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Compare Cook Islands (2004) - Bahrain (2007)

Compare Cook Islands (2004) z Bahrain (2007)

 Cook Islands (2004)Bahrain (2007)
 Cook IslandsBahrain
Administrative divisions none 5 governorates; Asamah, Janubiyah, Muharraq, Shamaliyah, Wasat


note: each governorate administered by an appointed governor
Age structure 0-14 years: NA


15-64 years: NA


65 years and over: NA (2004 est.)
0-14 years: 26.9% (male 96,217/female 94,275)


15-64 years: 69.5% (male 284,662/female 207,555)


65 years and over: 3.7% (male 13,451/female 12,413) (2007 est.)
Agriculture - products copra, citrus, pineapples, tomatoes, beans, pawpaws, bananas, yams, taro, coffee; pigs, poultry fruit, vegetables; poultry, dairy products; shrimp, fish
Airports 9 (2003 est.) 3 (2007)
Airports - with paved runways total: 2


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


over 3,047 m: 2


1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2007)
Airports - with unpaved runways total: 7


1,524 to 2,437 m: 2


914 to 1,523 m: 4


under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.)
-
Area total: 240 sq km


land: 240 sq km


water: 0 sq km
total: 665 sq km


land: 665 sq km


water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative 1.3 times the size of Washington, DC 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC
Background Named after Captain Cook, who sighted them in 1770, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965 residents chose self-government in free association with New Zealand. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and government deficits are continuing problems. In 1782, the Al Khalifa family captured Bahrain from the Persians. In order to secure these holdings, it entered into a series of treaties with the UK during the 19th century that made Bahrain a British protectorate. The archipelago attained its independence in 1971. Bahrain's small size and central location among Persian Gulf countries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Facing declining oil reserves, Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and refining and has transformed itself into an international banking center. King HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa, after coming to power in 1999, pushed economic and political reforms to improve relations with the Shi'a community and Shi'a political societies participated in 2006 parliamentary and municipal elections. Al Wifaq, the largest Shi'a political society, won the largest number of seats in the elected chamber of the legislature. However, Shi'a discontent has resurfaced in recent years with street demonstrations and occasional low-level violence.
Birth rate NA births/1,000 population (2004 est.) 17.53 births/1,000 population (2007 est.)
Budget revenues: $28 million


expenditures: $27 million, including capital expenditures of $3.3 million (FY00/01 est.)
revenues: $4.894 billion


expenditures: $4.516 billion (2006 est.)
Capital Avarua name: Manama


geographic coordinates: 26 14 N, 50 34 E


time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Climate tropical; moderated by trade winds arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Coastline 120 km 161 km
Constitution 4 August 1965 adopted 14 February 2002
Country name conventional long form: none


conventional short form: Cook Islands


former: Harvey Islands
conventional long form: Kingdom of Bahrain


conventional short form: Bahrain


local long form: Mamlakat al Bahrayn


local short form: Al Bahrayn


former: Dilmun
Currency New Zealand dollar (NZD) -
Death rate NA deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) 4.21 deaths/1,000 population (2007 est.)
Debt - external $141 million (1996 est.) $7.159 billion (2006 est.)
Dependency status self-governing in free association with New Zealand; Cook Islands is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defense, in consultation with the Cook Islands -
Diplomatic representation from the US none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand) chief of mission: Ambassador J. Adam ERELI


embassy: Building #979, Road 3119 (next to Al-Ahli Sports Club), Block 331, Zinj District, Manama


mailing address: PSC 451, Box 660, FPO AE 09834-5100; international mail: American Embassy, Box 26431, Manama


telephone: [973] 1724-2700


FAX: [973] 1727-0547
Diplomatic representation in the US none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand) chief of mission: Ambassador Nasir bin Muhammad al-BALUSHI


