# Geognos Data Export: Central America and Caribbean Generated: 2026-02-14T06:35:33.925Z ## Anguilla **Slug:** anguilla **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇦🇮 **Codes:** cek: av, iso2: AI, iso3: AIA, iso_num: 660, genc: AIA, stanag: AIA, internet: .ai ### Introduction **Background:** English settlers from Saint Kitts first colonized Anguilla in 1650. Great Britain administered the island until the early 19th century, when -- against the wishes of the inhabitants -- Anguilla was incorporated into a single British dependency along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this arrangement was formally recognized in 1980, when Anguilla became a separate British dependency. In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused extensive damage on the island, particularly to communications and residential and business infrastructure. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico **Geographic coordinates:** 18 15 N, 63 10 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 91 sq km land: 91 sq km water: 0 sq km **Area - comparative:** about one-half the size of Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 61 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm **Climate:** tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds **Terrain:** flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone **Elevation:** highest point: Crocus Hill 73 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m **Natural resources:** salt, fish, lobster **Land use:** agricultural land: 0% (2022 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 61.1% (2022 est.) other: 38.9% (2022 est.) **Irrigated land:** 0 sq km (2020) **Population distribution:** most of the population is concentrated in The Valley in the center of the island; settlement is fairly uniform in the southwest, but rather sparse in the northeast **Natural hazards:** frequent hurricanes and other tropical storms (July to October) **Geography - note:** the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles ### People and Society **Population:** total: 19,753 (2025 est.) male: 9,247 female: 10,506 **Nationality:** noun: Anguillan(s) adjective: Anguillan **Ethnic groups:** African/Black 85.3%, Hispanic 4.9%, mixed 3.8%, White 3.2%, East Indian/Indian 1%, other 1.6%, unspecified 0.3% (2011 est.) note: data represent population by ethnic origin **Languages:** English (official) **Religions:** Protestant 73.2% (includes Anglican 22.7%, Methodist 19.4%, Pentecostal 10.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.3%, Baptist 7.1%, Church of God 4.9%, Presbyterian 0.2%, Brethren 0.1%), Roman Catholic 6.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.1%, other Christian 10.9%, other 3.2%, unspecified 0.3%, none 4.5% (2011 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 20.8% (male 2,056/female 1,992) 15-64 years: 67.5% (male 5,958/female 7,147) 65 years and over: 11.7% (2024 est.) (male 1,093/female 1,170) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 49.1 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 30.9 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 18.3 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 5.5 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 37.5 years (2025 est.) male: 34.8 years female: 39 years **Population growth rate:** 1.71% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 11.69 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 4.76 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** 10.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** most of the population is concentrated in The Valley in the center of the island; settlement is fairly uniform in the southwest, but rather sparse in the northeast **Urbanization:** urban population: 100% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.47% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 1,000 THE VALLEY (capital) (2018) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.83 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female total population: 0.88 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 2.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 3.9 deaths/1,000 live births female: 2.1 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 82.6 years (2024 est.) male: 80 years female: 85.3 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.72 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.85 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: total: 97.5% of population **Physician density:** 1.51 physicians/1,000 population (2018) **Education expenditure:** 2.5% of GDP (2022 est.) 10.3% national budget (2024 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** inadequate potable water **Climate:** tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds **Land use:** agricultural land: 0% (2022 est.) arable land: 0% (2018 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2018 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.) forest: 61.1% (2022 est.) other: 38.9% (2022 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 100% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.47% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: none conventional short form: Anguilla etymology: in 1493, Christopher COLUMBUS named the island Anguilla, meaning "eel" in Spanish, because of the island's elongated shape **Government type:** parliamentary democracy (House of Assembly); self-governing overseas territory of the UK **Dependency status:** overseas territory of the UK **Capital:** name: The Valley geographic coordinates: 18 13 N, 63 03 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: name may derive from the capital's location among several hills **Legal system:** common law based on the English model **Constitution:** history: several previous; latest 1 April 1982 **Citizenship:** see United Kingdom **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Julia CROUCH (since 11 September 2023) head of government: Premier Cora RICHARDSON-HODGE (since 27 February 2025) cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from among elected members of the House of Assembly election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the governor usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as premier **Legislative branch:** legislature name: House of Assembly legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 11 (7 directly elected, 2 appointed, 2 ex-officio members) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 6/29/2020 parties elected and seats per party: APM (7); AUF (4) percentage of women in chamber: 27.3% **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC is headquartered on St. Lucia and consists of the Court of Appeal -- headed by the chief justice and 4 judges -- and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts judge selection and term of office: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62 subordinate courts: Magistrate's Court; Juvenile Court **Political parties:** Anguilla Progressive Movement or APM; (formerly Anguilla United Movement or AUM) Anguilla United Front or AUF **Diplomatic representation in the US:** none (overseas territory of the UK) **Diplomatic representation from the US:** embassy: none (overseas territory of the UK); alternate contact is the US Embassy in Barbados [1] (246) 227-4000 **International organization participation:** Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, UNESCO (associate), UPU **Independence:** none (overseas territory of the UK) **National holiday:** Anguilla Day, 30 May (1967) **Flag:** description: blue, with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant and the Anguillan coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms shows three orange dolphins in an interlocking circular design on a white background, with a turquoise-blue field below meaning: the white on the coat of arms stands for peace; the blue base for the sea, faith, youth, and hope; and the three dolphins for endurance, unity, and strength **National symbol(s):** dolphin **National coat of arms:** the Anguillan coat of arms features three interlocking dolphins jumping out of seawater; they represent endurance, unity, and strength, and their circular motion stands for continuity; the white background symbolizes peace and tranquility, and the turquoise-blue base represents the sea, as well as faith, youth, and hope **National anthem(s):** title: "God Bless Anguilla" lyrics/music: Alex RICHARDSON history: local anthem, adopted 1981 _____ title: "God Save the King" lyrics/music: unknown