Information and maps from the Dorling Kindersley World Reference Atlos (30), available from all good bookshops.
Official name: Republic of Paraguay Capital: Asuncion Population: 4.5 million Currency: Guarani Official language: Spanish and Guarani
Land-locked in central South America and a Spanish possession until 1811, Paraguay won large tracts of land from Bolivia in 1835. From then until the overthrow in 1989 of General Stroessner, South America's longest surviving dictator, it experienced periods of anarchy and military rule. The dyer Paraguay divides the eastern hills and fertile plains, where 90 per cent of people live, from the almost uninhabited Chaco region in the west. CLIMATE
Paraguay has a subtropical climate. All parts experience floods and droughts, but the Chaco is generally drier and hotter. Temperatures peak at about 35 degrees Celsius in January. COMMUNICATIONS
Approximately 320,000 passengers pass through Asuncion's Silvio Pettirossi International airport annually. Foreign investment is sought to upgrade the country's roads and antiquated railways. TOURISM
Tourism is at a low level, except for the cross-border day trippers from Brazil and Argentina who come to buy cheap, Far Eastern electrical goods. PEOPLE
Population density: 11 people per square kilometre
Urban/rural population split: 49 per cent/51 per cent
Ethnic make-up: Most Paraguayans are of combined Spanish and native Guarani origin and are bilingual, except in more rural areas where Guarani is spoken almost exclusively. Two thirds of the country's indigenous Indians live in the vast, almost empty Chaco region. POLITICS
In 1993 Paraguay held its first free elections in sixty years of military rule, following a coup led by General Rodriguez in 1989. The old Colorado Party, led by General Stroessner, still received sufficient support to win both congressional and presidential elections. But the Authentic Radical Liberal Party, led by businessman and free-marketeer Guillermo Cabellero Vargas did well in Asuncion and have high hopes for the next elections. WORLD AFFAIRS
Paraguay's main aims are to join the Southern Cone Common Market (MERCOSUR) and improve relations with the USA. AID
The World Bank and IMF are the chief providers of Paraguay's aid receipts, which total about $99 million. Non-governmental charities run small programmes in rural areas. DEFENCE
High ranking military personnel still control Paraguay's political and economic life and so defence budgets are high, currently over $60 million. ECONOMICS
GNP: $6.3 billion
GNP per capita: $1,400
Balance of payments: $622 million deficit
Inflation: 14.6 per cent
Strengths: Earning from electricity exports cover oil imports. Self-sufficiency in wheat and other staple foodstuffs.
Weaknesses: Agriculture alone accounts for 30 per cent of GDP, 90 per cent of exports and 45 per cent of the labour force. Land-locked and remote, the country is dependent on growth in neighbouring countries. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: The joint Paraguay-Brazil itaipu hydroelectric power project has the world's largest generating capacity
Oil production: Paraguay is not an oil producer but refines 7,500 barrels per day
Livestock: Includes cattle, pigs and sheep
Mineral reserves: Iron and manganese ENVIRONMENT
Apart from the destruction of forests for farming, the chief ecological worry is the smuggling of endangered species abroad. However, the Government has no environmental safeguard policies as yet. MEDIA
The Paraguayan press is theoretically free, but most media is sponsored by one of the political parties. It flourished after the fall of Stroessner, but there is less investigative reporting now. CRIME
Paraguay is the contraband capital of Latin America, with trade in everything from cars to cocaine. Jungle airstrips near Brazil provide a route for drugs. EDUCATION
Literacy rate: 90 per cent Provision is limited in remote rural areas and overall, although an estimated 93 per cent of children attend primary school, only 24 per cent attend secondary school. HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 1,610 people
Only a third of the population has safe drinking water. Half of country's hospital beds are located in Asuncion. WEALTH
After 60 years of monopolising lucrative state contracts, the top ranks of the military still control the country's wealth. Only 2.7 per cent of the population own a telephone.
WORLD BANKING Position in World (91 countries)
Life expentancy 94 Infant mortality 97 GDP per capita 106 Daily calorie intake 93 Literacy 79 School index 90 Educational rank 86 Human dev. index 102
MAP: Paraguay
пятница, 20 июня 2008 г.
NAMIBIA
Information and maps from the Darling Kindersley World Reference Atlas (30), available from all good bookshops.
Official name: The Republic of Namibia Capital: Windhoek Population: 1.6 million Currency: Namibian dollar Official language: English
Located in southwestern Africa, Namibia is flanked in the west by an arid coastal strip, the Namib Desert. After many years of guerrilla warfare, the country achieved independence from South Africa in 1990. But its economy remains reliant on the expertise of the small white population despite the move away from apartheid, a legacy of previously poor educational standards for blacks. CLIMATE
Namibia has an almost rainless climate. Thick, cold fog regularly shrouds the coast, only clearing when the hot, dry berg wind blows. Average daily temperatures peak at 30 degrees Celsius in December and January and reach a low of 5 degrees Celsius in June and July. COMMUNICATIONS
Large-scale industry in Namibia is well-served by road and rail. Over 250,000 passengers pass through Windhoek International airport annually and plans exist to build a new harbour at Walvis Bay. TOURISM
Over 200,000 visitors travel to Namibia annually, a figure that is growing rapidly. However, plans are afoot to limit this number to 300,000 to preserve Namibia's fragile desert ecology. PEOPLE
Population density: Two people per square kilometre
Urban/rural population split: 28 per cent/72 per cent
Religious persuasion: Ninety per cent of the population are Christian. The largest ethnic group, the Ovambo, lives mostly in the north of the country, many as subsistence farmers. The affluent white minority (seven per cent of the population) are largely Afrikaans-speaking and live in and around Windhoek. Despite these differences, there has been little strife between rival groups since independence in 1990. The constitution supports sexual equality and positive discrimination in favour of women, but few have official jobs or own property. POLITICS
When it gained independence from South Africa in 1990, Namibia switched from a system of apartheid based on 10 separate homelands to a statewide, multi-party democracy. Since then, the Ovambo-supported South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), whose guerrilla wing fought for and won independence, has had control of the National Assembly. Opposition parties claim that SWAPO has been too slow in reducing wealth inequalities and that white landowners are benefiting from the lack of promised land reform. WORLD AFFAIRS
Namibia quickly joined the United Nations (UN), the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and the Commonwealth after independence. The dispute over the southern border was settled with South Africa in 1992 and in 1993 South Africa agreed to release control of Walvis Bay, Namibia's only deep-water port. AID
Namibia's aid receipts recently reached $140 million. Most comes from the UN. Education accounts for 31 per cent of aid. DEFENCE
Patrolling fishing stocks that are frequently raided by Spanish and South African trawlers is the main activity of an increasingly limited defence operation. ECONOMICS
GNP: $2.1 billion
GNP per capita: $1,510
Balance of payments: $30 million
Inflation: 11.9 per cent Strengths: Varied mineral resources make Namibia the third wealthiest country in sub-Saharan Africa and its waters encompass one of the world's richest offshore fishing grounds. Walvis Bay has potential as a transit point for landlocked neighbours.
Weaknesses: Almost all Namibia's manufactured goods have to be imported. A lack of skilled labour means only 25 per cent of Namibians participate in the commercial economy. The country is very sensitive to fluctuating mineral prices. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: Hydroelectric power has enormous potential and a new station should ensure self-sufficiency
Oil production: Namibia is not an oil producer and has no refineries
Livestock: Includes sheep, cattle and asses
Mineral reserves: Namibia has the largest uranium mine in the world and is a major lead and cadmium producer. Diamonds are an important source of revenue. ENVIRONMENT
Much of Namibia's fragile ecosystem is protected but illegal poaching and anthrax are threatening the country's elephant population. Government policy is generally sensitive to environmental issues and aims to promote eco-tourism rather than mass market developments. MEDIA
Since 1990 press freedom has been guaranteed under the constitution. But only minor criticism is tolerated in practice. CRIME
About 350 people held by SWAPO before independence are still unaccounted for and crime generally is rising, particularly in urban areas. EDUCATION
Literacy rate: 72 per cent
High illiteracy rates among black adults, a legacy of apartheid, is the education system's main challenge. HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 4,620 people
A new health ministry is trying to balance the white-orientated health service. Most areas lack safe water. WEALTH
Whites still earn, on average, 20 times more than blacks. And returning political exiles often find employment quickly, partly because whites do not like hiring former guerrillas.
WORLD RANKING
Position in World
(191 countries)
Life expectancy 142 Infant mortality 157 GDP per capita 143 Daily calorie intake 65 Literacy 160 Schooling index 152 Educational rank 163 Human dev. index 152
MAP: NAMIBIA
Official name: The Republic of Namibia Capital: Windhoek Population: 1.6 million Currency: Namibian dollar Official language: English
Located in southwestern Africa, Namibia is flanked in the west by an arid coastal strip, the Namib Desert. After many years of guerrilla warfare, the country achieved independence from South Africa in 1990. But its economy remains reliant on the expertise of the small white population despite the move away from apartheid, a legacy of previously poor educational standards for blacks. CLIMATE
Namibia has an almost rainless climate. Thick, cold fog regularly shrouds the coast, only clearing when the hot, dry berg wind blows. Average daily temperatures peak at 30 degrees Celsius in December and January and reach a low of 5 degrees Celsius in June and July. COMMUNICATIONS
Large-scale industry in Namibia is well-served by road and rail. Over 250,000 passengers pass through Windhoek International airport annually and plans exist to build a new harbour at Walvis Bay. TOURISM
Over 200,000 visitors travel to Namibia annually, a figure that is growing rapidly. However, plans are afoot to limit this number to 300,000 to preserve Namibia's fragile desert ecology. PEOPLE
Population density: Two people per square kilometre
Urban/rural population split: 28 per cent/72 per cent
Religious persuasion: Ninety per cent of the population are Christian. The largest ethnic group, the Ovambo, lives mostly in the north of the country, many as subsistence farmers. The affluent white minority (seven per cent of the population) are largely Afrikaans-speaking and live in and around Windhoek. Despite these differences, there has been little strife between rival groups since independence in 1990. The constitution supports sexual equality and positive discrimination in favour of women, but few have official jobs or own property. POLITICS
When it gained independence from South Africa in 1990, Namibia switched from a system of apartheid based on 10 separate homelands to a statewide, multi-party democracy. Since then, the Ovambo-supported South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), whose guerrilla wing fought for and won independence, has had control of the National Assembly. Opposition parties claim that SWAPO has been too slow in reducing wealth inequalities and that white landowners are benefiting from the lack of promised land reform. WORLD AFFAIRS
Namibia quickly joined the United Nations (UN), the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and the Commonwealth after independence. The dispute over the southern border was settled with South Africa in 1992 and in 1993 South Africa agreed to release control of Walvis Bay, Namibia's only deep-water port. AID
Namibia's aid receipts recently reached $140 million. Most comes from the UN. Education accounts for 31 per cent of aid. DEFENCE
Patrolling fishing stocks that are frequently raided by Spanish and South African trawlers is the main activity of an increasingly limited defence operation. ECONOMICS
GNP: $2.1 billion
GNP per capita: $1,510
Balance of payments: $30 million
Inflation: 11.9 per cent Strengths: Varied mineral resources make Namibia the third wealthiest country in sub-Saharan Africa and its waters encompass one of the world's richest offshore fishing grounds. Walvis Bay has potential as a transit point for landlocked neighbours.
Weaknesses: Almost all Namibia's manufactured goods have to be imported. A lack of skilled labour means only 25 per cent of Namibians participate in the commercial economy. The country is very sensitive to fluctuating mineral prices. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: Hydroelectric power has enormous potential and a new station should ensure self-sufficiency
Oil production: Namibia is not an oil producer and has no refineries
Livestock: Includes sheep, cattle and asses
Mineral reserves: Namibia has the largest uranium mine in the world and is a major lead and cadmium producer. Diamonds are an important source of revenue. ENVIRONMENT
Much of Namibia's fragile ecosystem is protected but illegal poaching and anthrax are threatening the country's elephant population. Government policy is generally sensitive to environmental issues and aims to promote eco-tourism rather than mass market developments. MEDIA
Since 1990 press freedom has been guaranteed under the constitution. But only minor criticism is tolerated in practice. CRIME
About 350 people held by SWAPO before independence are still unaccounted for and crime generally is rising, particularly in urban areas. EDUCATION
Literacy rate: 72 per cent
High illiteracy rates among black adults, a legacy of apartheid, is the education system's main challenge. HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 4,620 people
A new health ministry is trying to balance the white-orientated health service. Most areas lack safe water. WEALTH
Whites still earn, on average, 20 times more than blacks. And returning political exiles often find employment quickly, partly because whites do not like hiring former guerrillas.
WORLD RANKING
Position in World
(191 countries)
Life expectancy 142 Infant mortality 157 GDP per capita 143 Daily calorie intake 65 Literacy 160 Schooling index 152 Educational rank 163 Human dev. index 152
MAP: NAMIBIA
ERITREA
Official name: State of Eritrea Capital: Asmara Population: 3.5 million Currency: Egyptian pound Official languages: Tigrinya and Arabic
Lying on the shores of the Red Sea, Eritrea's landscape is dominated by rugged mountains, bush and the Danakil Desert. The country effectively seceded from Ethiopia in 1991, after a 30-year war for independence that left much of its infrastructure in ruins. A failure of the harvest in 1993 compounded the new state's problems, placing 400,000 people at risk from famine. The transitional government is due to hold multiparty democratic elections in 1997.
CLIMATE
Average daily temperatures range from 5 degrees Celsius in winter to 25 degrees in the summer. Harvests are dependent on a short, unreliable rainy season from July to September, and droughts are common.
COMMUNICATIONS
Transport networks are severely limited in Eritrea at present. The railways are inoperable and there are no motorways or navigable waterways. With massive investment, the country could benefit as a transit point for its land-locked neighbours.
TOURISM
There is very little tourism; most visitors are aid workers or on business. Planners are keen to develop coastal resorts for the regional Arab market. However, the task of clearing beaches of mines will take several years.
PEOPLE
Population density: 28 people per square kilometre
Urban/rural population split: 20 per cent/80 per cent
Religious persussion: Muslim and Christian faiths dominate (each 45 per cent)
Ethnic make-up: Tigrinya-speakers form the largest of Eritrea's nine main ethnic groups. A strong sense of nationhood has been forged by the 30-year war against Ethiopia. Women played an important role in the war. From 1973, 30,000 fought alongside men, some in positions of command. Their claim to equal rights is likely to be enshrined in the new constitution. Over 80 per cent of the people are subsistence farmers. Few live beyond the age of 45.
POLITICS
Eritrea became a region of Ethiopia in 1952 as a result of European power politics. After years of struggle, Ethiopian troops were driven out by The Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) in 1991. A referendum in 1993 gave a resounding 'yes' to independence and democratic elections are planned for 1997. A new constitution will forbid parties based on religious or ethnic affiliations.
WORLD AFFAIRS
Eritrea's secession marked the first major redrawing of the national borders established by Africa's colonisers, prompting fears of other secessionist movements throughout the continent. Eritrea's main concern is to attract Western aid for reconstruction to help develop its role as a transit point for its landlocked neighbours.
AID
Eritrea's economy is almost entirely aid-dependent. Western support is mostly in the form of emergency food aid, responding to the greatest immediate need. But aid for reconstruction is less forthcoming and total aid receipts are tiny compared to Somalia's.
DEFENCE
The army is currently unpaid and being demobilised. Ex-soldiers are being reintegrated into the national economy on 'food for work' schemes, whereby they repair the damage wrought by war.
ECONOMICS
GNP: $393 million (estimated)
GNP per capita: $120
Balance of payments: deficit
Inflation: 12 per cent
Strengths: Strategically important position on Red Sea. Potential for developing mining and oil industries and tourism. Government commitment to reducing dependence on food aid.
Weaknesses: Legacy of disruption and destruction from civil war. Lack of coherent economic policy. Low priority for Western aid. High costs of repatriating refugees who wish to return.
RESOURCES
Electricity generation: Limited, prone to surges
Oil production: Onshore and offshore deposits are believed to exist but none are currently exploited. There is a refinery at Assab.
Livestock: Includes sheep, goats, cattle and camels
Mineral reserves: Eritrea has substantial copper reserves and lesser reserves of silver, zinc and gold. High quality silica, granite and marble deposits could be exploited.
ENVIRONMENT
There are no protected areas in Eritrea but the new government is conscious of conservation needs. Deforestation and soil erosion are major problems. Approximately 22 million seedlings have been planted since 1991 and the Red Sea coast is a conservation priority.
MEDIA
Most of the media is controlled by the Government, who run both the radio and TV services. Independent newspapers are not encouraged.
CRIME
Crime has not been a problem since independence. The judiciary and police answer to the EPLF. There are a number of political prisoners.
EDUCATION
Literacy rate: 20 per cent Very few schools functioned during the war. There is one university. To reduce ethnic tension, all children above the age of 11 are taught in English.
HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 48,000 people
The risk of famine overrides normal health concerns. Health provision is basic.
WEALTH
Over 80 per cent of people are subsistence farmers with minimal earnings. The one million refugees who fled to neighbouring countries are destitute. Television and car ownership is limited to a small elite.
