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Compare Egypt (2003) - Albania (2005)

Compare Egypt (2003) z Albania (2005)

 Egypt (2003)Albania (2005)
 EgyptAlbania
Administrative divisions 26 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Ad Daqahliyah, Al Bahr al Ahmar, Al Buhayrah, Al Fayyum, Al Gharbiyah, Al Iskandariyah, Al Isma'iliyah, Al Jizah, Al Minufiyah, Al Minya, Al Qahirah, Al Qalyubiyah, Al Wadi al Jadid, Ash Sharqiyah, As Suways, Aswan, Asyut, Bani Suwayf, Bur Sa'id, Dumyat, Janub Sina', Kafr ash Shaykh, Matruh, Qina, Shamal Sina', Suhaj 12 counties (qarqe, singular - qark); Qarku i Beratit, Qarku i Dibres, Qarku i Durresit, Qarku i Elbasanit, Qarku i Fierit, Qarku i Gjirokastres, Qarku i Korces, Qarku i Kukesit, Qarku i Lezhes, Qarku i Shkodres, Qarku i Tiranes, Qarku i Vlores
Age structure 0-14 years: 33.9% (male 12,964,852; female 12,346,808)


15-64 years: 61.9% (male 23,375,037; female 22,865,190)


65 years and over: 4.2% (male 1,359,685; female 1,807,225) (2003 est.)
0-14 years: 25.6% (male 476,989/female 434,298)


15-64 years: 65.8% (male 1,199,964/female 1,144,886)


65 years and over: 8.6% (male 141,559/female 165,416) (2005 est.)
Agriculture - products cotton, rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruits, vegetables; cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats wheat, corn, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, sugar beets, grapes; meat, dairy products
Airports 89 (2002) 11 (2004 est.)
Airports - with paved runways total: 71


over 3,047 m: 13


2,438 to 3,047 m: 38


1,524 to 2,437 m: 17


under 914 m: 3 (2002)
total: 3


2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 (2004 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways total: 18


2,438 to 3,047 m: 1


1,524 to 2,437 m: 2


914 to 1,523 m: 6


under 914 m: 9 (2002)
total: 8


over 3,047 m: 1


1,524 to 2,437 m: 1


914 to 1,523 m: 2


under 914 m: 4 (2004 est.)
Area total: 1,001,450 sq km


land: 995,450 sq km


water: 6,000 sq km
total: 28,748 sq km


land: 27,398 sq km


water: 1,350 sq km
Area - comparative slightly more than three times the size of New Mexico slightly smaller than Maryland
Background The regularity and richness of the annual Nile River flood, coupled with semi-isolation provided by deserts to the east and west, allowed for the development of one of the world's great civilizations. A unified kingdom arose circa 3200 B.C. and a series of dynasties ruled in Egypt for the next three millennia. The last native dynasty fell to the Persians in 341 B.C., who in turn were replaced by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. It was the Arabs who introduced Islam and the Arabic language in the 7th century and who ruled for the next six centuries. A local military caste, the Mamluks took control about 1250 and continued to govern after the conquest of Egypt by the Ottoman Turks in 1517. Following the completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, Egypt became an important world transportation hub, but also fell heavily into debt. Ostensibly to protect its investments, Britain seized control of Egypt's government in 1882, but nominal allegiance to the Ottoman Empire continued until 1914. Partially independent from the UK in 1922, Egypt acquired full sovereignty following World War II. The completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1971 and the resultant Lake Nasser have altered the time-honored place of the Nile River in the agriculture and ecology of Egypt. A rapidly growing population (the largest in the Arab world), limited arable land, and dependence on the Nile all continue to overtax resources and stress society. The government has struggled to ready the economy for the new millennium through economic reform and massive investment in communications and physical infrastructure. Between 1990 and 1992 Albania ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven difficult as successive governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, widespread corruption, a dilapidated infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks with links to government officials, and disruptive political opponents. Albania has made incremental progress in its democratic development since first holding multiiparty elections in 1991, but deficiencies remain - particularly in regard to the rule of law. Despite some lingering problems, international observers have judged elections to be largely free and fair since the restoration of political stability following the collapse of pyramid schemes in 1997. In the 2005 general elections, the Democratic Party and its allies won a decisive victory on pledges of reducing crime and corruption, promoting economic growth, and decreasing the size of government. Although Albania's economy continues to grow, the country is still one of the poorest in Europe, hampered by a large informal economy, large public debt, and an inadequate energy and tranportation infrastructure. Albania has played a largely helpful role in managing inter-ethnic tensions in southeastern Europe, and is continuing to work toward joining NATO and the EU.
Birth rate 24.36 births/1,000 population (2003 est.) 15.08 births/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Budget revenues: $21.5 billion


