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Compare Holy See (Vatican City) (2004) - Mauritania (2004)

Compare Holy See (Vatican City) (2004) z Mauritania (2004)

 Holy See (Vatican City) (2004)Mauritania (2004)
 Holy See (Vatican City)Mauritania
Administrative divisions none 12 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 capital district*; Adrar, Assaba, Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh Ech Chargui, Hodh El Gharbi, Inchiri, Nouakchott*, Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza
Age structure - 0-14 years: 45.9% (male 689,371; female 686,486)


15-64 years: 51.9% (male 767,551; female 788,520)


65 years and over: 2.2% (male 27,106; female 39,529) (2004 est.)
Agriculture - products - dates, millet, sorghum, rice, corn, dates; cattle, sheep
Airports none (2003 est.) 24 (2003 est.)
Airports - with paved runways - total: 8


2,438 to 3,047 m: 3


1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 (2004 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways - total: 16


1,524 to 2,437 m: 9


914 to 1,523 m: 6


under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.)
Area total: 0.44 sq km


land: 0.44 sq km


water: 0 sq km
total: 1,030,700 sq km


land: 1,030,400 sq km


water: 300 sq km
Area - comparative about 0.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico
Background Popes in their secular role ruled portions of the Italian peninsula for more than a thousand years until the mid 19th century, when many of the Papal States were seized by the newly united Kingdom of Italy. In 1870, the pope's holdings were further circumscribed when Rome itself was annexed. Disputes between a series of "prisoner" popes and Italy were resolved in 1929 by three Lateran Treaties, which established the independent state of Vatican City and granted Roman Catholicism special status in Italy. In 1984, a concordat between the Holy See and Italy modified certain of the earlier treaty provisions, including the primacy of Roman Catholicism as the Italian state religion. Present concerns of the Holy See include religious freedom, international development, the Middle East, terrorism, the failing health of Pope JOHN PAUL II, interreligious dialogue and reconciliation, and the application of church doctrine in an era of rapid change and globalization. About 1 billion people worldwide profess the Catholic faith. Independent from France in 1960, Mauritania annexed the southern third of the former Spanish Sahara (now Western Sahara) in 1976, but relinquished it after three years of raids by the Polisario guerrilla front seeking independence for the territory. Opposition parties were legalized and a new constitution approved in 1991. Two multiparty presidential elections since then were widely seen as flawed, but October 2001 legislative and municipal elections were generally free and open. Mauritania remains, in reality, a one-party state. The country continues to experience ethnic tensions between its black population and the dominant Moor (Arab-Berber) populace.
Birth rate - 41.79 births/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Budget revenues: $245.2 million


expenditures: $260.4 million, including capital expenditures of NA (2002)
revenues: $421 million


expenditures: $378 million, including capital expenditures of $154 million (2002 est.)
Capital Vatican City Nouakchott
Climate temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to mid-May) with hot, dry summers (May to September) desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty
Coastline 0 km (landlocked) 754 km
Constitution new Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope John Paul II on 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001 (replaces the first Fundamental Law of 1929) 12 July 1991
Country name conventional long form: The Holy See (State of the Vatican City)


conventional short form: Holy See (Vatican City)


local long form: Santa Sede (Stato della Citta del Vaticano)


local short form: Santa Sede (Citta del Vaticano)
conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Mauritania


conventional short form: Mauritania


local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah


local short form: Muritaniyah
Currency euro (EUR) ouguiya (MRO)
Death rate - 12.74 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Debt - external - $2.5 billion (2000)
Diplomatic representation from the US chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)


embassy: Villa Domiziana, Via delle Terme Deciane 26, 00153 Rome


mailing address: PSC 59, Box 66, APO AE 09624


telephone: [39] (06) 4674-3428


FAX: [39] (06) 575-8346
chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph E. LEBARON


embassy: 288 Rue Abdallaye (between Presidency building and Spanish Embassy), Nouakchott


mailing address: BP 222, Nouakchott


telephone: [222] 525-2660/525-2663


FAX: [222] 25-25-92
Diplomatic representation in the US chief of mission: Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Gabriel MONTALVO