Position in World (191 countries)
Life expectancy 182 Infant mortality 175 GDP per capita 190 Daily calorie intake 189 Literacy 127 Schooling index 161 Educational rank 138 Human dev. index 168
MAP: Eritrea
Lying on the shores of the Red Sea, Eritrea's landscape is dominated by rugged mountains, bush and the Danakil Desert. The country effectively seceded from Ethiopia in 1991, after a 30-year war for independence that left much of its infrastructure in ruins. A failure of the harvest in 1993 compounded the new state's problems, placing 400,000 people at risk from famine. The transitional government is due to hold multiparty democratic elections in 1997.
CLIMATE
Average daily temperatures range from 5 degrees Celsius in winter to 25 degrees in the summer. Harvests are dependent on a short, unreliable rainy season from July to September, and droughts are common.
COMMUNICATIONS
Transport networks are severely limited in Eritrea at present. The railways are inoperable and there are no motorways or navigable waterways. With massive investment, the country could benefit as a transit point for its land-locked neighbours.
TOURISM
There is very little tourism; most visitors are aid workers or on business. Planners are keen to develop coastal resorts for the regional Arab market. However, the task of clearing beaches of mines will take several years.
PEOPLE
Population density: 28 people per square kilometre
Urban/rural population split: 20 per cent/80 per cent
Religious persussion: Muslim and Christian faiths dominate (each 45 per cent)
Ethnic make-up: Tigrinya-speakers form the largest of Eritrea's nine main ethnic groups. A strong sense of nationhood has been forged by the 30-year war against Ethiopia. Women played an important role in the war. From 1973, 30,000 fought alongside men, some in positions of command. Their claim to equal rights is likely to be enshrined in the new constitution. Over 80 per cent of the people are subsistence farmers. Few live beyond the age of 45.
POLITICS
Eritrea became a region of Ethiopia in 1952 as a result of European power politics. After years of struggle, Ethiopian troops were driven out by The Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) in 1991. A referendum in 1993 gave a resounding 'yes' to independence and democratic elections are planned for 1997. A new constitution will forbid parties based on religious or ethnic affiliations.
WORLD AFFAIRS
Eritrea's secession marked the first major redrawing of the national borders established by Africa's colonisers, prompting fears of other secessionist movements throughout the continent. Eritrea's main concern is to attract Western aid for reconstruction to help develop its role as a transit point for its landlocked neighbours.
AID
Eritrea's economy is almost entirely aid-dependent. Western support is mostly in the form of emergency food aid, responding to the greatest immediate need. But aid for reconstruction is less forthcoming and total aid receipts are tiny compared to Somalia's.
DEFENCE
The army is currently unpaid and being demobilised. Ex-soldiers are being reintegrated into the national economy on 'food for work' schemes, whereby they repair the damage wrought by war.
ECONOMICS
GNP: $393 million (estimated)
GNP per capita: $120
Balance of payments: deficit
Inflation: 12 per cent
Strengths: Strategically important position on Red Sea. Potential for developing mining and oil industries and tourism. Government commitment to reducing dependence on food aid.
Weaknesses: Legacy of disruption and destruction from civil war. Lack of coherent economic policy. Low priority for Western aid. High costs of repatriating refugees who wish to return.
RESOURCES
Electricity generation: Limited, prone to surges
Oil production: Onshore and offshore deposits are believed to exist but none are currently exploited. There is a refinery at Assab.
Livestock: Includes sheep, goats, cattle and camels
Mineral reserves: Eritrea has substantial copper reserves and lesser reserves of silver, zinc and gold. High quality silica, granite and marble deposits could be exploited.
ENVIRONMENT
There are no protected areas in Eritrea but the new government is conscious of conservation needs. Deforestation and soil erosion are major problems. Approximately 22 million seedlings have been planted since 1991 and the Red Sea coast is a conservation priority.
MEDIA
Most of the media is controlled by the Government, who run both the radio and TV services. Independent newspapers are not encouraged.
CRIME
Crime has not been a problem since independence. The judiciary and police answer to the EPLF. There are a number of political prisoners.
EDUCATION
Literacy rate: 20 per cent Very few schools functioned during the war. There is one university. To reduce ethnic tension, all children above the age of 11 are taught in English.
HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 48,000 people
The risk of famine overrides normal health concerns. Health provision is basic.
WEALTH
Over 80 per cent of people are subsistence farmers with minimal earnings. The one million refugees who fled to neighbouring countries are destitute. Television and car ownership is limited to a small elite.
Position in World (191 countries)
Life expectancy 182 Infant mortality 175 GDP per capita 190 Daily calorie intake 189 Literacy 127 Schooling index 161 Educational rank 138 Human dev. index 168
MAP: Eritrea
KAZAKHSTAN
Official name: Republic of Kazakhstan
Capital: Alma-Ata
Population: 17 million
Currency: Tenge
Official language: Kazakh
The second largest of the former Soviet republics, Kazakhstan extends almost 2,000 kilometres from the Caspian Sea in the wes to the Altai Mountains in the east and 1,300 kilometres north to south. Kazakhstan was the last Soviet republic to declare its independence, in 1991. It is min eral-rich and has considerable economic potential. Many Western companies are seeking to exploit its natural resources. CLIMATE
Kazakhstan has a continental climate with large temperature variations between summer and winter. Average January tempera tures drop to -1 8 degrees Celsius on the northern Kazakh steppe while the southern deserts reach 30 degrees Celsius in July. COMMUNICATIONS
Transport networks focus on the north and east, the key economic areas. Railways link into the Russian system and most inter-national flights go via Moscow. Extending the network and reducing dependence on Russia are priorities. TOURISM
Visitors are increasing but are still largely limited to business people. Of the Central Asian states Kazakhstan has cultivated the closest links with the West. PEOPLE
Population density: 6 people per square kilometre Urban/rural population split: 58 per cent/42 per cent Religious persuasion: Muslim (47 per cent), Other mainly Russian Orthodox and Lutheran (53 per cent) Ethnic make-up: Kazakh (40 per cent), Russian (38 per cent), Other (IO percent), German (6 per cent), Ukrainian (6 per cent) Kazakhstan's ethnic diversity is mainly a product of forced settlement during the Soviet era. Ethnic tension has been less than in many other former Soviet states as President Nazarbayev has encouraged a multi-ethnic nationalism. The country has a high birth rate but the proportion of under 1 5s in the population is falling. POLITICS
Kazakhstan is a multiparty democracy with the President having supreme executive power. The 1994 elections saw Kazakhs win 60 per cent of par liamentary seats WORLD AFFAIRS
Kazakhstan is a leading supporter of the CIS, as main taining close ties with other for mer Soviet republics is a priority. The country is also attracting for eign investment, particularly from South Korea. Relations with China are strained as China lays claim to parts of eastern Kazakhstan AID
Levels have risen since independence. It is mainly directed at supporting economic reform and providing know-how and training. The Government is seeking to link the dismantling of nuclear warheads to aid payments from the west DEFENCE
Defence spending last year was down 52 per cent on 1993 to $707 million. As the largest of the five Central Asian republics, Kazakhstan is seen as a poten flat guarantor of regional peace. But the West is concerned about former Soviet nuclear warheads based in the country. ECONOMICS
GNP: $1.8 billion GNP per capita: $2455 Balance of payments: deficit Inflation: 84 per cent Kazakhstan's currency is not convertible and consumer prices have risen steeply since 1991 Kazakhstan hopes to become self-sufficient by 2000. Strengths: Vast mineral resources, notably oil, gas, coal, gold, silver and uranium. Western investors attracted by early introduction of market reforms. Weaknesses: Collapse of former Soviet economic and trading system. Heavy reliance on imported consumer goods. Privatisation limited to small-scale enterprises. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 81.3 billion kwh/year Oil production: 540,000 barrels/day. Massive new reserves confirmed Livestock: 34.2 million sheep and goats, 9.5 million cattle, 2.6 million pigs Mineral reserves: Oil, gas, manganese, gold, silver, coal, iron, tungsten, chromite Mining is the single most important industry in Kazakhstan. Some of the world's largest oil deposits are located near the Caspian Sea. It also has vast iron ore reserves, the world's biggest chromium mine and one of the biggest goldfields. ENVIRONMENT
There are no protected areas in Kazakhstan but Western pressure on the Government may change this. The Aral Sea has shrunk by 40 per cent because of river diversion for irrigation. MEDIA
Direct criticism of the president or the incitement of ethnic tension is not tolerated. There are six daily newspapers, a state-owned TV station and radio station. Satellite TV is available. CRIME
Crime levels are rising, particularly theft. Rural people are starting to grow drug crops to offset falling incomes. EDUCATION
Literacy rate: lower than ex-Soviet average. Education is based on the Soviet model with most teaching still in Russian despite the adoption of Kazakh as the state language HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 245 people There is no social security provision and the health system is limited in both facilities and coverage. Kazakhstan has the highest infant mortality rate in Central Asia. WEALTH
Living standards for many Kazakhs have declined since independence from the USSR. Unemployment has climbed, with the rural population worst affected. For every 1,000 people. 43 own a car and 116 a telephone.
Map:Kazakhstan
Capital: Alma-Ata
Population: 17 million
Currency: Tenge
Official language: Kazakh
The second largest of the former Soviet republics, Kazakhstan extends almost 2,000 kilometres from the Caspian Sea in the wes to the Altai Mountains in the east and 1,300 kilometres north to south. Kazakhstan was the last Soviet republic to declare its independence, in 1991. It is min eral-rich and has considerable economic potential. Many Western companies are seeking to exploit its natural resources. CLIMATE
Kazakhstan has a continental climate with large temperature variations between summer and winter. Average January tempera tures drop to -1 8 degrees Celsius on the northern Kazakh steppe while the southern deserts reach 30 degrees Celsius in July. COMMUNICATIONS
Transport networks focus on the north and east, the key economic areas. Railways link into the Russian system and most inter-national flights go via Moscow. Extending the network and reducing dependence on Russia are priorities. TOURISM
Visitors are increasing but are still largely limited to business people. Of the Central Asian states Kazakhstan has cultivated the closest links with the West. PEOPLE
Population density: 6 people per square kilometre Urban/rural population split: 58 per cent/42 per cent Religious persuasion: Muslim (47 per cent), Other mainly Russian Orthodox and Lutheran (53 per cent) Ethnic make-up: Kazakh (40 per cent), Russian (38 per cent), Other (IO percent), German (6 per cent), Ukrainian (6 per cent) Kazakhstan's ethnic diversity is mainly a product of forced settlement during the Soviet era. Ethnic tension has been less than in many other former Soviet states as President Nazarbayev has encouraged a multi-ethnic nationalism. The country has a high birth rate but the proportion of under 1 5s in the population is falling. POLITICS
Kazakhstan is a multiparty democracy with the President having supreme executive power. The 1994 elections saw Kazakhs win 60 per cent of par liamentary seats WORLD AFFAIRS
Kazakhstan is a leading supporter of the CIS, as main taining close ties with other for mer Soviet republics is a priority. The country is also attracting for eign investment, particularly from South Korea. Relations with China are strained as China lays claim to parts of eastern Kazakhstan AID
Levels have risen since independence. It is mainly directed at supporting economic reform and providing know-how and training. The Government is seeking to link the dismantling of nuclear warheads to aid payments from the west DEFENCE
Defence spending last year was down 52 per cent on 1993 to $707 million. As the largest of the five Central Asian republics, Kazakhstan is seen as a poten flat guarantor of regional peace. But the West is concerned about former Soviet nuclear warheads based in the country. ECONOMICS
GNP: $1.8 billion GNP per capita: $2455 Balance of payments: deficit Inflation: 84 per cent Kazakhstan's currency is not convertible and consumer prices have risen steeply since 1991 Kazakhstan hopes to become self-sufficient by 2000. Strengths: Vast mineral resources, notably oil, gas, coal, gold, silver and uranium. Western investors attracted by early introduction of market reforms. Weaknesses: Collapse of former Soviet economic and trading system. Heavy reliance on imported consumer goods. Privatisation limited to small-scale enterprises. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 81.3 billion kwh/year Oil production: 540,000 barrels/day. Massive new reserves confirmed Livestock: 34.2 million sheep and goats, 9.5 million cattle, 2.6 million pigs Mineral reserves: Oil, gas, manganese, gold, silver, coal, iron, tungsten, chromite Mining is the single most important industry in Kazakhstan. Some of the world's largest oil deposits are located near the Caspian Sea. It also has vast iron ore reserves, the world's biggest chromium mine and one of the biggest goldfields. ENVIRONMENT
There are no protected areas in Kazakhstan but Western pressure on the Government may change this. The Aral Sea has shrunk by 40 per cent because of river diversion for irrigation. MEDIA
Direct criticism of the president or the incitement of ethnic tension is not tolerated. There are six daily newspapers, a state-owned TV station and radio station. Satellite TV is available. CRIME
Crime levels are rising, particularly theft. Rural people are starting to grow drug crops to offset falling incomes. EDUCATION
Literacy rate: lower than ex-Soviet average. Education is based on the Soviet model with most teaching still in Russian despite the adoption of Kazakh as the state language HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 245 people There is no social security provision and the health system is limited in both facilities and coverage. Kazakhstan has the highest infant mortality rate in Central Asia. WEALTH
Living standards for many Kazakhs have declined since independence from the USSR. Unemployment has climbed, with the rural population worst affected. For every 1,000 people. 43 own a car and 116 a telephone.
Map:Kazakhstan
MALAWI
Information and maps from the Dorling Kindersley World Reference Arias (?30), available from all good bookshops.
Official name: Republic of Malawi
Capital: Lilongwe
Population: 10.4 million
Currency: Malawian kwacha
Official Language: Chewa and English
Landlocked in southeast Africa, Malawi occupies a plateau bordering the Great Rift Valley. Lake Malawi, which is 568 kilometres long and occupies one fifth of the country, is among Africa's largest lakes and supports a sizeable fishing industry. Mount Mulanje in the south is the highest mountain in East Africa. Politics in Malawi, a former British colony, is in a delicate transition period following three decades of one-party rule. CLIMATE
The south is hot and humid. The rest of Malawi is warm and sunny in the dry season, but cooler in the highlands. COMMUNICATIONS
The main airport is Kamuzu International at Lilongwe. Malawi does not have a merchant fleet. The national road network extends for 12,215 kilometres and its commercial rail network runs for 789 kilometres. Only Lake Malawi and the Shire river are navigable by commercial craft. TOURISM
Malawi receives 117,069 visitors per year, and this number is increasing. The waters of Lake Malawi, with its 500 species of fish, attract angling, wildlife and water-sports enthusiasts. The national parks and mountain lodges are also popular. PEOPLE
Population density: 74 people per square kilometre
Urban/rural population split: 12 per cent/88 per cent
Religious persuasion: Protestant (55 per cent), Roman Catholic (20 per cent), Muslim (20 per cent), Indigenous beliefs (5 per cent)
Ethnic tensions are few in Malawi as most of the population share a Bantu origin. But northerners are increasingly disaffected at their lack of representation in politics and have become alienated from the ruling party. POLITICS
Malawi became an independent state in 1964 and is now a multiparty democracy. In 1992, international aid was suspended because of the single-party regime of Dr Hastings Banda, which had a poor human rights' record. In 1993, Banda agreed to the introduction of multi-party politics following a referendum. One of the world's longest dictatorships ended in 1994 when Bakili Maluzi won the presidential election. His party, the United Democratic Front, controls 50 per cent of the National Assembly. WORLD AFFAIRS
Malawi is a member of the Commonwealth and the Organisation of African Unity. Its principal concern has been to protect its restored status as a recipient of Western aid. Malawi is the only black African country to have maintained full diplomatic relations with South Africa since 1967. DEFENCE
Defence spending last year was $22.02 million (14.7 million) and is rising. The military has lost confidence in the ruling party and is forcing the pace of democratisation. ECONOMICS
GNP: $1.8 billion
GNP per capita: $200 (?133)
Balance of payments: $-164 million
Inflation: 12.7 per cent
Average exchange rate (against the US dollar over the last year): 4.46 kwacha
Strengths: tobacco accounts for 76 per cent of foreign exchange earnings. Also tea and sugar production. There are unexploited reserves of bauxite, asbestos and coal.