expenditures: $26.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.9 billion (2001)
revenues: $2.05 billion


expenditures: $2.46 billion, including capital expenditures of $500 million (2004 est.)
Capital Cairo Tirana
Climate desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers; interior is cooler and wetter
Coastline 2,450 km 362 km
Constitution 11 September 1971 adopted by popular referendum on 28 November 1998
Country name conventional long form: Arab Republic of Egypt


conventional short form: Egypt


local long form: Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah


local short form: Misr


former: United Arab Republic (with Syria)
conventional long form: Republic of Albania


conventional short form: Albania


local long form: Republika e Shqiperise


local short form: Shqiperia


former: People's Socialist Republic of Albania
Currency Egyptian pound (EGP) -
Death rate 5.35 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.) 5.12 deaths/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Debt - external $30.5 billion (2002 est.) $1.41 billion (2003)
Diplomatic representation from the US chief of mission: Ambassador C. David WELCH


embassy: 5 Latin America St., Garden City, Cairo


mailing address: Unit 64900, Box 15, APO AE 09839-4900


telephone: [20] (2) 797-3300


FAX: [20] (2) 797-3200
chief of mission: Ambassador Marcie B. RIES


embassy: Rruga Elbasanit, Labinoti #103, Tirana


mailing address: U. S. Department of State, 9510 Tirana Place, Dulles, VA 20189-9510


telephone: [355] (4) 247285


FAX: [355] (4) 374957 and [355] (4) 232222
Diplomatic representation in the US chief of mission: Ambassador M. Nabil FAHMY


chancery: 3521 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008


telephone: [1] (202) 895-5400


FAX: [1] (202) 244-4319


consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, and San Francisco
chief of mission: Ambassador Agim NESHO


chancery: 2100 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008


telephone: [1] (202) 223-4942


FAX: [1] (202) 628-7342
Disputes - international Egypt and Sudan retain claims to administer the triangular areas that extend north and south of the 1899 Treaty boundary along the 22nd Parallel, but have withdrawn their military presence - Egypt is economically developing the "Hala'ib triangle" north of the Treaty line the Albanian Government calls for the protection of the rights of ethnic Albanians in neighboring countries, and the peaceful resolution of interethnic disputes; some ethnic Albanian groups in neighboring countries advocate for a "greater Albania," but the idea has little appeal among Albanian nationals; thousands of unemployed Albanians emigrate annually to nearby Italy and other developed countries
Economic aid - recipient ODA, $2.25 billion (1999) ODA: $315 million (top donors were Italy, EU, Germany) (2000 est.)
Economy - overview Egypt improved its macroeconomic performance throughout most of the last decade by following IMF advice on fiscal, monetary, and structural reform policies. As a result, Egypt managed to tame inflation, slash budget deficits, and attract more foreign investment. In the past four years, however, the pace of reform has slackened, and excessive spending on national infrastructure projects has widened budget deficits again. Lower foreign exchange earnings since 1998 resulted in pressure on the Egyptian pound and periodic dollar shortages. Monetary pressures have increased since 11 September 2001 because of declines in tourism and Suez Canal tolls, and Egypt has devalued the pound several times in the past year. The development of a gas export market is a major bright spot for future growth prospects. In the short term, regional tensions will continue to affect tourism and hold back prospects for economic expansion. Poor and backward by European standards, Albania is making the difficult transition to a more modern open-market economy. The government has taken measures to curb violent crime and to spur economic activity and trade. The economy is bolstered by annual remittances from abroad of $600-$800 million, mostly from Greece and Italy; this helps offset the towering trade deficit. Agriculture, which accounts for about one-half of GDP, is held back because of frequent drought and the need to modernize equipment, to clarify property rights, and to consolidate small plots of land. Energy shortages and antiquated and inadequate infrastructure make it difficult to attract and sustain foreign investment. The planned construction of a new thermal power plant near Vlore and improved transmission and distribution facilities will help relieve the energy shortages. Also, the government is moving slowly to improve the poor national road and rail network, a long-standing barrier to sustained economic growth. On the positive side: growth was strong in 2003 and 2004, the nation has important oil and gas reserves, and inflation is not a problem.
Electricity - consumption 69.96 billion kWh (2001) 6.76 billion kWh (2004)
Electricity - exports 0 kWh (2001) 100 million kWh (2002)
Electricity - imports 0 kWh (2001) 1.08 billion kWh (2004 est.)
Electricity - production 75.23 billion kWh (2001) 5.68 billion kWh (2004)
Electricity - production by source fossil fuel: 81%