chancery: 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008


telephone: [1] (202) 342-1111


FAX: [1] (202) 362-2192


consulate(s) general: New York
Disputes - international none none
Economic aid - recipient $13.1 million; note - New Zealand continues to furnish the greater part (1995) $103.9 million; note - $50 million annually since 1992 from the UAE and Kuwait (2004)
Economy - overview Like many other South Pacific island nations, the Cook Islands' economic development is hindered by the isolation of the country from foreign markets, the limited size of domestic markets, lack of natural resources, periodic devastation from natural disasters, and inadequate infrastructure. Agriculture provides the economic base with major exports made up of copra and citrus fruit. Manufacturing activities are limited to fruit processing, clothing, and handicrafts. Trade deficits are offset by remittances from emigrants and by foreign aid, overwhelmingly from New Zealand. In the 1980s and 1990s, the country lived beyond its means, maintaining a bloated public service and accumulating a large foreign debt. Subsequent reforms, including the sale of state assets, the strengthening of economic management, the encouragement of tourism, and a debt restructuring agreement, have rekindled investment and growth. With its highly developed communication and transport facilities, Bahrain is home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. Petroleum production and refining account for over 60% of Bahrain's export receipts, over 70% of government revenues, and 11% of GDP (exclusive of allied industries), underpinning Bahrain's strong economic growth in recent years. Other major segments of Bahrain's economy are the financial and construction sectors. Bahrain is actively pursuing the diversification and privatization of its economy to reduce the country's dependence on oil. As part of this effort, in August 2006 Bahrain and the US implemented a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the first FTA between the US and a Gulf state. Unemployment, especially among the young, and the depletion of oil and underground water resources are major long-term economic problems.
Electricity - consumption 25.51 million kWh (2001) 7.614 billion kWh (2005)
Electricity - exports 0 kWh (2001) 0 kWh (2005)
Electricity - imports 0 kWh (2001) 0 kWh (2005)
Electricity - production 27.43 million kWh (2001) 8.187 billion kWh (2005)
Elevation extremes lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m


highest point: Te Manga 652 m
lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m


highest point: Jabal ad Dukhan 122 m
Environment - current issues NA desertification resulting from the degradation of limited arable land, periods of drought, and dust storms; coastal degradation (damage to coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation) resulting from oil spills and other discharges from large tankers, oil refineries, and distribution stations; lack of freshwater resources, groundwater and seawater are the only sources for all water needs
Environment - international agreements party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea


signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands


signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Ethnic groups Polynesian (full blood) 81.3%, Polynesian and European 7.7%, Polynesian and non-European 7.7%, European 2.4%, other 0.9% Bahraini 62.4%, non-Bahraini 37.6% (2001 census)
Exchange rates New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 1.7229 (2003), 2.1622 (2002), 2.3776 (2001), 2.1863 (2000), 1.8886 (1999) Bahraini dinars per US dollar - 0.376 (2006), 0.376 (2005), 0.376 (2004), 0.376 (2003), 0.376 (2002)
Executive branch chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Frederick GOODWIN (since 9 February 2001); New Zealand High Commissioner Kurt MEYER (since July 2001), representative of New Zealand


head of government: Prime Minister Jim MARURAI (since 14 December 2004); Deputy Prime Minister SIR Geoffrey HENRY (since 14 December 2004)


cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectively responsible to Parliament


elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the UK representative is appointed by the monarch; the New Zealand high commissioner is appointed by the New Zealand Government; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually becomes prime minister
chief of state: King HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa (since 6 March 1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad (son of the monarch, born 21 October 1969)


head of government: Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman al-Khalifa (since 1971); Deputy Prime Ministers ALI bin Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa, MUHAMMAD bin Mubarak al-Khalifa, Jawad al-ARAIDH


cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch


elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch
Exports NA (2001) NA bbl/day
Exports - commodities copra, papayas, fresh and canned citrus fruit, coffee; fish; pearls and pearl shells; clothing petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, textiles
Exports - partners Australia 34%, Japan 27%, New Zealand 25%, US 8% (2000) Saudi Arabia 3.2%, US 3%, Japan 2.3%