history: official anthem, as an overseas UK territory ### Economy **Economic overview:** small, tourism-dependent, territorial-island economy; very high public debt; COVID-19 crippled economic activity; partial recovery underway via tourism, benefitting from its high amount of timeshare residences; considering reopening oil refinery **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $362.499 million (2024 est.) $345.238 million (2023 est.) $336.924 million (2022 est.) note: data in 2015 dollars **Real GDP per capita:** $31,000 (2024 est.) $28,900 (2023 est.) $27,400 (2022 est.) note: data in 2015 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $452.73 million (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 3% (2022 est.) 1.8% (2021 est.) -0.5% (2020 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **Agricultural products:** small quantities of tobacco, vegetables; cattle raising **Industries:** tourism, boat building, offshore financial services **Budget:** revenues: $81.925 million (2017 est.) expenditures: $72.352 million (2017 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Exports:** $7.9 million (2017 est.) $3.9 million (2016 est.) note: Data are in current year dollars and do not include illicit exports or re-exports. **Exports - partners:** Chile 60%, Netherlands 8%, Brazil 5%, Hungary 4%, USA 4% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** packaged medicine, garments, vehicle parts/accessories, vaccines, cars (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports - partners:** Chile 50%, USA 27%, Botswana 15%, Japan 1%, Dominican Republic 1% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** poultry, copper ore, natural gas, refined petroleum, fish (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Exchange rates:** East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 2.7 (2024 est.) 2.7 (2023 est.) 2.7 (2022 est.) 2.7 (2021 est.) 2.7 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2020) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 5,970 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 42 (2022 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 25,900 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 182 (2022 est.) **Broadcast media:** 1 private TV station; multi-channel cable TV subscription services are available; about 10 radio stations, one of which is government-owned (2024) **Internet country code:** .ai **Internet users:** percent of population: 81.6% (2021 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 5,000 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 35 (2018 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** VP-A **Airports:** 1 (2025) **Merchant marine:** total: 2 (2023) by type: other 2 ### Military and Security **Military - note:** defense is the responsibility of the UK --- ## Antigua and Barbuda **Slug:** antigua-and-barbuda **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇦🇬 **Codes:** cek: ac, iso2: AG, iso3: ATG, iso_num: 028, genc: ATG, stanag: ATG, internet: .ag ### Introduction **Background:** The Siboney were the first people to inhabit the islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but the Arawaks populated the islands when Christopher COLUMBUS landed on his second voyage in 1493. Early Spanish and French settlements were succeeded by an English colony in 1667. Slavery, which provided labor on the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolished in 1834. The islands became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1981. In 2017, Hurricane Irma passed over the island of Barbuda, devastating the island and forcing the evacuation of the population to Antigua. Almost all of the structures on Barbuda were destroyed and the vegetation stripped, but Antigua was spared the worst. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico **Geographic coordinates:** 17 03 N, 61 48 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 443 sq km (Antigua 280 sq km; Barbuda 161 sq km) land: 443 sq km water: 0 sq km note: includes Redonda, 1.6 sq km **Area - comparative:** 2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 153 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin **Climate:** tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation **Terrain:** mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands, with some higher volcanic areas **Elevation:** highest point: Mount Obama 402 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m **Natural resources:** NEGL; pleasant climate fosters tourism **Land use:** agricultural land: 20.5% (2023 est.) arable land: 9.1% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 2.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 9.1% (2023 est.) forest: 18% (2023 est.) other: 61.5% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 1.3 sq km (2012) **Population distribution:** the island of Antigua is home to approximately 97% of the population; nearly the entire population of Barbuda lives in Codrington **Natural hazards:** hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October); periodic droughts **Geography - note:** Antigua has a deeply indented shoreline with many natural harbors and beaches; Barbuda has a large western harbor ### People and Society **Population:** total: 103,769 (2025 est.) male: 48,816 female: 54,953 **Nationality:** noun: Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s) adjective: Antiguan, Barbudan **Ethnic groups:** African descent 87.3%, mixed 4.7%, Hispanic 2.7%, White 1.6%, other 2.7%, unspecified 0.9% (2011 est.) note: data represent population by ethnic group **Languages:** English (official), Antiguan Creole (an English-based creole) **Religions:** Protestant 68.3% (Anglican 17.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 12.4%, Pentecostal 12.2%, Moravian 8.3%, Methodist 5.6%, Wesleyan Holiness 4.5%, Church of God 4.1%, Baptist 3.6%), Roman Catholic 8.2%, other 12.2%, unspecified 5.5%, none 5.9% (2011 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 21.8% (male 11,384/female 11,034) 15-64 years: 67.6% (male 32,312/female 37,094) 65 years and over: 10.5% (2024 est.) (male 4,615/female 6,195) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 48.6 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 32.3 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 16.3 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 6.1 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 34.1 years (2025 est.) male: 31.9 years female: 35.7 years **Population growth rate:** 1.09% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 14.7 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 5.77 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** 1.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** the island of Antigua is home to approximately 97% of the population; nearly the entire population of Barbuda lives in Codrington **Urbanization:** urban population: 24.3% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 21,000 SAINT JOHN'S (capital) (2018) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Maternal mortality ratio:** 35 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 13.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 16.4 deaths/1,000 live births female: 10.7 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 78.3 years (2024 est.) male: 76.1 years female: 80.5 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.92 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.94 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: urban: 98.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 98.3% of population (2022 est.) total: 98.4% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 1.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 1.7% of population (2022 est.) total: 1.6% of population (2022 est.) **Health expenditure:** 5.9% of GDP (2021) 14% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 2.92 physicians/1,000 population (2017) **Hospital bed density:** 3.3 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: urban: 95.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 98% of population (2022 est.) total: 97.4% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 4.