hydro: 19%


nuclear: 0%


other: 0% (2001)
-
Elevation extremes lowest point: Qattara Depression -133 m


highest point: Mount Catherine 2,629 m
lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m


highest point: Maja e Korabit (Golem Korab) 2,764 m
Environment - current issues agricultural land being lost to urbanization and windblown sands; increasing soil salination below Aswan High Dam; desertification; oil pollution threatening coral reefs, beaches, and marine habitats; other water pollution from agricultural pesticides, raw sewage, and industrial effluents; very limited natural fresh water resources away from the Nile which is the only perennial water source; rapid growth in population overstraining the Nile and natural resources deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution from industrial and domestic effluents
Environment - international agreements party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands


signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands


signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Ethnic groups Eastern Hamitic stock (Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers) 99%, Greek, Nubian, Armenian, other European (primarily Italian and French) 1% Albanian 95%, Greek 3%, other 2% (Vlach, Roma (Gypsy), Serb, Macedonian, Bulgarian) (1989 est.)


note: in 1989, other estimates of the Greek population ranged from 1% (official Albanian statistics) to 12% (from a Greek organization)
Exchange rates Egyptian pounds per US dollar - 4.5 (2002), 3.97 (2001), 3.47 (2000), 3.4 (1999), 3.39 (1998) leke per US dollar - 102.649 (2004), 121.863 (2003), 140.155 (2002), 143.485 (2001), 143.709 (2000)
Executive branch chief of state: President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK (since 14 October 1981)


head of government: Prime Minister Atef Mohammed ABEID (since 5 October 1999)


cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president


elections: president nominated by the People's Assembly for a six-year term, the nomination must then be validated by a national, popular referendum; national referendum last held 26 September 1999 (next to be held NA October 2005); prime minister appointed by the president


election results: national referendum validated President MUBARAK's nomination by the People's Assembly to a fourth term
chief of state: President of the Republic Alfred MOISIU (since 24 July 2002)


head of government: Prime Minister Sali BERISHA (since 10 September 2005)


cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, nominated by the president, and approved by parliament


elections: president elected by the People's Assembly for a five-year term; election last held 24 June 2002 (next to be held June 2007); prime minister appointed by the president


election results: Alfred MOISIU elected president; People's Assembly vote by number - total votes 116, for 97, against 19
Exports NA (2001) 0 bbl/day (2004 est.)
Exports - commodities crude oil and petroleum products, cotton, textiles, metal products, chemicals textiles and footwear; asphalt, metals and metallic ores, crude oil; vegetables, fruits, tobacco
Exports - partners US 18.3%, Italy 13.7%, UK 8.4% (2002) Italy 71.7%, Canada 4.3%, Germany 4.3% (2004)
Fiscal year 1 July - 30 June calendar year
Flag description three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with the national emblem (a shield superimposed on a golden eagle facing the hoist side above a scroll bearing the name of the country in Arabic) centered in the white band; similar to the flag of Yemen, which has a plain white band; also similar to the flag of Syria, which has two green stars, and to the flag of Iraq, which has three green stars (plus an Arabic inscription) in a horizontal line centered in the white band red with a black two-headed eagle in the center
GDP purchasing power parity - $289.8 billion (2002 est.) -
GDP - composition by sector agriculture: 17%


industry: 34%


services: 49% (2001)
agriculture: 46.2%


industry: 25.4%


services: 28.4% (2004 est.)
GDP - per capita purchasing power parity - $4,000 (2002 est.) purchasing power parity - $4,900 (2004 est.)
GDP - real growth rate 3.2% (2002 est.) 5.6% (2004 est.)
Geographic coordinates 27 00 N, 30 00 E 41 00 N, 20 00 E
Geography - note controls Sinai Peninsula, only land bridge between Africa and remainder of Eastern Hemisphere; controls Suez Canal, a sea link between Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea; size, and juxtaposition to Israel, establish its major role in Middle Eastern geopolitics; dependence on upstream neighbors; dominance of Nile basin issues; prone to influxes of refugees strategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic Sea to Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea)
Heliports 2 (2002) 1 (2004 est.)
Highways total: 64,000 km


