; permanent crop, 1%; pasture, 39%; forest, 35%; other, 5%.
TOPOGRAPHY: grassy plains & wooded hills E of Rio Paraguay mostly low plains and marshes W of Rio Paraguay; elsewhere the land is dry, thorny scrubland.
RIVER: Rio Paraguay
WATER: Inadequate in the far West. And up to 60 inches in the East..
CLIMATE: It varies from temperate in the East to semiarid in the West.
GOVERNMENT; Republic The Constitution of 1967 is still in force. There are two bodies of the Legislature. The President has the same powers as the President of the U.S. Prior administrations have been charged with corruption, and cronyism.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 90%
NATURAL RESOURCES: hydropower, iron ore, timber, manganese, limestone
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 2,727 mil. Import, 2,770 mil. Deficit, 43 mil.
OVERVIEW: Paraguay possesses a large hydropower potential but lacks natural resources. Agriculture is major source of export revenue. It is doubtful if the country can expand its economy at a rate to accommodate its increase in population. *
PERU (Latin A) 496,225 sq. miles
(1.86 times the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 29.5 mil (2025) 34.5 mil. (2050) 38.6 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Population growth, 1.0%, It is marginally high. In 2000, 69% of married women used contraceptives. Above estimate of population growth may be high.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 69.53 years.
32% of the population in 2005 were under 15 years of age and 5% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was about 31.94 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2003, there were about 193 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. About 77% of the people have access to safe drinking water. Leading causes of death include acute respiratory infections, intestinal infectious diseases, circulatory system and cardiovascular diseases, and tuberculosis. HIVB-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was 0.5% of total population, to be treated as an epidemic.
CAPITOL: Lima
LANGUAGE: Spanish (official), Quechual (official)
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 92%; female, 74%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $6,000; current annual economic growth, 5.0%; inflation, 2.7%; people with annual income below poverty level, 50%.
LOCATION: On the Pacific coast of South America between Chile & Ecuador. Bolivia, Brazil and Columbia are to the East.
LAND USE: Arable land, 3%; pastures, 21%; forests, 55%; other (mountains), 21%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Western coastal plain; Andes mountains and low, forested plains to the East. Lowland jungle of the upper Amazon
RIVERS: Amazon River. Amazon River is navigable in Eastern Peru.
WATER; Rainfall varies from 2 inches along the W coast to over a hundred inches in the rainforest E of the Andes.
CLIMATE: desert in West; temperate in East
GOVERNMENT: republic with a Senate and a Chamber of Deputies. The administration has been under considerable strain in attempting to deal with political and social problems.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic
NATURAL RESOURCES: copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal, phosphate, and potash
WORLD TRADE:(2004) export, 8,954 mil. Import, 8,244 mil. Surplus, 710 mil.
OVERVIEW: There is a necessity for family planning. The country is economically underdeveloped and the educational system needs updating. The current government needs time to develop the infrastructure. Cooperation by the Church is important.*
PHILLIPINES (Asia) 115,831 sq. mi. (slightly larger than Nevada)
Leyte 2,785 sq mi Mindoro 3,759 sq. miles
Luzon 40,814 sq mi Negros 4,905 sq. miles
Mindnao 36,900 sq mi Samar 4,046 sq. miles
POPULATION: (2009) 98 mi (2025) 129 mil (2050) 192 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Population Growth is more than economy can comfortably support. This is especially evident in Metropolitan Manila with 10,000,000 population and inadequate water, electric, and sewerage systems.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 69.9 years.
355% of the population was under 15 years of age in 2005 and 4% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate was 23.5 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2005. In 2004 there were approximately 815 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people.. Tuberculosis, pneumonia and bronchitis are prevalent. Malnutrition is a continuing problem. 36% of children under 5 are considered malnourished. . Heart disease is #3 cause of death in the country. HIV-AIDS in 2003 was less than 1 per thousand adults.
CAPITOL: Manila
LANGUAGE: Philipino (official) based on Tagalog, English (official)
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 94%; female, 93%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $5,100; current economic growth rate, 1.0%; inflation, 3.4%; people with annual income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Pacific Ocean, S. of Taiwan, and W. of Malaysia
LAND USE: Arable land, 26%; permanent crop, 11%; pasture, 4%; forest, 40%; other, 19%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Most of the large islands have volcanic cores with plateaus and lowlands. The volcanoes form a part of the “Ring of Fire” which encircles the Pacific. A number of the volcanoes are active. Coastal strips are generally narrow except for a large plain in Luzon.
MOUNTAINS: Mt. Pulog (Luzon) 9,600 ft; Mt. Ape (Mindanao) 9,692 ft. Mt Pinatuba (Luzon); which is an active volcano.
WATER: Rainfall exceeds 100 inches.
CLIMATE: The Philippine Islands have a maritime tropical climate except in the higher mountains. Temperatures range from 70 to 80 F. in January and from 75 to 85 F. in July. Violent tropical storms are frequent in the Philippine Islands.
GOVERNMENT: republic. Constitution of 1982 provides for a popularly elected President who serves for a term of 6 years and is eligible for reelection once. The bicameral legislature requires all senators to be native-born Philipino.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 83%; Protestant, 9%; Muslim, 5%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, and copper
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 34.5 bil. Import, 35.9 bil. Deficit, 1.4 bil
OVERVIEW: Overpopulation is already hampering the economy. Manila is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. There is not sufficient energy. The government is hampered by inefficiency and corruption.*
POLAND (Europe) 124,808 sq. miles
(Larger than New Mexico)
POPULATION: (2009) 38.5 mil. (2025) 37.6 mil (2050) 32.13 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Population Growth: negative, and soon needs to deal with problem of an ageing population.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 74.74 years.
In 2005, 17% of the population was under 15 and 13% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 7.36 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were about 740 physicians, nurses, and dentists per 100,000 people. Tuberculosis continues to spread. Major causes of death are accidents and diseases of the elderly. HIV-AIDS is relatively uncommon.
CAPITOL: Warsaw
LANGUAGE: Polish
LITERACY: (can read and write) male, 99%; female, 98%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $12,000; current economic growth rate, 3.5%; inflation, 2.1%; people with income below poverty level, 17%.
LOCATION: Central Europe east of Germany with a Baltic seaport. Land boundaries: Germany, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Russia.
LAND USE: Arable land, 46%; permanent crop, 1%; pasture, 13%; forest, 28%; other, 12%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Poland is on a plain. 75% of Poland is less than 676 feet above sea level. The land gradually rises to the Tatra. Mountains. The highest elevation is Mt. Rysy at 8,199 ft. on the Czech border. The Baltic highland, in the North was a glaciated region. There are some 9,300 lakes in the northern lake region. The Southern uplands are marked by rich loam and mineral deposits.
RIVERS: Oder, Nisse, & Vistula
WATER: Rainfall ranges from 20 in. in the lowlands to 55 in. in the uplands
CLIMATE: Poland has low humidity except in the South. Summers are cool and winters range from moderately cool to cold.
GOVERNMENT: republic. Poland joined the European Union in 2004
RELGION: Roman Catholic, 95% (active, 75%)
NATURAL RESOURCES: coal, copper, sulfur, natural gas, silver, lead, & salt.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 57 bil. Import, 63 bil. Deficit, 6 bil.
OVERVIEW: Poland has modernized and reduced pollution levels in its industrial cities to a marked degree. The change to a market economy has been difficult. The people are hard working and the economy continues to improve. *
PORTUGAL (Europe) 35,514 sq miles
(Slightly larger than Maine)
POPULATION: (2009) 10.7 mil. (2025) 10.8 mil. (2050) 9.9 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Population static, with low birth rate.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 77.53 years.
In 2005, 16% of the population was under 15 years of age and17% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2,000 was 5.05 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 742 physicians, nurses, and dentists per 100,000 people. Leading natural causes of death are circulatory diseases, cancer, and respiratory diseases. HIV-AIDS prevalence was 0.5%, of population in 2009, higher than many European countries.
CAPITOL: Lisbon
LANGUAGE: Portuguese, similar to Spanish.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 89%; female, 82%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $18,200; current economic growth, 0.7%; inflation, 2.4%; people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: SW Europe on the W part of Iberian Peninsula E shore of N. Atlantic. It shares a common border with Spain.
LAND USE: Arable land, 32%; permanent crop, 6%; pastures, 6%; forest, 40%; other, 16%.
TOPOGRAPHY: South of the Tagus, there are lowlands along the sea. North of the Tagus the land rises steeply. Highlands generally have a broken pattern and the highest mountain is less than 5,000 ft.
RIVERS: Tagus. All the larger rivers have their source in Spain.
WATER: Rainfall in the N. is 50-60 inches and in the S it tapers down to 20 inches.
CLIMATE: The climate in the North has cool summers and cool, rainy winters with an occasional snowfall. In the south the air is hot and very dry, and winters are mild.
GOVERNMENT: republic. Constitution was amended to join the European Union.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 97%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: tungsten, iron ore, uranium ore, cork, & timber
WORLDTRADE: (2004) Export, 31.1 bil. Import, 43.7 bil. Deficit, 12.6 bil.
OVERVIEW: Portugal has a strong dependence on fishing. The decline of Cod stocks in the Atlantic has affected both the economy and the diet of the people. An ambitious modernizing program was begun in the 1990’s. The current deficit in World Trade is not encouraging. The Government is deeply in debt because of entitlements and inadequate taxation. Entitlement programs for ageing population have created a serious fiscal situation.*
QATAR (Middle E.) 4,247 sq. miles
(Smaller than Connecticut)
POPULATION: (2009) 833 Th. (2025) 938 Th., (2050) 1.142 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Population Growth, 1.5%
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 73.6 years.
25% of the population in 2005was under 15 and 2% was over 65%
HEALTH: Infant mortality was 18.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2003. There were about 720 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. Free public health is extended to all residents. No major health problems were listed. HIV-AIDS prevalence statistics was not available.
CAPITOL: Doha
LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), English
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 77%; female, 72%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) $26,000; current annual economic growth, 8.8%; inflation, 7.89%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: It is on the Arabian Peninsula and the Persian Gulf. It shares a common border with Saudi Arabia. The country is roughly 40 miles by 100 miles.
LAND USE: Arable land, none; pastures, 5%; desert, 95%
TOPOGRAPHY: The land is generally flat and rises gradually to a plateau, which ends at the base of low cliffs. Geologists believe this was formerly an island.
WATER: Rainfall is minimal. 5% of the country receives more than 10 inches of rainfall per year.
CLIMATE: Summers are extremely hot with temperatures rising to an average of 108 F dropping to 59 F. in winter
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship by traditional monarchy modified by a constitution of 2004 in which 2/3 of a legislature would be chosen by the people and 1/3 by the Emir.
RELIGION: Muslim, 95%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, natural gas, fish
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 12.3 bil. Import, 5.7 bil. Surplus, 6,6 bil.
OVERVIEW: It depends on imports for all necessities. The question is how long will the supply of petroleum resources continue to support the economy. The government has invested a large part of annual surplus in bonds and companies located in Europe and the U.S. *
ROMANIA (Europe) 92,043 sq miles
(Smaller than Oregon)
POPULATION: (2009) 22.2 mil. (2025) 21.2 mil. (2050) 18.7 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: negative. Total fertility rate in 2004 was 1.3 children per woman.
CAPITOL: Bucharest
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 71.35 years.
In 2005, 16% of the population was under 15 years of age and 14% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 15.39 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 614 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Leading causes of death were cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases. HIV-AIDS prevalence was under 0.1%. of adults in 2009.
LANGUAGE: Romanian, Hungarian, and German.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 98%; female, 95%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $10,700; current annual economic growth, 3.75%; inflation, 8.7%; people with annual income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Eastern Europe. It is S. of Ukraine, W of Moldova & N of
Bulgaria.
LAND USE: Arable land, 43%; permanent crop, 3%; pastures, 19%; forests, 28%; other, 7%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The land is divided by a central mountain barrier the Carpathians which swing southward and then westward into the Transylvanian Alps. The highest peaks are over 8,300 feet. The land has plateaus divided by river valleys. The country is in an earthquake zone. Two major earthquakes have occurred since 1948.
RIVERS: Danube, Mores, and Somas
WATER: Rainfall is 40 to 50 inches in the mountains and tapers off to about 15 inches in the Danube delta.
CLIMATE: Winter temperatures are about 32 F and summer temperatures are about 75 F.
GOVERNMENT: republic. The constitution was amended in 1991 to allow for a multiparty system. Romania joined NATO in 2004.
RELIGION: Romanian Orthodox, 70%
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, timber, natural gas, coal, & iron ore
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 17.6 bil. Import, 22.2 bil. Deficit, 4.6 bil.
OVERVIEW: Romania had many adjustments to make from dictatorship and communist economic system. The current system still has a negative balance of payments. An ageing and declining population will require considerable adjustment in the economy.*
RUSSIA (Europe & ASIA) 6,592,741 sq. miles
(Former the dominant Soviet State)
(Nearly twice the size of the U.S.P
POPULATION: (2009) 140 mil. (2025) 128 mil (2050) 109 mi
POPULATION DECLINE: Population Decline: under 1%. Total fertility rate for women in 2003 was 1.3 children.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectance was 67.10 in 2003.
In 2005, 16% of the population was under 15 years of age and 13% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2003 was 15.39 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 1230 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Deaths from injuries and suicide are comparatively high. Alcoholism is one of the highest in the world with attendant health problems. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 200f9 was 1.10% of population. epidemic.
CAPITOL: Moscow
LANGUAGES: Russian, many dialects and local languages
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 100%; female, 97%, not verifiable.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP; $10,700; current annual economic growth, 5.9%; inflation, 12.7%; people with incomes below poverty level, 17%.
LOCATION: Eastern Europe and all of northern Asia. It is E of All E European
countries.
LAND USE: Arable land, 8%; pasture, 5%; forests, 45%; other, 42%.
TOPOGRAPHIY: Plains in the West, Ural Mountains, E and N of the Urals are steppes, tundra, volcanic mountains in Pacific NE.
WATER: European subcontinent is temperate with up to 30 inches of rainfall. Much of the Asian subcontinent is relatively dry. Irrigated land, 56,000 sq kilometers (21,616 sq. miles).
CLIMATE: European subcontinent is moderate in summer and cold in winter with little sunlight. Asian subcontinent has variable climate. The North is very cold in winter with permafrost in much of the North.
GOVERNMENT: (Dictatorship) Vladimir Putin, (Age 59), the premier, continues to influence government. and restricting opposition including the news media. In the North Caucus, Chechen continues to fight for independence. Russian leaders are preventing this by various repressive measures.
RELIGION: Russian Orthodox, Muslim, other
NATRURAL RESOURCES: large reserves of timber, petroleum, natural gas. Much of the mineral resource is unexplored.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 134 bil. Import, 75 bil. Surplus, 59 bil.
OVERVIEW: Russia exports large quantities of petroleum and has paid off most of its foreign debt. It has a declining population, rife with alcoholism. Pollution of land, air and water are still a problem. The Russian people proved indifferent to Democracy and the government is rife with graft and bribery. As a result, professional people are fleeing the country with their expertise, and funds. “The Professional Class Flees” Newsweek, 8/23/2010. p. 7.
Russian police are notoriously corrupt. Newsweek, April12, 2010, p. 7.
RWANDA (Africa) 10,169 sq. miles
(Slightly smaller than Maryland)
POPULATION: (2009) 11 mil. (2025) 18 mil. (2050) 28 mil.
The U.N. estimates population in 2005 at 8,722,000.
POPULATION GROWTH: Population Growth: 2.5%. The birth rate is very high but the country was in a state of rebellion and the shifting population is difficult to assess. The incidence of AIDS is rising and may be a major factor in future population growth.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2009 was 48 years.
44% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 2% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 91.23 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2002 it was estimated that there were fewer than 23 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. Animal proteins and fats are scarce, causing many deaths of children and liver ailments. Prevalent diseases are pneumonia, tuberculosis, measles, whooping cough, and dysentery. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2008 was 2.8% of adults, epidemic.
CAPITOL: Kigali
LANGUAGE: Kinyarwanda (official) Kiswahili is used in commerce
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 64%; female, 37%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates,) per capita GDP, $1,300; current annual economic growth in 2004 was 4.8%; inflation, 8.0%; people with incomes below poverty level, 50%
LOCATION: landlocked country in east-central Africa. All Rwanda is at least 3,300 ft above sea level. It sits on the divide between the flow of water to the Nile and the water to the Congo. It is E of Zaire, W of Kenya, S of Sudan & N of Burundi.
LAND USE: Arable land, 29%; permanent crop, 11%; pastures, 18%; forest, 10%; other, 32%. Much of the land was fallow between 200 and 2010.
TOPOGRAPHY: The high plateau is grazing land for many farmers. The land drops sharply to the West to L. Kivu in the Great Rift Valley. To the East, the land slopes gently across the great grassy highland plateau to the swamps & lakes on the eastern border. The central plateau is between 4,500 & 6,000 feet in elevation. In the NW on the Zaire border is the volcanic Virunga Mountain. The highest, Mt. Karisimbi, (14,826 ft.) is snowcapped. Lake Kivu drains into Lake Tanganyika through the sharp descending Rizzu River. The Kagera R. forms much of Rwanda’s eastern border into L. Victoria.
WATER: Rainfall in the North is 31 inches. Rainfall is 63 inches in the west.
CLIMATE: The high altitude gives Rwanda pleasant temperatures the year around. Temperature averages vary because of significant difference in elevation.
GOVERNMENT: republic, presidential system with upper and lower chamber. The method of election is not stated. The Hutus and Tutsis are inimical to each other.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 65% Protestant, 9%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: natural gas, tin ore, tungsten ore
WORLD TRADE: (2008) Export, 126 mil. Import, 383 mil. Deficit, 257 mil.
OVERVIEW: Society is not fully self-supporting. Rwanda is likely to be faced with an economic crisis because of the population growth.. Rwanda is faced with tribal enmity and memories of fratricide. A further worry is the spread of AIDS.*
- KITTS & Nevis (Latin Am) 101 sq miles
(About 3 time the size of Manhattan Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 40 Th. (2025) 46 Th. (2050) 53 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: Negligible
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 72.15 years.
28% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 8% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 14.43 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 544 physicians, nurses, and dentists per 100,000 people. HIV-AIDS prevalence in not considered significant.
CAPITOL: Basse-Terre
LANGUAGE: English
LITERACY: (can read &write) male, 97%; female, 98%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $8,800; current economic growth rate, (-0.2%). Inflation is 1.8%; people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: It lies about 5 miles E of the Netherlands Antilles, & about 45 miles w of Antigua.
LAND USE: arable land, 22%; permanent crop, 17%; pasture, 3%; forest, 17%, other, 41%
TOPOGRAPHY: Both islands are of volcanic origin. In one place a 700 ft cliff is directly over the shore.
WATER: Rainfall is 43 inches per year
CLIMATE: Temperatures range from 65 F. to 84 F the year around.
GOVERNMENT: constitutional monarchy. Government is by parliament with a Prime Minister and Cabinet.
RELIGION: Anglican, 50%; Roman Catholic, 25%; other, 25%
NATURAL RESOU. Not significant
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 70 mil. Import, 195 mil. Deficit, 125 mil.
OVERVIEW: Dependence on world market in sugarcane, and development of tourism. The government is in the process of developing additional tourist accommodations. The country is not likely to change much in decades to come. The economies of Europe and U.S. affect St. Kitt directly.*
- LUCIA (Latin Am) 203 sq. miles
(1/5 the size of Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 160 Th. (2005) 169 Th (2050) 1634 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: Insignificant with a drop in the last 5 years.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 73.61 years.
In 2005, 30% of the population was under 15 years of age and 7% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 13.53 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004, there were approximately 757 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. The main health concerns are malnutrition and intestinal difficulties. HIV-AIDS prevalence information was not available.
CAPITOL: Castries
LANGUAGE: English (official), French
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 65%; female, 69%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $5,400; current annual economic growth rate, 3.3%; inflation, 3.0%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Caribbean island of St Lucia is part of the Windward Island group. Martinique is to the N, & St. Vincent is to the S.
LAND USE: Arable land, 8%^; permanent crop, 20%; pasture, 5%; forest, 13%; other (mountains & swamp), 54%.
WATER: Average rainfall at sea level is 91 inches.
CLIMATE: Tropical with occasional destructive hurricanes.
TOPOGRAPHY: Older soil is to the N. & relatively unbroken lava in the mountain to the S. The island is one of the scenic highlights of the W. Indies.
GOVERNMENT: democracy with upper & lower houses. Terms are 5 years or sooner if called for by the government.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 90%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: forests, sandy beaches, mineral springs, geothermal power.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 66 mil. Import, 267 mil. Deficit, 201 mil.
