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Kuwait
Kuwait is a sovereign emirate, which is situated on the coast of the Persian Gulf. Kuwait stands for “fortress built near water” in Arabic. The country is enclosed by Saudi Arabia to the south and Iraq to the north and west. The capital Kuwait city is located at 29 22 N, 47 58 E, on Kuwait Bay, a natural deep-water harbor. The National Day, 25th February is celebrated as the National holiday.
Kuwait possesses 5th largest oil reserves and it is the 4th richest country in the world. In 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait. Although Iraqis were overpowered by the UK forces, they set more than 700 Kuwaiti oil reserves on fire while retreating. That had caused a huge damage to the economy of the country which took a prolonged period to be retrieved.
HISTORY:- Tribes from central Arabia, known as Utub of Qurain, used to live in Kuwait, under the leadership of Banu Khaled in the 18th century. Kuwait was earlier known as Utub. The conflict between Banu Khaled and the Wahhabis of the Arabian Peninsula resulted in independence of Utab from Khaled. Sabah I bin Jaber was elected the first emir of Kuwait in 1756. For the Ottoman influence over the state, Kuwait came to be known as caza of the Ottomans. After the Anglo-Ottoman Convention of 1913, The emir of Kuwait, Mubarak Al-Sabah was acknowledged the ruler of the region by both the Ottomans and the British. After World War I, the influence of Ottomans had been reduced and British declared Kuwait as ‘independent sheikdom under British protectorate’. In 1961, the protectorate was ended. Iraq had invaded Kuwait. The British sent troops to evacuate the Iraqis. But the Arab League defended the land and recognized the independence in 1961 June.
GEOGRAPHY:- The geographic coordination of Kuwait is 29 30 N, 45 45 E. Kuwait is one of the smallest countries in the world, occupying 17,820 sq km (water-0 sq km) area. The coastline is 499 km long along with the Persian Gulf. The lowest point is Persian Gulf (0 m) and the highest point is an unnamed point (306 m). The country is formed of flat desert plains. It is the only country in the world with no water reservoir. It has 9 islands.
CLIMATE:-The climate is dry and desert with extremely hot and dry summers and short cool winters. In summer, temperature ranges from 42-49 degree C.
GOVERNMENT:- The country is a constitutional emirate. The Amir is hereditary. The constitution is adopted on 11th November 1962. Three branches of the government are:
1. Executive branch comprises Amir (head of state), prime minister (head of government), Council of Ministers (cabinet).
2. Legislative branch comprises a unicameral National Assembly (Majlis al-'Umma) (50 seats).
3. Judicial branch comprises High Court of Appeal.
In Kuwait, formation of any political party is considered illegal. But some de facto political blocs do exist. Suffrage is universal for all adult males except military or police people. The female suffrage has been imposed since 16th May 2005. From 2006 election, women have gained rights to participate as voters and to register candidature in parliamentary elections.
1. Executive branch comprises Amir (head of state), prime minister (head of government), Council of Ministers (cabinet).
2. Legislative branch comprises a unicameral National Assembly (Majlis al-'Umma) (50 seats).
3. Judicial branch comprises High Court of Appeal.
In Kuwait, formation of any political party is considered illegal. But some de facto political blocs do exist. Suffrage is universal for all adult males except military or police people. The female suffrage has been imposed since 16th May 2005. From 2006 election, women have gained rights to participate as voters and to register candidature in parliamentary elections.
Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
Prime Minister Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah
Prime Minister Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah
ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS:-Kuwait is composed of six governorates (Al Ahmadi, Al 'Asimah, Al Farwaniyah, Al Jahra', Hawalli, Mubarak Al Kabir).
CULTURE:-Kuwaiti culture is mainly characterized by its hospitality. Kuwaitis greet each other by shaking hands or kissing on cheeks. Serving tea or coffee is another distinctive feature of its culture. It is very insulting on the host’s part, if the guest refuses to have the served tea or coffee. The popular Kuwaiti cuisine Machboos comprises mutton, chicken with cooked rice. Kuwaiti music is mainly practiced by women in private. Al-Fann is a popular wedding song while Al-Sameri is a popular wedding dance.
ECONOMY:-Kuwait is the 4th wealthiest country in the world. Kuwait is an open economic country with high GDP. It has 104 billion barrels of oil reserves, which is presumed to be world’s 10%.
GDP/PPP (2007 est.): $138.6 billion; per capita $55,300.
GDP/PPP (2007 est.): $138.6 billion; per capita $55,300.
Real growth rate: 5.6%.
Inflation: 3.9%.
Unemployment: 2.2% (2004 est.).
Arable land: 1%.
Agriculture: practically no crops; fish.
Labor force: 1.167 million; non-Kuwaitis represent about 80% of the labor force.
Industries: petroleum, petrochemicals, cement, shipbuilding and repair, desalination, food processing, construction materials.
Budget:
Revenues: $66.92 billion
Expenditures: $36.39 billion (2007 est.)
Revenues: $66.92 billion
Expenditures: $36.39 billion (2007 est.)
Public debt: 7.8% of GDP (2007 est.)
Natural resources: petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas.
Exports: $59.57 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.): oil and refined products, fertilizers.
Imports: $17.74 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.): food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, cloths.
Major trading partners: Japan, South Korea, U.S., Singapore, Taiwan, Germany, UK, Saudi Arabia, Italy, France, China (2004).
Monetary unit: Kuwaiti dinar
LANGUAGE:-Arabic is the official language, but English is also widely spoken.
CITIES:- Kuwait city is the capital city. The largest city is As-Salimiyah. Salmiya and Hawalli are the main trade centers. Shuwaikh is the main industrial area.
POPULATION:-With the growth rate of growth rate 3.6%m, Kuwaiti population is 2,505,559.
Density per sq mi: 364
Literacy rate: 93.3% (2005 census)
Density per sq mi: 364
Literacy rate: 93.3% (2005 census)
RACE:-
Kuwaiti 45%
Other Arab 35%
South Asian 9%
Iranian 4%
Other 7%
Kuwaiti 45%
Other Arab 35%
South Asian 9%
Iranian 4%
Other 7%
RELIGION:-
Islam 85% (Sunni 70%, Shiite 30%)
Other 15% (including Christian, Hindu, Parsi)
Islam 85% (Sunni 70%, Shiite 30%)
Other 15% (including Christian, Hindu, Parsi)
HEALTH:-
Birth rate: 21.9 births / 1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate: 2.37 deaths / 1,000 population (2008 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 9.22 deaths / 1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 77.53 years
Total fertility rate: 2.81 children born / woman (2008 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2005): 490
Birth rate: 21.9 births / 1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate: 2.37 deaths / 1,000 population (2008 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 9.22 deaths / 1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 77.53 years
Total fertility rate: 2.81 children born / woman (2008 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2005): 490
UNICEF:- UNICEF in Kuwait is working mainly on youth development, education, child health and protection. UNICEF has undertaken several projects in youth health, education, protection and projects on kindergarten education. UNICEF has set up baby care clinics, to fight malnutrition and obesity in children. Kuwaitis are massively unaware of family violence, moral abuse and negligence. UNICEF has been working on their upcoming projects to establish human rights.
TRANSPORTATION:-
Railways: 0 km.
Highways: total: 5,749 km (2004).
Waterways: none.
Ports and harbors: Ash Shu'aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Kuwait, Mina' 'Abd Allah, Mina' al Ahmadi, Mina' Su'ud.
Airports: 7 (2007).
Railways: 0 km.
Highways: total: 5,749 km (2004).
Waterways: none.
Ports and harbors: Ash Shu'aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Kuwait, Mina' 'Abd Allah, Mina' al Ahmadi, Mina' Su'ud.
Airports: 7 (2007).
Germany
Germany is situated in central Europe. It borders the North Sea, Denmark, and the Baltic Sea to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands to the West. The capital Berlin (52 31 N, 13 24 E) is the largest city.
Germany is the largest economy in Europe and 3rd largest in the world. It is the 2nd most populous country in Europe. The country shares the membership of United Nations, NATO, the G8, the G4 nations.
HISTORY:-Germany was first inhabited by the Germanic tribes in Pre-Roman Iron Age.The Roman General Publius Quinctilius Varus invaded Germania and was defeated. The Holy Roman Empire started in 962 under Ottonian dunasty(919-1024). Under Hohenstaufen emperors (1138-1254), Germany saw a vast growth and prosperity. Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) on religion was ended with the Peace of Westphalia (1648). The Habsburg Monarchy and the Kingdom of Prussia dominated must of the history from 1740 to 1806. The downfall of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 resulted in German Confederation. As a consequence of a number of revolutions in Europe,the foundation stone of republic in Germany was set in 1848.The state of Germany was formed in 1871. Germany took the side of Central Powers in the World War I. Adolf Hitler was appointed as Chancellor of Germany on 30th January 1933.In 1918 German Revolution was resulted in the formation of a republic state. Hitler made Molotov-Ribbentrop pact with soviet-Russia to escape two-front-war, which he himself broke in 1941.After World War II, in 8 May 1945, Germany surrendered to the Red Army. Germany was divided into East-and-West Germany. The Two Plus Four Treaty of 1990 fastened the German reunification (3rd October 1990).Germany had gained complete sovereignty.
GEOGRAPHY:- Geographically Germany is situated at 51 00 N, 9 00 E, capturing total 357,021 sq km(land- 349,223 sq km, water- 7,798 sq km) area in the surface on the earth. Northern part is low plain. Center is hilly. The eastern part is mountainous with the Alps. The coastline is 2,389 km long. The highest point is Zugspitze (2,963 m). The lowest point is Neuendorf bei Wilster (3.54 m). Flooding causes natural hazards.