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 2% of population (2022 est.) total: 2.6% of population (2022 est.) **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 18.9% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 11.88 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 2.97 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 3.95 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 4.55 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.41 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Education expenditure:** 3.1% of GDP (2023 est.) 5.9% national budget (2025 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** limited natural freshwater resources; water management hampered by tree-clearing to increase crop production, causing rapid rainfall runoff **International environmental agreements:** party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements **Climate:** tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation **Land use:** agricultural land: 20.5% (2023 est.) arable land: 9.1% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 2.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 9.1% (2023 est.) forest: 18% (2023 est.) other: 61.5% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 24.3% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.87% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 725,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 725,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 8.3 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 30,600 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15.3% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 7.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 2.5 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 1.8 million cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 52 million cubic meters (2022) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Antigua and Barbuda conventional short form: Antigua and Barbuda etymology: antiguo is Spanish for "ancient" or "old;" Christopher COLUMBUS named the island in 1493, after the church of Santa Maria la Antigua (Old Saint Mary's) in Seville, Spain; barbuda is Spanish for "bearded" and may refer to the island's lichen-covered fig trees **Government type:** parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm **Capital:** name: Saint John's geographic coordinates: 17 07 N, 61 51 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: named after Saint John the Apostle **Administrative divisions:** 6 parishes and 2 dependencies*; Barbuda*, Redonda*, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mary, Saint Paul, Saint Peter, Saint Philip **Legal system:** common law based on the English model **Constitution:** history: several previous; latest presented 31 July 1981, effective 31 October 1981 (The Antigua and Barbuda Constitution Order 1981) amendment process: proposed by either house of Parliament; passage of amendments to constitutional sections such as citizenship, fundamental rights and freedoms, the establishment, power, and authority of the executive and legislative branches, the Supreme Court Order, and the procedure for amending the constitution requires approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the membership of both houses, approval by at least two-thirds majority in a referendum, and assent to by the governor general; passage of other amendments requires only two-thirds majority vote by both houses **International law organization participation:** has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General Rodney WILLIAMS (since 14 August 2014) head of government: Prime Minister Gaston BROWNE (since 13 June 2014) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the governor general usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister **Legislative branch:** legislature name: Parliament legislative structure: bicameral **Legislative branch - lower chamber:** chamber name: House of Representatives number of seats: 18 (all directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 1/18/2023 parties elected and seats per party: Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) (9); United Progressive Party (UPP) (6); Barbuda People's Movement (BPM) (1); Independents (1); (1); Republican Force (1) percentage of women in chamber: 5.6% expected date of next election: January 2028 **Legislative branch - upper chamber:** chamber name: Senate number of seats: 17 (all appointed) scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 2/17/2023 percentage of women in chamber: 41.2% expected date of next election: February 2028 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC is headquartered on St. Lucia and consists of the Court of Appeal -- headed by the chief justice and 4 judges -- and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts judge selection and term of office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62 subordinate courts: Industrial Court; Magistrates' Courts **Political parties:** Antigua Labor Party or ABLP Barbuda People's Movement or BPM Democratic National Alliance or DNA Go Green for Life or GGL United Progressive Party or UPP **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador Sir Ronald SANDERS (since 17 September 2015) chancery: 3216 New Mexico Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 362-5122 FAX: [1] (202) 362-5225 email address and website: embantbar@aol.com https://www.antigua-barbuda.org/Aghome01.htm consulate(s) general: Miami, New York **Diplomatic representation from the US:** embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Antigua and Barbuda; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda **International organization participation:** ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO **Independence:** 1 November 1981 (from the UK) **National holiday:** Independence Day, 1 November (1981) **Flag:** description: red, with an inverted isosceles triangle in the center that spans the flag from top to bottom; the triangle contains three horizontal bands of black (top), light blue, and white, with a yellow rising sun in the black band meaning: the sun stands for the dawn of a new era, black for the African heritage of most of the population, blue for hope, and red for the dynamism of the people; the "V" shape of the triangle stands for victory; the yellow, blue, and white colors are also meant to evoke the country's tourist attractions of sun, sea, and sand **National symbol(s):** fallow deer **National color(s):** red, white, blue, black, yellow **National anthem(s):** title: "Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee" lyrics/music: Novelle Hamilton RICHARDS/Walter Garnet Picart CHAMBERS history: adopted 1967 _____ title: "God Save the King" lyrics/music: unknown history: royal anthem, as a Commonwealth country **National heritage:** total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Antigua Naval Dockyard (Nelson's Dockyard) ### Economy **Economic overview:** dual island-tourism and construction-driven economy; emerging “blue economy”; limited water supply and susceptibility to hurricanes limit activity; improving road infrastructure; friendly to foreign direct investment; looking at financial innovation in cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $2.772 billion (2024 est.) $2.657 billion (2023 est.) $2.594 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 4.3% (2024 est.) 2.4% (2023 est.) 9.1% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $29,600 (2024 est.) $28,500 (2023 est.) $27,900 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $2.225 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 6.2% (2024 est.) 5.1% (2023 est.) 7.5% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 1.9% (2023 est.) industry: 19% (2023 est.) services: 69.1% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **Agricultural products:** tropical fruits, milk, mangoes/guavas, eggs, lemons/limes, pumpkins/squash, sweet potatoes, vegetables, cucumbers/gherkins, yams (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, household appliances) **Industrial production growth rate:** 1% (2023 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Remittances:** 1.2% of GDP (2024 est.) 1.7% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.9% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $251.418 million (2014 est.) expenditures: $266.044 million (2014 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Current account balance:** -$181.366 million (2024 est.) -$271.047 million (2023 est.) -$291.674 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $1.314 billion (2024 est.) $1.185 billion (2023 est.) $1.111 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** Suriname 29%, Poland 21%, USA 8%, Dominican Republic 7%, Australia 5% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** refined petroleum, ships, soybean meal, shellfish, paintings (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $1.282 billion (2024 est.) $1.273 billion (2023 est.) $1.227 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 43%, Poland 6%, China 5%, UK 4%, Germany 4% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** ships, refined petroleum, cars, plastic products, furniture (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $358.441 million (2024 est.) $364.367 million (2023 est.) $396.506 million (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Exchange rates:** East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 2.7 (2024 est.) 2.7 (2023 est.) 2.7 (2022 est.) 2.7 (2021 est.) 2.7 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 148,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 322.923 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 38.121 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 93.