Operations Manual Part C Page: Section: 3 Revision. 0 … · · 2010-07-09d Operation of...

Operations Manual Part C

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Page: 1 Section: 3 Revision. 0 Date: 17/06/2008

3.0 Contents

3.0 Contents ...................................................................................................................................................................1

3.1 NORTH ATLANTIC BRIEF .................................................................................................................................3

3.2 FORMER USSR – PROCEDURES FOR FLIGHTS AS FAR EAST AS MOSCOW ......................................3

3.2.1 ALTIMETRY..................................................................................................................................................3 3.2.2 AIRWAY MANUAL AERODROME PLATES GIVE : ................................................................................3 3.2.3 CRUISING LEVELS (ONLY VALID FOR THE FORMER USSR):-...........................................................3 3.2.4 METRIC UNITS.............................................................................................................................................4 3.2.5 APPROX. CONVERSIONS: ..........................................................................................................................4 3.2.6 SPEED AND RATE OF DESCENT RESTRICTIONS..................................................................................4 3.2.7 BORDER CROSSING ....................................................................................................................................4 3.2.8 REQUEST FOR FLYING CONDITIONS .....................................................................................................4 3.2.9 AIR TRAFFIC INCIDENTS FORMER USSR AIRSPACE...........................................................................4 3.2.10 FLIGHT GUIDE SUPPLEMENT...................................................................................................................4

3.3 AFRICA ...................................................................................................................................................................5

3.3.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................5 3.3.2 Routes and Communications ...........................................................................................................................6 3.3.3 In-Flight Broadcast Procedure (IFBP).............................................................................................................6 3.3.3.1 Listening watch................................................................................................................................................6 3.3.3.2 Time of broadcast............................................................................................................................................6 3.3.4 OPERATING PROCEDURES .......................................................................................................................7 3.3.5 The (IFBP) in Africa .......................................................................................................................................8 3.3.5.1 Designated frequency in Africa .......................................................................................................................8 3.3.6 IFBP – AREA OF APPLICABILITY – AFRICA REGION...........................................................................8 3.3.7 Enforcement ....................................................................................................................................................8 3.3.8 Example of a broadcast: ..................................................................................................................................8 3.3.9 Terrain and Weather........................................................................................................................................9 3.3.10 HEALTH ISSUES.........................................................................................................................................10 3.3.10.1 Malaria ..........................................................................................................................................................10 3.3.10.2 Yellow Fever .................................................................................................................................................12 3.3.11 Countries Information’s.................................................................................................................................15 3.3.11.1 BURKINA FASO..........................................................................................................................................15 3.3.11.2 CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC ..............................................................................................................19 3.3.11.3 CHAD............................................................................................................................................................23 3.3.11.4 REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO......................................................................................................................28 3.3.11.7 GUINEA........................................................................................................................................................42 3.3.11.8 LIBYA...........................................................................................................................................................46 3.3.11.9 MALI.............................................................................................................................................................51 3.3.11.10 MOROCCO...................................................................................................................................................55 3.3.11.11 NIGER...........................................................................................................................................................60 3.3.11.12 NIGERIA ......................................................................................................................................................64 3.3.11.13 TUNISA ........................................................................................................................................................69 3.3.11.14 CAMEROON ................................................................................................................................................74



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INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK


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3.1 NORTH ATLANTIC BRIEF Refer to OM Part D Appendix E North Atlantic (MNPS)

3.2 FORMER USSR – PROCEDURES FOR FLIGHTS AS FAR EAST AS MOSCOW 3.2.1 ALTIMETRY • At or above TL :FL in metres (see CRUISING LEVELS below)

• At or above trans HT :HT in metres (i.e. QFE)

QNH available on request. It may be included on the ATIS (e.g. Moscow) and on HF broadcasts. 3.2.2 AIRWAY MANUAL AERODROME PLATES GIVE : 1. HT in feet and metres (QFE) 2. Equivalent altitude in ft (QNH) 3. FL in feet and metres (1013.2). 4. Trans HT and a derived Trans Alt.

Note:- Altimeter over reads in low temperature by 4% for each 10ºC less than ISA.

3.2.3 CRUISING LEVELS (ONLY VALID FOR THE FORMER USSR):-

000º to 179º TRUE 180º to 359º TRUE

METRES FEET METRES FEET 12100 39700 13100 4300 11100 36400 11600 38100 10100 33100 10600 34800 9100 29900 9600 31500 8100 26600 8600 28200 7500 24600 7800 25600 6900 22600 7200 23600 6300 20700 6600 21700 5700 18700 6000 19700 5100 16700 5400 17700 4500 14800 4800 15700 3900 12800 4200 13800 3300 10800 3600 11800 2700 8900 3000 9800 2100 6900 2400 7900 1500 4900 1800 5900 900 3000 1200 3900



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3.2.4 METRIC UNITS

• Height ,Elevation and FL:- metres. • Surface wind:- metres per sec. • Speed & Upper wine:-Kph • Cloud:- tenths or octas • Distance :- Km & metres • QFE: (mm Hg) Mb to foreign operators. 3.2.5 APPROX. CONVERSIONS:

• SPEED (Km/hr) /2 =knots • WIND (m/sec) x2 =knots • Rate of climb(ROC)/Rate of descent(ROD) (M/SEC) x200 =ft/min See conversion tables in Om part B and Jeppesen manual. Conversions should be crossed checked by Both pilots. 3.2.6 SPEED AND RATE OF DESCENT RESTRICTIONS

• Below 3000M/FL98: Maximum IAS 270kt (500kph) • To transition level: max ROD 3000 fpm (15mps) 3.2.7 BORDER CROSSING FINLAND/RUSSIA boundary – Clearance in co-ordinated by TAMPERE/St. PETERSBURG – change cruising level system when instructed by ATC. SWEDEN/ESTONIA boundary – Clearance is co-ordinated by MALMO/RIGA controls – change cruising level system at KOLJA after receiving clearance from Swedish ATC. POLAND/LITHUANIA boundary – Clearance co-ordinated by WARSAW/VILNYUS controls – change cruising level when instructed by ATC. In general do not enter former USSR airspace without clearance. Call ahead to ATC 80 to 110nm from the FIR boundary requesting clearance, giving position, flight level and boundary ETA. 3.2.8 REQUEST FOR FLYING CONDITIONS

Give flying over/in/below cloud plus wind and ground speed in Kph.

3.2.9 AIR TRAFFIC INCIDENTS FORMER USSR AIRSPACE Crews should be aware that the authorities retain tape recordings of ATC communications for only 3 days. It is therefore important that crews submitting a Flight Crew Report which may justify a request to review RTF recordings should additionally complete an AIRMISS/AIR TRAFFIC INCIDENT report form. This form should be handed to the station staff at the next aerodrome of landing who have been briefed to take appropriate action. 3.2.10 FLIGHT GUIDE SUPPLEMENT The supplement has details of Radio Comms Failure Procedures, refer to Jeppesen route manual. Section emergency, sub para 6.


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3.3 AFRICA 3.3.1 General African countries may have controversial situations within the country, or with other African countries. Because of this, state borders and/or FIR’s might be closed, or an over flying permit may be required. Countries, for which an over flying permit is required, are, amongst others: Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan and Tanzania.



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3.3.2 Routes and Communications

En-route navigation aids have improved in quality. Be aware of the fact, that most routes over Africa are of the ‘advisory type’ and communications are mostly conducted via HF. Controllers do not give clearances on these routes, but should give information about known traffic. It is important to adhere strictly to airways and reporting points because of the absence of radar coverage in most FIRs

3.3.3 In-Flight Broadcast Procedure (IFBP) 3.3.3.1 Listening watch Flight crew will maintain a listening watch on (126.9 MHZ) for 10 minutes before entering the designated airspace until leaving this airspace. For an aeroplane taking off from an aerodrome located within the lateral limits of the designated airspace. Listening watch should start as soon as appropriate and be maintained until leaving the airspace.

3.3.3.2 Time of broadcast A broadcast should be made in English: • 10 minutes before entering the designated airspace or, for a pilot taking off from an aerodrome located

within the lateral limits of the designated airspace, as soon as appropriate; • 5 minutes prior to crossing a reporting point; • 5 minutes prior to crossing or joining an ATS route; • at 20 minutes intervals between distant reporting points; • 2 to 5 minutes, where possible, before a change in flight level; • At the time of a change in flight level; and • At any other time considered necessary by the pilot.


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3.3.4 OPERATING PROCEDURES a Changes of Cruising level

• Cruising level change should not be made within the designated airspace unless considered necessary by pilots to avoid traffic conflicts, for weather avoidance, or for other valid operational reasons;

• When cruising level changes are unavoidable, all available aeroplane lighting which would improve the visual detection of the aeroplane should be displayed while changing levels.

b Collision Avoidance If, on receipt a traffic information broadcast from another aeroplane, a pilot decides that immediate action is necessary to avoid an imminent collision risk to his aeroplane, and this cannot be achieved in accordance with the right-of-way provisions of ICAO Annex 2, he should: • unless an alternative manoeuvre appears more appropriate descend immediately 1000 ft

if above FL 290 or 500 ft if at or below FL290; • display all available aeroplane lighting which would improve the visual detection of the

aeroplane; • as soon as possible reply to the broadcast advising action being taken; • notify the action taken on the appropriate ATS frequency; and • as soon as situation has been rectified, resume normal flight level, notifying the action on

the appropriate ATS frequency c Normal Positioning Reporting Procedures

Normal positioning reporting procedures should be continued at all times, regardless of any action take to initiate or acknowledge a traffic information broadcast.

d Operation of Transponder

Pilots should ensure that transponder procedures as contained in ICAO PANS OPS doc. 8168 are complied with and in the absence of other directions from ATC, operate the transponder on Mode A and C Code 2000 unless required by ATC (Tunis, sometimes Abidjan), over flying Kano and Lagos FIRs requires a great attention and a constant watch on 126,9 MHz, as stated in the Jeppesen manual, since the place is crowded and the HF and VHF radio service is very poor. It is not a real problem to deviate from an airway because of weather, provided airmen keep in mind to inform ATC by all means, or if no contact established, warn other traffics by broadcasting on 126,9 MHz. It is also common practice to request radio relays .

NOTE: Pilots are advised to ensure operation of transponders even when outside radar coverage in

order to enable TCAS equipped airplanes to identify conflicting traffics.

e Use of TCAS TCAS equipped airplanes should have TA/RA mode selected at maximum range.



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3.3.5 The (IFBP) in Africa In many FIRs in the Africa region communications both fixed and mobile have either not been implemented or operate will below the required reliability. This has an impact on the proper provision of Air Traffic Services, especially flight information service. Consequently, the Africa regional Technical Conference has decided that the IFBP should be used within designated FIRs in the region as an interim measure until such time as communications facilities affecting the FIR in question have been improved. 3.3.5.1 Designated frequency in Africa In the Africa region the designated frequency for the IFBP is 126.9 MHz

3.3.6 IFBP – AREA OF APPLICABILITY – AFRICA REGION

In the Africa region the IFBP should be applied in the following FIRs: Accra Dakar Lilongwe Niamey Addis Ababa Dar Es Salaam Luanda Roberts Alger Entebbe Lusaka Tripoli Antananarivo Kano Mauritius Tunis Beira Khartoum Mogadishu Brazzaville Kigali N’Djamena Bujumbura Kinshasa Nairobi

The In-flight Broadcast Procedure will not be applied in the following Firs:

Bloemfontein Casablanca Harare Sal Oceanic Canaries Dakar Oceanic Johannesburg Windhoek Cape Town Durban Port Elizabeth

3.3.7 Enforcement All airlines operating in Africa region are requested to:

• ensure that their air crews are fully briefed on the procedure and area of application; • ensure that their charts and flight documentation are fully amended to reflect the foregoing. Attention is drawn to the fact that during the Haj Pilgrimage period the number of east-west flights in the North-Central part of the Africa region increases dramatically and with it the risk of ATS incidents and the importance of the In-Flight Broadcast Procedure. 3.3.8 Example of a broadcast:

a “ALL STATIONS” given only once to attract attention; b “This is Gain Jet” (call-sign); c “FL…….”; d “NORTH EASTBOUND LAGOS-ROME VIA UA……”; e “POSITION……..AT……..(UTC)”; f “ESTIMATING POSITION……..AT…….(UTC)”; g “Gain Jet…………….” (call sign);


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3.3.9 Terrain and Weather High Terrain en-route may be of interest in combination with an emergency descent. There is no high terrain until approximately 100nm north of Nairobi. On a clear day, Mount Kenya (17000 feet) and Mount KilimanEUo (19300 feet) may be visible from quite a distance. The weather conditions over East Africa are strongly influenced by the position of the Inter Tropical Front (ITF). Best conditions occur during the Northern hemisphere winter. The en-route weather generally offers no problem on the northern part of the routes. Strong westerly winds may be encountered over the Mediterranean, becoming most pronounced over the North African coast. A westerly jet stream might persist above FL 200 up to about 20 degrees north. Further south, routes are under the influence of the subtropical belts, where the position of the ITF and its ITCZ (Inter Tropical Convergence Zone) dominates the weather conditions. This ITCZ moves with the ITF to the north in summer and to the south in winter. Most northerly limit of the ITF is 20N in August and most southerly limit is 5N in February. Thunderstorms and dust storms are associated with the movement of the ITF. The area north of the ITF is generally cloudless apart from some medium or high clouds. The only significant weather features are the dust storms. The ITCZ comprises three zones: from north to south areas with increasing thunderstorms activity with extensive rain for periods up to 12 – 24 hours, particular at the African West Coast (Monsoon Rain). In March the bad weather season starts, as the ITF proceeds from Kenya northwards. It reaches Khartoum around mid summer and moves further up to 20 degrees north by the end of July In September the ITF moves south again, across the Sudan and Kenya, with rain showers in October. Extended rainfall occurs in Kenya during March, April, May and June. Cairo HF, Nairobi Center on VHF/H.F. will obtain weather as required for Nairobi, KilimanEUo, Mombassa and Dar Es Salaam .