note: excludes oil exports (2006)
Fiscal year 1 April - 31 March calendar year
Flag description blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for every island) centered in the outer half of the flag red, the traditional color for flags of Persian Gulf states, with a white serrated band (five white points) on the hoist side; the five points represent the five pillars of Islam
GDP purchasing power parity - $105 million (2001 est.) -
GDP - composition by sector agriculture: 17%


industry: 7.8%


services: 75.2% (2000 est.)
agriculture: 0.3%


industry: 45%


services: 54.6% (2006 est.)
GDP - per capita purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2001 est.) -
GDP - real growth rate 7.1% (2001 est.) 7.1% (2006 est.)
Geographic coordinates 21 14 S, 159 46 W 26 00 N, 50 33 E
Geography - note the northern Cook Islands are seven low-lying, sparsely populated, coral atolls; the southern Cook Islands consist of eight elevated, fertile, volcanic isles where most of the populace lives close to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic location in Persian Gulf, through which much of the Western world's petroleum must transit to reach open ocean
Heliports - 1 (2007)
Highways total: 320 km


paved: 33 km


unpaved: 287 km (2000)
-
Household income or consumption by percentage share lowest 10%: NA


highest 10%: NA
lowest 10%: NA%


highest 10%: NA%
Imports NA (2001) NA bbl/day
Imports - commodities foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber, capital goods crude oil, machinery, chemicals
Imports - partners New Zealand 61%, Fiji 19%, US 9%, Australia 6%, Japan 2% (2000) Saudi Arabia 37.6%, Japan 6.8%, US 6.2%, UK 6.2%, Germany 5.1%, UAE 4.2% (2006)
Independence none (became self-governing in free association with New Zealand on 4 August 1965 and has the right at any time to move to full independence by unilateral action) 15 August 1971 (from UK)
Industrial production growth rate 1% (2002) 2% (2000 est.)
Industries fruit processing, tourism, fishing, clothing, handicrafts petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, iron pelletization, fertilizers, offshore banking, insurance, ship repairing, tourism
Infant mortality rate total: NA


male: NA


female: NA (2004 est.)
total: 16.18 deaths/1,000 live births


male: 18.89 deaths/1,000 live births


female: 13.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2007 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 3.2% (2000 est.) 2.1% (2006 est.)
International organization participation ACP, AsDB, FAO, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, IFRCS, IOC, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Irrigated land NA sq km 40 sq km (2003)
Judicial branch High Court High Civil Appeals Court
Labor force 8,000 (1996) 352,000


note: 44% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national (2006 est.)
Labor force - by occupation agriculture 29%, industry 15%, services 56%


note: shortage of skilled labor (1995)
agriculture: 1%


industry: 79%


services: 20% (1997 est.)
Land boundaries 0 km 0 km
Land use arable land: 17.39%


permanent crops: 13.04%


other: 69.57% (2001)
arable land: 2.82%


permanent crops: 5.63%


other: 91.55% (2005)
Languages English (official), Maori Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu
Legal system based on New Zealand law and English common law based on Islamic law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Legislative branch unicameral Parliament (25 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)


elections: last held 7 September 2004 (next to be held by 2009)


election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - CIP 10, DAP 9, Demo Tumu 4, independent 1; note - one seat undecided pending by-election


note: the House of Ariki (chiefs) advises on traditional matters and maintains considerable influence, but has no legislative powers
bicameral legislature consists of the Consultative Council (40 members appointed by the King) and the Council of Representatives or Chamber of Deputies (40 seats; members directly elected to serve four-year terms)


elections: Council of Representatives - last held November-December 2006 (next election to be held in 2010)


election results: Council of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - al Wifaq (Shia) 17, al Asala (Sunni Salafi) 5, al Minbar (Sunni Muslim Brotherhood) 7, independents 11; note - seats by party as of February 2007 - al Wifaq 17, al Asala 8, al Minbar 7, al Mustaqbal (Moderate Sunni pro-government) 4, unassociated independents (all Sunni) 3, independent affiliated with al Wifaq (Sunni oppositionist) 1
Life expectancy at birth total population: NA years


