Main page Compare countries Index countries Index fields

Query:
Jah-Jah.pl / Index countries / Bhutan (2004) - Latvia (2002) / Compare countries
##ciekawa_strona##

Compare Bhutan (2004) - Latvia (2002)

Compare Bhutan (2004) z Latvia (2002)

 Bhutan (2004)Latvia (2002)
 BhutanLatvia
Administrative divisions 18 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Dagana, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang


note: there may be two new districts named Gasa and Yangtse
26 counties (singular - rajons) and 7 municipalities*: Aizkraukles Rajons, Aluksnes Rajons, Balvu Rajons, Bauskas Rajons, Cesu Rajons, Daugavpils*, Daugavpils Rajons, Dobeles Rajons, Gulbenes Rajons, Jekabpils Rajons, Jelgava*, Jelgavas Rajons, Jurmala*, Kraslavas Rajons, Kuldigas Rajons, Liepaja*, Liepajas Rajons, Limbazu Rajons, Ludzas Rajons, Madonas Rajons, Ogres Rajons, Preilu Rajons, Rezekne*, Rezeknes Rajons, Riga*, Rigas Rajons, Saldus Rajons, Talsu Rajons, Tukuma Rajons, Valkas Rajons, Valmieras Rajons, Ventspils*, Ventspils Rajons
Age structure 0-14 years: 39.3% (male 445,548; female 414,338)


15-64 years: 56.6% (male 637,637; female 600,253)


65 years and over: 4% (male 44,298; female 43,495) (2004 est.)
0-14 years: 15.8% (male 191,116; female 182,692)


15-64 years: 68.6% (male 775,481; female 847,261)


65 years and over: 15.6% (male 120,304; female 249,661) (2002 est.)
Agriculture - products rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products, eggs grain, sugar beets, potatoes, vegetables; beef, pork, milk, eggs; fish
Airports 2 (2003 est.) 25 (2001)
Airports - with paved runways total: 1


1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2004 est.)
total: 13


2,438 to 3,047 m: 7


1,524 to 2,437 m: 1


914 to 1,523 m: 1


under 914 m: 4 (2002)
Airports - with unpaved runways total: 1


914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2004 est.)
total: 12


2,438 to 3,047 m: 1


1,524 to 2,437 m: 2


914 to 1,523 m: 2


under 914 m: 7 (2002)
Area total: 47,000 sq km


land: 47,000 sq km


water: 0 sq km
total: 64,589 sq km


land: 63,589 sq km


water: 1,000 sq km
Area - comparative about half the size of Indiana slightly larger than West Virginia
Background In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding some border land. Under British influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. This role was assumed by independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formal Indo-Bhutanese accord returned the areas of Bhutan annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. A refugee issue of some 100,000 Bhutanese in Nepal remains unresolved; 90% of the refugees are housed in seven United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camps. After a brief period of independence between the two World Wars, Latvia was annexed by the USSR in 1940. It reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia continues to revamp its economy for eventual integration into various Western European political and economic institutions.
Birth rate 34.41 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) 8.27 births/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Budget revenues: $146 million


expenditures: $152 million, including capital expenditures of NA


note: the government of India finances nearly three-fifths of Bhutan's budget expenditures (FY95/96 est.)
revenues: $2.4 billion


expenditures: $2.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (2002 est.)
Capital Thimphu Riga
Climate varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas maritime; wet, moderate winters
Coastline 0 km (landlocked) 531 km
Constitution no written constitution or bill of rights; note - in 2001 the King commissioned the drafting of a constitution, and in November 2004 presented a draft to the Council of Ministers the 1991 Constitutional Law which supplements the 1922 constitution, provides for basic rights and freedoms
Country name conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan


conventional short form: Bhutan
conventional long form: Republic of Latvia


conventional short form: Latvia


local long form: Latvijas Republika


local short form: Latvija


former: Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic
Currency ngultrum (BTN); Indian rupee (INR) Latvian lat (LVL)
Death rate 13.2 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) 14.74 deaths/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Debt - external $245 million (2000) $3.4 billion (2000 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US the US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassy in New Delhi (India) chief of mission: Ambassador Brian E. CARLSON


embassy: 7 Raina Boulevard, Riga LV-1510


mailing address: American Embassy Riga, PSC 78, Box Riga, APO AE 09723


telephone: [371] 703-6200


FAX: [371] 781-4088
Diplomatic representation in the US none; note - Bhutan has a Permanent Mission to the UN; address: 2 United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017; telephone [1] (212) 826-1919; FAX [1] (212) 826-2998; the Bhutanese mission to the UN has consular jurisdiction in the US


