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Compare Latvia (2004) - Malta (2001)

Compare Latvia (2004) z Malta (2001)

 Latvia (2004)Malta (2001)
 LatviaMalta
Administrative divisions 26 counties (singular - rajons) and 7 municipalities*: Aizkraukles Rajons, Aluksnes Rajons, Balvu Rajons, Bauskas Rajons, Cesu Rajons, Daugavpils*, Daugavpils Rajons, Dobeles Rajons, Gulbenes Rajons, Jekabpils Rajons, Jelgava*, Jelgavas Rajons, Jurmala*, Kraslavas Rajons, Kuldigas Rajons, Liepaja*, Liepajas Rajons, Limbazu Rajons, Ludzas Rajons, Madonas Rajons, Ogres Rajons, Preilu Rajons, Rezekne*, Rezeknes Rajons, Riga*, Rigas Rajons, Saldus Rajons, Talsu Rajons, Tukuma Rajons, Valkas Rajons, Valmieras Rajons, Ventspils*, Ventspils Rajons none (administered directly from Valletta)
Age structure 0-14 years: 15% (male 177,223; female 169,241)


15-64 years: 69.2% (male 772,496; female 823,410)


65 years and over: 15.8% (male 118,035; female 245,901) (2004 est.)
0-14 years:
19.98% (male 40,791; female 38,062)

15-64 years:
67.49% (male 133,914; female 132,402)

65 years and over:
12.53% (male 20,643; female 28,771) (2001 est.)
Agriculture - products grain, sugar beets, potatoes, vegetables; beef, pork, milk, eggs; fish potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers, green peppers; pork, milk, poultry, eggs
Airports 51 (2003 est.) 1 (2000 est.)
Airports - with paved runways total: 27


2,438 to 3,047 m: 7


1,524 to 2,437 m: 2


914 to 1,523 m: 2


under 914 m: 16 (2003 est.)
total:
1

over 3,047 m:
1 (2000 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways total: 24


2,438 to 3,047 m: 1


1,524 to 2,437 m: 2


914 to 1,523 m: 1


under 914 m: 20 (2003 est.)
-
Area total: 64,589 sq km


land: 63,589 sq km


water: 1,000 sq km
total:
316 sq km

land:
316 sq km

water:
0 sq km
Area - comparative slightly larger than West Virginia slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC
Background After a brief period of independence between the two World Wars, Latvia was annexed by the USSR in 1940. It reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004. 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. Over the last 15 years, the island has become a major freight transshipment point, financial center, and tourist destination. It is an official candidate for EU membership.
Birth rate 8.87 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) 12.75 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)
Budget revenues: $3.691 billion


expenditures: $3.871 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (2003 est.)
revenues:
$1.6 billion

expenditures:
$1.73 billion, including capital expenditures of $265.4 million (1999)
Capital Riga Valletta
Climate maritime; wet, moderate winters Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers
Coastline 531 km 196.8 km (does not include 56.01 km for the island of Gozo)
Constitution 15 February 1922; an October 1998 amendment on Fundamental Human Rights replaced the 1991 Constitutional Law, which had supplemented the constitution 1964 constitution substantially amended on 13 December 1974
Country name conventional long form: Republic of Latvia


conventional short form: Latvia


local long form: Latvijas Republika


local short form: Latvija


former: Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic
conventional long form:
Republic of Malta

conventional short form:
Malta

local long form:
Repubblika ta' Malta

local short form:
Malta
Currency Latvian lat (LVL) Maltese lira (MTL)
Death rate 13.73 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) 7.74 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)
Debt - external $6.793 billion (2003 est.) $130 million (1997)
Diplomatic representation from the US chief of mission: Ambassador Catherine Todd-Bailey