male: NA years


female: NA years (2004 est.)
total population: 74.68 years


male: 72.18 years


female: 77.25 years (2007 est.)
Literacy definition: NA


total population: 95%


male: NA


female: NA
definition: age 15 and over can read and write


total population: 86.5%


male: 88.6%


female: 83.6% (2001 census)
Location Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia
Map references Oceania Middle East
Maritime claims territorial sea: 12 nm


exclusive economic zone: 200 nm


continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
territorial sea: 12 nm


contiguous zone: 24 nm


continental shelf: extending to boundaries to be determined
Merchant marine total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,074 GRT/7,520 DWT


by type: cargo 1, petroleum tanker 1


foreign-owned: Australia 1, United Kingdom 1 (2004 est.)
total: 7 ships (1000 GRT or over) 220,264 GRT/314,289 DWT


by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 1, container 2, petroleum tanker 1


foreign-owned: 3 (Kuwait 3) (2007)
Military - note defense is the responsibility of New Zealand, in consultation with the Cook Islands and at its request -
Military branches - Bahrain Defense Forces (BDF): Ground Force (includes Air Defense), Naval Force, Air Force, National Guard
Military expenditures - percent of GDP - 4.5% (2006)
National holiday Constitution Day, first Monday in August (1965) National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 was the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 was the date of independence from British protection
Nationality noun: Cook Islander(s)


adjective: Cook Islander
noun: Bahraini(s)


adjective: Bahraini
Natural hazards typhoons (November to March) periodic droughts; dust storms
Natural resources NEGL oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish, pearls
Net migration rate - 0.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2007 est.)
Pipelines - gas 20 km; oil 52 km (2006)
Political parties and leaders Cook Islands People's Party or CIP [Geoffrey HENRY]; Democratic Alliance Party or DAP [Terepai MAOATE]; New Alliance Party or NAP [Norman GEORGE]; Cook Islands National Party or CIN [Teariki HEATHER]; Demo Party Tumu [Robert WOONTON] political parties prohibited but political societies were legalized per a July 2005 law
Political pressure groups and leaders NA Shi'a activists fomented unrest sporadically in 1994-97 and have recently engaged in protests with occasional low-level violence; protests related to a host of issues, including the 2002 constitution, elections, unemployment, and release of detainees; Sunni Islamist legislators support a greater role for Shari'a in daily life; several small leftist and other groups are active
Population 21,200 (July 2004 est.) 708,573


note: includes 235,108 non-nationals (July 2007 est.)
Population below poverty line NA NA%
Population growth rate NA (2004 est.) 1.392% (2007 est.)
Ports and harbors Avarua, Avatiu -
Radio broadcast stations AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (2004) AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)
Religions Christian (majority of populace are members of the Cook Islands Christian Church) Muslim (Shi'a and Sunni) 81.2%, Christian 9%, other 9.8% (2001 census)
Sex ratio NA (2004 est.) at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1.021 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 1.372 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 1.084 male(s)/female


total population: 1.255 male(s)/female (2007 est.)
Suffrage NA years of age; universal adult 20 years of age; universal
Telephone system general assessment: Telecom Cook Islands offers international direct dialing, Internet, email, fax, and Telex


domestic: the individual islands are connected by a combination of satellite earth stations, microwave systems, and VHF and HF radiotelephone; within the islands, service is provided by small exchanges connected to subscribers by open-wire, cable, and fiber-optic cable


international: country code - 682; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
general assessment: modern system


domestic: modern fiber-optic integrated services; digital network with rapidly growing use of mobile-cellular telephones


international: country code - 973; landing point for the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and US; tropospheric scatter to Qatar and UAE; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; satellite earth stations - 1 (2007)
Telephones - main lines in use 6,200 (2002) 193,300 (2006)
Telephones - mobile cellular 1,500 (2002) 898,900 (2006)
Television broadcast stations 1 (outer islands receive satellite broadcasts) (2004) 4 (1997)
Terrain low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central escarpment
Total fertility rate NA children born/woman (2004 est.) 2.57 children born/woman (2007 est.)
Unemployment rate 13% (1996) 15% (2005 est.)
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