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Compare Iceland (2003) - Malta (2004)

Compare Iceland (2003) z Malta (2004)

 Iceland (2003)Malta (2004)
 IcelandMalta
Administrative divisions 23 counties (syslur, singular - sysla) and 14 independent towns* (kaupstadhir, singular - kaupstadhur); Akranes*, Akureyri*, Arnessysla, Austur-Bardhastrandarsysla, Austur-Hunavatnssysla, Austur-Skaftafellssysla, Borgarfjardharsysla, Dalasysla, Eyjafjardharsysla, Gullbringusysla, Hafnarfjordhur*, Husavik*, Isafjordhur*, Keflavik*, Kjosarsysla, Kopavogur*, Myrasysla, Neskaupstadhur*, Nordhur-Isafjardharsysla, Nordhur-Mulasys-la, Nordhur-Thingeyjarsysla, Olafsfjordhur*, Rangarvallasysla, Reykjavik*, Saudharkrokur*, Seydhisfjordhur*, Siglufjordhur*, Skagafjardharsysla, Snaefellsnes-og Hnappadalssysla, Strandasysla, Sudhur-Mulasysla, Sudhur-Thingeyjarsysla, Vesttmannaeyjar*, Vestur-Bardhastrandarsysla, Vestur-Hunavatnssysla, Vestur-Isafjardharsysla, Vestur-Skaftafellssysla


note: there may be four other counties
none (administered directly from Valletta); note - Local Councils carry out administrative orders
Age structure 0-14 years: 22.7% (male 32,902; female 30,952)


15-64 years: 65.4% (male 92,519; female 91,000)


65 years and over: 11.9% (male 14,973; female 18,452) (2003 est.)
0-14 years: 18.1% (male 36,891; female 34,912)


15-64 years: 68.5% (male 137,259; female 134,611)


65 years and over: 13.4% (male 22,691; female 30,487) (2004 est.)
Agriculture - products potatoes, green vegetables, chicken, pork, mutton; fish potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers, green peppers; pork, milk, poultry, eggs
Airports 86 (2002) 1 (2003 est.)
Airports - with paved runways total: 13


over 3,047 m: 1


1,524 to 2,437 m: 4


914 to 1,523 m: 8 (2002)
total: 1


over 3,047 m: 1 (2004 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways total: 73


1,524 to 2,437 m: 3


914 to 1,523 m: 21


under 914 m: 49 (2002)
-
Area total: 103,000 sq km


land: 100,250 sq km


water: 2,750 sq km
total: 316 sq km


land: 316 sq km


water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative slightly smaller than Kentucky slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC
Background Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing, established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the island's population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. Limited home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence attained in 1944. Literacy, longevity, income, and social cohesion are first-rate by world standards. Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814. The island staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars and remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964. A decade later Malta became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s, the island has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point, a financial center, and a tourist destination. Malta became an EU member in May of 2004.
Birth rate 14.13 births/1,000 population (2003 est.) 10.09 births/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Budget revenues: $3.5 billion


expenditures: $3.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $467 million (1999)
revenues: $2.086 billion


expenditures: $2.367 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (2003)
Capital Reykjavik Valletta
Climate temperate; moderated by North Atlantic Current; mild, windy winters; damp, cool summers Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers
Coastline 4,988 km 196.8 km (does not include 56.01 km for the island of Gozo)
Constitution 16 June 1944, effective 17 June 1944 1964 constitution substantially amended on 13 December 1974 and again in 1987
Country name conventional long form: Republic of Iceland


conventional short form: Iceland


local long form: Lydhveldidh Island


local short form: Island
conventional long form: Republic of Malta


conventional short form: Malta


local long form: Repubblika ta' Malta


local short form: Malta
Currency Icelandic krona (ISK) Maltese lira (MTL)
Death rate 6.95 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.) 7.93 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Debt - external $2.6 billion (1999) $130 million (1997)
Diplomatic representation from the US chief of mission: Ambassador James I. GADSDEN