OVERVIEW: heavy dependence on banana production and tourism. Additional investment is needed to develop a balanced economy.*
`ST. VINCENT & GRENADINES (Latin A.) 160 sq. miles
(1/8 the size of Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2005) 105 Th. (2025) 100 Th. (2050) 93.5 Th.
POPULAION DECLINE: No significant change is forecast. In 2005, the fertility rate of women was 2.4 children.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 73.2 years.
In 2005, 30% of the population was under 15 years of age and 6% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was estimated at 14.78 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there about 323 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Major causes of death are circulatory system diseases. HIV-AIDS prevalence information was not available.
CAPITOL: Kingstown
LANGUAGE: English, French, indigenous dialects.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 96%; female, 965%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $2,400; current annual economic growth rate, 0.7%; inflation, (-0.4%); people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: It is located in the Windward Islands group. It is 21 mi. SW of St Lucia & about 100 miles W of Barbados.
LAND USE: Arable land, 38%; permanent crop, 12%; pasture, 6%; forest, 41%; other, 3%.
TOPOGRAPHY: It is a rugged volcanic island and the Grenadines are formed by a volcanic ridge running N & S between St. Vincent & Grenada. The highest peak is an active volcano called Soufriere (4,048 ft). It has a crater lake a mile across. Only 5% of the island has slopes of less than 5 degrees. The low- lying Grenadines have wide beaches and shallow bays.
WATER: On St. Vincent the rainfall is 91 inches.
CLIMATE: The islands enjoy a temperate climate all year with an average of about 79 F.
GOVERNMENT: constitutional monarchy. The Assembly consists of 21 members. The Executive is a prime minister with a cabinet from the majority party
RELGION: Anglican, Methodist, and Roman Catholic
NATURAL RESOURCES: negligible
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 38 mil. Import, 174 mil. Deficit, 136 mil.
OVERVIEW: Agriculture, dominated by banana production, is the most important sector of the economy. The government has encouraged International Businesses to be licensed in St Vincent with generous tax laws. The country is highly dependent on foreign assistance.*
SAMOA (Pacific Is.) 1,093 sq. miles
(Smaller than Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2005) 176 Th. (2025) 177 Th. (2050) 170 Th.
The U.N. estimates the p0pulation in 2005 at 193,000.
(2009) 220 Th. (2025) 281 Th. (2050) 429 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: Change in projection is not explained. The writer
believes projections are too low.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 70.2 years
41% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age, and 4% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 27.71 deaths per 1,000 live births. There are about 290 physicians, dentist s & nurses per 100,000 people in 2004. A major concern is the high incident of diabetes. HIV-AIDS prevalence information was not available.
CAPITOL: Apia
LANGUAGE: Samoan is universal language. Both Samoan and English are in common use..
LITERACY: No percentages are available but most of the population can read & write.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $5,000; current annual economic growth rate, 5.0%; inflation, 4.8%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Centrally in the Pacific & among the South Sea islands.
LAND USE: arable, 46%; timber, 10% but essentially deforested. Building materials are now imported. Much of the land is mountain or coral reefs
TOPOGRAPHY Two large islands and a number of smaller uninhabited islands. The islands lie at the boundary of the Australian tectonic plate. They are in the ring of fire, and are vulnerable for earthquakes. Rugged volcanoes rise on both major islands. Other islands are coral reefs. :
WATER: annual rainfall is about 115 inches.
CLIMATE: tropical moderated by the ocean. It is hottest in December and coolest in May.
GOVERNMENT: The head of state is elected but had a great deal of power. The 47 member legislature is elected. The Islands have universal suffrage.
RELIGION: Over 99% of population professes some form of Christian belief.
NATURAL RESOURCES: fishing, hardwood.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 14 mil. Import, 113 mil. Deficit, 99 mil.
OVERVIEW: Garment industry is developing. Tourism is important but was affected by a recent hurricane that destroyed crops and habitations.
Imports were over 1 billion and exports only about 145 million in 2009.*
SAN MARINO (Europe) 23 sq. miles
(Smaller than Manhattan Island)
POPULATIOON: (2009_30 Th. (2025) 34 Th. (2050) 39 Th. Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: not significant. It is closely related to Italy in all areas.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 81.62 years.
In 2005 15% of the population was under 15 years of age and 167% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 5.73 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004, there were approximately 724 physicians, dentists, nurses, and midwives per 100,000 people. For information on health concerns, refer to Italy.
CAPITOL: San Marino
LANGUAGE: Italian
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 97%; female, 95%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $34,000; current economic growth rate, 7.5%; inflation, 3.5%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: It is a landlocked state completely surrounded by Italy. It is about 12 miles from the Adriatic Se and 15 miles SW. of Rimini. It lies in the Apennine Mountains in NE Italy.
LAND USE: Arable land, 17%; Mountains, 83%
TOPOGRAPHY: The town & country are on and around Mt. Titano, a mountain with 3 peaks and about 2,457 ft. elevation. Agriculture is in the valley below.
WATER: Average rainfall is 35 inches.
CLIMATE: The climate is that of NE Italy. mild in winter (though quite often below freezing) and pleasant in summer.
GOVERNMENT: republic
RELIGION: Roman Catholic
NATURAL RESOURCES: building stone
WORLD TRADE: (2004) No separate statistics. Part of Italy
OVERVIEW: As Italy goes, so goes San Marino. San Marino is a popular tourist attraction because of its beautiful scenery.*
SAO TOME & PRINCEPS (Africa) 372 sq. miles
(3/10 the size of Rhode Island)
[POPULATION: (2009) 212 Th. (2025) 330 Th. (2050) 505 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: 2.70.6%. The fertility rate of the women in 2003 was 5.9 children. Lack of food and other resources will force a radical reduction in population growth. Emigration to other countries is likely.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was estimated at 66.99 years.
In 2005, 38% of the people were under 15 years of age and 4% were over 65. The figure for life expectancy may well be grossly overstated.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was about 43.11 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2003 there were approximately 179 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Malnutrition is widespread. An estimated 82% of children under 5 years of age suffer from malnutrition. HIV-AIDS prevalence information was not available.
CAPITOL: Sao Tome
LANGUAGE: French (official)
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 85%; female, 62%. Educational system needs modernization without delay.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $1,200; current annual economic growth rate, 6.0%; inflation, 15.3%; people with income below poverty level, 54%
LOCATION: It lies in the Gulf of Guinea about 225 miles off the West coast of Gabon, Africa.
LAND USE: Arable land, 1%; permanent crop, 20%; pasture, 1%, Forest & woodlands, 75%; other, 3%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The islands form part of a chain of extinct volcanoes and are both quite mountainous. Both islands have plateaus. There is considerable soil erosion and the islands have been extensively deforested.
WATER: Rainfall is 40 to 60 inches a year. Drought created serious problems with cocoa plantations in the 80’s.
CLIMATE: The islands are tropical but temperature varies considerably with altitude.
GOVERNMENT: republic. The constitution has vague separation of powers. The power sharing arrangement in government sets a well established base for political conflict (failed coup in 2003)
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, Evangelical, Seventh Day Adventist
NATURAL RESOURCES: fish, cocoa plantations
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 6 mil. Import, 30 mil. Deficit, 24 mil.
OVERVIEW: Cocoa has been major export. Mismanagement of plantation has caused serious problem with balance of payment. Population growth has created a crisis, which is expected to worsen.*
SAUDI ARABIA (Middle E.) 830,000 sq. miles
(Less than a third the size of the U.S.)
POPULATION: (2009) 29 mil. (2025) 36 mil. (2050) 50.8 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.3%
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2009 was 763 years.
37% of the population was under 15 years of age, and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2009 was 11.3 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 460 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people. A severe cause of disease is malnutrition. This has led to widespread rickets, scurvy and tuberculosis. Typhoid fever is endemic. Dysentery, trachoma, and tuberculosis are major concerns. HIV-AIDS is virtually unknown.
CAPITOL: Riyadh
LANGUAGE: Arabic
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 75%; female, 48%.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $12,000; current annual economic growth rate, 6.4%; inflation, 0.6%; people with incomes below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: It rules the major part of the Arabian Peninsula.
LAND USE: Arable land, 1%; pastures, 39%; forest, 1%; Desert & Mountains, 59%. Percentages are subject to question. Total desert area is over 1,000,000 square miles. Area classified as pasture is likely overstated.
TOPOGRAPHY: There are high mountains rising from the Red Sea. The large
central area is uninhabitable sandy desert. (See desert)
WATER: Between 10 & 20 inches of rainfall in the mountainous Asir in the South. Other areas have an average rainfall of 3.5 inches. The country has no lakes or rivers.
CLIMATE; The climate is very dry and very hot with the coolest time in September through March. Coastal areas are more moderate.
GOVERNMENT: (Dictatorship) King Abdullah (Age 87) monarchy (follows Muslim law) Clerics dominate law, which is patterned after tribal laws and customs. Oil wealth has not benefited all the people. The leadership has failed to modernize the country.
RELIGION: Muslim, 100%
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, natural gas, gold, iron ore
WORLD TRADE: (2009) Export, 310.bil. Import, 108.4 bil. Surplus, 202.1 bil.
OVERVIEW: Strong government is developing alternative activities. The fate of this country is uncertain. Muslim leaders may hamper efforts to reduce the population growth. In spite of strong ties with the U.S., the future of Saudi Arabia is bleak. The country is woefully weak in education. The rights of women have been ignored and the world has done little to campaign for change the eventual loss of oil production will plunge the country into chaos. Society is strongly paternal with strong influence by religious leaders. The country could see riots and revolution. A revolt of Shiites in 2011 was summarily quashed. See, p. 242 “Islam”.*
Senegal – Zimbabwe
SENEGAL (Africa) 73,955 sq. miles
(Slightly larger than N. Dakota)
POPULATION: (2009) 14 mil. (2025) 20 mil. (2050) 32 mil.
The U.N. estimates population in 2005 at 11,658,000.
POPULATION GROWTH: It is beyond the capacity of any economy to cope with a population growth of this magnitude. AIDS prevalence may reduce this figure radically. The economy is in a deficit trade balance. It will get no better. The fertility rate of women in 2003 was 5.1 children.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 58.90 years.
In 2005, 42% of the population was under 15 and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 54.12 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were no more than 10 physicians and dentists per 100,000 people. Major health problems include, meningitis, and water related diseases such as malaria, trypanosomiasis, onchocecrciasis, and schistosomiasis. There are also a number of tuberculosis cases. 25% of children under the age of 5 suffer from malnutrition. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was 1.0% of total population. In view of a lack of a health service, epidemic. .
CAPITOL: Dakar
LANGUAGE: French (official). Several native languages are in common use.
LITERACY: (can read & write: male, 37%; female, 18%. It is a ailed education
system.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $1,800; current economic growth rate, 6.1%; inflation 1.7%; people with incomes below poverty rate, 54%.
LOCATION: It is on the Western bulge of Africa on the Atlantic Ocean. It is bounded on the N. & NE. By Mauritania, on the E. by Mali & on the S. by Guinea.
LAND USE: Arable land, 27%; pasture, 30%; forest, 31%; other, 12%
TOPOGRAPHY: There are sand dunes on the N shore and muddy estuaries on the S. Back of this area is a sandy plain that extends to the Senegal River. Senegal is virtually cut in half for transportation purposes by the Republic of Gambia, which occupies a strip of land along the Gambia River about 25 miles wide and 200 miles long.
WATER: Rainfall varies from 13 inches in the extreme North to 22 inches in the interior and 30 to 51 inches near the central coast area.
CLIMATE: Temperatures are moderate along the coast and hot in the interior and the highest in the far NE.
GOVERNMENT: republic. It has a 120 member National Assembly There are Prime Minister and President. Leaders repressed media that criticized government activities (2004).
RELIGION: Muslim, 92%
NATURAL RESOURCES: fish, phosphate, iron ore.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 2.0 bil. Import, 4.3 bil. Deficit, 2.3 bil.
OVERVIEW: No mention has been made of population control. The fact that a number of languages are spoken in the country and Muslim doctrine has not taken into consideration the use of family planning makes the future seem bleak. Literacy rates, especially among women, is very low.*
SERBIA 34,135 sq. miles
(Yugoslavia)
(Larger than Maine)
POPULATION: (2009) 7.2 mil. (2025) 6.8 mil. (2050) 5.9 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: negative. An ageing population presents serious
problems for Serbia in the future.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 74.73 years. Approximately 19% of the people in 2004 were under 15 years of age and 14% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 15.53 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004, there were only about 20 physicians per 100,000 people. HIV-AIDS prevalence was 0.2% of adults in 2003. Prevalence of other diseases was not shown.
CAPITOL: Belgrade
LANGUAGE: Serbo-Croatian
LITERACY: (can read & write) NA
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $5,000; current economic growth rate, 5.0%; inflation, 15.5%; people with incomes below poverty level, 30%.
LOCATION: Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Bosnia and Albania.
LAND USE: Arable land, 30%; permanent crop, 5%; pasture, 20%; forest, 25%; other, 20%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The North has fertile plains, In the East are limestone mountain ranges & basins; In the S are ancient mountains & hills; and to the SW an extremely high shoreline with no islands.
WATER: rainfall is from 22 to 70 inches.
CLIMATE: In the N. the winters are cold and summers are hot & humid; the central area has continental and Mediterranean climate; and in the S. summers are hot and winters are cold with heavy rainfall and snow.
GOVERNMENT: republic It has a National Assembly, an appointed Prime Minister, and elected president
RELIGION: Orthodox, 655%; Muslim, 19%; other, including Roman Catholic, 16%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: coal, oil, gas, iron ore, copper, gold, nickel.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 7.9,7 bil. Import, 12.3 bil. Deficit, 5.4 bil.
OVERVIEW: The breakup of the Yugoslav Republic has caused serious disruption of trade between the factions. Serbia has not recovered from the 1991 warfare and separation of land areas.
“National Geographic” June, 1996 (p 51) (see also Yugoslavia)
The Serbs have long dreamed of a greater Serbia. Tito, a Croat, held back their ambition. The Eighties and Nineties put an end to that dream. Only Montenegro remains a part of Serbia. Its people have many things in common with the Serbs. Kosovo, a district in SW Serbia, is 90% Albanian. Its efforts to separate from Serbia have been unsuccessful. Serbian policies in Kosovo are closely scrutinized by the U.N. *
SEYCHELLES (Africa) 176 sq. miles
(1/7 the size of Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 87 Th. (2025) 99 TH (2050) 100 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: not significant
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 71.82 years.
In 2005, 26% of the people were under 15 years of age and 8% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 15.53 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004, there were 555 physicians, dentists, nurses, and midwives per 100,000 people. Leprosy was still prevalent. HIV-AIDS prevalence is not listed.
CAPITOL: Victoria
LANGUAGE: English (official), French (official).
LITERACY: (can read &write) male, 56%; female, 60%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $7,800; current economic growth rate, 3.0%; inflation, 4.0%; people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: archipelago in the Indian Ocean consisting of an estimated 115 islands in a ridge running in a North-South direction.
LAND USE: Arable land, 4%; permanent crop, 18%; forest, 18% other, 60%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The islands are granite outcroppings or highlands. There are many cliffs and one mountain is 3,000 feet high. Small streams have deposited alluvial soil that is suitable for agriculture. In some places coral reefs have formed.
WATER: Rainfall is about 93 inches at seal level but may be as high as 140 in the mountains.
CLIMATE: Sea breezes: keep the temperatures down to a constant 79 to 81 F.
GOVERNMENT: republic National Assembly and President are elected.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 90%
NATURAL RESOURCES: fish, copra, cinnamon trees
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 250 mil. Import, 383 mil. Deficit, 133 mil.
OVERVIEW: Tourist trade makes up most of the deficit in balance of payments. The economy appears stable with no serious problems in the near future. The tsunami that originated near Sumatra in December 2004 did 30 million dollars of damage with a serious impact on the economy.*
SIERRA LEONE (Africa 27,635 sq. miles
(7/8 the size of Indiana)
POPPULATION: (2009) 5.1.0 mil. (2025) 7.5 mil. (2050) 13.6 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 2.12%…Population growth may not reach estimated levels because of the AIDS epidemic. The fertility rate is 5.2 children per woman living to the age of 45.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 39.87 years, among the lowest in the world. In 2005, 41% of the population was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 162,52 deaths per 1,000 live births, the highest in the world. As of 2004, there were only 40 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. Only 38% of the people had access to health care. Major diseases are leprosy, sleeping sickness, yaws, malaria, tuberculosis and schistosomiasis. 23% of children under 5 suffer from malnutrition. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 7.0% of the adult population. Health services were inadequate to handle health problems.
CAPITOL: Freetown
LANGUAGE: English (official) is limited to a literate minority. A number of dialects are in use. Literacy is about 21%
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 31%; female, 11%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $1,800; current economic growth rate, 5.5%; inflation, 1.0%; people with income below poverty rate, 78%.
LOCATION: on the West coast of Africa; bounded on the N & E by Guinea; on the SE by Liberia and on the S & W by the Atlantic Ocean.
LAND USE: Arable land, 25%; Permanent crop, 2%; pasture, 31%; forest, 29%; other, 13%
TOPOGRAPHY: The extreme West is mostly a mountain area. Apart from the peninsula, the western part of the country consists mostly of coastal mangrove swamps. Farther east a coastal plain extends up to a hundred miles inland. Many wooded hills are to the E & NE and leading to a plateau, with elevation from 1,000 to 2,000 feet, and to the Loma mountains.
WATER: The coastal mountains have up to230 inches of rainfall. Rainfall averages more than 125 inches in most of the country.
CLIMATE: Temperatures are over 80 along the coast and higher inland.
Humidity is high.
GOVERNMENT: In 2007 a National Assembly and President served as the government. This replaced a military government.
RELIGION: Muslim, 60%; indigenous beliefs, 30%; Christian, 10%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold, & chromium
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 49 mil. Import, 264 mil. Deficit, 115 mil.
OVERVIEW: Sierra Leone has substantial agricultural, mineral & fishing resources. Although it may well absorb population increases, there will be a continual influx from neighboring countries. A campaign to reduce family size along with education for all women is of the highest priority. AIDS is epidemic. *
SINGAPORE (Asia) 232 sq. miles
(1/5 the size of Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 4.7 mil. (2025) 5.1 mil. (2050) 4.6 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: minimal. Fertility rate of women was 1.5 births in 2004.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 81 years.
20% of the population was under 15 years of age and 8% over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 2.92 per 1,000 births. There were an estimated 590 physicians, dentists, and nurses in 2005. Excellent health is attributed to good housing, sanitation and safe drinking water. Major health concerns were communicable diseases. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was 2 per thousand people.
CAPITOL: City State
LANGUAGE: Chinese (official), Malay (official), Tamil (official)
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 95%; female, 83%
INCOME: (32006 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $29,700; current economic growth,4.5%; inflation, 0.3%; people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Indian Ocean off the S. tip of the Malay Peninsula.
LAND USE: Arable land, 4%; permanent crop, 7%; forest, 5%; other, 84%.
TOPOGRAPHY: several islands in low altitude.
WATER: rainfall is about 93 inches
CLIMATE: tropical with high humidity and heavy rainfall.
GOVERNMENT: republic within commonwealth
NATURAL RSOURCES: fish, deep-water ports
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 142 bil. Import, 121 bil. Surplus, 21 bil. OVERVIEW: It is a powerful financial and manufacturing center. Its economy
tends to reflect the health of its neighbors. Although the government is a republic, the fabric of society is closely scrutinized. Its future is difficult to forecast.*
SLOVAKIA (Europe) 18,924 sq. miles
(Formerly part of Czechoslovakia)
(3/4 the size of West Virginia)
POPULATION: (2009) 5.4 mil. (2025) 5.4 mil. (2050) 4.9 mil.
POPULATION TREND: stable with slight decrease. As of 2005 the average woman will have 1.3 children.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 74.50 years.
18% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 12% as over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 7.41 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 1,130 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Most common diseases were age related. HIV-AIDS prevalence was less than 1 per thousand people in 2009.
CAPITOL: Bratislava
LANGUAGE: Slovak (official), Hungarian
LITERACY: (can read & write) NA
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita, $15,200; current economic growth, 5.1%; inflation, 2.5%; people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Central Europe, S. of Poland; boundaries with Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine
LAND USE: Information is not available
TOPOGRAPHY: low land in the South and rugged terrain in the rest of the country.
WATER: Rainfall averages 19 inches but can exceed 80.
CLIMATE: cool summers and cold, cloudy, wet winters
GOVERNMENT: parliamentary democracy. The Prime Minister is appointed by the Assembly and the President is directly elected. Slovakia joined NAT and the European Union in 2004
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 60%
NATURAL RESOURCES: brown coal and lignite, small amounts of other minerals
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 21.2 bil. Import, 21.9 bil. Deficit, 700 mil.
