Main page Compare countries Index countries Index fields

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

Compare Bhutan (2004) - Maldives (2002)

Compare Bhutan (2004) z Maldives (2002)

 Bhutan (2004)Maldives (2002)
 BhutanMaldives
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
19 atolls (atholhu, singular and plural) and 1 other first-order administrative division*; Alifu, Baa, Dhaalu, Faafu, Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Kaafu, Laamu, Lhaviyani, Maale*, Meemu, Noonu, Raa, Seenu, Shaviyani, Thaa, Vaavu
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: 45.3% (male 74,493; female 70,394)


15-64 years: 51.7% (male 84,548; female 81,092)


65 years and over: 3% (male 4,944; female 4,694) (2002 est.)
Agriculture - products rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products, eggs coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; fish
Airports 2 (2003 est.) 5 (2001)
Airports - with paved runways total: 1


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


over 3,047 m: 1


2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2002)
Airports - with unpaved runways total: 1


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


914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2002)
Area total: 47,000 sq km


land: 47,000 sq km


water: 0 sq km
total: 300 sq km


land: 300 sq km


water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative about half the size of Indiana about 1.7 times the size of Washington, DC
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. The Maldives were long a sultanate, first under Dutch and then under British protection. They became a republic in 1968, three years after independence. Tourism and fishing are being developed on the archipelago.
Birth rate 34.41 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) 37.41 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: $166 million (excluding foreign grants)


expenditures: $192 million, including capital expenditures of $80 million
Capital Thimphu Male
Climate varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August)
Coastline 0 km (landlocked) 644 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 adopted January 1998
Country name conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan


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


conventional short form: Maldives


local long form: Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa


local short form: Dhivehi Raajje
Currency ngultrum (BTN); Indian rupee (INR) rufiyaa (MVR)
Death rate 13.2 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) 7.86 deaths/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Debt - external $245 million (2000) $237 million (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) the US does not have an embassy in Maldives; the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka is accredited to Maldives and makes periodic visits there
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
Maldives does not have an embassy in the US, but does have a Permanent Mission to the UN in New York; permanent representative is Dr. Mohamed LATHEEF
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 none
Economic aid - recipient substantial aid from India and other nations $NA
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. Tourism, Maldives largest industry, accounts for 20% of GDP and more than 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange receipts. Over 90% of government tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. Almost 400,000 tourists visited the islands in 1998. Fishing is a second leading sector. The Maldivian Government began an economic reform program in 1989 initially by lifting import quotas and opening some exports to the private sector. Subsequently, it has liberalized regulations to allow more foreign investment. Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a minor role in the economy, constrained by the limited availability of cultivable land and the shortage of domestic labor. Most staple foods must be imported. Industry, which consists mainly of garment production, boat building, and handicrafts, accounts for about 18% of GDP. Maldivian authorities worry about the impact of erosion and possible global warming on their low-lying country; 80% of the area is one meter or less above sea level.
Electricity - consumption 379.5 million kWh (2001) 102.3 million kWh (2000)
Electricity - exports 1.4 billion kWh (2001) 0 kWh (2000)
Electricity - imports 16 million kWh (2001) 0 kWh (2000)
Electricity - production 1.896 billion kWh (2001) 110 million kWh (2000)
Electricity - production by source - fossil fuel: 100%


hydro: 0%


nuclear: 0%


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


highest point: Kula Kangri 7,553 m
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m


highest point: unnamed location on Wilingili island in the Addu Atoll 2.4 m
Environment - current issues soil erosion; limited access to potable water depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water supplies; global warming and sea level rise; coral reef bleaching
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: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection


signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Ethnic groups Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of several Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15% South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs
Exchange rates ngultrum per US dollar - 46.5806 (2003), 48.6103 (2002), 47.1864 (2001), 44.9416 (2000), 43.0554 (1999) rufiyaa per US dollar - 11.770 (fixed rate since 1995)
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 Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11 November 1978); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government


head of government: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11 November 1978); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government


cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president; note - need not be members of Majlis


elections: president nominated by the Majlis and then that nomination must be ratified by a national referendum (at least a 51% approval margin is required); president elected for a five-year term; election last held 16 October 1998 (next to be held NA October 2003)


election results: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM reelected; percent of popular vote - Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM 90.9%
Exports NA (2001) $88 million f.o.b. (2000 est.)
Exports - commodities electricity (to India), cardamom, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit, precious stones, spices fish, clothing
Exports - partners Bangladesh 60.5%, US 11.7%, Malaysia 5.7% (2003) US, UK, Sri Lanka, Japan
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 red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a vertical white crescent; the closed side of the crescent is on the hoist side of the flag
GDP purchasing power parity - $2.7 billion (2002 est.) purchasing power parity - $1.2 billion (2001 est.)
GDP - composition by sector agriculture: 45%


