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Compare Iraq (2003) - Colombia (2001)

Compare Iraq (2003) z Colombia (2001)

 Iraq (2003)Colombia (2001)
 IraqColombia
Administrative divisions 18 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Anbar, Al Basrah, Al Muthanna, Al Qadisiyah, An Najaf, Arbil, As Sulaymaniyah, At Ta'mim, Babil, Baghdad, Dahuk, Dhi Qar, Diyala, Karbala', Maysan, Ninawa, Salah ad Din, Wasit 32 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital district* (distrito capital); Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Atlantico, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas, Caqueta, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia, Guaviare, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres y Providencia, Distrito Capital de Santa Fe de Bogota*, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes, Vichada
Age structure 0-14 years: 40.7% (male 5,103,669; female 4,946,443)


15-64 years: 56.3% (male 7,033,268; female 6,855,644)


65 years and over: 3% (male 348,790; female 395,499) (2003 est.)
0-14 years:
31.88% (male 6,507,282; female 6,354,454)

15-64 years:
63.37% (male 12,452,182; female 13,117,707)

65 years and over:
4.75% (male 859,967; female 1,057,796) (2001 est.)
Agriculture - products wheat, barley, rice, vegetables, dates, cotton; cattle, sheep coffee, cut flowers, bananas, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseed, vegetables; forest products; shrimp
Airports 150 (2002); note - unknown number were damaged during the March-April 2003 war 1,091 (2000 est.)
Airports - with paved runways total: 77


over 3,047 m: 21


2,438 to 3,047 m: 36


1,524 to 2,437 m: 5


914 to 1,523 m: 6


under 914 m: 9 (2002)
total:
92

over 3,047 m:
2

2,438 to 3,047 m:
8

1,524 to 2,437 m:
38

914 to 1,523 m:
36

under 914 m:
8 (2000 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways total: 73


over 3,047 m: 5


2,438 to 3,047 m: 5


1,524 to 2,437 m: 24


914 to 1,523 m: 28


under 914 m: 11 (2002)
total:
999

2,438 to 3,047 m:
1

1,524 to 2,437 m:
64

914 to 1,523 m:
321

under 914 m:
613 (2000 est.)
Area total: 437,072 sq km


land: 432,162 sq km


water: 4,910 sq km
total:
1,138,910 sq km

land:
1,038,700 sq km

water:
100,210 sq km

note:
includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, Serrana Bank, and Serranilla Bank
Area - comparative slightly more than twice the size of Idaho slightly less than three times the size of Montana
Background Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq was occupied by Britain during the course of World War I; in 1920, it was declared a League of Nations mandate under UK administration. In stages over the next dozen years, Iraq attained its independence as a kingdom in 1932. A "republic" was proclaimed in 1958, but in actuality a series of military strongmen have ruled the country since then, the latest being SADDAM Husayn. Territorial disputes with Iran led to an inconclusive and costly eight-year war (1980-88). In August 1990, Iraq seized Kuwait, but was expelled by US-led, UN coalition forces during the Gulf War of January-February 1991. Following Kuwait's liberation, the UN Security Council (UNSC) required Iraq to scrap all weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles and to allow UN verification inspections. Continued Iraqi noncompliance with UNSC resolutions over a period of 12 years resulted in the US-led invasion of Iraq in March 2003 and the ouster of the SADDAM Husayn regime. Coalition forces remain in Iraq, helping to restore degraded infrastructure and facilitating the establishment of a freely elected government. Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and Venezuela). A 40-year insurgent campaign to overthrow the Colombian Government escalated during the 1990s, undergirded in part by funds from the drug trade. Although the violence is deadly and large swaths of the countryside are under guerrilla influence, the movement lacks the military strength or popular support necessary to overthrow the government. While Bogota continues to try to negotiate a settlement, neighboring countries worry about the violence spilling over their borders.
Birth rate 33.66 births/1,000 population (2003 est.) 22.41 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)
Budget revenues: $NA


expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA
revenues:
$22 billion

expenditures:
$24 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (2000 est.)
Capital Baghdad Bogota
Climate mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding in central and southern Iraq tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands
Coastline 58 km 3,208 km (Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448 km)
Constitution in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime by US-led coalition 5 July 1991
Country name conventional long form: Republic of Iraq


conventional short form: Iraq


local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Iraqiyah


local short form: Al Iraq
conventional long form:
Republic of Colombia

conventional short form:
Colombia

local long form:
Republica de Colombia

local short form:
Colombia
Currency Iraqi dinar (IQD) Colombian peso (COP)
Death rate 5.84 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.) 5.69 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)
Debt - external $120 billion (2002 est.) $34 billion (2000 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime by US-led coalition chief of mission:
Ambassador Anne W. PATTERSON

embassy:
Calle 22D-BIS, numbers 47-51, Apartado Aereo 3831

mailing address:
Carrera 45 #22D-45, Bogota, D.C., APO AA 34038

telephone:
[57] (1) 315-0811

FAX:
[57] (1) 315-2197
Diplomatic representation in the US in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime by US-led coalition chief of mission:
Ambassador Luis Alberto MORENO Mejia

chancery:
2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:
[1] (202) 387-8338

FAX:
[1] (202) 232-8643

consulate(s) general:
Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Washington, DC

consulate(s):
Atlanta
Disputes - international despite restored diplomatic relations in 1990, disputes with Iran over maritime and land boundaries, navigation channel, and other issues from eight-year war persist; land and Shatt al Arab boundary demarcation put an end to claims to Kuwait and to Bubiyan and Warbah islands, but no maritime boundary exists with Kuwait in the Persian Gulf; Iraq protests Turkey's hydrological projects to regulate the Tigris and Euphrates rivers upstream maritime boundary dispute with Venezuela in the Gulf of Venezuela; territorial disputes with Nicaragua over Archipelago de San Andres y Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank
Economic aid - recipient $327.5 million (1995) $40.7 million (1995)
Economy - overview Iraq's economy is dominated by the oil sector, which has traditionally provided about 95% of foreign exchange earnings. In the 1980s financial problems caused by massive expenditures in the eight-year war with Iran and damage to oil export facilities by Iran led the government to implement austerity measures, borrow heavily, and later reschedule foreign debt payments; Iraq suffered economic losses from the war of at least $100 billion. After hostilities ended in 1988, oil exports gradually increased with the construction of new pipelines and restoration of damaged facilities. Iraq's seizure of Kuwait in August 1990, subsequent international economic sanctions, and damage from military action by an international coalition beginning in January 1991 drastically reduced economic activity. Although government policies supporting large military and internal security forces and allocating resources to key supporters of the regime have hurt the economy, implementation of the UN's oil-for-food program beginning in December 1996 helped improve conditions for the average Iraqi citizen. Iraq was allowed to export limited amounts of oil in exchange for food, medicine, and some infrastructure spare parts. In December 1999 the UN Security Council authorized Iraq to export under the program as much oil as required to meet humanitarian needs. Oil exports have recently been more than three-quarters prewar level. However, 28% of Iraq's export revenues under the program have been deducted to meet UN Compensation Fund and UN administrative expenses. The drop in GDP in 2001-02 was largely the result of the global economic slowdown and lower oil prices. Per capita food imports increased significantly, while medical supplies and health care services steadily improved. Per capita output and living standards were still well below the prewar level, but any estimates have a wide range of error. The military victory of the US-led coalition in March-April 2003 resulted in the shutdown of much of the central economic administrative structure and the loss of a comparatively small amount of capital plant. Colombia is poised for muted growth in the next several years, marking continued recovery from the severe 1999 recession when GDP fell by about 4%. President PASTRANA's well-respected economic team is working to keep the economy on track, maintaining low interest rates, for example. In accordance with its IMF loan agreement, the administration also is taking steps to improve the public sector's fiscal health. However, many challenges to improved prosperity remain. Unemployment was stuck at a record 20% in 2000, contributing to the extreme inequality in income distribution. Two of Colombia's leading exports, oil and coffee, face an uncertain future; new exploration is needed to offset declining oil production, while coffee harvests and prices are depressed. The lack of public security is a key concern for investors, making progress in the government's peace negotiations with insurgent groups an important driver of economic performance. Colombia is looking for continued support from the international community to boost economic and peace prospects.
Electricity - consumption 33.49 billion kWh (2001) 40.532 billion kWh (1999)
Electricity - exports 0 kWh (2001) 27 million kWh (1999)
Electricity - imports 0 kWh (2001) 35 million kWh (1999)
Electricity - production 36.01 billion kWh (2001) 43.574 billion kWh (1999)
Electricity - production by source fossil fuel: 98.4%