consulate(s) general: New York
chief of mission: Ambassador Aivis RONIS


chancery: 4325 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011


telephone: [1] (202) 726-8213, 8214


FAX: [1] (202) 726-6785
Disputes - international approximately 100,000 Bhutanese refugees living in Nepal, 90% of whom reside in seven UN Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees camps, place decades-long strains on Nepal the Russian Duma refuses to ratify boundary delimitation treaty with Latvia; the Latvian Parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, primarily due to concerns over oil exploration rights
Economic aid - recipient substantial aid from India and other nations $96.2 million (1995)
Economy - overview The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than 90% of the population. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links and dependence on India's financial assistance. The industrial sector is technologically backward, with most production of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are key resources. Model education, social, and environment programs are underway with support from multilateral development organizations. Each economic program takes into account the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. For example, the government in its cautious expansion of the tourist sector encourages the visits of upscale, environmentally conscientious visitors. Detailed controls and uncertain policies in areas like industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. Latvia's transitional economy recovered from the 1998 Russian financial crisis, largely due to the SKELE government's budget stringency and a gradual reorientation of exports toward EU countries, lessening Latvia's trade dependency on Russia. The majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatized. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organization in February 1999. Preparing for EU membership over the next few years continues as a top foreign policy goal. The high current account and internal government deficits remain major concerns.
Electricity - consumption 379.5 million kWh (2001) 5.16 billion kWh (2000)
Electricity - exports 1.4 billion kWh (2001) 500 million kWh (2000)
Electricity - imports 16 million kWh (2001) 2.59 billion kWh (2000)
Electricity - production 1.896 billion kWh (2001) 3.301 billion kWh (2000)
Electricity - production by source - fossil fuel: 33%


hydro: 67%


nuclear: 0%


other: 0% (2000)
Elevation extremes lowest point: Drangme Chhu 97 m


highest point: Kula Kangri 7,553 m
lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m


highest point: Gaizinkalns 312 m
Environment - current issues soil erosion; limited access to potable water Latvia's environment has benefited from a shift to service industries after the country regained independence; the main environmental priorities are improvement of drinking water quality and sewage system, household and hazardous waste management, and reduction of air pollution; in 2001, Latvia closed the EU accession negotiation chapter on environment committing to full enforcement of EU environmental directives by 2010
Environment - international agreements party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes


signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands


signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol
Ethnic groups Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of several Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15% Latvian 57.7%, Russian 29.6%, Belarusian 4.1%, Ukrainian 2.7%, Polish 2.5%, Lithuanian 1.4%, other 2%
Exchange rates ngultrum per US dollar - 46.5806 (2003), 48.6103 (2002), 47.1864 (2001), 44.9416 (2000), 43.0554 (1999) lati per US dollar - 0.6384 (January 2002), 0.628 (2001), 0.607 (2000), 0.585 (1999), 0.590 (1998), 0.581 (1997)
Executive branch chief of state: King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972)


head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers Lyonpo Yeshey ZIMBA (since 20 August 2004)


cabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) nominated by the monarch, approved by the National Assembly; members serve fixed, five-year terms; note - there is also a Royal Advisory Council (Lodoi Tsokde), members nominated by the monarch


elections: none; the monarch is hereditary, but democratic reforms in July 1998 grant the National Assembly authority to remove the monarch with two-thirds vote
chief of state: President Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA (since 8 July 1999)


head of government: Prime Minister Einars REPSE (since 7 November 2002)


cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and appointed by the Parliament


elections: president elected by Parliament for a four-year term; election last held 17 June 1999 (next to be held by June 2003); prime minister appointed by the president


election results: Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA elected as a compromise candidate in second phase of balloting, second round (after five rounds in first phase failed to produce a clear winner); percent of parliamentary vote - Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA 53%, Valdis BIRKAVS 20%, Ingrida UDRE 9%
Exports NA (2001) $2.3 billion f.o.b. (2002)
Exports - commodities electricity (to India), cardamom, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit, precious stones, spices wood and wood products, machinery and equipment, metals, textiles, foodstuffs
Exports - partners Bangladesh 60.5%, US 11.7%, Malaysia 5.7% (2003) Germany 17%, UK 16%, Sweden 10%, Lithuania 8%, Russia 6% (2001 est.)
Fiscal year 1 July - 30 June calendar year
Flag description divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side three horizontal bands of maroon (top), white (half-width), and maroon
GDP purchasing power parity - $2.7 billion (2002 est.) purchasing power parity - $20 billion (2002 est.)
GDP - composition by sector agriculture: 45%