Weaknesses: agriculture accounts for 80 per cent of GDP, while industry contributes only 14 per cent. Skilled personnel is in short supply, unemployment is widespread and regional instabilities and refugees are a problem. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 587 million kwh/year
Oil production: none
Livestock: 1 million cattle 260,000 pigs, 200,000 sheep, 2,000 asses
Mineral reserves: coal, limestone and gemstones Malawi has few strategic resources. Three hydro-power plants account for 85 per cent of electricity generating capacity but only five per cent of total use. Over 90 per cent of energy needs are met from fuel wood. A deep-seam coal mine recently began production at Rumphi. ENVIRONMENT
Over 11 per cent of land is conserved by law (although this may be only theoretical) but there are few environmental initiatives. Drought is the major problem and caused agricultural production to fall by 25 per cent in 1992. MEDIA
Any hint of criticism in the media is outlawed by the Government. There is one daily newspaper, no TV service, and the state-owned radio service is effectively a Government mouthpiece. CRIME
The proliferation of guns is contributing to an increase in armed robbery. The death penalty is in use. HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 26,942 people
Infectious, parasitic and respiratory diseases are the major causes of death. There iS a free health service but access to it is difficult. WEALTH
Most Malawians lead a subsistence existence. Two in every 1,000 people own a car, while six in every 1,000 own a telephone. VCR and PC ownership is limited to a small elite WORLD RANKING
Position in world (191 countries)
Life expectancy 174 Infant mortality 188 GDP per capita 180 Daily calorie intake 170 Literacy 157 Schooling index 152 Educational rank 158 Human dev. index 171
Official name: Republic of Malawi
Capital: Lilongwe
Population: 10.4 million
Currency: Malawian kwacha
Official Language: Chewa and English
Landlocked in southeast Africa, Malawi occupies a plateau bordering the Great Rift Valley. Lake Malawi, which is 568 kilometres long and occupies one fifth of the country, is among Africa's largest lakes and supports a sizeable fishing industry. Mount Mulanje in the south is the highest mountain in East Africa. Politics in Malawi, a former British colony, is in a delicate transition period following three decades of one-party rule. CLIMATE
The south is hot and humid. The rest of Malawi is warm and sunny in the dry season, but cooler in the highlands. COMMUNICATIONS
The main airport is Kamuzu International at Lilongwe. Malawi does not have a merchant fleet. The national road network extends for 12,215 kilometres and its commercial rail network runs for 789 kilometres. Only Lake Malawi and the Shire river are navigable by commercial craft. TOURISM
Malawi receives 117,069 visitors per year, and this number is increasing. The waters of Lake Malawi, with its 500 species of fish, attract angling, wildlife and water-sports enthusiasts. The national parks and mountain lodges are also popular. PEOPLE
Population density: 74 people per square kilometre
Urban/rural population split: 12 per cent/88 per cent
Religious persuasion: Protestant (55 per cent), Roman Catholic (20 per cent), Muslim (20 per cent), Indigenous beliefs (5 per cent)
Ethnic tensions are few in Malawi as most of the population share a Bantu origin. But northerners are increasingly disaffected at their lack of representation in politics and have become alienated from the ruling party. POLITICS
Malawi became an independent state in 1964 and is now a multiparty democracy. In 1992, international aid was suspended because of the single-party regime of Dr Hastings Banda, which had a poor human rights' record. In 1993, Banda agreed to the introduction of multi-party politics following a referendum. One of the world's longest dictatorships ended in 1994 when Bakili Maluzi won the presidential election. His party, the United Democratic Front, controls 50 per cent of the National Assembly. WORLD AFFAIRS
Malawi is a member of the Commonwealth and the Organisation of African Unity. Its principal concern has been to protect its restored status as a recipient of Western aid. Malawi is the only black African country to have maintained full diplomatic relations with South Africa since 1967. DEFENCE
Defence spending last year was $22.02 million (14.7 million) and is rising. The military has lost confidence in the ruling party and is forcing the pace of democratisation. ECONOMICS
GNP: $1.8 billion
GNP per capita: $200 (?133)
Balance of payments: $-164 million
Inflation: 12.7 per cent
Average exchange rate (against the US dollar over the last year): 4.46 kwacha
Strengths: tobacco accounts for 76 per cent of foreign exchange earnings. Also tea and sugar production. There are unexploited reserves of bauxite, asbestos and coal.
Weaknesses: agriculture accounts for 80 per cent of GDP, while industry contributes only 14 per cent. Skilled personnel is in short supply, unemployment is widespread and regional instabilities and refugees are a problem. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 587 million kwh/year
Oil production: none
Livestock: 1 million cattle 260,000 pigs, 200,000 sheep, 2,000 asses
Mineral reserves: coal, limestone and gemstones Malawi has few strategic resources. Three hydro-power plants account for 85 per cent of electricity generating capacity but only five per cent of total use. Over 90 per cent of energy needs are met from fuel wood. A deep-seam coal mine recently began production at Rumphi. ENVIRONMENT
Over 11 per cent of land is conserved by law (although this may be only theoretical) but there are few environmental initiatives. Drought is the major problem and caused agricultural production to fall by 25 per cent in 1992. MEDIA
Any hint of criticism in the media is outlawed by the Government. There is one daily newspaper, no TV service, and the state-owned radio service is effectively a Government mouthpiece. CRIME
The proliferation of guns is contributing to an increase in armed robbery. The death penalty is in use. HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 26,942 people
Infectious, parasitic and respiratory diseases are the major causes of death. There iS a free health service but access to it is difficult. WEALTH
Most Malawians lead a subsistence existence. Two in every 1,000 people own a car, while six in every 1,000 own a telephone. VCR and PC ownership is limited to a small elite WORLD RANKING
Position in world (191 countries)
Life expectancy 174 Infant mortality 188 GDP per capita 180 Daily calorie intake 170 Literacy 157 Schooling index 152 Educational rank 158 Human dev. index 171
LIBERIA
Official name: The Republic of Liberia
Capital: Monrovia
Population: 2.8 million
Currency: Liberian dollar
Official language: English
Named after liberated slaves who began returning from the US in 1816, Liberia was torn by civil war between 1990 and 1995. Facing the Atlantic in equatorial West Africa, most of its coastline is characterised by lagoons and mangrove swamps. Inland, a grassland plateau supports limited agriculture -- just one per cent of land is arable. Liberia has the world's largest 'flag of convenience' merchant fleet. CLIMATE
Except in the extreme southeast, Liberia has only one rainy season, from May to October, monthly totals peaking at 100 centimetres in June and July. Temperatures are consistently high. During the October to March dry season, when the dust-laden harmattan wind blows, they rise even higher inland. COMMUNICATIONS
The country's limited road network is mainly unpaved and the railways, built to transport iron ore, still carry little other traffic. The main international airport, Roberts Field, was built by the US during the Second World War. TOURISM
Liberia currently attracts very few tourists and even before the war, it was not a popular destination. PEOPLE
Population density: 29 people per square kilometre Urban/rural population split: 46 per cent/54 percent Ethnic make-up: A key distinction in Liberia has been between Americo-Liberians, the descendants of those freed from slavery (known as 'civilised persons'), and the majority group, indigenous 'tribals'. Early divisions between the two groups have been softened by intermarriage and political assimilation. Inter-tribal tension has been a serious problem in recent years. POLITICS
A military coup in 1980 ended a long period of Americo-Liberian rule and resulted in the execution of the government. A series of armed invasions by neighbouring countries followed, prompting the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to send in a peace-keeping force in 1990. These forces later tried to seize territory and Liberian politics effectively collapsed into a chaotic, bloody and many-sided conflict. A peace accord between the six main warring factions were signed in August 1995 and elections are scheduled for August 1996. WORLD AFFAIRS
The US was the main influence in Liberia until the arrival of ECOWAS' aggressive forces, backed chiefly by Nigeria and Ghana. Burkina, Ivory Coast and Libya were suspected of backing the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), the main group fighting with ECOWAS for control of the country. In 1995, United Nation's military observers helped monitor the peace agreement. AID
International donors have pledged humanitarian and logistical aid. The US continued giving support and aid to the military regime until 1990, despite its apparent misuse of funds. DEFENCE
Most of the non-state run or private armies which operated in Liberia, including the official Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), lived by extortion and intimidating local communities. ECONOMICS
GNP: $1.2 billion
GNP per capita: $430
Balance of payments: Formal economy has collapsed
Strengths: Very few. The Firestone rubber plantation and huge LAMCO iron ore mine are under the control of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL). Tropical timber, but reserves declining.
Weaknesses: Little commercial activity. Civil war from 1990 to 1995 led to the collapse of the economy. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 565 million kwh
Oil production: Not an oil producer, but refines 15,000 barrels per day
Livestock: Includes sheep, pigs and cattle
Mineral reserves: Liberia has an estimated one billion tonnes of iron ore reserves at Mount Nimba, but the current state of world demand would not justify exploitation. There are also diamond, gold and manganese reserves. ENVIRONMENT
The NFPL and other armed groups have cut down tropical forests to finance their armies, and only one per cent of land is protected. The civil war made environmental initiatives impossible. MEDIA
Between 1980 and 1991, press criticism of the government was discouraged, but since then has been freer. Generally, though, distribution problems lessen the impact of newspapers. CRIME
Human rights have figured little in Liberian life, and during the war they disappeared altogether. The warring factions regularly massacred civilians, press-ganged armies and displaced thousands into seeking refuge in neighbouring states. Unsurprisingly, no figures are published, although crime was rampant, and there were no enforcing agencies. EDUCATION
Literacy rate: 39 per cent Originally based on the US model, the education system effectively collapsed during the civil war. HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 1,625 people
Only the Americo-Liberian community had ready access to health care before the war, and only the military received adequate care during the conflict. WEALTH
Power and wealth are directly connected in Liberia. All of the recent regimes have seen the state as a source of plunder in the form of well-paid jobs and kick-backs from contracts. Fewer than one per cent of the population have a telephone.
WORLD RANKING
Position in World
(191 countries)
Life expectancy 152 Infant mortality 180 GDP per capita 165 Daily calorie intake 126 Literacy 161 Schooling index 143 Educational rank 163 Human dev. index 161
Capital: Monrovia
Population: 2.8 million
Currency: Liberian dollar
Official language: English
Named after liberated slaves who began returning from the US in 1816, Liberia was torn by civil war between 1990 and 1995. Facing the Atlantic in equatorial West Africa, most of its coastline is characterised by lagoons and mangrove swamps. Inland, a grassland plateau supports limited agriculture -- just one per cent of land is arable. Liberia has the world's largest 'flag of convenience' merchant fleet. CLIMATE
Except in the extreme southeast, Liberia has only one rainy season, from May to October, monthly totals peaking at 100 centimetres in June and July. Temperatures are consistently high. During the October to March dry season, when the dust-laden harmattan wind blows, they rise even higher inland. COMMUNICATIONS
The country's limited road network is mainly unpaved and the railways, built to transport iron ore, still carry little other traffic. The main international airport, Roberts Field, was built by the US during the Second World War. TOURISM
Liberia currently attracts very few tourists and even before the war, it was not a popular destination. PEOPLE
Population density: 29 people per square kilometre Urban/rural population split: 46 per cent/54 percent Ethnic make-up: A key distinction in Liberia has been between Americo-Liberians, the descendants of those freed from slavery (known as 'civilised persons'), and the majority group, indigenous 'tribals'. Early divisions between the two groups have been softened by intermarriage and political assimilation. Inter-tribal tension has been a serious problem in recent years. POLITICS
A military coup in 1980 ended a long period of Americo-Liberian rule and resulted in the execution of the government. A series of armed invasions by neighbouring countries followed, prompting the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to send in a peace-keeping force in 1990. These forces later tried to seize territory and Liberian politics effectively collapsed into a chaotic, bloody and many-sided conflict. A peace accord between the six main warring factions were signed in August 1995 and elections are scheduled for August 1996. WORLD AFFAIRS
The US was the main influence in Liberia until the arrival of ECOWAS' aggressive forces, backed chiefly by Nigeria and Ghana. Burkina, Ivory Coast and Libya were suspected of backing the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL), the main group fighting with ECOWAS for control of the country. In 1995, United Nation's military observers helped monitor the peace agreement. AID
International donors have pledged humanitarian and logistical aid. The US continued giving support and aid to the military regime until 1990, despite its apparent misuse of funds. DEFENCE
Most of the non-state run or private armies which operated in Liberia, including the official Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), lived by extortion and intimidating local communities. ECONOMICS
GNP: $1.2 billion
GNP per capita: $430
Balance of payments: Formal economy has collapsed
Strengths: Very few. The Firestone rubber plantation and huge LAMCO iron ore mine are under the control of the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL). Tropical timber, but reserves declining.
Weaknesses: Little commercial activity. Civil war from 1990 to 1995 led to the collapse of the economy. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 565 million kwh
Oil production: Not an oil producer, but refines 15,000 barrels per day
Livestock: Includes sheep, pigs and cattle
Mineral reserves: Liberia has an estimated one billion tonnes of iron ore reserves at Mount Nimba, but the current state of world demand would not justify exploitation. There are also diamond, gold and manganese reserves. ENVIRONMENT
The NFPL and other armed groups have cut down tropical forests to finance their armies, and only one per cent of land is protected. The civil war made environmental initiatives impossible. MEDIA
Between 1980 and 1991, press criticism of the government was discouraged, but since then has been freer. Generally, though, distribution problems lessen the impact of newspapers. CRIME
Human rights have figured little in Liberian life, and during the war they disappeared altogether. The warring factions regularly massacred civilians, press-ganged armies and displaced thousands into seeking refuge in neighbouring states. Unsurprisingly, no figures are published, although crime was rampant, and there were no enforcing agencies. EDUCATION
Literacy rate: 39 per cent Originally based on the US model, the education system effectively collapsed during the civil war. HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 1,625 people
Only the Americo-Liberian community had ready access to health care before the war, and only the military received adequate care during the conflict. WEALTH
Power and wealth are directly connected in Liberia. All of the recent regimes have seen the state as a source of plunder in the form of well-paid jobs and kick-backs from contracts. Fewer than one per cent of the population have a telephone.
WORLD RANKING
Position in World
(191 countries)
Life expectancy 152 Infant mortality 180 GDP per capita 165 Daily calorie intake 126 Literacy 161 Schooling index 143 Educational rank 163 Human dev. index 161
Reading Eagle, Pa., Area Digest column: TV host will speak at Chamber dinner
Tucker Carlson of MSNBC will be the keynote speaker May 14 at the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry's 95th annual dinner.
The event will be held in the Sovereign Center and will include the organization's annual awards.
More than 1,100 members and guests are expected to attend.
Carlson hosts MSNBC's "Tucker," a daily conversation about news, politics, world issues and pop culture.
The dinner also will feature the "Capitol Steps," a Washington, D.C.-based performance group, which will present a satirical look at the headlines of the day through song parodies and skits.
The dinner celebrates winners of the Greater Reading Entrepreneurial Excellence Award and the third annual Greater Reading Top 50 program.
Nominations for those awards are available online at greaterreadingchamber.org under the "Chamber at work" section of the home page.
The dinner begins at 5:15 p.m.
Tickets will go on sale at a later date and will cost $110 for chamber members and $130 for nonmembers.
For further information, go to the Chamber Web site.
BERKS COUNTY
Baldwin gets post with law office
Former Berks County District Attorney Mark C. Baldwin has landed a job working for the law office of Timothy B. Bitler in Gibraltar.
Baldwin of Cumru Township is specializing in corporate investigation, white-collar crime, criminal defense, jury consultation, juvenile and protectionfrom-abuse cases and general litigation.
Baldwin and Bitler declined comment.
The firm at 3115 Main St. also provides services in family and civil areas of the law.
Baldwin, who served four terms as district attorney, was defeated in the November election by Reading attorney John T. Adams.
READING
Teenagers with gun rob stand in city
A Reading taco stand was robbed of $25 by three hooded teenagers, one of whom showed a gun, city police said Thursday.
Rafael Jimenez, 55, of Reading told police that three Latino boys walked up to his stand at Green and Moss streets Wednesday about 10 p.m. He said one took out a handgun and demanded money.
Jimenez said he gave them $25 and they fled south on Moss Street toward Buttonwood Street.
Jimenez described the assailants as about 5 feet 5 inches tall and 150 pounds each.
Police asked that anyone with information about the robbers call Crime Alert Berks County at 877-373-9913. Callers will receive a cash reward of up to $5,000 if their tip leads to arrests.
The event will be held in the Sovereign Center and will include the organization's annual awards.
More than 1,100 members and guests are expected to attend.
Carlson hosts MSNBC's "Tucker," a daily conversation about news, politics, world issues and pop culture.
The dinner also will feature the "Capitol Steps," a Washington, D.C.-based performance group, which will present a satirical look at the headlines of the day through song parodies and skits.
The dinner celebrates winners of the Greater Reading Entrepreneurial Excellence Award and the third annual Greater Reading Top 50 program.
Nominations for those awards are available online at greaterreadingchamber.org under the "Chamber at work" section of the home page.
The dinner begins at 5:15 p.m.
Tickets will go on sale at a later date and will cost $110 for chamber members and $130 for nonmembers.
For further information, go to the Chamber Web site.
BERKS COUNTY
Baldwin gets post with law office
Former Berks County District Attorney Mark C. Baldwin has landed a job working for the law office of Timothy B. Bitler in Gibraltar.
Baldwin of Cumru Township is specializing in corporate investigation, white-collar crime, criminal defense, jury consultation, juvenile and protectionfrom-abuse cases and general litigation.
Baldwin and Bitler declined comment.
The firm at 3115 Main St. also provides services in family and civil areas of the law.
Baldwin, who served four terms as district attorney, was defeated in the November election by Reading attorney John T. Adams.
READING
Teenagers with gun rob stand in city
A Reading taco stand was robbed of $25 by three hooded teenagers, one of whom showed a gun, city police said Thursday.
Rafael Jimenez, 55, of Reading told police that three Latino boys walked up to his stand at Green and Moss streets Wednesday about 10 p.m. He said one took out a handgun and demanded money.
Jimenez said he gave them $25 and they fled south on Moss Street toward Buttonwood Street.
Jimenez described the assailants as about 5 feet 5 inches tall and 150 pounds each.
Police asked that anyone with information about the robbers call Crime Alert Berks County at 877-373-9913. Callers will receive a cash reward of up to $5,000 if their tip leads to arrests.
EQUATORIAL GUINEA
Official name: Republic of Equatorial Guinea
Capital: Malabo
Population: 400,000
Currency: CFA franc
Official language: Spanish
Comprising five islands and the territory of Rio Muni on the west coast of Africa, Equatorial Guinea lies just north of the Equator. Mangrove swamps border the mainland coast. It gained independence in 1968 after 190 years of Spanish rule. Multipartyism was accepted in 1991.