chancery: 3339 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008


telephone: [1] (202) 333-7121


FAX: [1] (202) 337-4036
chief of mission: Ambassador Tijani Ould KERIM


chancery: 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008


telephone: [1] (202) 232-5700, 5701


FAX: [1] (202) 319-2623
Disputes - international none Mauritanian claims to Western Sahara have been dormant in recent years
Economic aid - recipient none $220 million (2000)
Economy - overview This unique, noncommercial economy is supported financially by an annual contribution from Roman Catholic dioceses throughout the world, as well as by special collections (known as Peter's Pence); the sale of postage stamps, coins, medals, and tourist mementos; fees for admission to museums; and the sale of publications. Investments and real estate income also account for a sizable portion of revenue. The incomes and living standards of lay workers are comparable to those of counterparts who work in the city of Rome. Half the population still depends on agriculture and livestock for a livelihood, even though many of the nomads and subsistence farmers were forced into the cities by recurrent droughts in the 1970s and 1980s. Mauritania has extensive deposits of iron ore, which account for nearly 40% of total exports. The decline in world demand for this ore, however, has led to cutbacks in production. The nation's coastal waters are among the richest fishing areas in the world, but overexploitation by foreigners threatens this key source of revenue. The country's first deepwater port opened near Nouakchott in 1986. In the past, drought and economic mismanagement resulted in a buildup of foreign debt. In February 2000, Mauritania qualified for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative and in December 2001 received strong support from donor and lending countries at a triennial Consultative Group review. In 2001, exploratory oil wells in tracts 80 km offshore indicated potential extraction at current world oil prices. A new investment code approved in December 2001 improved the opportunities for direct foreign investment. Ongoing negotiations with the IMF involve problems of economic reforms and fiscal discipline. Substantial oil production and exports probably will not begin until 2005. Meantime the government emphasizes reduction of poverty, improvement of health and education, and promoting privatization of the economy.
Electricity - consumption NA kWh 146.3 million kWh (2001)
Electricity - exports 0 kWh 0 kWh (2001)
Electricity - imports NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by Italy 0 kWh (2001)
Electricity - production NA kWh 157.4 million kWh (2001)
Elevation extremes lowest point: unnamed location 19 m


highest point: unnamed location 75 m
lowest point: Sebkhet Te-n-Dghamcha -5 m


highest point: Kediet Ijill 915 m
Environment - current issues NA overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion aggravated by drought are contributing to desertification; very limited natural fresh water resources away from the Senegal, which is the only perennial river; locust infestation
Environment - international agreements party to: none of the selected agreements


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


signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Ethnic groups Italians, Swiss, other mixed Maur/black 40%, Moor 30%, black 30%
Exchange rates euros per US dollar - 0.886 (2003),1.1324 (2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999) ouguiyas per US dollar - NA (2003), 271.739 (2002), 255.629 (2001)
Executive branch chief of state: Pope JOHN PAUL II (since 16 October 1978)


head of government: Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo SODANO (since 1 December 1990)


cabinet: Pontifical Commission appointed by the pope


elections: pope elected for life by the College of Cardinals; election last held 16 October 1978 (next to be held after the death of the current pope); secretary of state appointed by the pope


election results: Karol WOJTYLA elected pope
chief of state: President Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA (since 12 December 1984)


head of government: Prime Minister Sghair Ould M'BARECK (since 6 July 2003)


cabinet: Council of Ministers


elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term; election last held 7 November 2003 (next to be held NA 2009); prime minister appointed by the president


election results: President Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA reelected for a third term with 60.8% of the vote
Exports 0 kWh NA (2001)
Exports - commodities - iron ore, fish and fish products, gold
Exports - partners - Japan 12.5%, France 12.1%, Spain 11.4%, Italy 10.4%, Belgium 7.8%, Germany 7.4%, Russia 5%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.2%, Netherlands 4% (2003)
Fiscal year calendar year calendar year
Flag description two vertical bands of yellow (hoist side) and white with the crossed keys of Saint Peter and the papal miter centered in the white band green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow, horizontal crescent; the closed side of the crescent is down; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam
GDP - purchasing power parity - $5.195 billion (2003 est.)
GDP - composition by sector - agriculture: 25%