paved: 49,984 km


unpaved: 14,016 km (1999 est.)
total: 18,000 km


paved: 5,400 km


unpaved: 12,600 km (2002)
Household income or consumption by percentage share lowest 10%: 4.4%


highest 10%: 25% (1995)
lowest 10%: NA


highest 10%: NA
Illicit drugs transit point for Southwest Asian and Southeast Asian heroin and opium moving to Europe, Africa, and the US; transit stop for Nigerian couriers; concern as money-laundering site due to lax banking regulations increasingly active transshipment point for Southwest Asian opiates, hashish, and cannabis transiting the Balkan route and - to a far lesser extent - cocaine from South America destined for Western Europe; limited opium and growing cannabis production; ethnic Albanian narcotrafficking organizations active and expanding in Europe; vulnerable to money laundering associated with regional trafficking in narcotics, arms, contraband, and illegal aliens
Imports NA (2001) 5,500 bbl/day (2004 est.)
Imports - commodities machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, wood products, fuels machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, textiles, chemicals
Imports - partners US 16.9%, Germany 7.9%, Italy 6.7%, France 6.5%, China 5%, UK 4.1% (2002) Italy 34.8%, Greece 19.8%, Turkey 7.7%, Germany 5.3% (2004)
Independence 28 February 1922 (from UK) 28 November 1912 (from Ottoman Empire)
Industrial production growth rate 2.2% (2002 est.) 3.1% (2004 est.)
Industries textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, hydrocarbons, construction, cement, metals food processing, textiles and clothing; lumber, oil, cement, chemicals, mining, basic metals, hydropower
Infant mortality rate total: 35.26 deaths/1,000 live births


male: 36.02 deaths/1,000 live births


female: 34.46 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)
total: 21.52 deaths/1,000 live births


male: 21.96 deaths/1,000 live births


female: 21.03 deaths/1,000 live births (2005 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 4.3% (2002 est.) 3.2% (2004 est.)
International organization participation ABEDA, ACC, ACCT, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, BSEC (observer), CAEU, EBRD, ECA, ESCWA, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OAU, OIC, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMISET, UNMOP, UNOMIG, UNRWA, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO ACCT, BSEC, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMIG, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) 50 (2000) -
Irrigated land 33,000 sq km (1998 est.) 3,400 sq km (1998 est.)
Judicial branch Supreme Constitutional Court Constitutional Court, Supreme Court (chairman is elected by the People's Assembly for a four-year term), and multiple appeals and district courts
Labor force 20.6 million (2001 est.) 1.09 million (not including 352,000 emigrant workers) (2004 est.)
Labor force - by occupation agriculture 29%, industry 22%, services 49% (2000 est.) agriculture 57%, non-agricultural private sector 20%, public sector 23% (2004 est.)
Land boundaries total: 2,665 km


border countries: Gaza Strip 11 km, Israel 266 km, Libya 1,115 km, Sudan 1,273 km
total: 720 km


border countries: Greece 282 km, Macedonia 151 km, Serbia and Montenegro 287 km
Land use arable land: 2.85%


permanent crops: 0.47%


other: 96.68% (1998 est.)
arable land: 21.09%


permanent crops: 4.42%


other: 74.49% (2001)
Languages Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes Albanian (official - derived from Tosk dialect), Greek, Vlach, Romani, Slavic dialects
Legal system based on English common law, Islamic law, and Napoleonic codes; judicial review by Supreme Court and Council of State (oversees validity of administrative decisions); accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations has a civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; has accepted jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court for its citizens
Legislative branch bicameral system consists of the People's Assembly or Majlis al-Sha'b (454 seats; 444 elected by popular vote, 10 appointed by the president; members serve five-year terms) and the Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura - which functions only in a consultative role (264 seats; 176 elected by popular vote, 88 appointed by the president; members serve NA-year terms)


elections: People's Assembly - three-phase voting - last held 19 October, 29 October, 8 November 2000 (next to be held NA November 2005); Advisory Council - last held 7 June 1995 (next to be held NA)