CLIMATE: The island of Bioko is extremely wet and humid, with an annual rainfall of 200 centimetres, while the mainland is only marginally drier and cooler.
TRANSPORT: Apart from once or twice weekly Iberia flights, all air links are through neighbouring countries. The Chinese financed the Ncue-Mongomo Highway project in the 1980s.
TOURISM: Equatorial Guinea is restricted to the adventurous, independent tourist despite the attraction of Malabo's scenery and beaches.
PEOPLE: Mainland has a majority of Fang, a people who also inhabit Cameroon and northern Gabon, Bioko is populated by a majority of Bubi and a minority of Creoles (known as Fernandinos). The Macias dictatorship consolidated the power of Fang especially the Mongomo clan, from which both Macias and his successor Obiang come.
POLITICS: Despite becoming a multiparty state in 1991, some of the exiled political parties have not returned. The ruling PDGE was set up in 1987 by Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo after he overthrew his dictator uncle Francisco Macias Nguema's National Worker's Party (PUNT) in 1979. Multipartyism, initiated in 1988, has been marked by instability. The main 1993 elections were boycotted by the main opposition parties, while the presidential poll in 1996 in which Obiang was the only candidate was declared farcical by observers.
WORLD AFFAIRS: The country has sought to rebuild its international links after a period of isolation. However, many are wary of the Obiang regime.
AID: The EU, World Bank, IMF and Arab funds are all important sources of aid.
DEFENCE: Morocco has provided a 360-strong presidential guard since the early 1980s to guarantee Obiang's security. Nigeria, Cameroon and Gabon have interests in maintaining the autonomy of the Malabo and Rio Muni regions.
ECONOMICS: GNP: $167 million World GNP ranking: 186th Balance of payments: $-22 million. Strengths: Fertile soils, large tropical timber reserves, cocoa and coffee, extensive potential for fisheries. Oil and natural gas reserves. Weaknesses: Lasting effects of economic regression under the dictatorship. Bad administration and ideological attacks on the educated have restricted growth. Poor communications.
RESOURCES: Electricity production: 19 million kwh. Oil reserves: 3,600,000 billion barrels. Livestock: 36,000 sheep; 8,000 goats; 5,000 cattle.
ENVIRONMENT: The government has failed to take serious measures to stop rainforest depletion.
MEDIA: There is little sign of press liberalisation.
CRIME: Levels of crime are relatively low although a lot goes unreported. Human rights abuses occur.
EDUCATION: Declined in the Macias years when attendance rates fell from 90 per cent to 55 per cent. Funding is poor.
HEALTH: Life expectancy has risen from 37 years in 1960 to 47 in 1990. Restoring health care is a priority.
WEALTH: The little wealth tends to be concentrated in the ruling clan. Position in World (192 countries)
Life expectancy 174 Infant mortality 175 GNP per capita 157 Daily calorie intake 126 Literacy 155 Schooling index 104 Educational rank 104 Human dev. index 142
Capital: Malabo
Population: 400,000
Currency: CFA franc
Official language: Spanish
Comprising five islands and the territory of Rio Muni on the west coast of Africa, Equatorial Guinea lies just north of the Equator. Mangrove swamps border the mainland coast. It gained independence in 1968 after 190 years of Spanish rule. Multipartyism was accepted in 1991.
CLIMATE: The island of Bioko is extremely wet and humid, with an annual rainfall of 200 centimetres, while the mainland is only marginally drier and cooler.
TRANSPORT: Apart from once or twice weekly Iberia flights, all air links are through neighbouring countries. The Chinese financed the Ncue-Mongomo Highway project in the 1980s.
TOURISM: Equatorial Guinea is restricted to the adventurous, independent tourist despite the attraction of Malabo's scenery and beaches.
PEOPLE: Mainland has a majority of Fang, a people who also inhabit Cameroon and northern Gabon, Bioko is populated by a majority of Bubi and a minority of Creoles (known as Fernandinos). The Macias dictatorship consolidated the power of Fang especially the Mongomo clan, from which both Macias and his successor Obiang come.
POLITICS: Despite becoming a multiparty state in 1991, some of the exiled political parties have not returned. The ruling PDGE was set up in 1987 by Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo after he overthrew his dictator uncle Francisco Macias Nguema's National Worker's Party (PUNT) in 1979. Multipartyism, initiated in 1988, has been marked by instability. The main 1993 elections were boycotted by the main opposition parties, while the presidential poll in 1996 in which Obiang was the only candidate was declared farcical by observers.
WORLD AFFAIRS: The country has sought to rebuild its international links after a period of isolation. However, many are wary of the Obiang regime.
AID: The EU, World Bank, IMF and Arab funds are all important sources of aid.
DEFENCE: Morocco has provided a 360-strong presidential guard since the early 1980s to guarantee Obiang's security. Nigeria, Cameroon and Gabon have interests in maintaining the autonomy of the Malabo and Rio Muni regions.
ECONOMICS: GNP: $167 million World GNP ranking: 186th Balance of payments: $-22 million. Strengths: Fertile soils, large tropical timber reserves, cocoa and coffee, extensive potential for fisheries. Oil and natural gas reserves. Weaknesses: Lasting effects of economic regression under the dictatorship. Bad administration and ideological attacks on the educated have restricted growth. Poor communications.
RESOURCES: Electricity production: 19 million kwh. Oil reserves: 3,600,000 billion barrels. Livestock: 36,000 sheep; 8,000 goats; 5,000 cattle.
ENVIRONMENT: The government has failed to take serious measures to stop rainforest depletion.
MEDIA: There is little sign of press liberalisation.
CRIME: Levels of crime are relatively low although a lot goes unreported. Human rights abuses occur.
EDUCATION: Declined in the Macias years when attendance rates fell from 90 per cent to 55 per cent. Funding is poor.
HEALTH: Life expectancy has risen from 37 years in 1960 to 47 in 1990. Restoring health care is a priority.
WEALTH: The little wealth tends to be concentrated in the ruling clan. Position in World (192 countries)
Life expectancy 174 Infant mortality 175 GNP per capita 157 Daily calorie intake 126 Literacy 155 Schooling index 104 Educational rank 104 Human dev. index 142
CHILE
Official name: Republic of Chile
Capital: Santiago
Population: 14.5 million
Total land area: 748 800 sq.km (289 112 sq.miles)
Currency: Chilean peso
Official language: Spanish
Climate: The world's driest desert, the Atacama, which is situated in the north of the country, is frequently cool and cloudy The central regions have a Mediterranean climate, with changeable winters and hot, dry summers. The higher reaches of the Andes have an alpine climate. The south is the wettest region.
Chile extends in a narrow ribbon 4,350 kilometres down the Pacific coast of South America. The plains of the central pampa lie between a coastal range and the Andes. Most people live in the fertile heartland around the capital Santiago. Glaciers are a prominent feature of the southern Andes, as are fjords, lakes and deep sea channels.
TRANSPORT: The country's unusual shape makes air travel essential. Internal air routes are well developed and some are served by air taxis. The Pan-American is the only arterial road, crossing the Peruvian border and running down via Santiago to Puerto Montt.
TOURISM: The Pinochet years saw a dramatic decrease in tourism from the US and Europe, although neighbouring countries still continued to visit. Since 1988, tourism has grown. The stunning Andean scenery and the long coastline are the main attractions.
PEOPLE: Highly urbanised - 86 per cent of the country's population live in towns. Most people are of mixed Spanish-Indian descent. The Mapuche Indians live almost exclusively in the south. Many Chileans live on subsistence wages.
POLITICS: After 12 years of military rule under General Pinochet, Chile returned to multiparty democracy in 1989 following a popular referendum. Since then politics has been more stable and the economy continues to grow. The armed forces retain an influential role.
WORLD AFFAIRS: The main trading partner is the US. A territorial dispute with Argentina over islands in the Beagle Channel was settled in 1984 with Vatican mediation. Border disputes continue with Bolivia and Peru.
AID: Aid is in the form of debts rescheduled by the World Bank at the instigation of the US.
DEFENCE: The military enjoyed preferential treatment under General Pinochet. Today its considerable influence is demonstrated by the failure to press human rights charges over atrocities committed during the Pinochet years.
RESOURCES: Electricity generation: 22.4 billion kwh Livestock: 4.6 million sheep, 3.7 million cattle, 1.4 million pigs, 600,000 goats Mineral resources: coal, copper, gold, silver, iron, molybdenum, iodine.
ENVIRONMENT: The environment does not rank highly on the political agenda. Pinochet's constitution enshrined the right to live in a pollution-free environment, but bad smogs still cover Santiago due partly to diesel fumes from the city's buses.
MEDIA: Brutally controlled under Pinochet; journalists "disappeared" in the early years of the regime. Today, they are relatively free to write what they want but they can still be tried under military justice for slander of the armed forces.
CRIME: The judiciary is still not independent and is not pursuing human rights cases committed under Pinochet's military rule despite the discovery of mass graves in 1991.
EDUCATION: Environment and human rights now appear on the school curricula.
HEALTH: Eighty per cent of the population are covered by the public health service.
WEALTH: The middle class did well under Pinochet. The poor are 15 per cent worse off than in 1970. Four million people live just above the UN poverty line and one million live below it Position in World (192 countries))
Life expectancy 41 Infant mortality 50 GNP per capita 55 Daily calorie intake 111 Literacy 72 Schooling index 57 Educational rank 555 Human dev. index 33
Capital: Santiago
Population: 14.5 million
Total land area: 748 800 sq.km (289 112 sq.miles)
Currency: Chilean peso
Official language: Spanish
Climate: The world's driest desert, the Atacama, which is situated in the north of the country, is frequently cool and cloudy The central regions have a Mediterranean climate, with changeable winters and hot, dry summers. The higher reaches of the Andes have an alpine climate. The south is the wettest region.
Chile extends in a narrow ribbon 4,350 kilometres down the Pacific coast of South America. The plains of the central pampa lie between a coastal range and the Andes. Most people live in the fertile heartland around the capital Santiago. Glaciers are a prominent feature of the southern Andes, as are fjords, lakes and deep sea channels.
TRANSPORT: The country's unusual shape makes air travel essential. Internal air routes are well developed and some are served by air taxis. The Pan-American is the only arterial road, crossing the Peruvian border and running down via Santiago to Puerto Montt.
TOURISM: The Pinochet years saw a dramatic decrease in tourism from the US and Europe, although neighbouring countries still continued to visit. Since 1988, tourism has grown. The stunning Andean scenery and the long coastline are the main attractions.
PEOPLE: Highly urbanised - 86 per cent of the country's population live in towns. Most people are of mixed Spanish-Indian descent. The Mapuche Indians live almost exclusively in the south. Many Chileans live on subsistence wages.
POLITICS: After 12 years of military rule under General Pinochet, Chile returned to multiparty democracy in 1989 following a popular referendum. Since then politics has been more stable and the economy continues to grow. The armed forces retain an influential role.
WORLD AFFAIRS: The main trading partner is the US. A territorial dispute with Argentina over islands in the Beagle Channel was settled in 1984 with Vatican mediation. Border disputes continue with Bolivia and Peru.
AID: Aid is in the form of debts rescheduled by the World Bank at the instigation of the US.
DEFENCE: The military enjoyed preferential treatment under General Pinochet. Today its considerable influence is demonstrated by the failure to press human rights charges over atrocities committed during the Pinochet years.
RESOURCES: Electricity generation: 22.4 billion kwh Livestock: 4.6 million sheep, 3.7 million cattle, 1.4 million pigs, 600,000 goats Mineral resources: coal, copper, gold, silver, iron, molybdenum, iodine.
ENVIRONMENT: The environment does not rank highly on the political agenda. Pinochet's constitution enshrined the right to live in a pollution-free environment, but bad smogs still cover Santiago due partly to diesel fumes from the city's buses.
MEDIA: Brutally controlled under Pinochet; journalists "disappeared" in the early years of the regime. Today, they are relatively free to write what they want but they can still be tried under military justice for slander of the armed forces.
CRIME: The judiciary is still not independent and is not pursuing human rights cases committed under Pinochet's military rule despite the discovery of mass graves in 1991.
EDUCATION: Environment and human rights now appear on the school curricula.
HEALTH: Eighty per cent of the population are covered by the public health service.
WEALTH: The middle class did well under Pinochet. The poor are 15 per cent worse off than in 1970. Four million people live just above the UN poverty line and one million live below it Position in World (192 countries))
Life expectancy 41 Infant mortality 50 GNP per capita 55 Daily calorie intake 111 Literacy 72 Schooling index 57 Educational rank 555 Human dev. index 33
SRI LANKA
Separated from India by the Palk Strait, Sri Lanka comprises one large island and several coral islets to the northwest known as Adam's Bridge.
TRANSPORT: The main roads are crowded and slow, although those roads leading to resorts are being improved. Air Lanka flies non-stop to Europe.
TOURISM: The tourist industry suffered setbacks in 1995 and 1996 when Colombo became the target of Tamil bomb attacks.
PEOPLE: Civil war erupted in 1983 between the minority Tamils and the majority Sinhalese. Under British rule the Tamils were favoured, but when Sri Lanka (named Ceylon under the British Empire) gained independence in 1948, laws were passed to redress the balance by favouring the Sinhalese. The resulting conflict has a religious dimension; Tamils are mostly Muslim or Hindu while Sinhalese are Buddhist.
POLITICS: The TamiI-Sinhalese conflict influences all political debate. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam want an independent state in the north and east and the government is committed to keeping Sri Lanka unified, although it is now considering plans for regional autonomy. Peace talks collapsed in April 1995. Since then a massive army operation and the resumption of civilian bombing campaigns by the LTTE have hardened attitudes.
WORLD AFFAIRS: Relations with India are important. The 1987 Indo-Sri Lankan accords led to Indian troops playing a peace-keeping role. However they were forced to pull out after becoming embroiled in fighting with the LTTE, which is suspected of killing Rajiv Gandhi in 1992.
AID: President Chandrika Kumaratunga responded positively to Western aid aimed at improving its human rights record.
DEFENCE: Foreign military assistance has been sought to defeat the LTTE.
ECONOMICS: GNP: $11.6 billion World GNP ranking: 78th GNP per capita: $640 Balance of payments: minus $546 million Strengths: World's largest tea exporter. Export Processing Zones and state privatisation programmes attract foreign investments. Weaknesses: Civil war is a drain on funds and deters investors and tourists. Poor infrastructure.
RESOURCES: Electricity generation: 3.5 billion kwh. Livestock: 1.6 million cattle, 500,000 goats, 90,000 pigs. Mineral resources: gemstones, graphite, iron, monazite, uranium, ilmenite, clay.
ENVIRONMENT: The government is aware of the tourism benefits of protecting its environment and has successfully promoted national parks.
MEDIA: The government of Kumaratunga was criticised after it imposed press censorship in late 1995 in an attempt to control war reporting.
CRIME: Both the army and the LTTE have been accused of human rights' abuses. Civil war has claimed 30,000 lives since 1983.
EDUCATION: Sri Lanka has the highest literacy rate of any developing nation. Many students attend universities in the US.
HEALTH: High spending results in an accessible, feefree system. Ayurvedic medicine is popular.
WEALTH: Economic growth has created a new class of wealthy Sinhalese. Tamil tea workers are the poorest section of society.
Official name: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Capital: Colombo
Population: 18.4 million
Total land area: 64,740 sq.km (24,996sq. miles)
Currency: Sri Lanka rupee
Official Language: Sinhalese
Climate: Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical climate with afternoon breezes on the coast and cooler air in the highlands Position in World (192 countries)
Life expectancy 52 Infant mortality 55 GNP per capita 141 Daily calorie intake 140 Literacy 95 Schooling index 89 Educational rank 79 Human dev. index 97
TRANSPORT: The main roads are crowded and slow, although those roads leading to resorts are being improved. Air Lanka flies non-stop to Europe.
TOURISM: The tourist industry suffered setbacks in 1995 and 1996 when Colombo became the target of Tamil bomb attacks.
PEOPLE: Civil war erupted in 1983 between the minority Tamils and the majority Sinhalese. Under British rule the Tamils were favoured, but when Sri Lanka (named Ceylon under the British Empire) gained independence in 1948, laws were passed to redress the balance by favouring the Sinhalese. The resulting conflict has a religious dimension; Tamils are mostly Muslim or Hindu while Sinhalese are Buddhist.
POLITICS: The TamiI-Sinhalese conflict influences all political debate. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam want an independent state in the north and east and the government is committed to keeping Sri Lanka unified, although it is now considering plans for regional autonomy. Peace talks collapsed in April 1995. Since then a massive army operation and the resumption of civilian bombing campaigns by the LTTE have hardened attitudes.
WORLD AFFAIRS: Relations with India are important. The 1987 Indo-Sri Lankan accords led to Indian troops playing a peace-keeping role. However they were forced to pull out after becoming embroiled in fighting with the LTTE, which is suspected of killing Rajiv Gandhi in 1992.
AID: President Chandrika Kumaratunga responded positively to Western aid aimed at improving its human rights record.
DEFENCE: Foreign military assistance has been sought to defeat the LTTE.
ECONOMICS: GNP: $11.6 billion World GNP ranking: 78th GNP per capita: $640 Balance of payments: minus $546 million Strengths: World's largest tea exporter. Export Processing Zones and state privatisation programmes attract foreign investments. Weaknesses: Civil war is a drain on funds and deters investors and tourists. Poor infrastructure.