CLIMATE:-Mostly temperate and marine climate prevails in Germany with cool, cloudy, and moisten winters, and mild summers.
GOVERNMENT:-Germany is Federal Parliamentary republic. The constitution, which was formed on 23rd May, 1949, was known as Basic Law. Present constitution was adopted on 3rd October, 1990.
The government is formed of three branches:
1. Executive:-It consists of The President, Chancellor, Cabinet (Federal Ministers)
2. Legislative:-Legislative branch consists of bicameral Parliament- Federal Assembly (614 seats), Federal Council (69 seats).
3. Judicial:-Judicial department is handled by the Federal Constitutional Court.
Important political parties are Social Democratic Party (SPD); Christian Democratic Union (CDU); Christian Social Union (CSU); Alliance 90/Greens; Free Democratic Party (FDP); Left Party (LP).Voting rights are universal above 18.
President(titular head) Horst Köhler
President of the Bundestag Norbert Lammert
Chancellor(executive head) Angela Merkel
Vice Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Minister of Defense Franz Josef Jung
Minister of Finance Peer Steinbrueck
Minister of Interior Wolfgang Schaeuble
Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Olaf Scholz
STATES:-Germany is a federation of 16 laender or states.
ECONOMY:-Germany is the 3rd largest country in the world in economy. The country is one of the strongest countries in economy and technology.
GDP/PPP (2007 est.): $2.833 trillion; per capita $34,400.
Real growth rate: 2.6%.
Inflation: 2%.
Unemployment: 9.1%.
Arable land: 34%.
Agriculture: potatoes, wheat, barley, sugar beets, fruit, cabbages; cattle, pigs, poultry.
Labor force: 43.63 million; industry 33.4%, agriculture 2.8%, services 63.8% (1999).
Industries: among the world's largest and most technologically advanced producers of iron, steel, coal, cement, chemicals, machinery, vehicles, machine tools, electronics, food and beverages, shipbuilding, textiles.
Natural resources: iron ore, coal, potash, timber, lignite, uranium, copper, natural gas, salt, nickel, arable land.
Exports: $1.361 trillion f.o.b. (2007 est.): machinery, vehicles, chemicals, metals and manufactures, foodstuffs, textiles.
Imports: $1.21 tillion f.o.b. (2007 est.): machinery, vehicles, chemicals, foodstuffs, textiles, metals.
Budget:
Revenues: $1.465 trillion
Expenditures: $1.477 trillion (2007 est.)
Revenues: $1.465 trillion
Expenditures: $1.477 trillion (2007 est.)
Public debt:65.3% of GDP (2007 est.)
Major trading partners: France, U.S., UK, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Spain, China (2006).
Monetary unit: Euro (formerly Deutsche mark)
POPULATION:- Germany is most populous in Europe and 3rd in international migration.
Total population of Germany is 82,641,000.Berlin is populated by 3.4 million approximately.
Literacy rate: 99% (2003 est.)
Density per sq mi: 609
Total population of Germany is 82,641,000.Berlin is populated by 3.4 million approximately.
Literacy rate: 99% (2003 est.)
Density per sq mi: 609
HEALTH:-
Life expectancy at birth m/f (years): 77/82
Healthy life expectancy at birth m/f (years, 2003): 70/74
Probability of dying under five (per 1 000 live births): 5
Probability of dying between 15 and 60 years m/f (per 1 000 population): 106/55
Birth rate:8.18 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate:10.8 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:less than 1,000 (2003 est.)
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2005): 3,250
Life expectancy at birth m/f (years): 77/82
Healthy life expectancy at birth m/f (years, 2003): 70/74
Probability of dying under five (per 1 000 live births): 5
Probability of dying between 15 and 60 years m/f (per 1 000 population): 106/55
Birth rate:8.18 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate:10.8 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:less than 1,000 (2003 est.)
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2005): 3,250
UNICEF:-UNICEF in Germany works for children rights, development, education and protection, and to fight HIV, child marriage, child labour. In Germany UNICEF has arranged ‘1000 wishes’ campaign for the children all over the world.
CITIES:-Capital Berlin is the largest city.Other large cities are Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt, Essen, Dortmund, Stuttgart, Dusseldorf, Bremen, Hanover.
RACE:-
German 91.5%
Turkish 2.4%
Other (Greek, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish) 6.1%
German 91.5%
Turkish 2.4%
Other (Greek, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish) 6.1%
RELIGION:-
Protestant 34%
Roman Catholic 34%
Muslim 3.7%
Unaffiliated or other 28.3%
Protestant 34%
Roman Catholic 34%
Muslim 3.7%
Unaffiliated or other 28.3%
CULTURE:- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Thomas Mann, Berthold Brecht, Hermann Hesse, Heinrich Böll, Günter Grass, Friedrich Schiller are some of the renowned German writers.
Gottfried Leibniz,Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling, Johann Gottlieb Fichte, Karl Marx's and Friedrich Engel are some of the prominent German philosophers.
38 German scientists were awarded with Nobel Prize.
Albert Einstein,Max Planck,Heisenberg and Max Born developed fundamentals of Physics. Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered X-rays, and won Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.
Football is the most popular game in Germany. Germany has won FIFA World Cup in 1954, 1974 and 1990 and the European Football Championship in 1972, 1980 and 1996 and has hosted FIFA World Cup in 1974 and 2006 and the UEFA European Football Championship in 1988.Other popular sports are handball, volleyball, basketball, ice hockey, and tennis.
38 German scientists were awarded with Nobel Prize.
Albert Einstein,Max Planck,Heisenberg and Max Born developed fundamentals of Physics. Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered X-rays, and won Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.
Football is the most popular game in Germany. Germany has won FIFA World Cup in 1954, 1974 and 1990 and the European Football Championship in 1972, 1980 and 1996 and has hosted FIFA World Cup in 1974 and 2006 and the UEFA European Football Championship in 1988.Other popular sports are handball, volleyball, basketball, ice hockey, and tennis.
LANGUAGES:-The official language is German.
TRANSPORTATION:-
Railways: total: 48,215 km (20,278 km electrified) (2006).
Highways: total: 231,581
Waterways: 7,467 km (2006
Ports and harbors: Bremen, Bremerhaven, Brunsbuttel, Duisburg, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Karlsruhe, Mainz, Rostock, Wilhemshaven.
Airports: 550
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Railways: total: 48,215 km (20,278 km electrified) (2006).
Highways: total: 231,581
Waterways: 7,467 km (2006
Ports and harbors: Bremen, Bremerhaven, Brunsbuttel, Duisburg, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Karlsruhe, Mainz, Rostock, Wilhemshaven.
Airports: 550
Hong Kong
Hong Kong and Macau are two special administrative regions in China. The official name of the region is Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Hong Kong is situated in Eastern Asia. It shares its border with Guangdong province to the north and the South China Sea to the east, west and south. The region is located on the eastern side of the Pearl River Delta. Geographically Hong Kong is located at the point of 22 15 N, 114 10 E.
HISTORY:- The traces of Chinese stone-age cultures were found in cave-architecture. Han Chinese, the Sung Dynasty (960-1279) ruled Hong Kong until The British East India Company started trades in Hong Kong in 1699. Subsequently First Opium War (1839-42), Second Opium War (1856-58) and 99-year lease of the New Territories in 1898 broadened the Hong Kong terrority.After the World War II, Hong Kong Prospered highly. On 1st July, 1997, 150 years of British colonial rule over Hong Kong was ended. Hong Kong gained complete autonomy in all sectors except foreign and defense affairs.
GEOGRAPHY:-Hong Kong is spanned through total 1,092 sq km area in which land is spanned through 1,042 sq km and water is spanned through 50 sq km. The region comprises about 200 islands. It is six times bigger than Washington DC. The coastline is 733 km long along with the South China Sea. Hong Kong is mountainous with complex slopes. The northern part consists of lowlands. The lowest point of Hong Kong is South China Sea (0 m) and the highest point is Tai Mo Shan (958 m). Typhoons occasionally cause damage to the land.
CLIMATE:- The climate of Hong Kong is dominated by subtropical monsoon, with cool and humid winters, and hot and rainy springs and summers, and warm and sunny falls.
GOVERNMENT:- Hong Kong is a special administrative region (SAR) of China. It has its own mini-constitution, known as the basic law, which has been adopted in 1990 by China's National People's Congress. It is a limited democratic region. The administration is divided into three branches:
1. Executive branch consists of the chief of state (President of China), head of government (Chief Executive), and cabinet (Executive Council comprises 15 official members and 16 non-official members).
2. Legislative branch consists of the unicameral Legislative Council (60 seats)
3. Judicial branch consists of the Court of Final Appeal in the Hong Kong, and other courts.
1. Executive branch consists of the chief of state (President of China), head of government (Chief Executive), and cabinet (Executive Council comprises 15 official members and 16 non-official members).
2. Legislative branch consists of the unicameral Legislative Council (60 seats)
3. Judicial branch consists of the Court of Final Appeal in the Hong Kong, and other courts.
Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood, Citizens Party, Civic Party, DAB, Democratic Party, Frontier Party, League of Social Democrats , Liberal Party are some of the most prominent political parties in Hong Kong. Voting rights are universal above 18 for all permanent citizens and citizens living legally in Hong Kong for seven years.