embassy: 7 Raina Boulevard, Riga LV-1510


mailing address: American Embassy Riga, PSC 78, Box Riga, APO AE 09723


telephone: [371] 703-6200


FAX: [371] 782-0047
chief of mission:
Ambassador George SALIBA

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

mailing address:
P. O. Box 535, Valletta, Malta, CMR 01

telephone:
[356] 235960 through 235965

FAX:
[356] 243229
Diplomatic representation in the US chief of mission: Ambassador Maris RIEKSTINS


chancery: 4325 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011


telephone: [1] (202) 726-8213, 8214


FAX: [1] (202) 726-6785
chief of mission:
Ambassador George SALIBA

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 the Russian Duma refuses to ratify boundary delimitation treaty with Latvia; the Latvian Parliament has not ratified its 1998 maritime boundary treaty with Lithuania, primarily due to concerns over oil exploration rights none
Economic aid - recipient $96.2 million (1995) $NA
Economy - overview Latvia's transitional economy recovered from the 1998 Russian financial crisis, largely due to the SKELE government's budget stringency and a gradual reorientation of exports toward EU countries, lessening Latvia's trade dependency on Russia. The majority of companies, banks, and real estate have been privatized, although the state still holds sizable stakes in a few large enterprises. Latvia officially joined the World Trade Organization in February 1999. Preparing for EU membership continues as a top foreign policy goal. The current account and internal government deficits remain major concerns, but the government's efforts to increase efficiency in revenue collection may lessen the budget deficit. Major resources are limestone, a favorable geographic location, and a productive labor force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited freshwater 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. However, the island is divided politically over the question of joining the EU. The sizable budget deficit remains a key concern.
Electricity - consumption 6.046 billion kWh (2001) 1.534 billion kWh (1999)
Electricity - exports 703 million kWh (2001) 0 kWh (1999)
Electricity - imports 2.69 billion kWh (2001) 0 kWh (1999)
Electricity - production 4.365 billion kWh (2001) 1.65 billion kWh (1999)
Electricity - production by source - fossil fuel:
100%

hydro:
0%

nuclear:
0%

other:
0% (1999)
Elevation extremes lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m


highest point: Gaizinkalns 312 m
lowest point:
Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point:
Ta'Dmejrek 253 m (near Dingli)
Environment - current issues Latvia's environment has benefited from a shift to service industries after the country regained independence; the main environmental priorities are improvement of drinking water quality and sewage system, household and hazardous waste management, and reduction of air pollution; in 2001, Latvia closed the EU accession negotiation chapter on environment committing to full enforcement of EU environmental directives by 2010 very limited natural fresh water resources; increasing reliance on desalination
Environment - international agreements party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands


signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants
party to:
Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified:
Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol
Ethnic groups Latvian 57.7%, Russian 29.6%, Belarusian 4.1%, Ukrainian 2.7%, Polish 2.5%, Lithuanian 1.4%, other 2% (2002) Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians, with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)
Exchange rates lati per US dollar - 0.5715 (2003), 0.6182 (2002), 0.6279 (2001), 0.6065 (2000), 0.5852 (1999) Maltese liri per US dollar - 0.4370 (January 2001), 0.4376 (2000), 0.3994 (1999), 0.3885 (1998), 0.3857 (1997), 0.3604 (1996)
Executive branch chief of state: President Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA (since 8 July 1999)


head of government: Prime Minister Aigars KALVITIS (since 2 December 2004)


cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and appointed by the Parliament


elections: president reelected by Parliament for a four-year term; election last held 20 June 2003 (next to be held by June 2007); prime minister appointed by the president


election results: Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA reelected president; parliamentary vote - Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA 88 of 94 votes cast
chief of state:
President Guido DE MARCO (since 4 April 1999)

head of government:
Prime Minister Eddie FENECH ADAMI (since 6 September 1998); Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence GONZE (since 4 April 1999)

