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Compare Christmas Island (2006) - Kuwait (2002)

Compare Christmas Island (2006) z Kuwait (2002)

 Christmas Island (2006)Kuwait (2002)
 Christmas IslandKuwait
Administrative divisions none (territory of Australia) 5 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Ahmadi, Al Farwaniyah, Al 'Asimah, Al Jahra', Hawalli
Age structure 0-14 years: NA


15-64 years: NA


65 years and over: NA (2006 est.)
0-14 years: 28.3% (male 304,200; female 292,900)


15-64 years: 69.2% (male 934,115; female 527,331)


65 years and over: 2.5% (male 34,106; female 18,909) (2002 est.)
Agriculture - products NA practically no crops; fish
Airports 1 (2006) 7 (2001)
Airports - with paved runways total: 1


1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2006)
total: 3


over 3,047 m: 1


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


1,524 to 2,437 m: 1


under 914 m: 2 (2002)
Area total: 135 sq km


land: 135 sq km


water: 0 sq km
total: 17,820 sq km


land: 17,820 sq km


water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative about three-quarters the size of Washington, DC slightly smaller than New Jersey
Background Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island was annexed and settlement began by the UK in 1888. Phosphate mining began in the 1890s. The UK transferred sovereignty to Australia in 1958. Almost two-thirds of the island has been declared a national park. Britain oversaw foreign relations and defense for the ruling Kuwaiti AL-SABAH dynasty from 1899 until independence in 1961. Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq on 2 August 1990. Following several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led UN coalition began a ground assault on 23 February 1991 that completely liberated Kuwait in four days. Kuwait spent more than $5 billion to repair oil infrastructure damaged during 1990-91.
Birth rate NA 21.84 births/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Budget revenues: $NA


expenditures: $NA
revenues: $11.5 billion


expenditures: $17.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY01/02 )
Capital name: The Settlement


geographic coordinates: 18 44 N, 64 19 W


time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Kuwait
Climate tropical with a wet and dry season; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds; wet season (December to April) dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters
Coastline 138.9 km 499 km
Constitution Christmas Island Act of 1958-59 (1 October 1958) as amended by the Territories Law Reform Act of 1992 approved and promulgated 11 November 1962
Country name conventional long form: Territory of Christmas Island


conventional short form: Christmas Island
conventional long form: State of Kuwait


conventional short form: Kuwait


local long form: Dawlat al Kuwayt


local short form: Al Kuwayt
Currency - Kuwaiti dinar (KD)
Death rate NA 2.46 deaths/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Debt - external - $6.9 billion (2000 est.)
Dependency status non-self governing territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services -
Diplomatic representation from the US none (territory of Australia) chief of mission: Ambassador Richard H. JONES


embassy: Bayan, Area 14, Al-Masjed Al-Aqsa Street (near the Bayan palace), Kuwait City


mailing address: P. O. Box 77 Safat, 13001 Safat, Kuwait Unit 69000, APO AE 09880-9000


telephone: [965] 539-5307, ext. 2240


FAX: [965] 538-0282
Diplomatic representation in the US none (territory of Australia) chief of mission: Ambassador Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al Jaber AL SABAH


chancery: 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008


telephone: [1] (202) 966-0702


FAX: [1] (202) 966-0517
Disputes - international none in November 1994, Iraq formally accepted the UN-demarcated border with Kuwait which had been spelled out in Security Council Resolutions 687 (1991), 773 (1993), and 883 (1993); this formally ends earlier claims to Kuwait and to Bubiyan and Warbah islands, although the Iraqi Government continues periodic rhetorical challenges
Economic aid - recipient $NA NA
Economy - overview Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian Government closed the mine. In 1991, the mine was reopened. With the support of the government, a $34 million casino opened in 1993. The casino closed in 1998. The Australian Government in 2001 agreed to support the creation of a commercial space-launching site on the island, projected to begin operations in the near future. Kuwait is a small, rich, relatively open economy with proved crude oil reserves of 94 billion barrels - 10% of world reserves. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 90% of export revenues, and 75% of government income. Kuwait's climate limits agricultural development. Consequently, with the exception of fish, it depends almost wholly on food imports. About 75% of potable water must be distilled or imported. Higher oil prices put the FY99/00 budget into a $2 billion surplus. The FY00/01 budget covers only nine months because of a change in the fiscal year. The budget for FY01/02 envisioned higher expenditures for salaries, construction, and other general categories. Kuwait continues its discussions with foreign oil companies to develop fields in the northern part of the country.
Electricity - consumption - 29.016 billion kWh (2000)
Electricity - exports - 0 kWh (2000)
Electricity - imports - 0 kWh (2000)
Electricity - production - 31.2 billion kWh (2000)
Electricity - production by source - fossil fuel: 100%