OVERVIEW: It is a small country with active foreign trade. Information available is not sufficient for forecasts. The country has been independent only 16 years at this writing.*
SLOVENIA (Europe) 7,821 sq. miles
(Formerly a Yugoslavia state)
(Smaller than Massachusetts)
POPULATION: (2009) 2.0 mil. (2025) 1.9 mil. (2050) 1.6 mil.
POPULATION STATUS: slow decline and ageing population. As of 200 the Slovenian woman had an average of 1.2 children.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectance in 2005 was 76.14 years.
14% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 15% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 4.45 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were about 991 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. The leading causes of death were cardiovascular diseases, injuries, poisoning, and diseases of the intestinal system. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was less than 1 per thousand adults.
CAPITOL: Ljubljana
LANGUAGE: Slovenian
LITERACY: (can read &write) NA
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $20,900; current economic growth, 3.5%; inflation, 2.0%; people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Southeastern Europe bordering the Adriatic Sea. It borders Austria, Croatia & Italy
LAND USE: Arable land, 10%; permanent crop, 2%; pasture, 20%; forest, 45%; other, 23%.
TOPOGRAPHY: An alpine mountain range adjacent to Italy, a short coastal strip, mixed mountains and valleys and rivers to the East.
CLIMATE: Mediterranean climate on the coast and with hot summers and mild winters elsewhere.
GOVERNMENT: emerging democracy. The National Assembly of 90 members is elected. The elected President is also Supreme Commander of the Armed forces. The National Council is advisory and has representatives from various areas.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 96%
NATURAL RESOURCES: lignite coal, mercury, uranium, silver
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 11.9 bil. Import, 12.6 bil. Deficit, 700 mil.
OVERVIEW: It is the most prosperous of the former Yugoslavia republics. It has a stable government and a hard-working people.
“National Geographic” June, 1996, (p51) “Bosnia” (see also Yugoslavia)
Slovenia has few restive minorities. It seceded in June 1991. The Serb army, already mired in Croatia, withdrew and independence was secured peacefully.*
SOLOMON ISLANDS (Pacific I) 11,157 sq. miles
(Larger than Maryland)
POPULATION: (2009) 519 Th. (2025) 816 Th. (2050) 1.1 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.96%. It is a country badly in need of family planning. The population has increased nearly 25% between 1995 and 2005.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 72.2 years.
In 2005, 40% of the population was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality was 21.29 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2004. Malaria, tuberculosis and leprosy are of major concern. HIV-AIDS prevalence was not listed.
CAPITOL: Honiara
LANGUAGE: Melanesian pidgin
LITERACY: (can read & write) NA. Population growth indicates an inadequate education system.
INCOME: 2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $1,700; current economic growth, 5.8%; inflation, 10.0%; people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Pacific Ocean NE of Australia and 300 miles E of Papua (New Guinea). It is a chain of 6 large and numerous small islands.
LAND USE: Arable land, 1%; permanent crop, 1%; pasture, 1%; forest, 93%; other, 4%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Combination of volcanic peaks and low-lying coral atolls.
WATER: Average rainfall is 120 inches
CLIMATE: Tropical with average temperatures of 81 F. with hot, rainy season from April to September.
GOVERNMENT: parliamentary democracy. The head of state is the British monarch represented by the Governor General. A number of outbreaks of violence have plagued the country in the past several years.
RELIGION: Anglican, 34%; Baptist, 19%; Roman Catholic, 17%l other, 30%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: forests, phosphates, gold, silver, lead, zinc, bauxite, & nickel
WORLD TRADE: (2005) Export, 161 mil. Import, 1590 mil. Surplus, 2 mil.
OVERVIEW: The economy is based on agriculture and fishing. Most manufactured goods must be imported. The island economy will not continue to be able to support the present population growth. An additional hazard is the change in ocean levels that will seriously affect the coral islands, which are close to sea level and are vulnerable to storms and high tides.*
SOMALIA (Africa) 246,201 sq. miles.
(Smaller than Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 8.8 mil. (2025) 15.8 mil. (2050) 22.0 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: over 2.63%. It is impossible to imagine the impact of a population growth of this magnitude or imagine an economy that can cope with it.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was only 48.09 years.
In 2005, 45% of the population was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 116.70 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004, there were fewer than 24 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people and fewer than one dentist or pharmacy per 100,000 people. Only 31% of the people have access to safe drinking water. Tuberculosis, schistosomiasis, pulmonary disease, malaria and intestinal parasites are endemic. Immunization of children under one year of age is slightly over 1/3 the world average. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 1.00% of the adult population and considered epidemic.
CAPITOL: Mogadishu
LANGUAGE: Somali (official), Arabic, Italian.
LITERACY: (can read &write) male, 30%; female, 14%. Educational system is totally inadequate.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $600; current growth rate, 2.4%; inflation, n.a. People with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Horn of E. Africa. It is NE of Kenya & on the E & SE of Ethiopia.
LAND USE: arable land, 2%; pastures, 46%; forests, 14%; other (desert), 38%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Northern region is mountainous, intermixed with plateaus. In the NE is a desert plateau. The region between the Juba & the Shabeelle Rivers is low-lying agricultural land.
RIVERS: Shabeelle & Juba Rivers originate in Ethiopia, and flow toward the Indian Ocean. They provide irrigation.
WATER: Rainfall is somewhat less than 11 inches.
CLIMATE: Tropical. Low-lying areas have year-round temperatures between 75 & 85. Plateau temperatures are t cooler. Temperatures in the South are very hot and dry.
GOVERNMENT: republic. The provisional government has President, Prime Minister and a National Assembly, which is made up of representatives of the 4 major clans in the country. 2004 marked the end of 13 years of anarchy. An area in the Southwest is still uncommitted by the central government.
RELIGION: Sunni Muslim
NATURAL RESOURCES: largely unexplored source of iron ore, copper, bauxite, & uranium
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 79 mil. Import, 344 mil. Deficit, 265 mil.
OVERVIEW: It is a very poor country, largely depending on other countries. Its future can give us little hope, especially with a rapidly growing population. The UN estimates that 750,000 people are living in need of humanitarian aid.*
Long-lasting droughts are expected to worsen with global warming. No long-term solutions have been suggested. About 1.5 million people are refugees of continued civil war. Newsweek, August 15, 2011, p. 44.
SOUTH AFRICA (Africa) 474,445 sq. miles
(1/3 larger than Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 49.0 mil. (2025) 48.7 mil. (2050) 49.4 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Negative. (1995) Growth rate was 2.14% and population was estimated at 45 million. This may not take into consideration the influx from other poorer countries to the North and the effect of the AIDS epidemic.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 43.27 years.
In 2005, 33% of the population was under 15 years of age and 4% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 61.81 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004, there were about 467 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people Health services are concentrated in the cities. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2004 was 21.50% of the adult population, about 5 million cases. An increasing percentage of infected parents are leaving infants with one or both parents dying of AIDS related causes.
CAPITOL: Cape Town (legislative); Pretoria (administrative)
Bloemfontein (Supreme Court)
LITERACY: (can read &write) male, 78%; female, 75%
It would seem that literacy has gone down since 1994. The new government has been unable to establish schools for a growing population in the black townships.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $11,000; current economic growth rate, 4.5%; inflation, 4.6%; people with income below poverty level, 50%
LANGUAGE: eleven official languages. Higher education, English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, and eight other languages are official languages.
LOCATION: South part of Africa. It is south of all other countries.
LAND USE: arable land, 10%; permanent crop, 1%; pasture, 65%; forest, 3%; other, 21%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Varies from low plains to plateaus and mountains in the North. Mean elevation of the country is 3,900 feet. At least 40% of the country is above that elevation. Altitude increases from west to east, culminating in the Drakensberg mountains, (part of the great Eastern Escarpment) which reach an altitude of 11181 ft. at Mt. Injasuti .
WATER: Mean annual rainfall is 18 inches. 21% of the country receives less than 8 inches.
CLIMATE: Durbin. In the East, has a climate of 55 F. in July and 70 F in February; At Port Nolloth, on the W. coast, it is 45 F. in June and 55 F. in January. On the high veldts temperatures have a wide range day to night and from season to season.
NATURAL RESOURCES: coal, iron ore, gold, diamonds, antimony, chromium, nickel, manganese, phosphorous, uranium, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt, natural gas.
GOVERNMENT: republic with National Assembly
RELIGIONS: Christian, 80%; ethnic, 15%; other, 5%.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 36.8 bil. Import, 33.9 bil. Surplus, 2,9 bil.
OVERVIEW: Great differences in personal income. Much of the native population is suffering the impact of aids. The nation is comparatively prosperous but is having difficulty in coping with population pressures from adjoining nations. Administrative personnel and corporate executives live very well.*
SPAIN (Europe) 195,365 sq. miles.
(3/4 the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 40.5 mil. (2025) 39.6 mil. (2050) 35.6 mil.
The U.N. estimates the population in 2005 at 43,484,000.
POPULATION STATUS: Negative growth rate with ageing population and high unemployment.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 78 years.
In 2005 15% of the population was under 15 years of age and 17% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 4.42 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were 725 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Leading causes of death were injuries, various communicable and non-communicable diseases. HIV-AIDS prevalence was 0.70% of adults in 2003
CAPITOL: Madrid.
LANGUAGE: Castilian Spanish (official), Catalan, Basque
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 98k%; female, 94%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $25,100; current economic growth rate, 3.5%; inflation, 3.4%; people with earnings below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: The major part of the Iberian Peninsula. It is separated from France, on the North, by the Pyrenees. It also includes the Balearic Islands in the W. Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Islands W of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean..
LAND USE: Arable land, 31%; permanent crop, 10%; pasture, 31%; forest, 21%; other, 7%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Spain, the 3rd largest country in Europe, has a wide variety of terrain with 6 mountain ranges, high plateaus and deep, sometimes broad, fertile valleys. It has few natural harbors but a rugged coastline with narrow coastal plains and areas called the Spanish Riviera.
WATER: North coastal belt has 39 inches of rainfall; the central plateau no more than 20 inches and the South has 16 to 31 inches.
CLIMATE: Climate along the Mediterranean is pleasant and popular with tourists. The high plateau has cold winters and hot summers. The South has mild winters and variable hot weather in the summer.
GOVERNMENT: King, and parliamentary democracy. The Basques of the North continue to demand their own government. There have been a number of terrorist incidents believed to be of Basque origin, and dating back 30 years.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 80% but half do not attend mass; Other, 20%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: coal, lignite, iron ore, uranium, pyrites, nickel, fluorspar, gypsum, zinc, lead , copper, kaolin, potash
WORLD TRADE: (2000) Export, 155.4 bil. Import 197.1 bil. Deficit, 41.7 bil.
OVERVIEW: It has been one of the less fortunate member of the EU. The Basque and other minorities of the North have been in rebellion against the government, seeking an independent status. Entitlements and other costs have left the government deeply in debt. Spain has applied for aid from other EU countries in 2010 and 2011.*
SRI LANKA 25,332 sq. miles
(Slightly larger than W. Virginia)
POPULATION: (2009) 21.3 mil. (2025) 23.7 mil. (2050) 24.9 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 0.65%.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 71.2 years.
In 2005, 28% of the population was less than 15 years of age, and 6% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 14.3 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were approximately 125 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people kin 2004. Malaria, tuberculosis, and the gastrointestinal group of diseases are the main concern. It is estimated that 35% of children under 5 years of age are malnourished. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was less than 1 per thousand adults.
CAPITOL: Colombo is commercial center.
LANGUAGE: Sinhala and Tamil (official and national languages), 74%; Tamil (national language)
LITERACY) (can read & write) male, 93%; female, 84%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita, $4,500; current economic growth rate, 4.7%; inflation, 11.2%; people with incomes below poverty lev3el, n.a.
LOCATION: formerly the island of Ceylon, it is situated in the Indian Ocean, E & slightly S. of the southern point of India.
LAND USE: Arable land, 16%; permanent crop, 17%; pastures, 7%; forests, 37%; other, 23%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The S. Central part of Sri Lanka is a rough plateau cut by a range of mountains. Narrow plains skirt the mountains & plateau on the S. & W. On the North the extensive plain reaches from E. to W. Shores. 5/6 of the island is below 1,000 feet of elevation.
WATER: Lowlands receive about 50 inches of rainfall. Elsewhere, the rainfall varies from 25 to 75 inches.
CLIMATE: Climate ranges from warm in the lowlands to temperate in the hills and mountains.
GOVERNMENT: republic. Much of the South (the Tamils) is in rebellion. As of the end of 2006, neither military action nor negotiations have been successful in reaching a solution short of separation.
RELIGION: Buddhist, 60%; Hindu, 15%; Christian, 8%; Muslim, 8%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphorous, clay.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 5.2 bil. Import, 6.6 bil. Deficit, 1.4 bil.
OVERVIEW: Main source of export is manufacturing, especially wearing apparel, also agricultural products. Political unrest has seriously affected the economy.
In April 2004, an election was held for 225 parliamentary seats. There were 6,000 candidates from 24 parties and 192 independent groups. *
SUDAN (Africa) 967,500 sq miles
(Almost 3/10 the size of the U.S)
POPULATION: (2009) 41.7 mil. (2025) 55.7il. (2050) 81.2il.
POPULATION GROWTH: officially, 1.97%. .
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 58.84 years.
In 2005, 44% of the population was under 15 years of age and 2% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 62.50 deaths per 1,000 live births. As of 2004 there were approximately 101 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. About 34% of children under 5 years of age are considered malnourished. HIV-AIDS prevalence was 2.30% of adults, a prevalence considered epidemic.
CAPITOL: Khartoum
LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, and diverse local dialects.
LITERACY: (can read &write) male, 44%; female, 21%.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $2,100; current economic growth rate, 6.0%; inflation, 11.0%; people with income below poverty level, 40%.
LOCATION: Northeast Africa & largest country in Africa. It is S of Egypt, SW of the Red Sea, W of Ethiopia and shares borders with Kenya, Uganda, Zaire, Central African Republic, Chad, & Libya. Traversed by the Nile and its tributaries.
LAND USE: Arab le land, 5%; pasture, 24%; forest, 20%; other (desert), 51%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Northern Sudan is a vast plain, much of it desert. Widely spaced mountain areas have peaks that frequently exceed 6,500 ft. In the South is the Sud, a marshy area traversed by the White Nile and to the SW is a forest and pasture area.
WATER: Rainfall ranges from 47 inches in the South to less than 10 in the North.
CLIMATE: Maximum temperatures range from 90 to 108. The North has tropical desert and the far south has tropical highland temperatures.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship ruled by Omar Al-Basha (age 68) The ruling military junta is Islamic. A conflict of 40-year duration between the government and the Southern area was settled but farmers in Darfur, a Western province prompted the government to arm militia. The result was 70,000 killed and a million refugees. The southwest areas voted overwhelmingly in 2010 to separate from the Sudan.
RELIGION: Sunni Muslim, 70%, in north. Indigenous beliefs, 25%; Christian, 5%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: iron ore, copper, chromium, zinc, tungsten, mica, silver, gold. There are deposits of petroleum in the SW.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 2.45 bil. Import, 2.38 bil. Surplus, 70 mil.
OVERVIEW: The revolution in Darfur will continue to affect the economy. It is also rumored that the Military has encouraged raids against the people of Chad.”*
The government conceded to separation of South Sudan in 2011. This was the culmination of over 40 years of combat between the Islamic North and the Christian and Indigenous South of Sudan.
Sudan, in 2012, is now the scene of military clashes between the government and those who would replace the military dictatorship.
SOUTH SUDAN, REPUBLIC OF `239,238 SQ MI
(About the size of Texas)
POPULATION: 8-10 million (no accepted census in decades
POPULATION GROWTH: Sudan, 1.9%, returns of people who fled the country 4is an unknown factor.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: unknown but affected by lack of health care.
HEALTH: S. Sudan has no organized health care system except U.N. volunteer and outside assistance.
CAPITOL: Juba, a central Capitol similar to that of Brazil is planned.
LANGUAGE: Officially, English. Juba Arabic & Dinka. Almost 0 languages are spoken locally. The schools teach in English but there is a serious shortage of teachers and schools. Plans are for a 16-year curriculum, similar to the U.S.
LITERACY: unknown. Education has taken a back seat to war and civil war.
INCOME: estimated income is about 1,500 in 2011.
LOCATION: It is a landlocked country north of he equator with Sudan to the N., Ethiopia to E. Kenya to the SE. Uganda to the S., Congo to the SW., & Central African Republic to the W.
WATER: Rainfall is about 45 inches per year with rainy season in
WATERWAYS: White Nile
CLIMATE: High altitude tropical with highs up to mid nineties and lows in the fifties.
GOVERNMENT: Three division with Executive with President, Legislative with upper & lower house, and Judicial.
RELIGION: mostly indigenous with Christian most common. There is some Muslim in the North.
NATURAL RESOURCES: There are large
WORLD TRADE: about 3 billion dollars. Oil exports are low because of incomplete negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan.
OVERVIEW: Over 90% of government income comes from oil exports, which is temporarily limited because of negotiations. Thirty years of civil war, which still continues, has severely impacted infrastructure such as schools, highways, Four million citizens are either without housing or in Uganda and Ethiopia as refugees. Continued civil war had resulted in cases of censorship and violation of human rights by the government. There are frequent clashes between troops of Sudan and South Sudan.
SURINAME (Latin Am.) 63,037 sq miles
(Larger than Georgia)
POPULATION: (2009) 481 Th. (2025) 560 Th. (2050) 617 Th.
POPULATION STATUS: (2005) growth rate of 1.00%.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was estimated at 68.9o years.
In 2005, 29% of population was under 15 years of age and 6% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 23.37 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were an estimated 45 doctors per 100,000 people. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was 2.4% of the total population, to be treated as epidemic, especially because of inadequate health services.
CAPITOL: Paramaribo
LANGUAGE: Dutch (official), English (widely spoken), Spanish, and Taki-Taki.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 95%; female, 95%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $4,700; current economic growth rate, 4.0%; inflation, 9.5%; people with income below poverty level, 70%
LOCATION: Northern S. America, bordering the N. Atlantic. Land borders with French Guinea, Brazil & Guyana
LAND USE: forest &woodland, 97%; other, 3%
TOPOGRAPHY: Mostly rolling hills; northern area, coastal swamps
WATER: Rainfall is about 90 inches.
CLIMATE: tropical, moderated by trade winds
GOVERNMENT: republic, National Assembly appoints the president, vice-president and prime minister. This gives the executives little independent freedom of action. The government has been ineffectual in dealing with economy and land development.
RELIGION: Hindu, 27%; Muslim, 20%; Roman Catholic, 22%; Protestant, 25%
NATURAL RESOURCES: timber, hydropower potential, fish, bauxite
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 495 mil. Import, 604 mil. Deficit, 109 mil
OVERVIEW: Economy is dominated by bauxite extraction. It is still dependent on aid from the Netherlands. An underground economy is thriving in drugs, gold smuggling and human trafficking. The economy is not self-sustaining. *
SWAZILAND Africa 6,704 sq. miles
(About a third larger than Connecticut)
POPULATION: (2009) 1.3 mil. (2025) 1.5 mil. (2050) 1.8 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Growth is negative. The prevalence of HIV-AIDS related and water borne diseases are the principal causes.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 33.22 years, the lowest in the world. In 2005, 43% of the population was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 72.92 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 340 doctors, nurses, and dentists per 100,000 people. Only 43% of the people have access to safe drinking water. Major health problems include Bilharziasis , tapeworm, typhoid, gastroenteritis, malaria, kwashiorkor, and pellagra. HIV-AIDS prevalence rate in 2003was 38.80% of the adult population, the highest in the world.
CAPITOL: Mbabane
LANGUAGE: English and local Siswati, are both official
LITERACY: (can read &write) male, 70%; female, 65%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $5,500; current economic growth rate, 1.8%; inflation, 4.0%; people with incomes below poverty level, 60%
LOCATION: It is a landlocked country in southern Africa. It is bounded by Mozambique & the Republic of South Africa.
LAND USE: Arable land, 10.9%; permanent crop, 0.2%; pastures, 62.2%; forests, 6.9%; other, 19.8%
TOPOGRAPHY: Four distinct regions; the high (altitudes to 6,750 feet), the middle z (averaging, 2,000 ft), the low (less than 1,000 ft) lands, and the Lebonbo escarpment. (a plain 2,000 ft. n elevation) that extends to the escarpment which is a part of the Lebonbo Mountain at 4,000 ft.).
WATER: Rainfall is 51 inches in the lowlands, 35 inches in the midlands and 21 inches in the highlands.
CLIMATE: Humid in the lowlands and drier at higher altitudes. Temperatures are temperate. With mild winters. There are occasional violent storms.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship monarchy ruled by King Mswai III (age 45); an independent member of commonwealth
RELIGION: Christian, 60%; indigenous beliefs, 40%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: asbestos, coal, clay, hydropower
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 906 mil. Import, 1,085 mil. Deficit, 102 mil. OVERVIEW: Major source of export is agriculture. Iron ore deposits have been depleted and asbestos is no longer in great demand. It is one of the few countries in which disease is the major factor in the decline of the population. Doomsday has hit Swaziland early.*
SWEDEN (Europe) 173,940 sq. miles
(larger than California)
POPULATION: (2009) 9.0 mil. (2025) 9.3 mil. (2050) 9.1 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH; Insignificant.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was; 80.40 years.