Winter means dry season North of the equator accompanied with dry mist, low visibilities mostly caused by sand or dust storms, ground temperatures might rise up to 40° Celsius.

The intertropical front, moving southbound at this time of the year induces a lot of squall lines which can be very active. Do not hesitate to circumnavigate , the cumulonimbuses whose tops can reach up to 55000 feet, for that reason, carrying extra fuel has been proven to be a good idea. In general, always be cautious when approaching an airport, since some traffics do not always respect the clearances, flight path or altitudes



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3.3.10 HEALTH ISSUES 3.3.10.1 Malaria Prevention:

• Chloroquine is the drug of choice in areas where there is no resistance to this drug. • In areas of chloroquine resistance, mefloquine (Lariam), atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone), and

doxycycline are equally effective drugs of choice. • In practice, atovoquone/proguanil {Malarone) may be preferable to mefloquine or doxycycline for short-

term travelers (less than 2 to 3 weeks), due to the ability to stop the drug just 7 days after leaving the malarious area. Longer courses of Malarone appear safe but are costly.

• Mefloquine, if tolerated, is preferable for long-term travelers due to lower cost and the fact that the drug is taken only once a week (rather than daily).

The best drug for you depends on your itinerary and on a number of personal factors that should be discussed between you and your health care provider. Antimalarial drugs may not be available in this country, and travelers staying longer than 1 month should consider carrying a treatment dose of atovaquone/proguanil or quinine in case their protective medicines fail. Because no malaria drug is 100% effective, if you have traveled in an area of malaria risk, seek immediate medical attention for any fever or flu-like illness occurring within 3 months of your return home. Be sure to tell your health care provider your travel history.

General:

Malaria remains the most important infectious disease and most frequent infectious cause of death for persons traveling to countries in the tropics and subtropics. Even if your exposure will be brief, such as a 1-night stay in a malarious area, you should take protective measures. It is possible to contract malaria during brief stopovers at airports in malarious zones if health officials have not taken proper measures to rid the area of mosquitoes. Airports off the main international circuit are particularly suspect.

Malaria is an infection caused by a single-celled blood parasite that is transmitted through the bite of the Anopheles mosquito. Malaria occurs in many parts of the world, including Central and South America, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and islands of the South Pacific. The risk of malaria is highest between dusk and dawn, the time that Anopheles mosquitoes feed on humans.

There are 4 different species of malaria: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae. Of the 4 species, Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous and is the only one that can lead to death if not treated promptly.

Malaria is characterized by fever and flu-like symptoms that may come and go, including chills, sweats, headache, muscle aches, and/or a vague feeling of illness. Vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and cough may occur. There may be anemia and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes). Malaria symptoms can develop as early as 7 to 8 days after being exposed and as late as months or even years after leaving a malarious area when use of preventive drugs has been stopped. If falciparum malaria is not treated properly, it can proceed to shock, lung and kidney failure, coma, and death. While illness caused by P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae is not usually life-threatening, there may be serious health risks to very young or very old persons or to those with underlying illness. If malaria is left untreated, symptoms may recur intermittently for months or even years; prolonged symptoms also may occur in those who are partially immune to P. falciparum (that is, those who have been infected on numerous occasions)


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Disease Risk: The risk of getting malaria varies considerably according to your destination, itinerary, season, and style of travel. The highest risk of acquiring malaria is in Oceania followed in order by sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, South America, and Central America. In most parts of the world, malaria is a rural disease with minimal or no risk in urban areas. However, as a general rule, malaria risk occurs in both urban AND rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Malaria is less common at higher attitudes, during dry seasons, and among those who stay in air-conditioned and/or screened accommodations.

Most cases of imported falciparum malaria among travelers have been acquired in Africa south of the Sahara. For persons not using drugs to prevent malaria, the relative risk of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa is 1:50 (1 out of every 50 persons) per month of stay. Vivax malaria, on the other hand, is most often acquired in India where the risk is approximately 1:250 travelers (1 out of every 250 travelers) not using preventive drug

Preventive Therapy

Using preventive medications (chemoprophylaxis) in addition to personal protection measures against mosquito bites is an important safeguard for persons traveling to malarious areas. It should be remembered that no matter which medication is used to prevent malaria there is always the risk of potential side effects. However, the risk of antimalarial medications must always be weighed against the risk of severe and potentially fatal infection with Plasmodium falciparum. For those travelling to areas where chloroquine is still effective, this drug is recommended. For those travelling to areas of chloroquine-resistant malaria, there are 3 drugs that are considered to be equally effective for the prevention of P. falciparum malaria: atovaquone/proguanil, mefloquine, and doxycycline — each drug with different advantages and disadvantages, it is important to note that there is no consensus globally or even among physicians within one's own country as to the optimal drug to prevent malaria. For example, in some countries, notably the United Kingdom, unwarranted and exaggerated media reports concerning mefloquine have led to decreased usage. However, in North America it has remained an important drug for the prevention of malaria. Therefore, when confronted with conflicting views concerning your ant malarial drug, it is wise to smile politely and ignore the advice of fellow travelers and overseas health providers. Let your doctor know if you have any serious underlying health problems (such as kidney, heart, or liver disease, or allergies) so that such problems can be taken into consideration in the choice of an appropriate drug for malaria prevention. If you have a serious, unusual, or unexpected reaction after taking an ant malarial drug, seek medical attention promptly and indicate to your health care provider that you have taken such medication. An overdose of antimalarial drugs (particularly chloroquine) can be fatal. Medicine should be stored in childproof containers, out of children's reach.

Timing of Drug Malaria chemoprophylaxis should begin 1 week before traveling to risk areas—except for doxycycline, atovaquone/proguanil, and primaquine, which should begin 1 day before travel. A pre-travel dosage period allows the drug's concentration in the body's tissue to build up to an effective level and gives the physician time to evaluate any side effects. Antimalarials should be taken for as long as malaria risk occurs, in some cases months or even years. It is important to continue taking your antimalarial drugs for a period of time after you leave the risk area, if you have been taking chloroquine, chloroquine/proguanil, mefloquine, or doxycycline for malaria prevention, you must continue taking these drugs for 4 weeks after leaving the risk area. If you have been taking atovaquone/proguanil or primaquine, you must continue these drugs for 1 week after leaving the risk area.



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Self-Treatment: In general, most travelers will not need to carry standby self-treatment drugs when using an appropriate, recommended medication to prevent malaria. However, in rare situations where the traveler must use a less effective medication or may not have access to medical care within 48 hours of developing a fever while in a malarious area, it may be prudent to carry a drug for self-treatment. The treatment drug should not be the same as the prevention drug. Malarone is the drug of choice for self-treatment when it is not being used for prevention. Alternatives to Malarone for self-treatment include Fansidar or quinine plus doxycycline, depending on the travel itinerary. Fansidar, a combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine (a sulfonamide derivative), is useful only in the Indian subcontinent and certain areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Fansidar should not be taken by those who are allergic to sulfa drugs. Mefloquine is not routinely recommended for self-treatment because its side effects are much more common when the drug is used for treatment than when it is used to prevent malaria; seizures and/or psychosis occur in 1:100 to 1:1500 who use the drug for treatment. The adult self-treatment regimen of Malarone is 4 tablets taken orally once daily for 3 days; the regimen for Fansidar is 3 tablets taken orally all at one time. However, when self-treatment is administered, it is a temporary measure and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. 3.3.10.2 Yellow Fever

General: Yellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Thisdisease occurs in many countries in Africa and South America, and it is believed that the incidence of yellow fever is greatly underreported among local populations. The symptoms of the first stage of the disease appear 3 to 6 days after exposure and Include fever, nausea, vomiting, flushed face, constipation, stomach discomfort, headache, muscle pains (especially in the neck, back and legs), restlessness, and irritability. A remission period follows these symptoms, and mild cases of yellow fever end here. In severe cases, the fever drops at around 2 to 5 days after onset, and a remission of several hours or days follows. The fever recurs, but the pulse remains slow, and the patient develops the classic symptoms of yellow fever, including jaundice (yellowed skin and eyes) and black, coffee-ground type vomit. Disease Risk: For travellers to rural parts of yellow-fever risk areas, the risk of contracting infection is high, even if the country has not officially reported the disease and does not require evidence of immunization on entry. Primary Protection Measures Every traveller’s first line of defence is to take personal protective measures against mosquitoes. Even if you choose to be vaccinated, the vaccine is not always 100% effective. Further, depending on your itinerary, there may still be a risk of contracting other mosquito-borne illnesses. You should wear mosquito repellent containing DEET (30% concentration is generally adequate), and stay in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms. Reduce your amount of skin exposure when outdoors by wearing socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts. If you use a repellent containing DEET on children, do so with care - there is some evidence of a potential for neurological side effects associated with overdoses. If you will be travelling in rural areas, carry along a portable bednet, which you can buy at backpacking and army-navy surplus stores, and aerosol room insecticides to kill indoor mosquitoes. You can apply permethrin (a mosquito repellent/insecticide) to clothing and mosquito netting.


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Vaccination: The yellow fever vaccine is an attenuated, live-virus vaccine prepared in eggs. When required for entry by a country, a record of your immunization must be entered and validated in the specific section of the yellow International Certificate of Vaccination, and it is valid for 10 years. In order to satisfy a country's entry requirement, you must receive yellow fever immunization no less than 10 days and no more than 10 years prior to entry. There are different types of yellow fever entry requirements. While many countries have no requirements, others may require an International Certificate of Vaccination from travelers arriving from 1 or more of the following: • All countries • countries or areas that lie in the so-called endemic zone • infected countries • infected areas • countries that are maintained on a list and regarded as infected (although some may not actually be

infected, nor even lie in the endemic zone) Yellow fever requirements that target travelers coming from infected areas (as opposed to infected countries) can be particularly troublesome. Local health and customs officials in developing countries may have inaccurate or outdated information regarding areas of yellow fever infection in other countries and, consequently, may require proof of vaccination from all travelers arriving from infected countries. If you are caught in this situation and local health authorities attempt to administer the vaccine using potentially contaminated needles or syringes, you should make every possible protest against administration of the vaccine. One way to avoid such situations is to get the vaccine and have it documented in your International Certificate of Vaccination if you are traveling from a country with areas of yellow fever infection to one with a requirement, even though it may not technically be required, in most such cases, it is also a good way to protect against illness. Who Should Consider Vaccine: Because the disease risk is high and the vaccine is very safe, it is recommended this the immunization for travel outside the urban areas of countries where yellow fever risk exists, even if these countries do not officially report cases of the disease and do not require evidence of immunization on entry.

Traveller’s Diarrhea (Ecoli enteritis)



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Definition: An inflammation of the small intestine caused by Escherichia coil bacteria

Cause and Risk Factors The incubation period is 24 to 72 hours.In adults,the infection is usually not severe,but in children and infants, the infection frequently requires hospitalization, and in some cases is life threatening. Certain types of E coli infection (Africa Region) are associated with a disease characterized by destruction of the red blood cells. Risk factor and Precautions are:

• Untreated or contaminated water. Only bottled water that has been opened in front • of you, no ice (as it is normal tap water) and no glass should be used. The bottle • mouth should be wiped thoroughly before drinking. • Human to Human spread (hand shake -clean hands with "Seri Wipes") • Toilet in A/C, after use sterilize with (General toilet germ detergent)

Symptoms: • Diarrhea • Vomiting (although rare) • Loss of appetite • Abdominal pain

Treatment: Cases usually resolve themselves in 1 to 3 days, and no treatment is required. Antidiarrheal medication may delay the elimination of the organism from the digestive tract, and therefore may not be recommended. Rehydration with electrolyte solutions must be taken in order that dehydration from diarrhea does not occur. The illness usually runs its course without treatment in a few days


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3.3.11 Countries Information’s 3.3.11.1 BURKINA FASO

Introduction Burkina Faso

Background: Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) achieved independence from France in 1960. Repeated military coups during the 1970s and 1980s were followed by multiparty elections in the early 1990s. Burkina Faso's high population density and limited natural resources result in poor economic prospects for the majority of its citizens. Recent unrest in Cote d'Ivoire and northern Ghana has hindered the ability of several hundred thousand seasonal Burkinabe farm workers to find employment in neighbouring countries.