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 NA April 1999 (next to be held by NA April 2004); 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:
Guido DE MARCO elected president; percent of House of Representatives vote - 54%
Exports NA (2001) $2 billion (f.o.b., 1999)
Exports - commodities wood and wood products, machinery and equipment, metals, textiles, foodstuffs machinery and transport equipment, manufactures
Exports - partners UK 15.6%, Germany 14.8%, Sweden 10.5%, Lithuania 8.2%, Estonia 6.6%, Denmark 6%, Russia 5.4% (2003) US 21.4%, France 15.2%, Germany 12.6%, UK 9.3%, Italy 4.9% (1999)
Fiscal year calendar year 1 April - 31 March
Flag description three horizontal bands of maroon (top), white (half-width), and maroon two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the Saint George Cross, edged in red
GDP purchasing power parity - $23.9 billion (2003 est.) purchasing power parity - $5.6 billion (2000 est.)
GDP - composition by sector agriculture: 4.5%


industry: 24.5%


services: 70.9% (2003)
agriculture:
2.8%

industry:
25.5%

services:
71.7% (1999)
GDP - per capita purchasing power parity - $10,200 (2003 est.) purchasing power parity - $14,300 (2000 est.)
GDP - real growth rate 7.4% (2003 est.) 3.4% (2000 est.)
Geographic coordinates 57 00 N, 25 00 E 35 50 N, 14 35 E
Geography - note most of the country is composed of fertile, low-lying plains, with some hills in the east 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: 73,202 km


paved: 28,256 km


unpaved: 44,946 km (2000)
total:
1,742 km

paved:
1,677 km

unpaved:
65 km (1997)
Household income or consumption by percentage share lowest 10%: 2.9%


highest 10%: 25.9% (1998)
lowest 10%:
NA%

highest 10%:
NA%
Illicit drugs transshipment point for opiates and cannabis from Central and Southwest Asia to Western Europe and Scandinavia and Latin American cocaine and some synthetics from Western Europe to CIS; vulnerable to money laundering despite improved legislation due to nascent enforcement capabilities and comparatively weak regulation of offshore companies, exchange firms, and the gaming industry; organized crime (including counterfeiting, corruption, extortion, stolen cars, and prostitution) accounts for most laundered proceeds minor transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Western Europe
Imports NA (2001) $2.6 billion (f.o.b., 1999)
Imports - commodities machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, vehicles machinery and transport equipment, manufactured and semi-manufactured goods; food, drink, and tobacco
Imports - partners Germany 16.1%, Lithuania 9.7%, Russia 8.7%, Finland 7.4%, Estonia 6.4%, Sweden 6.3%, Poland 5.1%, Italy 4.4% (2003) France 19.1%, Italy 16.7%, UK 10.9%, Germany 10.0%, US 8.5% (1999)
Independence 21 August 1991 (from Soviet Union) 21 September 1964 (from UK)
Industrial production growth rate 8% (2003 est.) NA%
Industries buses, vans, street and railroad cars, synthetic fibers, agricultural machinery, fertilizers, washing machines, radios, electronics, pharmaceuticals, processed foods, textiles; note - dependent on imports for energy and raw materials tourism; electronics, ship building and repair, construction; food and beverages, textiles, footwear, clothing, tobacco
Infant mortality rate total: 9.67 deaths/1,000 live births


male: 11.45 deaths/1,000 live births


female: 7.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.)
5.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2.9% (2003 est.) 2.5% (2000 est.)
International organization participation Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EU (new member), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCO, WEU (member affiliate), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO C, CCC, CE, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NAM, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) - 2 (2000)
Irrigated land 200 sq km


note: land in Latvia is often too wet, and in need of drainage, not irrigation; approximately 16,000 sq km or 85% of agricultural land has been improved by drainage (1998 est.)
11.45 sq km (2000 est.)
Judicial branch Supreme Court (judges' appointments are confirmed by Parliament) Constitutional Court; Court of Appeal; judges for both courts are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
Labor force 1.18 million (2003 est.) 145,901 (1999)
Labor force - by occupation agriculture 15%, industry 25%, services 60% (2000 est.) industry 24%, services 71%, agriculture 5% (1999 est.)
Land boundaries total: 1,150 km