election results: People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - NDP 88%, independents 8%, opposition 4%; seats by party - NDP 398, NWP 7, Tagammu 6, Nasserists 2, LSP 1, independents 38, undecided 2; Advisory Council - percent of vote by party - NDP 99%, independents 1%; seats by party - NA
unicameral People's Assembly or Kuvendi Popullor (140 seats; 100 are elected by direct popular vote and 40 by proportional vote for four-year terms)


elections: last held 4 July 2005 (next to be held July 2009)


election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - PD 55, PS 40, PR 11, PSD 7, LSI 5, other 22
Life expectancy at birth total population: 70.41 years


male: 67.94 years


female: 73 years (2003 est.)
total population: 77.24 years


male: 74.6 years


female: 80.15 years (2005 est.)
Literacy definition: age 15 and over can read and write


total population: 57.7%


male: 68.3%


female: 46.9% (2003 est.)
definition: age 9 and over can read and write


total population: 86.5%


male: 93.3%


female: 79.5% (2003 est.)
Location Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and the Gaza Strip, and the Red Sea north of Sudan, and includes the Asian Sinai Peninsula Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea, between Greece and Serbia and Montenegro
Map references Africa Europe
Maritime claims contiguous zone: 24 NM


continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation


exclusive economic zone: 200 NM


territorial sea: 12 NM
territorial sea: 12 nm


continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Merchant marine total: 170 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,284,197 GRT/1,907,734 DWT


ships by type: bulk 20, cargo 50, container 5, liquefied gas 1, passenger 63, petroleum tanker 15, roll on/roll off 13, short-sea passenger 3


note: includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of convenience: Denmark 1, Germany 1, Greece 6, Lebanon 3, Monaco 1, Ukraine 1 (2002 est.)
total: 25 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 40,878 GRT/62,676 DWT


by type: cargo 24, roll on/roll off 1


foreign-owned: 2 (Denmark 1, Turkey 1)


registered in other countries: 1 (2005)
Military branches Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Command General Staff Headquarters, Land Forces Command (Army), Naval Forces Command, Air Defense Command, Logistics Command, Training and Doctrine Command
Military expenditures - dollar figure $4.04 billion (FY99) $56.5 million (FY02)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP 4.1% (FY99) 1.49% (FY02)
Military manpower - availability males age 15-49: 19,895,370 (2003 est.) -
Military manpower - fit for military service males age 15-49: 12,867,160 (2003 est.) -
Military manpower - military age 20 years of age (2003 est.) -
Military manpower - reaching military age annually males: 743,305 (2003 est.) -
National holiday Revolution Day, 23 July (1952) Independence Day, 28 November (1912)
Nationality noun: Egyptian(s)


adjective: Egyptian
noun: Albanian(s)


adjective: Albanian
Natural hazards periodic droughts; frequent earthquakes, flash floods, landslides; hot, driving windstorm called khamsin occurs in spring; dust storms, sandstorms destructive earthquakes; tsunamis occur along southwestern coast; floods; drought
Natural resources petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, zinc petroleum, natural gas, coal, bauxite, chromite, copper, iron ore, nickel, salt, timber, hydropower
Net migration rate -0.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.) -4.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Pipelines condensate 327 km; condensate/gas 94 km; gas 6,145 km; liquid petroleum gas 382 km; oil 5,726 km; oil/gas/water 36 km; water 62 km (2003) gas 339 km; oil 207 km (2004)
Political parties and leaders Nasserist Arab Democratic Party or Nasserists [Dia' al-din DAWUD]; National Democratic Party or NDP [President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK] - governing party; National Progressive Unionist Grouping or Tagammu [Khalid MUHI AL-DIN]; New Wafd Party or NWP [No'man GOMA]; Socialist Liberal Party or LSP [leader NA]