In; 2005, 18% of the population was under 15 years of age; and 17% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 2.77 deaths per 1,000 live births. Cardiovascular disease accounts for half of the deaths in 2005. Apart from cancer, most other health problems are related to lifestyle and environment. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 is under 0.1% of the population.
CAPITOL: Stockholm
LANGUAGE: Swedish, closely related to Danish & Norwegian
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 99%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $29,000; current economic growth rate, 2.4%; inflation, 0.5%; people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: The eastern part of the Scandinavian peninsula of northern Europe. It shares its W border with Norway and with the Baltic Sea on the East. It borders Finland on the far NE.
LAND USE: Arable land, 7%; pastures, 2%; forest, 64%; other, 27%.
TOPOGRAPHY: North Sweden sloped from the Kjolen mountains along the Norwegian frontier to the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia. The many rivers flow toward the SE, and have incised the plateau with many waterfalls. There are many lakes.
WATER: Average precipitation is about 24 inches.
CLIMATE: There is a lot of snow in many areas but winters are not severe. Winters only last 2 months in the south.
GOVERNMENT: Limited Monarchy with parliamentary rule. Executive power lies in the appointments made by the majority party.
RELIGION: Evangelical Lutheran, 94%
NATURAL RESOURCES: zinc, iron ore, lead, copper, tin, silver, uranium, hydropower potential
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 103 bil. Import, 83 bil. Surplus, 20 bil.
OVERVIEW: High standard of living and stable government. It continues to have a favorable balance of trade. Its future will depend on climate stability .Climate change and the availability of petroleum are major variables.*
SWITZERLAND (Europe) 15,940 sq. miles
(half again as large as Maryland)
POPULATION: (2009) 7.6 mil. (2025) 7.7 mil. (2050) 7.3 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: A static population growth and strict immigration laws have limited changes. Fertility rate in 2005 was 1.5 children per woman through age of 45 years.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 80.39 years.
In 2005, 16% of the population was under 15 years of age and 16% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 4.39 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004, there were an estimated 1,234 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Most deaths involve lifestyle or age such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was 0.60% of the adult population.
CAPITOL: Bern
LANGUAGE: French (official); German (official); Italian (official) German, with 67% is the most common language.
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 99%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita, $35,000; current economic growth rate, 2.0%; inflation, 1.2%; people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Landlocked country in Western Europe. It is E o
France, S of Germany, W of Austria, and N of Italy.
LAND USE: Arable land, 10%; permanent crop, 1%; pasture, 40%; forest, 26%; other (mountain), 23%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Most of its topography is high mountains interspersed with valleys, some broad and a number of lakes.
LAKES: Lake Geneva; Lake Constance; Lake of Lucerne
RIVERS: Rhine, Rhone, Danube. All three rivers rise in Switzerland.
WATER: Average rainfall varies from 21 inches in the Rhone valley to 57 inches in Lugano.
CLIMATE: In the valleys, the temperatures are close to 32 in winter and rarely over 70 in summer. Many mountains are snowcapped or with glaciers. At Ticino, in the Southern Alps, frost is almost unknown.
GOVERNMENT: Federal Republic. The Federal government only has those administrative powers delegated to it by the political subdivisions called cantons.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 47%; Protestant, 44%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: hydropower potential, timber, salt
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 110 bil. Imports, 102 bil. Surplus, 8 bil.
OVERVIEW: It is a highly integrated society with strong controls by government and the financial area. It seems able to adjust to changing conditions.*
SYRIA (Middle E.) 71,498 sq. miles
(Slightly larger than N. Dakota)
POPULATION: (2009) 22 mil. (2025) 27.5 mil. (2050) 3.4 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: In 2005 population growth was 1.73%
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 70.03.
In 2005, 37% of the population was; less than 15 years and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was29.34 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 350 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Respiratory and intestinal diseases associated with poor living conditions are endemic. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was less than 1 per thousand adults.
CAPITOL: Damascus
LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), Kurdish, Armenian
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 78%; female, 51%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $3,500; current economic growth rate, 1.4%; inflation, 2.2%; people with income below poverty level, 20%.
LOCATION: Middle East, East of Lebanon and on the East coast of the Mediterranean. It is S of Turkey, E of Lebanon and West of Iraq.
LAND USE: Arable land, 28%; permanent crop, 3%; pasture, 46%, forest, 3%; other, 20%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Five major regions: the narrow coast along the Mediterranean shore; the hill & mountain region in the NW paralleling the coast& the eastern slopes of the Anti-Lebanon and the Jabal in the SE. the cultivated area E of the Ansariyah and Anti-Lebanon range which is widest in the N.; the steppe & desert region traversed by the Euphrates River, and the Jazirah in the NE, composed of low rolling hills.
WATER: Rainfall averages about 30 inches along the coast, 50 inches in some mountain areas, and less than 10 in the east. 3/5 of the country is arid.
CLIMATE: Temperatures range from Mediterranean along the coast to extreme changes in the desert where the temperature may go below freezing in January and up to 120 in July.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship ruled by Bashar Al-Assad (born in 1960) It is nominally a republic under leftwing military rule
RELIGION: Sunni Muslim, 74%; other Muslim sects, 16%; Christian (various sects), 10%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, chrome & magnesium ore, phosphorous, asphalt, iron ore
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 5.1 bil. Import, 4.8 bil. Surplus, 300 mil.
OVERVIEW: Although Syria has done fairly well in the economy and the balance of payments is favorable, the future looks grim with a growing population. As in most other Middle East countries, population growth is out of hand and the area is becoming dependent on other countries for at least part of its food needs. Social rights of women are restricted.*
Citizens of Syria have been demonstrating against the regime sine before 1988.
The government has made no concessions and continues to kill and imprison people as of 2012.see also, p. 242. “Islam.”
TAIWAN (Asia) 13,892 sq. miles
(A third larger than Maryland)
POPULATION: (2009) 23 mil. (2025) 23 mil. (2050) 20 mil.
POPULATION CHANGE: It is a relatively modern country and the population has reached a balance.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 77.2 years.
In 2005, 19% of the population was under 15 years and 9% was over65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 20050 was 6.4 deaths per 1,000 live births. An active inoculation drive has materially reduced health risks. HIV-AIDS prevalence was not listed.
CAPITOL: Taipei
LANGUAGE: Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanic
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 93%; female, 79%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita, $26,700; current economic growth rate, 3.6%; inflation, 2.3%; people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Western Pacific, and less than 100 miles from the coast of Southern China. .
LAND USE: Arable land, 24%; permanent crop, 1%; pastures, 5% forests, 55%; other, 15%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Taiwan perches on the edge of the continental shelf. Water to the west, averages 300 feet. The ocean to the east drops to 13,000 feet within 35 miles. The North coast has many inlets providing good harbor locations. The eastern 2/3 of the island is composed of rugged hills and mountain chains. A low coastal plain occupies the West.
WATER: Rainfall ranges from 57 in the lowlands to 250 inches or more on exposed mountains.
CLIMATE: tropical monsoon with January mean temperature at 61 F. and July is 82 F. Mountains may have snow in January. The country is subject to severe tropical storms and typhoons.
GOVERNMENT: multiparty democracy. Of the 225 members of the legislature, 168 are elected. The balance are appointed. In 2008 the number will be reduced to 113. The executive can be dismissed by a no confidence vote.
RELIGION: mixture of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoist
NATURAL RESOURCES: small deposits of oil, limestone, marble
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 143.1 bil. Import, 119.7 bil. Surplus, 23.5 bil.
OVERVIEW: Dynamic economy, Capitalist & aggressive. It shows the ability to adjust to change. Taiwan is still not recognized as a separate nation by most of the World. China claims Taiwan is a dissident part of China.*
China continues to pressure Taiwan to unite. Taiwanese oppose the union by 2 to. Newsweek, October 25, 2010, p. 5.
TAJIKISTAN (Asia) 58,029 sq. miles
(Former Soviet state)
(Slightly smaller than Wisconsin)
POPULATIION: (2009) 7.3 mil. (2025) 9.5 mil. (2050) 12.0 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.6%. Fertility rate of women has declined to 3.1 in 2000.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 64.4 years.
In 2005, 40% of the population was under 15 years and 4% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate kin 2005 was 110.7 per 1,000 live births. There were approximately 665 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. Diphtheria is widespread through much of the former Soviet Union. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was 0.3% of total population.
CAPITOL: Dushanbe
LANGUAGE: Tajik (official), Russian (widely used in government & business)
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 90%; female, 91%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita $1,200; current economic growth rate, 8.0k%; inflation, 8.0%; people with income below poverty level, 60%.
LOCATION: Central Asia, West of China. Common borders with China, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyz Stan
LAND USE: Arable land, 6%; pasture, 23%, other, 71%
TOPOGRAPHY: Pamir & Allay Mountains dominate the landscape. In the west is the Fergana valley & in the north two large valleys.
WATER: Most of the country has less than 20 inches of rainfall.
CLIMATE: mountainous continental with hot summers and mild winters in the valleys to polar (cold) on the mountains.
GOVERNMENT: One party republic. President Rakhmanov has arbitrary powers. Restrictive measures were taken against media critical of the government. Election laws also tended to restrict opposition to the government.
RELIGION: Sunni Muslim, 80%
NATURAL RESOURCES: significant; hydropower potential, brown coal, lead, zinc, antimony
WORLD TRADE: (2009) Export, 1.5 bil. Import, 4.1 bil. Deficit, 2.6 bil.
OVERVIEW: Cotton is the major money crop. Land is becoming polluted because of excessive use of herbicides, fertilizer and inadequate flushing of the soil. The future is not promising. Many workers have migrated to Russia in search of work.
“National Geographic”, February 2002 (pp 118-119z)
Civil war broke out in 1999 & most of the skilled technicians fled the country. It is the poorest of the former Soviet Republics. 93% of the country is mountainous. Much of the rest was tilled by state farms, which were required to grow cotton. The arable land suffers from poor farming practices. The presence of the Russian army is still significant. **
TANZANIA (Africa)\ 341,217 sq. miles
(1.3 times the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 41 mil. (2025) 53 mil. (2050) 69 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 1.5% projected for 20 and for 45 years. The spread of AIDS will likely slow population growth.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 45.24 years.
In 2005, 43% of the people were under 15years of age and 3% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 98.54 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were fewer than 4 physicians per 100,000 people. There were over 3,000 medical centers but staffing was low because of declining wages. 54% of the people had access to safe drinking water. As of 2,000, 44% of children under 5 years of age were malnourished. Major diseases are malaria, tuberculosis, sleeping sickness, schistosomiasis, polio and yaws. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 8.80% of adults. Government programs have been effective in slowing the spread of AIDS and slowing its progress.
CAPITOL: Doboma
LANGUAGE: Swahili (official and generally used in business), English (official)
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 71%; female, 48%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $700; current growth rate, 6.0%; inflation, 4.0%; people with income below poverty level, 30%
LOCATION: Its E border is the Indian Ocean. On the West, it borders the lakes listed below. It is N of Malawi, NE of Zambia, E of Zaire, Burundi, and Rwanda, and S of Kenya & Uganda.
LAND USE: Arable land, 5%; permanent crop, 1%; pasture, 40%; forest, 47%, other, 7%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Except for a coastal strip & the islands, Tanzania lies at an altitude of over 3,000 feet. A plateau averaging from 3,000 to 6,000 feet makes up the greater part of the country. There are several groups of mountains. The highest is the famous Kilimanjaro, at 19,340 feet.
LAKES: Victoria, Tanganyika, Nairon, Eyasi, Manyara, and Rukawa. (see lakes)
WATER: Rainfall is 40 to 70 inches in the tropical coastal area0, 20 to 30 in on the plateau, and 30 to 40 inches in the Lake region. A small area near L Nairon receives 100 inches of rainfall.
CLIMATE: The islands & the coast have a tropical climate moderated by sea breezes. The rest of the country is in a number of temperature zones
GOVERNMENT: republic. The 1995 election was the first contested election in 20 years. In 2005, the election was more open although criticized by observers.
RELIGION: Christin, 45%; Muslim, 35%; indigenous beliefs, 15%
WORLD TRADE: (2005) Export, 976 mil. Import, 1,6674 mil. Deficit, 698 mil.
OVERVIEW: Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in Africa. The economy is not self-sustaining. The future, with a rapidly increasing population, is a danger to Tanzania as well as the surrounding countries. A project, drawing water from Lake Victoria for hundreds of villages has been delayed by protests from Egypt on the basis of priority & treaty. Control and treating of AIDS is of first priority*
THAILAND (Asia) 198,115 sq. mi.
(1-¼ times larger than California)
POPPULATION: (2009) 66 mil. (2025) 71 mil. (2050) 69 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 0.6% with a tapering off to 0% after 2025.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 205 is 71.95.
In 2005, 23% of the population was under 15 years of age and 7% over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 20,16 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were 30 physicians per 100,000 people. Common diseases are malaria, tuberculosis, and leprosy. 13% of children under 5 years of age are malnourished. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 1.5% of adult population. Lifestyle of Thailand will make control unusually difficult.
CAPITOL: Bangkok
LANGUAGE: Thai, English
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 96%; female, 91%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates), per capita GDP, $8,300; current economic growth rate, 4.6%; inflation, 4.0%; people with income below poverty level, 10%.
LOCATION: Southeastern Asia on the Malaysian peninsula. It is S of Burma,
SW of Laos NW of Cambodia, W of Vietnam, and N of Malaysia.
LAND USE: Arable land, 34%; permanent crop, 4%; pasture, 1%; forest, 28%; other, 31%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Thailand is in 5 geographical areas. In the Northwest, the Continental Highlands, composed of mountains and valleys, are sources of the Salwen R. in Burma, the Mekong in Laos, and the Chaos Phraya in Thailand. In the Northeast is a sparsely populated area with rugged terrain & deep jungle. The central valley is the main agricultural area, formed by the valley & estuary of the Chaos Phraya. The peninsula is an extremely narrow strip shared with Malaysia.
RIVERS: Chao Phraya, Salween, and Mekong,
WATER: Annual rainfall is about 59 inches.
CLIMATE: Tropical. Bangkok has average temperature of 82 F. Mountain and valley areas have cooler weather in November-March period.
GGOVERNMENT: constitutional monarchy. The house has 500 members, 100 of which are by population and the rest by area. The senate is appointed but each member has to have certain educational qualifications.
RELIGION: Buddhism, 95%; Muslim in three Southern provinces
NATURAL RESOURCES: tin rubber, natural gas, tungsten, led, gypsum, and
fish
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 75.9 bil. Import, 65.3 bil. Surplus, 10. 6 bil.
OVERVIEW: Air pollution, water pollution and deforestation are of major concern. Thailand is a stable economy with a surplus of world trade. Much of its importation has been in Capital goods; further improving its position worldwide. Major problems facing the government are the continued violence in Muslim areas, drug dealers, and prostitution and white slavery. AIDS must be addressed..*
TOGOLAND (Africa) 21,925 sq. miles
TOGO
(Smaller than W. Virginia)
POPULATION: (2009) 6.0 mil. (2025) 9.0 mil. (2050) 14.9 mil.
The U.N. estimates the population in 2005 at 6,145,000.
POPULATION GROWTH: 2.43%. In view of similar growth in the surrounding countries, the economy cannot tolerate such an increase & still maintain present lifestyles.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 657.01 years.
In 2005, 43% of the people were under 15 years of age and 3% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 62..9 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 37 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Major diseases of concern are Yaws, malaria, and leprosy. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 4.1% of adult population, qualifying it as epidemic.
CAPITOL: Lome
LANGUAGE: French is the language of government and commerce. The natives speak a number of dialects.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 56%; female, 31%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $1,600; current economic growth rate, 2.5%; inflation, 5.5%; people with income below poverty level, 32%
LOCATION: It is on the W. coast of Africa. It is. a narrow strip of land with the Gulf of Guinea on the S; It is S of Burkina Faso; W of Benin & E of Ghana.
LAND USE: Arable land, 25%; permanent crop, 1%: pasture, 4%; forest, 28%; other, 42%
TOPOGRAPHY: The beach area is sandy and thickly planted with coconut trees. Farther inland is savannah and low mountains.
WATER: Average rainfall is 51 inches.
CLIMATE: It has a tropical climate with high humidity, but with less rainfall than its neighbors.
GOVERNMENT: constitutional democracy. The Prime Minister and his party had control of the country including imprisoning students and reporters. The government, badly in need of aid from the EU, issued pardons and other measures to reduce the appearance of a Dictatorship.
RELIGION: indigenous beliefs, 70%; Christian, 20%
NATURAL RESOURCES: phosphates, limestone, marble
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 396 mil. Import, 501 mil. Deficit, 105 mil.
OVERVIEW: The economy is heavily dependent on subsistence agriculture Primary crops are coffee, cocoa & cotton. Currently the country is importing more than it exports and is in a debtor situation. The outlook for the future is dismal. *
TONGA (Pacific I) 289 sq. miles
(1/4 the size of Rhode Island)
POPULATION: (2009) 121 Th. (2025) 151 Th. (2050) 188 Th.
U.N estimate for 2005 is 102 thousand
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 1.37%. Fertility rate was 3 children per woman.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 69.55 years. In 2004,
39% of population was under 15 years of age and 5% over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 12.62 deaths per1000 live births in 2005. There were approximately 360 physicians, nurses and midwives per 100,000 people. Citizens have free health service. Non-citizens are charged a fixed fee. Diseases of concern are tuberculosis, filariasis, typhoid fever, dysentery, and various skin and eye diseases. HIV-AIDS prevalence was not listed.
CAPITOL: Nuku’alofa
LANGUAGE: Tongan, English
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 100%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $2,300; current economic growth rate, 1.5%; inflation, 10.5%; people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Tonga archipelago is in the Pacific about 2/3 of the way between Hawaii and New Zealand.
LAND USE: Arable land, 25%; permanent crop, 55%; pasture, 6%; forest, 12%; other, 2%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The islands run N & S. in two parallel chains. The Western islands are volcanic & the eastern islands are coral. The volcanic islands rise to a maximum of 3,000 feet. There are a few small lakes.
WATER: rainfall ranges from 70 to 110 inches.
CLIMATE: The climate is subtropical but SE trade winds have a cooling effect.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship by the hereditary constitutional monarchy. The king exercises considerable power over appointments to the government.
RELIGION: Christian
NATURAL RESOURCES: fish, fertile soil
TRANSPORTATION: Two Tonga airlines collapsed when their aircraft were repossessed. An award of a monopoly to an airline, owned by the King, made possible the lease of 3 DC-3s of 1940’s vintage to resume air service.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 27 mil. Import, 86 mil. Deficit, 59 mil.
OVERVIEW: Population growth crisis will be exacerbated as the sea rises. (An estimated 3 feet or more by 2100) Many coral islands will have to be evacuated. By 1995, a large part of the food consumed by the population had to be imported, mostly from New Zealand.*
TRINIDAD & TOBAAGO (Caribbean) 1,981 sq. miles
(Slightly smaller than Delaware)
POPULATION: (2005) 1.1 mil. (2025) 880 Th. (2050) 622 Th
WA, 2010 (2009) 1.2 mil (2025) 1.2 mil. (2050)
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) Current estimates are a negative 1%.
2009 World Almanac, 2010, shows a stable population, based on U.N. figures.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 68.73 years.
21% of the population in 2005 was under 15 years of age and 7% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 28.81 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were an estimated 374 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. 80%% of the people have access to safe drinking water. Death rates have been materially reduced through treatment of tuberculosis, typhoid and syphilis. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 3.20% of the adult population, classifying it as a major epidemic.
CAPITOL: Port-au-Prince
LANGUAGE: English (official), Hindi, French, Spanish
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 97%; female, 98%
INCOME: (2009 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $23.500, current economic growth rate, 6.5%; inflation, 6.8%; people with income below poverty level, 21%.
LOCATION: Trinidad is a Caribbean island between the Caribbean Sea & the North Atlantic
LAND USE: Arable land, 14%; permanent crop, 17%; pastures, 2%; forest, 44%; other, 23%.
TOPOGRAPHY: mostly low plains with some hills and low mountains.
WATER: Rainfall is 50 to 65 inches.
CLIMATE: Tropical with rainy season from June to December
GOVERNMENT: parliamentary democracy, based on the British system. It gives the party in power considerable authority.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 32%; Hindu, 25%; Anglican, 14%, other Protestant, 29%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, natural gas, asphalt
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 19.2 bil. Import, 23.2 bil. Deficit, 3.0 bil.