border countries: Belarus 141 km, Estonia 339 km, Lithuania 453 km, Russia 217 km
0 km
Land use arable land: 29.67%


permanent crops: 0.47%


other: 69.86% (2001)
arable land:
32%

permanent crops:
3%

permanent pastures:
0%

forests and woodland:
4%

other:
61% (2000 est.)
Languages Latvian (official), Lithuanian, Russian, other Maltese (official), English (official)
Legal system based on civil law system based on English common law and Roman civil law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Legislative branch unicameral Parliament or Saeima (100 seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)


elections: last held 5 October 2002 (next to be held NA October 2006)


election results: percent of vote by party - New Era 23.9%, PCTVL 18.9%, People's Party 16.7%, ZZS 9.5%, First Party 7.6%, LNNK 5.4%; seats by party - New Era 26, PCTVL 24, People's Party 21, ZZS 12, First Party 10, LNNK 7
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 5 September 1998 (next to be held by September 2003)

election results:
percent of vote by party - PN 51.8%, MLP 46.9%, AD 1.2%; seats by party - PN 35, MLP 30
Life expectancy at birth total population: 70.86 years


male: 65.91 years


female: 76.09 years (2004 est.)
total population:
78.1 years

male:
75.64 years

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


total population: 99.8%


male: 99.8%


female: 99.8% (2003 est.)
definition:
age 10 and over can read and write

total population:
88.76%

male:
86.91%

female:
89.55% (1995 census)
Location Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy)
Map references Europe Europe
Maritime claims territorial sea: 12 nm


exclusive economic zone: 200 nm


continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
contiguous zone:
24 NM

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

exclusive fishing zone:
25 NM

territorial sea:
12 NM
Merchant marine total: 11 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 53,153 GRT/37,414 DWT


by type: cargo 6, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 1, short-sea/passenger 1


foreign-owned: Germany 1, Greece 1, Ukraine 1


registered in other countries: 96 (2004 est.)
total:
1,414 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 28,191,090 GRT/46,773,603 DWT

ships by type:
bulk 443, cargo 394, chemical tanker 48, combination bulk 12, combination ore/oil 14, container 69, liquefied gas 2, livestock carrier 3, multi-functional large-load carrier 2, passenger 7, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 296, refrigerated cargo 37, roll on/roll off 50, short-sea passenger 15, specialized tanker 3, vehicle carrier 18

note:
includes some foreign-owned ships registered here as a flag of convenience: Argentina 1, Bermuda 1, Belgium 1, Bangladesh 2, Bulgaria 11, China 7, Costa Rica 1, Cuba 2, Cyprus 15, Denmark 1, Estonia 2, Finland 1, Germany 23, Greece 258, Hong Kong 3, Croatia 9, Hungary 1, India 2, Israel 2, Italy 17, South Korea 1, Lebanon 2, Latvia 2, Lithuania 1, Monaco 14, Nigeria 1, Netherlands 10, Norway 31, Poland 8, Romania 3, Russia 39, Singapore 6, Spain 3, Sweden 3, Syria 1, Switzerland 25, UAE 2, Turkey 24, UK 8, Ukraine 9, US 9, Venezuela 1, Vietnam 1 (2000 est.)
Military branches Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, Border Guard, Home Guard (Zemessardze) Armed Forces (including land forces, an air squadron, a maritime squadron, and the Revenue Security Corps), Maltese Police Force
Military expenditures - dollar figure $87 million (FY01) $201 million (FY98)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP 1.2% (FY01) 5.5% (FY98)
Military manpower - availability males age 15-49: 594,596 (2004 est.) males age 15-49:
98,953 (2001 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service males age 15-49: 466,659 (2004 est.) males age 15-49:
78,783 (2001 est.)
Military manpower - reaching military age annually males: 19,209 (2004 est.) -
National holiday Independence Day, 18 November (1918); note - 18 November 1918 is the date Latvia declared itself independent from Soviet Russia; 4 May 1990 is when it declared the renewal of independence; 21 August 1991 is the date of de facto independence from the Soviet Union Independence Day, 21 September (1964)
Nationality noun: Latvian(s)