hydro: 1.6%


nuclear: 0%


other: 0% (2001)
fossil fuel:
22.27%

hydro:
76.19%

nuclear:
0%

other:
1.54% (1999)
Elevation extremes lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m


highest point: unamed peak 3,611 m; note - this peak is not Gundah Zhur 3,607 m or Kuh-e Hajji-Ebrahim 3,595 m
lowest point:
Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point:
Pico Cristobal Colon 5,775 m

note:
nearby Pico Simon Bolivar also has the same elevation
Environment - current issues government water control projects have drained most of the inhabited marsh areas east of An Nasiriyah by drying up or diverting the feeder streams and rivers; a once sizable population of Marsh Arabs, who inhabited these areas for thousands of years, has been displaced; furthermore, the destruction of the natural habitat poses serious threats to the area's wildlife populations; inadequate supplies of potable water; development of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers system contingent upon agreements with upstream riparian Turkey; air and water pollution; soil degradation (salination) and erosion; desertification deforestation; soil damage from overuse of pesticides; air pollution, especially in Bogota, from vehicle emissions
Environment - international agreements party to: Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban


signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification
party to:
Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified:
Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping
Ethnic groups Arab 75%-80%, Kurdish 15%-20%, Turkoman, Assyrian or other 5% mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1%
Exchange rates Iraqi dinars per US dollar - 0.31 (2002), 0.31 (2001), 0.31 (2000), 0.31 (1999), 0.31 (1998), note: fixed official rate since 1982; market rate subject to wide fluctuations Colombian pesos per US dollar - 2,241.43 (January 2001), 2087.90 (2000), 1,756.23 (1999), 1,426.04 (1998), 1,140.96 (1997), 1,036.69 (1996)
Executive branch chief of state: in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime by US-led coalition chief of state:
President Andres PASTRANA (since 7 August 1998); Vice President Gustavo BELL Lemus (since 7 August 1998); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government:
President Andres PASTRANA (since 7 August 1998); Vice President Gustavo BELL Lemus (since 7 August 1998); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

cabinet:
Cabinet Cabinet consists of a coalition of the two dominant parties - the PL and PSC - and independents

elections:
president elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 31 May 1998 (next to be held NA May 2002); vice president elected by popular vote for a four-year term in a new procedure that replaces the traditional designation of vice presidents by newly elected presidents; election last held 31 May 1998 (next to be held NA May 2002)