OVERVIEW: The country is forced to deal with air pollution, water pollution from agricultural and industrial chemicals. The economy has suffered from fluctuating agricultural prices. There is substantial unemployment, although the country has a favorable balance of payment. The future is favorable compared to most Latin American countries provided it can deal with the HIV-AIDS epidemic. Drugs are now available to reduce symptoms and side effects. The future will depend on successfully handling pollution problems and prudent government administration of funds. Trinidad is promoting plants that will increase exports of liquefied natural gas.*
TUNISIA (Africa) 63,170 sq. miles
(2.6 times the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 10.5 mil. (2025) 11.9 mil. (2050) 12.5 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 0.79%. The government actively supports family planning. The fertility rate in 2000 was 2.1 children per woman.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 74.89 years.
In 2005, 27% of the people were under 15 years of age and 7% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 24.77 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2005 there were approximately 370 physicians, nurses, and dentists per 100,000 people. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was under 1 per 1,000 adults.
CAPITOL: Tunis
LANGUAGE: French (language of commerce)
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 69%; female, 45%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $7,000; current economic growth rate, 4.9%; inflation, 2.0%; people with income below poverty level, 8%.
LOCATION: N. coast of Africa. It is S & W of the Mediterranean, W of Libya and E of Algeria.
LAND USE: Arable land, 20%; permanent crop, 10%, pasture, 19%; forest, 4%; other (desert), 47%.
TOPOGRAPJHY: The North is relatively flat with areas of cork forest, savannah and farmland with citrus. An extension of the Atlas Mountains separates this area from the South, which is characterized by oases and saline lakes. The far south is part of the Sahara.
WATER: North of the Atlas rainfall is up to 59 inches. The South region has less than 8 inches.
CLIMATE: The North has wet, cool winters and moderate summers with a temperature range of between 70 & 91 F. Temperatures in the South are more typically Saharan with hot days and nights than can be close to freezing.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship. Although the President is elected, he has a high degree of authority under the Islamic Republic constitution. Single party election in 2004. The ruling party won all seats. The government operates in a secular manner. Riots in January, 2011 forced the Chief of State to go into exile.
RELIGION: Muslim, 98%
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, phosphate, lead, iron ore, zinc, salt.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 8.0 bil. Import, 10.3 bil. Deficit, 2.3 bil.
OVERVIEW: A current problem is the disposal of hazardous and toxic waste. Tunisia has a diverse economy with agriculture, mineral extraction and tourism. A trade deficit is partially offset by tourism. Internationally, there was concern about human rights in Tunisia. Education falls short of goals and women are still a subservient class.*
Also see p. 242, “Islam.”
TURKEY (Europe) 299,158 sq. mi.
(1 1/8 the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 70 mil (2025) 82.2 mil. (2050) 86.4 mil.
` WA 2010: (2009) 77 mil. (2025) 90 mil. (2050) 101 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: No explanation for change in projections.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2004 was 72.36.
29% of the population was under 15 years of age in 1003 and 6% was over 65. Fertility rate jaws 2.4 for Turkish women of childbearing age.
HEALTH: Infant mortality was about 34 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2004. As of 2004 there were approximately 377 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was under 1 per 1,000 adults.
CAPITOL: Ankara
LANGUAGE: Turkish (official), Kurdish, Arabic
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 90%; female, 68%
INCOME: (2009 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, 11.9 th., ; current economic growth rate, 5.1%; inflation, 7.1%; people living below poverty level, 20%.
LOCATION: Turkey is in SE Europe & W Asia with coastline on the Black Se and the Aegean Sea. It shares common borders with Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq, and Syria..
LAND USE: Arable land, 30%; permanent crop, 4%’ pasture, 12%; forest, 26%; other (semi-arid), 28%
TOPOGRAPHY: Turkey is subject to major earthquakes. Along the Aegean Sea is relatively fertile lands with adequate rainfall. Farther east the country becomes more rugged. Most streams travel through barren areas with a fluctuating flow of water. East & South are mountainous areas with the highest peak Mt. Ararat at 16,854 feet, near the Iranian border. There are over 100 peaks over 8,000 ft in height.
RIVERS: Euphrates and Tigris.
WATER: Rainfall along the Mediterranean & Aegean ranges from 22 to 28 inches. In other areas the rainfall varies from 12 to 26 inches. On the Black Sea coast rainfall ranges from 59 to 91 inches.
CLIMATGE: The climate along the Aegean & Mediterranean is warm in summer and cool in winter. Farther east the temperatures vary greatly. Winter will go down to freezing and summer temperatures range to 110 F.
GOVERNMENT: republic,, with limited autonomy for Kurds..
RELIGION: Muslim, mostly Sunni.
NATURAL RESOURCES: antimony, coal, chromium, mercury, copper, borate, iron ore.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 140.81 bil, Import, 193.9 bil, Deficit, 50.1nil.
OVERVIEW: Turkey continues to have a negative balance of payment. It suffers from inflation. Turkey has applied for entry into the European Common Market but has not yet been accepted because of its fiscal difficulties and human rights violations. Plans to build dams and utilize the waters of the Tigris & Euphrates in irrigation will seriously impact Iraq and Syria. A further problem is the Kurdish minority that shares common bonds with Kurds in Iraq. Human rights for women lags far behind Western standards. *
TURKMENISTAN (Asia) 188,456 sq. miles
(Former Soviet state)
(1 1/8 times the size of California)
POPULATION: (2005) 5.0 mil. (2025) 7.6 mil. (2050) 9.6 mil.
WA,2010: (2009 4.9 mil. (2025) 5.8 mill. (2050) 6.9 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: It is necessary for the country to institute an active program for family planning to avoid eventual disaster. Difference in population figures is not certain. There is considerable variation in estimates of population.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 61.01 years.
In 2005, 32% of population was under 15 years of age and 4% over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 73 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 960 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Leading causes of death were communicable diseases and injuries. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was less than 1 in 1,000 adults.
CAPITOL: Ashkhabad
LANGUAGE: Turkmen
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 99%; female, 97%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $5,900; In 2005, economic growth rate was7.9%; inflation, 10.0%; people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Central Asia on East shore of the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Kazakhstan. It also borders Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.
LAND USE: Arable land, 2%; pastures, 69%; other (arid), 29%:
TOPOGRAPHY: flat to rolling terrain, semi-arid & desert with mountains along border with Iran.
LAKE: Caspian Sea: used for transportation, now suffering from pollution by agriculture.
RIVER: Amour Darya, largely diverted to irrigation. Highly polluted.
WATER: groundwater and water from the Amur for irrigation
CLIMATE: subtropical desert: with summer temperatures to 122 F.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship. republic in name only. President Nyqzzov controls the issuance of laws and his administration enforces them.
RELIGION: Muslim, 87ern Orthodox, 11%
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, natural gas, coal, salt
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 3.4 bil. Import, 2.5 bil. Surplus, 900 mil.
OVERVIEW: The country is largely desert & pasture. With intensely irrigated oases. It has enormous reserves of natural gas. A serious problem is the contamination of soil and ground water with agricultural chemicals. A thriving irrigation project is seriously threatened. The educational system is being tailored to further isolate the country.*
Peace with Kurds and acceptance of local autonomy within Turkey ends 20 years of conflict is of benefit to Turkey and the Kurds. Newsweek, October 18, 2010, p. 9..
TUVAIU (PI) 10 sq miles.
(Formerly the Ellice Islands)
POPULATION: (2009) 12.4 Th. (2025) 15.8 Th. (2050) 20 Th.
Emigration is encouraged because of low-lying land and lack of fresh water. Population is estimated at about 11-12 thousand in 2008 because of resettlement.
POPULATIOON GROWTH: 1.8%. Fertility rate of women was 3.1 in 2003. The islands are coral islands near sea level. A rise in the sea level, as has been forecast, will reduce available living area with eventual total evacuation. Any growth in population is of serious concern.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Average life expectancy in 2004 was 68.01 years.
In 2005, 36% of the population was under 15 years of age and 6% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate was 20 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there ware 204 physicians, nurses, and midwives per 100,000 people. There were virtually no tropical diseases on the islands. HIV-AIDS prevalence is not listed.
CAPITOL: Funafuti
LANGUAGE: Tuvaluan, English
LITERACY: (can read &write) NA
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita, $1,100; current economic growth rate, 3.0%; inflation, 5.0%; people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: They are in the Southwest Pacific just South of the Equator. These remote islands are located about halfway between Hawaii and Australia.
LAND USE: Suitable for habitation only. Highest point on land is about 19 feet (4.5 m.) with high tides causing saline pollution.
TOPOGRAPHY: The islands all consist of low-lying atolls, none of which are more than 16 feet above sea level. They lie in a 370-mile long chain.
WATER: Rainfall is 140 inches. There are no streams and groundwater is not potable. Water must be collected in cisterns or brought in from outside.
CLIMATE: Tropical with little seasonal change. They lie North of the normal hurricane belt but were hit by a major hurricane in 1972.
GOVERNMENT: democracy. The head of state is the British monarch who is represented by a Tuvalu citizen and who has the power to dissolve the parliament (15 members).
RELIGION: Christian Congregationalist, 97%
NATURAL RESOURCES: fish
WORLD TRADE: (2000) export, 1 mil. Import, 17 mil. Deficit, 16 mil.
OVERVIEW: Virtually total dependency on imports and charity of other countries. There is subsistence farming and fishing. There is serious beach erosion and many of the coral reefs are deteriorating as the coral dies of incursion by the crown of thorns starfish.*
UGANDA (Africa) 93,063 sq. miles
(Smaller than Wyoming)
POPULATION: (2009) 32.4 mil. (2025) 57 mil. (2050) 128 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 3.4%. From 2005 to 2025, the growth rate from 2025 to 2050 is 3.3%. The spread of AIDS may substantially alter the population growth rate.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 51.59 years.
In 2005 51% of the people were under 15 years of age and 2% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 61.83 deaths per 1,000 live births. There were fewer than 11 nurses and doctors per 100,000 people in 2003. Health care is totally inadequate. Serious disease problems include lack of safe drinking water. Such diseases are dysentery, tuberculosis, leprosy, schistosomiasis, sleeping sickness, and typhus. 75% of all school children have goiter. Common among Ugandans is high-risk sexual behavior. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2008 was 5.4% of adult population; It was said that vigorous efforts by the government have stabilized the epidemic.
CAPITOL: Kampala
LANGUAGE: English (official), Lganda, Swahili, and Bantu. English is the
language used in government, commerce, and in the schools.
LLITERACY: (can read & write) male, 68%; female, 45%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita, $1,700; current economic growth rate, 9.0%; inflation, 9.0%; people with earnings below poverty level, 46%.
LOCATION: a landlocked country in east central Africa. It is E of Zaire & S. of Sudan.
LAND USE: Arable land, 23%; permanent crops, 9%; pasture, 25%; forest, 30%; other, 13%
TOPOGRAPHY: The major area is a plateau that ranges from 2,600 to 6,000 feet in elevation. In the West, Mt. Margherita rises to 10,703 ft. On the eastern frontier, Mt. Elgon rises to 14,178 ft., The Great Rift Valley runs from N. to S. through the Western part of the country. L. Edward is 2,036 ft. elevation & L. George is 2,960 ft. The White Nile begins in L. Victoria. It flows northward through L. Kyoga and then westward to L. Albert. From there it flows as the Albert Nile to Sudan.
WATER: Most of the country receives at least 40 inches of rainfall. At Entebbe the rainfall is 64 inches. In the Northeast it is only 27inches.
CLIMATE: Although on the equator, Uganda has a warm rather than a hot climate. There is little seasonal change. :
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship. republic. The country is now ruled by a one-party system. Free elections are scheduled for 2011. A restricted multiparty election was held in 2006.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 33%; Protestant, 35%; Muslim, 16%; indigenous beliefs, 16%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: copper, cobalt, salt, limestone.
WORLD TRADE: (2009) export, 2.0 b. Import, 3.6 bil. Deficit, 1.6 bil.
OVERVIEW: Current problems include soil erosion, deforestation, overgrazing.
The country is capable of producing great amounts of vegetables and other foodstuffs. . More than a million refugees were in refugee camps at the beginning of 2004, an aftermath of Uganda’s support of a civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. *
UKRAINE (Europe) 233,090 sq. miles
(Former Soviet state)
(7/8 the size of Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 46.6.mil. (2025) 41.0 mil. (2050) 33.5 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Negative, mature society.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 69.68 years. In 2005, 15% of the population was under 15 years of age and 16% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 10.11 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004, there were 1,182 physicians, nurses, and dentists per 100,000 people. Health standards for women and children need to be improved. Major causes of death were cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, traumas, and accidents. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 was 1.6% of population, considered epidemic. The health infrastructure should be capable of controlling the epidemic.
CAPITOL: Kiev
LANGUAGE: Ukrainian, Russian, and Romanian
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 100%; female, 97%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $7,200; current economic growth rate, 4.0%; inflation, 13.1%; people with income below poverty level, 29%.
LOCATION: Eastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Poland and Russia. It also borders Belarus, and Romania.
LAND USE: Arable land, 56%; permanent crop, 12%; grazing, 2%; other, 30%
TOPOGRAPHY: mostly plains (steppes) with plateau in the extreme South. In the West are the Carpathian Mountains . There are about 20,000 small lakes and one large lake, he Sea of Azov (14,517) sq. miles).
RIVERS: Dnepr, Danube, Tisza,
WATER: Rainfall varies greatly
CLIMATE: Mediterranean along the Black Sea with mild weather. Farther North, the climate is hot in summer and cold in winter.
GOVERNMENT: republic. A single parliament is presided over by a prime minister. The President is separately elected.
RELIGION: Ukrainian Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, various others.
NATURAL RESOURCES: iron ore, coal manganese, natural gas, oil, salt, graphite, titanium, kaolin magnesium, mercury, timber
WORLD TRADE: (2009) export,67.7 bil. Import, 64.7 bil. + Surplus 3.0 bil.
OVERVIEW: The Ukraine is in an economic slump, with lowered living standards. Inadequate supplies of safe drinking water. Air and water pollution need to be dealt with. A large area suffers from radiation poisoning as a result of the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown. Ukraine is a major producer of foodstuff for Russia and other countries. The Ukraine has a highly productive economy and stable economic system. The future will be seriously affected by rising costs and availability of petroleum.*
UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS
List of countries that once made up the Union but became independent;
Name size Population Population
In 2005 2009 (000)
ARMENIA 11,506 sq. miles 2,500,000 3,000
AZERBAJAN 33,436 sq. miles 7,800,000 8,200
BELARISE 80,155 sq. miles 10,300,000 9,600
ESTONIA 17,413 sq. miles 1,300,000 1,300
GEORGIA 26,911 sq. miles 4,600,000 4,600
KAZAKHSTAN 1,049,151 sq. miles 15,100,000 15,400
KYRGYZSTAN 75,869 sq. miles 5,000,000 5,400
LATVIA 24,749 sq. miles 2,300,000 2,200
LITHUANIA 23,174 sq. miles 3,600,000 3,600
MOLDOVA 13,012 sq. miles 4.400,000 4,300
RUSSIA 6,592,741 sq. miles 143,000,000 140,000
TAJIKISTAN 55,090 sq. miles 7,000,000 7,300
TURKMENISTAN 188,456 sq. miles 4,800,000 4,900
UKRAINE 233,088 sq, miles 60,000,000 45,700
UZBEKISTAN 172,741 sq. miles 26,000,000 27,600
TOTAL 9,748,900 sq. miles 297,700,000 284,700
Population figures are U.N. estimates for 2005.
1 square mile = 2.59 square kilometer – 100 hectares*
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (Middle E) 32,278 sq. miles
(Slightly smaller than Maine)
STATES IN UNION: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sarah, Ras al-Khaim, Umm al-Quaiwain, & Al-Fujayrah
POPULLATION: (2005) 2.6 mil. (2025) 3.3 mil. (2050) 3.7 mil.
The above figures are from the 2007 World Almanac.
U.N. estimates the combined population in 2005 at 4,616,000.
WA, 2010: (2009) 4.8 mil. (2025) 7.0 mil. (2050) 8.0 ,o;/ mil.
A large number of the workers are from other areas to work in the oil fields, the refineries and the dock facilities.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 1.095%. Current estimates indicate a figure closer to 3%. See overview.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Average life expectancy is 75 years.
In 2005 25% of the population was under 15 years of age and 1% was over 65
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 14.51 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 650 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Malaria continues to be a major problem. 40% of school age children have goiter. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was .18% of the adult population.
CAPITOL: Abu Dhabi
LANGUAGE: Arabic (official), English, Hindi, Persian, Urdu
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 72%; female, 69%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $21,000; current economic growth rate, 5.0%. Inflation rate is not known.
LOCATION: Eastern Arabian Peninsula.
LAND USE: Pastures, 2%; desert, 98%.
TOPOGRAPHY: It is mainly sandy desert, bounded on the West by large salt flats. The eastern border runs over gravel plains & high dunes, almost reaching the Hajar Mountains. The flat coastal strip that makes up most of the UAE has an extensive area of salt flats, which is subject to flooding. The main gravel plain extends inland and southward. A narrow, well-watered & fertile strip runs between the mountain & the sea in the Gulf of Oman.
WATER: Rainfall is between 2 & 4 inches.
CLIMATE: Between May & October temperatures frequently run between 109 & 120. Winter temperatures range between 63 & 70 but fall near freezing on occasion.
GOVERNMENT: Federation with special administrative powers. The people of
the separate emirates are ruled under tribal laws.
RELGION: Muslim, 96%.
NATURAL RESOURCES: Petroleum, Natural gas.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 56.7 bil. Import, 37.2 bil. Surplus, 19.5 bil.
OVERVIEW: It is estimated that present known reserves will last at least 100 years at the present rate of production. The country must import all its needs as a modern society. All citizens are enjoying a high standard of living. The current reduction in population growth is encouraging. *
UNITED KINGDOM (E) 93,784 sq. miles
(Smaller than Oregon)
POPULATION: (2009) 61 mil. (2025) 64 mil. (2050) 64 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: No appreciable change except for immigration
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 78.38years.
In 2005, 18% of the population was under 15 years of age and 16% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 5.16 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were about 735 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000k people. Major causes of death are circulatory disease, respiratory diseases, cancer, and accidents. Half the British population is overweight. HIV-AIDS prevalence was 0.2% of the total population in 2009.
CAPITOL: London
LANGUAGE: English (official), Welsh (about 60% of people of Wales); Scotish (a form of Gaelic) spoken by about 60,000 people.
LITERACY: (can read & write) total population, 99%.
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $30,900; current economic growth rate, 1.8%; inflation, 1.1%; people with income below poverty level, 17%.
LOCATION: Large islands separated from France by the English Channel.
LAND USE: Arable land, 29%; pasture, 48%; forest, 9%; other, 14%
TOPOGRAPHY: Major areas of the SW. are undulating land. In the NW are Wales & the Welsh Highlands. Farther North is the Lake district. The Northeast (Scotland) has poorer soil, rougher terrain and pastureland. There are some large lakes called lochs in Scotland.
WATER: Rainfall is over 40 in. throughout the UK.
CLIMATE: The climate is moderated by the Gulf Stream and prevailing SW winds. The English may golf every week of the year except when it is raining. In Scotland, winters are colder.
GOVERNMENT: Constitutional Monarchy. The monarch has virtually no power. The House of Commons is elected by district and may be dissolved by a vote of no confidence. The majority party has considerable power and the Prime Minister is the Chief Executive.. The House of Lords has few functions.
RELIGION: Anglican, 27 million; Roman Catholic, 9 million; Muslim, 1 million; Protestants, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish, about 2,5 million
NATURAL RESOURCES: coal, petroleum, natural gas, tin, limestone, iron ore, salt, gypsum, chalk, lead, & silica
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 304.5 bil. Import, 365.6 bil. Deficit, 61.mill.
OVERVIEW: The UK has a dynamic, largely capitalistic, economy. Power plants and industry are struggling with air and water pollution, as are cities. The UK raises 60% of its own food with highly efficient land practices. Entitlements have created a serious deficit and financial concerns involve a plunge in real estate values.
An ageing population and accompanying entitlements are the source of a growing deficit*
UNITED STATES N. America) 3,618,773 sq miles
(Area includes Hawaii and Alaska)
POPULATION: (2009) 307 mil. (2025) 357 mil. (2050) 459 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 0.82%). The present growth has increased
measurably because of the immigration, both legal & illegal, of Latin American peoples.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in2005 was 77.71 years.
In 2005, 21% of the people were under 15 years of age and 12% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 6.50 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 1,369 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. Leading causes of death were heart disease, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lower respiratory diseases, pneumonia, influenza, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and homicides. Over half of the people are overweight, and a large number have been smokers of cigarettes. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 0.56% of adults (about 1,800.000).