adjective: Latvian
noun:
Maltese (singular and plural)

adjective:
Maltese
Natural hazards NA NA
Natural resources peat, limestone, dolomite, amber, hydropower, wood, arable land limestone, salt, arable land
Net migration rate -2.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) 2.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.)
Pipelines gas 1,097 km; oil 409 km; refined products 415 km (2004) -
Political parties and leaders Alliance of the Greens and Farmers Union or ZZS [Augusts BRIGMANIS (Farmer's Union); Indulis EMSIS (Green Party)]; First Party of Latvia [Ainars SLESERS]; For Human Rights in a United Latvia or PCTVL [Jakovs PLINERS]; For Our Latvia or ML [Rihards Jablokovs]; Latvian National Democratic Party or LNDP [Jevgenijs Osiopovs]; Latvian National Front [Aivars GARDA]; Latvian Social-Democratic Workers Party (Social Democrats) or LSDSP [Alfred RUBIKS]; Latvia's Way Union or LC; Light of Latgale or LG; New Era Party or JL [Einars REPSE]; New Politics Party or JP [Sergejs DOLGOPOLOVS]; People's Harmony Party or TSP [Janis JURKANS]; People's Party or TP [Atis SLAKTERIS]; Social Democratic Union or SDS [Egils BALDZENS]; Union for the Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK or TB/LNNK [Janis STRAUME]; United Social Democratic Welfare Party or SLP [Juris ZURAVLOVS]; United Republican Party of Latvia or LARP Alternativa Demokratika/Alliance for Social Justice or AD [Harry VASSALLO]; Malta Labor Party or MLP [Alfred SANT]; Nationalist Party or PN [Edward FENECH ADAMI]
Political pressure groups and leaders Headquarters for the Protection of Russian Schools (SHTAB) [Aleksandr KAZAKOV] NA
Population 2,306,306 (July 2004 est.) 394,583 (July 2001 est.)
Population below poverty line NA NA%
Population growth rate -0.71% (2004 est.) 0.74% (2001 est.)
Ports and harbors Liepaja, Riga, Ventspils Marsaxlokk, Valletta
Radio broadcast stations AM 8, FM 56, shortwave 1 (1998) AM 1, FM 18, shortwave 6 (1999)
Radios - 255,000 (1997)
Railways total: 2,303 km


broad gauge: 2,270 km 1.520-m gauge (257 km electrified)


narrow gauge: 33 km 0.750-m gauge (2003)
0 km
Religions Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox Roman Catholic 91%
Sex ratio at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 0.48 male(s)/female


total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2004 est.)
at birth:
1.09 male(s)/female

under 15 years:
1.07 male(s)/female

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

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

total population:
0.98 male(s)/female (2001 est.)
Suffrage 18 years of age; universal for Latvian citizens 18 years of age; universal
Telephone system general assessment: inadequate, but is being modernized to provide an international capability independent of the Moscow international switch; more facilities are being installed for individual use


domestic: expansion underway in intercity trunk line connections, rural exchanges, and mobile systems; still many unsatisfied subscriber applications


international: country code - 371; international connections are now available via cable and a satellite earth station at Riga, enabling direct connections for most calls (1998)
general assessment:
automatic system satisfies normal requirements

domestic:
submarine cable and microwave radio relay between islands

international:
2 submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Telephones - main lines in use 653,900 (2003) 187,000 (1997)
Telephones - mobile cellular 1,219,600 (2003) 17,691 (1997)
Television broadcast stations 44 (plus 31 repeaters) (1995) 6 (2000)
Terrain low plain mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs
Total fertility rate 1.25 children born/woman (2004 est.) 1.92 children born/woman (2001 est.)
Unemployment rate 8.6% (2003 est.) 4.5% (3rd Quarter 2000)
Waterways 300 km (2004) none
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