President of China Hu Jintao
Chief Executive Donald Tsang
Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang
Financial Secretary John Tsang
Secretary for Justice Wong Yan Lung, SC
Secretary for Education Michael Suen
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Frederick Ma
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam
Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee
Secretary for Food and Health York Chow
Secretary for the Civil Service Denise Yue
Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury K C Chan
Secretary for Development Carrie Lam
Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau
Secretary for Transport and Housing Eva Cheng
Chief Executive Donald Tsang
Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang
Financial Secretary John Tsang
Secretary for Justice Wong Yan Lung, SC
Secretary for Education Michael Suen
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Frederick Ma
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Stephen Lam
Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee
Secretary for Food and Health York Chow
Secretary for the Civil Service Denise Yue
Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury K C Chan
Secretary for Development Carrie Lam
Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau
Secretary for Transport and Housing Eva Cheng
DISTRICT:- Hong Kong is formed of Hong Kong, Kowloon, New Territories. Geographically Hong Kong is divided into 18 districts to ease administration:
Central and Western district (Hong Kong)
Eastern district (Hong Kong)
Southern district (Hong Kong)
Wan Chai district (Hong Kong)
Eastern district (Hong Kong)
Southern district (Hong Kong)
Wan Chai district (Hong Kong)
Kowloon City (Kowloon)
Kwun Tong district (Kowloon)
Shui Po district (Kowloon)
Wong Tai Sin district (Kowloon)
Yau Tsim Mong district (Kowloon)
Tai Po district (New Territory)
Tsuen Wan district (New Territory)
Tuen Mun district (New Territory)
Yuen Long district (New Territory)
Sai Kung district (New Territory)
Sha Tin district (New Territory)
Islands district (New Territory)
North district (New Territory)
Kwai Tsing district (New Territory)
Kwun Tong district (Kowloon)
Shui Po district (Kowloon)
Wong Tai Sin district (Kowloon)
Yau Tsim Mong district (Kowloon)
Tai Po district (New Territory)
Tsuen Wan district (New Territory)
Tuen Mun district (New Territory)
Yuen Long district (New Territory)
Sai Kung district (New Territory)
Sha Tin district (New Territory)
Islands district (New Territory)
North district (New Territory)
Kwai Tsing district (New Territory)
ECONOMY:-Hong Kong supports free market economy, which entirely depends on international trade. It is an open and dynamic economy. Hong Kong has economic advantages like accumulation of public and private wealth, an advanced banking system, no public debt, a strong legal system, a rigid and strong anti-corruption regime and highly developed technologies.
Hong Kong is an active member of the WTO and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
GDP - real growth rate:5.8% (2007 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP)$42,000 (2007 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:
Agriculture: 0.1%
Industry: 8.1%
Services: 91.8% (2007 est.)
Agriculture: 0.1%
Industry: 8.1%
Services: 91.8% (2007 est.)
Labor force: 3.64 million (2007 est.)
Labor force -manufacturing 6.5%construction 2.1%, wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, and hotels 43.3%, financing, insurance, and real estate 20.7%, transport and communications 7.8%, community and social services 19.5%
Unemployment rate:4.2% (2007 est.)
Distribution of family income - Gini index: 53.3 (2007)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):2% (2007 est.)
Investment (gross fixed):22% of GDP (2007 est.)
Budget:
Revenues: $36.9 billion
Expenditures: $29.4 billion (FY07-08 est.)
Revenues: $36.9 billion
Expenditures: $29.4 billion (FY07-08 est.)
Public debt:8.9% of GDP (2007 est.)
Agriculture -fresh vegetables, poultry, pork, fish
Industries-textiles, clothing, tourism, banking, shipping, electronics, plastics, toys, watches, clocks
Industrial production growth rate:-0.9% (2007 est.)
Currency : Hong Kong dollar (HKD)
Currency : Hong Kong dollar (HKD)
POPULATION:-Total population is 6.92 million with a growth rate of 0.6%.
HEALTH:- Hong Kong is the first country to carry out liver transplant successfully in 1993.
Birth rate:7.37 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate:6.6 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Infant mortality rate: Total 2.93 deaths/1,000 live births
HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 200 (2003 est.)
Birth rate:7.37 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate:6.6 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Infant mortality rate: Total 2.93 deaths/1,000 live births
HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 200 (2003 est.)
CULTURE:-Hong Kong is described as a mingling place of East and West in all spheres, be it rituals, economy, education or culture. Honk Kong film industry has popularized martial arts genre. Some notable actors are Bruce Lee, Chow Yun-Fat, and Jackie Chan. Hong Kong city has 7,681 skyscrapers, which is highest in number in the world.
RACE:-
Chinese 95%
Other 5%
Chinese 95%
Other 5%
RELIGION:-
Mixture of local religions (Buddhism, Taoism) 90%
Christian 10%
Mixture of local religions (Buddhism, Taoism) 90%
Christian 10%
LANGUAGES:-The official languages are Chinese (89.2%), and English (3.2%). Apart from these other Chinese dialects are spoken by 6.4%, while 1.2% speaks in other languages.
TRANSPORTATION:-
Airports:2 (2007)
Heliports: 5 (2007)
Roadways: total: 2,009 km ; paved: 2,009 km (2007)
Port: Hong Kong
Airports:2 (2007)
Heliports: 5 (2007)
Roadways: total: 2,009 km ; paved: 2,009 km (2007)
Port: Hong Kong
Iran
Iran is located in Central Eurasia, on the northeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. Iran is 18th largest country, spanning 1.648 million sq km (land-1.636 million sq km, water- 12,000 sq km) on the surface of the world. It is the most populous country in Central Eurasia. Iran borders Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and the Caspian Sea to the north; Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east; the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to the south; and Turkey and Iraq to the west. Tehran (35 40 N, 51 25 E) is the capital city. It is also the largest city and heart of Iranian politics, culture, trade and commerce. Iran is a foundation member of the UN, NAM, OIC, and OPEC.
HISTORY:-The trace of inhabitation in pre-historic age was found in Iran.Median Empire (625–559BC)was overshadowed by Cyrus the great of Achaemenid Empire(559–330BC).Persia reached its pinnacle in 525 BC.Later a succession of empires,Seleucid Empire(312-302BC), Parthian Empire(247BC to 226AD),Sassanid Empire (224-640),Arab Muslims(641),Mongol empire(12th century),The Safavid dynasty(1501–1722),the Qajar dynasty(1794–1925)ruled over Persia.The Russia and British conflict to dominate the economy of the region,continued until Reza Kahn had come into power.During the World War II,the Allies suspected Reza kahn to remain in close contact with Nazis.He was replaced by his son Mohammad Reza Pahlavi,who ruled until 1979. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini became the Supreme Leader of Islamic theocratic republic in 1979. In 1980 in Iran-Iraq war,Iran overpowered Saddam Hussein. Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani was elected President in 1989and1993.
GEOGRAPHY:- Geographically Iran is located at 32 00 N, 53 00 E. Iran mostly comprises of deserts and mountains. More specifically, mountainous central part of the country consists of basin with deserts, and coastal area is formed of small, uneven and discontinuous plain land. The Iranian coast line is 2,440 km long, along with the Caspian Sea (740 km). The lowest point is Caspian Sea (-28 m) and the highest point is Kuh-e Damavand (5,671 m). Droughts, floods, sandstorms, earthquakes cause damage to the country.
CLIMATE:-Iranian climate is mostly arid or semiarid, though climate is subtropical along the Caspian coast.
GOVERNMENT:-The official name of Iran is Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran is an Islamic Republic. Islamic Republic of Iran was named on 1st April 1979. 1st April is celebrated as the National holiday. Constitution was adopted in December 1979 and revised in 1989.
The Islamic Republic government comprises of three branches:
1. Executive branch consists of the Supreme Leader (head of state), president (head of government), Council of Ministers, Assembly of Experts, Expediency Council, and Council of Guardians.
2. Legislative branch consists of the National Assembly (290 seats)
3. Judicial branch consists of The Supreme Court.
The Islamic Republic government comprises of three branches:
1. Executive branch consists of the Supreme Leader (head of state), president (head of government), Council of Ministers, Assembly of Experts, Expediency Council, and Council of Guardians.
2. Legislative branch consists of the National Assembly (290 seats)
3. Judicial branch consists of The Supreme Court.
Prominent political parties are the Islamic Iran Participation Front, the Mojahideen of the Islamic Revolution, the National Trust Party. Voting rights are universal above 16.
Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini-Khamenei
President Mahmud Ahmadi-Nejad
First Vice President Parviz Davudi
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki
Ambassador to the United Nations Parviz Khazai
President Mahmud Ahmadi-Nejad
First Vice President Parviz Davudi
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki
Ambassador to the United Nations Parviz Khazai
STATES:-Iran comprises 30 provinces, each governed by a governor. These provinces are decomposed into counties, districts and sub-districts.
ECONOMY:-Iran’s economy is mainly dominated by the government. The private sector is limited within the small-scale workshops. Inefficient labour force is one of the causes of the weak economic growth. Brain drain from Iran in an increasing ratio, is one of the results of the infirm economy. In spite of that Iran holds a position in world economy for its huge petroleum and natural gas reserves.
GDP/PPP (2007 est.): $852.6 billion; per capita $12,300.
GDP/PPP (2007 est.): $852.6 billion; per capita $12,300.
Real growth rate: 4.3%.
Inflation: 17%.
Unemployment: 11% (2007 est.).
Arable land: 9%.
Agriculture: wheat, rice, other grains, sugar beets, fruits, nuts, cotton; dairy products, wool; caviar.
Labor force: 28.7 million; agriculture 30%, industry 25%, services 45% (2006 est.).
Industries: petroleum, petrochemicals, textiles, cement and other construction materials, food processing (particularly sugar refining and vegetable oil production), metal fabrication, armaments.
Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, iron ore, lead, manganese.
Budget:
Revenues: $64 billion
Expenditures: $64 billion (2007 est.)