note: formation of political parties must be approved by the government
Agrarian Environmentalist Party or PAA [Lufter XHUVELI]; Christian Democratic Party or PDK [Nikolle LESI]; Communist Party of Albania or PKSH [Hysni MILLOSHI]; Democratic Alliance Party or PAD [Neritan CEKA]; Democratic Party or PD [Sali BERISHA]; Legality Movement Party or PLL [Ekrem SPAHIU]; Liberal Union Party or PBL [Arjan STAROVA]; National Front Party (Balli Kombetar) or PBK [Adriatik ALIMADHI]; New Democratic Party or PDR [Genc POLLO]; Party of National Unity or PUK [Idajet BEQIRI]; Renewed Democratic Party or PDR [Dashamir SHEHI]; Republican Party or PR [Fatmir MEDIU]; Social Democracy Party or PDS [Paskal MILO]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Skender GJINUSHI]; Socialist Movement for Integration or LSI [Ilir META]; Socialist Party or PS (formerly the Albanian Party of Labor) [Fatos NANO]; Union for Human Rights Party or PBDNJ [Vangjel DULE]
Political pressure groups and leaders despite a constitutional ban against religious-based parties, the technically illegal Muslim Brotherhood constitutes MUBARAK's potentially most significant political opposition; MUBARAK tolerated limited political activity by the Brotherhood for his first two terms, but moved more aggressively since then to block its influence; civic society groups are sanctioned, but constrained in practical terms; trade unions and professional associations are officially sanctioned Confederation of Trade Unions of Albania or KSSH [Kastriot MUCO]; Front for Albanian National Unification or FBKSH [Gafur ADILI]; Omonia [Jani JANI]; Union of Independent Trade Unions of Albania or BSPSH [Gezim KALAJA]
Population 74,718,797 (July 2003 est.) 3,563,112 (July 2005 est.)
Population below poverty line 22.9% (FY 95/96 est.) 25% (2004 est.)
Population growth rate 1.88% (2003 est.) 0.52% (2005 est.)
Ports and harbors Alexandria, Al Ghardaqah, Aswan, Asyut, Bur Safajah, Damietta, Marsa Matruh, Port Said, Suez Durres, Sarande, Shengjin, Vlore
Radio broadcast stations AM 42 (plus 15 repeaters), FM 14, shortwave 3 (1999) AM 13, FM 4, shortwave 2 (2001)
Railways total: 5,105 km


standard gauge: 5,105 km 1.435-m gauge (42 km electrified) (2002)
total: 447 km


standard gauge: 447 km 1.435-m gauge (2004)
Religions Muslim (mostly Sunni) 94%, Coptic Christian and other 6% Muslim 70%, Albanian Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10%


note: percentages are estimates; there are no available current statistics on religious affiliation; all mosques and churches were closed in 1967 and religious observances prohibited; in November 1990, Albania began allowing private religious practice
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: 0.75 male(s)/female


total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2003 est.)
at birth: 1.1 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female


total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2005 est.)
Suffrage 18 years of age; universal and compulsory 18 years of age; universal
Telephone system general assessment: large system; underwent extensive upgrading during 1990s and is reasonably modern; Internet access and cellular service are available


domestic: principal centers at Alexandria, Cairo, Al Mansurah, Ismailia, Suez, and Tanta are connected by coaxial cable and microwave radio relay


international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat; 5 coaxial submarine cables; tropospheric scatter to Sudan; microwave radio relay to Israel; a participant in Medarabtel and a signatory to Project Oxygen (a global submarine fiber-optic cable system)
general assessment: despite new investment in fixed lines, the density of main lines remains the lowest in Europe with roughly 8 lines per 100 people; however, cellular telephone use is widespread and generally effective


domestic: offsetting the shortage of fixed line capacity, mobile phone service has been available since 1996; by 2003 two companies were providing mobile services at a greater density than some of Albania's Balkan neighbors


international: country code - 355; inadequate fixed main lines; adequate cellular connections; international traffic carried by microwave radio relay from the Tirana exchange to Italy and Greece (2003)
Telephones - main lines in use 3,971,500 (December 1998) 255,000 (2003)
Telephones - mobile cellular 380,000 (1999) 1.1 million (2003)
Television broadcast stations 98 (September 1995) 3 (plus 58 repeaters) (2001)
Terrain vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and delta mostly mountains and hills; small plains along coast
Total fertility rate 3.02 children born/woman (2003 est.) 2.04 children born/woman (2005 est.)
Unemployment rate 12% (2001 est.) 14.8% officially; may be as high as 30% (2001 est.)
Waterways 3,500 km


note: includes the Nile, Lake Nasser, Alexandria-Cairo Waterway, and numerous smaller canals in the delta; Suez Canal (193.5 km including approaches), used by oceangoing vessels drawing up to 16.1 m of water
43 km (2004)
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