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 6.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** imports: 25 metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** refined petroleum consumption: 5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 110.114 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 27,300 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 29 (2022 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 186,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 201 (2022 est.) **Broadcast media:** state-controlled Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Service (ABS) operates 1 TV station; multi-channel cable TV subscription services are available; ABS operates 1 radio station; roughly 20 radio stations (2024) **Internet country code:** .ag **Internet users:** percent of population: 78% (2023 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 10,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2022 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** V2 **Airports:** 4 (2025) **Heliports:** 2 (2025) **Merchant marine:** total: 614 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 24, container ship 109, general cargo 425, oil tanker 6, other 50 **Ports:** total ports: 1 (2024) large: 0 medium: 1 small: 0 very small: 0 ports with oil terminals: 1 key ports: St. John's ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force (ABDF): Antigua and Barbuda Regiment, Air Wing, Coast Guard Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB) (2025) **Military and security service personnel strengths:** approximately 300 active Defense Force personnel (2025) **Military equipment inventories and acquisitions:** the ABDF's equipment inventory is limited to small arms, light weapons, and soft-skin vehicles; the Coast Guard maintains ex-US patrol vessels and some smaller boats (2025) **Military service age and obligation:** 18-23 years of age for voluntary military service for both men and women; no conscription (2025) **Military - note:** the ABDF’s responsibilities include providing for internal security and support to the police in maintaining law and order, interdicting narcotics smuggling, responding to natural disasters, and monitoring the country’s territorial waters and maritime resources; the force was established in 1981 from colonial forces originally formed in 1897 the country has been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2025) ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 5 (2024 est.) --- ## Aruba **Slug:** aruba **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇦🇼 **Codes:** cek: aa, iso2: AW, iso3: ABW, iso_num: 533, genc: ABW, stanag: ABW, internet: .aw ### Introduction **Background:** Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. Three main industries have since dominated the island's economy: gold mining, oil refining, and tourism. A 19th-century gold rush was followed by prosperity brought on by the opening of an oil refinery in 1924. The last decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry. Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a separate, semi-autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in 1990. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela **Geographic coordinates:** 12 30 N, 69 58 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 180 sq km land: 180 sq km water: 0 sq km **Area - comparative:** slightly larger than Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 68.5 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm **Climate:** tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation **Terrain:** flat with a few hills; scant vegetation **Elevation:** highest point: Ceru Jamanota 188 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m **Natural resources:** NEGL; white sandy beaches foster tourism **Land use:** agricultural land: 11.1% (2023 est.) arable land: 11.1% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.) forest: 2.7% (2023 est.) other: 86.2% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** NA **Population distribution:** most residents live in or around Oranjestad and San Nicolaas; most settlements tend to be located on the less mountainous western side of the island **Natural hazards:** hurricanes; lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt and is rarely threatened **Geography - note:** a flat, riverless island known for its white sand beaches; its tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean; the temperature is almost constant at about 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit) ### People and Society **Population:** total: 126,402 (2025 est.) male: 59,720 female: 66,682 **Nationality:** noun: Aruban(s) adjective: Aruban; Dutch **Ethnic groups:** Dutch 78.7%, Colombian 6.6%, Venezuelan 5.5%, Dominican 2.8%, Haitian 1.3%, other 5.1% (2020 est.) note: data represent population by nationality **Languages:** Papiamento (official) (a creole language that mixes Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, French, African languages, and Arawak) 69.4%, Spanish 13.7%, English (widely spoken) 7.1%, Dutch (official) 6.1%, Chinese 1.5%, other 1.7%, unspecified 0.4% (2010 est.) **Religions:** Roman Catholic 75.3%, Protestant 4.9% (includes Methodist 0.9%, Adventist 0.9%, Anglican 0.4%, other Protestant 2.7%), Jehovah's Witness 1.7%, other 12%, none 5.5%, unspecified 0.5% (2010 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 17.2% (male 10,815/female 10,747) 15-64 years: 65.7% (male 39,621/female 42,487) 65 years and over: 17.1% (2024 est.) (male 8,665/female 12,728) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 53.4 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 26.3 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 27.1 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 3.7 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 41.2 years (2025 est.) male: 39.3 years female: 42.4 years **Population growth rate:** 1.05% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 11.44 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 8.85 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** 7.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** most residents live in or around Oranjestad and San Nicolaas; most settlements tend to be located on the less mountainous western side of the island **Urbanization:** urban population: 44.3% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.77% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 30,000 ORANJESTAD (capital) (2018) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 11.