Revenues: $64 billion
Expenditures: $64 billion (2007 est.)
Public debt:23.2% of GDP (2007 est.)
Exports: $76.5 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.): petroleum 80%, chemical and petrochemical products, fruits and nuts, carpets.
Imports: $61.3 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.): industrial raw materials and intermediate goods, capital goods, foodstuffs and other consumer goods, technical services, military supplies.
Major trading partners: Japan, China, Italy, South Korea, Turkey, Netherlands, Germany, France, UAE, South Korea, Russia (2004).
Monetary unit: Rial
CULTURE:-Iranian culture is a fusion of pre-Islamic culture and Islamic culture. Rumi and Omar Khayyám are world renowned poets. Iranian architecture, painting, weaving, pottery, calligraphy, metalworking and stone masonry are appraised worldwide. The mosque is the instance of unique Iranian architecture. The mausoleum of Maussollos is one of the seven wonders in the world. UNESCO has recognized 15 sites of Iran as the World Heritage Sites.
LANGUAGE:- Persian is the official language of Iran (58%). Constitution has recognized Kurdish (9%) and Azeri as regional languages. Other dialects are
Turkic and Turkic dialects (26%), Luri (2%), Balochi (1%), Arabic (1%), Turkish (1%), and other (2%)
Turkic and Turkic dialects (26%), Luri (2%), Balochi (1%), Arabic (1%), Turkish (1%), and other (2%)
CITIES:- The capital and largest city is Tehran. Other large cities are Isfahan, Tabriz, Mashhad, Shiraz, Yazd, Qom.
RACE:-
Persian 51%
Azerbaijani 24%
Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%
Kurd 7%
Arab 3%
Lur 2%
Baloch 2%
Turkmen 2%
other 1%
Persian 51%
Azerbaijani 24%
Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%
Kurd 7%
Arab 3%
Lur 2%
Baloch 2%
Turkmen 2%
other 1%
RELIGION:- Majority religion is Islam (98%),in which Shi Islam is official religion, followed by 89%, and Sunni is followed by 9%.Other religions are Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Baha'i (2%).
POPULATION:- Iran is most populous country in the region.Iran is populated by 65,397,521 with a growth rate of 0.7%.
Density per sq mtr:104
Literacy rate: 77% (2005 est.)
Density per sq mtr:104
Literacy rate: 77% (2005 est.)
HEALTH:-
Birth rate:16.89 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate:5.69 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 36.93 deaths/1,000 live births
HIV/AIDS - deaths:1,600 (2005 est.)
Life expectancy: 70.6
Birth rate:16.89 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate:5.69 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 36.93 deaths/1,000 live births
HIV/AIDS - deaths:1,600 (2005 est.)
Life expectancy: 70.6
Risk factors:-
Food or waterborne diseases-- bacterial diarrhea and hepatitis A
vectorborne diseases-- Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever and malaria
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2005): 677
UNICEF:- Childhood Development, child protection, childhood malnutrition, early childhood development are some of the issues UNICEF is working on in Iran. The government also broadens hands to improve street children and other child protection. Government also has helped to take measures on issues like child abuse, legal protection for children. Iran is ranked among top drug intaking countries. UNICEF consistently works to enrich the awareness on regeneration of HIV through drugs consumption. UNICEF set up Rural Child Care Centres to enhance the awareness on HIV and necessity of education.
TRANSPORTATION:-
Railways: 8,3673 km (2006).
Highways: total: 179,388 km (2003).
Waterways: 850 km (2004).
Ports and harbors: Assaluyeh, Bushehr.
Airports: 331 (2007).
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Railways: 8,3673 km (2006).
Highways: total: 179,388 km (2003).
Waterways: 850 km (2004).
Ports and harbors: Assaluyeh, Bushehr.
Airports: 331 (2007).
Iraq
Officially known as Republic of Iraq is located in Western Asia.The capital city, Baghdad is situated in the center-east.Iraq shares it’s border with Kuwait, Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordon to the west, Syria to the north west,Turkey to the north and Iran to the east.There are two main rivers:the Tigris and the Euphrates.These two provide a fecund land in spite of the Syrian Desert at the eastern region and Arabian Desert at the northern part.
It has been recently reported in Failed States Index, produced by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace\'s Foreign Policy magazine in 2007, that Iraq is world’s second most unsteady country (Sudan is first).It is a consequence of a multinational alliance of forces mainly America and Britain since 2003.The effect of the encroachment ranges from civil violence, political instability, economic disbalance, to the removal of former president Saddam Hussein.
HISTORY:-
For over nine centuries Iraq was ruled by the Persians.In the 6th century Cyrus the Great and then Alexander the Great ruled over the region.Later Parthians and Sassanid Parsians conquered Mesopotamia.
In the beginning of 7th century Islam was spread by Muslim Arab Commander Khalid ibn al-Walid. Ali the 4th prophet and mohammad’s cousin and son in law shifted his capital to Kufa "fi al-Iraq". The capital city Baghdad was built by Abbasid Caliphate in the 8th century.Baghdad had been the largest city of the middle ages.
For over nine centuries Iraq was ruled by the Persians.In the 6th century Cyrus the Great and then Alexander the Great ruled over the region.Later Parthians and Sassanid Parsians conquered Mesopotamia.
In the beginning of 7th century Islam was spread by Muslim Arab Commander Khalid ibn al-Walid. Ali the 4th prophet and mohammad’s cousin and son in law shifted his capital to Kufa "fi al-Iraq". The capital city Baghdad was built by Abbasid Caliphate in the 8th century.Baghdad had been the largest city of the middle ages.
In 13th century Iraq was captured by the Mongols.In 1257 Halagu Khan invaded Iraq and destroyed Baghdad,Abbasid Caliphate and the grand library. In 1401 Tamur Lane attacked Iraq and murdered 20000 inhabitants.
Ottomans conquered Baghdad from Persians in 1535,lost to Iranian Safavids in 1609 and regained the control in 1632. In 1831 Ottamans took over Iraq until the world war 1st ,in which they took the side of central powers.During the decomposition of Ottaman empire,UK drove away the Ottomans from most of the places. The League of Nations sanctioned UK command over Iraq.
After the war,Iraq was formed as a single country collaborating Baghdad,Barsa and Masul.British armed force overthrew Arab and Kurdish rebellions and crowned the Hashemite king,Faisal. The Hashemites ruled until 1958,when they were defeated by Iraqi army in 14th July Revolution.
Saddam Hussein(1979-2003)was crowned as the President of Iraqi territory, killing many of his antagonists.During Hussein’s rule some important political events took place ranging from Iraq-Iran war(1980),war against Kuwait(1990),Saddam-bush collision over appointing UN weapon inspector(1998)in Iraq,to Saddam’s stooping down to allow the weapon inspector(2002).By that time Iraq was included in the ‘Axis of Evil’ by US president Bush.A US formed amulgamation attacked Iraq(2003).After the invasion, the United States set up the Coalition Provisional Authority to regulate Iraq.
Saddam Hussein was hanged to death On 30th December, 2006.
GEOGRAPHY:-_Iraq is situated in Western Asia.The land of Iraq is spanned around 437,072 sq km (land: 432,162 sq km, water: 4,910 sq km).It’s the 58th largest country.Iraq is mainly formed of deserts. The northern part of the country is composed of Zagros mountain range.The highest peak (3611 m) is locally known as Cheekah Dar. The lowest point is Persian Gulf (0 m).It has a coastline of 58 km along the Persian Gulf.
CLIMATE:-Iraq has cool winters and dry burning and bright summers.The northern mountain range is responsible for the cold weather,sometimes with heavy snowfalls.It also causes flooding to the land.
NATURAL RESOURSES:-Iraq is ranked second (after Saudi Arebia)in the world for it’s oil storage,possessing 112 billion barrels of oil.The United States Department of Energy presumes that 90% of the oil is undiscovered which can produce 100 billion barrels more.Other natural resourses are petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur etc.
GOVERNMENT:-The current Constitution defines Iraq as an Islamic, Democratic, Federal Parliamentary Republic. In Iraq Kurdistan is the only region with its own government. The government is formed of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches with other self-directing departments.
1. Executive branch consists of Presidency Council (one president and two vice presidents) and Council of Ministers (one prime minister, two deputy prime ministers, and 34 cabinet ministers).
2. Legislative branch consists of Council of Representatives (275 members).
3. Judicial branch consists of Supreme Court and other small courts.
REGIONS:-Iraq is formed of 18 provinces:
ECONOMY:-
Iraq’s economy is mainly governed by it’s oil resourses,which is almost 95% of the whole foreign exchange.
Other Economic Statistics:-
Real growth rate: 5%.
Inflation: 4.7%.
Unemployment: 18%–30%.
Arable land: 13%.
Agriculture: wheat, barley, rice, vegetables, dates, cotton; cattle, sheep, poultry.
Industries: petroleum, chemicals, textiles, leather, construction materials, food processing, fertilizer, metal fabrication/processing. .
Exports: $34.04 billion f.o.b. (2007): crude oil (83.9%), crude materials excluding fuels (8.0%), food and live animals (5.0%).
Imports: $23.09 billion f.o.b. (2007): food, medicine, manufactures.
Major trading partners: U.S., Spain, Italy, Canada, Syria, Turkey, Jordan
Monetary unit: U.S. dollar.
Iraq’s economy is mainly governed by it’s oil resourses,which is almost 95% of the whole foreign exchange.
Other Economic Statistics:-
Real growth rate: 5%.
Inflation: 4.7%.
Unemployment: 18%–30%.
Arable land: 13%.
Agriculture: wheat, barley, rice, vegetables, dates, cotton; cattle, sheep, poultry.