industry: 29%


services: 46% (2001 est.)
GDP - per capita - purchasing power parity - $1,800 (2003 est.)
GDP - real growth rate - 4.5% (2003 est.)
Geographic coordinates 41 54 N, 12 27 E 20 00 N, 12 00 W
Geography - note urban; landlocked; enclave in Rome, Italy; world's smallest state; outside the Vatican City, 13 buildings in Rome and Castel Gandolfo (the pope's summer residence) enjoy extraterritorial rights most of the population concentrated in the cities of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou and along the Senegal River in the southern part of the country
Highways none; all city streets total: 7,720 km


paved: 830 km


unpaved: 6,890 km (2000)
Household income or consumption by percentage share lowest 10%: NA


highest 10%: NA
lowest 10%: 2.5%


highest 10%: 30.2% (2000)
Imports NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by Italy NA (2001)
Imports - commodities - machinery and equipment, petroleum products, capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods
Imports - partners - France 16.8%, Spain 7.7%, China 6.3%, Belgium 5.1%, Germany 4.9%, Japan 4.3%, UK 4.1%, US 4% (2003)
Independence 11 February 1929 (from Italy); note - the three treaties signed with Italy on 11 February 1929 acknowledged, among other things, the full sovereignty of the Vatican and established its territorial extent; however, the origin of the Papal States, which over the years have varied considerably in extent, may be traced back to the 8th century 28 November 1960 (from France)
Industrial production growth rate - 2% (2000 est.)
Industries printing; production of coins, medals, postage stamps, a small amount of mosaics and staff uniforms; worldwide banking and financial activities fish processing, mining of iron ore and gypsum
Infant mortality rate - total: 72.35 deaths/1,000 live births


male: 75.22 deaths/1,000 live births


female: 69.39 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - 7% (2003 est.)
International organization participation CE (observer), IAEA, ICFTU, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM (guest), OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, UN (observer), UNCTAD, UNHCR, UPU, WIPO, WToO (observer), WTrO (observer) ABEDA, ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, CAEU, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO
Irrigated land 0 sq km (1998 est.) 490 sq km (1998 est.)
Judicial branch there are three tribunals responsible for civil and criminal matters within Vatican City; three other tribunals rule on issues pertaining to the Holy See


note: judicial duties were established by the Motu Proprio of Pius XII on 1 May 1946
Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Court of Appeals; lower courts
Labor force NA 786,000 (2001)
Labor force - by occupation essentially services with a small amount of industry; note - dignitaries, priests, nuns, guards, and 3,000 lay workers live outside the Vatican agriculture 50%, industry 10%, services 40% (2001 est.)
Land boundaries total: 3.2 km


border countries: Italy 3.2 km
total: 5,074 km


border countries: Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km, Western Sahara 1,561 km
Land use arable land: 0%


permanent crops: 0%


other: 100% (urban area) (2001)
arable land: 0.48%


permanent crops: 0.01%


other: 99.51% (2001)
Languages Italian, Latin, French, various other languages Arabic (official), Pulaar, Soninke, French, Hassaniya, Wolof
Legal system based on Code of Canon Law and revisions to it a combination of Shari'a (Islamic law) and French civil law
Legislative branch unicameral Pontifical Commission bicameral legislature consists of the Senate or Majlis al-Shuyukh (56 seats, a part of the seats up for election every two years; members elected by municipal leaders to serve six-year terms) and the National Assembly or Majlis al-Watani (81 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)


elections: Senate - last held 12 April 2002 (next to be held NA April 2004); National Assembly - last held 19 and 26 October 2001 (next to be held NA 2006)


election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PRDS 54, RFD 1, UNDD 1; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - PRDS 79%, RDU 3.5%, UDP 3.5%, AC 5%, UFP 3.5%, FP 1.5%; seats by party - PRDS 64, UDP 3, RDU 3, AC 4, RFD 3, UFP 3, and FP 1
Life expectancy at birth - total population: 52.32 years


male: 50.15 years


female: 54.56 years (2004 est.)
Literacy definition: NA


total population: 100%


male: NA


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


total population: 41.7%


male: 51.8%


female: 31.9% (2003 est.)
Location Southern Europe, an enclave of Rome (Italy) Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western Sahara
Map references Europe Africa
Maritime claims none (landlocked) territorial sea: 12 nm


