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Compare Belgium (2002) - Faroe Islands (2001)

Compare Belgium (2002) z Faroe Islands (2001)

 Belgium (2002)Faroe Islands (2001)
 BelgiumFaroe Islands
Administrative divisions 10 provinces (French: provinces, singular - province; Dutch: provincien, singular - provincie) and 1 region* (French: region; Dutch: gewest); Antwerpen, Brabant Wallon, Brussels* (Bruxelles), Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, Vlaams-Brabant, West-Vlaanderen none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 49 municipalities
Age structure 0-14 years: 17.3% (male 911,729; female 871,470)


15-64 years: 65.6% (male 3,395,885; female 3,341,536)


65 years and over: 17.1% (male 716,673; female 1,037,302) (2002 est.)
0-14 years:
22.62% (male 5,193; female 5,136)

15-64 years:
63.64% (male 15,463; female 13,596)

65 years and over:
13.74% (male 2,802; female 3,471) (2001 est.)
Agriculture - products sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef, veal, pork, milk milk, potatoes, vegetables; sheep; salmon, other fish
Airports 42 (2001) 1 (2000 est.)
Airports - with paved runways total: 25


over 3,047 m: 6


2,438 to 3,047 m: 8


1,524 to 2,437 m: 3


914 to 1,523 m: 1


under 914 m: 7 (2002)
total:
1

914 to 1,523 m:
1 (2000 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways total: 17


914 to 1,523 m: 2


under 914 m: 15 (2002)
-
Area total: 30,510 sq km


land: 30,230 sq km


water: 280 sq km
total:
1,399 sq km

land:
1,399 sq km

water:
0 sq km (some lakes and streams)
Area - comparative about the size of Maryland eight times the size of Washington, DC
Background Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 and was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy. The population of the Faroe Islands is largely descended from Viking settlers who arrived in the 9th century. The islands have been connected politically to Denmark since the 14th century. A high degree of self-government was attained in 1948.
Birth rate 10.58 births/1,000 population (2002 est.) 13.64 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)
Budget revenues: $113.4 billion


expenditures: $106 billion, including capital expenditures of $7.17 billion (2000)
revenues:
$488 million

expenditures:
$484 million, including capital expenditures of $21 million (1999)
Capital Brussels Torshavn
Climate temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy
Coastline 66 km 1,117 km
Constitution 7 February 1831, last revised 14 July 1993; parliament approved a constitutional package creating a federal state 5 June 1953 (Danish constitution)
Country name conventional long form: Kingdom of Belgium


conventional short form: Belgium


local long form: Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie


local short form: Belgique/Belgie
conventional long form:
none

conventional short form:
Faroe Islands

local long form:
none

local short form:
Foroyar
Currency euro (EUR); Belgian franc (BEF)


note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole currency for everyday transactions within the member countries
Danish krone (DKK)
Death rate 10.08 deaths/1,000 population (2002 est.) 8.69 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)
Debt - external $28.3 billion (1999 est.) $64 million (1999)
Dependency status - part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1948
Diplomatic representation from the US chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen Franklin BRAUER


embassy: Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels


mailing address: PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710


telephone: [32] (2) 508-2111


FAX: [32] (2) 511-2725
none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)
Diplomatic representation in the US chief of mission: Ambassador Franciskus VAN DAELE


chancery: 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008


telephone: [1] (202) 333-6900


FAX: [1] (202) 333-3079


consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York
none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)
Disputes - international none Faroese are considering proposals for full independence
Economic aid - donor ODA, $764 million (1997) (1997) -
Economic aid - recipient - $135 million (annual subsidy from Denmark) (1999)
Economy - overview This modern private enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north. With few natural resources, Belgium must import substantial quantities of raw materials and export a large volume of manufactures, making its economy unusually dependent on the state of world markets. About three-quarters of its trade is with other EU countries. Public debt is about 100% of GDP, and the government has succeeded in balancing its budget. Belgium, together with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating euro currency in January 2002. Economic growth in 2001-02 dropped sharply due to the global economic slowdown. Prospects for 2003 again depend largely on recovery in the EU and the US. The Faroese economy has had a strong performance since 1994, mostly as a result of increasing fish landings and high and stable export prices. Unemployment is falling and there are signs of labor shortages in several sectors. The positive economic development has helped the Faroese Home Rule Government produce increasing budget surpluses which in turn help to reduce the large public debt, most of it owed to Denmark. However, the total dependence on fishing makes the Faroese economy extremely vulnerable, and the present fishing efforts appear in excess of what is required to ensure a sustainable level of fishing in the long term. Oil finds close to the Faroese area give hope for deposits in the immediate Faroese area, which may eventually lay the basis for a more diversified economy and thus less dependence on Denmark and Danish economic assistance. Aided by a substantial annual subsidy (15% of GDP) from Denmark, the Faroese have a standard of living not far below the Danes and other Scandinavians.
Electricity - consumption 78.13 billion kWh (2000) 158.1 million kWh (1999)
Electricity - exports 7.309 billion kWh (2000) 0 kWh (1999)
Electricity - imports 11.645 billion kWh (2000) 0 kWh (1999)
Electricity - production 79.348 billion kWh (2000) 170 million kWh (1999)
Electricity - production by source fossil fuel: 40%