Industries: petroleum, chemicals, textiles, leather, construction materials, food processing, fertilizer, metal fabrication/processing. .
Exports: $34.04 billion f.o.b. (2007): crude oil (83.9%), crude materials excluding fuels (8.0%), food and live animals (5.0%).
Imports: $23.09 billion f.o.b. (2007): food, medicine, manufactures.
Major trading partners: U.S., Spain, Italy, Canada, Syria, Turkey, Jordan
Monetary unit: U.S. dollar.
CULTURE:- Iraq was historically known as Mesopotamia (“between the rivers” in Greek).It was the birth place of the world’s first civilization,the Sumerian culture and several other cultures.These civilizations gave birth to the first writing and a number of the earliest sciences, mathematics, laws and philosophies,hence the region was named Cradle of civilization.
Iraq is known for music instruments oud (lute) and a rebab (fiddle).Iraq has International stars like Ahmed Mukhtar and the Assyrian Munir Bashir.
Iraqis prefer heavy spicy food. Biryani, Dolma, kababs, tikkas,spices, pickles, Amba are included in their favourite dishes.
Football or soccer is the most popular sport in Iraq. Iraq\'s national football team is the 2007 AFC Asian Cup Champions. Basketball, Swimming, Weightlifting, Bodybuilding, Boxing, Kick Boxing and Tennis are also very popular in Iraq.
LANGUAGE:- Arabic is official language of Iraq,apart from Kurdistan region,where the official language is Kurdish. Assyrian and Armenian are also spoken.
LARGEST CITIES:- The largest city is Baghdad. Other large cities are Mosul, Basra, Irbil, Kirkuk.
POPULATION:- Iraqi population is 28,221,181.
Growth rate: 2.6%
Density per sq mtr: 164
Growth rate: 2.6%
Density per sq mtr: 164
UNICEF:- UNICEF in Iraq is working on child education, tries to supply safe drinking water. UNICEF with WHO has campaigned against measles and polio. The Government of Iraq has taken measures to fight anaemia amongst pregnant women with the help of UNICEF.
WOMEN LIBERATION:-Iraqi women still faces problems establishing their rights.
HEALTH:-
Birth rate: 31.4/1000
Literacy rate: 74% (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 47.0/1000
Life expectancy: 69.3
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2005): 130
Birth rate: 31.4/1000
Literacy rate: 74% (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 47.0/1000
Life expectancy: 69.3
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2005): 130
RELIGION:- Islam 97% (Shiite 60%–65%, Sunni 32%–37%)
Christian or other 3%
Christian or other 3%
ETHNICITY:- Arab 75%–80%
Kurdish 15%–20%
Turkoman, Assyrian, or other 5%
Kurdish 15%–20%
Turkoman, Assyrian, or other 5%
TRANSPORTATION:-
Railways: total: 2,272 km (2006).
Highways: total: 45,550 km
Waterways: 5,279 km.
Ports and harbors: Al Basrah, Khawr az Zubayr, Umm Qasr.
Airports: 110
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Railways: total: 2,272 km (2006).
Highways: total: 45,550 km
Waterways: 5,279 km.
Ports and harbors: Al Basrah, Khawr az Zubayr, Umm Qasr.
Airports: 110
Italy
Italy is located on the two largest islands on the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily and Sardinia, in the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe. The capital city Rome(41 54 N, 12 29 E) was the seat of great ancient scholars and elites.Rome was the birth place of the Catholic Church. Italy shares its border with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia to the north.
The Italian Republic is a strong country with 20th highest GDP per capita. Italy ranks 8th in Quality-of-life index, and 20th in Human Development Index. Italy shares a membership of European Union, NATO, OECD, the Council of Europe, the Western European Union, and the Central European Initiative,G8, and from 1st January 2007 also started non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.
HISTORY:- History of Italy is mainly dominated by the history of Rome until the 4th and 5th centuries A.D. Italy saw the birth of Renaissance in 15th century. Duchy of Milan and the Kingdom of Naples came under Spanish control in 1735. The French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars (1796–1815) enlightened the urge for democracy in Italy which was resulted in Kingdom of Italy in 1861.In World War I, Italy had initially remained neutral, but later joined the Allies. Italy entered into World War II by occupying Albania. Allies attacked Italy and in 1943, Italy surrendered. Finally on 2nd June, 1946, republic was established in Italy.
GEOGRAPHY:-Geographically Italy is located at 42 50 N, 12 50 E. Italy has covered total 301,230 sq km(land- 294,020 sq km,water- 7,210 sq km) area on the surface of the world. The coastline is 7,600 km long. The lowest point is Mediterranean Sea (0 m) and the highest point is Mont Blanc de Courmayeur (4,748 m). Italy is mostly mountainous while coastal area comprises of low land.
CLIMATE:- The Mediterranean climate dominates in Italy, with chilling winters and mild summers. The northern part is Alpine while the southern part is dry.
GOVERNMENT:-Italy is Parliamentary republic country since 2nd June,1946. The constitution was adopted on 11th December,1947,but imposed on 1st January,1948. Government is divided into three branches:
Executive branch consists of the President (chief of state), and Council of Ministers (cabinet) headed by the president of the council (prime minister).
Legislative branch consists of the bicameral parliament- Chamber of Deputies(630 member), Senate (315 member).
Judicial branch consists of the independent constitutional court and lower magistracy.
Executive branch consists of the President (chief of state), and Council of Ministers (cabinet) headed by the president of the council (prime minister).
Legislative branch consists of the bicameral parliament- Chamber of Deputies(630 member), Senate (315 member).
Judicial branch consists of the independent constitutional court and lower magistracy.
Forza Italia, Democratic Party, National Alliance, Northern League, United Christian Democrats of the Center, Communist Renewal, Italians of Values, Greens, Rose in the Fist, Italian Communist Party, UDEUR are prominent political parties. Voting rights are universal above 18 except senatorial elections, where suffrage is given at 25.
President Giorgio Napolitano
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi
President Giorgio Napolitano
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi
STATES:-Italy is formed of 20 regions, in which 5 regions are autonomous. These regions are subdivided into 109 provinces and 8,101 municipalities.
CULTURE:-Italy is the abode of highest number of World Heritage Sites(41), recognized by UNESCO. Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Botticelli, Fra Angelico, Tintoretto, Caravaggio, Bernini, Titian, Raphael, Umberto Boccioni and Giacomo Balla were the greatest artists of Italy as well as of the universe. Divina Commedia was the creation of Italian philosopher Dante Alighieri.Italy had given birth to great philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Euclid, Ptolemy, Cicero and Vitruvius. The unique genre of poem, sonnet was invented in Italy. Giovanni Boccaccio, Giacomo Leopardi, Alessandro Manzoni, Torquato Tasso, Ludovico Ariosto, and Petrarch were some of the critically acclaimed sonneteers. Italy’s Galileo Galilei invented binocular. Other prominent scientists were Enrico Fermi, Giovanni Domenico Cassini, Alessandro Volta. Guglielmo Marconi has won the Nobel Prize for inventing radio.
Italy is the birth place of opera, and instruments like piano and violin. Singer Laura Pausini has won the the Grammy. Football is the most popular sport. Italy has been the FIFA world champion for four times. Italy is considered as the fashion capital of the world.
Italy is the birth place of opera, and instruments like piano and violin. Singer Laura Pausini has won the the Grammy. Football is the most popular sport. Italy has been the FIFA world champion for four times. Italy is considered as the fashion capital of the world.
ECONOMY:-Italy is the 7th largest economy in the world and 4th largest in Europe. Italy supports capitalistic economy. But Italy is marked with diversifying economies in northern and southern part of the country. The negative unemployment rate in the developed industrial north is contradicted with 20% unemployment rate in the less-developed, welfare-dependent, agricultural south.
GDP/PPP (2007 est.): $1.8 trillion; per capita $31,000.
Real growth rate: 1.9%.
Real growth rate: 1.9%.
Inflation: 1.7%.
Unemployment: 6.7%.
Arable land: 26%.
Agriculture: fruits, vegetables, grapes, potatoes, sugar beets, soybeans, grain, olives; beef, dairy products; fish.
Labor force: 24.86 million; services 63%, industry 32%, agriculture 5% (2001).
Industries: tourism, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, food processing, textiles, motor vehicles, clothing, footwear, ceramics.
Natural resources: coal, mercury, zinc, potash, marble, barite, asbestos, pumice, fluorospar, feldspar, pyrite (sulfur), natural gas and crude oil reserves, fish, arable land.
Exports: $474.8 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.): engineering products, textiles and clothing, production machinery, motor vehicles, transport equipment, chemicals; food, beverages and tobacco; minerals, and nonferrous metals.
Imports: $483.6 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.): engineering products, chemicals, transport equipment, energy products, minerals and nonferrous metals, textiles and clothing; food, beverages, and tobacco.
Major trading partners: Germany, France, U.S., Spain, UK, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, China (2006).
Budget:
Revenues: $976 billion
Expenditures: $1.029 trillion (2007 est.)
Public debt:105.6% of GDP (2007 est.)
Revenues: $976 billion
Expenditures: $1.029 trillion (2007 est.)
Public debt:105.6% of GDP (2007 est.)
Monetary unit: Euro (formerly lira)
POPULATION:- The population of Italy is 58,147,733 with the minimal growth rate (0.01%).
Density per sq mi: 512
Literacy rate: 99% (2003 est.).
Density per sq mi: 512
Literacy rate: 99% (2003 est.).
LANGUAGE:-The official language is Italian, while German, French, and Slovene are also spoken.