hydro: 0%


nuclear: 0%


other: 0% (2000)
Elevation extremes lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m


highest point: Murray Hill 361 m
lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m


highest point: unnamed location 306 m
Environment - current issues loss of rainforest; impact of phosphate mining limited natural fresh water resources; some of world's largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide much of the water; air and water pollution; desertification
Environment - international agreements - party to: Climate Change, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection


signed, but not ratified: Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Marine Dumping
Ethnic groups Chinese 70%, European 20%, Malay 10%


note: no indigenous population (2001)
Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 7%
Exchange rates Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.3095 (2005), 1.3598 (2004), 1.5419 (2003), 1.8406 (2002), 1.9334 (2001) Kuwaiti dinars per US dollar - 0.3075 (January 2002), 0.3066, (2001), 0.3067 (2000), 0.3044 (1999), 0.3047 (1998), 0.3033 (1997)
Executive branch chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by the Australian governor general


head of government: Administrator Neil LUCAS (since 30 January 2006)


elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia
chief of state: Amir JABIR al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah (since 31 December 1977)


head of government: Prime Minister and Crown Prince SAAD al-Abdallah al-Salim Al Sabah (since 8 February 1978); First Deputy Prime Minister SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah (since 17 October 1992); Deputy Prime Ministers JABIR MUBARAK al-Hamud Al Sabah (since NA) and MUHAMMAD KHALID al-Hamed Al Sabah (since NA)


cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister and approved by the monarch


elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the monarch
Exports $NA $16.2 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)
Exports - commodities phosphate oil and refined products, fertilizers
Exports - partners Australia, NZ (2004) Japan 23%, US 14%, South Korea 13%, Singapore 7%, Netherlands 6%, Pakistan 6%, Indonesia 4%, UK 2% (2000)
Fiscal year 1 July - 30 June 1 April - 31 March
Flag description territorial flag; divided diagonally from upper hoist to lower fly; the upper triangle is green with a yellow image of the Golden Bosun Bird superimposed, while the lower triangle is blue with the Southern Cross constellation, representing Australia, superimposed; a centered yellow disk displays a green map of the island; the flag of Australia is used for official purposes three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red with a black trapezoid based on the hoist side
GDP - purchasing power parity - $30.9 billion (2001 est.)
GDP - composition by sector - industry: 60%


services: 40%


agriculture: 0% (2000)
GDP - per capita - purchasing power parity - $15,100 (2001 est.)
GDP - real growth rate - 4% (2001 est.)
Geographic coordinates 10 30 S, 105 40 E 29 30 N, 45 45 E
Geography - note located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean strategic location at head of Persian Gulf
Heliports - 3 (2002)
Highways - total: 4,450 km


paved: 3,590 km


unpaved: 860 km (1999 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share - lowest 10%: NA%


highest 10%: NA%
Imports $NA $7.4 billion f.o.b. (2001 est.)
Imports - commodities consumer goods food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, clothing
Imports - partners principally Australia (2004) US 12%, Japan 8%, UK 8%, Germany 7%, China 5%, France 4%, Australia 3%, Netherlands 2% (2000)
Independence none (territory of Australia) 19 June 1961 (from UK)
Industrial production growth rate - 1% (1997 est.)
Industries tourism, phosphate extraction (near depletion) petroleum, petrochemicals, desalination, food processing, construction materials
Infant mortality rate total: NA


male: NA


female: NA
10.87 deaths/1,000 live births (2002 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - 2.7% (2001)
International organization participation none ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, BDEAC, CAEU, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) - 3 (2000)
Irrigated land NA 60 sq km (1998 est.)
Judicial branch Supreme Court; District Court; Magistrate's Court High Court of Appeal
Labor force NA 1.3 million


note: 68% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national (July 1998 est.) (1998 est.)
Labor force - by occupation - agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%
Land boundaries 0 km total: 462 km


border countries: Iraq 240 km, Saudi Arabia 222 km
Land use arable land: 0%


permanent crops: 0%


other: 100% (mainly tropical rainforest; 63% of the island is a national park) (2005)
arable land: 0.34%


permanent crops: 0.06%


other: 99.6% (1998 est.)
Languages English (official), Chinese, Malay Arabic (official), English widely spoken
Legal system under the authority of the governor general of Australia and Australian law civil law system with Islamic law significant in personal matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Legislative branch unicameral Christmas Island Shire Council (9 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)


elections: held every two years with half the members standing for election; last held in May 2005 (next to be held in May 2007)