Geography Burkina Faso

Location: Western Africa, north of Ghana

Geographic

coordinates:

13 00 N, 2 00 W

Map references: Africa

Area: total: 274,200 sq km, land: 273,800 sq km ,water: 400 sq km

Area -

comparative:

slightly larger than Colorado

Land boundaries: total: 3,193 km border countries: Benin 306 km, Cote d'Ivoire 584 km, Ghana 549 km, Mali 1,000 km, Niger 628 km, Togo 126 km

Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)



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Maritime claims: none (landlocked)

Climate: tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summers

Terrain: mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in west and southeast

Elevation

extremes:

lowest point: Mouhoun (Black Volta) River 200 m highest point: Tena Kourou 749 m

Natural

resources:

manganese, limestone, marble; small deposits of gold, phosphates, pumice, salt

Land use: arable land: 14.43% permanent crops: 0.19% other: 85.38% (2001)

Irrigated land: 250 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards: recurring droughts

Environment -

current issues:

recent droughts and desertification severely affecting agricultural activities, population distribution, and the economy; overgrazing; soil degradation; deforestation

Environment -

international

agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note: landlocked savanna cut by the three principal rivers of the Black, Red, and White Voltas

People Burkina Faso

Population: 13,925,313 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2005 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 46% (male 3,213,436/female 3,193,253) 15-64 years: 51.2% (male 3,487,201/female 3,635,673) 65 years and over: 2.8% (male 164,418/female 231,332) (2005 est.)

Median age: total: 16.82 years male: 16.43 years female: 17.22 years (2005 est.)

Population

growth rate:

2.53% (2005 est.)

Birth rate: 44.17 births/1,000 population (2005 est.)

Death rate: 18.86 deaths/1,000 population (2005 est.)

Net migration

rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2005 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Infant mortality total: 97.57 deaths/1,000 live births


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rate: male: 105.55 deaths/1,000 live births female: 89.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2005 est.)

Life expectancy at

birth:

total population: 43.92 years male: 42.19 years - female: 45.7 years (2005 est.)

Total fertility rate: 6.23 children born/woman (2005 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult

prevalence rate:

4.2% (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people

living with

HIV/AIDS:

300,000 (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths: 29,000 (2003 est.)

Major infectious

diseases:

degree of risk: very high food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne disease: malaria is a high risk in some locations water contact disease: schistosomiasis respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis (2004)

Nationality: noun: Burkinabe (singular and plural) ,adjective: Burkinabe

Ethnic groups: Mossi over 40%, Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, Fulani

Religions: indigenous beliefs 40%, Muslim 50%, Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) 10%

Languages: French (official), native African languages belonging to Sudanic family spoken by 90% of the population

Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write ,total population: 26.6% ,male: 36.9% female: 16.6% (2003 est.)

Government Burkina Faso

Country name: conventional long form: none ,conventional short form: Burkina Faso former: Upper Volta, Republic of Upper Volta

Government type: parliamentary republic

Capital: Ouagadougou

Administrative

divisions:

45 provinces; Bale, Bam, Banwa, Bazega, Bougouriba, Boulgou, Boulkiemde, Comoe, Ganzourgou, Gnagna, Gourma, Houet, Ioba, Kadiogo, Kenedougou, KomondEUi, Kompienga, Kossi, Koulpelogo, Kouritenga, Kourweogo, Leraba, Loroum, Mouhoun, Namentenga, Nahouri, Nayala, Noumbiel, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore, Poni, Sanguie, Sanmatenga, Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa, Tuy, Yagha, Yatenga, Ziro, Zondoma, Zoundweogo

Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law

Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellow five-pointed star in the center; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia



AREA BRIEFING

Economy Burkina Faso

Economy -

overview:

One of the poorest countries in the world, landlocked Burkina Faso has few natural resources and a weak industrial base. About 90% of the population is engaged in subsistence agriculture, which is vulnerable to harsh climatic conditions. Cotton is the key crop and the government has joined with other cotton producing countries in the region to lobby for improved access to Western markets. GDP growth has largely been driven by increases in world cotton prices. Industry remains dominated by unprofitable government-controlled corporations. Following the African franc currency devaluation in January 1994 the government updated its development program in conjunction with international agencies; exports and economic growth have increased. The government devolved macroeconomic policy and inflation targeting to the West African regional central bank (BCEAO), but maintains control over microeconomic policies, including reducing the trade deficit and implementing reforms to encourage private investment. The bitter internal crisis in neighboring Cote d'Ivoire continues to hurt trade and industrial prospects and deepens the need for international assistance.

Currency code: XOF

Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003), 696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000)

Communications Burkina Faso

Internet country

code:

.bf

Internet hosts: 442 (2003)

Internet Service

Providers (ISPs):

1 (2002)

Transportation Burkina Faso

Railways: total: 622 km narrow gauge: 622 km 1.000-m gauge note:: another 660 km of this railway extends into Cote D'Ivoire (2003)

Highways: total: 12,506 km paved: 2,001 km unpaved: 10,505 km (1999)

Airports: 33 (2004 est.)

Airports - with

paved runways:

total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2004 est.)


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3.3.11.2 CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

Introduction Central African Republic

Background: The former French colony of Ubangi-Shari became the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. After three tumultuous decades of misrule - mostly by military governments - civilian rule was established in 1993 and lasted for one decade. President Ange-Felix PATASSE's civilian government was plagued by unrest, and in March 2003 he was deposed in a military coup led by General Francois BOZIZE, who has since established a transitional government. Though the government has the tacit support of civil society groups and the main parties, a wide field of affiliated and independent candidates will contest the municipal, legislative, and presidential elections scheduled for February 2005. The government still does not fully control the countryside, where pockets of lawlessness persist.

Geography Central African Republic

Location: Central Africa, north of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Geographic

coordinates:

7 00 N, 21 00 E


Area: total: 622,984 sq km land: 622,984 sq km water: 0 sq km

Area -

comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries: total: 5,203 km border countries: Cameroon 797 km, Chad 1,197 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,577 km, Republic of the Congo 467 km, Sudan 1,165 km





AREA BRIEFING

Climate: tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summers

Terrain: vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau; scattered hills in northeast and southwest

Elevation

extremes:

lowest point: Oubangui River 335 m highest point: Mont Ngaoui 1,420 m

Natural

resources:

diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil, hydropower


Irrigated land: NA sq km

Natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas; floods are common

Environment -

current issues:

tap water is not potable; poaching has diminished the country's reputation as one of the last great wildlife refuges; desertification; deforestation

Environment -

international

agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 94 signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note: landlocked; almost the precise center of Africa

People Central African Republic


Age structure: 0-14 years: 42.5% (male 813,596/female 802,728) 15-64 years: 54% (male 1,010,696/female 1,041,903) 65 years and over: 3.4% (male 54,345/female 76,629) (2005 est.)

Median age: total: 18.12 years ,male: 17.75 years ,female: 18.5 years (2005 est.)

Population

growth rate:

1.49% (2005 est.)



Net migration

rate:


Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female ,under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female ,65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Infant mortality

rate:

total: 91 deaths/1,000 live births male: 97.84 deaths/1,000 live births female: 83.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2005 est.)

Life expectancy at

birth:

total population: 41.01 years male: 39.21 years female: 42.86 years (2005 est.)


HIV/AIDS - adult 13.5% (2003 est.)


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prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people

living with

HIV/AIDS:

260,000 (2003 est.)


Major infectious

diseases:

degree of risk: very high food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne disease: malaria respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis (2004)

Nationality: noun: Central African(s) adjective: Central African

Ethnic groups: Baya 33%, Banda 27%, Mandjia 13%, Sara 10%, Mboum 7%, M'Baka 4%, Yakoma 4%, other 2%

Religions: indigenous beliefs 35%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim 15% note: animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the Christian majority

Languages: French (official), Sangho (lingua franca and national language), tribal languages

Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 51% male: 63.3% female: 39.9% (2003 est.)

Government Central African Republic

Country name: conventional long form: Central African Republic conventional short form: none local long form: Republique Centrafricaine local short form: none former: Ubangi-Shari, Central African Empire ,abbreviation: CAR

Government type: republic

Capital: Bangui

Administrative

divisions:

14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture), 2 economic prefectures* (prefectures economiques, singular - prefecture economique), and 1 commune**; Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui**, Basse-Kotto, Haute-Kotto, Haut-Mbomou, Kemo, Lobaye, Mambere-Kadei, Mbomou, Nana-Grebizi*, Nana-Mambere, Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha-Mbaere*, Vakaga

Legal system: based on French law

Flag description: four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow with a vertical red band in center; there is a yellow five-pointed star on the hoist side of the blue band



AREA BRIEFING

Economy Central African Republic

Economy -

overview:

Subsistence agriculture, together with forestry, remains the backbone of the economy of the Central African Republic (CAR), with more than 70% of the population living in outlying areas. The agricultural sector generates half of GDP. Timber has accounted for about 16% of export earnings and the diamond industry, for 54%. Important constraints to economic development include the CAR's landlocked position, a poor transportation system, a largely unskilled work force, and a legacy of misdirected macroeconomic policies. Factional fighting between the government and its opponents remains a drag on economic revitalization, with GDP growth at only 0.5% in 2004. Distribution of income is extraordinarily unequal. Grants from France and the international community can only partially meet humanitarian needs.

Agriculture -

products:

cotton, coffee, tobacco, manioc (tapioca), yams, millet, corn, bananas; timber

Industries: gold and diamond mining, logging, brewing, textiles, footwear, assembly of bicycles and motorcycles

Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible authority is the Bank of the Central African States

Currency code: XAF

Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar - 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003), 696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000)

Communications Central African Republic

Telephone system: general assessment: fair system domestic: network consists principally of microwave radio relay and low-capacity, low-powered radiotelephone communication international: country code - 236; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Internet country code: .cf


Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2002)

Internet users: 5,000 (2002)

Transportation Central African Republic

Highways: total: 23,810 km paved: 643 km unpaved: 23,167 km (1999 est.)

Waterways: 2,800 km (primarily on the Oubangui and Sangha rivers) (2004)

Ports and harbours: Bangui, Nola, Salo, Nzinga


Airports - with paved runways: total: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2004 est.)


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3.3.11.3 CHAD

Introduction Chad

Background: Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, endured three decades of civil warfare as well as invasions by Libya before a semblance of peace was finally restored in 1990. The government eventually suppressed or came to terms with most political-military groups, settled a territorial dispute with Libya on terms favorable to Chad, drafted a democratic constitution, and held multiparty presidential elections in 1996 and 1997. In 1998, a new rebellion broke out in northern Chad, which sporadically flares up despite two peace agreements signed in 2002 and 2003 between the government and the rebels. Despite movement toward democratic reform, power remains in the hands of an ethnic minority.



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Geography Chad

Location: Central Africa, south of Libya

Geographic

coordinates:

15 00 N, 19 00 E


Area: total: 1.284 million sq km land: 1,259,200 sq km water: 24,800 sq km

Area -

comparative:

slightly more than three times the size of California

Land boundaries: total: 5,968 km border countries: Cameroon 1,094 km, Central African Republic 1,197 km, Libya 1,055 km, Niger 1,175 km, Nigeria 87 km, Sudan 1,360 km



Climate: tropical in south, desert in north

Terrain: broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in northwest, lowlands in south

Elevation

extremes:

lowest point: Djourab Depression 160 m highest point: Emi Koussi 3,415 m

Natural

resources:

petroleum, uranium, natron, kaolin, fish (Lake Chad), gold, limestone, sand and gravel, salt



Natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; periodic droughts; locust plagues

Environment -

current issues:

inadequate supplies of potable water; improper waste disposal in rural areas contributes to soil and water pollution; desertification

Environment -

international

agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping

Geography - note: landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the Sahel


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People Chad

Population: 9,826,419 (July 2005 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 47.9% (male 2,365,277/female 2,337,388) 15-64 years: 49.4% (male 2,323,110/female 2,528,086) 65 years and over: 2.8% (male 109,535/female 163,023) (2005 est.)

Median age: total: 16.02 years male: 15.32 years female: 16.71 years (2005 est.)

Population

growth rate:

2.95% (2005 est.)



Net migration

rate:

-0.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2005 est.)


Infant mortality

rate:

total: 93.82 deaths/1,000 live births male: 103.03 deaths/1,000 live births female: 84.24 deaths/1,000 live births (2005 est.)

Life expectancy at

birth:



HIV/AIDS - adult

prevalence rate:

4.8% (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people

living with

HIV/AIDS:

200,000 (2003 est.)