RACE:- Italian ethnicity includes small clusters of German, French, and Slovene Italians in the north and Albanian and Greek Italians in the south.
RELIGION:- Roman Catholic is followed by 90%, among which one-third is practicing. Other 10% are Protestant, Jewish and Muslim.
UNICEF:-Since 1974, Italian committee for UNICEF works to improve children’s right and concentrates mainly on fundraising. More than 100 Subcommittees, citizens, students, officials, NGOs, goodwill Ambassadors, media, Government are involved in the works of UNICEF in Italy. UNICEF collects funds by selling cards and gifts. Roberto Bolle, Francesco Totti, Lino Banfi, Simona Marchini are UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassadors in Italy.
HEALTH:-
Birth rate:8.36 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate:10.61 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 80.07 years
HIV/AIDS - deaths:less than 1,000 (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 5.61 deaths/1,000 live births
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2005): 2,474
Birth rate:8.36 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate:10.61 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:total population: 80.07 years
HIV/AIDS - deaths:less than 1,000 (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate:total: 5.61 deaths/1,000 live births
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2005): 2,474
CITIES:-The largest city is capital Rome. Other large cities are Milan, Naples, Turin, Palermo, Genoa, Bologna, Florence, Bari, Catania, Venice.
TRANSPORTATION:-
Railways: total: 19,460 km (2006).
Highways: total: 484,688 km (2004).
Waterways: 2,400 km (2004).
Ports and harbors: Augusta, Genoa, Livorno, Melilli Oil Terminal, Ravenna, Taranto, Trieste, Venice.
Airports: 132 (2007)
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Railways: total: 19,460 km (2006).
Highways: total: 484,688 km (2004).
Waterways: 2,400 km (2004).
Ports and harbors: Augusta, Genoa, Livorno, Melilli Oil Terminal, Ravenna, Taranto, Trieste, Venice.
Airports: 132 (2007)
France
France is composed of a metropolitan territory,which is situated in western Europe, and other four overseas territories. France It is the largest West European country, spanning total 643,427 sq km(land- 640,053 sq km,water- 3,374 sq km).The capital city Paris(48 52 N, 2 20 E) is the largest city.
HISTORY:- The Carolingian dynasty reigned in France until 987. Hugh Capet became the King.In French Revolution, in 1789, Louis XVI was executed. Napoleon Bonaparte turned up as the First Empire (1804–1814) of the first republic.The 2nd republic was set up after the Battle of Waterloo(1815). Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte announced the Second Empire.His defeat in Franco-Prussian war of 1870 established the 3rd republic.France was in the victorious side in both the World Wars. The Fourth Republic was established after 2nd World War.
GEOGRAPHY:-The geographic location of France varies as follows:
1.The Metropolitan France is bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Andorra,Italy.
2. French Guiana is located in Northern South America and bordered by Brazil, Suriname.
3. Guadeloupe is located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean,and southeast to Puerto Rico.
4.Martinique is an island situated at north of Trinidad and Tobago and between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean.
5. Reunion is located in Southern Africa.It is an island in the Indian Ocean to the east of Madagascar.
1.The Metropolitan France is bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Andorra,Italy.
2. French Guiana is located in Northern South America and bordered by Brazil, Suriname.
3. Guadeloupe is located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean,and southeast to Puerto Rico.
4.Martinique is an island situated at north of Trinidad and Tobago and between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean.
5. Reunion is located in Southern Africa.It is an island in the Indian Ocean to the east of Madagascar.
5 different terrains can be found in France,
Metropolitan France(46 00 N, 2 00 E):-This region is mostly plain land, with rolling hills in north and west, pyrenees in south.The eastern part is mountainous.
French Guiana(4 00 N, 53 00 W):-This region consists of low coastal plain land,to hills and small mountains.
Guadeloupe(16 15 N, 61 35 W):- Most part of the region is volcanic with mountains.
Martinique(14 40 N, 61 00 W):-This region is formed of hilly rugged coastline and inactive volcanoes.
Martinique(14 40 N, 61 00 W):-This region is formed of hilly rugged coastline and inactive volcanoes.
Reunion(21 06 S, 55 36 E):- The terrain is complex and uneven and mountainous with fertile coastal land.
The total coastline of France is 4,668 km (Metropolitan France is 3,427 km) long. The lowest point is Rhone River delta (2 m ),while the highest point Mont Blanc (4,807 m) is western Europe’s highest point as well.
The total coastline of France is 4,668 km (Metropolitan France is 3,427 km) long. The lowest point is Rhone River delta (2 m ),while the highest point Mont Blanc (4,807 m) is western Europe’s highest point as well.
STATES:-France is a union of 26 administrative regions.22 regions are situated in the Metropolitan France,and other 4 regions are overseas regions. The overseas regions are:
Guadeloupe (since 1946)
Martinique (since 1946)
French Guiana (since 1946)
Réunion (since 1946)
Guadeloupe (since 1946)
Martinique (since 1946)
French Guiana (since 1946)
Réunion (since 1946)
CLIMATE:-
Metropolitan France:-Temperate climate reigns in the metropolitan France, with cool winters and tender summers. But the climate is swapped in the Mediterranean region. A north to northwest wind, mistral blows across the region.
French Guiana:-In this region tropical climate is seen which is hot and humid with slight temperature variation in every season.
Metropolitan France:-Temperate climate reigns in the metropolitan France, with cool winters and tender summers. But the climate is swapped in the Mediterranean region. A north to northwest wind, mistral blows across the region.
French Guiana:-In this region tropical climate is seen which is hot and humid with slight temperature variation in every season.
Guadeloupe and Martinique:-In these regions subtropical climate is found with high humidity, heavy rains (June to October), devastating cyclones in every 8 years(average).
Reunion:-The climate is tropical.
GOVERNMENT:-France government is unitary semi-presidential republic. The constitution is adopted on 28th September 1958.The government is divided into three branches:
Executive:-This branch consists of the president (chief of state) and prime minister (head of government)
Legislative:-This department consists of bicameral Parliament -member National Assembly(577 seats, Senate(331 members).
Judicial:-Judicial system consists of Court of Cassation (civil and criminal law), Council of State (administrative court), and Constitutional Council (constitutional law).
Prominent political parties are Union for a Popular Majority, Socialist Party, New Center, Communist Party, extreme right National Front; Greens.Voting rights are universal above 18.
President Nicolas Sarkozy
Prime Minister François Fillon
Executive:-This branch consists of the president (chief of state) and prime minister (head of government)
Legislative:-This department consists of bicameral Parliament -member National Assembly(577 seats, Senate(331 members).
Judicial:-Judicial system consists of Court of Cassation (civil and criminal law), Council of State (administrative court), and Constitutional Council (constitutional law).
Prominent political parties are Union for a Popular Majority, Socialist Party, New Center, Communist Party, extreme right National Front; Greens.Voting rights are universal above 18.
President Nicolas Sarkozy
Prime Minister François Fillon
POPULATION:-France is populated with 61,083,916 with a growth rate of 0.3% in which 60,876,136 are in Metropolitan France (July 2008 est.).
Density per sq mi: 290M
Literacy rate: 99% (2003 est.)
Density per sq mi: 290M
Literacy rate: 99% (2003 est.)
HEALTH:- The World Health Organization has ranked France healthcare system best in the world.It almost is free from chronic diseases like cancers and AIDS.
Birth rate: 12.73 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate:8.48 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:less than 1,000 (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 4.2/1000
Life expectancy: 79.9
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2005): 3,314
Birth rate: 12.73 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate:8.48 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths:less than 1,000 (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 4.2/1000
Life expectancy: 79.9
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2005): 3,314
UNICEF:-UNICEF in France mostly works on child nutrition , health, HIV, child education, protection of rights of children and women. On 6th Feb,2007,58 countries joined in a conference to stop illegal enlistment of children in war. On 15th June 2006, a two-day international Conference was arranged to increase the awareness on childhood rights and HIV.
CULTURE:-Gothic Architecture was originated in France. Marianne is recognized as the symbol of French Republic.Victor Hugo,Alexandre Dumas and Jules Verne are most popular French novelists.Football,rugby ,basketball and handball are most popular sports in France.France has hosted 1938 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, and 2007 Rugby Union World Cup.
ECONOMY:-France is gradually switching from government ownership to privatization.France's tax burden makes it one of the highest countries in Europe (nearly 50% of GDP in 2005). Tourism dominates the economy of France so much that it has brought the 3rd largest income from tourism in the world. OECD has rated France as world’s 5th largest exporter and 4th largest importer in 2004.
GDP/PPP (2007 est.): $2.067 trillion; per capita $33,800.
Real growth rate: 1.8%.
Inflation: 1.5%.
Unemployment: 8%.
Population below poverty line:6.2% (2004)
Arable land: 34%.
Budget:
Revenues: $1.311 trillion
Expenditures: $1.372 trillion (2007 est.)
Revenues: $1.311 trillion
Expenditures: $1.372 trillion (2007 est.)
Public debt:66.6% of GDP (2007 est.)
Agriculture: wheat, cereals, sugar beets, potatoes, wine grapes; beef, dairy products; fish.
Labor force: 27.76 million; services 71.5%, industry 24.4%, agriculture 4.1% (1999).
Industries: machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft, electronics; textiles, food processing; tourism.
Natural resources: coal, iron ore, bauxite, zinc, uranium, antimony, arsenic, potash, feldspar, fluorospar, gypsum, timber, fish.
Exports: $558.9 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.): machinery and transportation equipment, aircraft, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceutical products, iron and steel, beverages.
Imports: $601.4 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.): machinery and equipment, vehicles, crude oil, aircraft, plastics, chemicals.