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 15.6 deaths/1,000 live births female: 7.3 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 78.5 years (2024 est.) male: 75.4 years female: 81.6 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.82 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.9 (2025 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: total: 98.8% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: total: 1.2% of population (2022 est.) **Currently married women (ages 15-49):** 46.8% (2020 est.) **Education expenditure:** 3.6% of GDP (2021 est.) 11% national budget (2021 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** difficulty in properly disposing waste from tourists; air pollution from waste-burning; water pollution from plastics **Climate:** tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation **Land use:** agricultural land: 11.1% (2023 est.) arable land: 11.1% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.) forest: 2.7% (2023 est.) other: 86.2% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 44.3% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.77% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 1.163 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 1.163 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 88,100 tons (2024 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Country of Aruba conventional short form: Aruba local long form: Land Aruba (Dutch); Pais Aruba (Papiamento) local short form: Aruba etymology: the origin of the island's name is unclear; according to tradition, the name comes from the Spanish phrase oro hubo ("there was gold"), but no gold was ever found on the island; other possible sources are either the local word oruba ("well-situated") or a combination of two Carib Indian words, ora and oubao ("shell" and "island," respectively) **Government type:** parliamentary democracy; part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands **Dependency status:** one of four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from the Netherlands Antilles; Dutch government responsible for defense and foreign affairs note: the other three constituent countries in the Kingdom of the Netherlands are the Netherlands, Sint Maarten, and Curacao **Capital:** name: Oranjestad geographic coordinates: 12 31 N, 70 02 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: translates as "orange city" in Dutch; in 1824, the city was named after the royal family of the Netherlands, the House of Orange-Nassau **Legal system:** civil law system based on the Dutch civil code **Constitution:** history: previous 1947, 1955; latest drafted and approved August 1985, enacted 1 January 1986 (regulates governance of Aruba but is subordinate to the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands); in 1986, Aruba became a semi-autonomous entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands **Citizenship:** see the Netherlands **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: King WILLEM-ALEXANDER of the Netherlands (since 30 April 2013); represented by Governor General Alfonso BOEKHOUDT (since 1 January 2017) head of government: Prime Minister Mike EMAN (since 28 March 2025) cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the Legislature (Staten) election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch for a 6-year term; prime minister and deputy prime minister indirectly elected by the Staten for 4-year term most recent election date: 6 December 2024 election results: Mike EMAN (AVP) elected prime minister; percent of Staten vote - NA expected date of next election: by December 2028 **Legislative branch:** legislature name: Legislature (Staten) legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 21 electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 6 December 2024 parties elected and seats per party: AVP (9); MEP (8); FUTURO (3); PPA (1) percentage of women in chamber: 38.1% expected date of next election: by December 2028 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba or "Joint Court of Justice" (sits as a 3-judge panel); final appeals heard by the Supreme Court in The Hague, Netherlands judge selection and term of office: Joint Court judges appointed for life by the monarch subordinate courts: Court in First Instance **Political parties:** Accion21 Aruban People's Party or AVP Democratic Network or RED FUTURO Movimiento Aruba Soberano (Aruban Sovereignty Movement) or MAS Partido Patriotico di Aruba (Aruban Patriotic Party) or APP People's Electoral Movement Party or MEP Pueblo Orguyoso y Respeta or POR RAIZ (ROOTS) **Diplomatic representation in the US:** none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands) **Diplomatic representation from the US:** embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Aruba; the Consul General to Curacao is accredited to Aruba **International organization participation:** ACS (associate), Caricom (observer), FATF, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITUC (NGOs), UNESCO (associate), UNWTO (associate), UPU **Independence:** none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) **National holiday:** National Anthem and Flag Day, 18 March (1976) **Flag:** description: blue, with two narrow, horizontal yellow stripes across the lower portion and a red four-pointed star outlined in white in the upper-left corner meaning: the star stands for Aruba's red soil and white beaches, and its four points for the major languages (Papiamento, Dutch, Spanish, English) and the points of a compass, to indicate that its inhabitants come from all over the world; blue symbolizes Caribbean waters and skies; the stripes represent the island's two main industries, tourism and mining **National symbol(s):** Hooiberg (Haystack) Hill **National color(s):** blue, yellow, red, white **National anthem(s):** title: "Aruba Deshi Tera" (Aruba Sweet Land) lyrics/music: Juan Chabaya 'Padu' LAMPE/Rufo Inocencio WEVER history: national anthem adopted 1976 _____ title: “Het Wilhelmus” lyrics/music: Philips VAN MARNIX van Sint Aldegonde (presumed)/unknown history: official anthem, as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands ### Economy **Economic overview:** small, tourism-dependent, territorial-island economy; very high public debt; COVID-19 crippled economic activity; partial recovery underway via tourism, benefitting from its high amount of timeshare residences; considering reopening oil refinery **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $4.35 billion (2023 est.) $4.172 billion (2022 est.) $3.844 billion (2021 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 4.3% (2023 est.) 8.5% (2022 est.) 24.1% (2021 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $40,500 (2023 est.) $38,900 (2022 est.) $35,700 (2021 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $3.649 billion (2023 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 4.3% (2019 est.) 3.6% (2018 est.) -1% (2017 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 0% (2019 est.) industry: 11.4% (2019 est.) services: 78.3% (2019 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 52.1% (2023 est.) government consumption: 19.6% (2023 est.) investment in fixed capital: 21.5% (2023 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2023 est.) exports of goods and services: 88.3% (2023 est.) imports of goods and services: -81.5% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection **Agricultural products:** aloes; livestock; fish **Industries:** tourism, petroleum transshipment facilities, banking **Remittances:** 1.1% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.2% of GDP (2022 est.) 1.2% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $793 million (2019 est.) expenditures: $782 million (2019 est.) **Current account balance:** $194.498 million (2023 est.) $230.556 million (2022 est.) $79.257 million (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $3.153 billion (2023 est.) $2.853 billion (2022 est.) $2.201 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** Jordan 34%, Colombia 31%, USA 7%, Guyana 5%, Slovakia 5% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** tobacco, gas turbines, refined petroleum, steam turbines, heating machinery (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $2.565 billion (2023 est.) $2.429 billion (2022 est.) $1.947 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 53%, Netherlands 15%, China 6%, Colombia 3%, Brazil 3% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, tobacco, cars, garments, jewelry (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $1.468 billion (2023 est.) $1.544 billion (2022 est.) $1.513 billion (2021 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Exchange rates:** Aruban guilders/florins per US dollar - Exchange rates: 1.79 (2024 est.) 1.79 (2023 est.) 1.79 (2022 est.) 1.79 (2021 est.) 1.79 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 99.9% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 100% electrification - rural areas: 100% **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 305,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 824.036 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 166.766 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 83.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 2.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 13.