election results:
no candidate received more than 50% of the total vote, therefore, a run-off election to select a president from the two leading candidates was held 21 June 1998; Andres PASTRANA elected president; percent of vote - 50.3%; Gustavo BELL elected vice president; percent of vote - 50.3%
Exports NA (2001) $14.5 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)
Exports - commodities crude oil petroleum, coffee, coal, apparel, bananas, cut flowers
Exports - partners US 40.9%, Canada 8.2%, France 8.2%, Jordan 7.5%, Netherlands 6.4%, Italy 5.4%, Morocco 4.7%, Spain 4.4% (2002) US 50%, EU 14%, Andean Community of Nations 16%, Japan 2% (2000 est.)
Fiscal year calendar year calendar year
Flag description three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with three green five-pointed stars in a horizontal line centered in the white band; the phrase ALLAHU AKBAR (God is Great) in green Arabic script - Allahu to the right of the middle star and Akbar to the left of the middle star - was added in January 1991 during the Persian Gulf crisis; similar to the flag of Syria which has two stars but no script and the flag of Yemen, which has a plain white band; also similar to the flag of Egypt which has a symbolic eagle centered in the white band three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue, and red; similar to the flag of Ecuador, which is longer and bears the Ecuadorian coat of arms superimposed in the center
GDP purchasing power parity - $58 billion (2002 est.) purchasing power parity - $250 billion (2000 est.)
GDP - composition by sector agriculture: 6%


industry: 13%


services: 81% (1993 est.)
agriculture:
19%

industry:
26%

services:
55% (1999 est.)
GDP - per capita purchasing power parity - $2,400 (2002 est.) purchasing power parity - $6,200 (2000 est.)
GDP - real growth rate -3% (2002 est.) 3% (2000 est.)
Geographic coordinates 33 00 N, 44 00 E 4 00 N, 72 00 W
Geography - note strategic location on Shatt al Arab waterway and at the head of the Persian Gulf only South American country with coastlines on both North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea
Heliports 5 (2002) -
Highways total: 45,550 km


paved: 38,399 km


unpaved: 7,151 km (2000 est.)
total:
110,000 km

paved:
26,000 km

unpaved:
84,000 km (2000)
Household income or consumption by percentage share lowest 10%: NA%


highest 10%: NA%
lowest 10%:
1%

highest 10%:
44% (1999)
Illicit drugs - illicit producer of coca, opium poppies, and cannabis; world's leading coca cultivator (cultivation of coca in 1999 - 122,500 hectares, a 20.3% increase over 1998); cultivation of opium in 1999 increased to 7,500 hectares from 6,100 hectares in 1998; potential production of opium in 1999 - 75 metric tons, a 25% increase over 1998; potential production of heroin in 1999 - nearly 8 metric tons, as compared with 6 tons in 1998; the world's largest processor of coca derivatives into cocaine; supplier of about 90% of the cocaine to the US and the great majority of cocaine to other international drug markets, and an important supplier of heroin to the US market; active aerial eradication program
Imports NA (2001) $12.4 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.)
Imports - commodities food, medicine, manufactures industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer goods, chemicals, paper products, fuels, electricity
Imports - partners Jordan 11%, France 8.8%, China 8.4%, Germany 7.6%, Russia 7.3%, Australia 7.2%, Vietnam 6.6%, Italy 6.4%, Japan 5.6% (2002) US 35%, EU 16%, Andean Community of Nations 15%, Japan 5% (2000 est.)
Independence 3 October 1932 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration) 20 July 1810 (from Spain)
Industrial production growth rate NA% 11% (2000 est.)
Industries petroleum, chemicals, textiles, construction materials, food processing textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages, chemicals, cement; gold, coal, emeralds
Infant mortality rate total: 55.16 deaths/1,000 live births


male: 61.09 deaths/1,000 live births


female: 48.95 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.)
23.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 70% (2002 est.) 9% (2000)
International organization participation ABEDA, ACC, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, EAPC, ESCWA, FAO, G-19, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO BCIE, CAN, Caricom (observer), CCC, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G- 3, G-11, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) 1 (2000) 18 (2000)
Irrigated land 35,250 sq km (1998 est.) 5,300 sq km (1993 est.)
Judicial branch in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime by US-led coalition four, coequal, supreme judicial organs; Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justical (highest court of criminal law; judges are selected from the nominees of the Higher Council of Justice for eight-year terms); Council of State (highest court of administrative law, judges are selected from the nominees of the Higher Council of Justice for eight-year terms); Constitutional Court (guards integrity and supremacy of the constitution, rules on constitutionality of laws, amendments to the constitution, and international treaties); Higher Council of Justice (administers and disciplines the civilian judiciary; members of the disciplinary chamber resolve jurisdictional conflicts arising between other courts; members are elected by three sister courts and Congress for eight-year terms)
Labor force 6.5 million (2002 est.) 18.3 million (1999 est.)
Labor force - by occupation agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA% services 46%, agriculture 30%, industry 24% (1990)
Land boundaries total: 3,650 km