Major infectious

diseases:

degree of risk: very high food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever ,vectorborne disease: malaria water contact disease: schistosomiasis respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis (2004)

Nationality: noun: Chadian(s) adjective: Chadian

Ethnic groups: 200 distinct groups; in the north and center: Arabs, Gorane (Toubou, Daza, Kreda), Zaghawa, Kanembou, Ouaddai, Baguirmi, Hadjerai, Fulbe, Kotoko, Hausa, Boulala, and Maba, most of whom are Muslim; in the south: Sara (Ngambaye, Mbaye, Goulaye), Moundang, Moussei, Massa, most of whom are Christian or animist; about 1,000 French citizens live in Chad

Religions: Muslim 51%, Christian 35%, animist 7%, other 7%



AREA BRIEFING

Languages: French (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), more than 120 different languages and dialects

Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write French or Arabic total population: 47.5% male: 56% female: 39.3% (2003 est.)

Government Chad

Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Chad conventional short form: Chad local long form: Republique du Tchad local short form: Tchad


Capital: N'Djamena

Administrative

divisions:

14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture); Batha, Biltine, Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti, Chari-Baguirmi, Guera, Kanem, Lac, Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mayo-Kebbi, Moyen-Chari, Ouaddai, Salamat, Tandjile note: instead of 14 prefectures, there may be a new administrative structure of 28 departments (departments, singular - department), and 1 city*; Assongha, Baguirmi, Bahr El Gazal, Bahr Koh, Batha Oriental, Batha Occidental, Biltine, Borkou, Dababa, Ennedi, Guera, Hadjer Lamis, Kabia, Kanem, Lac, Lac Iro, Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mandoul, Mayo-Boneye, Mayo-Dallah, Monts de Lam, N'Djamena*, Ouaddai, Salamat, Sila, Tandjile Oriental, Tandjile Occidental, Tibesti

Legal system: based on French civil law system and Chadian customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Flag description: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; similar to the flag of Romania; also similar to the flags of Andorra and Moldova, both of which have a national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; design was based on the flag of France


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Economy Chad

Economy - overview: Chad's primarily agricultural economy will continue to be boosted by major oilfield and pipeline projects that began in 2000. Over 80% of Chad's population relies on subsistence farming and livestock raising for its livelihood. Cotton, cattle, and gum arabic provide the bulk of Chad's export earnings; Chad began to export oil in 2004. Chad's economy has long been handicapped by its landlocked position, high energy costs, and a history of instability. Chad relies on foreign assistance and foreign capital for most public and private sector investment projects. A consortium led by two US companies has been investing $3.7 billion to develop oil reserves estimated at 1 billion barrels in southern Chad. Oil production came on stream in late 2003.

Agriculture -

products:

cotton, sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice, potatoes, manioc (tapioca); cattle, sheep, goats, camels

Industries: oil, cotton textiles, meatpacking, beer brewing, natron (sodium carbonate), soap, cigarettes, construction materials


Currency code: XAF


Communications Chad

Internet country

code:

.td


Internet Service

Providers (ISPs):

1 (2002)


Transportation Chad

Highways: total: 33,400 km ,paved: 267 km ,unpaved: 33,133 km (1999 est.)

Waterways: Chari and Legone rivers are navigable only in wet season (2002)

Pipelines: oil 205 km (2004)


Airports - with paved

runways:

total: 7 ,over 3,047 m: 2 ,2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 ,1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 ,under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.)



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3.3.11.4 REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Introduction Congo, Republic of the

Background: Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. A quarter century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990 and a democratically elected government installed in 1992. A brief civil war in 1997 restored former Marxist President SASSOU-NGUESSO, but ushered in a period of ethnic unrest. Southern-based rebel groups agreed to a final peace accord in March 2003, but the calm is tenuous and refugees continue to present a humanitarian crisis. The Republic of Congo is one of Africa's largest petroleum producers with significant potential for offshore development.

Geography Congo, Republic of the

Location: Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon

Geographic

coordinates:

1 00 S, 15 00 E


Area: total: 342,000 sq km ,land: 341,500 sq km water: 500 sq km

Area -

comparative:

slightly smaller than Montana

Land boundaries: total: 5,504 km border countries: Angola 201 km, Cameroon 523 km, Central African Republic 467 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,410 km, Gabon 1,903 km

Coastline: 169 km

Maritime claims: territorial sea: 200 nm

Climate: tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); constantly high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator


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Terrain: coastal plain, southern basin, central plateau, northern basin

Elevation

extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Berongou 903 m

Natural

resources:

petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, gold, magnesium, natural gas, hydropower



Natural hazards: seasonal flooding

Environment -

current issues:

air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from the dumping of raw sewage; tap water is not potable; deforestation

Environment -

international

agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note: about 70% of the population lives in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or along the railroad between them

People Congo, Republic of the


Age structure: 0-14 years: 37.3% (male 571,011/female 563,414) 15-64 years: 59% (male 886,297/female 907,348) 65 years and over: 3.7% (male 45,799/female 65,257) (2005 est.)

Median age: total: 20.7 years ,male: 20.2 years ,female: 21.1 years (2005 est.)

Population

growth rate:

1.31% (2005 est.)



Net migration

rate:



Infant mortality

rate:

total: 92.41 deaths/1,000 live births male: 98.48 deaths/1,000 live births female: 86.16 deaths/1,000 live births (2005 est.)

Life expectancy at

birth:





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HIV/AIDS - adult

prevalence rate:

4.9% (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people

living with

HIV/AIDS:

90,000 (2003 est.)


Major infectious

diseases:

degree of risk: very high ,food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever ,vectorborne disease: malaria (2004)

Nationality: noun: Congolese (singular and plural) adjective: Congolese or Congo

Ethnic groups: Kongo 48%, Sangha 20%, M'Bochi 12%, Teke 17%, Europeans and other 3% note: Europeans estimated at 8,500, mostly French, before the 1997 civil war; may be half that in 1998, following the widespread destruction of foreign businesses in 1997

Religions: Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2%

Languages: French (official), Lingala and Monokutuba (lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread)

Literacy: Definition: age 15 and over can read and write ,total population: 83.8% male: 89.6% ,female: 78.4% (2003 est.)

Government Congo, Republic of the

Country name: conventional long form: Republic of the Congo ,conventional short form: Congo (Brazzaville) ,local long form: Republique du Congo ,local short form: none former: Middle Congo, Congo/Brazzaville, Congo


Capital: Brazzaville

Administrative

divisions:

10 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 commune*; Bouenza, Brazzaville*, Cuvette, Cuvette-Ouest, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pool, Sangha

Flag description: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a yellow band; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Economy Congo, Republic of the

Economy -

overview:

The economy is a mixture of village agriculture and handicrafts, an industrial sector based largely on oil, support services, and a government characterized by budget problems and overstaffing. Oil has supplanted forestry as the mainstay of the economy, providing a major share of government revenues and exports. In the early 1980s, rapidly rising oil revenues enabled the government to finance large-scale development projects with GDP growth averaging 5% annually, one of the highest rates in Africa. The government has mortgaged a substantial portion of its oil earnings, contributing to a shortage of revenues. The 12 January 1994 devaluation of Franc Zone currencies by 50% resulted in inflation of 61% in 1994, but inflation has subsided since. Economic reform efforts continued with the support of international organizations, notably the World Bank and the IMF. The reform program came to a halt in June 1997 when civil war erupted. Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, who returned to power when the war ended in October 1997, publicly expressed interest in moving forward on economic reforms and privatization and in renewing cooperation with international financial institutions. However, economic progress was badly hurt by slumping oil prices and the resumption of armed conflict in December 1998, which worsened the republic's budget deficit. The current administration presides over an uneasy internal peace and faces difficult economic challenges of stimulating recovery and reducing poverty.


AREA BRIEFING


Agriculture -

products:

cassava (tapioca), sugar, rice, corn, peanuts, vegetables, coffee, cocoa; forest products

Industries: petroleum extraction, cement, lumber, brewing, sugar, palm oil, soap, flour, cigarettes


Currency code: XAF


Communications Congo, Republic of the

Internet country code: .cg


Internet Service

Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)


Transportation Congo, Republic of the

Railways: total: 894 km narrow gauge: 894 km 1.067-m gauge (2003)

Highways: total: 12,800 km paved: 1,242 km unpaved: 11,558 km (1999 est.)

Waterways: 4,385 km (on Congo and Oubanqui rivers) (2004)

Pipelines: gas 53 km; oil 646 km (2004)

Ports and harbors: Brazzaville, Impfondo, Ouesso, Oyo, Pointe-Noire


Airports - with paved

runways:

total: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2004 est.)



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3.3.11.5 EGYPT

Introduction Egypt

Background: The regularity and richness of the annual Nile River flood, coupled with semi-isolation

provided by deserts to the east and west, allowed for the development of one of the world's

great civilizations. A unified kingdom arose circa 3200 B.C. and a series of dynasties ruled in

Egypt for the next three millennia. The last native dynasty fell to the Persians in 341 B.C., who

in turn were replaced by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. It was the Arabs who introduced

Islam and the Arabic language in the 7th century and who ruled for the next six centuries. A

local military caste, the Mamluks took control about 1250 and continued to govern after the

conquest of Egypt by the Ottoman Turks in 1517. Following the completion of the Suez Canal

in 1869, Egypt became an important world transportation hub, but also fell heavily into debt.

Ostensibly to protect its investments, Britain seized control of Egypt's government in 1882, but

nominal allegiance to the Ottoman Empire continued until 1914. Partially independent from

the UK in 1922, Egypt acquired full sovereignty following World War II. The completion of

the Aswan High Dam in 1971 and the resultant Lake Nasser have altered the time-honored

place of the Nile River in the agriculture and ecology of Egypt. A rapidly growing population

(the largest in the Arab world), limited arable land, and dependence on the Nile all continue to

overtax resources and stress society. The government has struggled to ready the economy for

the new millennium through economic reform and massive investment in communications and

physical infrastructure.

Geography Egypt

Location: Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and the Gaza Strip, and the

Red Sea north of Sudan, and includes the Asian Sinai Peninsula

Geographic

coordinates:

27 00 N, 30 00 E


Area: total: 1,001,450 sq km


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land: 995,450 sq km

water: 6,000 sq km

Area -

comparative:

slightly more than three times the size of New Mexico

Land boundaries: total: 2,665 km

border countries: Gaza Strip 11 km, Israel 266 km, Libya 1,115 km, Sudan 1,273 km

Coastline: 2,450 km


contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate: desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters

Terrain: vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and delta

Elevation

extremes:

lowest point: Qattara Depression -133 m

highest point: Mount Catherine 2,629 m

Natural

resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos,

lead, zinc

Land use: arable land: 2.87% ,permanent crops: 0.48% ,other: 96.65% (2001)

Irrigated land: 33,000 sq km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards: periodic droughts; frequent earthquakes, flash floods, landslides; hot, driving windstorm called

khamsin occurs in spring; dust storms, sandstorms

Environment -

current issues:

agricultural land being lost to urbanization and windblown sands; increasing soil salination

below Aswan High Dam; desertification; oil pollution threatening coral reefs, beaches, and

marine habitats; other water pollution from agricultural pesticides, raw sewage, and industrial

effluents; very limited natural fresh water resources away from the Nile which is the only

perennial water source; rapid growth in population overstraining the Nile and natural resources

Environment -

international

agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification,

Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94,

Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note: controls Sinai Peninsula, only land bridge between Africa and remainder of Eastern

Hemisphere; controls Suez Canal, a sea link between Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea;

size, and juxtaposition to Israel, establish its major role in Middle Eastern geopolitics;

dependence on upstream neighbors; dominance of Nile basin issues; prone to influxes of

refugees

People Egypt


Age structure: 0-14 years: 33% (male 13,106,043/female 12,483,899) ,15-64 years: 62.6% (male

24,531,266/female 23,972,216) ,65 years and over: 4.4% (male 1,457,097/female 1,955,235)

(2005 est.)

Median age: total: 23.68 years

male: 23.31 years

female: 24.05 years (2005 est.)

Population

growth rate:

1.78% (2005 est.)



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Net migration

rate:


Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Infant mortality

rate:

total: 32.59 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 33.31 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 31.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2005 est.)

Life expectancy at

birth:

total population: 71 years

male: 68.5 years



HIV/AIDS - adult

prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people

living with

HIV/AIDS:

12,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths: 700 (2003 est.)

Nationality: noun: Egyptian(s)

adjective: Egyptian

Ethnic groups: Eastern Hamitic stock (Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers) 99%, Greek, Nubian, Armenian,

other European (primarily Italian and French) 1%

Religions: Muslim (mostly Sunni) 94%, Coptic Christian and other 6%

Languages: Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes

Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 57.7%

male: 68.3%

female: 46.9% (2003 est.)