RESOURCES: Electricity generation: 3.5 billion kwh. Livestock: 1.6 million cattle, 500,000 goats, 90,000 pigs. Mineral resources: gemstones, graphite, iron, monazite, uranium, ilmenite, clay.
ENVIRONMENT: The government is aware of the tourism benefits of protecting its environment and has successfully promoted national parks.
MEDIA: The government of Kumaratunga was criticised after it imposed press censorship in late 1995 in an attempt to control war reporting.
CRIME: Both the army and the LTTE have been accused of human rights' abuses. Civil war has claimed 30,000 lives since 1983.
EDUCATION: Sri Lanka has the highest literacy rate of any developing nation. Many students attend universities in the US.
HEALTH: High spending results in an accessible, feefree system. Ayurvedic medicine is popular.
WEALTH: Economic growth has created a new class of wealthy Sinhalese. Tamil tea workers are the poorest section of society.
Official name: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Capital: Colombo
Population: 18.4 million
Total land area: 64,740 sq.km (24,996sq. miles)
Currency: Sri Lanka rupee
Official Language: Sinhalese
Climate: Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical climate with afternoon breezes on the coast and cooler air in the highlands Position in World (192 countries)
Life expectancy 52 Infant mortality 55 GNP per capita 141 Daily calorie intake 140 Literacy 95 Schooling index 89 Educational rank 79 Human dev. index 97
Akron, Ohio, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Shop Offers Recipe for Success
You get no bagels and no cream cheese at the Krispy Kreme on Maple Street. "Just doughnuts," said co-owner Chuck Asente. "We've avoided fads -- no soups, no hot dogs." The company recently attracted national attention when it went public and started adding stores in the dot-com world of the Pacific Northwest. But there is much more than hot doughnuts at the oldest operating Krispy Kreme in America. On a muggy morning this week, groups of old pals came together to sip coffee and spin about their world over glazed doughnuts. "We sit there and talk politics, world events, sports," said Richard T. Montgomery, 63, a retired Summit County Human Services caseworker. Montgomery said he has been coming to Krispy Kreme "religiously" most mornings for about 10 years and about 20 years on and off. He and his friend Walter Childers talked about picking strawberries and fishing. The location at 354 S. Maple St. was opened in 1939 -- one of the first outside Winston-Salem, N.C., where the company started in 1937. Company officials say the Maple Street store is the oldest continuously operated Krispy Kreme in the country. There are now 150 locations in 27 states -- including 12 in Ohio -- with more planned. A scene in the 1998 movie Primary Colors has actor John Travolta playing a Bill Clinton-like politician, eating Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Corporate marketing director Steve Bumgarner said there are no Krispy Kreme doughnut stores in Arkansas, and he didn't know whether Clinton actually is a fan. "You have to ask Bill Clinton," Bumgarner said. The White House did not return a call yesterday seeking that information. When Clinton visited the Cleveland area a few years ago, Asente sent Krispy Kreme doughnuts from the Middleburg Heights store to the rally where the president was appearing. Over the winter, the Maple Street store spent $500,000 to remodel and add a drive-through window and also bought new, automated equipment that doubled the doughnut-making capacity, Asente said. The drive-through window accounts for 25 percent of sales. When store owners were talking about remodeling, there was some discussion about moving to another neighborhood, but that idea never went anywhere, Asente said. "We take our stand right here," he said. The store was opened by Ed Richardson in 1939 and purchased in 1969 by semi-pro baseball manager Robert Simmons Sr., former Ellet High principal. Simmons and his son, Robert "Bobby" Simmons Jr., and Asente, who is Bobby Simmons' brother-in-law, now own six Krispy Kremes in the area. As doughnuts were cranked out this week, disciplining children was a topic for discussion among some friends gathered around a circular table at the front of the store. "We took prayer out of the schools -- and it had nothing to do with beliefs, it was a form of discipline," said Ed Hewitt, a 75-year-old retired construction worker and Red Cross volunteer. As an example, he shared a story about hiring a young man to mow his lawn. The man pushed Hewitt's mower over a rock and ruined the mower. "He tore it up," said Hewitt. "It was like a joke to him." From there, the discussion turned to rising gas prices. "They are gouging us," said Marvin Barner Sr., 61, an Army retiree. Regular Otto Weems talked about the need to fix up Wooster Field on Wooster Avenue. The discussion inside often touches hot issues, too. The subject of race came up one morning as Traian Boyer, 26, a roofer from Akron, said he has learned about the African-American experience from the older men he drinks coffee with each morning. Boyer is white and is married to an African-American woman, Shajuana Boyer. They have three children. "I learn some history and I can find out what it was like 50 years ago," said Boyer. "I don't want to be ignorant. My kids are half black." Otto Weems, a 69-year-old Goodyear retiree and an African-American, said he respected what Boyer was doing. "In order to understand where you are going, you have to understand where you've been," he said. Meanwhile, the doughnuts keep coming. With the ability to make 270 doughnuts an hour, the store can make enough to sell to more than 50 convenience stores. Creme sticks are made at the store on Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls. The keystone of the Maple Street store is the new glazed doughnut machine. Every six to seven seconds, six circles of dough are squeezed out. "It's like making little tires," said manager Rick Schrack, 45. Although the doughnut-making is automated, the jelly, fillings and icing are still added by hand, one at a time. And the retooled shop retains a major touch of the old. The original "hot do-nuts" neon sign still beckons hungry motorists. Asente, 50, has learned after nearly three decades at the store that many people have doughnut stories about Maple Street. He said store owners are thinking about sponsoring an essay contest to collect customers' tales. Ruth Stokes, a 25-year employee, knows what her regular customers will order when they walk in the door. "They are like family," she said. For Montgomery, it isn't just the doughnuts that keeps him coming back to Krispy Kreme. "Good conversations, good doughnuts, good coffee and you see friends," he said. ----- To see more of the Akron Beacon Journal, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.ohio.com/bj
Former Ambassador Discusses Politics, World Trade
Former ambassador Rozanne Ridgway says world trade is essential but filled with social and cultural complications.
In April, President Bush met in Quebec with 33 other leaders from the Western Hemisphere for a summit on free trade. But the news occurred outside, where police in riot gear clashed with some of the 1,000 protestors. Security fences girded the meeting site.
It was hardly the first time a meeting on global trade had been upstaged. In 1999, protesters besieged Seattle, host of a meeting for the World Trade Organization. And last year, protesters targeted a global summit in Prague.
Large corporations, meanwhile, see international sales as a critical part of their strategy to maintain growth and ensure stability when different parts of the world's economy slow. Many executives argue that free trade improves economic conditions and supports democracy.
Rozanne Ridgway sees the issue of globalization both as a former ambassador and corporate board member. A Hamline University graduate who's still active with its alumni association, Ridgway joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 1957 and was Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs from 1985 to 1989. She now serves on boards for 3M Co., Boeing Co., Sara Lee Corp. and Emerson Electric Co.
She spoke with reporter Kevin Maler about politics and global trade.
QUESTION: Many large U.S. companies are looking overseas for long-term growth. What are some of the concerns investors should keep in mind?
ANSWER: Whether, in fact, the research has been done on the existence of a market for the product. What kinds of returns are expected over time? And whether or not the company has the experience or can acquire the experience among its personnel overseas to direct the enterprise.
Q: Is it the responsibility of management to weigh factors like human rights abuses before entering a country?
A: I would say, absolutely. I would say you cannot expect a corporation to be treated by the rule of law if the rule of law doesn't exist for its own people. That doesn't mean you're going to find the perfect world. One of the major challenges in an emerging market territory -- China comes to mind -- is how to balance an opportunity against an unattractive setting.
I think most large companies here, and I'm not speaking for any one company, believe that over time, open economies inevitably lead to open societies. I think companies that have gone ahead with investments -- they know there are risks, they know they are often subject to criticism -- but if they make sure their own workplace is an example of what can and should be done, most believe they are making a contribution.
Q: When should a company pull out of a country?
A: The obvious initial one would be interference with how you run your business, interference with your employees, a consistent lack of transparency in the host country, unpredictability and a dramatic change, say, in the business environment, like tax rates or the ability to repatriate profits until suddenly it is not a good business proposition.
Q: Critics of international trade say American companies that source overseas are simply exploiting lax regulations and poor working conditions. Is that true?
A: I know the arguments. The feeling that you're going overseas to run sweatshops. Chain people to machines, pay slave labor wages, put the work force here out of work while supporting unattractive regimes. I believe the companies that engage in that behavior deserve the spotlight they get.
I think they are the exception, not the rule. The companies are trying to bring into the marketplace, either in the U.S. or outside the U.S., a reasonably priced product. In many instances, that's best done by having overseas manufacturing. In many instances, it's the only way you can compete with products coming into the U.S.
And there are those who would argue, and I think I'm among them, that a broadly based, global economy produces more jobs, more good jobs, than fewer. The problem, and I don't think you can ignore it and you would be a fool to try to, is that there are displacements and adjustments and people are hurt, and I think provisions have to be made for that reality.
Q: Who holds companies accountable?
A: There's a basic body of U.S. law that governs behavior overseas. And there are interest groups. And the topic is accountability.
(Interest groups) are certainly part of the spotlight process. I think all you have to do is go down the list of people who are concerned today -- labor unions, environmentalists, human rights groups -- each comes to the issue from a different standpoint and each may want different outcomes, but they're there, and in many instances the function they perform helps keep us on the right track.
In April, President Bush met in Quebec with 33 other leaders from the Western Hemisphere for a summit on free trade. But the news occurred outside, where police in riot gear clashed with some of the 1,000 protestors. Security fences girded the meeting site.
It was hardly the first time a meeting on global trade had been upstaged. In 1999, protesters besieged Seattle, host of a meeting for the World Trade Organization. And last year, protesters targeted a global summit in Prague.
Large corporations, meanwhile, see international sales as a critical part of their strategy to maintain growth and ensure stability when different parts of the world's economy slow. Many executives argue that free trade improves economic conditions and supports democracy.
Rozanne Ridgway sees the issue of globalization both as a former ambassador and corporate board member. A Hamline University graduate who's still active with its alumni association, Ridgway joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 1957 and was Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs from 1985 to 1989. She now serves on boards for 3M Co., Boeing Co., Sara Lee Corp. and Emerson Electric Co.
She spoke with reporter Kevin Maler about politics and global trade.
QUESTION: Many large U.S. companies are looking overseas for long-term growth. What are some of the concerns investors should keep in mind?
ANSWER: Whether, in fact, the research has been done on the existence of a market for the product. What kinds of returns are expected over time? And whether or not the company has the experience or can acquire the experience among its personnel overseas to direct the enterprise.
Q: Is it the responsibility of management to weigh factors like human rights abuses before entering a country?
A: I would say, absolutely. I would say you cannot expect a corporation to be treated by the rule of law if the rule of law doesn't exist for its own people. That doesn't mean you're going to find the perfect world. One of the major challenges in an emerging market territory -- China comes to mind -- is how to balance an opportunity against an unattractive setting.
I think most large companies here, and I'm not speaking for any one company, believe that over time, open economies inevitably lead to open societies. I think companies that have gone ahead with investments -- they know there are risks, they know they are often subject to criticism -- but if they make sure their own workplace is an example of what can and should be done, most believe they are making a contribution.
Q: When should a company pull out of a country?
A: The obvious initial one would be interference with how you run your business, interference with your employees, a consistent lack of transparency in the host country, unpredictability and a dramatic change, say, in the business environment, like tax rates or the ability to repatriate profits until suddenly it is not a good business proposition.
Q: Critics of international trade say American companies that source overseas are simply exploiting lax regulations and poor working conditions. Is that true?
A: I know the arguments. The feeling that you're going overseas to run sweatshops. Chain people to machines, pay slave labor wages, put the work force here out of work while supporting unattractive regimes. I believe the companies that engage in that behavior deserve the spotlight they get.
I think they are the exception, not the rule. The companies are trying to bring into the marketplace, either in the U.S. or outside the U.S., a reasonably priced product. In many instances, that's best done by having overseas manufacturing. In many instances, it's the only way you can compete with products coming into the U.S.
And there are those who would argue, and I think I'm among them, that a broadly based, global economy produces more jobs, more good jobs, than fewer. The problem, and I don't think you can ignore it and you would be a fool to try to, is that there are displacements and adjustments and people are hurt, and I think provisions have to be made for that reality.
Q: Who holds companies accountable?
A: There's a basic body of U.S. law that governs behavior overseas. And there are interest groups. And the topic is accountability.
(Interest groups) are certainly part of the spotlight process. I think all you have to do is go down the list of people who are concerned today -- labor unions, environmentalists, human rights groups -- each comes to the issue from a different standpoint and each may want different outcomes, but they're there, and in many instances the function they perform helps keep us on the right track.
Official name: Republic of Fiji Capital: Suva Population: 800,000 Currency: Fiji dollar Official language: English
Fiji is a volcanic archipelago in the southern Pacific Ocean comprising two large islands and 880 smaller islets. From 1874 to 1970 Fiji was a British colony. The British introduced Indian workers to the islands and by 1946 their descendants, the Indo-Fijians, outnumbered the native Fijian. In 1987 native Fijians overthrew the democratically-elected government. After the coups, thousands of IndoFijians left the country. CLIMATE
The eastern sides of the main islands are wettest, having more than twice the annual rainfall of the western flanks. Fiji lies in a cyclone path. TRANSPORT
On the axis of Australia-US west coast air routes, Fiji is well served by international flights. TOURISM
Tourists -- mainly from Australia, New Zealand and the US west coast --are returning after a 76 per cent drop in numbers following the 1987 coups. PEOPLE
Population density: 44 people per square kilometre
Urban/rural population split: 40 per cent/60 per cent
The exodus of Indo-Fijians after the 1987 coups left native Fijians in the majority for the first time since 1946. Census figures in 1991 confirmed that they made up more than 51 per cent of the population. There are tensions between urban and rural native Fijians. Women, who head 12 per cent of households, are lobbying for more rights. They cannot obtain loans without a husband's or father's consent, while children born of marriages to non-Fijian men are denied full citizenship. POLITICS
The 1987 coups were justified as defending the land rights of native Fijians. In practice, they were a move by native Fijian chiefs to secure their power, which was being threatened both by the growing Indo-Fijian class, and the increasingly Westernised younger native Fijians. Although the 1990 constitution enshrining native Fijian supremacy is being amended, it is unlikely to change radically. WORLD AFFAIRS
Fiji is still working to repair its international reputation following the coups of 1987, the subsequent discriminatory constitution and its expulsion from the Commonwealth. AID
Fiji is one of the world's highest per capita aid recipients. Australia, Japan and the EU are the main donors. DEFENCE
Of the 3,900-strong, almost entirely native Fijian military, 1,200 are assigned to UN duties and have served in Lebanon and Egypt. ECONOMICS
GNP: $1.8 billion World GNP ranking: 137th GNP per capita: $2,320 Balance of payments: $13 million Strengths: Relatively well-diversified economy, with a growing tourist industry. Weaknesses: Migration of many IndoFijian professionals and entrepreneurs following the coups. Major exports sugar, copra and gold -- subject to large fluctuations in world prices.
RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 477 million kwh Livestock: 334,000 cattle, 205,000 goats, 115,000 pigs Fish catch per year: 31,399 tonnes Mineral resources: Gold and silver The varied terrain allows diversified agriculture. There are minerals and hydroelectric potential.
ENVIRONMENT
Tourism is damaging the coral reefs. MEDIA
Newspapers and video tapes are the major source of information on the islands. CRIME
Theft and drink-related violence top the crime list. Fiji also has one of the world's highest crime passionel rates EDUCATION
Education, originally modelled on the British system, is now mostly run by local committees and is increasingly racially segregated. Attendance, though high, is not compulsory. HEALTH
People living in rural areas and on the outlying islands are served by 95 nursing stations. Fiji is free of almost all tropical diseases, including malaria. WEALTH
Ostentatious displays of wealth are rare; prestige derives from family and land-holdings. The professional middle class, while still dominated by IndoFijians, is becoming more mixed. WORLD RANKING
Position in World (192 countries)
Life expectancy 52 Infant mortality 73 GNP per capita 74 Daily calorie intake 54 Literacy 99 Schooling index 22 Educational rank 61
Fiji is a volcanic archipelago in the southern Pacific Ocean comprising two large islands and 880 smaller islets. From 1874 to 1970 Fiji was a British colony. The British introduced Indian workers to the islands and by 1946 their descendants, the Indo-Fijians, outnumbered the native Fijian. In 1987 native Fijians overthrew the democratically-elected government. After the coups, thousands of IndoFijians left the country. CLIMATE
The eastern sides of the main islands are wettest, having more than twice the annual rainfall of the western flanks. Fiji lies in a cyclone path. TRANSPORT
On the axis of Australia-US west coast air routes, Fiji is well served by international flights. TOURISM
Tourists -- mainly from Australia, New Zealand and the US west coast --are returning after a 76 per cent drop in numbers following the 1987 coups. PEOPLE
Population density: 44 people per square kilometre
Urban/rural population split: 40 per cent/60 per cent
The exodus of Indo-Fijians after the 1987 coups left native Fijians in the majority for the first time since 1946. Census figures in 1991 confirmed that they made up more than 51 per cent of the population. There are tensions between urban and rural native Fijians. Women, who head 12 per cent of households, are lobbying for more rights. They cannot obtain loans without a husband's or father's consent, while children born of marriages to non-Fijian men are denied full citizenship. POLITICS
The 1987 coups were justified as defending the land rights of native Fijians. In practice, they were a move by native Fijian chiefs to secure their power, which was being threatened both by the growing Indo-Fijian class, and the increasingly Westernised younger native Fijians. Although the 1990 constitution enshrining native Fijian supremacy is being amended, it is unlikely to change radically. WORLD AFFAIRS
Fiji is still working to repair its international reputation following the coups of 1987, the subsequent discriminatory constitution and its expulsion from the Commonwealth. AID
Fiji is one of the world's highest per capita aid recipients. Australia, Japan and the EU are the main donors. DEFENCE
Of the 3,900-strong, almost entirely native Fijian military, 1,200 are assigned to UN duties and have served in Lebanon and Egypt. ECONOMICS
GNP: $1.8 billion World GNP ranking: 137th GNP per capita: $2,320 Balance of payments: $13 million Strengths: Relatively well-diversified economy, with a growing tourist industry. Weaknesses: Migration of many IndoFijian professionals and entrepreneurs following the coups. Major exports sugar, copra and gold -- subject to large fluctuations in world prices.
RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 477 million kwh Livestock: 334,000 cattle, 205,000 goats, 115,000 pigs Fish catch per year: 31,399 tonnes Mineral resources: Gold and silver The varied terrain allows diversified agriculture. There are minerals and hydroelectric potential.
ENVIRONMENT
Tourism is damaging the coral reefs. MEDIA
Newspapers and video tapes are the major source of information on the islands. CRIME
Theft and drink-related violence top the crime list. Fiji also has one of the world's highest crime passionel rates EDUCATION
Education, originally modelled on the British system, is now mostly run by local committees and is increasingly racially segregated. Attendance, though high, is not compulsory. HEALTH
People living in rural areas and on the outlying islands are served by 95 nursing stations. Fiji is free of almost all tropical diseases, including malaria. WEALTH
Ostentatious displays of wealth are rare; prestige derives from family and land-holdings. The professional middle class, while still dominated by IndoFijians, is becoming more mixed. WORLD RANKING
Position in World (192 countries)
Life expectancy 52 Infant mortality 73 GNP per capita 74 Daily calorie intake 54 Literacy 99 Schooling index 22 Educational rank 61
HAITI
Official name: Republic of Haiti
Capital: Port-au-Prince
Population: 7.2 million
Currency: Gourde
Official languages: French and French Creole
Haiti occupies the western third of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Formerly a French colony, it was the first Caribbean island to achieve independence in 1804, and has been in a state of political chaos ever since -- most memorably, the exile of JeanClaude Duvalier in 1986. CLIMATE
Haiti lies mostly in the rain shadow of the central mountains so is slightly less humid than average for the Caribbean. TRANSPORT
By regional standards, Haiti has a poor road system. Ferries provide the main transport to the southern peninsula. TOURISM
Haiti's location, history and culture provided much of its attraction for tourists in the 1960s and 1970s. The resurgence of political instability and violence in the 1980s led to the industry's near collapse. PEOPLE
Population density: 261 people per square kilometre
Urban/rural population split: 30 per cent/70 per cent
Ethnic make-up: Most Haitians are descendants of Africans; a few have European roots, primarily French. Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas; Portau-Prince has the worst slums in the Caribbean. Social tensions run high, and focus on class rather than race. In recent years, the combination of political repression and a collapsing economy led many to emigrate illegally to the US, or the Dominican Republic. POLITICS
Haiti's politics has long been directly managed by the wealthy businessmen who live in palatial style above Port-au-Prince. It was this group, backed by the military, that supported the popularly detested "Baby Doc" Duvalier regime. Since his overthrow in 1986 they have financed regular coups to ensure that the 1987 democratic constitution cannot be implemented. The military last intervened in 1991 following the 1990 election of Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Following Aristide's exile by the army, the UN imposed sanctions and the US government intervened militarily to restore him to office in 1994, primarily to stem the flow of refugees. In 1995, his left-wing, Lavalas Party won the legislative and presidential election and in 1996 Rene Preval was inaugurated as the new president. His administration is under strong US pressure to impose free-market politics. WORLD AFFAIRS
Following three years of sanctions, Haiti's economic links with the outside have been restored. AID
In 1995 the US made $134 million in aid conditional on a programme of privatisation. It has pledged $5 million for police training. The IMF is setting stiff conditions for loan support. DEFENCE
In 1994, the military were ousted and democracy restored. The armed forces and police were disbanded and an interim public security force of 3,000 formed. The US is now training a 4,000 strong police force. ECONOMICS
GNP: $1.5 billion
World GNP ranking: 143rd
GNP per capita: $220
Balance of payments: $4 million
Strengths: Few, although the outlook has been improved with the lifting of sanctions. Income comes from coffee and from Haitians living abroad. The transportation of narcotics to the US also provides large profits.
Weaknesses: Political instability. Manufacturing collapsed following sanctions in 1991. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 430 million kwh Fish catch per year: 5,600 tonnes Livestock: 1.6 million cattle, 950,000 pigs, 432,000 horses
Mineral resources: marble, limestone, clay, silver, gold, natural asphalt
Haiti has no strategic resources. Under the recent economic sanctions, it had to find unofficial sources of oil; much was imported from Europe. ENVIRONMENT
Haiti's ecological problems receive little attention and it is one of the most environmentally degraded countries in the world. MEDIA
The media was largely controlled by intimidation under the military. Today, Haiti has a more open press. CRIME
Gun possession is widespread and crime levels are high. EDUCATION
Run by the state and the Roman Catholic and missionary churches, education is based on the French system. HEALTH
Most Haitians cannot afford health care. In rural areas, help is often sought from voodoo priests. WEALTH
The rigid class structure maintains extreme disparities of wealth between the mass of the population, who live in slums without running water or sanitation, and a few wealthy families, who live in luxury and educate their children in France. World Ranking
Position in World (192 countries)
Life expectancy 145 Infant mortality 153 GNP per capita 182 Daily calorie intake 184 Literacy 177 Schooling index 159 Educational rank 151 Human dev. index 148
Capital: Port-au-Prince
Population: 7.2 million
Currency: Gourde
Official languages: French and French Creole
Haiti occupies the western third of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Formerly a French colony, it was the first Caribbean island to achieve independence in 1804, and has been in a state of political chaos ever since -- most memorably, the exile of JeanClaude Duvalier in 1986. CLIMATE
Haiti lies mostly in the rain shadow of the central mountains so is slightly less humid than average for the Caribbean. TRANSPORT
By regional standards, Haiti has a poor road system. Ferries provide the main transport to the southern peninsula. TOURISM
Haiti's location, history and culture provided much of its attraction for tourists in the 1960s and 1970s. The resurgence of political instability and violence in the 1980s led to the industry's near collapse. PEOPLE
Population density: 261 people per square kilometre
Urban/rural population split: 30 per cent/70 per cent
Ethnic make-up: Most Haitians are descendants of Africans; a few have European roots, primarily French. Haiti is the poorest country in the Americas; Portau-Prince has the worst slums in the Caribbean. Social tensions run high, and focus on class rather than race. In recent years, the combination of political repression and a collapsing economy led many to emigrate illegally to the US, or the Dominican Republic. POLITICS
Haiti's politics has long been directly managed by the wealthy businessmen who live in palatial style above Port-au-Prince. It was this group, backed by the military, that supported the popularly detested "Baby Doc" Duvalier regime. Since his overthrow in 1986 they have financed regular coups to ensure that the 1987 democratic constitution cannot be implemented. The military last intervened in 1991 following the 1990 election of Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Following Aristide's exile by the army, the UN imposed sanctions and the US government intervened militarily to restore him to office in 1994, primarily to stem the flow of refugees. In 1995, his left-wing, Lavalas Party won the legislative and presidential election and in 1996 Rene Preval was inaugurated as the new president. His administration is under strong US pressure to impose free-market politics. WORLD AFFAIRS
Following three years of sanctions, Haiti's economic links with the outside have been restored. AID
In 1995 the US made $134 million in aid conditional on a programme of privatisation. It has pledged $5 million for police training. The IMF is setting stiff conditions for loan support. DEFENCE
In 1994, the military were ousted and democracy restored. The armed forces and police were disbanded and an interim public security force of 3,000 formed. The US is now training a 4,000 strong police force. ECONOMICS
GNP: $1.5 billion
World GNP ranking: 143rd
GNP per capita: $220
Balance of payments: $4 million
Strengths: Few, although the outlook has been improved with the lifting of sanctions. Income comes from coffee and from Haitians living abroad. The transportation of narcotics to the US also provides large profits.
Weaknesses: Political instability. Manufacturing collapsed following sanctions in 1991. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 430 million kwh Fish catch per year: 5,600 tonnes Livestock: 1.6 million cattle, 950,000 pigs, 432,000 horses
Mineral resources: marble, limestone, clay, silver, gold, natural asphalt
Haiti has no strategic resources. Under the recent economic sanctions, it had to find unofficial sources of oil; much was imported from Europe. ENVIRONMENT
Haiti's ecological problems receive little attention and it is one of the most environmentally degraded countries in the world. MEDIA
The media was largely controlled by intimidation under the military. Today, Haiti has a more open press. CRIME
Gun possession is widespread and crime levels are high. EDUCATION
Run by the state and the Roman Catholic and missionary churches, education is based on the French system. HEALTH
Most Haitians cannot afford health care. In rural areas, help is often sought from voodoo priests. WEALTH
The rigid class structure maintains extreme disparities of wealth between the mass of the population, who live in slums without running water or sanitation, and a few wealthy families, who live in luxury and educate their children in France. World Ranking
Position in World (192 countries)
Life expectancy 145 Infant mortality 153 GNP per capita 182 Daily calorie intake 184 Literacy 177 Schooling index 159 Educational rank 151 Human dev. index 148
BRUNEI
Information and maps from the Darling Kindersley
World Reference Atlas (?35), available from all good bookshops.
Official name: The Sultanate of Brunei Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan Population: 300,000 Currency: Brunei dollar Official language: Malay
Brunei lies on the northwestern coast of the island of Borneo, bordering the Malaysian state of Sarawak. As much as 80 per cent of its land area is made up of rainforest. Independent from Britain since 1984, Brunei is ruled by decree of the Sultan. It is undergoing increasing Islamisation. Oil and gas reserves have brought the inhabitants of Brunei one of the world's highest standards of living. CLIMATE
Just 480 kilometres north of the equator, Brunei has a six-month rainy season with extremely high humidity. TRANSPORT
Interest-free loans for civil servants, subsidised petrol and limited public transport account for the high rates of car ownership. TOURISM
Although keen to protect Bruneians from Western influence, the government wants to develop "quality" tourism as part of its diversification programme. Promoted as the "Gateway to Borneo", ideas include developing eco-tourism. PEOPLE
Population density: 57 people per square kilometre Urban/rural population split: 58 per cent/42 percent Ethnic make-up: 67 per cent Malay, 16 per cent Chinese, 6 per cent indigenous, 11 per cent other Malays benefit from positive discrimination; many in the Chinese community are either stateless or hold British protected person passports. Among indigenous groups, the Murut and Dusuns are favoured over the Ibans. Women are obliged to wear headscarves but not the veil. POLITICS
Since a failed rebellion in 1962, a state of emergency has been in force and the Sultan has ruled by decree. Hopes for democracy were dashed when political parties were banned in 1988. In 1990 Islamic values were promoted as the state ideology. Power is closely tied to the royal family. Two of the Sultan's brothers hold the finance and foreign affairs portfolios; the Sultan looks after defence himself. WORLD AFFAIRS
Brunei claims part of the Spratly Islands. Political exiles opposed to the government and based in Malaysia are a main security concern. Relations with Britain - the ex-colonial power - are good. AID
Spending is largely ad hdc. Donors have included the Contras in Nicaragua, the Bosnian Muslims and the homeless in New York. DEFENCE
As well as being head of the 4,500-strong armed forces, the Sultan has a personal bodyguard of 2,000 British-trained Gurkhas. Britain and Singapore are close defence allies. ECONOMICS
GNP: $4 billion World GNP ranking: 109th GNP per capita: $14,240 Balance of payments: $83.8 million Strengths: Twenty-five years of known oil reserves; 40 years of gas. Earnings from massive overseas investments, mainly in the US and Europe, now exceed oil and gas revenues. Weaknesses: Single-product economy. Failure of diversification programmes could lead to problems in the future.
RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 1.3 billion kwh Oil production: 159,718 barrels per day Livestock: 14,000 pigs, 10,000 buffaloes
Mineral resources: Oil and natural gas Oil and gas account for 0.5 per cent and 9 per cent of world production respectively. Energy policy now focuses on regulating output in order to conserve stocks. ENVIRONMENT
Although the Forest Strategic Plan aims to protect Brunei's rainforests, they remain under threat. Brunei's mangrove swamps, the largest in Borneo, are unprotected. MEDIA
The state controls all media. CRIME
Crime levels are low. Most crime is related to the banned substances of alcohol or narcotics. EDUCATION
Free schooling is available for everyone except the Chinese who do not qualify. The University of Brunei Darussalam is undergoing Islamisation. HEALTH
The health service is free. WEALTH
The wealthy in Brunei are those closest to the Sultan - the world's richest man according to Forbes magazine. A high general standard of living keeps discontent to a minimum. Promotion within the civil service and universal education allows some social mobility among the Malays. WORLD RANKING Position in World (192 countries)
Life expectancy 33 Infant mortality 25 GNP per capita 24 Daily calorie intake 84 Literacy 97 Schooling index 72 Educational rank 72 human dev. index 41
World Reference Atlas (?35), available from all good bookshops.
Official name: The Sultanate of Brunei Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan Population: 300,000 Currency: Brunei dollar Official language: Malay
Brunei lies on the northwestern coast of the island of Borneo, bordering the Malaysian state of Sarawak. As much as 80 per cent of its land area is made up of rainforest. Independent from Britain since 1984, Brunei is ruled by decree of the Sultan. It is undergoing increasing Islamisation. Oil and gas reserves have brought the inhabitants of Brunei one of the world's highest standards of living. CLIMATE
Just 480 kilometres north of the equator, Brunei has a six-month rainy season with extremely high humidity. TRANSPORT
Interest-free loans for civil servants, subsidised petrol and limited public transport account for the high rates of car ownership. TOURISM
Although keen to protect Bruneians from Western influence, the government wants to develop "quality" tourism as part of its diversification programme. Promoted as the "Gateway to Borneo", ideas include developing eco-tourism. PEOPLE
Population density: 57 people per square kilometre Urban/rural population split: 58 per cent/42 percent Ethnic make-up: 67 per cent Malay, 16 per cent Chinese, 6 per cent indigenous, 11 per cent other Malays benefit from positive discrimination; many in the Chinese community are either stateless or hold British protected person passports. Among indigenous groups, the Murut and Dusuns are favoured over the Ibans. Women are obliged to wear headscarves but not the veil. POLITICS
Since a failed rebellion in 1962, a state of emergency has been in force and the Sultan has ruled by decree. Hopes for democracy were dashed when political parties were banned in 1988. In 1990 Islamic values were promoted as the state ideology. Power is closely tied to the royal family. Two of the Sultan's brothers hold the finance and foreign affairs portfolios; the Sultan looks after defence himself. WORLD AFFAIRS
Brunei claims part of the Spratly Islands. Political exiles opposed to the government and based in Malaysia are a main security concern. Relations with Britain - the ex-colonial power - are good. AID
Spending is largely ad hdc. Donors have included the Contras in Nicaragua, the Bosnian Muslims and the homeless in New York. DEFENCE
As well as being head of the 4,500-strong armed forces, the Sultan has a personal bodyguard of 2,000 British-trained Gurkhas. Britain and Singapore are close defence allies. ECONOMICS
GNP: $4 billion World GNP ranking: 109th GNP per capita: $14,240 Balance of payments: $83.8 million Strengths: Twenty-five years of known oil reserves; 40 years of gas. Earnings from massive overseas investments, mainly in the US and Europe, now exceed oil and gas revenues. Weaknesses: Single-product economy. Failure of diversification programmes could lead to problems in the future.
RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 1.3 billion kwh Oil production: 159,718 barrels per day Livestock: 14,000 pigs, 10,000 buffaloes
Mineral resources: Oil and natural gas Oil and gas account for 0.5 per cent and 9 per cent of world production respectively. Energy policy now focuses on regulating output in order to conserve stocks. ENVIRONMENT
Although the Forest Strategic Plan aims to protect Brunei's rainforests, they remain under threat. Brunei's mangrove swamps, the largest in Borneo, are unprotected. MEDIA
The state controls all media. CRIME
Crime levels are low. Most crime is related to the banned substances of alcohol or narcotics. EDUCATION
Free schooling is available for everyone except the Chinese who do not qualify. The University of Brunei Darussalam is undergoing Islamisation. HEALTH
The health service is free. WEALTH
The wealthy in Brunei are those closest to the Sultan - the world's richest man according to Forbes magazine. A high general standard of living keeps discontent to a minimum. Promotion within the civil service and universal education allows some social mobility among the Malays. WORLD RANKING Position in World (192 countries)
Life expectancy 33 Infant mortality 25 GNP per capita 24 Daily calorie intake 84 Literacy 97 Schooling index 72 Educational rank 72 human dev. index 41
SUDAN
Information and maps from the Darling Kindersley World Reference Atlas (?35), available from all good bookshops.