border countries: Iran 1,458 km, Jordan 181 km, Kuwait 240 km, Saudi Arabia 814 km, Syria 605 km, Turkey 352 km
total:
6,004 km

border countries:
Brazil 1,643 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km, Peru 1,496 km (est.), Venezuela 2,050 km
Land use arable land: 11.89%


permanent crops: 0.78%


other: 87.33% (1998 est.)
arable land:
4%

permanent crops:
1%

permanent pastures:
39%

forests and woodland:
48%

other:
8% (1993 est.)
Languages Arabic, Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions), Assyrian, Armenian Spanish
Legal system in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime by US-led coalition based on Spanish law; a new criminal code modeled after US procedures was enacted in 1992-93; judicial review of executive and legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Legislative branch in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime by US-led coalition bicameral Congress or Congreso consists of the Senate or Senado (102 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Camara de Representantes (163 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections:
Senate - last held 8 March 1998 (next to be held NA March 2002); House of Representatives - last held 8 March 1998 (next to be held NA March 2002)

election results:
Senate - percent of vote by party - PL 50%, PSC 24%, smaller parties (many aligned with conservatives) 26%; seats by party - PL 58, PSC 28, smaller parties 16; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - PL 52%, PSC 17%, other 31%; seats by party - PL 98, PSC 52, indigenous parties 2, others 11
Life expectancy at birth total population: 67.81 years


male: 66.7 years


female: 68.99 years (2003 est.)
total population:
70.57 years

male:
66.71 years

female:
74.55 years (2001 est.)
Literacy definition: age 15 and over can read and write


total population: 40.4%


male: 55.9%


female: 24.4% (2003 est.)
definition:
age 15 and over can read and write

total population:
91.3%

male:
91.2%

female:
91.4% (1995 est.)
Location Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iran and Kuwait Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama
Map references Middle East South America, Central America and the Caribbean
Maritime claims continental shelf: not specified


territorial sea: 12 NM
continental shelf:
200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:
200 NM

territorial sea:
12 NM
Merchant marine total: 18 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 119,433 GRT/170,221 DWT


ships by type: cargo 9, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 6, roll on/roll off 1 (2002 est.)
total:
13 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 53,322 GRT/69,444 DWT

ships by type:
bulk 5, cargo 4, container 1, multi-functional large-load carrier 1, petroleum tanker 2 (2000 est.)
Military branches Army, Republican Guard, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Force, Border Guard Force, Fedayeen Saddam; note - with the defeat of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003, the data listed in the following entries for Iraq is invalid, but is retained here for historical purposes and until replaced by valid information related to the future Iraqi Government (April 2003) Army (Ejercito Nacional), Navy (Armada Nacional, includes Marines and Coast Guard), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Colombiana), National Police (Policia Nacional)
Military expenditures - dollar figure $1.3 billion (FY00) $3 billion (FY00)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP NA% 3.4% (FY00)
Military manpower - availability males age 15-49: 6,339,458 (2003 est.) males age 15-49:
10,779,148 (2001 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service males age 15-49: 3,541,467 (2003 est.) males age 15-49:
7,205,211 (2001 est.)
Military manpower - military age 18 years of age (2003 est.) 18 years of age
Military manpower - reaching military age annually males: 292,930 (2003 est.) males:
379,295 (2001 est.)
National holiday Revolution Day, 17 July (1968) Independence Day, 20 July (1810)
Nationality noun: Iraqi(s)


adjective: Iraqi
noun:
Colombian(s)