contiguous zone: 24 nm


exclusive economic zone: 200 nm


continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Merchant marine - none
Military - note defense is the responsibility of Italy; Swiss Papal Guards are posted at entrances to the Vatican City to provide security and protect the Pope -
Military branches Swiss Guards Corps (Corpo della Guardia Svizzera) Army, Navy (including Naval Infantry), Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Guard, National Police, Presidential Guard (BSSP)
Military expenditures - dollar figure - $40.8 million (2003)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP - 3.7% (2003)
Military manpower - availability - males age 15-49: 686,629 (2004 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service - males age 15-49: 332,633 (2004 est.)
National holiday Coronation Day of Pope JOHN PAUL II, 22 October (1978) Independence Day, 28 November (1960)
Nationality noun: none


adjective: none
noun: Mauritanian(s)


adjective: Mauritanian
Natural hazards NA hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March and April; periodic droughts
Natural resources none iron ore, gypsum, copper, phosphate, diamonds, gold, oil, fish
Net migration rate - 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Political parties and leaders none Action for Change or AC [Messoud Ould BOULKHEIR]; Alliance for Justice and Democracy or AJD [Kebe ABDOULAYE]; Democratic and Social Republican Party or PRDS (ruling party) [President Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA]; Mauritanian Party for Renewal and Concorde or PMRC [Molaye El Hassen Ould JIYID]; National Union for Democracy and Development or UNDD [Tidjane KOITA]; Party for Liberty, Equality and Justice or PLEJ [Daouda M'BAGNIGA]; Popular Front or FP [Ch'bih Ould CHEIKH MALAININE]; Popular Progress Alliance or APP [Messoud Ould BOULKHEIR]; Popular Social and Democratic Union or UPSD [Mohamed Mahmoud Ould MAH]; Progress Force Union or UFP [Mohamed Ould MAOULOUD]; Rally of Democratic Forces or RFD [Ahmed Ould DADDAH]; Rally for Democracy and Unity or RDU [Ahmed Ould SIDI BABA]; Union for Democracy and Progress or UDP [Naha Mint MOUKNASS]


note: the Action for Change party was banned in January 2002 although its members were permitted to keep their seats in the National Assembly; parties legalized by constitution ratified 12 July 1991, however, politics continue to be tribally based
Political pressure groups and leaders none (exclusive of influence exercised by church officers) Arab nationalists; Ba'athists; General Confederation of Mauritanian Workers or CGTM [Abdallahi Ould MOHAMED, secretary general]; Independent Confederation of Mauritanian Workers or CLTM [Samory Ould BEYE]; Islamists; Mauritanian Workers Union or UTM [Mohamed Ely Ould BRAHIM, secretary general]
Population 921 (July 2004 est.) 2,998,563 (July 2004 est.)
Population below poverty line NA 50% (2001 est.)
Population growth rate 0.01% (2004 est.) 2.91% (2004 est.)
Ports and harbors none Bogue, Kaedi, Nouadhibou, Nouakchott, Rosso
Radio broadcast stations AM 3, FM 4, shortwave 2 (1998) AM 1, FM 14, shortwave 1 (2001)
Railways - 717 km


standard gauge: 717 km 1.435-m gauge (2003)
Religions Roman Catholic Muslim 100%
Sex ratio - at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female


total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2004 est.)
Suffrage limited to cardinals less than 80 years old 18 years of age; universal
Telephone system general assessment: automatic exchange


domestic: tied into Italian system


international: country code - 39; uses Italian system
general assessment: limited system of cable and open-wire lines, minor microwave radio relay links, and radiotelephone communications stations (improvements being made)


domestic: mostly cable and open-wire lines; a recently completed domestic satellite telecommunications system links Nouakchott with regional capitals


international: country code - 222; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 2 Arabsat
Telephones - main lines in use NA 31,500 (2002)
Telephones - mobile cellular NA 300,000 (2003)
Television broadcast stations 1 (1996) 1 (2002)
Terrain low hill mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hills
Total fertility rate - 6.01 children born/woman (2004 est.)
Unemployment rate - 21% (1999 est.)
Waterways - some ferry traffic on Senegal River (2004)
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