industry: 10%


services: 45% (2002 est.)
agriculture: 5%


industry: 26%


services: 70% (2001)
GDP - per capita purchasing power parity - $1,300 (2002 est.) purchasing power parity - $8,300 (2002 est.)
GDP - real growth rate 7.7% (2002 est.) 4.5% (2002 est.)
Geographic coordinates 27 30 N, 90 30 E 57 00 N, 25 00 E
Geography - note landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes most of the country is composed of fertile, low-lying plains, with some hills in the east
Highways total: 3,690 km


paved: 2,240 km


unpaved: 1,450 km (1999 est.)
total: 59,178 km


paved: 22,843 km


unpaved: 36,335 km (1998 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share lowest 10%: NA


highest 10%: NA
lowest 10%: 3%


highest 10%: 26% (1998) (1998)
Illicit drugs - transshipment point for opiates and cannabis from Central and Southwest Asia to Western Europe and Scandinavia and Latin American cocaine and some synthetics from Western Europe to CIS; money laundering remains a concern
Imports NA (2001) $3.9 billion f.o.b. (2002)
Imports - commodities fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabrics, rice machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, vehicles
Imports - partners Japan 36.6%, Austria 14.2%, Sweden 8.3%, China 7.5%, Thailand 6%, Bangladesh 6%, Germany 5.5%, Italy 4% (2003) Germany 17%, Russia 9%, Lithuania 8%, Finland 8%, Sweden 7% (2001 est.)
Independence 8 August 1949 (from India) 21 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)
Industrial production growth rate 9.3% (1996 est.) 5.7% (2002 est.)
Industries cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide buses, vans, street and railroad cars, synthetic fibers, agricultural machinery, fertilizers, washing machines, radios, electronics, pharmaceuticals, processed foods, textiles; note - dependent on imports for energy and raw materials
Infant mortality rate total: 102.56 deaths/1,000 live births


male: 100.35 deaths/1,000 live births


female: 104.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.)
14.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2002 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 3% (2002 est.) 2% (2002 est.)
International organization participation AsDB, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OPCW (signatory), SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer) BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NSG, OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WEU (associate partner), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) - 41 (2001)
Irrigated land 400 sq km (1998 est.) 200 sq km


note: land in Latvia is often too wet, and in need of drainage, not irrigation; approximately 16,000 sq km or 85% of agricultural land has been improved by drainage (1998 est.)
Judicial branch Supreme Court of Appeal (the monarch); High Court (judges appointed by the monarch) Supreme Court (judges' appointments are confirmed by Parliament)
Labor force NA


note: massive lack of skilled labor (1997 est.)
1.1 million (2001 est.)
Labor force - by occupation agriculture 93%, industry and commerce 2%, services 5% agriculture 15%, industry 25%, services 60% (2000 est.)
Land boundaries total: 1,075 km


border countries: China 470 km, India 605 km
total: 1,150 km


border countries: Belarus 141 km, Estonia 339 km, Lithuania 453 km, Russia 217 km
Land use arable land: 3.09%


permanent crops: 0.43%


other: 96.48% (2001)
arable land: 29.01%


permanent crops: 0.48%


other: 70.51% (1998 est.)
Languages Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects, Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects Latvian (official), Lithuanian, Russian, other
Legal system based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction based on civil law system
Legislative branch unicameral National Assembly or Tshogdu (150 seats; 105 elected from village constituencies, 10 represent religious bodies, and 35 are designated by the monarch to represent government and other secular interests; members serve three-year terms)


elections: local elections last held November 2002 (next to be held NA 2005)


election results: NA
unicameral Parliament or Saeima (100 seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)


elections: last held 5 October 2002 (next to be held NA October 2006)


election results: percent of vote by party - New Era 23.9%, PCTVL 18.9%, People's Party 16.7%, ZZS 9.5%, First Party 7.6%, LNNK 5.4%; seats by party - New Era 26, PCTVL 24, People's Party 21, ZZS 12, First Party 10, LNNK 7
Life expectancy at birth total population: 53.99 years


male: 54.27 years


female: 53.68 years (2004 est.)
total population: 69 years


male: 63.13 years


female: 75.17 years (2002 est.)
Literacy definition: age 15 and over can read and write


total population: 42.2%


male: 56.2%


female: 28.1% (1995 est.)
definition: age 15 and over can read and write


total population: 99.8%


male: NA%


female: NA%
Location Southern Asia, between China and India Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania
Map references Asia Europe
Maritime claims none (landlocked) continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation


exclusive economic zone: 200 NM


territorial sea: 12 NM
Merchant marine - total: 6 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 30,119 GRT/30,572 DWT