Government Egypt

Country name: conventional long form: Arab Republic of Egypt

conventional short form: Egypt

local long form: Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah

local short form: Misr

former: United Arab Republic (with Syria)


Capital: Cairo


AREA BRIEFING


Administrative

divisions:

26 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Ad Daqahliyah, Al Bahr al Ahmar, Al

Buhayrah, Al Fayyum, Al Gharbiyah, Al Iskandariyah, Al Isma'iliyah, Al Jizah, Al Minufiyah,

Al Minya, Al Qahirah, Al Qalyubiyah, Al Wadi al Jadid, Ash Sharqiyah, As Suways, Aswan,

Asyut, Bani Suwayf, Bur Sa'id, Dumyat, Janub Sina', Kafr ash Shaykh, Matruh, Qina, Shamal

Sina', Suhaj

Legal system: based on English common law, Islamic law, and Napoleonic codes; judicial review by

Supreme Court and Council of State (oversees validity of administrative decisions); accepts

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black; the national emblem (a gold Eagle

of Saladin facing the hoist side with a shield superimposed on its chest above a scroll bearing

the name of the country in Arabic) centered in the white band; design is based on the Arab

Liberation flag and similar to the flag of Syria, which has two green stars, Iraq, which has three

green stars (plus an Arabic inscription) in a horizontal line centered in the white band, and

Yemen, which has a plain white band

Economy Egypt

Economy -

overview:

Lack of substantial progress on economic reform since the mid 1990s has limited foreign direct

investment in Egypt and kept annual GDP growth in the range of 2%-3% in 2001-03.

However, in 2004 Egypt implemented several measures to boost foreign direct investment. In

September 2004, Egypt pushed through custom reforms, proposed income and corporate tax

reforms, reduced energy subsidies, and privatized several enterprises. The budget deficit rose

to an estimated 8% of GDP in 2004 compared to 6.1% of GDP the previous year, in part as a

result of these reforms. Monetary pressures on an overvalued Egyptian pound led the

government to float the currency in January 2003, leading to a sharp drop in its value and

consequent inflationary pressure. In 2004, the Central Bank implemented measures to improve

currency liquidity. Egypt reached record tourism levels, despite the Taba and Nuweiba

bombings in September 2004. The development of an export market for natural gas is a bright

spot for future growth prospects, but improvement in the capital-intensive hydrocarbons sector

does little to reduce Egypt's persistent unemployment.

Agriculture -

products:

cotton, rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruits, vegetables; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats

Industries: textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, hydrocarbons, construction, cement, metals

Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP)

Currency code: EGP

Exchange rates: Egyptian pounds per US dollar - 6.1963 (2004), 5.8509 (2003), 4.4997 (2002), 3.973 (2001),

3.4721 (2000)

Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June

Communications Egypt

Internet country

code:

.eg

Internet hosts: 3,401 (2004)

Internet Service

Providers (ISPs):

50 (2000)

Internet users: 4.2 million (2005)



AREA BRIEFING

Transportation Egypt

Railways: total: 5,063 km

standard gauge: 5,063 km 1.435-m gauge (62 km electrified) (2003)

Highways: total: 64,000 km

paved: 49,984 km

unpaved: 14,016 km (1999 est.)

Waterways: 3,500 km

note: includes Nile River, Lake Nasser, Alexandria-Cairo Waterway, and numerous smaller

canals in delta; Suez Canal (193.5 km including approaches) navigable by oceangoing vessels

drawing up to 17.68 m (2004)

Pipelines: condensate 289 km; condensate/gas 94 km; gas 6,115 km; liquid petroleum gas 852 km; oil

5,032 km; oil/gas/water 36 km; refined products 246 km (2004)

Ports and

harbors:

Alexandria, Al Ghardaqah, Aswan, Asyut, Bur Safajah, Damietta, Marsa Matruh, Port Said,

Suez

Merchant marine: total: 77 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,194,696 GRT/1,754,815 DWT

by type: bulk carrier 14, cargo 34, container 2, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 14, roll

on/roll off 8

foreign-owned: 10 (Denmark 1, Greece 6, Lebanon 2, Turkey 1)

registered in other countries: 34 (2005)


Airports - with

paved runways:

total: 72

over 3,047 m: 13

2,438 to 3,047 m: 38

1,524 to 2,437 m: 17

under 914 m: 4 (2004 est.)


AREA BRIEFING


3.3.11.6 GABON

Introduction Gabon

Background: Only two autocratic presidents have ruled Gabon since independence from France in 1960.

Gabon's current President, El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba - one of the longest-serving heads

of state in the world - has dominated Gabon's political scene for almost four decades. President

BONGO introduced a nominal multiparty system and a new constitution in the early 1990s.

However, the low turnout and allegations of electoral fraud during the most recent local

elections in 2002-03 have exposed the weaknesses of formal political structures in Gabon.

Presidential elections scheduled for 2005 are unlikely to bring change since the opposition

remains weak, divided, and financially dependent on the current regime. Despite political

conditions, a small population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign support

have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous and stable African countries.

Geography Gabon

Location: Western Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean at the Equator, between Republic of the Congo

and Equatorial Guinea

Geographic

coordinates:

1 00 S, 11 45 E


Area: total: 267,667 sq km

land: 257,667 sq km

water: 10,000 sq km

Area -

comparative:

slightly smaller than Colorado


border countries: Cameroon 298 km, Republic of the Congo 1,903 km, Equatorial Guinea 350



AREA BRIEFING

km

Coastline: 885 km




Climate: tropical; always hot, humid

Terrain: narrow coastal plain; hilly interior; savanna in east and south

Elevation

extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Iboundji 1,575 m

Natural

resources:

petroleum, natural gas, diamond, niobium, manganese, uranium, gold, timber, iron ore,

hydropower

Land use: arable land: 1.26%

permanent crops: 0.66%

other: 98.08% (2001)


Natural hazards: NA

Environment -

current issues:

deforestation; poaching

Environment -

international

agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea,

Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical

Timber 94, Wetlands


Geography - note: a small population and oil and mineral reserves have helped Gabon become one of Africa's

wealthier countries; in general, these circumstances have allowed the country to maintain and

conserve its pristine rain forest and rich biodiversity

People Gabon

Population: 1,389,201

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due

to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower

population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than

would otherwise be expected (July 2005 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 42.1% (male 293,668/female 291,816)

15-64 years: 53.8% (male 372,134/female 374,850)

65 years and over: 4.1% (male 23,551/female 33,182) (2005 est.)


male: 18.34 years


Population

growth rate:

2.45% (2005 est.)




AREA BRIEFING


Net migration

rate:







Infant mortality

rate:




Life expectancy at

birth:

total population: 55.75 years

male: 54.21 years



HIV/AIDS - adult

prevalence rate:

8.1% (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people

living with

HIV/AIDS:

48,000 (2003 est.)


Major infectious

diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria (2004)

Nationality: noun: Gabonese (singular and plural)

adjective: Gabonese

Ethnic groups: Bantu tribes including four major tribal groupings (Fang, Bapounou, Nzebi, Obamba), other

Africans and Europeans 154,000, including 10,700 French and 11,000 persons of dual

nationality

Religions: Christian 55%-75%, animist, Muslim less than 1%

Languages: French (official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi



male: 73.7%

female: 53.3% (1995 est.)

Government Gabon

Country name: conventional long form: Gabonese Republic ,conventional short form: Gabon

local long form: Republique Gabonaise ,local short form: Gabon

Government type: republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition parties legalized in 1990)

Capital: Libreville

Administrative

divisions:

9 provinces; Estuaire, Haut-Ogooue, Moyen-Ogooue, Ngounie, Nyanga, Ogooue-Ivindo,

Ogooue-Lolo, Ogooue-Maritime, Woleu-Ntem

Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and blue



AREA BRIEFING

Economy Gabon

Economy -

overview:

Gabon enjoys a per capita income four times that of most of sub-Saharan African nations.

This has supported a sharp decline in extreme poverty; yet because of high income inequality

a large proportion of the population remains poor. Gabon depended on timber and manganese

until oil was discovered offshore in the early 1970s. The oil sector now accounts for 50% of

GDP. Gabon continues to face fluctuating prices for its oil, timber, and manganese exports.

Despite the abundance of natural wealth, poor fiscal management hobbles the economy.

Devaluation of its currency by 50% in January 1994 sparked a one-time inflationary surge, to

35%; the rate dropped to 6% in 1996. The IMF provided a one-year standby arrangement in

1994-95, a three-year Enhanced Financing Facility (EFF) at near commercial rates beginning

in late 1995, and stand-by credit of $119 million in October 2000. Those agreements mandate

progress in privatization and fiscal discipline. France provided additional financial support in

January 1997 after Gabon had met IMF targets for mid-1996. In 1997, an IMF mission to

Gabon criticized the government for overspending on off-budget items, overborrowing from

the central bank, and slipping on its schedule for privatization and administrative reform. The

rebound of oil prices in 1999-2000 helped growth, but drops in production hampered Gabon

from fully realizing potential gains. In December 2000, Gabon signed a new agreement with

the Paris Club to reschedule its official debt. A follow-up bilateral repayment agreement with

the US was signed in December 2001. Gabon signed a 14 month Stand-By Arrangement with

the IMF in May 2004, and received Paris Club debt rescheduling later that year. Short-term

progress depends on an upbeat world economy and fiscal and other adjustments in line with

IMF policies.

Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible authority is the Bank of

the Central African States

Currency code: XAF

Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar - 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003),

696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000)

Fiscal year: calendar year

Communications Gabon

Internet country

code:

.ga


Internet Service

Providers (ISPs):

1 (2001)



AREA BRIEFING


Transportation Gabon

Railways: total: 814 km

standard gauge: 814 km 1.435-m gauge (2003)


paved: 838 km


Waterways: 1,600 km (310 km on Ogooue River) (2003)

Pipelines: gas 210 km; oil 1,385 km (2004)

Ports and

harbours:

Cap Lopez, Kango, Lambarene, Libreville, Mayumba, Owendo, Port-Gentil


Airports - with

paved runways:

total: 11

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2004 est.)



AREA BRIEFING

3.3.11.7 GUINEA

Introduction Guinea

Background: Guinea has had only two presidents since gaining its independence from France in 1958.

Lansana CONTE came to power in 1984, when the military seized the government after the

death of the first president, Sekou TOURE. Guinea did not hold democratic elections until

1993 when Gen. CONTE (head of the military government) was elected president of the

civilian government. He was reelected in 1998 and again in 2003. Unrest in Sierra Leone and

Liberia has spilled over into Guinea on several occasions over the past decade, threatening

stability and creating humanitarian emergencies.

Geography Guinea

Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone

Geographic

coordinates:

11 00 N, 10 00 W


Area: total: 245,857 sq km ,land: 245,857 sq km ,water: 0 sq km

Area -

comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries: total: 3,399 km ,border countries: Cote d'Ivoire 610 km, Guinea-Bissau 386 km, Liberia 563

km, Mali 858 km, Senegal 330 km, Sierra Leone 652 km

Coastline: 320 km


AREA BRIEFING




Climate: generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly

winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds

Terrain: generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interior

Elevation

extremes:


highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m

Natural

resources:

bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish, salt



other: 93.79% (2001)


Natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season

Environment -

current issues:

deforestation; inadequate supplies of potable water; desertification; soil contamination and

erosion; overfishing, overpopulation in forest region; poor mining practices have led to

environmental damage

Environment -

international

agreements:


Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands,

Whaling


Geography - note: the Niger and its important tributary the Milo have their sources in the Guinean highlands

People Guinea


Age structure: 0-14 years: 44.4% (male 2,123,207/female 2,079,475)

15-64 years: 52.4% (male 2,478,820/female 2,486,300)



male: 17.42 years


Population

growth rate:

2.37% (2005 est.)



Net migration

rate:

-2.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population

note: as a result of conflict in neighbouring countries, Guinea is host to approximately 150,000

Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees (2005 est.)



15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female


total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)



AREA BRIEFING

Infant mortality

rate:

total: 90.37 deaths/1,000 live births ,male: 95.82 deaths/1,000 live births


Life expectancy at

birth:

total population: 49.86 years - male: 48.61 years



HIV/AIDS - adult

prevalence rate:

3.2% (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people

living with

HIV/AIDS:

140,000 (2003 est.)


Major infectious

diseases:


food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever are high risks in some locations

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: Lassa fever (2004)

Nationality: noun: Guinean(s)

adjective: Guinean

Ethnic groups: Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, smaller ethnic groups 10%

Religions: Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 7%

Languages: French (official), each ethnic group has its own language



male: 49.9%

female: 21.9% (1995 est.)

Government Guinea

Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Guinea

conventional short form: Guinea

local long form: Republique de Guinee

local short form: Guinee

former: French Guinea


Capital: Conakry

Administrative

divisions:

33 prefectures and 1 special zone (zone special)*; Beyla, Boffa, Boke, Conakry*, Coyah,

Dabola, Dalaba, Dinguiraye, Dubreka, Faranah, Forecariah, Fria, Gaoual, Gueckedou, Kankan,

Kerouane, Kindia, Kissidougou, Koubia, Koundara, Kouroussa, Labe, Lelouma, Lola,

Macenta, Mali, Mamou, Mandiana, Nzerekore, Pita, Siguiri, Telimele, Tougue, Yomou

Legal system: based on French civil law system, customary law, and decree; legal codes currently being

revised; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Flag description: three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green; uses the popular pan-African

colors of Ethiopia

Economy Guinea


AREA BRIEFING


Economy -

overview:

Guinea possesses major mineral, hydropower, and agricultural resources, yet remains an

underdeveloped nation. The country possesses over 30% of the world's bauxite reserves and is

the second-largest bauxite producer. The mining sector accounted for about 75% of exports in

1999. Long-run improvements in government fiscal arrangements, literacy, and the legal

framework are needed if the country is to move out of poverty. Fighting along the Sierra

Leonean and Liberian borders, as well as refugee movements, have caused major economic

disruptions, aggravating a loss in investor confidence. Foreign mining companies have reduced

expatriate staff. Panic buying has created food shortages and inflation and caused riots in local

markets. Guinea is not receiving multilateral aid. The IMF and World Bank cut off most

assistance in 2003. Growth rose slightly in 2004, primarily due to increases in global demand

and commodity prices on world markets.