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** imports: 1 metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** refined petroleum consumption: 8,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 153.952 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 34,500 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 32 (2022 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 141,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 131 (2022 est.) **Broadcast media:** freedom of the press respected, as guaranteed under Dutch law; newspapers are in the Papiamento language; 2 commercial TV stations, with a cable TV subscription service providing access to foreign channels; wide range of commercial radio stations available (2023) **Internet country code:** .aw **Internet users:** percent of population: 97% (2017 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 19,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2022 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** P4 **Airports:** 1 (2025) **Merchant marine:** total: 1 (2023) by type: other 1 **Ports:** total ports: 2 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 1 very small: 1 ports with oil terminals: 1 key ports: Paardenbaai (Oranjestad), Sint Nicolaas Baai ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** no regular military forces; Aruban Militia (ARUMIL); Police Department for local law enforcement, supported by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (Gendarmerie), the Dutch Caribbean Police Force (Korps Politie Caribisch Nederland, KPCN), and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG or Kustwacht Caribisch Gebied (KWCARIB)) (2025) **Military - note:** defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the Aruba security services focus on organized crime and terrorism; the Dutch Government controls foreign and defense policy; the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG) provides maritime security; the Dutch military maintains a presence on Aruba, including a marine company and a naval base (2025) --- ## Bahamas, The **Slug:** bahamas-the **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇧🇸 **Codes:** cek: bf, iso2: BS, iso3: BHS, iso_num: 044, genc: BHS, stanag: BHS, internet: .bs ### Introduction **Background:** Lucayan Indians inhabited the Bahama islands when Christopher COLUMBUS first set foot in the New World in 1492. British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony in 1783. Piracy thrived in the 17th and 18th centuries because of The Bahamas' close proximity to shipping lanes. Since gaining independence from the UK in 1973, The Bahamas has prospered through tourism, international banking, and investment management, which comprise up to 85% of GDP. Because of its proximity to the US -- the nearest Bahamian landmass is only 80 km (50 mi) from Florida -- the country is a major transshipment point for illicit trafficking to the US mainland, as well as to Europe. US law enforcement agencies cooperate closely with The Bahamas; the Drug Enforcement Administration, US Coast Guard, and US Customs and Border Protection assist Bahamian authorities with maritime security and law enforcement through Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, or OPBAT. ### Geography **Location:** chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida, northeast of Cuba; note - although The Bahamas does not border the Caribbean Sea, geopolitically it is often designated as a Caribbean nation **Geographic coordinates:** 24 15 N, 76 00 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 13,880 sq km land: 10,010 sq km water: 3,870 sq km **Area - comparative:** slightly smaller than Connecticut **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 3,542 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm **Climate:** tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream **Terrain:** long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills **Elevation:** highest point: 1.3 km NE of Old Bight on Cat Island 64 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m **Natural resources:** salt, aragonite, timber, arable land **Land use:** agricultural land: 1.3% (2023 est.) arable land: 0.8% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 0.2% (2023 est.) forest: 50.9% (2023 est.) other: 47.8% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 10 sq km (2012) **Population distribution:** most of the population lives in urban areas, with two thirds living on New Providence Island where Nassau is located **Natural hazards:** hurricanes and other tropical storms cause extensive flood and wind damage **Geography - note:** strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain of which 30 are inhabited ### People and Society **Population:** total: 415,306 (2025 est.) male: 192,055 female: 223,251 **Nationality:** noun: Bahamian(s) adjective: Bahamian **Ethnic groups:** African descent 90.6%, White 4.7%, mixed 2.1%, other 1.9%, unspecified 0.7% (2010 est.) note: data represent population by racial group **Languages:** English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants) **Religions:** Protestant 69.9% (includes Baptist 34.9%, Anglican 13.7%, Pentecostal 8.9% Seventh Day Adventist 4.4%, Methodist 3.6%, Church of God 1.9%, Plymouth Brethren 1.6%, other Protestant 0.9%), Roman Catholic 12%, other Christian 13% (includes Jehovah's Witness 1.1%), other 0.6%, none 1.9%, unspecified 2.6% (2010 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 21.4% (male 41,675/female 46,363) 15-64 years: 70% (male 132,626/female 154,866) 65 years and over: 8.6% (2024 est.) (male 15,799/female 19,533) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 43.2 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 30.2 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 13 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 7.7 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 31.1 years (2025 est.) male: 30.6 years female: 30.7 years **Population growth rate:** 1.08% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 13.1 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 5.44 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** 3.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** most of the population lives in urban areas, with two thirds living on New Providence Island where Nassau is located **Urbanization:** urban population: 83.6% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.02% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 280,000 NASSAU (capital) (2018) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 0.9 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.86 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Maternal mortality ratio:** 76 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 9.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 10.5 deaths/1,000 live births female: 8.2 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 76.7 years (2024 est.) male: 75.1 years female: 78.4 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.45 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.71 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: total: 98.9% of population **Health expenditure:** 7.1% of GDP (2021) 15.8% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 1.9 physicians/1,000 population (2017) **Hospital bed density:** 2.7 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.) **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 31.6% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 9.48 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 3.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 1.43 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 4.08 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.31 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Tobacco use:** total: 10.8% (2025 est.) male: 20.8% (2025 est.) female: 1.9% (2025 est.) **Education expenditure:** 2.7% of GDP (2023 est.) 10.6% national budget (2025 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** coral reef decay; solid waste disposal **International environmental agreements:** party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements **Climate:** tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream **Land use:** agricultural land: 1.3% (2023 est.) arable land: 0.8% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 0.2% (2023 est.) forest: 50.9% (2023 est.) other: 47.8% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 83.6% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.02% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 2.99 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 2,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 2.966 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from consumed natural gas: 23,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 5.