ships by type: cargo 1, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 4


note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of convenience: Greece 3 (2002 est.)
Military branches Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bodyguard, National Militia Ground Forces, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Border Guard, National Guard
Military expenditures - dollar figure $11.2 million (2003) $87 million (FY01)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP 1.9% (2003) 1.2% (FY01)
Military manpower - availability males age 15-49: 544,560 (2004 est.) males age 15-49: 591,592 (2002 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service males age 15-49: 290,843 (2004 est.) males age 15-49: 464,843 (2002 est.)
Military manpower - military age - 18 years of age (2002 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually males: 23,379 (2004 est.) males: 19,114 (2002 est.)
National holiday National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907) Independence Day, 18 November (1918); note - 18 November 1918 is the date of independence from Soviet Russia, 21 August 1991 is the date of independence from the Soviet Union
Nationality noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural)


adjective: Bhutanese
noun: Latvian(s)


adjective: Latvian
Natural hazards violent storms from the Himalayas are the source of the country's name which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon; frequent landslides during the rainy season NA
Natural resources timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide peat, limestone, dolomite, hydropower, wood, arable land, minimal; amber
Net migration rate 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) -1.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Pipelines - crude oil 750 km; refined products 780 km; natural gas 560 km (1992)
Political parties and leaders no legal parties Alliance of the Greens and Farmers Union or ZZS [Augusts BRIGMANIS (Farmer's Union); Indulis EMSIS (Green Party)]; CENTER Political Alliance [Juris CELMINS]; First Party of Latvia [Eriks JEKABSONS]; For Fatherland and Freedom or LNNK [Maris GRINBLATS]; For Human Rights in a United Latvia or PCTVL [Janis JURKANS], a coalition of the People's Harmony Party or TSP, the Latvian Socialist Party or LSP, and the Equal Rights Movement; Freedom Party [Ziedonis CEVERS]; Land of Mara [Irena SAPROVSKA]; Latvian Rebirth Party [Andris RUBINS]; Latvian Social-Democratic Workers Party (Social Democrats) or LSDSP [Juris BOJARS]; Latvia's Way Union or LC [Andris BERZINS]; Light of Latgale or LG [Rihards EIGIMS]; New Era Party [Einars REPSE]; Our Land Party [Ilmars ANCANS]; Party of Latvians [Aivars GARDA]; People's Party [Andris SKELE]; Progressive Center Party [Inta STAMGUTE]; Russian Party [Mihails GAVRILOVS]; Social Democratic Union or SDS [Egils BALDZENS]; Social Democratic Welfare Party or SLP [Juris ZURAVLOVS]; United Republican Party of Latvia or LARP [Eriks Andrejs SAULUNS, Janis PUKIS, Sarmite JEGERE]
Political pressure groups and leaders Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant antigovernment campaign; Indian merchant community; United Front for Democracy (exiled) NA
Population 2,185,569


note: other estimates range as low as 810,000 (July 2004 est.)
2,366,515 (July 2002 est.)
Population below poverty line NA NA%
Population growth rate 2.12% (2004 est.) -0.77% (2002 est.)
Ports and harbors none Liepaja, Riga, Ventspils
Radio broadcast stations AM 0, FM 1, shortwave 1 (1998) AM 8, FM 56, shortwave 1 (1998)
Radios - 1.76 million (1997)
Railways - total: 2,412 km


broad gauge: 2,379 km 1.520-m gauge (271 km electrified)


narrow gauge: 33 km 0.750-m gauge (2001)
Religions Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25% Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox
Sex ratio at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female


total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2004 est.)
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 0.48 male(s)/female


total population: 0.85 male(s)/female (2002 est.)
Suffrage each family has one vote in village-level elections; note - in late 2003 Bhutan's legislature passed a new election law 18 years of age; universal for Latvian citizens
Telephone system general assessment: NA


domestic: domestic telephone service is very poor with few telephones in use


international: country code - 975; international telephone and telegraph service is by landline through India; a satellite earth station was planned (1990)
general assessment: inadequate, but is being modernized to provide an international capability independent of the Moscow international switch; more facilities are being installed for individual use


domestic: expansion underway in intercity trunk line connections, rural exchanges, and mobile systems; still many unsatisfied subscriber applications


international: international connections are now available via cable and a satellite earth station at Riga, enabling direct connections for most calls (1998)
Telephones - main lines in use 25,200 (2003) 734,693 (2000)
Telephones - mobile cellular 8,000 (2003) 401,263 (2000)
Television broadcast stations 0 (1997) 44 (plus 31 repeaters) (1995)
Terrain mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna low plain
Total fertility rate 4.87 children born/woman (2004 est.) 1.18 children born/woman (2002 est.)
Unemployment rate NA 7.6% (2001 est.)
Waterways - 300 km (perennially navigable)
Sitemap: Compare countries listing (map site) | Country listing (map site)
Links: Add to favorites | Information about this website | Stats | Polityka prywatnosci
This page was generated in ##czas## s. Size this page: ##rozmiar_strony## kB.