Major trading partners: Germany, Spain, UK, Italy, Belgium, U.S., Netherlands (2006).
Monetary unit: Euro (formerly French franc)
LANGUAGE:- The official language is French. Almost 100% of the population speaks in French as other provincial languages like Provençal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish are gradually declining.
RACE:-
Celtic and Latin with Teutonic
Slavic
North African
Southeast Asian
And Basque minorities
Celtic and Latin with Teutonic
Slavic
North African
Southeast Asian
And Basque minorities
RELIGION:-
Roman Catholic 83%–88%
Protestant 2%
Islam 5%–10%
Jewish 1%
Unaffiliated 4%
Roman Catholic 83%–88%
Protestant 2%
Islam 5%–10%
Jewish 1%
Unaffiliated 4%
CITIES:-The Capital and largest city is Paris, while other largest cities are Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse, Nice, Nantes, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Rennes, Lille.
TRANSPORTATION:-
Railways: total: 29,085 km (2005).
Highways: total: 956,303 km
Waterways: 8,500 km
Ports and harbors: Bordeaux, Calais, Dunkerque, La Pallice, Le Havre, Marseille, Nantes, Paris, Rouen, Strasbourg.
Airports: 501.
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Railways: total: 29,085 km (2005).
Highways: total: 956,303 km
Waterways: 8,500 km
Ports and harbors: Bordeaux, Calais, Dunkerque, La Pallice, Le Havre, Marseille, Nantes, Paris, Rouen, Strasbourg.
Airports: 501.
China
China is a culturally rich country in East Asia. China has the world's longest continuously used written language system. "Four great inventions of Ancient China" are-paper, the compass, gunpowder,and printing. It is the most populated country in the world. It shares its border with Mongolia, Russia to the North, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the West,India Nepal, Bhutan to the southwest, Burma, Vietnam, Laos to the south,North Korea to the west. East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea border the west China.The capital city is Beijing(39 55 N, 116 23 E).The large country shares one common time zone.
HISTORY:-China was first ruled by the dynastic powers until 19th century. The last dynasty was Qing dynasty. China lost opium wars. Consequently Britain and other Western powers got commercial advantages. On 10th October, 1911, Qing dynasty was overthrown by military rebel. On 1st January 1912 republic was established. Yuan Shikai was selected first President. Mao Zedong on 1st October, 1949, announced People's Republic of China (P.R.C.) in Beijing.
GEOGRAPHY:-China is geographically located at 35 00 N, 105 00 E. China is mainly mountainous. Eastern zone is formed of hills and deltas and plain land, while plateaus are high. Desert is found in the West. The coastline is 14,500 km long. The highest point is Mount Everest (8,850 m), and the lowest point is Turpan Pendi (154 m). Typhoons, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, droughts, land subsidence cause frequent damage to the land. The large country occupies total 9,596,960 sq km on earth, in which total land is 9,326,410 sq km and total water is 270,550 sq km.
CLIMATE:- Diversifying climate can be noticed all over China. The northern part is tropical and southern part is sub arctic.
CULTURE:-In science and technology China is leading among Asian countries as well as in the world. Zheng, qin, sheng, xiao-these are some musical instruments invented by the Chinese people.The great wall of China is one of the 7th wonders of the world.China is one of the leading countries in Asia in Asian Games and the Summer Olympic Games .It is assumed that football is originated in China.
GOVERNMENT:-China is a Communist state. The constitution is promulgated on 4th December ,1982. There are three branches in the government:
1.Executive:- This branch consists of the President, Vice President, Cabinet(State Council).
2.Legislative:-Legislative branch consists of unicameral National People's Congress(2,987 seats)
3.Judicial:-Judicial branch consists of Supreme People's Court, Local People's Courts, Special People's Courts.
The political parties are Chinese Communist Party, consists of 70.8 million members.
8 minor registered parties are controlled by the Communist Party.Voting rights are universal above 18.
1.Executive:- This branch consists of the President, Vice President, Cabinet(State Council).
2.Legislative:-Legislative branch consists of unicameral National People's Congress(2,987 seats)
3.Judicial:-Judicial branch consists of Supreme People's Court, Local People's Courts, Special People's Courts.
The political parties are Chinese Communist Party, consists of 70.8 million members.
8 minor registered parties are controlled by the Communist Party.Voting rights are universal above 18.
President Hu Jintao
Vice President Xi Jinping
Premier, State Council Wen Jiabao
State Councilors Liu Yandong, Liang Guanglie, Ma Kai, Meng Jianzhu, Dai Bingguo
Secretary General Hua Jianmin
NPC Chair Wu Bangguo
Vice Premiers Li Keqiang, Hui Liangyu, Zhang Dejiang, Wang Qishan
Politburo Standing Committee Hu Jintao (General Secretary), Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang, Zhou Yongkang
STATES:-The Republic of China is a union of 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions (including Tibet), and 4 municipalities.
ECONOMY:-China is playing an important role in world economy. Chinese economy is gradually focusing on market oriented economy, which results in rapid growth in private sector. New and improved banking system, the advancement of stock markets, the rapid growth of the private sector, and vast upliftment of foreign trade and investment and finally development in technology has put China among the leading economies in the world.
GDP/PPP (2006 est.): $10.17 trillion; per capita $7,700.
Real growth rate: 10.7% (official data).
Inflation: 1.5%.
Unemployment: 4.2%
Arable land: 15%.
Agriculture: rice, wheat, potatoes, corn, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, apples, cotton, oilseed; pork; fish.
Labor force: 798 million (2006); agriculture 45%, industry 24%, services 31% (2006 est.).
Industries: mining and ore processing, iron, steel, aluminum, and other metals, coal; machine building; armaments; textiles and apparel; petroleum; cement; chemicals; fertilizers; consumer products, including footwear, toys, and electronics; food processing; transportation equipment, including automobiles, rail cars and locomotives, ships, and aircraft; telecommunications equipment, commercial space launch vehicles, satellites.
Natural resources: coal, iron ore, petroleum, natural gas, mercury, tin, tungsten, antimony, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite, aluminum, lead, zinc, uranium, hydropower potential (world's largest).
Exports: $974 billion f.o.b. (2006 est.): machinery and equipment, plastics, optical and medical equipment, iron and steel.
Imports: $777.9 billion f.o.b. (2006 est.): machinery and equipment, oil and mineral fuels, plastics, optical and medical equipment, organic chemicals, iron and steel.
Major trading partners: U.S., Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Taiwan (2004).
Monetary unit: Yuan/Renminbi
POPULATION:- China is very concerned with its population of 1,321,851,888 with a growth rate of 0.6%. It has undertaken ‘Population and Family Planning Law’ in 2002, permitting one child per family with an intention to stabilize the population by the first half of the 21st century.
The Literacy rate: 86% (2003 est.)
Density per sq mi: 367
The Literacy rate: 86% (2003 est.)
Density per sq mi: 367
HEALTH:-
Birth rate: 13.71 births/1,000
Death rate:7.03 deaths/1,000
HIV/AIDS - deaths: 44,000 (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 22.1.1/1000
Life expectancy: 72.9;
Risk factors:
Food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
Vector borne diseases: Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria
Water contact disease: leptospirosis
Animal contact disease: rabies
Birth rate: 13.71 births/1,000
Death rate:7.03 deaths/1,000
HIV/AIDS - deaths: 44,000 (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 22.1.1/1000
Life expectancy: 72.9;
Risk factors:
Food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
Vector borne diseases: Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria
Water contact disease: leptospirosis
Animal contact disease: rabies
UNICEF:-UNICEF in China works to improve child education rates, infant and maternal mortality rates, HIV awareness. UNICEF has gained a huge success in abolition of polio, and measles. 84% of the population already has immunized of Hepatitis B. For HIV, a program called National AIDS Control and Prevention Plan for 2006–2010 is introduced to prevent mother to child generation. Again online campaign on AIDS, reaches 30 million inhabitants through internet. School fees are cut off, 105 pilot schools are set up, to broaden the scope of child education. For girls’ education, UNICEF has introduced several education plans. As a result school enrolment has increased by 50%. The Chinese Ministry of Water Resources initiates 10 year program to supply pure drinking water.
LANGUAGES:- Standard Chinese (Mandarin/Putonghua) is official majority language. Among other dialects there are Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages.
CITIES:-The capital city is Beijing.
Other important cities are:- Shanghai, Tianjin ,Wuhan, Shenyang (Mukden), Guangzhou,; Haerbin,; Xian,; Chungking (Chongquing); Chengdu; Hong Kong (Xianggang).
Other important cities are:- Shanghai, Tianjin ,Wuhan, Shenyang (Mukden), Guangzhou,; Haerbin,; Xian,; Chungking (Chongquing); Chengdu; Hong Kong (Xianggang).
TRANSPORTATION:-
Railways: total: 71,898 (2002).
Highways: total: 1,870,661 km;
Waterways: 123,964 km (2003).
Ports and harbors: Dalian, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai.
Airports: 486
Railways: total: 71,898 (2002).
Highways: total: 1,870,661 km;
Waterways: 123,964 km (2003).
Ports and harbors: Dalian, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai.
Airports: 486
RACE:-
Han Chinese 91.9%
Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu, Mongol, Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities 8.1%
Han Chinese 91.9%
Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu, Mongol, Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities 8.1%
RELIGION:-
Atheist(official).
Daoist (Taoist)
Buddhist
Christian 3%–4%
Muslim 1%–2%
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Atheist(official).