embassy: Laufasvegur 21, 101 Reykjavik


mailing address: US Embassy, PSC 1003, Box 40, FPO AE 09728-0340


telephone: [354] 5629100


FAX: [354] 5629118
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires William GRANT


embassy: 3rd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana, Malta VLT 01


mailing address: P. O. Box 535, Valletta, Malta, CMR01


telephone: [356] 2561 4000


FAX: [356] 21 243229
Diplomatic representation in the US chief of mission: Ambassador Helgi AGUSTSSON


chancery: Suite 1200, 1156 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005-1704


telephone: [1] (202) 265-6653


FAX: [1] (202) 265-6656


consulate(s) general: New York
chief of mission: Ambassador John LOWELL


chancery: 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008


telephone: [1] (202) 462-3611, 3612


FAX: [1] (202) 387-5470


consulate(s): New York
Disputes - international Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Denmark, Iceland, and the UK (Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary agreement in the Rockall area); dispute with Denmark over the Faroe Islands' fisheries median line boundary within 200 NM; disputes with Denmark, the UK, and Ireland over the Faroe Islands continental shelf boundary outside 200 NM none
Economic aid - donor $NA -
Economic aid - recipient - NA
Economy - overview Iceland's Scandinavian-type economy is basically capitalistic, yet with an extensive welfare system (including generous housing subsidies), low unemployment, and remarkably even distribution of income. In the absence of other natural resources (except for abundant hydrothermal and geothermal power), the economy depends heavily on the fishing industry, which provides 70% of export earnings and employs 12% of the work force. The economy remains sensitive to declining fish stocks as well as to fluctuations in world prices for its main exports: fish and fish products, aluminum, and ferrosilicon. Government policies include reducing the budget and current account deficits, limiting foreign borrowing, containing inflation, revising agricultural and fishing policies, diversifying the economy, and privatizing state-owned industries. The government remains opposed to EU membership, primarily because of Icelanders' concern about losing control over their fishing resources. Iceland's economy has been diversifying into manufacturing and service industries in the last decade, and new developments in software production, biotechnology, and financial services are taking place. The tourism sector is also expanding, with the recent trends in ecotourism and whale watching. Growth had been remarkably steady in 1996-2001 at 3%-5%, but could not be sustained in 2002 in an environment of global recession. Growth resumed in 2003, and inflation dropped back from 5% to 2%. Major resources are limestone, a favorable geographic location, and a productive labor force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has no domestic energy sources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing (especially electronics and textiles), and tourism. Malta is privatizing state-controlled firms and liberalizing markets in order to prepare for membership in the European Union. The island remains divided politically, however, over the question of joining the EU. Continued sluggishness in the global economy is holding back exports, tourism, and overall growth.
Electricity - consumption 7.341 billion kWh (2001) 1.644 billion kWh (2001)
Electricity - exports 0 kWh (2001) 0 kWh (2001)
Electricity - imports 0 kWh (2001) 0 kWh (2001)
Electricity - production 7.894 billion kWh (2001) 1.768 billion kWh (2001)
Electricity - production by source fossil fuel: 0.1%


hydro: 82.5%


nuclear: 0%


other: 17.5% (2001)
-
Elevation extremes lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m


highest point: Hvannadalshnukur 2,119 m (at Vatnajokull glacier)
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m


highest point: Ta'Dmejrek 253 m (near Dingli)
Environment - current issues water pollution from fertilizer runoff; inadequate wastewater treatment very limited natural fresh water resources; increasing reliance on desalination
Environment - international agreements party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Environmental Protection through Criminal Law, Hazardous Wastes, Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Oil Pollution, Ozone Layer Protection, Persistent Organic Pollutants, Ship Pollution, Transboundary Air Pollution, Wetlands


signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation
party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands


signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Ethnic groups homogeneous mixture of descendants of Norse and Celts 94%, population of foreign origin 6% Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians, with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)
Exchange rates Icelandic kronur per US dollar - 91.66 (2002), 97.42 (2001), 78.62 (2000), 72.34 (1999), 70.96 (1998) Maltese liri per US dollar - 0.3772 (2003), 0.4336 (2002), 0.4501 (2001), 0.4382 (2000), 0.3989 (1999)
Executive branch chief of state: President Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON (since 1 August 1996)


head of government: Prime Minister David ODDSSON (since 30 April 1991)


cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister and approved by Parliament


elections: president, which is largely a ceremonial post, elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 29 June 1996 (next to be held NA June 2004); President GRIMSSON ran unopposed in June 2000 so there were no elections; prime minister appointed by the president


election results: Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON ran unopposed in 2000 and was reelected
chief of state: President Eddie FENECH ADAMI (since 4 April 2004)


head of government: Prime Minister Lawrence GONZI (since 23 March 2004)


cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister


elections: president elected by the House of Representatives for a five-year term; election last held 29 March 2004 (next to be held by April 2009); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president for a five-year term; the deputy prime minister is appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister


election results: Eddie FENECH ADAMI elected president; percent of House of Representatives vote - 33 out of 65 votes
Exports 0 bbl/day (2001) NA (2001)
Exports - commodities fish and fish products 70%, animal products, aluminum, diatomite, ferrosilicon machinery and transport equipment, manufactures
Exports - partners Germany 18.5%, UK 17.5%, Netherlands 11.4%, US 10.9%, Spain 5.2%, Denmark 4.6%, Portugal 4.3%, Norway 4.2% (2002) Singapore 17.4%, US 11.6%, UK 9.4%, Germany 8.8%, France 7.5%, China 7% (2003)
Fiscal year calendar year 1 April - 31 March
Flag description blue with a red cross outlined in white extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag) two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red
GDP purchasing power parity - $8.444 billion (2002 est.) purchasing power parity - $7.082 billion (2003 est.)
GDP - composition by sector agriculture: 14% (includes fishing 12%)


industry: 21%


services: 65% (2001 est.)
agriculture: 3%


industry: 23%


services: 74% (2003 est.)
GDP - per capita purchasing power parity - $30,200 (2002 est.) purchasing power parity - $17,700 (2003 est.)
GDP - real growth rate -0.6% (2002 est.) 0.8% (2003 est.)
Geographic coordinates 65 00 N, 18 00 W 35 50 N, 14 35 E
Geography - note strategic location between Greenland and Europe; westernmost European country; Reykjavik is the northernmost national capital in the world; more land covered by glaciers than in all of continental Europe the country comprises an archipelago, with only the three largest islands (Malta, Ghawdex or Gozo, and Kemmuna or Comino) being inhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors; Malta and Tunisia are discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil exploration
Highways total: 12,955 km


paved/oiled gravel: 3,863 km


unpaved: 9,092 km (2003)
total: 2,254 km


paved: 1,972 km


unpaved: 282 km (2000)
Household income or consumption by percentage share lowest 10%: NA%


highest 10%: NA%
lowest 10%: NA


highest 10%: NA
Illicit drugs - minor transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Western Europe
Imports 15,470 bbl/day (2001) NA (2001)
Imports - commodities machinery and equipment, petroleum products; foodstuffs, textiles machinery and transport equipment, manufactured and semi-manufactured goods; food, drink, and tobacco
Imports - partners US 10.9%, Germany 10.7%, Denmark 8.5%, Norway 8%, UK 7.5%, Netherlands 6%, Sweden 5.9% (2002) Italy 19.3%, France 13.7%, UK 8.5%, Germany 6.6%, Singapore 6.1%, Japan 5.7%, South Korea 5.5%, US 4.1% (2003)
Independence 1 December 1918 (became a sovereign state under the Danish Crown); 17 June 1944 (from Denmark) 21 September 1964 (from UK)
Industrial production growth rate 0.2% (2002 est.) NA
Industries fish processing; aluminum smelting, ferrosilicon production, geothermal power; tourism tourism; electronics, ship building and repair, construction; food and beverages, textiles, footwear, clothing, tobacco
Infant mortality rate total: 3.5 deaths/1,000 live births


