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Compare Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of (2001) - Belgium (2001)

Compare Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of (2001) z Belgium (2001)

 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of (2001)Belgium (2001)
 Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic ofBelgium
Administrative divisions 123 municipalities (opstini, singular - opstina); Aracinovo, Bac, Belcista, Berovo, Bistrica, Bitola, Blatec, Bogdanci, Bogomila, Bogovinje, Bosilovo, Brvenica, Cair (Skopje), Capari, Caska, Cegrane, Centar (Skopje), Centar Zupa, Cesinovo, Cucer-Sandevo, Debar, Delcevo, Delogozdi, Demir Hisar, Demir Kapija, Dobrusevo, Dolna Banjica, Dolneni, Dorce Petrov (Skopje), Drugovo, Dzepciste, Gazi Baba (Skopje), Gevgelija, Gostivar, Gradsko, Ilinden, Izvor, Jegunovce, Kamenjane, Karbinci, Karpos (Skopje), Kavadarci, Kicevo, Kisela Voda (Skopje), Klecevce, Kocani, Konce, Kondovo, Konopiste, Kosel, Kratovo, Kriva Palanka, Krivogastani, Krusevo, Kuklis, Kukurecani, Kumanovo, Labunista, Lipkovo, Lozovo, Lukovo, Makedonska Kamenica, Makedonski Brod, Mavrovi Anovi, Meseista, Miravci, Mogila, Murtino, Negotino, Negotino-Poloska, Novaci, Novo Selo, Oblesevo, Ohrid, Orasac, Orizari, Oslomej, Pehcevo, Petrovec, Plasnia, Podares, Prilep, Probistip, Radovis, Rankovce, Resen, Rosoman, Rostusa, Samokov, Saraj, Sipkovica, Sopiste, Sopotnika, Srbinovo, Star Dojran, Staravina, Staro Nagoricane, Stip, Struga, Strumica, Studenicani, Suto Orizari (Skopje), Sveti Nikole, Tearce, Tetovo, Topolcani, Valandovo, Vasilevo, Velesta, Veles, Vevcani, Vinica, Vitoliste, Vranestica, Vrapciste, Vratnica, Vrutok, Zajas, Zelenikovo, Zileno, Zitose, Zletovo, Zrnovci

note:
the seven municipalities followed by Skopje in parentheses collectively constitute "greater Skopje"
10 provinces (French: provinces, singular - province; Flemish: provincien, singular - provincie); Antwerpen, Brabant Wallon, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, Vlaams Brabant, West-Vlaanderen; note - the Brussels Capitol Region is not included within the 10 provinces
Age structure 0-14 years:
22.92% (male 243,715; female 225,349)

15-64 years:
66.94% (male 688,484; female 681,225)

65 years and over:
10.14% (male 92,043; female 115,393) (2001 est.)
0-14 years:
17.48% (male 916,957; female 876,029)

15-64 years:
65.57% (male 3,390,145; female 3,336,908)

65 years and over:
16.95% (male 709,212; female 1,029,511) (2001 est.)
Agriculture - products rice, tobacco, wheat, corn, millet, cotton, sesame, mulberry leaves, citrus, vegetables; beef, pork, poultry, mutton sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef, veal, pork, milk
Airports 16 (2000 est.) 42 (2000 est.)
Airports - with paved runways total:
10

2,438 to 3,047 m:
2

under 914 m:
8 (2000 est.)
total:
24

over 3,047 m:
6

2,438 to 3,047 m:
8

1,524 to 2,437 m:
3

914 to 1,523 m:
1

under 914 m:
6 (2000 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways total:
6

914 to 1,523 m:
3

under 914 m:
3 (2000 est.)
total:
18

914 to 1,523 m:
2

under 914 m:
16 (2000 est.)
Area total:
25,333 sq km

land:
24,856 sq km

water:
477 sq km
total:
30,510 sq km

land:
30,230 sq km

water:
280 sq km
Area - comparative slightly larger than Vermont about the size of Maryland
Background International recognition of The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 was delayed by Greece's objection to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic name and symbols. Greece finally lifted its trade blockade in 1995, and the two countries agreed to normalize relations, despite continued disagreement over FYROM's use of "Macedonia." FYROM's large Albanian minority and the de facto independence of neighboring Kosovo continue to be sources of ethnic tension. Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 and was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.
Birth rate 13.5 births/1,000 population (2001 est.) 10.74 births/1,000 population (2001 est.)
Budget revenues:
$1.06 billion