CAPITOL: Washington, D.C.
LANGUAGE: English (official and universal), Spanish
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 97%; female, 97%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $41,800; current economic growth rate, 3.3%; inflation, 3.2%; people with income below poverty level, 12%.
LOCATION: N. America with coasts on both Pacific & Atlantic Oceans.
LAND USE: Arable land, 20%; pasture, 26%; forest & woodland, 29%; other, (desert and mountain, 25%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The East has a narrow coastal strip rising to ancient Appalachian Mountains, a wide plain extending to the Rocky Mountains, high, broad granite and other plate upheavals. Beyond the Rockies is the Great Basin, relatively dry, which includes the Northern extension of the Sonora Desert. Beyond the Great Basin are the Cascades, which include a number of volcanoes. Beyond is the coastal strip of rich land.
LAKES: L. Superior, L. Michigan, L. Huron, L. Ontario, L. Erie, G. Salt Lake,
RIVERS: Colorado, Columbia, Hudson Mississippi, and St. Lawrence.
WATER: Water is in short supply in most of the West. Rainfall varies from 50 inches to 150 in the Cascades, to space in the SW. Aquifers are being depleted and land has subsided. The Colorado R. is now 100% utilized.
CLIMATGE: The climate ranges from polar in Alaska & high Cascade & Rocky Mountains, to semiarid in the West and temperate for most of the country. Florida and much of the South have a subtropical climate.
GOVERNMENT: Constitutional Republic
RELIGION: (1995) Protestant, 56^; Roan Catholic, 28%; Jewish, 2%; other, 4%; none, 10%. Immigration is increasing the percentage of Catholics.
NATURAL RESOURCES: The U.S. has an abundance of many metals. It is in short supply of chromium and bauxite. The arable land is highly productive.
WORLD TRADE: (2005) Export, 724 bil. Import, 1,335 bil. Deficit, 611 bil.
OVERVIEW: The future of the U.S. is dependent on use of renewable energy, equity of income, development of internal production, a balanced budget, better education and a balance of imports and exports. Failure in these goals may mean a seriously reduced standard of living.-
URUGUAY (Latin A) 67,574 sq. miles
(smaller than N. Dakota)
POPULATION: (2009) 3.4 mil. (2025) 3.7 mil. (2050) 3.8 mil
POPULATION GROWTH: not significant.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 is 76.13 years.
In 2005, 24% of the population was under 15 years of age and 12% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 11.95 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 22004 there were approximately 570 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. The major causes of death are heart disease, cancer, and digestive disorders. Degenerative diseases rank high. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2006 was 0.6% of adult population.
CAPITOL: Montevideo
LANGUAGE: Spanish, Brazilian, And Portuguese
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 97%; female, 96%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita, $10,000; current economic growth rate, 6.2%; inflation, 4.9%; people with income below poverty level. 21%.
LOCATION: Southern S. America, bordering the S. Atlantic Ocean. It is between Argentina on the South & Brazil on the North.
LAND USE: Arable land, 8%; pasture, 78%; forest, 4%; other, 10%.
TOPOGRAPHY: The land is mostly undulating hills with strips of forest along the banks of the numerous streams. Uruguay consists mostly of plains and is an extension of the Argentine pampas. The Atlantic coast is fringed with tidal lakes. Broad plains line the banks of the wide rivers.
RIVERS: Uruguay and the Rio del Plata
WATER: Rainfall varies from 35 to 50 inches.
CLIMATE: June, the coolest month, averages 59 F. and January, the warmest months, is 77 F.
GOVERNMENT: republic. Participation by the citizens is encouraged. In Uruguay, democracy is very real.
RELIGION: Roman Catholic, 68% (less than half attend church)
NATURAL RESOURCES: hydropower potential
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 2,164 mil. Import, 1,989 mil. Surplus, 175 mil.
OVERVIEW: Uruguay has rich soil and hydropower potential. The economy is small but has done well in a cooperative market economy with Argentina and Brazil.*
UZBEKISTAN (Asia) 172,741 sq. mi.
(Former Soviet state)
(Larger than California)
POPULATION: (2009) 28 mil. (2025) 32 mil. (2050) 35 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: projection is probably low.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy is 61.19 years.
In 2005, 35% of the population was under15 years of age and 5% over 65.
HEALH: Infant mortality rate was 70.1 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2005. In 2004 there were approximately 1,310 physicians, dentists and nurses per 100,000 people. Heart disease is much higher than in other countries and death by heart disease is over 55% of those over 65 years of age. HIV-AIDS prevalence was less than 1 per thousand population in 2009.
CAPITOL: Tashkent
LANGUAGE: Uzbek, Russian
LOCATION: Central Asia, N. of Afghanistan, SW of Kazakhstan & NE of
Turkmenistan.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 96%; female, 96%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $1,900; 5.1%; inflation, 7.1%; people with income below poverty rate, 28%.
LAND USE: Arable land, 10%; permanent crop, 1%; pasture, 47%; no forestlands, other (sandy desert), 42%.; irrigated land 16,200 sq miles
TOPOGRAPHY: mostly flat rolling land, sandy desert with dunes, flat, intensely irrigated valleys,
LAKE: Aral Sea, formerly a productive lake, now a dead see, rapidly shrinki9ng sin the diversion of its water source to irrigation. Lake is being restored.
WTER: semiarid rainfall ranges from 8 to 12 inches.
CLIMATE: Long, hot summers and mild winters.
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship ruled by Islam Kaimov, age over 70. It is a compliant republic.
RELIGION: Muslim, 88% (mostly Sunnis)
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, natural gas, gold, silver, uranium, copper, lead, zinc
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 2.8 bil. Import, 2.3 bil. Surplus, 500 mil.
OVERVIEW: Uzbekistan is a dry, landlocked country with intensely cultivated and irrigated river valleys. Cotton is a major product. Land and rivers have become badly polluted with heavily applied chemicals and improper irrigation practices. Land is also becoming salty. The Aral Sea, once a productive source of fish, has been reduced to a fraction of its former size. The dried lakebed is covered with toxic salt & chemicals, which now have become a serious health hazard.
“National Geographic”, February 2002 (pp. 123-123)
The government practices rigid control over Muslim activities. It keeps an iron grip on the press. Agriculture is the major employer and Cotton is king. State farms have not been abolished. Much of the land has been polluted and yields are reduced. River water is fully utilized for irrigation and Aral Sea is drying up.*
VANUATU (Pacific I.) 4,706 sq. miles
(larger than Connecticut)
POPULATION: (2009) 2161 Th. (2025) 264 Th. (2050) 312 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: (2005) 1.2%; too high for its available arable land
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy was 62.8 years in 2004.
In 2004, 42% of the population was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 55 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were approximately 35 physicians and nurses per 100,000 people. Malaria is the most serious disease. Major among others are leprosy, tuberculosis, filariasis, and venereal disease. HIV-AIDS prevalence was less than 1 per thousand adults in 2009.
CAPITOL: Port-Vila
LANGUAGE: English (official), French (official), Pidgin
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 57%; female, 48%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita, $2,900; current economic growth rate, 1.1%; inflation, 3.1%; people with income below poverty level, n.a.
LOCATION: Pacific O., New Hebrides. The chain is about 500 miles long and lies about 600 miles W of Fiji and 250 miles NE of New Caledonia.
LAND USE: Arable land, 1%; permanent crop, 5%; pasture, 2%; forest, 1%; other (volcanic peaks and rough coral) 91%. Much of the volcanic land has some forest of hardwood.
TOPOGRAPHY: The islands are of coral and volcanic origin and there are active volcanoes on several islands. Most of the islands are forested and mountainous. There are about 80 islands, 70 of which are inhabited..
WATRER: Rainfall is about 90 inches. A majority of the people does not have access to a potable supply of water and must depend on collecting rainwater for drinking and cooking.
CLIMATE: The tropical climate is moderated by the SE trade winds, which blow between May & November. Tropical storms are a natural hazard.
GOVERNMENT: republic. The parliament is the chief legislative body. The chief executive officer is the prime minister chosen by parliament from its own ranks.
RELIGION: Presbyterian, 37%; Anglican, 15%; Catholic, 15%; indigenous beliefs, 8%
NAT3URAL RESOURCES: manganese, hardwood forest, fish
WORLD TRADE: (2004) Export, 79 mil. Import, 134 mil. Deficit, 55 mil.
OVERVIEW: Its economy is dependent on subsistence farming and tourism. Natural hazards are earthquakes, volcanic activity and tropical storms. Manmade hazards are pollution of the sea and dumping of hazardous wastes by passing ships. The coral islands are endangered by the deterioration of the coral reefs and rising ocean levels. *
VATICAN CITY (Europe) 108 acres.
POPULATION: 921 Th.
LANGUAGE: Italian &Latin. Many people are multilingual.
LOCATION: Rome, Italy
VENEZUELA (Latin A) 352,144 sq. miles
(/5 larger than Texas)
POPULATION: (2009) 26 mil. (2025) 33 mil. (2050) 70 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 0.85% Estimate for2050 is probably high.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was 74.31 years.
In 2005, 31% of the population was under 15 years of age and 5% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in 2005 was 22.20 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2005 there were an estimated 309 physicians, dentists, and nurses per 100,000 people. About 13% of children under 5 years of age were considered malnourished. Major diseases such as malaria, typhoid, and typhus have been brought under control. HIV-AIDS prevalence was 0.7% of the adult population in 2003 and should be considered epidemic.
CAPITOL: Caracas
LANGUAGE: Spanish (official), some native dialects
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 91%; female, 89%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $6,400; current economic growth rate, 8.5%; inflation, 15.2%; people with income below poverty level, 45%.
LOCATION: Northern coast of S. America with the Caribbean on the N, e OF Columbia, n OF Brazil , and w of Guyana.
LAND USE: Arable land, 3%; permanent crops, 1%; pasture, 20%; forests, 39%; other, 37%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Four principal geographic divisions: in the N. is an extension of the Andes Mountain; to the W is the area of Lake Maracaibo; to the SE spread the great plains and forests; and S of the Orinoco lies the unoccupied and largely unexplored highlands.
RIVERS: Orinoco, with a delta of 9,000 sq miles.
WATER: Rainfall over most of the country averages 50 to 75 inches. There are
periodic drought and floods. There are signs of climate change.
CLIMATE: Venezuela lies entirely within the Torrid Zone. There are 4 climate areas based on altitude: tropical up to 2,500 feet subtropical up to 6,000 feet; temperate to 9,000 feet and cold above that altitude.
GOVERNMENT: republic. The current constitution is #26, adopted in 1999. Under the new constitution, a plebiscite may be called if there is considerable complaint and any legislator or the president maybe recalled and a new election will be held. Chavez, the current president has made himself dictator and seized much private property, causing most professionals to emigrate. Newsweek, undated
RELIGION: nominally Roman Catholic
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, bauxite, silver, gold, diamonds, hydropower
WORLD TRAE: (2004) export, 25.8 bil. Import, 10.7 bil. Surplus, 15.1 bil.
OVERVIEW: Venezuela has to deal with petroleum and industrial pollution, especially on the coast, Sewage disposal is mostly untreated , and erosion has developed with deforestation. The economy is heavily concentrated on petroleum production. The government is promoting the broadening of the economy. Population growth is being addressed at present. Inflation is worrisome. Federal bonds are rated as junk bonds. Newsweek, *
VIETNAM (Asia) 128,066 sq. miles
(Larger than New Mexico)
POPULATION: (2009) 89 mil. (2025) 102 mil. (2050) 111 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 0.88%. In view of world population growth, this rate of growth is worrisome. The government is providing family planning services and officially recognizes the need for reducing population growth.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Vietnam reported that life expectancy was 70.1 in 2005. In 2005, 29% of the people were under 15 years of age and 7% were over 65.
HEALTH: In 2005, infant mortality was 29.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004, there were approximately 130 physicians, nurses, and midwives per 100,000 people. Major health problems include malaria, tuberculosis diarrheal related diseases, and parasites. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2009 had risen to 5 per thousand adults.
CAPITOL: Hanoi
LANGUAGE: Vietnamese (official), English, Chinese, French, Khmer.
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 93%; female, 83%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $3,000; current economic growth rate, 7.6%; inflation, 8.0%; people with income below poverty level, 20%.
LOCATION: East coast of mainland SE Asia. A large number of offshore islands are claimed by several countries and occupation forces of China and Malaysia hold some of them.
LAND USE: Arable land, 22%; permanent crop, 2%; pasture, 1%; forest, 40% other, 35%.
TOPOGRAPHY: There are rich soils in the Mekong delta in the South and the Red River delta in the North, which are heavily population. A narrow band of mountainous land connects the two population centers an estimated 800 miles apart.
WATER: Hanoi in the North has an average rainfall of 68 inches. Some nearby areas in the mountains may exceed 170 inches at times. Hi Chi Minh (Saigon) has about 70 inches
CLIMAE: Hanoi has a subtropical climate and Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with weather affected by rain, rather than by time of year. Higher elevations have cooler temperatures.
GOVERNMENT: Communist state rule under a 1992 constitution. Under the
constitution the National Assembly is the ruling body. The members are elected every 5 years under universal suffrage. All candidates run under the Communist party affiliation.
RELIGION: Buddhist, Taoist, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Islam, indigenous beliefs
NATURAL RESOURCES: phosphorous, coal, bauxite, manganese, chromate, forest, offshore oil.
WORLD TRADE: (2005) export, 18.7 bil. Import, 19.7 bil. Deficit 1.0 bil.
OVERVEW: Logging and slash agricultural practices are causing considerable erosion. Vietnam has moved away from planned economy to a market economy with considerable success. It needs to deal with population growth problems and a deficit in world trade.*
YEMEN (Middle E) 203,850 sq. miles
(1.28 times the size of California)
POPULATION: (2009) 23 mil (2025) 33 mil. (2050) 46 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: Arable land is too scarce for this population.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was estimated at 61.1 years. 46% of the people are under 15 years of age and 4% are; over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 71 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were only 68 physicians and nurses and 1 dentist per 100,000 people. Malnutrition is common and many diseases are a result. Nearly 30% of children under 5 are malnourished. Sewerage disposal is inadequate and safe water is not generally available. Widespread diseases are malaria, typhus, tuberculosis, dysentery, whooping cough, measles, hepatitis, schistosomiasis, and typhoid fever. HIV-AIDS prevalence was under one per thousand adults. In 2003.
CAPITOL: Aden
LANGUAGE: Arabic
LITERACY: (can read & write) male, 53%; female, 26%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) $800; current growth rate, 2.5%; inflation,
9.6%; people with income below poverty level, 49%.
LOCATION: It occupies most of the southern fringe of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders the Gulf of Aden. It is bordered on the N. by Saudi Arabia and on the E. by Oman.
LAND USE: Arable land, 6%; pasture, 30%; forest, 7%; other (desert), 57%. About 1,200 sq nukes are irrigated land.
TOPOGRAPHY: There are 4 geographical areas, plains & plateaus at various heights. The mountains rise to 8,000 feet and are located in the “West near the Red Sea. Altitudes in the mountains are cooler and get an occasional shower.
WATER: Rainfall is less than 3 inches
CLIMATE: Hot and humid along the coast, temperate in the mountains, hot, dry harsh in the desert.
GOVERNMENT: republic. The lower house is elected every 7 years by popular vote. The Senate of 111 members is appointed by the President who also serves seven years and can be reelected.
RELIGION: Muslim, including Sunni & Shiite.
NATURAL RESOURCES: petroleum, fish, marble, gold, nickel, & copper.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 3.9 bil. Import 3.0 bil. Surplus, .9 bil.
OVERVIEW: Very limited natural fresh water available. The economy is heavily dependent on oil revenue. Population growth must be dealt with and, so far, it has not. Education is inadequate and women are not treated as equals. Majority of population is Shiite and was in rebellion in 2011, demanding a voice in the government.*
Political unrest will likely grow in intensity. ”Yemen is plagued by tribal rivalries National Geographic, July, 2011. P106.
See also, p. 242, “Islam.”
YUGOSLAVIA (listed under Serbia)
The 6 states of Yugoslavia:
Bosnia & Herzegovina Sarajevo Muslim, 40%; Orthodox, 31%
Croatia Zagreb Catholic, 70%; Muslim, 12%
Macedonia Skopje Orthodox 67%; Muslim, 30%
Montenegro
Serbia Belgrade Orthodox, 65%; Muslim, 19%
Slovenia Ljubljana Catholic, 90%
“National Geographic” June, 1996, (pp48-60) “Bosnia”
In 1945 the Communists led by Josip Tito, gained control of Yugoslavia. Tito, a Croat, held back the ambitions of the Serbs and maintained a federal republic of the six states, allowing them some autonomy, and the people, their customs and native tongues. Upon his death, the Serbs gained control of the Army and, under Malosovic, began exerting their authority. The Serb army committed atrocities and ethnic cleansing that eventually caused the U.N. and NATO to intervene. The major ethnic groups are the Albanians (Muslim), Macedonians, Serbs, Croats, and Slovenians. Kosovo is on Albanian border and is 90% of Albanians.*
ZAMBIA (Africa) 290,587 sq. miles
(1 1/8 the size of California)
POPULATION: (2009) 12 mil. (2025) 15 mil. (2050) 18 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.6%. The economy will not easily adjust to growth in population. Forecasts of population growth may be far too high because of the spread of the AIDS epidemic.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2003 was 39.70 years.
In 2005, 43% of the people were under 15 years of age and 3% were over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality rate in2005 was 85.29 deaths per 1,000 live births. In 2004 there were an estimated 7 physicians, and 113 nurses per 100,000 people. Immunization rates are far below the goal of 75%-95% goals reached by most countries. Major health problems are malaria, measles, leprosy, tuberculosis. hookworm and schistosomiasis, which afflict a large part of the population. HIV-AIDS prevalence in 2003 was 16.50% of the adult population and many babies are born with AIDS. It is estimated that between 500,000 and 1,000,000 children have lost both parents to AIDS.
CAPITOL: Lusaka
LANGUAGE: English (official); about 70 indigenous languages and dialects.
LITERACY: (can read &write) male, 81%; female, 65%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita, $900; current economic growth rate, 9.8%; inflation, 19.0%; people with earnings below poverty level, 86%.
LOCATION: A landlocked country in S Central Africa. It is SW of Tanzania, W of Malawi, W o Mozambique and W of Zimbabwe., S of N of Botswana and others.
LAND USE: Arable land, 7^%; pastures, 47%; forest, 27%; other, 19%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Most of Zambia lies in a plateau that is between, 3,000 & 4,500 feet. Elevations, as low as 2,000 feet are encountered in the major river systems. All the lakes are in the northern area.
LAKES: L. Bangweulu; the swamps surrounding it are drained by the Lapel River, L. Mweru, & L. Tanganyika. (See Lakes in Book 2)
RIVERS: Laneway River, Lumpula River, and Zambezi River.
WATER: North & Northwestern provinces have about 50 inches of rainfall. While the far South has 30 inches.
CLIMATE: Zambia is in the tropical zone but its altitude shifts it into subtropical & temperate zone areas. Temperatures are as high as the 80’s but drop to the 50’s at night.
GOVERNMENT: republic The President is now elected under universal suffrage as are the members of the National Assembly. This ends 27 years of rule under a state of emergency.
RELIGION: Christian, 50%-75%; Muslim & Hindu, 25%-50%
NATURAL RESOURCES: gold, silver, copper, hydropower potential, cobalt, zinc, coal, emeralds.
WORLD TRADE: (2004) export, 1.04 bil. Import, 1.13 bil. Deficit, 90 mil.
OVERVIEW: Problems include acid rain from air pollution, deforestation, poaching, and population growth. Mining is important for exports but agriculture employs ¾ of the working force. The impact of the Aids epidemic has seriously disrupted the work force and the social structure. *
ZIMBAWBE (Africa) 150,882 sq. miles
(Formerly Rhodesia)
(Smaller than California)
POPULATION: (2009) 11.8 mil. (2025) 14.8 mil. (2050) 18.4 mil.
The U.N. estimates the population in 2005 at 13,010,000.
POPPULATION GROWTH: (2005j) 0.27%. The current estimate is to zero growth. The fertility rate was 3.8 births per woman reaching 45 years of age.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy in 2005 was only 39.11 years. In 2005 it was estimated that 40% of he population was under 15 years of age and 3% was over 65.
HEALTH: Infant mortality in 2005 was 52.354 deaths per 1,000 live births. The government is putting into operation a large network of hospital and clinic centers. In 2004, there were only 6 physicians and 54 nurses per 100,000 people. Major health problems include malaria, measles, tuberculosis, schistosomiasis; HIV-AIDS prevalence in2003 was 24.60% of the adult population. AIDS may increase infant mortality.