hydro: 1%


nuclear: 58%


other: 1% (2000)
fossil fuel:
58.82%

hydro:
41.18%

nuclear:
0%

other:
0% (1999)
Elevation extremes lowest point: North Sea 0 m


highest point: Signal de Botrange 694 m
lowest point:
Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point:
Slaettaratindur 882 m
Environment - current issues the environment is exposed to intense pressures from human activities: urbanization, dense transportation network, industry, intense animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water pollution also have repercussions for neighboring countries; uncertainties regarding federal and regional responsibilities (now resolved) have slowed progress in tackling environmental challenges NA
Environment - international agreements party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands


signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol
-
Ethnic groups Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11% Scandinavian
Exchange rates euros per US dollar - 1.1324 (January 2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999); Belgian francs per US dollar - 34.77 (January 1999), 36.229 (1998), 35.774 (1997) Danish kroner per US dollar - 7.951 (January 2001), 8.093 (2000), 6.976 (1999), 6.701 (1998), 6.604 (1997), 5.799 (1966)
Executive branch chief of state: King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993); Heir Apparent Prince PHILIPPE, son of the monarch


head of government: Prime Minister Guy VERHOFSTADT (since 13 July 1999)


cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch and approved by Parliament


elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch and then approved by Parliament


note: government coalition - VLD, PRL-FDF, PS, MCC, SP, AGALEV, and ECOLO
chief of state:
Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Ms. Vibeke LARSEN, chief administrative officer (since NA)

head of government:
Prime Minister Anfinn KALLSBERG (since 15 May 1998)

cabinet:
Landsstyri appointed by the prime minister

elections:
the monarch is hereditary; high commissioner appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the party that wins the most seats is usually elected prime minister by the Faroese Parliament; election last held 30 April 1998 (next to be held no later than April 2002)

election results:
Anfinn KALLSBERG elected prime minister; percent of parliamentary vote - 52.8%

note:
coalition of People's Party, Republican Party and Home Rule Party
Exports $162 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.) $471 million (f.o.b., 1999)
Exports - commodities machinery and equipment, chemicals, diamonds, metals and metal products, foodstuffs fish and fish products 94%, stamps, ships (1999)
Exports - partners EU 75.3% (Germany 18.1%, France 17.3%, Netherlands 12.1%, UK 9.6%), US 5.6% (2001) Denmark 32%, UK 21%, France 9%, Germany 7%, Iceland 5%, US 5% (1996)
Fiscal year calendar year calendar year
Flag description three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the design was based on the flag of France white with a red cross outlined in blue that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)
GDP purchasing power parity - $297.6 billion (2002 est.) purchasing power parity - $910 million (2000 est.)
GDP - composition by sector agriculture: 1%


industry: 24%


services: 74% (2001)
agriculture:
27%

industry:
11%

services:
62% (1999)
GDP - per capita purchasing power parity - $29,000 (2002 est.) purchasing power parity - $20,000 (2000 est.)
GDP - real growth rate 0.6% (2002 est.) 5% (2000 est.)
Geographic coordinates 50 50 N, 4 00 E 62 00 N, 7 00 W
Geography - note crossroads of Western Europe; majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European Union and NATO archipelago of 17 inhabited islands and one uninhabited island, and a few uninhabited islets; strategically located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlantic; precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands
Heliports 1 (2002) -
Highways total: 145,774 km


paved: 116,182 km (including 1,674 km of expressways)


unpaved: 29,592 km (1999)
total:
463 km

paved:
454 km

unpaved:
9 km (1999)
Household income or consumption by percentage share lowest 10%: 3%