expenditures:
$1 billion, including capital expenditures of $107 million (1996 est.)
revenues:
$114.8 billion

expenditures:
$117 billion, including capital expenditures of $7.6 billion (1999)
Capital Skopje Brussels
Climate warm, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy
Coastline 0 km (landlocked) 66 km
Constitution adopted 17 November 1991, effective 20 November 1991

note:
Democratic Party for Albanians (DPA), which is now a member party of the government, is calling for a rewrite of the constitution to declare ethnic Albanians a constituent national group and allow for greater regional autonomy
7 February 1831, last revised 14 July 1993; parliament approved a constitutional package creating a federal state
Country name conventional long form:
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

conventional short form:
none

local long form:
Republika Makedonija

local short form:
Makedonija

abbreviation:
FYROM
conventional long form:
Kingdom of Belgium

conventional short form:
Belgium

local long form:
Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie

local short form:
Belgique/Belgie
Currency Macedonian denar (MKD) Belgian franc (BEF); euro (EUR)

note:
on 1 January 1999, the EU introduced the euro as a common currency that is now being used by financial institutions in Belgium at a fixed rate of 40.3399 Belgian francs per euro and will replace the local currency for all transactions in 2002
Death rate 7.7 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.) 10.1 deaths/1,000 population (2001 est.)
Debt - external $1.4 billion (2000) $28.3 billion (1999 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US chief of mission:
Ambassador Michael M. EINIK

embassy:
Bul. Ilinden bb, 91000 Skopje

mailing address:
American Embassy Skopje, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-7120 (pouch)

telephone:
[389] (91) 116-180

FAX:
[389] (91) 117-103
chief of mission:
Ambassador (vacant)

embassy:
27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels

mailing address:
PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710

telephone:
[32] (2) 508-2111

FAX:
[32] (2) 511-2725
Diplomatic representation in the US chief of mission:
Ambassador Ljubica Z. ACEVSKA

chancery:
3050 K Street, NW, Suite 210, Washington, DC 20007

telephone:
[1] (202) 337 3063

FAX:
[1] (202) 337-3093

consulate(s) general:
New York
chief of mission:
Ambassador Alexis REYN

chancery:
3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:
[1] (202) 333-6900

FAX:
[1] (202) 333-3079

consulate(s) general:
Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York
Disputes - international dispute with Greece over its name; February 2001 agreement with Yugoslavia settled alignment of boundary, stipulating implementation within two years none
Economic aid - donor - ODA, $764 million (1997)
Economic aid - recipient $100 million from the EU (2000) -
Economy - overview At independence in November 1991, Macedonia was the least developed of the Yugoslav republics, producing a mere 5% of the total federal output of goods and services. The collapse of Yugoslavia ended transfer payments from the center and eliminated advantages from inclusion in a de facto free trade area. An absence of infrastructure, UN sanctions on its largest market Yugoslavia, and a Greek economic embargo hindered economic growth until 1996. GDP has subsequently increased each year, rising by 5% in 2000. Successful privatization in 2000 boosted the country's reserves to over $700 million. Also, the leadership demonstrated a continuing commitment to economic reform, free trade, and regional integration. Inflation jumped to 11% in 2000, largely due to higher oil prices. This modern private enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north, although the government is encouraging investment in the southern region of Wallonia. With few natural resources, Belgium must import substantial quantities of raw materials and export a large volume of manufactures, making its economy unusually dependent on the state of world markets. About three-quarters of its trade is with other EU countries. Belgium's public debt is expected to fall below 100% of GDP in 2002, and the government has succeeded in balancing is budget. Belgium became a charter member of the European Monetary Union (EMU) in January 1999. Economic growth in 2000 was broad based, putting the government in a good position to pursue its energy market liberalization policies and planned tax cuts.
Electricity - consumption 5.992 billion kWh (1999) 75.089 billion kWh (1999)
Electricity - exports 30 million kWh (1999) 8.207 billion kWh (1999)
Electricity - imports 75 million kWh (1999) 9.055 billion kWh (1999)
Electricity - production 6.395 billion kWh (1999) 79.829 billion kWh (1999)
Electricity - production by source fossil fuel:
82.25%