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 264,000 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 24.9% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 31 million cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 700 million cubic meters (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Commonwealth of The Bahamas conventional short form: The Bahamas etymology: name may be derived from the Spanish baha mar, meaning "low sea," which describes the shallow waters of the Bahama Banks; alternatively, it may be a form of the local name Guanahani, which is of unknown origin and meaning **Government type:** parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm **Capital:** name: Nassau geographic coordinates: 25 05 N, 77 21 W time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November etymology: named after King WILLIAM III of England (1650-1702), who was a member of the House of Orange-Nassau **Administrative divisions:** 31 districts; Acklins Islands, Berry Islands, Bimini, Black Point, Cat Island, Central Abaco, Central Andros, Central Eleuthera, City of Freeport, Crooked Island and Long Cay, East Grand Bahama, Exuma, Grand Cay, Harbour Island, Hope Town, Inagua, Long Island, Mangrove Cay, Mayaguana, Moore's Island, North Abaco, North Andros, North Eleuthera, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador, South Abaco, South Andros, South Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, West Grand Bahama **Legal system:** common-law system based on the English model **Constitution:** history: previous 1964 (pre-independence); latest adopted 20 June 1973, effective 10 July 1973 amendment process: proposed as an "Act" by Parliament; passage of amendments to articles such as the organization and composition of the branches of government requires approval by at least two-thirds majority of the membership of both houses of Parliament and majority approval in a referendum; passage of amendments to constitutional articles such as fundamental rights and individual freedoms, the powers, authorities, and procedures of the branches of government, or changes to the Bahamas Independence Act 1973 requires approval by at least three-fourths majority of the membership of both houses and majority approval in a referendum **International law organization participation:** has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of The Bahamas dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 6-9 years **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor-General Cynthia A. PRATT (since 1 September 2023) head of government: Prime Minister Philip Edward DAVIS (since 17 September 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by governor-general on recommendation of prime minister election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor-general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the governor-general appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister **Legislative branch:** legislature name: Parliament legislative structure: bicameral note: Parliament sits for 5 years from the date of the last general election: the government may dissolve the parliament and call elections at any time **Legislative branch - lower chamber:** chamber name: House of Assembly number of seats: 39 (all directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 9/16/2021 parties elected and seats per party: Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) (32); Free National Movement (FNM) (7) percentage of women in chamber: 17.9% expected date of next election: September 2026 **Legislative branch - upper chamber:** chamber name: Senate number of seats: 16 (all appointed) scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 10/6/2021 percentage of women in chamber: 31.3% expected date of next election: October 2026 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 6 justices, organized in 3-member panels); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 19 justices) judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister after consultation with the leader of the opposition party; other Court of Appeal and Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor general upon recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, a 5-member body headed by the chief justice; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 68 but can be extended until age 70; Supreme Court justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 but can be extended until age 67 subordinate courts: Industrial Tribunal; Magistrates' Courts; Family Island Administrators (can also serve as magistrates) note: The Bahamas is a member of the 15-member Caribbean Community but is not party to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as its highest appellate court; the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) serves as the final court of appeal for The Bahamas **Political parties:** Coalition of Independents Party or COI Democratic National Alliance or DNA Free National Movement or FNM Progressive Liberal Party or PLP **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador Wendall Kermith JONES (since 19 April 2022) chancery: 600 New Hampshire Ave NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: [1] (202) 319-2660 FAX: [1] (202) 319-2668 email address and website: embassy@bahamasembdc.org https://www.bahamasembdc.org/ consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Miami, New York **Diplomatic representation from the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador Herschel WALKER (since 9 December 2025) embassy: 42 Queen Street, Nassau mailing address: 3370 Nassau Place, Washington, DC 20521-3370 telephone: [1] (242) 322-1181 FAX: [1] (242) 356-7174 email address and website: acsnassau@state.gov https://bs.usembassy.gov/ **International organization participation:** ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) **Independence:** 10 July 1973 (from the UK) **National holiday:** Independence Day, 10 July (1973) **Flag:** description: three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, and aquamarine, with a black equilateral triangle based on the left side meaning: the band colors represent the islands' golden beaches surrounded by the aquamarine sea; black stands for the vigor and force of a united people, and the triangle for the people's enterprise and determination **National symbol(s):** blue marlin, flamingo, yellow elderflower **National color(s):** aquamarine, yellow, black **National coat of arms:** the motto on the Bahamas coat of arms is “Forward, Upward, Onward Together;” the flamingo and marlin supporting the shield are national animals that represent respectively the land and sea; the pink conch shell symbolizes the marine life of the islands, and the green palm fronds represent the natural vegetation; the Santa Maria, Christopher Columbus’s flagship, also appears; the sun signifies the world-famous climate and the bright future of the islands **National anthem(s):** title: "March On, Bahamaland!" lyrics/music: Timothy GIBSON history: adopted 1973 _____ title: "God Save the King" lyrics/music: unknown history: royal anthem, as a Commonwealth country ### Economy **Economic overview:** high-income tourism and financial services economy; major income inequality; strong US bilateral relations; several tax relief programs; targeted investment in agriculture, energy, light manufacturing, and technology industries **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $14.544 billion (2024 est.) $14.069 billion (2023 est.) $13.653 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 3.4% (2024 est.) 3% (2023 est.) 10.9% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $36,200 (2024 est.) $35,200 (2023 est.) $34,300 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $15.833 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 0.4% (2024 est.) 3.1% (2023 est.) 5.6% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 0.5% (2024 est.) industry: 9.6% (2024 est.) services: 77.2% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 64.3% (2024 est.) government consumption: 12.9% (2024 est.) investment in fixed capital: 25.7% (2024 est.) investment in inventories: 1.1% (2024 est.) exports of goods and services: 37.8% (2024 est.) imports of goods and services: -41.5% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection **Agricultural products:** sugarcane, grapefruits, vegetables, bananas, tomatoes, chicken, tropical fruits, oranges, coconuts, mangoes/guavas (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** tourism, banking, oil