Daoist (Taoist)
Buddhist
Christian 3%–4%
Muslim 1%–2%
Chile
Republic of Chile is located in the South America, occupying total 756,950 sq km are of the earth(land: 748,800 sq km, water: 8,150 sq km).The country is spanning through Andes mountain to the Pacific ocean. It is bordered by Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage to southern point. It does not share a border with Brazil. Santiago, the capital city is situated at the point of 33 27 S, 70 40 W.
HISTORY:- Incas reigned the Southern part and the nomadic Araucanos reigned the northern part of the country. Pedro de Valdivia won the region and founded the city of Santiago on 12th February, 1541.In 1683, slavery was abolished. Napoleon's brother Joseph was crowned in 1808. A national junta.in 1810,tried to set up autonomous republic within the Spanish empire.The struggle for independence started and continued for a prolonged period.In 1817, Bernardo O'Higgins and José de San Martín defeated the royalists and in 1818, Chile was announced independent.
GEOGRAPHY:-The country is geographically located at 30 00 S, 71 00 W. In the northern part of the country there is desert. The central part is composed of a fecund valley. The eastern border is bounded by the Andes Mountains. There are volcanoes and lakes in the South. And the coastline is low, rugged, uneven and complex. The Coastline is spanned through 6,435 km. Earthquakes, active volcanoes and tsunamis cause natural hazards. The highest point is Nevado Ojos del Salado (6,880 m), while the lowest point is Pacific Ocean (0 m).
CLIMATE:-Chilean climate is mainly temperate. But in the northern part, climate is mostly desert and arid, while mediterranean climate can be seen in central zone, and cool and dump climate can be found in the southern region.
GOVERNMENT:-Chile is democratic republic country. The constitution has been written on 11th September , 1980,but imposed on 11th March 1981.The constitution has gone through several amendments in 1989, 1991, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, and 2005.The national government is formed of three branches:-
1. Executive:-This branch consists of the chief of state and government (the President) and cabinet.
2. Legislative:-Legislative branch is formed of bicameral National Congress:
Senate (38 seats)
The Chamber of Deputies (120 seats)
3.Judicial:-The judicial branch is composed of Supreme Court, Constitutional Tribunal, court of appeals, and military courts.
GOVERNMENT:-Chile is democratic republic country. The constitution has been written on 11th September , 1980,but imposed on 11th March 1981.The constitution has gone through several amendments in 1989, 1991, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2003, and 2005.The national government is formed of three branches:-
1. Executive:-This branch consists of the chief of state and government (the President) and cabinet.
2. Legislative:-Legislative branch is formed of bicameral National Congress:
Senate (38 seats)
The Chamber of Deputies (120 seats)
3.Judicial:-The judicial branch is composed of Supreme Court, Constitutional Tribunal, court of appeals, and military courts.
Prominent political parties can be grouped into two major groups:
1. The center-left "Concertacion" in which the Christian Democrat Party, the Socialist Party, the Party for Democracy, and the Radical Social Democratic Party are included.
2. The center-right "Alliance for Chile", in which the National Renewal Party and the Independent Democratic Union are included.
"Together We Can" coalition in 2004 is formed by the coalition of The Communist Party with the Humanistic Party and some other parties.
Voting rights are universal above 18 and to all foreigners, who have been living legally for 5 years.
President Michelle BACHELET Jeria
Minister of Interior Edmundo Perez Yoma
Minister of Foreign Affairs Alejandro FOXLEY Rioseco
Ambassador to the United States Mariano Fernández
Ambassador to the Organization of American States Pedro OYARCE Yuraszeck
Ambassador to the United Nations Heraldo Munoz valenzuela
Minister of Interior Edmundo Perez Yoma
Minister of Foreign Affairs Alejandro FOXLEY Rioseco
Ambassador to the United States Mariano Fernández
Ambassador to the Organization of American States Pedro OYARCE Yuraszeck
Ambassador to the United Nations Heraldo Munoz valenzuela
STATES:-Chile is composed of 15 regions(headed by 15 intendant).These regions are divided into several provinces (each headed by own provincial governor), each of which are decomposed into various communes(governed by municipalities).
CULTURE:-The culture of Chile was earlier influenced by Inca dynasty, followed by the Spanish and Other European power mainly English, French, and German in 19th century. The Cueca is the national dance. The most popular genre of song is tonada.
Chile is called the country of poets. Gabriela Mistral is the winner of Nobel Prize for Literature in 1945.The most famous poet, Pablo Neruda, also won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971.
Chile is called the country of poets. Gabriela Mistral is the winner of Nobel Prize for Literature in 1945.The most famous poet, Pablo Neruda, also won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971.
HEALTH:-
Birth rate: 14.82 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate: 5.77 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2005): 668
HIV/AIDS - deaths: 1,400 (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 7.9 deaths/1,000 live births
Risk Factors:-
Anaemia
Child malnutrition
Access to water, sanitation
Undernutrition and overweight
Alcohol, tobacco consumption
Birth rate: 14.82 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate: 5.77 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2005): 668
HIV/AIDS - deaths: 1,400 (2003 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 7.9 deaths/1,000 live births
Risk Factors:-
Anaemia
Child malnutrition
Access to water, sanitation
Undernutrition and overweight
Alcohol, tobacco consumption
UNICEF:-The social problem, Chile is mainly facing, is inequality between rich and poor. UNICEF is mainly working for this, in addition to increase school enrolment , shorten infant mortality rates. The programme ‘Chile Crece Contigo’ is launched to brighten the awareness on education, maternity care, child abuse, domestic violence and sexual exploitation. The Ministry of Education has helped UNICEF to return 1,300 children to school. In 2005 17 new Rights Protection Offices have been set up to advocate children at the local level.
ECONOMY:-From the year 1997 the economy of Chile began to fall down after eye witnessing vast growth in economy in the past years which again seemed to be bounced back since 2003. OECD has offered Chile to join an official member.
GDP/PPP (2006 est.): $202.7 billion; per capita $12,700.
Real growth rate: 4.2%.
Inflation: 2.6%.
Unemployment: 7.8%.
Arable land: 3%.
Agriculture: grapes, apples, pears, onions, wheat, corn, oats, peaches, garlic, asparagus, beans; beef, poultry, wool; fish; timber.
Labor force: 6.3 million; agriculture 13.6%, industry 23.4%, services 63% (2003).
Industries: copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles.
Natural resources: copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum, hydropower.
Exports: $58.21 billion f.o.b. (2006 est.): copper, fruit, fish products, paper and pulp, chemicals, wine.
Imports: $35.37 billion f.o.b. (2006 est.): petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, electrical and telecommunications equipment, industrial machinery, vehicles, natural gas.
Major trading partners: U.S., Japan, China, South Korea, Netherlands, Brazil, Italy, Mexico, Argentina (2004).
Monetary unit: Chilean Peso
POPULATION:- The total population is 16,284,741 with a growth rate of0.9%.
Density per sq mi: 56
Literacy rate: 96% (2003 est.)
Density per sq mi: 56
Literacy rate: 96% (2003 est.)
CITIES:- Santiago is the capital city and largest city as well. Other important and large cities are Viña del Mar-Valparaíso, Antofagasta, Talcahuano, Temuco, Concepción etc.
RACE:-
White and white-Amerindian 95%
Amerindian 3%
Other 2%
White and white-Amerindian 95%
Amerindian 3%
Other 2%
RELIGION:-
Roman Catholic 89%
Protestant 11%,
Roman Catholic 89%
Protestant 11%,
LANGUAGES:- Spanish is official language. There are some other languages like Mapudungun, Quechua, Rapa Nui, Huilliche, Aimará, Kawésqar and Yámana.Some of them are extinct or about to be extinct.
TRANSPORTATION:-
Railways: total: 6,585 km (2005).
Highways: total: 79,605 km
Waterways: 725 km.
Ports and harbors: Antofagasta, Arica, Huasco, Iquique, Lirquen, San Antonio, San Vicente, Valparaiso.
Airports: 36
Railways: total: 6,585 km (2005).
Highways: total: 79,605 km
Waterways: 725 km.
Ports and harbors: Antofagasta, Arica, Huasco, Iquique, Lirquen, San Antonio, San Vicente, Valparaiso.
Airports: 36
Canada
Canada is situated in North America, capturing most of the northern part of it.It is the 2nd largest country in the world.The land occupies 9,984,670 sq km area in the surface of the world,in which land is 9,093,507 sq km and water is 891,163 sq km.The capital city is Ottawa(45 25 N, 75 42 W).The country is divided into 6 time zones.The country is bounded by the North Atlantic Ocean in the east and the North Pacific Ocean in the west and the Arctic Ocean in the north.It shares its border with United States to the south and northwest.
In the survey of Human Development Index in United Nations Development Programme Canada is ranked 4th.In Globalization Index 2006 by Foreign Policy Magazine Canada is ranked 6th.In The World in 2005 - Worldwide quality-of-life index, 2005 and in the Global Peace Index by The Economist the country is ranked 14th and 8th respectively.
HISTORY:-The first peoples inhabited in the region of North America. Much later England in 1497 and France in 1534 explored the land. In 1603 and 1610,colonies had been set up by the French and British respectively.The Constitutional Act of 1791 divided the land into French-speaking Lower Canada and English-speaking Upper Canada,with their own elected legislation. The Act of Union (1840) collaborated Canadas into a United Province of Canada and Responsible government was set up in 1849.The Constitution Act, 1867 had declared Canada as a free country on 1st july.The country was engaged in the World Was I in 1914. Canada joined the League of Nations in 1919. Finally the country had been declared independent on 11th December 1931 by the the Statute of Westminster.
CULTURE:- British, French, American and Aboriginal cultures influenced a great deal to form Canadian culture of present days.The numerous government programs like Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) have influenced its culture too.