male: 3.79 deaths/1,000 live births


female: 3.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)
total: 3.94 deaths/1,000 live births


male: 4.45 deaths/1,000 live births


female: 3.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 5.2% (2002 est.) 0.4% (2003 est.)
International organization participation Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA (observer), IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNU, UPU, WCO, WEU (associate), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO Australia Group, C, CE, EBRD, EIB, EU (new member), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, NSG, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (observer affiliate), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) 20 (2001) -
Irrigated land NA sq km 20 sq km (1998 est.)
Judicial branch Supreme Court or Haestirettur (justices are appointed for life by the Minister of Justice); eight district courts (justices are appointed for life by the Minister of Justice) Constitutional Court; Court of Appeal; judges for both courts are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
Labor force 159,000 (2000) 160,000 (2002 est.)
Labor force - by occupation agriculture 5.1%, fishing and fish processing 11.8%, manufacturing 12.9%, construction 10.7%, other services 59.5% (1999) agriculture 5%, industry 24%, services 71% (1999 est.)
Land boundaries 0 km 0 km
Land use arable land: 1%


permanent crops: 0%


permanent pastures: 28%


forest and woodlands: 1%


other: 70% (2001 est.)
arable land: 28.13%


permanent crops: 3.13%


other: 68.74% (2001)
Languages Icelandic, English, Nordic languages, German widely spoken Maltese (official), English (official)
Legal system civil law system based on Danish law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction based on English common law and Roman civil law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Legislative branch unicameral Parliament or Althing (63 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)


elections: last held 10 May 2003 (next to be held by May 2007)


election results: percent of vote by party - Independence Party 33.7%, Social Democratic Alliance 31.0%, Progressive Party 17.7%, Left-Green Alliance 8.8%, Liberal Party 7.4%; seats by party - Independence Party 22, Social Democratic Alliance 20, Progressive Party 12, Left-Green Alliance 5, Liberal Party 4
unicameral House of Representatives (usually 65 seats; note - additional seats are given to the party with the largest popular vote to ensure a legislative majority; members are elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve five-year terms)


elections: last held 12 April 2003 (next to be held by April 2008)


election results: percent of vote by party - PN 51.7%, MLP 47.6%, AD 0.7%; seats by party - PN 34, MLP 31
Life expectancy at birth total population: 79.8 years


male: 77.54 years


female: 82.22 years (2003 est.)
total population: 78.68 years


male: 76.51 years


female: 80.98 years (2004 est.)
Literacy definition: age 15 and over can read and write


total population: 99.9% (1997 est.)


male: NA%


female: NA%
definition: age 10 and over can read and write


total population: 92.8%


male: 92%


female: 93.6% (2003 est.)
Location Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the UK Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy)
Map references Arctic Region Europe
Maritime claims continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin


exclusive economic zone: 200 NM


territorial sea: 12 NM
territorial sea: 12 nm


contiguous zone: 24 nm


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


exclusive fishing zone: 25 nm
Merchant marine total: 1 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 3,500 GRT/5,000 DWT


ships by type: chemical tanker 1 (2002 est.)
total: 1,176 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 25,102,401 GRT/41,176,791 DWT


by type: bulk 468, cargo 251, chemical tanker 46, combination bulk 8, combination ore/oil 8, container 74, liquefied gas 4, livestock carrier 2, multi-functional large load carrier 1, passenger 7, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 210, refrigerated cargo 40, roll on/roll off 35, short-sea/passenger 6, vehicle carrier 15


foreign-owned: Australia 4, Austria 6, Bangladesh 3, Belgium 13, Bulgaria 19, Canada 8, China 14, Croatia 9, Cyprus 6, Denmark 4, Estonia 1, Finland 1, France 1, Germany 52, Greece 603, Hong Kong 3, Iceland 5, India 4, Indonesia 2, Iran 4, Israel 20, Italy 24, Japan 3, South Korea 2, Latvia 25, Lebanon 6, Madagascar 1, Monaco 14, Netherlands 5, Nigeria 1, Norway 32, Pakistan 1, Poland 30, Portugal 3, Romania 8, Russia 69, Saudi Arabia 1, Singapore 2, Slovenia 3, Switzerland 30, Syria 4, Taiwan 1, Turkey 108, Ukraine 22, United Kingdom 2, United States 8