highest 10%: 23% (1992) (1996)
lowest 10%:
NA%

highest 10%:
NA%
Illicit drugs growing producer of synthetic drugs; transit point for US-bound ecstasy; source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors; transshipment point for cocaine, heroin, hashish, and marijuana entering Western Europe; money laundering related to trafficking of drugs, automobiles, alcohol, and tobacco -
Imports $152 billion f.o.b. (2001) $469 million (c.i.f., 1999)
Imports - commodities machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals and metal products, foodstuffs machinery and transport equipment 29%, consumer goods 36%, raw materials and semi-manufactures 32%, fuels, fish and salt (1999)
Imports - partners EU 68.7% (Netherlands 17.5%, Germany 16.8%, France 13.8%, UK 8.0%), US 7.2% (2001) Denmark 28%, Norway 26%, Germany 7%, UK 6% Sweden 5%, Iceland 4%, US (1999)
Independence 4 October 1830 a provisional government declared independence from the Netherlands; 21 July 1831 the ascension of King Leopold I to the throne none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)
Industrial production growth rate 4.5% (2000 est.) 8% (1999 est.)
Industries engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum, coal fishing, fish processing, shipbuilding, construction, handicrafts
Infant mortality rate 4.64 deaths/1,000 live births (2002 est.) 6.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 1.7% (2002 est.) 5.1% (1999)
International organization participation ACCT, AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNMOGIP, UNMOP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WADB (nonregional), WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC NC, NIB
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) 61 (2000) 2 (2000)
Irrigated land 40 sq km (includes Luxembourg) (1998 est.) 0 sq km
Judicial branch Supreme Court of Justice or Hof van Cassatie (in Dutch) or Cour de Cassation (in French) (judges are appointed for life by the monarch, although selected by the Government) none
Labor force 4.44 million (2001) 24,250 (October 2000)
Labor force - by occupation services 73%, industry 25%, agriculture 2% (1999 est.) fishing, fish processing, and manufacturing 33%, construction and private services 33%, public services 34%
Land boundaries total: 1,385 km


border countries: France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km
0 km
Land use arable land: 25%


permanent crops: 0%


other: 75%


note: includes Luxembourg (1998 est.)
arable land:
6%

permanent crops:
0%

permanent pastures:
0%

forests and woodland:
0%

other:
94% (1996)
Languages Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French) Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish
Legal system civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations Danish
Legislative branch bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate or Senaat in Dutch, Senat in French (71 seats; 40 members are directly elected by popular vote, 31 are indirectly elected; members serve four-year terms) and a Chamber of Deputies or Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers in Dutch, Chambre des Representants in French (150 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)


elections: Senate and Chamber of Deputies - last held 13 June 1999 (next to be held in NA 2003)


election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - VLD 15.4%, CVP 14.7%, PRL 10.6%, PS 9.7%, VB 9.4%, SP 8.9%, ECOLO 7.4%, AGALEV 7.1%, PSC 6.0%, VU 5.1%; seats by party - VLD 11, CVP 10, PS 10, PRL 9, VB 6, SP 6, ECOLO 6, AGALEV 5, PSC 5, VU 3; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - VLD 14.3%, CVP 14.1%, PS 10.2%, PRL 10.1%, VB 9.9%, SP 9.5%, ECOLO 7.4%, AGALEV 7.0%, PSC 5.9%, VU 5.6%; seats by party - VLD 23, CVP 22, PS 19, PRL 18, VB 15, SP 14, ECOLO 11, PSC 10, AGALEV 9, VU 8, FN 1


note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities; this reality leaves six governments each with its own legislative assembly; for other acronyms of the listed parties see the Political parties and leaders entry
unicameral Faroese Parliament or Logting (32 seats; members are elected by popular vote on a proportional basis from the seven constituencies to serve four-year terms)

elections:
last held 30 April 1998 (next to be held not later than April 2002)

election results:
percent of vote by party - Republican Party 23.8%, People's Party 21.3%, Social Democratic Party 21.9%, Union Party 18%, Home Rue Party 7.7%, Center Party 4.1%; seats by party - Republican Party 8, People's Party 8, Social Democratic Party 7, Union Party 6, Home Rule Party 2, Center Party 1

note:
election of 2 seats to the Danish Parliament was last held on 11 March 1998 (next to be held not later than March 2002); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Social Democratic Party 1, People's Party 1
Life expectancy at birth total population: 78.13 years


male: 74.8 years


female: 81.62 years (2002 est.)
total population:
78.59 years

male:
75.12 years

female:
82.06 years
Literacy definition: age 15 and over can read and write


total population: 98%


male: NA%


female: NA%
definition:
NA

total population:
NA%

male:
NA%

female:
NA%

note:
similar to Denmark proper
Location Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands Northern Europe, island group between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Iceland to Norway
Map references Europe Europe
Maritime claims continental shelf: median line with neighbors


exclusive fishing zone: median line with neighbors (extends about 68 km from coast)


territorial sea: 12 NM
continental shelf:
200 NM or agreed boundaries or median line

exclusive fishing zone:
200 NM or agreed boundaries or median line

territorial sea:
3 NM
Merchant marine total: 20 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 31,362 GRT/54,058 DWT


ships by type: cargo 6, chemical tanker 9, petroleum tanker 5, includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of convenience: Finland 1, Netherlands 3 (2002 est.)
total:
6 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 23,247 GRT/11,736 DWT