Agriculture -

products:

rice, coffee, pineapples, palm kernels, cassava (tapioca), bananas, sweet potatoes; cattle, sheep,

goats; timber

Industries: bauxite, gold, diamonds; alumina refining; light manufacturing and agricultural processing

industries

Currency: Guinean franc (GNF)

Currency code: GNF

Exchange rates: Guinean francs per US dollar - 2,550 (2004), 1,984.9 (2003), 1,975.8 (2002), 1,950.6 (2001),

1,746.9 (2000)


Communications Guinea

Internet country

code:

.gn


Internet Service

Providers (ISPs):

4 (2001)


Transportation Guinea

Railways: total: 837 km ,standard gauge: 175 km 1.435-m gauge ,narrow gauge: 662 km 1.000-m

gauge (2003)

Highways: total: 30,500 km ,paved: 5,033 km ,unpaved: 25,467 km (1999 est.)

Waterways: 1,295 km (navigable by shallow-draft native craft) (2003)

Ports and

harbours:

Boke, Conakry, Kamsar


Airports - with

paved runways:

total: 5 ,over 3,047 m: 1 ,2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 ,1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2004 est.)

Airports - with total: 11



AREA BRIEFING

3.3.11.8 LIBYA

Introduction Libya

Background: From the earliest days of his rule following his 1969 military coup, Col. Muammar Abu

Minyar al-QADHAFI has espoused his own political system, the Third Universal Theory. The

system is a combination of socialism and Islam derived in part from tribal practices and is

supposed to be implemented by the Libyan people themselves in a unique form of "direct

democracy." QADHAFI has always seen himself as a revolutionary and visionary leader. He

used oil funds during the 1970s and 1980s to promote his ideology outside Libya, supporting

subversives and terrorists abroad to hasten the end of Marxism and capitalism. In addition,

beginning in 1973, he engaged in military operations in northern Chad's Aozou Strip - to gain

access to minerals and to use as a base of influence in Chadian politics - but was forced to

retreat in 1987. UN sanctions in 1992 isolated QADHAFI politically following the downing of

Pan AM Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Libyan support for terrorism appeared to have

decreased after the imposition of sanctions. During the 1990s, QADHAFI also began to rebuild

his relationships with Europe. UN sanctions were suspended in April 1999 and finally lifted in

September 2003 after Libya resolved the Lockerbie case. In December 2003, Libya announced

that it had agreed to reveal and end its programs to develop weapons of mass destruction, and

QADHAFI has made significant strides in normalizing relations with western nations since

then. He has received various Western European leaders as well as many working-level and

commercial delegations, and made his first trip to Western Europe in 15 years when he

traveled to Brussels in April 2004. QADHAFI also finally resolved in 2004 several outstanding

cases against his government for terrorist activities in the 1980s by paying compensation to the

families of victims of the UTA and La Belle disco bombings.

Geography Libya

Location: Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and Tunisia

Geographic

coordinates:

25 00 N, 17 00 E



AREA BRIEFING


Area: total: 1,759,540 sq km

land: 1,759,540 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area -

comparative:

slightly larger than Alaska


border countries: Algeria 982 km, Chad 1,055 km, Egypt 1,115 km, Niger 354 km, Sudan 383

km, Tunisia 459 km

Coastline: 1,770 km


note: Gulf of Sidra closing line - 32 degrees, 30 minutes north

Climate: Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior

Terrain: mostly barren, flat to undulating plains, plateaus, depressions

Elevation

extremes:

lowest point: Sabkhat Ghuzayyil -47 m

highest point: Bikku Bitti 2,267 m

Natural

resources:

petroleum, natural gas, gypsum



other: 98.78% (2001)


Natural hazards: hot, dry, dust-laden ghibli is a southern wind lasting one to four days in spring and fall; dust

storms, sandstorms

Environment -

current issues:

desertification; very limited natural fresh water resources; the Great Manmade River Project,

the largest water development scheme in the world, is being built to bring water from large

aquifers under the Sahara to coastal cities

Environment -

international

agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous

Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note: more than 90% of the country is desert or semidesert

People Libya


note: includes 166,510 non-nationals (July 2005 est.)

Age structure: 0-14 years: 33.9% (male 997,364/female 955,272)

15-64 years: 62% (male 1,842,775/female 1,729,235)



male: 22.8 years


Population

growth rate:

2.33% (2005 est.)




AREA BRIEFING


Net migration

rate:







Infant mortality

rate:




Life expectancy at

birth:


male: 74.29 years



HIV/AIDS - adult

prevalence rate:

0.3% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people

living with

HIV/AIDS:

10,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA

Major infectious

diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate


vectorborne diseases: may be a significant risk in some locations during the transmission

season (typically April through October) (2004)

Nationality: noun: Libyan(s)

adjective: Libyan

Ethnic groups: Berber and Arab 97%, Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians,

Tunisians

Religions: Sunni Muslim 97%

Languages: Arabic, Italian, English, all are widely understood in the major cities



male: 92.4%

female: 72% (2003 est.)

Government Libya

Country name: conventional long form: Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

conventional short form: Libya

local long form: Al Jumahiriyah al Arabiyah al Libiyah ash Shabiyah al Ishtirakiyah al Uzma

local short form: none

Government type: Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the populace through local councils;

in fact, a military dictatorship


AREA BRIEFING


Capital: Tripoli

Administrative

divisions:

25 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ajdabiya, Al 'Aziziyah, Al Fatih, Al Jabal al

Akhdar, Al Jufrah, Al Khums, Al Kufrah, An Nuqat al Khams, Ash Shati', Awbari, Az

Zawiyah, Banghazi, Darnah, Ghadamis, Gharyan, Misratah, Murzuq, Sabha, Sawfajjin, Surt,

Tarabulus, Tarhunah, Tubruq, Yafran, Zlitan; note - the 25 municipalities may have been

replaced by 13 regions

Legal system: based on Italian civil law system and Islamic law; separate religious courts; no constitutional

provision for judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Flag description: plain green; green is the traditional color of Islam (the state religion)

Economy Libya

Economy -

overview:

The Libyan economy depends primarily upon revenues from the oil sector, which contribute

practically all export earnings and about one-quarter of GDP. These oil revenues and a small

population give Libya one of the highest per capita GDPs in Africa, but little of this income

flows down to the lower orders of society. Libyan officials in the past four years have made

progress on economic reforms as part of a broader campaign to reintegrate the country into the

international fold. This effort picked up steam after UN sanctions were lifted in September

2003 and as Libya announced in December 2003 that it would abandon programs to build

weapons of mass destruction. Almost all US unilateral sanctions against Libya were removed

in April 2004. Libya faces a long road ahead in liberalizing the socialist-oriented economy, but

initial steps - including applying for WTO membership, reducing some subsidies, and

announcing plans for privatization - are laying the groundwork for a transition to a more

market-based economy. The non-oil manufacturing and construction sectors, which account for

about 20% of GDP, have expanded from processing mostly agricultural products to include the

production of petrochemicals, iron, steel, and aluminum. Climatic conditions and poor soils

severely limit agricultural output, and Libya imports about 75% of its food.

Currency: Libyan dinar (LYD)

Currency code: LYD

Exchange rates: Libyan dinars per US dollar - 1.305 (2004), 1.2929 (2003), 1.2707 (2002), 0.6051 (2001),

0.5122 (2000)


Communications Libya

Internet country

code:

.ly


Internet Service

Providers (ISPs):

1 (2002)




AREA BRIEFING

Transportation Libya

Railways: 0 km

note: Libya is working on 7 lines totaling 2,757 km of 1.435-m gauge track; it planned to open

a 191 km line by the end of 2004 (2003)


paved: 47,590 km


Pipelines: condensate 225 km; gas 3,611 km; oil 7,252 km (2004)

Ports and

harbors:

Al Khums, Banghazi, Darnah, Marsa al Burayqah, Misratah, Ra's Lanuf, Tubruq, Tripoli,

Zuwarah

Merchant marine: total: 17 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 129,627 GRT/105,110 DWT

by type: cargo 7, liquefied gas 3, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 1, roll on/roll off 4

foreign-owned: 1 (Algeria 1) (2005)


Airports - with

paved runways:

total: 59

over 3,047 m: 23

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 23

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 2 (2004 est.)


AREA BRIEFING


3.3.11.9 MALI

Introduction Mali

Background: The Sudanese Republic and Senegal became independent of France in 1960 as the Mali

Federation. When Senegal withdrew after only a few months, what formerly made up the

Sudanese Republic was renamed Mali. Rule by dictatorship was brought to a close in 1991

with a transitional government and in 1992 when Mali's first democratic presidential election

was held. After his reelection in 1997, President Alpha KONARE continued to push through

political and economic reforms and to fight corruption. In keeping with Mali's two-term

constitutional limit, he stepped down in 2002 and was succeeded by Amadou TOURE.

Geography Mali

Location: Western Africa, southwest of Algeria

Geographic

coordinates:

17 00 N, 4 00 W


Area: total: 1.24 million sq km

land: 1.22 million sq km

water: 20,000 sq km

Area -

comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas


border countries: Algeria 1,376 km, Burkina Faso 1,000 km, Guinea 858 km, Cote d'Ivoire

532 km, Mauritania 2,237 km, Niger 821 km, Senegal 419 km



AREA BRIEFING



Climate: subtropical to arid; hot and dry February to June; rainy, humid, and mild June to November;

cool and dry November to February

Terrain: mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna in south, rugged hills in

northeast

Elevation

extremes:

lowest point: Senegal River 23 m

highest point: Hombori Tondo 1,155 m

Natural

resources:

gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, gypsum, granite, hydropower

note: bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper deposits are known but not exploited

Land use: arable land: 3.82% , permanent crops: 0.03% , other: 96.15% (2001)


Natural hazards: hot, dust-laden harmattan haze common during dry seasons; recurring droughts; occasional

Niger River flooding

Environment -

current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching

Environment -

international

agreements:


Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands


Geography - note: landlocked; divided into three natural zones: the southern, cultivated Sudanese; the central,

semiarid Sahelian; and the northern, arid Saharan

People Mali




65 years and over: 3% (male 165,867/female 197,546) (2005 est.)


male: 15.79 years


Population

growth rate:

2.74% (2005 est.)



Net migration

rate:








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Infant mortality

rate:




Life expectancy at

birth:

total population: 45.09 years - male: 44.69 years



HIV/AIDS - adult

prevalence rate:

1.9% (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people

living with

HIV/AIDS:

140,000 (2003 est.)


Major infectious

diseases:



vectorborne disease: malaria is a high risk in some locations


respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis (2004)

Nationality: noun: Malian(s)

adjective: Malian

Ethnic groups: Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Soninke), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%, Songhai 6%, Tuareg and

Moor 10%, other 5%

Religions: Muslim 90%, indigenous beliefs 9%, Christian 1%

Languages: French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languages



male: 53.5%

female: 39.6% (2003 est.)

Government Mali

Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Mali

conventional short form: Mali

local long form: Republique de Mali

local short form: Mali

former: French Sudan and Sudanese Republic


Capital: Bamako

Administrative

divisions:

8 regions (regions, singular - region); Gao, Kayes, Kidal, Koulikoro, Mopti, Segou, Sikasso,

Tombouctou

Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in

Constitutional Court (which was formally established on 9 March 1994); has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Flag description: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red; uses the popular pan-African

colors of Ethiopia

Economy Mali



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Economy -

overview:

Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, with 65% of its land area desert or

semidesert and with a highly unequal distribution of income. Economic activity is largely

confined to the riverine area irrigated by the Niger. About 10% of the population is nomadic

and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in farming and fishing. Industrial activity is

concentrated on processing farm commodities. Mali is heavily dependent on foreign aid and

vulnerable to fluctuations in world prices for cotton, its main export, along with gold. The

government has continued its successful implementation of an IMF-recommended structural

adjustment program that is helping the economy grow, diversify, and attract foreign

investment. Mali's adherence to economic reform and the 50% devaluation of the African franc

in January 1994 have pushed up economic growth to a sturdy 5% average in 1996-2004.

Worker remittances and external trade routes have been jeopardized by continued unrest in

neighboring Cote d'Ivoire.

Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible authority is the Central

Bank of the West African States

Currency code: XOF

Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003),

696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000)


Communications Mali

Internet country

code:

.ml


Internet Service

Providers (ISPs):

13 (2001)


Transportation Mali

Railways: total: 729 km

narrow gauge: 729 km 1.000-m gauge (2003)


paved: 1,827 km


Waterways: 1,815 km (2004)

Ports and

harbors:

Koulikoro


Airports - with

paved runways:

total: 9

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2004 est.)


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3.3.11.10 MOROCCO

Introduction Morocco

Background: Morocco's long struggle for independence from France ended in 1956. The internationalized

city of Tangier was turned over to the new country that same year. Morocco virtually annexed

Western Sahara during the late 1970s, but final resolution on the status of the territory remains

unresolved. Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral

legislature in 1997. Parliamentary elections were held for the second time in September 2002

and municipal elections were held in September 2003.

Geography Morocco

Location: Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between

Algeria and Western Sahara

Geographic

coordinates:

32 00 N, 5 00 W



land: 446,300 sq km

water: 250 sq km

Area -

comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries: total: 2,017.9 km

border countries: Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 km, Spain (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Spain

(Melilla) 9.6 km

Coastline: 1,835 km



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Climate: Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior

Terrain: northern coast and interior are mountainous with large areas of bordering plateaus,

intermontane valleys, and rich coastal plains

Elevation

extremes:

lowest point: Sebkha Tah -55 m

highest point: Jebel Toubkal 4,165 m

Natural

resources:

phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt



other: 78.22% (2001)


Natural hazards: northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes; periodic droughts

Environment -

current issues:

land degradation/desertification (soil erosion resulting from farming of marginal areas,

overgrazing, destruction of vegetation); water supplies contaminated by raw sewage; siltation

of reservoirs; oil pollution of coastal waters

Environment -

international

agreements:


Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship

Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea

Geography - note: strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar

People Morocco






male: 23.11 years


Population

growth rate:

1.57% (2005 est.)



Net migration

rate:


Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female ,under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female ,15-64 years: 0.99

male(s)/female ,65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female



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Infant mortality

rate:




Life expectancy at

birth:


male: 68.35 years



HIV/AIDS - adult

prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people

living with

HIV/AIDS:

15,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA

Major infectious

diseases:


food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, and hepatitis A


season (typically April through November) (2004)

Nationality: noun: Moroccan(s)

adjective: Moroccan

Ethnic groups: Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%

Religions: Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%

Languages: Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the language of business, government, and

diplomacy



male: 64.1%

female: 39.4% (2003 est.)

Government Morocco

Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Morocco

conventional short form: Morocco

local long form: Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah

local short form: Al Maghrib

Government type: constitutional monarchy

Capital: Rabat

Administrative

divisions:

14 regions: Grand Casablanca, Chaouia-Ouardigha, Doukkala-Abda, Fes-Boulemane, Gharb-

Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Guelmim-Es Smara, Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, Meknes-Tafilalet,

Oriental, Rabat-Sale-Zemmour-Zaer, Souss-Massa-Draa, Tadla-Azilal, Tanger-Tetouan, Taza-

Al Hoceima-Taounate

note: Morocco claims the territory of Western Sahara, the political status of which is

considered undetermined by the United States Government; one additional region, Oued

Eddahab-Lagouira, falls entirely within Western Sahara; another region, Laayoune-Boujdour-

Sahia El Hamra, falls mostly within Western Sahara; a small portion of this region, in the

southwestern part of the country, falls within Moroccan-administered territory as recognized

by the United States; the province of Guelmim-Es Smara lies in both entities

Flag description:

red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known as Sulayman's (Solomon's) seal in



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the center of the flag; red and green are traditional colors in Arab flags, although the use of red

is more commonly associated with the Arab states of the Persian gulf; design dates to 1912

Economy Morocco

Economy -

overview:

Morocco faces problems typical for developing countries: restraining government spending,

reducing constraints on private activity and foreign trade, and achieving sustainable growth.

Despite structural adjustment programs supported by the IMF, the World Bank, and the Paris

Club, the dirham is only fully convertible for current account transactions. In 2004 Moroccan

authorities instituted measures to boost foreign direct investment and trade by signing a free

trade agreement with the US and selling government shares in the state telecommunications

company and in the largest state-owned bank. Favorable rainfall over the past two years has

boosted agricultural output and GDP growth passed 4% in 2004. In 2005 the budget deficit is

expected to rise sharply - from 1.9% of GDP in 2004 - because of substantial increases in

wages and oil subsidies. Long-term challenges include preparing the economy for freer trade

with the US and European Union, improving education and job prospects for Morocco's youth,

and raising living standards.

Agriculture -

products:

barley, wheat, citrus, wine, vegetables, olives; livestock

Industries: phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather goods, textiles, construction,

tourism

Industrial

production

growth rate:

NA

Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD)

Currency code: MAD

Exchange rates: Moroccan dirhams per US dollar - 8.868 (2004), 9.574 (2003), 11.021 (2002), 11.303 (2001),

10.626 (2000)


Communications Morocco

Internet country

code:

.ma


Internet Service

Providers (ISPs):

8 (2000)



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Transportation Morocco


standard gauge: 1,907 km 1.435-m gauge (1,003 km electrified) (2003)


paved: 32,551 km (including 481 km of expressways)

unpaved: 25,143 km (2002)

Pipelines: gas 695 km; oil 285 km (2004)

Ports and

harbours:

Agadir, El Jadida, Casablanca, El Jorf Lasfar, Kenitra, Mohammedia, Nador, Rabat, Safi,

Tangier; also Spanish-controlled Ceuta and Melilla


by type: cargo 6, chemical tanker 6, container 8, passenger/cargo 13, petroleum tanker 1,

refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 5

foreign-owned: 6 (France 1, Germany 2, Switzerland 2, United Kingdom 1) (2005)


Airports - with

paved runways:

total: 25

over 3,047 m: 11

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.)



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3.3.11.11 NIGER

Introduction Niger

Background: Not until 1993, 33 years after independence from France, did Niger hold its first free and open

elections. A 1995 peace accord ended a five-year Tuareg insurgency in the north. Coups in

1996 and 1999 were followed by the creation of a National Reconciliation Council that

effected a transition to civilian rule by December 1999. Niger is one of the poorest countries in

the world with minimal government services and insufficient funds to develop its resource

base. The largely agrarian and subsistence-based economy is frequently disrupted by extended

droughts common to the Sahel region of Africa.

Geography Niger

Location: Western Africa, southeast of Algeria

Geographic

coordinates:

16 00 N, 8 00 E


Area: total: 1.267 million sq km , land: 1,266,700 sq km , water: 300 sq km

Area -

comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas


border countries: Algeria 956 km, Benin 266 km, Burkina Faso 628 km, Chad 1,175 km,

Libya 354 km, Mali 821 km, Nigeria 1,497 km




AREA BRIEFING


Climate: desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south

Terrain: predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling plains in south; hills in north

Elevation

extremes:

lowest point: Niger River 200 m

highest point: Mont Bagzane 2,022 m

Natural

resources:

uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates, gold, molybdenum, gypsum, salt, petroleum



other: 96.45% (2001)


Natural hazards: recurring droughts

Environment -

current issues:

overgrazing; soil erosion; deforestation; desertification; wildlife populations (such as elephant,

hippopotamus, giraffe, and lion) threatened because of poaching and habitat destruction

Environment -

international

agreements:


Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer

Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note: landlocked; one of the hottest countries in the world: northern four-fifths is desert, southern

one-fifth is savanna, suitable for livestock and limited agriculture

People Niger






male: 15.8 years


Population

growth rate:

2.63% (2005 est.)



Net migration

rate:







Infant mortality

rate:



Life expectancy at

birth:

total population: 42.13 years ,male: 42.46 years





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HIV/AIDS - adult

prevalence rate:

1.2% (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people

living with

HIV/AIDS:

70,000 (2003 est.)


Major infectious

diseases:



vectorborne disease: malaria is a high risk in some locations


Nationality: noun: Nigerien(s)

adjective: Nigerien

Ethnic groups: Hausa 56%, Djerma 22%, Fula 8.5%, Tuareg 8%, Beri Beri (Kanouri) 4.3%, Arab, Toubou,

and Gourmantche 1.2%, about 1,200 French expatriates

Religions: Muslim 80%, remainder indigenous beliefs and Christian

Languages: French (official), Hausa, Djerma



male: 25.8%

female: 9.7% (2003 est.)

Government Niger

Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Niger

conventional short form: Niger

local long form: Republique du Niger

local short form: Niger


Capital: Niamey

Administrative

divisions:

8 regions (regions, singular - region) includes 1 capital district* (commune urbaine); Agadez,

Diffa, Dosso, Maradi, Niamey*, Tahoua, Tillaberi, Zinder

Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green with a small orange disk

(representing the sun) centered in the white band; similar to the flag of India, which has a blue

spoked wheel centered in the white band


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Economy Niger

Economy -

overview:

Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world, a landlocked Sub-Saharan nation, whose

economy centers on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's largest uranium

deposits. Drought cycles, desertification, a 3.3% population growth rate, and the drop in world

demand for uranium have undercut the economy. Niger shares a common currency, the CFA

franc, and a common central bank, the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), with

seven other members of the West African Monetary Union. In December 2000, Niger qualified

for enhanced debt relief under the International Monetary Fund program for Highly Indebted

Poor Countries (HIPC) and concluded an agreement with the Fund on a Poverty Reduction

and Growth Facility (PRGF). Debt relief provided under the enhanced HIPC initiative

significantly reduces Niger's annual debt service obligations, freeing funds for expenditures on

basic health care, primary education, HIV/AIDS prevention, rural infrastructure, and other

programs geared at poverty reduction. Nearly half of the government's budget is derived from

foreign donor resources. Future growth may be sustained by exploitation of oil, gold, coal, and

other mineral resources.

Agriculture -

products:

cowpeas, cotton, peanuts, millet, sorghum, cassava (tapioca), rice; cattle, sheep, goats, camels,

donkeys, horses, poultry

Industries: uranium mining, cement, brick, soap, textiles, food processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses

Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible authority is the Central

Bank of the West African States

Currency code: XOF

Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003),

696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000)


Communications Niger

Internet country

code:

.ne


Internet Service

Providers (ISPs):

1 (2002)


Transportation Niger

Highways: total: 10,100 km ,paved: 798 km ,unpaved: 9,302 km (1999 est.)

Waterways: 300 km

note: Niger River is navigable to Gaya between September and March (2004)

Ports and

harbours:

none


Airports - with

paved runways:

total: 9 ,2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 ,1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 ,under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.)



AREA BRIEFING

3.3.11.12 NIGERIA

Introduction Nigeria

Background: Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a

peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The president faces the daunting

task of rebuilding a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through

corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, the

OBASANJO administration must defuse longstanding ethnic and religious tensions, if it is to

build a sound foundation for economic growth and political stability. Despite some

irregularities, the April 2003 elections marked the first civilian transfer of power in Nigeria's

history.

Geography Nigeria

Location: Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon

Geographic

coordinates:

10 00 N, 8 00 E


Area: total: 923,768 sq km ,land: 910,768 sq km

water: 13,000 sq km

Area -

comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of California

Land boundaries: total: 4,047 km ,border countries: Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger

1,497 km

Coastline: 853 km


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Climate: varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north

Terrain: southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast, plains in north

Elevation

extremes:


highest point: Chappal Waddi 2,419 m

Natural

resources:

natural gas, petroleum, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone, niobium, lead, zinc, arable land



other: 65.75% (2001)


Natural hazards: periodic droughts; flooding

Environment -

current issues:

soil degradation; rapid deforestation; urban air and water pollution; desertification; oil

pollution - water, air, and soil; has suffered serious damage from oil spills; loss of arable land;

rapid urbanization

Environment -

international

agreements:


Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life

Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands


Geography - note: the Niger enters the country in the northwest and flows southward through tropical rain forests

and swamps to its delta in the Gulf of Guinea

People Nigeria








65 years and over: 3.1% (male 1,874,157/female 2,055,966) (2005 est.)


male: 18.71 years


Population

growth rate:

2.37% (2005 est.)



Net migration

rate:

0.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2005 est.)



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Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female ,under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female




Infant mortality

rate:




Life expectancy at

birth:


male: 46.21 years



HIV/AIDS - adult

prevalence rate:

5.4% (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people

living with

HIV/AIDS:

3.6 million (2003 est.)


Major infectious

diseases:



vectorborne disease: malaria

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: one of the most highly endemic areas for Lassa fever

(2004)

Nationality: noun: Nigerian(s)

adjective: Nigerian

Ethnic groups: Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, is composed of more than 250 ethnic groups; the

following are the most populous and politically influential: Hausa and Fulani 29%, Yoruba

21%, Igbo (Ibo) 18%, Ijaw 10%, Kanuri 4%, Ibibio 3.5%, Tiv 2.5%

Religions: Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%

Languages: English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo (Ibo), Fulani


total population: 68%

male: 75.7%

female: 60.6% (2003 est.)