hydro:
17.75%

nuclear:
0%

other:
0% (1999)
fossil fuel:
40.01%

hydro:
0.42%

nuclear:
58.33%

other:
1.24% (1999)
Elevation extremes lowest point:
Vardar River 50 m

highest point:
Golem Korab (Maja e Korabit) 2,753 m
lowest point:
North Sea 0 m

highest point:
Signal de Botrange 694 m
Environment - current issues air pollution from metallurgical plants the environment is exposed to intense pressures from human activities: urbanization, dense transportation network, industry, intense animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water pollution also have repercussions for neighboring countries; uncertainties regarding federal and regional responsibilities (now resolved) have impeded progress in tackling environmental challenges
Environment - international agreements party to:
Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified:
none of the selected agreements
party to:
Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified:
Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol
Ethnic groups Macedonian 66.6%, Albanian 22.7%, Turkish 4%, Roma 2.2%, Serb 2.1%, other 2.4% (1994) Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%
Exchange rates Macedonian denars per US dollar - 64.757 (January 2001), 65.904 (2000), 56.902 (1999), 54.462 (1998), 50.004 (1997), 39.981 (1996) euros per US dollar - 1.0659 (January 2001), 1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999); Belgian francs per US dollar - 34.77 (January 1999), 36.229 (1998), 35.774 (1997), 30.962 (1996)
Executive branch chief of state:
President Boris TRAJKOVSKI (since 15 December 1999)

head of government:
Prime Minister Ljubco GEORGIEVSKI (since 30 November 1998)

cabinet:
Council of Ministers elected by the majority vote of all the deputies in the Assembly; note - current cabinet formed by the government coalition parties VMRO-DPMNE, LDP, and DPA

elections:
president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 14 November 1999 (next to be held NA October 2004); prime minister elected by parliament; election last held NA November 1998 (next to be held NA 2002)

election results:
Boris TRAJKOVSKI elected president on second-round ballot; percent of vote - Boris TRAJKOVSKI 52.4%, Tito PETKOVSKI 46.2%
chief of state:
King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993); Heir Apparent Prince PHILIPPE, son of the monarch

head of government:
Prime Minister Guy VERHOFSTADT (since 13 July 1999)

cabinet:
Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch and approved by Parliament

elections:
none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch and then approved by Parliament

note:
government coalition - VLD, PRL, PS, SP, AGALEV, and ECOLO
Exports $1.4 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.) $181.4 billion (f.o.b., 2000)
Exports - commodities food, beverages, tobacco; miscellaneous manufactures, iron and steel machinery and equipment, chemicals, diamonds, metals and metal products
Exports - partners Germany 22%, Yugoslavia 22%, US 12%, Greece 7%, Italy 6% (2000) EU 76% (Germany 18%, France 18%, Netherlands 12%, UK 10%) (1999)
Fiscal year calendar year calendar year
Flag description a rising yellow sun with eight rays extending to the edges of the red field three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the design was based on the flag of France
GDP purchasing power parity - $9 billion (2000 est.) purchasing power parity - $259.2 billion (2000 est.)
GDP - composition by sector agriculture:
12%

industry:
25%

services:
63% (2000)
agriculture:
1.4%

industry:
26%

services:
72.6% (2000 est.)
GDP - per capita purchasing power parity - $4,400 (2000 est.) purchasing power parity - $25,300 (2000 est.)
GDP - real growth rate 5% (2000 est.) 4.1% (2000 est.)
Geographic coordinates 41 50 N, 22 00 E 50 50 N, 4 00 E
Geography - note landlocked; major transportation corridor from Western and Central Europe to Aegean Sea and Southern Europe to Western Europe crossroads of Western Europe; majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels which is the seat of both the EU and NATO
Heliports - 1 (2000 est.)
Highways total:
8,684 km

paved:
5,540 km (including 133 km of expressways)

unpaved:
3,144 km (1997)
total:
145,774 km

paved:
116,182 km (including 1,674 km of expressways)

unpaved:
29,592 km (1999)
Household income or consumption by percentage share lowest 10%:
NA%