adjective:
Colombian
Natural hazards dust storms, sandstorms, floods highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; occasional earthquakes; periodic droughts
Natural resources petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds, hydropower
Net migration rate 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.) -0.33 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.)
Pipelines gas 1,739 km; oil 5,418 km; refined products 1,343 km (2003) crude oil 3,585 km; petroleum products 1,350 km; natural gas 830 km; natural gas liquids 125 km
Political parties and leaders in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime by US-led coalition Conservative Party or PSC [Ciro RAMIREZ Anzon]; Liberal Party or PL [Luis Guillermo VELEZ]; Patriotic Union or UP is a legal political party formed by Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia or FARC and Colombian Communist Party or PCC [Jaime CAICEDO]; 19 of April Movement or M-19 [Antonio NAVARRO Wolff]
Political pressure groups and leaders in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime by US-led coalition two largest insurgent groups active in Colombia - National Liberation Army or ELN and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia or FARC; largest paramilitary group is United Self-Defense Groups of Colombia or AUC
Population 24,683,313 (July 2003 est.) 40,349,388 (July 2001 est.)
Population below poverty line NA 55% (1999)
Population growth rate 2.78% (2003 est.) 1.64% (2001 est.)
Ports and harbors Umm Qasr, Khawr az Zubayr, and Al Basrah have limited functionality Bahia de Portete, Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Leticia, Puerto Bolivar, San Andres, Santa Marta, Tumaco, Turbo
Radio broadcast stations AM 19 (5 are inactive), FM 51, shortwave 4 (1998) AM 454, FM 34, shortwave 27 (1999)
Radios - 21 million (1997)
Railways total: 1,963 km


standard gauge: 1,963 km 1.435-m gauge (2003)
total:
3,304 km

standard gauge:
150 km 1.435-m gauge (connects Cerrejon coal mines to maritime port at Bahia de Portete)

narrow gauge:
3,154 km 0.914-m gauge (major sections not in use) (2000)
Religions Muslim 97% (Shi'a 60%-65%, Sunni 32%-37%), Christian or other 3% Roman Catholic 90%
Sex ratio at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female


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

under 15 years:
1.02 male(s)/female

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

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

total population:
0.97 male(s)/female (2001 est.)
Suffrage formerly 18 years of age; universal; note - in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime by US-led coalition 18 years of age; universal
Telephone system general assessment: an unknown number of telecommunication facilities were damaged during the March-April 2003 war


domestic: the network consists of coaxial cables and microwave radio relay links


international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region), and 1 Arabsat (inoperative); coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Jordan, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey; Kuwait line is probably nonoperational
general assessment:
modern system in many respects

domestic:
nationwide microwave radio relay system; domestic satellite system with 41 earth stations; fiber-optic network linking 50 cities

international:
satellite earth stations - 6 Intelsat, 1 Inmarsat; 3 fully digitalized international switching centers; 8 submarine cables
Telephones - main lines in use 675,000 (1997); note - an unknown number of telephone lines were damaged or destroyed during the March-April war 5,433,565 (December 1997)
Telephones - mobile cellular NA; service available in northern Iraq (2001) 1,800,229 (December 1998)
Television broadcast stations 13 (1997); note - unknown number were destroyed during the March-April 2003 war 60 (includes seven low-power stations) (1997)
Terrain mostly broad plains; reedy marshes along Iranian border in south with large flooded areas; mountains along borders with Iran and Turkey flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes Mountains, eastern lowland plains
Total fertility rate 4.52 children born/woman (2003 est.) 2.66 children born/woman (2001 est.)
Unemployment rate NA% 20% (2000 est.)
Waterways 1,015 km


note: Shatt al Arab is usually navigable by maritime traffic for about 130 km; channel has been dredged to 3 m and is in use; Tigris and Euphrates Rivers have navigable sections for shallow-draft boats; Shatt al Basrah canal was navigable by shallow-draft craft before closing in 1991 because of the Gulf war
18,140 km (navigable by river boats) (April 1996)
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