CAPITOL: Harare
LANGUAGE: English (official) Shona, Sindebele
LITERACY (can read & write) male, 84%; female, 72%
INCOME: (2005 CIA estimates) per capita GDP, $2,900; current economic growth rate, (-4.0%); people with income below poverty level, 80%. Inflation has devastated the financial system.
LOCATION: A landlocked country in South-Central Africa. It lies between the Zambezi R. on the N. and the Limpopo R on the south. It is N of the Republic of S. Africa, NE of Botswana, SE & S of Zambia & S &SW of Mozambique.
LAND USE: Arable land, 8%; pastures, 12%; forests, 49%%; other, 31%.
TOPOGRAPHY: Most of Zimbabwe is rolling plain with over 75% of it between 2,000 & 5,000 feet above sea level. On either side of the highland is the middle veldt, ranging from about 2,000-4,000 ft. Below 2,000 feet are areas making up the lowland, wide grassy plains in the valleys of the Zambezi & the Limpopo rivers.
WATER: Eastern Mountains receive over 40 inches of rainfall. Harare receives 32 inches. Bulawayo, in the west, receives 24 inches of rainfall. The South & Southwest receive little rain and water shortages are common.
CLIMATGE: The higher areas receive more rainfall and are cooler than the lower areas. .
GOVERNMENT: Dictatorship ruled by Robert Mugabwe, age 82. It is nominally a parliamentary democracy. Elections have been disputed and poorly monitored. The election of 2010 was hotly disputed and the President has refused to accept results.
RELIGION: Part Muslim, part indigenous beliefs, 50%; Christian, 25%; indigenous, 49%; other, 1%
WORLD TRADEADE: (2004) export, 1.26 bil. Import, 1.69 bil. Deficit, 470 mil.
OVERVIEW: Current concerns are deforestation, soil erosion and degradation, air & water pollution and climate change. Agriculture employs 80% of the work force.
Territories and Dependencies
Dependencies and protectorates, after World War II, were given the opportunity to hold plebiscites to determine their status ns dependencies, commonwealths, or free nations. The territories listed below, either had no inhabitants, or chose to remain affiliated with major nations. The costs of establishing and operating an independent country were too daunting for many to attempt. Commonwealths choose to govern their own country but prefer a major nation to conduct their foreign affairs. An additional advantage is a preferred position, necessary for some dependencies that are unable to manage without assistance.
The largest of these commonwealths is Puerto Rico with a population of nearly 4,000,000 people.
Washington, D.C. is frequently used as a comparison. Washington, D.C. is 68 sq mi (177 sq km.), and area of about 10 by 7 miles. (16 by11 km). The area of Washington, D.C. is almost exactly twice the size of Manhattan Island which is 34 sq mi (88 sq km).
AMERICAN SAMOA Dependency of the United States
Group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand.
POPULATION: O2009) 65 Th. (2025) 79 Th. (2050) 98.th.
LAND AREA: 77 sq mi (199 sq km) slightly larger than Washington, D.C.
CLIMATE: tropical, maritime modified by trade winds
TERRAIN: 5 volcanic islands. Arable land, 10%, other productive areas, 80%
ANGUILLA: Dependency of United Kingdom
Island in Caribbean Sea east of Puerto Rico
LAND AREA: 35 sq mi (99 sq km) ½ the size of Washington, D.C.
POPULATION: (2007 est.)13,677; life expectancy, 74 years.
CLIMATE: tropical, modified by trade winds
TERRAIN: Flat, low-lying,
ARUBA Part of Netherlands realm
Caribbean Sea north of Venezuela
LAND AREA: 75 sq mi(193 sq km) slightly larger than Washington, D.C.
POPULATION: (2007 est.) 100,000; population growth, rate 1.5%; life expectancy, 71.8 yrs.
CLIMATE tropical, marine with little seasonal change
TERRAIN: flat with a few hills; and scant vegetation
BAKER ISLAND Territory of the U.S.A.
Atoll in the Pacific ocean about halfway between Hawaii and Australia
LAND AREA: 5 sq mi (14 sq km)
TERRAIN: low, nearly level coral island. Uninhabited
BERMUDA territory of the U.K.
Group of islands in Atlantic Ocean east of N. Carolina, U.S.A.
POPULATION: (2009) 68 TH. (2025) 73 TH. (2050) 70 TH.
LAND AREA: 19 sq mi (50 sq km) about 3/10 the size of Washington, D.C.
CLIMATE: subtropical, humid, mild, strong winds
TERRAIN: low hills separated by fertile depressions20% forest, 80% barren
BOUVET ISLAND territory of Norway
Island in the Atlantic Ocean southwest of South Africa
LAND AREA: 22 sq mi (58 sq km) about 3/10 the size of Washington, D.C.
CLIMATE: Arctic
TERRAIN: volcanic island to maximum elevation of 2,625 ft (800 m) 100% ice covered.
BRITISH INDIAN OCEAN TERRITORY teritory of U.K.
Island archipelago in Indian Ocean about halfway between India and Africa
LAND AREA: 24 sq mi (60 sq km) about 3/10 the size of Washington, D.C.
CLIMATE: tropical modified by trade winds
TERRAIN: Flat and low islands less than 13 ft (4 m) above sea level, uninhabited
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS dependent territory of the U>K.
Islands east of Puerto Rico between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
LAND AREA: 58 sq mi (150 sq km) about 8/10 the size of Washington, D.C.
POPULATION: (2007 est.) 23,500; population growth rate; 1.72%; life expectancy, 76.8 years.
CLIMATE: subtropical, humid, modified by trade winds
TERRAIN: both; coral and hilly islands; arable land, 20k%; other productive land, 40%.
CAYMAN ISLANDS: dependent territory of the U.K.
Island group about half-way between Cuba and Honduras
POPULATION: (2009) 49 Th. (2025) 68 Th. (2050) 91 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: rate 2.5%; life expectancy, 8 years.
LAND AREA: 80 sq mi (260 sq km) less than the size of Washington, D.C.
CLIMATE; tropical, marine, rainy summer
TERRAIN: low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral. Reefs. Pasture and woodland, 60%.
CHRISTMAS ISLAND territory of Australia
Island in Indian Ocean south of Indonesia
LAND AREA: 50 sq mi (135 sq km) about 8/10 the size of Washington, D.C.
POPULATION: (2007 est.) 1,402; population growth rate, 0.l00T life expectancy not given. Population has declined as people emigrate
CLIMATE: tropical, hot & humid, moderated by trade winds
TERRAIN: steep cliffs with central plateau. Land is relatively unproductive.
COOK ISLANDS territory of New Zealand
Group of islands about halfway between New Zealand & Hawaii
POPULATION: (2009) 11.8 Th. (2025) 7.6 Th. (250) 5.4 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: Negative; Life expectancy, 71.1 years.
LAND AREA: 93 sq mi (240 sq km) 1.3 times the size of Washington, D.C.
CLIMATE: tropical, moderated by trade winds
TERRAIN: volcanic islands in south and coral islands in north. Unproductive land,
EASTER ISLAND island territory of Chili
LOCATION: 27 degrees S., about 2180 miles (3510 km) W. of Chili & 1286 m (2075 km) E. of Pitcairn Island and is 27 deg S. of the equator..
LAND AREA: It is 15.3 x 7.6 mi (24 x 12 km) and covers bout 63 sq mi (163 sq km).
POPULATION: about 4,700 in 2009.
CLIMATE: subtropical with temperatures between 44 and 82 F. Rainfall is about 44 inches per year with occasional heavy rainstorms. Wind is fairly constant.
TERRAIN: Terrain is hilly. The island is result of volcanic action with three caldera. Last eruption was about 100,000 years ago. Maximum altitude is 1,620 feet (507 m.)
COMMENT: Easter Island is a world heritage site and a national park. Its people were Polynesian, closely related to Hawaiian and New Zealand and immigrated to the island about 2000 years ago, about the same time as Polynesians first appeared on Hawaii and New Zealand. The people developed a fair civilization prior to the time of overpopulation and eventual decimation by slave traders in the 1800’s. Easter Island – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, May, 2010
EUROPA ISLAND territory of France
Island in Mozambique Channel about halfway between southern Madagascar and southern Mozambique.
LAND AREA: 11 sq mi (28sq km) about 2/10 the size of Washington, D.C.
CLIMATE: tropical
TERRAIN: not available, wildlife sanctuary
FALKLAND ISLANDS dependency of the U.K..
Islands in the South Atlantic, east of southern Argentina
LAND AREA: 48,586 sq mi (121,700 sq km)
POPULATION:: (2007 est.) 3,105; population growth rate, 2.44%. An estimate of life expectancy was not available.
CLIMATE: cold, rainy, snow except January and February, strong westerly winds
TERRAIN: rocky, hilly, mountains and some bogs, extensive plains, pasture and meadows, 99%
COMMENT: Oil exploration has renewed Argentina claims to the Falklands. High cost of supporting Falklands may encourage Britain to cede the Islands to Argentina. Latin American Countries show unanimous support of Argentina claims. Newsweek, March 15, 2010, p. 6.
FAROE ISLANDS part of the country of Denmark
Island group about halfway from Iceland to Norway on border between the North Sea and the Norwegian Sea.
POPULATION: (2009 289 Th. (2025) 345 Th. (22050) 394. th.
POPULATION GROWTH; positive. Life expectancy, 70.4 years.
CLIMATE: mild winters, cool summers, usually foggy and windy
TERRAIN: rugged, rocky with cliffs along most of coast. Almost no arable land.
FRASER ISLAND Australian Island
LOCATION: NE coast of Australia about 195 miles (300km) N of Brisbane on the coat of Queensland.
LAND AREA:L The Island is 15 x 75 miles (24 x 120 km) and about 710 sq mi (1840 sq km).
CLIMATE: subtropical with moderate seasonal changes and a steady SE wind.
Population:: about 370 permanent residents. It is a popular tourist destination. It is a national park and a world heritage site.
Terrain: world’s largest sand island with maximum elevation of 801 feet (244 m). The island is heavily forested and rich in minerals.. It is many large sand dunes and a great many fresh water lakes, somewhat acidic.
FAUNA: There are about 340 known bird species and some wild horses and dingoes.
“Fraser Island” Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
FRENCH GUI NEA overseas dependant of France
Land NE South America bordering the Atlantic Ocean
LAND AREA: 30,545 sq mi (80,150 sq km) slightly smaller than Indiana
POPULATION: (2007 est.)182,300; population growth rate, 2.57%; life expectancy, 76.5 years.
CLIMATE: tropical, humid with little seasonal change
TERRAIN: low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and low mountains. No arable land listed with forests covering 82% of the country.
FRENCH POLYNESIA dependency of France
Archipelago about halfway from South America to Australia
POPULATION: (2009 287 Th. (2025) 245 Th. (2050) 394 Th.
LAND AREA: 1,522 sq mi (3,941 sq km) slightly smaller than Connecticut
POPULATION: (2007 est.) 279,000; population growth rate, 1.46%; life expectancy, 76.3 years.
CLIMATE; tropical but moderate
TERRAIN: mixture of rugged mountains and coral reefs. 56% of land is utilized. 44% is mountain or too low to utilize.
FRENCH SOUTH AND ANTARCTIC LANDS territory of France
Islands southeast of Africa and southwest of Australia
LAND AREA; 3,115 sq mi (7,781 sq km)
TERRAIN: volcanic. Not inhabited.
GAZA STRIP: A coastal strip between Israel and the Mediterranean Sea adjoining Egypt
POPULATION: (2009) 1.6 mil.; (2025) 2.4 mil.; (2050) 3.4 mil.
LAND AREA: 140 sq mi (390 sq km) 4 times the size of Manhattan Is. It is a bout 7 x 35 miles (10 x 40 km)
TERRAIN: flat to rolling with some sand dunes. Arable, 13%; permanent crops, 32%; other (sand) 55%.
COMMENTS: Although it is part of Palestine, it is controlled by a dissident element subject to Israeli policing and control of world commerce.
GIBRALTAR territory of U>K>
Southern tip of Iberian Peninsula, bordering the strait between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
POPULATION: (2009) 29 Th. (2025) 30 Th. (2050) 28.th
Many are service personnel and are not permanent residents.
LAND AREA: 2.3 sq mi (6.4 sq km)
CLIMATE: Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers
TERRAIN: a narrow coastline bordering The Rock. There is no agricultural land.
GREENLAND part of Denmark
Island in Arctic region off the coast of North America.
POPULATION: (2009 58 Th. (2025) 57 Th. (2050) 49 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: Uncertain. Great quantities of natural resources remain to be developed. The dominion is seeking independence.
Life Expectancy is 70 years.
LAND AREA: 945,130 sq mi (2,175,800 sq km) over 3 times the size of Texas
CLIMATE: arctic to sub-arctic, cool summers and cold winters
TERRAIN: a narrow coastal strip of pastureland in southwest with mountain fringe surrounding a large plain covered with about an ice field up to a mile thick.
GUADALOUPE territory of France
Caribbean island southeast of Puerto Rico
POPULATION: (2007 est.) 440 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: 1.0 %; life expectancy, 7735 years.
LAND AREA: 687 sq mi (1,780 sq km) 10 times the size of Washington, D.C.
CLIMATE: tropical, tempered by trade winds, high humidity
TERRAIN: Basse Terre is volcanic with interior mountains. Grand-Terre is low limestone formation. Most of seven islands are volcanic in origin. 15% of land is arable and 40% is pasture or forest.
GUAM territory of the U.S.
Island is about ¾ of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines. It is the southernmost and largest of the Marianas. (13, 28 N and 144-44 E)
POPULATION: (2009) 178 Th. (2025)214 Th. (2050) 244 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: rate, ¼%; life expectancy 78.7 years.
LAND AREA: 190 sq mi (541.3 sq km) three times the size of Washington, D.C.
CLIMATE: tropical, marine,, humid, moderated by trade winds; 88 inches rainfall, year. It is warm and humid with cooling trade winds. There is an occasional powerful hurricane.
TERRAIN: volcanic with limestone plateau and coral reefs, steep coastal cliffs and narrow coastal plains. Arable, 11%; permanent crops, 11%; pasture, 15%; woodlands, 18% other, 45%.
COMMENT: It is an unincorporated dependency of the U.S. with 40% of its work force in U.S. employ and with 1, million tourists, mostly Japanese, per year. Most products and foodstuffs are imported.
GUERNSEY crown dependenceof U.K.
Islands in the English Channel north of France
POPULATION: (2009) 66 Th. (2025) 67 Th. (2050) 61 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: Static, life expectancy 77.5 years.
LAND AREA: 75 sq mi (194 sq km) slightly larger than Washington, D.C.
CLIMATE: moderate with mild, cool summers.
TERRAIN; mostly level with low hills in south.
HONG KONG Administrative district of China
A series of islands and bordering mainland of China and South China Sea at the mouth of the Pearl River.
POPULATION: (2009) 7.1 mil. (2025) 7.4 mil. (2050) 6.2 mil.
LAND AREA: 362 sq mi (990 sq km) about 6 times the size of Washington, D.C.
TERRAIN: a series of hilly to mountainous islands and low to north.
COMMENTS: It is a special district with headquarters of many corporations with many small factories and an active tourist complex. Travel between Mainland China and Hong Kong is strictly controlled. Government has limited local autonomy. Lifestyle remains separate from China.
The citizens of Hong Kong are universally fearful that their political autonomy will be further reduced or lost through edicts by the Central government at Beijing.
JERSEY crown dependency of U>K>
Island in English Channel, northwest of France
POPULATION: (2009) 92 Th. (2025) 93 Th. (2050) 81 Th.
LAND AREA: 45 sq mi (117 sq km) about 7/10 the size of Washington, D.C.
CLIMATE: temperate with mild winters and summers.
TERRAIN: gentle rolling with hills in north. Arable land, 51% with nearly all the balance suitable for agriculture.
KOSOVO declared independent, administered under U.N. authority
It is located between Albania and Serbia, landlocked
POPULATION: (2009) 1.8 MIL. (20255) 2.0 MIL. (2050) 2.2 MIL.
LAND AREA: 4203 sq. mi. (10887 sq. km.) 4/5 the size of Connecticut
TERRAIN: Flood plains surrounded by high mountains.
CLIMATE: Moderate with cool winters.
COMMENT: Future seems tied to that of the E.U. It is using the Euro as a monetary unit. Its economy is diverse and it has many natural resources.
MACAU Special administrative district of China
It is located between the Pearl and West Rivers
POPULATION: (2009) 560 Th. (2025) 630 Th. (2050) 621 Th.
LAND AREA: 10 sq. mi. (26 sq. km.)
TERRAIN: a peninsula and two islands, connected by bridge and causeway.
CLIMATE: subtropical with warm humid summers and temperate dry winters.
COMMENT: The mating of Macao with China has increased the tourist trade 4fold since 1999. Macao’s major sources of livelihood are gambling, tourism, and finance. It is tax free and with unregulated monetary exchange.. Its future is heavily dependent on the prosperity of China.
MAN, ISLE OFD crown dependency of U.K.
Island in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland.
POPULATION: (2009) 77 Th. (20250 82 Th. (2050) 80 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: Static, life expectancy, 78.6 years.
LAND AREA: 124 sq mi (320 sq km) 3.5 times the size of Washington, D.C.
CLIMATE: mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers
TERRAIN: coastal cliffs and flat, rocky plains. Arable land, 38%, permanent
crops, 3% and non-agricultural land, 59%.
MARTINIQUE territory of France
Caribbean island north of Trinidad
LAND AREA: 425 sq mi (1,100 sq km) over six times the size of Washington, D.C.
POPULATION: (2007 est.) 426,000; population growth rate, .86% life expectancy, 78.7 years.
CLIMATE: tropical with moderate rainy season
TERRAIN: mountainous, with dormant volcano & indented coastline. Arable land, 10%; permanent crop, 8%; other productive land, 50%
MAYOTTE territory of France
Island in the Mozambique channel about halfway between northern Mozambique
and northern Madagascar.
Population: (2009) 224 TH. (2025)357 TH. (2050) 594 TH.
`\ POPULATION GROWTH: RED FLAG FROWTH. LIFE EXPECTANCY, 62.2 YEARS.
LAND AREA: 146 sq mi (378 sq km) over twice the size of Washington, D.C.
CLIMATE; tropical, marine with rainy season
TERRAIN: undulating with ancient volcanic peaks and deep ravines.
MIDWAY ISLAND territory of U.S.A.
Island atoll about 1/3 of the way from Hawaii to Tokyo
LAND AREA: 2 sq mi (5.2 sq km)
CLIMATE: tropical but modified by easterly winds
TERRAIN: low, nearly flat island. No local population
MONTSERAT territory of the U.K.
Island Southeast of Puerto Rico
LAND AREA: 39 sq mi (100 sq km) about 6/10 the size of Washington, D.C.
POPULATION: (2007 est.) 9,600; population growth rate, 1.04%; life expectancy. 80 years.
CLIMATE: tropical with little temperature change
TERRAIN; volcanic, mountainous with narrow coastline. Arable land, 20%, pasture and forest, 50%.
COMMENT: Soufried Hills volcano erupted on 18 July, 1995, requiring evacuation of 2/3 of population. Further eruption occurred with the latest in July, 2003 .
NETHERLANDS ANTILES territory of the Netherlands
Two groups of islands, one north of Venezuela and the other part of the Virgin Islands.
POPULATION: (2009) 227 TH. (20250 249 Th. (2050) 254 Th.
Population growth is too high. Life expectancy, 78.2 years.
LAND AREA: 377 sq mi (966 sq km) about 5.5 times the size of Washington D,C.
CLIMATE: tropical with cooler trade winds
TERRAIN: generally hilly with volcanic interiors. Arable land, 8%; non-productive land, 92%
NEW CALEDONIA territory of France
Islands in the South Pacific east of Australia
POPULATION: (2009) 227 Th. (2025) 263 Th. (2050) 292 Th.
POULATION GROWTH: 2.5%; life expectancy, 74.5 years.
LAND AREA: 7,335 sq mi (19,000 sq km) (smaller than New Jersey)
CLIMATE: hot and humid, tropical, moderated by trade winds
TERRAIN: coastal plain with interior mountains. Meadowland, 14%; woodlands, 51%
NORFOLK ISLAND territory of Australia
Island in South Pacific east of Australia
LAND AREA: 13.4 sq mi (34.6 sq km) about 2/10 the size of Washington, D.C.
POPULATION: (2007 est.) 2,100.
CLIMATE: subtropical with little season change
TERRAIN: volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains. Agricultural use, 23% pastureland.
NORTHERN MARIANAS ISLANDS commonwealth, political union with U.S.A.0
Islands in N. Pacific about ¾ of the way from Hawaii to Philippines.
POPULATION: (2009) 51 Th. (2025) 53 Th. (2050) 66 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: a little high; life expectancy, 76.3 years.
LAND AREA: 184 sq mi (477 sq km) about 2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C.