highest 10%:
NA%
lowest 10%:
3.7%

highest 10%:
20.2% (1992)
Illicit drugs increasing transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and hashish; minor transit point for South American cocaine destined for Europe growing producer of synthetic drugs; transit point for US-bound ecstasy; source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors; transshipment point for cocaine, heroin, hashish, and marijuana entering Western Europe
Imports $2 billion (f.o.b., 2000 est.) $166 billion (c.i.f., 2000)
Imports - commodities machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels; food products machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals and metal products
Imports - partners Germany 13%, Ukraine 13%, Russia 10%, Yugoslavia 8%, Greece 8% (2000) EU 71% (Germany 18%, Netherlands 17%, France 14%, UK 9%) (1999)
Independence 17 September 1991 (from Yugoslavia) 21 July 1831 (from the Netherlands)
Industrial production growth rate 3% (2000) 5.5% (2000 est.)
Industries coal, metallic chromium, lead, zinc, ferronickel, textiles, wood products, tobacco engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum, coal
Infant mortality rate 12.95 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.) 4.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2001 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 11% (2000 est.) 2.2% (2000 est.)
International organization participation ACCT (associate), BIS, CCC, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer) ACCT, AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNMOGIP, UNMOP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WADB (nonregional), WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) 6 (2000) 61 (2000)
Irrigated land 830 sq km (1993 est.) NA sq km
Judicial branch Constitutional Court; Judicial Court of the Republic; judges for both courts are elected by the Judicial Council Supreme Court of Justice or Hof van Cassatie (in Dutch) or Cour de Cassation (in French) (judges are appointed for life by the monarch)
Labor force 1 million (1999 est.) 4.34 million (1999)
Labor force - by occupation agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA% services 73%, industry 25%, agriculture 2% (1999 est.)
Land boundaries total:
748 km

border countries:
Albania 151 km, Bulgaria 148 km, Greece 228 km, Yugoslavia 221 km
total:
1,385 km

border countries:
France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km
Land use arable land:
24%

permanent crops:
2%

permanent pastures:
25%

forests and woodland:
39%

other:
10% (1993 est.)
arable land:
24%

permanent crops:
1%

permanent pastures:
20%

forests and woodland:
21%

other:
34%
Languages Macedonian 70%, Albanian 21%, Turkish 3%, Serbo-Croatian 3%, other 3% Dutch 58%, French 32%, German 10%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)
Legal system based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Legislative branch unicameral Assembly or Sobranje (120 seats - 85 members are elected by popular vote, 35 members come from lists of candidates submitted by parties based on the percentage that parties gain from the overall vote; all serve four-year terms)

elections:
last held 18 October and 1 November 1998 (next to be held NA 2002)

election results:
percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - VMRO-DPMNE 43, SDSM 27, PDP 14, DA 13, DPA 11, VMRO-VMRO 6, LDP 4, SP 1, Roma Party 1
bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate or Senaat in Dutch, Senat in French (71 seats; 40 members are directly elected by popular vote, 31 are indirectly elected; members serve four-year terms) and a Chamber of Deputies or Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers in Dutch, Chambre des Representants in French (150 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections:
Senate and Chamber of Deputies - last held 13 June 1999 (next to be held in NA 2003)

election results:
Senate - percent of vote by party - VLD 15.4%, CVP 14.7%, PRL 10.6%, PS 9.7%, VB 9.4%, SP 8.9%, ECOLO 7.4%, AGALEV 7.1%, PSC 6.0%, VU 5.1%; seats by party - VLD 11, CVP 10, PS 10, PRL 9, VB 6, SP 6, ECOLO 6, AGALEV 5, PSC 5, VU 3; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - VLD 14.3%, CVP 14.1%, PS 10.2%, PRL 10.1%, VB 9.9%, SP 9.5%, ECOLO 7.4%, AGALEV 7.0%, PSC 5.9%, VU 5.6%; seats by party - VLD 23, CVP 22, PS 19, PRL 18, VB 15, SP 14, ECOLO 11, PSC 10, AGALEV 9, VU 8, FN 1

note:
as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities; this reality leaves six governments each with its own legislative assembly; for other acronyms of the listed parties see Political parties and leaders
Life expectancy at birth total population:
74.02 years

male:
71.79 years

female:
76.43 years (2001 est.)
total population:
77.96 years

male:
74.63 years

female:
81.46 years (2001 est.)
Literacy definition:
NA

total population:
NA%

male:
NA%

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

total population:
98%

male:
NA%

female:
NA%
Location Southeastern Europe, north of Greece Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands
Map references Europe Europe
Maritime claims none (landlocked) continental shelf:
median line with neighbors

exclusive fishing zone:
median line with neighbors (extends about 68 km from coast)

territorial sea:
12 NM
Merchant marine - total:
21 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 32,912 GRT/53,161 DWT

ships by type:
cargo 6, chemical tanker 9, petroleum tanker 6 (2000 est.)
Military branches Army (includes Air and Air Defense Forces), Police Force Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, Medical Service
Military expenditures - dollar figure $76.3 million (FY00/01) $2.5 billion (FY01)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP 2.17% (FY00/01) 1.2% (FY99)
Military manpower - availability males age 15-49:
548,183 (2001 est.)
males age 15-49:
2,517,596 (2001 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service males age 15-49:
442,053 (2001 est.)
males age 15-49:
2,079,624 (2001 est.)
Military manpower - military age 19 years of age 19 years of age
Military manpower - reaching military age annually males:
17,905 (2001 est.)
males:
63,247 (2001 est.)
National holiday Uprising Day, 2 August (1903) Independence Day, 21 July (1831)
Nationality noun:
Macedonian(s)