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Government Nigeria

Country name: conventional long form: Federal Republic of Nigeria

conventional short form: Nigeria

Government type: federal republic

Capital: Abuja; note - on 12 December 1991 the capital was officially transferred from Lagos to Abuja;

most federal government offices have now moved to Abuja

Administrative

divisions:

36 states and 1 territory*; Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue,

Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Federal Capital Territory*, Gombe,

Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nassarawa, Niger, Ogun,

Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara

Legal system: based on English common law, Islamic Shariah law (in 12 northern states), and traditional law

Flag description: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green

Economy Nigeria

Economy -

overview:

Oil-rich Nigeria, long hobbled by political instability, corruption, inadequate infrastructure,

and poor macroeconomic management, is undertaking some reforms under the new civilian

administration. Nigeria's former military rulers failed to diversify the economy away from

overdependence on the capital-intensive oil sector, which provides 20% of GDP, 95% of

foreign exchange earnings, and about 65% of budgetary revenues. The largely subsistence

agricultural sector has failed to keep up with rapid population growth - Nigeria is Africa's most

populous country - and the country, once a large net exporter of food, now must import food.

Following the signing of an IMF stand-by agreement in August 2000, Nigeria received a debt-

restructuring deal from the Paris Club and a $1 billion credit from the IMF, both contingent on

economic reforms. Nigeria pulled out of its IMF program in April 2002, after failing to meet

spending and exchange rate targets, making it ineligible for additional debt forgiveness from

the Paris Club. In the last year the government has begun showing the political will to

implement the market-oriented reforms urged by the IMF, such as to modernize the banking

system, to curb inflation by blocking excessive wage demands, and to resolve regional disputes

over the distribution of earnings from the oil industry. During 2003 the government began

deregulating fuel prices, announced the privatization of the country's four oil refineries, and

instituted the National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy, a domestically

designed and run program modeled on the IMF's Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility for

fiscal and monetary management. GDP rose strongly in 2004.

Agriculture -

products:

cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava (tapioca), yams, rubber; cattle,

sheep, goats, pigs; timber; fish

Industries: crude oil, coal, tin, columbite, palm oil, peanuts, cotton, rubber, wood, hides and skins,

textiles, cement and other construction materials, food products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer,

printing, ceramics, steel, small commercial ship construction and repair

Currency: naira (NGN)

Currency code: NGN

Exchange rates: nairas per US dollar - 132.89 (2004), 129.22 (2003), 120.58 (2002), 111.23 (2001), 101.7

(2000)




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Communications Nigeria

Internet country

code:

.ng


Internet Service

Providers (ISPs):

11 (2000)


Transportation Nigeria


narrow gauge: 3,505 km 1.067-m gauge

standard gauge: 52 km 1.435-m gauge (2003)


paved: 60,068 km (including 1,194 km of expressways)

unpaved: 134,326 km (1999 est.)

Waterways: 8,600 km (Niger and Benue rivers and smaller rivers and creeks) (2004)

Pipelines: condensate 105 km; gas 1,896 km; oil 3,638 km; refined products 3,626 km (2004)

Ports and

harbors:

Calabar, Lagos, Onne, Port Harcourt, Sapele, Warri


by type: cargo 5, chemical tanker 6, combination ore/oil 1, liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 1,

petroleum tanker 31, refrigerated cargo 1

foreign-owned: 3 (Norway 2, Pakistan 1)



Airports - with

paved runways:

total: 36

over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 11

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 3 (2004 est.)


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3.3.11.13 TUNISA

Introduction Tunisia

Background: Following independence from France in 1956, President Habib BOURGUIBA established a

strict one-party state. He dominated the country for 31 years, repressing Islamic

fundamentalism and establishing rights for women unmatched by any other Arab nation. In

recent years, Tunisia has taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in its foreign relations.

Domestically, it has sought to defuse rising pressure for a more open political society.



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Geography Tunisia

Location: Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Libya

Geographic

coordinates:

34 00 N, 9 00 E



land: 155,360 sq km

water: 8,250 sq km

Area -

comparative:

slightly larger than Georgia


border countries: Algeria 965 km, Libya 459 km

Coastline: 1,148 km



Climate: temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in south

Terrain: mountains in north; hot, dry central plain; semiarid south merges into the Sahara

Elevation

extremes:

lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah -17 m

highest point: Jebel ech Chambi 1,544 m

Natural

resources:

petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt



other: 68.4% (2001)


Natural hazards: NA

Environment -

current issues:

toxic and hazardous waste disposal is ineffective and poses health risks; water pollution from

raw sewage; limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion;

desertification

Environment -

international

agreements:


Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine

Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note: strategic location in central Mediterranean; Malta and Tunisia are discussing the commercial

exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil exploration


AREA BRIEFING


People Tunisia


Age structure: 0-14 years: 25.3% (male 1,316,308/female 1,234,309) ,15-64 years: 68.1% (male

3,437,880/female 3,418,591) ,65 years and over: 6.6% (male 321,287/female 346,576)

(2005 est.)


male: 26.78 years


Population

growth rate:

0.99% (2005 est.)



Net migration

rate:


Sex ratio: at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female , under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female , 65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female


Infant mortality

rate:




Life expectancy at

birth:


male: 73.2 years



HIV/AIDS - adult

prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2005 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people

living with

HIV/AIDS:

1,000 (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 200 (2003 est.)

Major infectious

diseases:


food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, and hepatitis A


season (typically April through November) (2004)

Nationality: noun: Tunisian(s) , adjective: Tunisian

Ethnic groups: Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Religions: Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Languages: Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce)



male: 84% , female: 64.4% (2003 est.)



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Government Tunisia

Country name: conventional long form: Tunisian Republic

conventional short form: Tunisia

local long form: Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah

local short form: Tunis


Capital: Tunis

Administrative

divisions:

24 governorates; Ariana (Aryanah), Beja (Bajah), Ben Arous (Bin 'Arus), Bizerte (Banzart),

Gabes (Qabis), Gafsa (Qafsah), Jendouba (Jundubah), Kairouan (Al Qayrawan), Kasserine (Al

Qasrayn), Kebili (Qibili), Kef (Al Kaf), Mahdia (Al Mahdiyah), Manouba (Manubah),

Medenine (Madanin), Monastir (Al Munastir), Nabeul (Nabul), Sfax (Safaqis), Sidi Bou Zid

(Sidi Bu Zayd), Siliana (Silyanah), Sousse (Susah), Tataouine (Tatawin), Tozeur (Tawzar),

Tunis, Zaghouan (Zaghwan)

Legal system: based on French civil law system and Islamic law; some judicial review of legislative acts in

the Supreme Court in joint session

Flag description: red with a white disk in the center bearing a red crescent nearly encircling a red five-pointed

star; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of Islam

Economy Tunisia

Economy -

overview:

Tunisia has a diverse economy, with important agricultural, mining, energy, tourism, and

manufacturing sectors. Governmental control of economic affairs while still heavy has

gradually lessened over the past decade with increasing privatization, simplification of the tax

structure, and a prudent approach to debt. Progressive social policies also have helped raise

living conditions in Tunisia relative to the region. Real growth slowed to a 15-year low of

1.9% in 2002 because of agricultural drought and lackluster tourism. Better rains in 2003 and

2004, however, helped push GDP growth above 5% for these years. Tourism also recovered

after the end of combat operations in Iraq. Tunisia is gradually removing barriers to trade with

the European Union. Broader privatization, further liberalization of the investment code to

increase foreign investment, improvements in government efficiency, and reduction of the

trade deficit are among the challenges ahead.

Agriculture -

products:

olives, olive oil, grain, dairy products, tomatoes, citrus fruit, beef, sugar beets, dates, almonds

Industries: petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate and iron ore), tourism, textiles, footwear,

agribusiness, beverages

Currency: Tunisian dinar (TND)

Currency code: TND

Exchange rates: Tunisian dinars per US dollar - 1.2455 (2004), 1.2885 (2003), 1.4217 (2002), 1.4387 (2001),

1.3707 (2000)

Communications Tunisia

Internet country

code:

.tn


Internet Service

Providers (ISPs):

1 (2000)



AREA BRIEFING


Transportation Tunisia


standard gauge: 468 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 1,674 km 1.000-m gauge (65 km electrified)

dual gauge: 10 km 1.435-m and 1.000-m gauges (three rails) (2003)


paved: 12,424 km (including 142 km of expressways)

unpaved: 6,573 km (2001)

Pipelines: gas 3,059 km; oil 1,203 km; refined products 345 km (2004)

Ports and

harbors:

Bizerte, Gabes, La Goulette, Sfax, Sousse, Tunis, Zarzis


by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 1, chemical tanker 5, passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 1



Airports - with

paved runways:

total: 14

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2004 est.)



AREA BRIEFING

3.3.11.14 CAMEROON

Introduction Cameroon

Background: The former French Cameroon and part of British Cameroon merged in 1961 to form the

present country. Cameroon has generally enjoyed stability, which has permitted the

development of agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry. Despite

movement toward democratic reform, political power remains firmly in the hands of an ethnic

oligarchy.

Geography Cameroon

Location: Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria

Geographic

coordinates:

6 00 N, 12 00 E


Area: total: 475,440 sq km ,land: 469,440 sq km ,water: 6,000 sq km

Area -

comparative:

slightly larger than California


border countries: Central African Republic 797 km, Chad 1,094 km, Republic of the Congo

523 km, Equatorial Guinea 189 km, Gabon 298 km, Nigeria 1,690 km

Coastline: 402 km


Climate: varies with terrain, from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in north


AREA BRIEFING


Terrain: diverse, with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau in center, mountains in west, plains

in north

Elevation

extremes:


highest point: Fako (on Mount Cameroon) 4,095 m

Natural

resources:

petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower



other: 84.61% (2001)


Natural hazards: volcanic activity with periodic releases of poisonous gases from Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun

volcanoes

Environment -

current issues:

waterborne diseases are prevalent; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; poaching;

overfishing

Environment -

international

agreements:


Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical

Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94


Geography - note: sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa; throughout the country there are areas of thermal

springs and indications of current or prior volcanic activity; Mount Cameroon, the highest

mountain in Sub-Saharan west Africa, is an active volcano

People Cameroon










male: 18.45 years


Population

growth rate:

1.93% (2005 est.)



Net migration

rate:


Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female , under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female , 65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female


Infant mortality

rate:





AREA BRIEFING

Life expectancy at

birth:


male: 47.04 years



HIV/AIDS - adult

prevalence rate:

6.9% (2003 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people

living with

HIV/AIDS:

560,000 (2003 est.)


Major infectious

diseases:



vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever are high risks in some locations



Nationality: noun: Cameroonian(s)

adjective: Cameroonian

Ethnic groups: Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%, Fulani 10%, Northwestern

Bantu 8%, Eastern Nigritic 7%, other African 13%, non-African less than 1%

Religions: indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 40%, Muslim 20%

Languages: 24 major African language groups, English (official), French (official)


total population: 79%

male: 84.7%

female: 73.4% (2003 est.)

Government Cameroon

Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Cameroon

conventional short form: Cameroon

former: French Cameroon

Government type: unitary republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition parties legalized in 1990)

note: preponderance of power remains with the president

Capital: Yaounde

Administrative

divisions:

10 provinces; Adamaoua, Centre, Est, Extreme-Nord, Littoral, Nord, Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud,

Sud-Ouest

Legal system: based on French civil law system, with common law influence; has not accepted compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

Flag description: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and yellow with a yellow five-pointed star

centered in the red band; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia


AREA BRIEFING


Economy Cameroon

Economy -

overview:

Because of its oil resources and favorable agricultural conditions, Cameroon has one of the

best-endowed primary commodity economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Still, it faces many of the

serious problems facing other underdeveloped countries, such as a top-heavy civil service and

a generally unfavorable climate for business enterprise. Since 1990, the government has

embarked on various IMF and World Bank programs designed to spur business investment,

increase efficiency in agriculture, improve trade, and recapitalize the nation's banks. In June

2000, the government completed an IMF-sponsored, three-year structural adjustment program;

however, the IMF is pressing for more reforms, including increased budget transparency,

privatization, and poverty reduction programs. International oil and cocoa prices have

considerable impact on the economy.

Agriculture -

products:

coffee, cocoa, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, root starches; livestock; timber

Industries: petroleum production and refining, aluminum production, food processing, light consumer

goods, textiles, lumber, ship repair

Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible authority is the Bank of the

Central African States

Currency code: XAF

Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar - 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003),

696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98 (2000)

Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June

Communications Cameroon

Internet country

code:

.cm


Internet Service

Providers (ISPs):

1 (2002)


note: Cameroon also had more than 100 cyber-cafes in 2001



AREA BRIEFING

Transportation Cameroon


narrow gauge: 1,008 km 1.000-m gauge (2003)

Highways: total: 34,300 km ,paved: 4,288 km ,unpaved: 30,012 km (1999 est.)

Waterways: navigation mainly on Benue River; limited during rainy season (2004)

Pipelines: gas 90 km; liquid petroleum gas 9 km; oil 1,120 km (2004)

Ports and

harbours:

Bonaberi, Douala, Garoua, Kribi, Tiko


by type: petroleum tanker 1 (2005)


Airports - with

paved runways:

total: 11

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.)

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