ships by type:
cargo 2, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 1, short-sea passenger 1 (2000 est.)
Military - note - defense is the responsibility of Denmark
Military branches Army, Navy, Air Components, Federal Police defense is the responsibility of Denmark; no organized native military forces; only a small Police Force and Coast Guard are maintained
Military expenditures - dollar figure $3,076.5 million (FY01/02) $NA
Military expenditures - percent of GDP 1.4% (FY01/02) NA%
Military manpower - availability males age 15-49: 2,508,557 (2002 est.) -
Military manpower - fit for military service males age 15-49: 2,070,016 (2002 est.) -
Military manpower - military age 19 years of age (2002 est.) -
Military manpower - reaching military age annually males: 63,247 (2002 est.) -
National holiday Independence Day, 21 July (1831) Olaifest, 29 July
Nationality noun: Belgian(s)


adjective: Belgian
noun:
Faroese (singular and plural)

adjective:
Faroese
Natural hazards flooding is a threat in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes NA
Natural resources coal, natural gas fish, whales, hydropower
Net migration rate 0.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2002 est.) 2.89 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.)
Pipelines crude oil 161 km; petroleum products 1,167 km; natural gas 3,300 km -
Political parties and leaders AGALEV (Flemish Greens) [Jos GEYSELS]; Christian Democrats and Flemish or CD & V [Stefaan DE CLERCK, president]; note - used to be the Flemish Christian Democrats or CVP; ECOLO (Francophone Greens) [no president; led by three person federal secretariat]; Flemish Liberal Democrats or VLD [Karel DE GUCHT, president]; Francophone Christian Democrats or PSC (Social Christian Party) [Joelle MILQUET, president]; Francophone Liberal Reformation Party or PRL [Daniel DUCARME, president]; Francophone Socialist Party or PS [Elio DI RUPO, president]; National Front or FN [Daniel FERET]; New Flemish Alliance or NVA [Geert BOURGEOIS]; note - new party that emerged after the demise of the People's Union or VU; Social Progressive Alternative Party or SP.A [Patrick JANSSENS, president]; note - was Flemish Socialist Party or SP; Spirit [Annemie VAN DE CASTEELE]; note - new party that emerged after the demise of the People's Union or VU; Vlaams Blok or VB [Frank VANHECKE]; other minor parties Center Party [Jenis A. RANA]; Home Rule Party [Helena Dam a NEYSTABO]; People's Party [Oli BRECKMANN]; Republican Party [Hogni HOYDAL]; Social Democratic Party [Joannes EIDESGAARD]; Union Party [Edmund JOENSEN]
Political pressure groups and leaders Christian and Socialist Trade Unions; Federation of Belgian Industries; numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as Pax Christi and groups representing immigrants NA
Population 10,274,595 (July 2002 est.) 45,661 (July 2001 est.)
Population below poverty line 4% NA%
Population growth rate 0.15% (2002 est.) 0.78% (2001 est.)
Ports and harbors Antwerp (one of the world's busiest ports), Brugge, Gent, Hasselt, Liege, Mons, Namur, Oostende, Zeebrugge Torshavn, Klaksvik, Tvoroyri, Runavik, Fuglafjorour
Radio broadcast stations FM 79, AM 7, shortwave 1 (1998) AM 1, FM 13, shortwave 0 (1998)
Radios 8.075 million (1997) 26,000 (1997)
Railways total: 3,422 km


standard gauge: 3,422 km 1.435-m gauge (2,517 km electrified; 2,563 km double-tracked) (2001)
0 km
Religions Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25% Evangelical Lutheran
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: 0.69 male(s)/female


total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2002 est.)
at birth:
1 male(s)/female

under 15 years:
1.01 male(s)/female

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

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

total population:
1.06 male(s)/female (2001 est.)
Suffrage 18 years of age; universal and compulsory 18 years of age; universal
Telephone system general assessment: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities


domestic: nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network


international: 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat
general assessment:
good international communications; good domestic facilities

domestic:
digitalization was completed in 1998; both NMT (analog) and GSM (digital) mobile telephone systems are installed

international:
satellite earth stations - 1 Orion; 1 fiber-optic submarine cable to the Shetland Islands, linking the Faroe Islands with Denmark and Iceland; fiber-optic submarine cable connection to Canada-Europe cable
Telephones - main lines in use 4.769 million (1997) 24,851 (1999)
Telephones - mobile cellular 974,494 (1997) 10,761 (1999)
Television broadcast stations 25 (plus 10 repeaters) (1997) 3 (plus 43 low-power repeaters) (September 1995)
Terrain flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of coast
Total fertility rate 1.61 children born/woman (2002 est.) 2.3 children born/woman (2001 est.)
Unemployment rate 7.2% (2002 est.) 1% (October 2000)
Waterways 1,570 km (route length in regular commercial use) (2001) none
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