Official name: Republic of Sudan
Capital: Khartoum
Population: 28.1 million
Currency: Sudanese dinar
Official language: Arabic
Bordering the Red Sea, Sudan is the largest country in Africa. Its landscape changes from desert in the north to lush tropical forests in the south, with grassy plains and swamps in the centre. Tensions between the Arab north and African south have led to two civil wars since independence from British and Egyptian rule in 1956, the second of which remains unresolved. CLIMATE
Sudan's northern half is hot, arid desert with constant dry winds. The rest of the country has a rainy season varying from two months in the centre to eight months in the south. TRANSPORT
The Port Sudan-Khartoum railway and road are Sudan's most important links. There are few other roads, but Iran is financing a Rabak-Malakal highway. Civil war has stopped all shipping on the Nile. TOURISM
Tourism has now almost ceased owing to political unrest and civil war. Visitors to Sudan are mostly aid workers or people on business. PEOPLE
Population density: 12 people per square kilometre
Urban/rural population: 23 per cent/77 per cent
Religion: 70 per cent Sunni Muslim, 20 per cent indigenous beliefs, five per cent Christian and five per cent other
Ethnic make-up: Sudan has a large number of ethnic and linguistic groups about two million are nomadic. The major social division is between the Arabised Muslims in the north and the mostly African, largely animist or Christian population in the south. Attempts to impose Islamic values have been the root cause of civil war in Sudan since 1983. However, rebels have now split into two factions, pitting southern Sudan's small ethnic groups against the Dinka, the south's largest tribe. Women who do not wear Islamic dress risk public floggings. POLITICS
The military regime headed by General Bashir took over in a coup in 1989. It banned all political parties except the National Islamic Front (NIF), which emerged as the force behind the coup. After the non-party 1996 elections, NIF leader Hassan al-Tourabi, Sudan's most influential figure, became president of the National Assembly. A strict policy of Islamisation has been imposed, but it is ineffective in the southern areas held by non-Muslim rebels. Many opposition leaders are in exile. WORLD AFFAIRS
Sudan's support for Iraq in the Gulf War and alleged support of terrorism has led to its increasing isolation from the West and the Arab world. Only Iran, Yemen and Libya remain on friendly terms with Sudan. AID
Sudan's only substantial bilateral aid comes from Iran. IMF funding ceased in 1990. Sudan depends on food aid. DEFENCE
The NIF controls the military and police and has its own parliamentary militia. Sudan's 116,800-strong army is engaged in fighting the two factions of the southern Sudanese People's Liberation army, which numbers up to 100,000 men. ECONOMICS
GNP: $6.4 billion
World GNP ranking: 95th
GNP per capita: $269
Balance of payments: minus $506 million
Strengths: Cotton, gum arabic, sesame,sugar and some gold mining.
Weaknesses: Low industrialisation and lack of foreign exchange for importing energy and spare parts for industry. Little transport infrastructure with huge distances between towns. Civil war prevents exploitation of oil reserves. Drought. Alienation of Arab donors and investors. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 1.3 billion kwh
Livestock: 22.9 million sheep, 21.8 million cattle, 16.4 million goats, 2.9 million camels.
Large oil and gas reserves were found in the south during the 1980s but civil war has prevented their exploitation. The half-thermal, half-hydroelectric generating capacity is insufficient and week-long power cuts are frequent. Gold mining has expansion potential. ENVIRONMENT
Work on the Jonglei canal to straighten the White Nile was halted in 1986. If completed, environmentalists believe the world's largest swamp in the Sudd plain could dry up, destroying wildlife and intensifying desertification. MEDIA
The media were relatively free from 1985 to 1989, but are today controlled by the government and the army. CRIME
Anti-government dissent is often suppressed by violence, and torture in the security forces is widespread. The UN continually condemns Sudan's poor human rights record. EDUCATION
Measures were taken to Islamise education in 1991. Primary school children must have two years Islamic instruction, and men wishing to enter university must first serve for a year in the NIF's People's Militia. HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 11,100 people
As most health funds are tied to urban hospitals, health service standards in rural areas are basic. Civil war has led to an increase in communicable diseases. WEALTH
Wealth is limited to the NIF and southern elites. Most of the population struggles to survive.
Information and maps from the Dorling Kindersley World Reference Atlas (?35), available from all good bookshops. WORLD RANKING
Life expectancy 157 Infant mortality 146 GNP per capita 125 Daily calorie intake 151 Literacy 186 Schooling index 155 Educational rank 148 Human dev. index 144
MAP: SUDAN (Total Land Area: 2 376 000 sq km; 917 374 sq. miles)
Official name: Republic of Sudan
Capital: Khartoum
Population: 28.1 million
Currency: Sudanese dinar
Official language: Arabic
Bordering the Red Sea, Sudan is the largest country in Africa. Its landscape changes from desert in the north to lush tropical forests in the south, with grassy plains and swamps in the centre. Tensions between the Arab north and African south have led to two civil wars since independence from British and Egyptian rule in 1956, the second of which remains unresolved. CLIMATE
Sudan's northern half is hot, arid desert with constant dry winds. The rest of the country has a rainy season varying from two months in the centre to eight months in the south. TRANSPORT
The Port Sudan-Khartoum railway and road are Sudan's most important links. There are few other roads, but Iran is financing a Rabak-Malakal highway. Civil war has stopped all shipping on the Nile. TOURISM
Tourism has now almost ceased owing to political unrest and civil war. Visitors to Sudan are mostly aid workers or people on business. PEOPLE
Population density: 12 people per square kilometre
Urban/rural population: 23 per cent/77 per cent
Religion: 70 per cent Sunni Muslim, 20 per cent indigenous beliefs, five per cent Christian and five per cent other
Ethnic make-up: Sudan has a large number of ethnic and linguistic groups about two million are nomadic. The major social division is between the Arabised Muslims in the north and the mostly African, largely animist or Christian population in the south. Attempts to impose Islamic values have been the root cause of civil war in Sudan since 1983. However, rebels have now split into two factions, pitting southern Sudan's small ethnic groups against the Dinka, the south's largest tribe. Women who do not wear Islamic dress risk public floggings. POLITICS
The military regime headed by General Bashir took over in a coup in 1989. It banned all political parties except the National Islamic Front (NIF), which emerged as the force behind the coup. After the non-party 1996 elections, NIF leader Hassan al-Tourabi, Sudan's most influential figure, became president of the National Assembly. A strict policy of Islamisation has been imposed, but it is ineffective in the southern areas held by non-Muslim rebels. Many opposition leaders are in exile. WORLD AFFAIRS
Sudan's support for Iraq in the Gulf War and alleged support of terrorism has led to its increasing isolation from the West and the Arab world. Only Iran, Yemen and Libya remain on friendly terms with Sudan. AID
Sudan's only substantial bilateral aid comes from Iran. IMF funding ceased in 1990. Sudan depends on food aid. DEFENCE
The NIF controls the military and police and has its own parliamentary militia. Sudan's 116,800-strong army is engaged in fighting the two factions of the southern Sudanese People's Liberation army, which numbers up to 100,000 men. ECONOMICS
GNP: $6.4 billion
World GNP ranking: 95th
GNP per capita: $269
Balance of payments: minus $506 million
Strengths: Cotton, gum arabic, sesame,sugar and some gold mining.
Weaknesses: Low industrialisation and lack of foreign exchange for importing energy and spare parts for industry. Little transport infrastructure with huge distances between towns. Civil war prevents exploitation of oil reserves. Drought. Alienation of Arab donors and investors. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 1.3 billion kwh
Livestock: 22.9 million sheep, 21.8 million cattle, 16.4 million goats, 2.9 million camels.
Large oil and gas reserves were found in the south during the 1980s but civil war has prevented their exploitation. The half-thermal, half-hydroelectric generating capacity is insufficient and week-long power cuts are frequent. Gold mining has expansion potential. ENVIRONMENT
Work on the Jonglei canal to straighten the White Nile was halted in 1986. If completed, environmentalists believe the world's largest swamp in the Sudd plain could dry up, destroying wildlife and intensifying desertification. MEDIA
The media were relatively free from 1985 to 1989, but are today controlled by the government and the army. CRIME
Anti-government dissent is often suppressed by violence, and torture in the security forces is widespread. The UN continually condemns Sudan's poor human rights record. EDUCATION
Measures were taken to Islamise education in 1991. Primary school children must have two years Islamic instruction, and men wishing to enter university must first serve for a year in the NIF's People's Militia. HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 11,100 people
As most health funds are tied to urban hospitals, health service standards in rural areas are basic. Civil war has led to an increase in communicable diseases. WEALTH
Wealth is limited to the NIF and southern elites. Most of the population struggles to survive.
Information and maps from the Dorling Kindersley World Reference Atlas (?35), available from all good bookshops. WORLD RANKING
Life expectancy 157 Infant mortality 146 GNP per capita 125 Daily calorie intake 151 Literacy 186 Schooling index 155 Educational rank 148 Human dev. index 144
MAP: SUDAN (Total Land Area: 2 376 000 sq km; 917 374 sq. miles)
DJIBOUTI
Information and maps from the Darling Kindersley World Reference Arias (?35), available from all good bookshops.
Official name: Republic of Djibouti
Capital: Djibouti
Population: 600,000
Currency: Djibouti franc
Official languages: Arabic and French
Djibouti is a city state with a desert hinterland lying in northeast Africa on the strait joining the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Known from 1967 as the French Territory of the Afars and Issas, Djibouti became independent in 1977. Its economy relies on the port, the railway to Addis Ababa and French aid. CLIMATE
Despite extremely low rainfall, the monsoon season is characterised by very humid conditions. The June to August heat can be unbearable. TRANSPORT
The key to Djibouti's livelihood is its port, which was created by the French in the 19th century and is now a modern container facility. The railway to Addis Ababa is one of Ethiopia's key links to the sea. TOURISM
Djibouti receives 22,000 visitors per year. Most visitors pass through Djibouti on their way to Ethiopia, or to see relatives working in the port. PEOPLE
Population density: 26 people per square kilometre
Urban/rural population split: 81 per cent/19 per cent
Ethnic make-up: The main ethnic groups are the Issas, who make up 60 per cent of the population, and the Afars, who make up 35 per cent; tension between these groups developed into n guerrilla war in 1991. The population was swelled in 1992 by 20,000 Somali refugees. The rural people are mostly nomadic. POLITICS
Since independence, politics has been dominated by President Aptidon, an Issa, and a carefully chosen group of Issa and Afar politicians. French backing is essential to the ruling group. Afar fears of Issa dominance erupted in 1991, when the Afar guerrilla group FRUD took control of much of the country. The French intervened militarily to keep Aptidon in power, but forced him to hold elections in 1992. These were won by the People's Progress Party (RPP), on a turnout of only 49 per cent. In 1994, the government signed a peace agreement with a key FRUD faction and later brought two FRUD leaders into the cabinet. WORLD AFFAIRS
Relations with France, which wants to see faster moves to reform, have soured. Djibouti, Ethiopia and Eritrea all wish to contain Afar militancy; the ethnic group crosses national borders and has demanded its own state. AID
France is the major donor, effectively financing one third of government expenditure. Djibouti has also received aid from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. DEFENCE
The size of the armed forces is a state secret but it is estimated to be 9,600 personnel; some 2,500 FRUD guerrillas are being integrated into the army. There is a 3,900-strong French garrison. ECONOMICS
GNP: $448 million
World GNP ranking: 168th
GNP per capita: $960
Balance of payments: $-88 million Strengths: Free port in key Red Sea location; it made large profits in 1991 from the Gulf War and later from US and UN intervention in Samalia. Development as o container port continues. Weaknesses: Dependence on French aid and garrison. Civil war has delayed planned Saudi investment. Ports on the Red Sea are now providing stiff competition. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 180 million kwh Fish catch per year: 300 tonnes Livestock: 507,000 goats, 470,000 sheep, 190,000 cattle
Mineral resources: gypsum, mica, amethyst, sulphur
Mineral resources are scarcely exploited, geothermal energy is being developed and natural gas has recently been found. The war has delayed attempts to develop underground water supplies for agriculture. ENVIRONMENT
The concentration of business around the port means that the inland desert areas are not threatened. Ecological issues are not o national concern. MEDIA
The press was freed from restrictions in 1992 but with little effect; most is still state owned. CRIME
The government has accused FRUD of war atrocities but its own human rights record is criticized by Amnesty International. Livestock smuggling across the Red Sea is common. EDUCATION
Literacy rate: 43 per cent Schooling is mostly in French, although there has been a growing emphasis on Islamic teaching, particularly as Saudi Arabia has declared an interest in providing aid for education. There is no university education. HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 4,200
AIDS is a growing problem, estimates suggested 3,500 HIV positive cases in 1992. WEALTH
As in many African states, wealth depends on one's connections to the government. Those working in the port also do well. The nomads are the poorest group in Djibouti.
MAP: Djibouti
Official name: Republic of Djibouti
Capital: Djibouti
Population: 600,000
Currency: Djibouti franc
Official languages: Arabic and French
Djibouti is a city state with a desert hinterland lying in northeast Africa on the strait joining the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Known from 1967 as the French Territory of the Afars and Issas, Djibouti became independent in 1977. Its economy relies on the port, the railway to Addis Ababa and French aid. CLIMATE
Despite extremely low rainfall, the monsoon season is characterised by very humid conditions. The June to August heat can be unbearable. TRANSPORT
The key to Djibouti's livelihood is its port, which was created by the French in the 19th century and is now a modern container facility. The railway to Addis Ababa is one of Ethiopia's key links to the sea. TOURISM
Djibouti receives 22,000 visitors per year. Most visitors pass through Djibouti on their way to Ethiopia, or to see relatives working in the port. PEOPLE
Population density: 26 people per square kilometre
Urban/rural population split: 81 per cent/19 per cent
Ethnic make-up: The main ethnic groups are the Issas, who make up 60 per cent of the population, and the Afars, who make up 35 per cent; tension between these groups developed into n guerrilla war in 1991. The population was swelled in 1992 by 20,000 Somali refugees. The rural people are mostly nomadic. POLITICS
Since independence, politics has been dominated by President Aptidon, an Issa, and a carefully chosen group of Issa and Afar politicians. French backing is essential to the ruling group. Afar fears of Issa dominance erupted in 1991, when the Afar guerrilla group FRUD took control of much of the country. The French intervened militarily to keep Aptidon in power, but forced him to hold elections in 1992. These were won by the People's Progress Party (RPP), on a turnout of only 49 per cent. In 1994, the government signed a peace agreement with a key FRUD faction and later brought two FRUD leaders into the cabinet. WORLD AFFAIRS
Relations with France, which wants to see faster moves to reform, have soured. Djibouti, Ethiopia and Eritrea all wish to contain Afar militancy; the ethnic group crosses national borders and has demanded its own state. AID
France is the major donor, effectively financing one third of government expenditure. Djibouti has also received aid from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. DEFENCE
The size of the armed forces is a state secret but it is estimated to be 9,600 personnel; some 2,500 FRUD guerrillas are being integrated into the army. There is a 3,900-strong French garrison. ECONOMICS
GNP: $448 million
World GNP ranking: 168th
GNP per capita: $960
Balance of payments: $-88 million Strengths: Free port in key Red Sea location; it made large profits in 1991 from the Gulf War and later from US and UN intervention in Samalia. Development as o container port continues. Weaknesses: Dependence on French aid and garrison. Civil war has delayed planned Saudi investment. Ports on the Red Sea are now providing stiff competition. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 180 million kwh Fish catch per year: 300 tonnes Livestock: 507,000 goats, 470,000 sheep, 190,000 cattle
Mineral resources: gypsum, mica, amethyst, sulphur
Mineral resources are scarcely exploited, geothermal energy is being developed and natural gas has recently been found. The war has delayed attempts to develop underground water supplies for agriculture. ENVIRONMENT
The concentration of business around the port means that the inland desert areas are not threatened. Ecological issues are not o national concern. MEDIA
The press was freed from restrictions in 1992 but with little effect; most is still state owned. CRIME
The government has accused FRUD of war atrocities but its own human rights record is criticized by Amnesty International. Livestock smuggling across the Red Sea is common. EDUCATION
Literacy rate: 43 per cent Schooling is mostly in French, although there has been a growing emphasis on Islamic teaching, particularly as Saudi Arabia has declared an interest in providing aid for education. There is no university education. HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 4,200
AIDS is a growing problem, estimates suggested 3,500 HIV positive cases in 1992. WEALTH
As in many African states, wealth depends on one's connections to the government. Those working in the port also do well. The nomads are the poorest group in Djibouti.
MAP: Djibouti
CUBA
Information and maps from the Dorling Kindersley World Reference Atlas (?35, available from all good bookshops.