CLIMATE: tropical marine with rainy season, little temperature change
TERRAIN: central islands are level plains and fringe islands are volcanic in origin
COMMENT: Plebiscite in 1975 agreed to a commonwealth status with the U.S.A., beginning in 1976.
NIUE free association with New Zealand
Island east of Tonga and 2/3 of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand
LAND AREA: 100 sq mi (260 sq km) 1.5 times the size of Washington, D.C.
POPULATION: (2007 est.)1,500; ; population growth rate (-.03%).
CLIMATE: tropical moderated by trade winds
TERRAIN: steep interior cliffs and central plateau. Arable land, 61%; Permanent crop, 4%; meadowlands and forest, 23%; non-productive, 12%.
PALESTINE (SEE Gaza Strip”, “West Bank”)
In 2011, Palestine has applied to the United Nations and various governments to be recognized as a soverign state.
PUERTO RICO Commonwealth associated with U.S.A.
Island between Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, east of Dominican Republic
POPULATION: (2009 4.0 mil. (2025) 4.1 mil. (2050) 3.7 mil.
POPULATION GROWTH: static; life expectancy, 78.5 years.
LAND AREA: 3,514 sq m (9,104 sq km) smaller than Connecticut
CLIMATE: tropical, marine with little seasonal change
TERRAIN: mountainous with coastal plain on north with cliffs on west coast. Arable land, 8%; permanent crop, 9%; meadows & pastures, 41%; ; forests, 20%; rugged terrain, 22%.
COMMENT: Puerto Rico is the most populous Commonwealth in the world. In the last plebiscite in 1998, the people chose to remain a commonwealth. The alternative choices would have been to become a state of the U.S.A. or an independent nation.
REUNION ISLAND territory of France
Island, in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar.
LAND AREA: 965 sq mi (2,510 sq km) slightly smaller than “Rhode Island
POPULATION: (2007 est.) 70,900; population growth, 1.63%; life expectancy, 72.7 years.
CLIMATE: tropical but moderated by elevation, cool and dry from May to December but hot and rainy the rest of the year
TERRAIN: fertile lowland along coast with rugged interior. Arable land, 20%; permanent crop and pasture, 6%; forest, 35k%; nonproductive, 39%
SAINT BARTHELEMY (ST. BARTS) French overseas collectivity
One of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean. 20 miles (32 km) SE of St. Martin
POPULATION: (2009) 7.4 Th. (2025) 7.0 Th. (2050) 6.5 Th.
Census 2008: 8823
LAND AREA: 8 sq. mi. (21 sq. km)
CLIMATE Tropical with pleasant season in winter. ;
TERRAIN : Volcanic Island surrounded by coral reefs. Average elevation is 1391 feet (434 m.). There is little fresh water on the island.
OVERVIEW: The Island has developed a profitable tourist area and maintains itself as a free port. There are a number of wealthy residents. Its future depends entirely on tourism. Many of its citizens work in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
SAINT HELENA territory of U.K.
Island about 2/3 of the way from Africa to South America and west of Angola.
LAND AREA: 158 sq mi (410 sq km) slightly larger than Washington, D.C.
POPULATION: (2007 est.) 7,500; population growth rate, .53%; life expectancy 75 years.
CLIMATE: tropical marine, cooled by trade winds
TERRAIN: Rugged volcanic\c with small plain. Arable land, 7%; other use, 10%; mountain and beech, 83%.
ST. PIERRA & MIQUELON: territory of France
Islands in the North Atlantic, south of Newfoundland, Canada.
LAND AREA: 85 sq mi (242 sq km) slightly less than the size of Washington D.C.
POPULATION: (2007 est. est.) 7,000; population growth rate, .12%; life expectancy, 78.8 years.
CLIMATE: cold and wet with windy seasons.
TERRAIN: mostly barren rock Arable land, 15%; forest, 4%; barren, 83%
SOCOTRA territory of Yemen
An island and an archipelago in the Indian Ocean 150 miles E. of the horn of Africa and 200 S. o the Arabian Peninsula.
LAND AREA: 1,465 sq. mi. 382 x 31 miles.
POPULATION: about 50,000. Some female lineage is found nowhere else on earth.
CLIMATE: Tropical, arid and semi-arid
TERRAIN: Narrow coastal plain, limestone plateau, and ancient volcanic mountains. See also Wikipedia and World Book.
NOTE: Socotra has been declared a world Heritage Area because of a great number of species of flora and fauna unique to the Islands.
SVALBARD (Spitsbergen) territory of Norway
Islands halfway between Norway and the North Pole
Islands between Arctic Ocean, Greenland Sea and Norwegian Sea.
LAND AREA: 23,597 sq mi (62,049 sq km) slightly smaller than West Virginia
POPULATION: (2007 est.) 2,000
CLIMATE; Arctic, warmed by Atlantic currents. Cool summers, cold winters
TERRAIN: West coast is clear of ice for half of year, rugged, wild with mountains Fjords on west. No agricultural land and only bushes are crowberries and cloudberry.
SOUTH GEORGIA AND SANDWICH ISLANDS Territory of U.K.
Islands east of the tip of South America in the South Atlantic
LAND AREA: 1,545 sq. miles (4,006 sq. km.) Slightly larger than Rhode Island.
POPULATION: No indigenous population
CLIMTE: Variable & Windy. Nearly all precipitation is in the form of snow.
TERRAIN: nearly all of the island rises steeply out of the see with glacier-covered mountains.
TASMANIA Australia, subdivision
Island about 150 mi (240 km) of southeast coast of Australia
LAND AREA: 26,024 sq mi (68,467 sq km)
POPULATION: (2005) 492,700. Most live along the rivers in the West.
CKIMATE: temperate, sometimes likened to that of England
TERRAIN: Terrain is rugged, especially the Central Highlands The west coast has heavy rainfall. The rivers are utilized for hydroelectric power, furnishing most of the power needs of the country.
Note: Tasmania is separated by the Bass Strait from Australia. It is quite shallow (not over 50m or 160 feet deep).
This results in one the most dangerous straits in the world. (Tasmania – Wikipedia)
The Wikipedia article is well-worth reading
TOKELAU territory of New Zealand
Island group about ½ of the way between Hawaii and New Zealand
LAND AREA: 4 sq mi (10 sq km) 17 times the size of Washington, D.C. mall.
POPULATION: (2007 est.) 1,400; population growth, static
CLIMATE: tropical, moderated by trade winds.
TERRAIN; coral atoll enclosing large lagoon.
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
dependency of U.K.
Two island groups southeast of Bahamas in Atlantic bordering the Caribbean
POPULATION: (2009) 23 Th. (2025) 32 Th. (2050) 43 Th.
POPULATION GROWTH: 2%, LIFE EXPECTANCY, 74.9%
LAND AREA: 166 sq mi (430 sq km) slightly smaller than Washington, D.C.
CLIMATE: tropical, marine, sunny & relatively dry
TERRAIN: low, extensive marshes & mangrove. Arable land, 2^
VIRGIN ISLANDS territory of U.S.
Island group between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, east of Puerto Rico
POPULATION: (2009) 110 TH. (20025) 1007 TH. (2050) 92 TH.
LAND AREA: w124 sq mi(352 sq km)
POPULATION: (21996 est.) 188,000; population growth rate, (-.0017%); life expectancy, 78.2 yrs.
CLIMATE: subtropical, tempered by trade winds
TERRAIN: mostly hilly to mountainous with little level land. Arable land, 155%; permanent crop, 6%; pastures & forest, 22%; nonproductive, 47%
VIRGIN ISLANDS, BRITISH British overseas territory
Located east of Puerto Rico
POPULATION: (2009) 24.5 Th. (2025) 30.8 Th. (2050) 34.8 Th. About 18,000 live on the island of Tortilla.
LAND AREA: 59 sq mi. (153 sq. km.)There are over 50 islands, 15 of which are occupied
CLIMATE: Tropical with cooling breezes. The area is subject to hurricanes.
TERRAIN: The islands are mostly of volcanic origin and are quite rugged.
OVERVIEW: Agriculture is second to tourism. The islands are near to the U.S. Virgins and their economy is closely related.
WAKE ISLAND territory of U.S.A.
Island about 2/3 of the way from Hawaii to Marianas islands
LAND AREA: 2.5 sq mi(6.5 sq km) 11 times the size of the Washington Mall
POPULATION: service personnel only
CLIMATE: tropical
TERRAIN: Terrain: atoll of 3 islands on rim of sunken volcanic crater sandy, coral
WEST BANK main area of the PLO Arab. Although the area is nominally Palestine, the Israelis are active in policing. There are at present about ½ million Israelis in settlements on the West Bank.
POPULATION: (2009) 2.46 mil. (2025) 3.33 mil. (2050) 4.38 mil.
LAND AREA: 2255 sq. mi. (5840 sq. km.)
CLIMATE: Mediterranean with winters quite cool.
TERRAIN. It borders the Jordan on the East to the Dead Sea. Much of it is rolling. With heights to the North and desert to the east.
OVERVIEW: Palestine will continue to be in turmoil until Israel discontinues its control and the radical Palestinians cease terrorism. At present, the Israelis occupy about 40% of the West Bank with roads, settlements, parks, and military posts. Population growth is not accompanied by an expanding economy.
See also: Encyclopedia of the Nations, Book 4 of the Nations “Israel”
“West Bank,” Wikipedia
WESTERN SAHARA Claimed by Morocco, Algeria and local tribes
It is located on the Western Sahara, bordered on the West by the Atlantic, the North by Morocco and the East by Algeria & Mauritania.
POPULATION: (2009) 405 Th. (2025) 616 Th. (2050) 987 Th.
LAND AREA: 103,000 sq. mi. (266,ppp sq. km.)
CLIMATE: Hot and dry, more moderate along the coast
TERRAIN: desert area with narrow agricultural strip along the coast.
ADMINISTRATION: Morocco claims the country but the people seek independence. The Polisario Front controls the interior. A referendum for independence has been in negotiation since the late 1900’s with no agreement. The King of Morocco has declared that he will not surrender a grain of sand. Morocco has been accused by international agencies of violating the rights of residents.
OVERVIEW: The controversy over independence has continued for over 30 years with no end in sight.
See World Almanac p 818,” Morocco:
“Western Sahara” Wikipedia
Postscript
Several countries, because of special interest or importance, deserve further comment.
AFGHANISTAN:
“Taliban” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia
The Russians set up a communist government when they occupied Afghanistan. This government was overthrown in 1992 by Tribal leaders and a democratic-type government was set up. It recognized the rights of minorities and women. Pakistan became actively interested in developing its power and influence in Central Asia. Saudi Arabia and Iran both also began active efforts to develop their agendas in Afghanistan.
The Taliban movement began in the city of Kandahar by Mullah Omar from refugee students of a school in Pakistan. The movement was actively supported by Pakistani troops . Pakistan continues to support the Taliban .
The Taliban and its supporters have shown little regard for human rights and values and caused the deaths of thousands of civilians and the destruction of tens of thousands of homes and farms in the process of controlling th population.
Pakistan’s active support of Taliban and its efforts to spread its influence continues to make efforts to set up Democratic government impossible.
CHINA: THE MOST POPULOUS COUNTRY.
Pollution: Growth of GDP has been accompanied by large expansion of demand and supply of coal-fired power plants. Air pollution has been accompanied by a reckless ignoring of laws passed to protect water.
Quality of export products: There seems to be little governmental inspection of products exported. Wallboard exported to the U.S. proved to have acid outgasing that caused wholesale destruction of other materials and causing sickness. The only remedy was major rebuilding. Pharmaceuticals were often poor quality and sometimes of no value. Lead paints were used in toys exported to the U.S. Wholesale ignoring of patent rights, especially in music and movies.
Military and economic bullying: Incursions into Japanese waters by Chinese fishing fleets. Japanese efforts to curb by arrest were thwarted by Chinese diplomacy. A further action was the cutting off of vital rare earths to the Japanese market. Newsweek, November 22, 2010,
Overseas operations: Many projects in Africa including roads, manufacturing, dams and other construction have proved to be done in a shoddy and costly manner with many complaints by host countries. Newsweek, “Scope, August 18,2010, p 8.
Support of N. Korea: Many believe that China’s support of N. Korea is based on the fear that N. Korea’s collapse would see millions of starving N. Koreans crossing the Yalu into China. Newsweek, “Scope” November 22, 2010, p 7.
Territorial Claims: China has suddenly become quite aggressive, even printing maps showing an entire province of India as a part of China. It is not clear if this is mere bluster or true threat. Newsweek, “Scope”, December 6, 2010, p. 8.
Pharmaceuticals are woefully below standards, both for domestic and export use. Newsweek, November 29, 2010, p. 8
ISLAM, WINDS OF CHANGE, 21ST CENTURY
Based on an article “Wind of Change” by Ben Barber, American Legion Magazine, March, 2012.
Most of the revolts are by peoples seeking democratic processes. These processes are, in turn, being countered by active fundamentalist elements with active friction between Sunnis and Shiites.
ALGERIA: Democratic republic since 1976. Civil problems with a large Berber minority is a continuing problem.
BAHRAIN: Royalty’s Sunni based government faced the threat of a Shiite majority demonstrations. Saudi troops assisted in quelling the uprising.
EGYPT: The government was toppled by liberal and educated elements. The Army restored order and acts as a provisional government. Elections indicate the ascendance of Fundamentalist future if allowed by the army.
IRAN: The spiritual leader continues to be the most powerful person and continues to direct the actions of the government.
IRAQ: The country continues to be plagued with car bombings and suicide bombings by a group that seeks to overthrow the government.
JORDAN: King Abdullah was able to defuse a protest movement by reshuffling the government> Labor strikes continue to haunt Jordan in 2012
KUWAIT: The king dissolved the parliament and proposed election. This satisfied demonstrators.
LIBYA: Gaddafi ruled Libya for 40 years. It 6 months for rebel forces to topple him. The democratic government is having difficulty in establishing rule because of many tribal activities.
MOROCCO: The king offered concessions and elections. His special power is as head of holding c companies that own and control h of the economy of Morocco.
SAUDI ARABIA: A rebellion in 2011 of Shiites was short-lived.
SUDAN: South Sudan has won separation from Sudan. The Sudan Junta and its leader continue in power and continue its policy of harassing minorities.
SYRIA: The Damascus government has ruthlessly put down all demonstrations. Many thousands have been killed and the U.Sn has applied widespread sanctions. As of March 2012, the rebellion has been unsuccessful.
TUNISIA: A frustrated vendor set himself on fire after being harassed by police. It kicked off a series of demonstrations that caused the Dictator to flee the country. This was the beginning of a series of rebellions thought Middle East countries.
YEMEN: After conflict between the government and various tribes, the president resigned. Many concessions have as yet been enacted.
iSREAL:
Israel continues to resist talking seriously about permanent borders with Palestine and with the difficulty of dealing with the leadership of the Gala strip and the continuing expansion of Jewish settlements and replacing ownership by Palestinians with that of Jewish settlers. Israel has never been able to operate without some assistance from abroad. Its security is currently unsettled by turmoil and change of leaderships in adjacent Arab countries. Domination by fundamentalists has created n inflexible barrier between Palestinians and Israelis that makes cooperation, necessary for a future Israel, impossible. Newsweek, November 7, 2011.
JAPAN:
Tsunami: The Tsunami in March, 2011, has seriously crippled Japan’s economy itch the loss if several Atomic Energy plants. It may be years before Japan will have adequate electrical supplies.
Depressed economy has persisted since 1992 when inflated real estate prices tumbled. Stimulus packages have failed. An inflated Yen hs hampered export goods and an ageing population has reduced domestic consumption. Real Estate values have not recovered and all banks suffered serious losses. Newsweek,
MYANMAR:
“The Lady’s Destiny” Newsweek, March 12, 2012. (Pp. 40-48)
World Sanctions and a failed economy have persuaded the Junta to permit election in April 2012. Leading the opposition is Agung San Usu Kyi who has been in house arrest for over 2 decades. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her work. She is now being permitted to run for office. This dramatic change may well see the beginning of democracy. Sanctions will not be lifted unless the election culminates in reform and a beginning of democratic processes.
Appendix A – Category Description of Country
POPULATION: Current population is estimated by the United Nations.
POPULATION GROWTH: The population growth factor is based on current growth and by known factors that may affect growth.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Life expectancy is based on the point at which half the people born at a particular time, will still be alive. Life span and overall productivity are a result of health factors. It also indicates the number of people who will live beyond their productive years.
HEALTH: Major factors in the health of a population are considered as follows:
- Availability of adequate food
- Potable water and sanitation facilities
- Medical services include clinics, hospitals and a trained medical staff. .
- Incidents of disease and types of disease. Major diseases are of 3 types, virus, bacteria, & protozoa (parasite). “See World II”
- Viruses are incomplete centers of DNA or RNA with a protein cover. They must enter specific cells for nutrition and reproduction. They include:
- Influenza colds HIV-aids hepatitis measles
- Chickenpox mumps poliomyelitis rabies mumps
- HIV-AIDS
- Bacteria are simple one cell living material, usually classified as plants. Most bacteria are necessary in life functions. Harmful bacteria include the following:
- Syphilis Pneumonia typhoid fever gonorrhea leprosy
- Cholera tuberculosis Whooping cough
- Parasites include protozoa, fungi, and multi-cell types. They include.
- Elephantiasis Hookworm Malaria Pinworm Roundworm
- Schistosomiasis Sleeping sickness Symbiosis
- Tapeworm Trichinosis
CAPITAL: It is the designated seat of government.
LANGUAGES: The languages spoken have special relevance. There is difficulty in administration and education if there are several languages spoken among the population. Many local dialects and languages may not have a written counterpart. Translating information and edicts into a plethora of languages is time consuming.
LITERACY: is the gauge of the ability to impart knowledge to the population. It is limited by the availability of printed matter in your particular language. Communication is especially important in dealing with health, family planning, and development of economic productivity.
INCOME, GDP: This is a gauge of gross domestic product in terms of U. S. dollars. It is gauging economic relation of a country to world commerce. It is not entirely reliable because it does not reflect the output of goods and services that are bartered or consumed by the producer, nor can it reflect the services not reported to government agencies. Furthermore an hour of labor is priced differently in many ways.
GDP has another weakness, or fallacy. The needs of the population in a tropical country will be far less than those in a temperate climate or highly developed society that requires a complex infrastructure in order to function. An example is housing. A tropical hut requires far less upkeep than the poorest shelter in Canada or Siberia. The labor is far less and the cost of materials is quite different.
LOCATION is the relationship of one country to the surrounding countries. Stability and well-being of each country will affect all adjacent countries.
LAND USE: This reflects the productive value of the land and its ability to sustain a Population.
- ARABLE: is land that is tilled to produce a crop whether is for food or fashion.
- PERMANENT CROP: mainly vineyards, and orchards
- PASTURE: (under 20 inches of rainfall) land suitable for sustaining herds
- FOREST & WOODLAND: land that may or my may not be suitable for other purposes and is currently forested.
- OTHER: this includes, dessert (areas with under 10 inches of rainfall annually), mountains, undeveloped swamps, and tundra (areas with permafrost).
TOPOGRAPHY: This is the general nature of the countryside. Its special significance is in the advantages or disadvantages it presents in the development and functions of a society.
WATER: Rainfall and water available and usable for agriculture or societal purposes.
CLIMATE: The climate involves the need for shelter and clothing, development of areas for habitation, and the effect of heat or humidity on human activity. It has a direct effect on the use that may be made of the land.
GOVERNMENT: Government is the method by which a society and its environment may be organized and developed. Among its functions are security, health, and education.
RELIGION: The religious establishments may be the best sources of communication in countries with a number of languages. It may be the key to population growth and family planning. Leaders may be the sources of peace or the fomenting of turmoil and revolution. Religious leaders may have feet of clay
NATURAL RESOURCES: These are potentially key building blocks of developing a productive economy.
WORLD TRADE: No country is self-sufficient. World trade and the balance of imports and exports are the gauge by which we can judge the health of an economy. That and GDP can help forecast the near future of the health of an economy, and assist in charting a course of action.
OVERVIEW: All the above factors play a part in the present or forecasting the future of a country. The overview is a forecast of the future of that country. Many of the above factors are subject to change, especially in view of the effects of global warming and climate changes that are as yet uncertain.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: All of above factors are closely related to the net productivity of a people. Population growth concerns the size of a family. Outside of the agricultural area the larger family places burdens on society. Life expectancy denotes the number of people who will live through their productive years and beyond at which time they need to be supported by the society. Health includes the factor of malaria and other diseases that sap the energy of the people and reduces their ability to maintain a productive life. Malnutrition has a serious effect on development of physical and mental abilities. Goiter denotes a lack of iodine, an element necessary for mental development. AIDS reduces the effective work life and family functions and ultimately increases the burden on others. Climate has a vital function. If it is too hot the worker will have difficulty maintaining a productive work rate. Hot, dry climates may require much more labor to attain work objectives.