election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 9
unicameral National Assembly or Majlis al-Umma (50 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)


elections: last held 3 July 1999 (next to be held NA 2003)


election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 50; note - all cabinet ministers are also ex officio members of the National Assembly
Life expectancy at birth total population: NA


male: NA


female: NA
total population: 76.46 years


male: 75.56 years


female: 77.39 years (2002 est.)
Literacy NA definition: age 15 and over can read and write


total population: 78.6%


male: 82.2%


female: 74.9% (1995 est.)
Location Southeastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia
Map references Southeast Asia Middle East
Maritime claims territorial sea: 12 nm


contiguous zone: 12 nm


exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
territorial sea: 12 NM
Merchant marine - total: 38 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,274,515 GRT/3,627,835 DWT


ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 1, container 6, liquefied gas 6, livestock carrier 5, petroleum tanker 19


note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of convenience: Monaco 1, Saudi Arabia 1 (2002 est.)
Military - note defense is the responsibility of Australia -
Military branches - Army, Navy, Air Force (including Air Defense Force), National Police Force, National Guard, Coast Guard
Military expenditures - dollar figure - $1,967.3 million (FY01)


note: Kuwait is changing its fiscal year; the above figure is for July-March 2001; future budget years will be April-March annually
Military expenditures - percent of GDP - 5.5% (FY01)
Military manpower - availability - males age 15-49: 812,059 (2002 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service - males age 15-49: 486,906 (2002 est.)
Military manpower - military age - 18 years of age (2002 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually - males: 18,309 (2002 est.)
National holiday Australia Day, 26 January (1788) National Day, 25 February (1950)
Nationality noun: Christmas Islander(s)


adjective: Christmas Island
noun: Kuwaiti(s)


adjective: Kuwaiti
Natural hazards the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April; they bring heavy rain which can damage roads and houses; sandstorms and dust storms occur throughout the year, but are most common between March and August
Natural resources phosphate, beaches petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas
Net migration rate NA 13.88 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2002 est.)
Pipelines - crude oil 877 km; petroleum products 40 km; natural gas 165 km
Political parties and leaders none none; formation of political parties is illegal
Political pressure groups and leaders none several political groups act as de facto parties: Bedouins, merchants, Sunni and Shi'a activists, and secular leftists and nationalists
Population 1,493 (July 2006 est.) 2,111,561


note: includes 1,159,913 non-nationals (July 2002 est.)
Population below poverty line - NA%
Population growth rate 0% (2006 est.) 3.33%


note: this rate reflects a return to pre-Gulf crisis immigration of expatriates (2002 est.)
Ports and harbors - Ash Shu'aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Kuwait, Mina' 'Abd Allah, Mina' al Ahmadi, Mina' Su'ud
Radio broadcast stations AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 (2006) AM 6, FM 11, shortwave 1 (1998)
Radios - 1.175 million (1997)
Railways - 0 km
Religions Buddhist 36%, Muslim 25%, Christian 18%, other 21% (1997) Muslim 85% (Sunni 70%, Shi'a 30%), Christian, Hindu, Parsi, and other 15%
Sex ratio NA at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 1.77 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 1.8 male(s)/female


total population: 1.52 male(s)/female (2002 est.)
Suffrage - adult males who have been naturalized for 30 years or more or have resided in Kuwait since before 1920 and their male descendants at age 21


note: only 10% of all citizens are eligible to vote; in 1996, naturalized citizens who do not meet the pre-1920 qualification but have been naturalized for 30 years were eligible to vote for the first time
Telephone system general assessment: service provided by the Australian network


domestic: GSM mobile telephone service replaced older analog system in February 2005


international: country code - 61-8; satellite earth stations - one INTELSAT earth station provides telephone and telex service (2005)
general assessment: the quality of service is excellent


domestic: new telephone exchanges provide a large capacity for new subscribers; trunk traffic is carried by microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, open wire, and fiber-optic cable; a cellular telephone system operates throughout Kuwait, and the country is well supplied with pay telephones


international: coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; linked to Bahrain, Qatar, UAE via the Fiber-Optic Gulf (FOG) cable; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean, 2 Indian Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean), and 2 Arabsat
Telephones - main lines in use NA 412,000 (1997)
Telephones - mobile cellular NA 210,000 (1997)
Television broadcast stations 0; note - TV broadcasts received via satellite from mainland Australia (2006) 13 (plus several satellite channels) (1997)
Terrain steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau flat to slightly undulating desert plain
Total fertility rate NA 3.14 children born/woman (2002 est.)
Unemployment rate - 1.8% (1996 est.)
Waterways - none
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