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”.*