industry: 10%


services: 45% (2002 est.)
agriculture: 20%


industry: 18%


services: 62% (2000 est.)
GDP - per capita purchasing power parity - $1,300 (2002 est.) purchasing power parity - $3,870 (2001 est.)
GDP - real growth rate 7.7% (2002 est.) 7% (2001 est.)
Geographic coordinates 27 30 N, 90 30 E 3 15 N, 73 00 E
Geography - note landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls (200 inhabited islands, plus 80 islands with tourist resorts); archipelago with strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean
Highways total: 3,690 km


paved: 2,240 km


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


paved: NA km


unpaved: NA km; note - Male has 9.6 km of coral highways within the city (1988 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share lowest 10%: NA


highest 10%: NA
lowest 10%: NA%


highest 10%: NA%
Imports NA (2001) $372 million f.o.b. (2000 est.)
Imports - commodities fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabrics, rice consumer goods, intermediate and capital goods, petroleum products
Imports - partners Japan 36.6%, Austria 14.2%, Sweden 8.3%, China 7.5%, Thailand 6%, Bangladesh 6%, Germany 5.5%, Italy 4% (2003) Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Canada
Independence 8 August 1949 (from India) 26 July 1965 (from UK)
Industrial production growth rate 9.3% (1996 est.) 4.4% (1996 est.)
Industries cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, coconut processing, garments, woven mats, rope, handicrafts, coral and sand mining
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.)
61.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2002 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 3% (2002 est.) 3% (2000 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) AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) - 1 (2000)
Irrigated land 400 sq km (1998 est.) NA sq km
Judicial branch Supreme Court of Appeal (the monarch); High Court (judges appointed by the monarch) High Court
Labor force NA


note: massive lack of skilled labor (1997 est.)
67,000 (1995) (1995)
Labor force - by occupation agriculture 93%, industry and commerce 2%, services 5% agriculture 22%, industry 18%, services 60% (1995) (1995)
Land boundaries total: 1,075 km


border countries: China 470 km, India 605 km
0 km
Land use arable land: 3.09%


permanent crops: 0.43%


other: 96.48% (2001)
arable land: 3.33%


permanent crops: 6.67%


other: 90% (1998 est.)
Languages Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects, Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects Maldivian Dhivehi (dialect of Sinhala, script derived from Arabic), English spoken by most government officials
Legal system based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
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 People's Council or Majlis (50 seats; 42 elected by popular vote, 8 appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms)


elections: last held 20 November 1999 (next to be held NA November 2004)


election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 42
Life expectancy at birth total population: 53.99 years


male: 54.27 years


female: 53.68 years (2004 est.)
total population: 62.93 years


male: 61.72 years


female: 64.2 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: 93.2%


male: 93.3%


female: 93% (1995 est.)
Location Southern Asia, between China and India Southern Asia, group of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of India
Map references Asia Asia
Maritime claims none (landlocked) measured from claimed archipelagic baselines


contiguous zone: 24 NM


exclusive economic zone: 200 NM


territorial sea: 12 NM
Merchant marine - total: 14 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 51,532 GRT/71,298 DWT


ships by type: cargo 13, short-sea passenger 1 (2002 est.)
Military branches Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bodyguard, National Militia National Security Service
Military expenditures - dollar figure $11.2 million (2003) $34.5 million (FY01)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP 1.9% (2003) 8.6% (FY01)
Military manpower - availability males age 15-49: 544,560 (2004 est.) males age 15-49: 74,893 (2002 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service males age 15-49: 290,843 (2004 est.) males age 15-49: 41,672 (2002 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually males: 23,379 (2004 est.) -
National holiday National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907) Independence Day, 26 July (1965)
Nationality noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural)


adjective: Bhutanese
noun: Maldivian(s)


adjective: Maldivian
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 low level of islands makes them very sensitive to sea level rise
Natural resources timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide fish
Net migration rate 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Political parties and leaders no legal parties although political parties are not banned, none exist
Political pressure groups and leaders Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant antigovernment campaign; Indian merchant community; United Front for Democracy (exiled) none
Population 2,185,569


note: other estimates range as low as 810,000 (July 2004 est.)
320,165 (July 2002 est.)
Population below poverty line NA NA%
Population growth rate 2.12% (2004 est.) 2.95% (2002 est.)
Ports and harbors none Gan, Male
Radio broadcast stations AM 0, FM 1, shortwave 1 (1998) AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 1 (1998)
Radios - 35,000 (1999)
Railways - 0 km
Religions Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25% Sunni Muslim
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: 1.06 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female


total population: 1.05 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 21 years of age; universal
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: minimal domestic and international facilities


domestic: interatoll communication through microwave links; all inhabited islands are connected with telephone and fax service


international: satellite earth station - 3 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)
Telephones - main lines in use 25,200 (2003) 21,000 (1999)
Telephones - mobile cellular 8,000 (2003) 1,290 (1997)
Television broadcast stations 0 (1997) 1 (1997)
Terrain mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna flat, with white sandy beaches
Total fertility rate 4.87 children born/woman (2004 est.) 5.38 children born/woman (2002 est.)
Unemployment rate NA NEGL%
Waterways - none
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.