Official name: Republic of Cuba
Capital: Havana
Population: 10.8 million
Currency: Cuban peso
Official language: Spanish
Cuba is the Caribbean's largest island. Since the collapse of communism in the Soviet Union, the US has seen Cuba as less of a threat. This is in marked contrast to 1962 when the Soviet nuclear missiles on the island brought the two superpowers close to war. Cuba is still subject to US sanctions and is unable to afford oil imports. CLIMATE
Cuba's subtropical climate is hot all year round. In winter, the west is sometimes affected by cold air from the US, but only for a day or two at a time. COMMUNICATIONS
Fuel shortages have made public transport increasingly unreliable. Cubans rely mostly on traditional black bicycles, which are imported by the thousand from China. TOURISM
Cuba, once a playground for wealthy Americans, suffered reduced tourism after Castro took power in 1959. But more recently tourism has gained importance. PEOPLE
Population density: 97 people per square kilometre
Urban/rural population split: 75 per cent/25 per cent
Religious persuasion: 85 per cent Roman Catholics, 15 per cent other
Ethnic make-up: 51 per cent European African; 37 per cent White; 11 per cent Black, 1 per cent Chinese About 70 per cent of Cubans are of Spanish descent. The black population is descended from the slaves and migrants from Cuba's neighbouring states. Living standards have fallen dramatically since the collapse of the East European communist bloc, previously its main trading partner. POLITICS
Fidel Castro has led Cuba since 1959. He was the founder of the one-party communist system, formalised in the 1976 constitution. He has stated his wish. to retire from the Council of State when his current term ends in 1998. Leadership contenders include his brother Raul, current defence minister, Roberto Robaina, the foreign minister, and economic guru, Carlos Lage. As the US has tightened economic sanctions, so Castro has increased his powers. WORLD AFFAIRS
Since the 1962 stand-off, when Cuba accepted Russian missiles targeted at US cities, Cuba has been considered a danger by the US and has been subject to diplomatic isolation from countries which support US policies in the Caribbean. The end of aid from Moscow after 1991 made conditions in Cuba increasingly difficult. The US increased pressure by tightening the rules of the trade embargo. AID
Cuba claims to receive no aid, but Spain is a donor country. DEFENCE
From 1959 to the 1980s, Cuba's efficient military was one of the achievements of the revolution. It succeeded in repelling the US-sponsored Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, and prevented South Africa from taking control of Angola and Somalia from occupying the Ogaden region, in the 1970s. Today, it has lost much of its prestige. ECONOMICS
GNP: $20.9 billion
World GNP ranking: 64th
GNP per capita: $1,935
Balance of payments: in deficit
Strengths: It is the world's fifth largest producer of sugar. Other important industries are nickel, citrus fruits, tobacco and tourism.
Weaknesses: US trade embargo robs Cuba of a major market and investment capital. Non-convertible currency is an increasing liability as Russia demands payment for oil in dollars. Loss of ex-communist states as trading partners. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 13.2 billion kwh. 99.1 per cent is thermal power
Oil production: 15,000 barrels a day
Livestock: 4.9 million cattle, 1.9 million pigs, 630,000 horses
Main mineral resources: iron, nickel, cobalt, chromite, gold, manganese, oil Cuba has the world's fourth largest nickel deposits although lack of investment capital means that they are underexploited and inefficiently worked. ENVIRONMENT
Before the revolution, only 14 per cent of its forest cover remained, but a strong drive to replant has raised the tree cover level to 18 per cent. There is concern about a nuclear reactor under construction at Juragua. MEDIA
The Cuban media is state controlled. CRIME
Cuba has a low crime rate. Political dissent is not tolerated and human rights abuses by the military and police are frequently reported. EDUCATION
Literacy rate: 94 per cent Education in Cuba combines academic with manual work, in line with Marxist-Leninist principles. The high priority given to education under Castro, which is reflected in the high literacy rate, is now being promoted to attract foreign investment in high-tech industries, particularly biotechnology. HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 333 people An efficient health service although the US blockade has led to shortages of hospital equipment and raw materials for drugs. Its advanced eye surgery techniques attract patients from overseas. WEALTH
A purge of old party hands on the grounds of corruption in 1985 revealed the relatively high standard of living enjoyed by a few government officials. Generally, however, wealth is fairly evenly distributed.
WORLD RANKING
Position in World (192 countries)
Legend for Chart:
A - Life expectancy B - Infant mortality C - GNP per capita D - Daily calorie intake E - Literacy F - Schooling index G - Educational rank H - Human dev. index
A B C D E F G H
1st -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 50th 33 40 -- -- -- -- -- -- 10th -- -- 82 73 73 96 62 72 150th -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 192nd -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Official name: Republic of Cuba
Capital: Havana
Population: 10.8 million
Currency: Cuban peso
Official language: Spanish
Cuba is the Caribbean's largest island. Since the collapse of communism in the Soviet Union, the US has seen Cuba as less of a threat. This is in marked contrast to 1962 when the Soviet nuclear missiles on the island brought the two superpowers close to war. Cuba is still subject to US sanctions and is unable to afford oil imports. CLIMATE
Cuba's subtropical climate is hot all year round. In winter, the west is sometimes affected by cold air from the US, but only for a day or two at a time. COMMUNICATIONS
Fuel shortages have made public transport increasingly unreliable. Cubans rely mostly on traditional black bicycles, which are imported by the thousand from China. TOURISM
Cuba, once a playground for wealthy Americans, suffered reduced tourism after Castro took power in 1959. But more recently tourism has gained importance. PEOPLE
Population density: 97 people per square kilometre
Urban/rural population split: 75 per cent/25 per cent
Religious persuasion: 85 per cent Roman Catholics, 15 per cent other
Ethnic make-up: 51 per cent European African; 37 per cent White; 11 per cent Black, 1 per cent Chinese About 70 per cent of Cubans are of Spanish descent. The black population is descended from the slaves and migrants from Cuba's neighbouring states. Living standards have fallen dramatically since the collapse of the East European communist bloc, previously its main trading partner. POLITICS
Fidel Castro has led Cuba since 1959. He was the founder of the one-party communist system, formalised in the 1976 constitution. He has stated his wish. to retire from the Council of State when his current term ends in 1998. Leadership contenders include his brother Raul, current defence minister, Roberto Robaina, the foreign minister, and economic guru, Carlos Lage. As the US has tightened economic sanctions, so Castro has increased his powers. WORLD AFFAIRS
Since the 1962 stand-off, when Cuba accepted Russian missiles targeted at US cities, Cuba has been considered a danger by the US and has been subject to diplomatic isolation from countries which support US policies in the Caribbean. The end of aid from Moscow after 1991 made conditions in Cuba increasingly difficult. The US increased pressure by tightening the rules of the trade embargo. AID
Cuba claims to receive no aid, but Spain is a donor country. DEFENCE
From 1959 to the 1980s, Cuba's efficient military was one of the achievements of the revolution. It succeeded in repelling the US-sponsored Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, and prevented South Africa from taking control of Angola and Somalia from occupying the Ogaden region, in the 1970s. Today, it has lost much of its prestige. ECONOMICS
GNP: $20.9 billion
World GNP ranking: 64th
GNP per capita: $1,935
Balance of payments: in deficit
Strengths: It is the world's fifth largest producer of sugar. Other important industries are nickel, citrus fruits, tobacco and tourism.
Weaknesses: US trade embargo robs Cuba of a major market and investment capital. Non-convertible currency is an increasing liability as Russia demands payment for oil in dollars. Loss of ex-communist states as trading partners. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 13.2 billion kwh. 99.1 per cent is thermal power
Oil production: 15,000 barrels a day
Livestock: 4.9 million cattle, 1.9 million pigs, 630,000 horses
Main mineral resources: iron, nickel, cobalt, chromite, gold, manganese, oil Cuba has the world's fourth largest nickel deposits although lack of investment capital means that they are underexploited and inefficiently worked. ENVIRONMENT
Before the revolution, only 14 per cent of its forest cover remained, but a strong drive to replant has raised the tree cover level to 18 per cent. There is concern about a nuclear reactor under construction at Juragua. MEDIA
The Cuban media is state controlled. CRIME
Cuba has a low crime rate. Political dissent is not tolerated and human rights abuses by the military and police are frequently reported. EDUCATION
Literacy rate: 94 per cent Education in Cuba combines academic with manual work, in line with Marxist-Leninist principles. The high priority given to education under Castro, which is reflected in the high literacy rate, is now being promoted to attract foreign investment in high-tech industries, particularly biotechnology. HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 333 people An efficient health service although the US blockade has led to shortages of hospital equipment and raw materials for drugs. Its advanced eye surgery techniques attract patients from overseas. WEALTH
A purge of old party hands on the grounds of corruption in 1985 revealed the relatively high standard of living enjoyed by a few government officials. Generally, however, wealth is fairly evenly distributed.
WORLD RANKING
Position in World (192 countries)
Legend for Chart:
A - Life expectancy B - Infant mortality C - GNP per capita D - Daily calorie intake E - Literacy F - Schooling index G - Educational rank H - Human dev. index
A B C D E F G H
1st -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 50th 33 40 -- -- -- -- -- -- 10th -- -- 82 73 73 96 62 72 150th -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 192nd -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
COSTA RICA
Total Land Area: 51 060 sq. km (19 714 sq. miles)
Capital: San Jose Population: 3.4 million Currency: Costa Rican colon Official language: Spanish
Situated between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica gained independence from Spain in 1821. From 1948 until the end of the 1980s, it was the most developed welfare state in Central America. Costa Rica is a multiparty democracy that has gradually moved towards a two party-system. Coffee and bananas are the major exports. Its constitution is the only one in the world to forbid national armies; its own was abolished in 1949. CLIMATE
The Atlantic coast has heavy rainfall, while the Pacific coast is much drier. The central uplands are temperate, COMMUNICATIONS
Approximately 988,000 passengers pass through Juan Santamana airport in San Jose every year. The 'Jungle Train' railway is being opened for tourists. The rest of the network is closed. Eighty per cent of roads are in need of repair. TOURISM
Increased prices, coupled with armed robberies on foreigners in 1995, including a $1 million ransom demand by kidnappers, led to a sharp drop in tourism and damaged the country's reputation as a safe destination. PEOPLE
The majority of the population is mestizo of Spanish origin. One third of people in the Puerto Limon area are black and often English-speaking. There are about 5,000 indigenous Indians. POLITICS
There are two main parties the PUSC and the PLN. Former president Luis Alberto Monge of the PLN, the Calderon family (which supports the PUSC) and the major banana and coffee families are powerful behind the scenes, forming coalitions and shaping policies. The US exercises a powerful influence too. The PLN held power from 1982 to 1990, when Rafael Calderon was elected president. In 1994, Josh Maria Figueres of the PLN was elected president. In 1995, under pressure from international financial organisations, he reached a consensus with the PUSC and implemented harsh structural adjustment measures. This made him the most unpopular president in the country's history. WORLD AFFAIRS
Costa Rica has always emphasised its neutrality in foreign affairs, but it has strong ties with the US. The protection of export prices for coffee and bananas is a major concern. It has long-term aspirations to join NAFTA. AID
Costa Rica received $150 million of aid annually throughout the 1980s, principally from the US. However, this was sharply reduced in 1990 after the signing of peace agreements in the region's war-torn countries. The US sees Costa Rica as a useful base against potential left-wing insurgencies in neighbouring El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. ??? elections of 1948 lead to civil war which ended when the Social Democratic Party (later known as the PLN) formed a provisional government under Josh Ferrer. In 1949. Ferrer abolished the army. The 7,500-strong Civil Guard, together with an anti-terrorist battalion of 750 men are the only security forces, and have little political influence. ECONOMICS
GNP: $7.9 billion World GNP ranking: 85 GNP per capita: $2,380
Strengths: The coffee industry still creates the largest export revenues. A privatisation programme has lowered costs and encouraged competition.
Weaknesses: Falling world prices have hit its main exports - coffee, beef and especially bananas, whose exports have fallen by 15 per cent due to EU quotas on non-Caribbean bananas. Dependent on imported oil. The national economy is too small to provide rapid growth; it needs regional economic integration. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 3.6 billion kwh
Oil reserves: Not an oil producer
Livestock: 1.7 million cattle, 223,000 pigs, 114,000 horses
Mineral reserves: bauxite, gold, silver, manganese, mercury
Self-sufficiency in energy is being pursued through the development of hydroelectric power. Forests cover 34 per cent of the country. ENVIRONMENT
The remaining rainforests are slowly being cut down to make way for commercial agriculture. The government is beginning to protect land by designating national parks. Eco-tourism is being encouraged, as is the sensitive exploitation of natural resources. MEDIA
There are four private TV stations providing round-the-clock programming direct from the US. CRIME
Costa Rica is the least violent Central American country but attacks on tourists have damaged its image. Colombian drug cartels use the country to transfer cocaine to the US. EDUCATION
Literacy: 93 per cent
Schooling is based on the French system. The regional University of Central America is based in Costa Rica. HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio:
1 per 1,205 people One of the most developed public health systems in Latin America. The private system is noted as a regional centre for plastic surgery. WEALTH
The plantation-owning families are the wealthiest group; the black population on the Caribbean coast are the poorest. WORLD RANKING
Position in World (192 countries)
Life expectancy 22
Infant mortality 44
GNP per capita 73
Daily calorie intake 70
Literacy 79
Schooling index 89
Educational rank 62
Human dev. index 28
MAP: Costa Rica: Total Land Area: 51 060 sq. km (19 714 sq. miles)
Capital: San Jose Population: 3.4 million Currency: Costa Rican colon Official language: Spanish
Situated between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica gained independence from Spain in 1821. From 1948 until the end of the 1980s, it was the most developed welfare state in Central America. Costa Rica is a multiparty democracy that has gradually moved towards a two party-system. Coffee and bananas are the major exports. Its constitution is the only one in the world to forbid national armies; its own was abolished in 1949. CLIMATE
The Atlantic coast has heavy rainfall, while the Pacific coast is much drier. The central uplands are temperate, COMMUNICATIONS
Approximately 988,000 passengers pass through Juan Santamana airport in San Jose every year. The 'Jungle Train' railway is being opened for tourists. The rest of the network is closed. Eighty per cent of roads are in need of repair. TOURISM
Increased prices, coupled with armed robberies on foreigners in 1995, including a $1 million ransom demand by kidnappers, led to a sharp drop in tourism and damaged the country's reputation as a safe destination. PEOPLE
The majority of the population is mestizo of Spanish origin. One third of people in the Puerto Limon area are black and often English-speaking. There are about 5,000 indigenous Indians. POLITICS
There are two main parties the PUSC and the PLN. Former president Luis Alberto Monge of the PLN, the Calderon family (which supports the PUSC) and the major banana and coffee families are powerful behind the scenes, forming coalitions and shaping policies. The US exercises a powerful influence too. The PLN held power from 1982 to 1990, when Rafael Calderon was elected president. In 1994, Josh Maria Figueres of the PLN was elected president. In 1995, under pressure from international financial organisations, he reached a consensus with the PUSC and implemented harsh structural adjustment measures. This made him the most unpopular president in the country's history. WORLD AFFAIRS
Costa Rica has always emphasised its neutrality in foreign affairs, but it has strong ties with the US. The protection of export prices for coffee and bananas is a major concern. It has long-term aspirations to join NAFTA. AID
Costa Rica received $150 million of aid annually throughout the 1980s, principally from the US. However, this was sharply reduced in 1990 after the signing of peace agreements in the region's war-torn countries. The US sees Costa Rica as a useful base against potential left-wing insurgencies in neighbouring El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. ??? elections of 1948 lead to civil war which ended when the Social Democratic Party (later known as the PLN) formed a provisional government under Josh Ferrer. In 1949. Ferrer abolished the army. The 7,500-strong Civil Guard, together with an anti-terrorist battalion of 750 men are the only security forces, and have little political influence. ECONOMICS
GNP: $7.9 billion World GNP ranking: 85 GNP per capita: $2,380
Strengths: The coffee industry still creates the largest export revenues. A privatisation programme has lowered costs and encouraged competition.
Weaknesses: Falling world prices have hit its main exports - coffee, beef and especially bananas, whose exports have fallen by 15 per cent due to EU quotas on non-Caribbean bananas. Dependent on imported oil. The national economy is too small to provide rapid growth; it needs regional economic integration. RESOURCES
Electricity generation: 3.6 billion kwh
Oil reserves: Not an oil producer
Livestock: 1.7 million cattle, 223,000 pigs, 114,000 horses
Mineral reserves: bauxite, gold, silver, manganese, mercury
Self-sufficiency in energy is being pursued through the development of hydroelectric power. Forests cover 34 per cent of the country. ENVIRONMENT
The remaining rainforests are slowly being cut down to make way for commercial agriculture. The government is beginning to protect land by designating national parks. Eco-tourism is being encouraged, as is the sensitive exploitation of natural resources. MEDIA
There are four private TV stations providing round-the-clock programming direct from the US. CRIME
Costa Rica is the least violent Central American country but attacks on tourists have damaged its image. Colombian drug cartels use the country to transfer cocaine to the US. EDUCATION
Literacy: 93 per cent
Schooling is based on the French system. The regional University of Central America is based in Costa Rica. HEALTH
Doctor/population ratio:
1 per 1,205 people One of the most developed public health systems in Latin America. The private system is noted as a regional centre for plastic surgery. WEALTH
The plantation-owning families are the wealthiest group; the black population on the Caribbean coast are the poorest. WORLD RANKING
Position in World (192 countries)
Life expectancy 22
Infant mortality 44
GNP per capita 73
Daily calorie intake 70
Literacy 79
Schooling index 89
Educational rank 62
Human dev. index 28
MAP: Costa Rica: Total Land Area: 51 060 sq. km (19 714 sq. miles)
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