registered in other countries: 18 (2004 est.)
Military - note defense is provided by the US-manned Icelandic Defense Force (IDF) headquartered at Keflavik -
Military branches no regular armed forces; Police, Coast Guard Armed Forces: Land Forces (including Air Squadron and Maritime Squadron), Revenue Security Corps
Military expenditures - dollar figure $0 $33.3 million (2003)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP - 0.7% (2003)
Military manpower - availability males age 15-49: 71,157 (2003 est.) males age 15-49: 99,324 (2004 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service males age 15-49: 62,552 (2003 est.) males age 15-49: 79,128 (2004 est.)
National holiday Independence Day, 17 June (1944) Independence Day, 21 September (1964)
Nationality noun: Icelander(s)


adjective: Icelandic
noun: Maltese (singular and plural)


adjective: Maltese
Natural hazards earthquakes and volcanic activity NA
Natural resources fish, hydropower, geothermal power, diatomite limestone, salt, arable land
Net migration rate -2.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.) 2.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Political parties and leaders Independence Party or IP [David ODDSSON]; Left-Green Alliance or LGP [Steingrimur SIGFUSSON]; Liberal Party or LP [Gudjon KRISTJANSSON]; Progressive Party or PP [Halldor ASGRIMSSON]; Social Democratic Alliance (includes People's Alliance or PA, Social Democratic Party or SDP, Women's List)or SDA [Ossur SKARPHEDINSSON]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Sighvatur BJORGVINSSON]; Women's List or WL [Kristin ASTGEIRSDOTTIR] Alternativa Demokratika/Alliance for Social Justice or AD [Harry VASSALLO]; Malta Labor Party or MLP [Alfred SANT]; Nationalist Party or PN [Lawrence GONZI]
Political pressure groups and leaders NA NA
Population 280,798 (July 2003 est.) 396,851 (July 2004 est.)
Population below poverty line NA% NA
Population growth rate 0.49% (2003 est.) 0.42% (2004 est.)
Ports and harbors Akureyri, Hornafjordhur, Isafjordhur, Keflavik, Raufarhofn, Reykjavik, Seydhisfjordhur, Straumsvik, Vesttmannaeyjar Marsaxlokk, Valletta
Radio broadcast stations AM 3, FM about 70 (including repeaters), shortwave 1 (1998) AM 1, FM 18, shortwave 6 (1999)
Railways 0 km -
Religions Evangelical Lutheran 87.1%, other Protestant 4.1%, Roman Catholic 1.7%, other 7.1% (2002) Roman Catholic 98%
Sex ratio at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female


total population: 1 male(s)/female (2003 est.)
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female


total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2004 est.)
Suffrage 18 years of age; universal 18 years of age; universal
Telephone system general assessment: extensive domestic service


domestic: the trunk network consists of coaxial and fiber-optic cables and microwave radio relay links


international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Iceland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden)
general assessment: automatic system satisfies normal requirements


domestic: submarine cable and microwave radio relay between islands


international: country code - 356; 2 submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Telephones - main lines in use 196,984 (2001) 208,300 (2003)
Telephones - mobile cellular 248,131 (221,231 GSM, 26,900 NMT) (2001) 290,000 (2003)
Television broadcast stations 14 (plus 156 low-power repeaters) (1997) 6 (2000)
Terrain mostly plateau interspersed with mountain peaks, icefields; coast deeply indented by bays and fiords mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs
Total fertility rate 1.98 children born/woman (2003 est.) 1.49 children born/woman (2004 est.)
Unemployment rate 2.8% (2002 est.) 7% (2003 est.)
Waterways none -
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