adjective:
Macedonian
noun:
Belgian(s)

adjective:
Belgian
Natural hazards high seismic risks flooding is a threat in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes
Natural resources chromium, lead, zinc, manganese, tungsten, nickel, low-grade iron ore, asbestos, sulfur, timber, arable land coal, natural gas
Net migration rate -1.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.) 0.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2001 est.)
Pipelines 10 km crude oil 161 km; petroleum products 1,167 km; natural gas 3,300 km
Political parties and leaders Democratic Alternative or DA [Vasil TUPURKOVSKI, president]; Democratic Party for Albanians or DPA [Arben XHAFERI, president]; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity or VMRO-DPMNE [Ljubcho GEORGIEVSKI, president]; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization-True Macedonian Reform Option or VMRO-VMRO [Boris STOJMANOV]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Risto GUSTERVO]; Party for Democratic Prosperity or PDP [Imeri IMERI, president]; Social-Democratic Alliance of Macedonia or SDSM (former Communist Party) [Branko CRVENKOVSKI, president]; Socialist Party of Macedonia or SP [Ljubisav IVANOV, president]; Union of Romanies of Macedonia or SRM [leader NA] AGALEV (Flemish Greens) [Dos GEYSELS]; ECOLO (Francophone Greens) [no president]; Flemish Christian Democrats or CVP (Christian People's Party) [Stefaan DE CLERCK, president]; Flemish Liberal Democrats or VLD [Karel DE GUCHT, president]; Flemish Socialist Party or SP [Patrick JANSSENS, president]; Francophone Christian Democrats or PSC (Social Christian Party) [Joelle MILQUET, president]; Francophone Liberal Reformation Party or PRL [Daniel DUCARME, president]; Francophone Socialist Party or PS [Elio DI RUPO, president]; National Front or FN [Daniel FERET]; Vlaams Blok or VB [Frank VANHECKE]; Volksunie or VU [leader vacant]; other minor parties
Political pressure groups and leaders NA Christian and Socialist Trade Unions; Federation of Belgian Industries; numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as Pax Christi and groups representing immigrants
Population 2,046,209 (July 2001 est.) 10,258,762 (July 2001 est.)
Population below poverty line 25% (2000 est.) 4%
Population growth rate 0.43% (2001 est.) 0.16% (2001 est.)
Ports and harbors none Antwerp (one of the world's busiest ports), Brugge, Gent, Hasselt, Liege, Mons, Namur, Oostende, Zeebrugge
Radio broadcast stations AM 29, FM 20, shortwave 0 (1998) FM 79, AM 7, shortwave 1 (1998)
Radios 410,000 (1997) 8.075 million (1997)
Railways total:
699 km

standard gauge:
699 km 1.435-m gauge (233 km electrified)

note:
a 56-km extension of the Kumanovo-Beljakovci line to the Bulgarian border at Gyveshevo is under construction (2001)
total:
3,437 km (2,446 km electrified; 2,563 km double track)

standard gauge:
3,437 km 1.435-m gauge (1998)
Religions Macedonian Orthodox 67%, Muslim 30%, other 3% Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25%
Sex ratio at birth:
1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years:
1.08 male(s)/female

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

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

total population:
1 male(s)/female (2001 est.)
at birth:
1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years:
1.05 male(s)/female

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

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

total population:
0.96 male(s)/female (2001 est.)
Suffrage 18 years of age; universal 18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Telephone system general assessment:
NA

domestic:
NA

international:
NA
general assessment:
highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities

domestic:
nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network

international:
5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat
Telephones - main lines in use 408,000 (1997) 4.769 million (1997)
Telephones - mobile cellular 12,362 (1997) 974,494 (1997)
Television broadcast stations 31 (plus 166 repeaters) (1995) 25 (plus 10 repeaters) (1997)
Terrain mountainous territory covered with deep basins and valleys; three large lakes, each divided by a frontier line; country bisected by the Vardar River flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast
Total fertility rate 1.79 children born/woman (2001 est.) 1.61 children born/woman (2001 est.)
Unemployment rate 32% (2000) 8.4% (2000 est.)
Waterways note:
lake transport only, on the Greek and Albanian borders
2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use)
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