bunkering, maritime industries, transshipment and logistics, salt, aragonite, pharmaceuticals **Industrial production growth rate:** 12.5% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Labor force:** 237,100 (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work **Unemployment rate:** 8.5% (2024 est.) 8.7% (2023 est.) 9.3% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment **Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):** total: 17.8% (2024 est.) male: 17.8% (2024 est.) female: 17.8% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment **Remittances:** 0.4% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.4% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.4% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $2.855 billion (2023 est.) expenditures: $3.389 billion (2023 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Public debt:** 73.7% of GDP (2023 est.) note: central government debt as a % of GDP **Taxes and other revenues:** 16.2% (of GDP) (2023 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP **Current account balance:** -$1.053 billion (2024 est.) -$1.069 billion (2023 est.) -$1.233 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $6.771 billion (2024 est.) $6.011 billion (2023 est.) $5.425 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** USA 36%, Zimbabwe 16%, Cote d'Ivoire 14%, Germany 8%, Guyana 8% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** refined petroleum, ships, aluminum, shellfish, plastics (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $7.069 billion (2024 est.) $6.273 billion (2023 est.) $5.843 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 60%, Germany 13%, China 5%, Japan 3%, Brazil 2% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, ships, aircraft, cars, crude petroleum (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $2.512 billion (2023 est.) $2.609 billion (2022 est.) $2.433 billion (2021 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Exchange rates:** Bahamian dollars (BSD) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 1 (2024 est.) 1 (2023 est.) 1 (2022 est.) 1 (2021 est.) 1 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 608,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 2.036 billion kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 10 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 99.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** imports: 600 metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** refined petroleum consumption: 20,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Natural gas:** consumption: 14.13 million cubic meters (2023 est.) imports: 14.13 million cubic meters (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 104.409 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 93,100 (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2024 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 388,000 (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 97 (2024 est.) **Broadcast media:** 4 major TV providers; 1 TV station is operated by government-owned, commercially run Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas (BCB) and competes with 4 privately owned TV stations; multi-channel cable TV subscription service is widely available; 32 licensed broadcast (radio) service providers, with 31 privately owned FM radio stations; the BCB operates a multi-channel radio network with national coverage; the sector is regulated by the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (2019) **Internet country code:** .bs **Internet users:** percent of population: 95% (2023 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 95,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2023 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** C6 **Airports:** 54 (2025) **Heliports:** 9 (2025) **Merchant marine:** total: 1,274 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 345, container ship 39, general cargo 58, oil tanker 193, other 639 **Ports:** total ports: 6 (2024) large: 0 medium: 1 small: 1 very small: 4 ports with oil terminals: 4 key ports: Clifton Pier, Cockburn Town, Freeport, Matthew Town, Nassau, South Riding Point ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF): includes land, air, maritime elements; Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) (2025) note: the RBPF maintains internal security; both the RBDF and the RBPF, as well as the Department of Corrections, report to the Minister of National Security **Military expenditures:** 0.7% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2022 est.) 0.9% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.9% of GDP (2020 est.) **Military and security service personnel strengths:** approximately 1,500-1,800 active RBDF (2025) **Military equipment inventories and acquisitions:** most of the RBDF's major equipment inventory has been acquired from the Netherlands or the US (2025) **Military service age and obligation:** 18-30 years of age for voluntary service for men and women (18-60 for Reserves); no conscription (2025) **Military - note:** the RBDF was established in 1980; its primary responsibilities are maritime security and safeguarding the territorial integrity of the Bahamas, providing disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, and supporting internal law and order in cooperation with law enforcement agencies; the RBDF is a naval force with a few light aircraft, coastal patrol craft, and patrol boats, as well as a lightly-armed marine infantry/commando squadron for base and internal security; the RBDF has training relationships with the UK and the US (2025) ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 30 (2024 est.) IDPs: 30 (2024 est.) **Illicit drugs:** USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025) --- ## Barbados **Slug:** barbados **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇧🇧 **Codes:** cek: bb, iso2: BB, iso3: BRB, iso_num: 052, genc: BRB, stanag: BRB, internet: .bb ### Introduction **Background:** Barbados was uninhabited when first settled by the British in 1627. Enslaved Africans worked the sugar plantations established on the island, which initially dominated the Caribbean sugar industry. By 1720, Barbados was no longer a dominant force within the sugar industry, having been surpassed by the Leeward Islands and Jamaica. Slavery was abolished in 1834. The Barbadian economy remained heavily dependent on sugar, rum, and molasses production through most of the 20th century. The gradual introduction of social and political reforms in the 1940s and 1950s led to independence from the UK in 1966. In the 1990s, tourism and manufacturing surpassed the sugar industry in economic importance. Barbados became a republic in 2021, with the former Governor-General Sandra MASON elected as the first president. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, island in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela **Geographic coordinates:** 13 10 N, 59 32 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 430 sq km land: 430 sq km water: 0 sq km **Area - comparative:** 2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 97 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm **Climate:** tropical; rainy season (June to October) **Terrain:** relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region **Elevation:** highest point: Mount Hillaby 336 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m **Natural resources:** petroleum, fish, natural gas **Land use:** agricultural land: 23.3% (2023 est.) arable land: 16.3% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 2.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 4.7% (2023 est.) forest: 14.7% (2023 est.) other: 62.1% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 50 sq km (2012) **Population distribution:** most densely populated country in the eastern Caribbean; approximately one third of the population lives in urban areas **Natural hazards:** infrequent hurricanes; periodic landslides **Geography - note:** easternmost Caribbean island ### People and Society **Population:** total: 274,431 (2025 est.) male: 133,146 female: 141,285 **Nationality:** noun: Barbadian(s) or Bajan (colloquial) adjective: Barbadian or Bajan (colloquial) **Ethnic groups:** African descent 92.4%, mixed 3.1%, White 2.7%, East Indian 1.3%, other 0.2%, unspecified 0.3% (2010 est.) **Languages:** English (official), Bajan (English-based creole language, widely spoken in informal settings) **Religions:** Protestant 66.4% (includes Anglican 23.9%, other Pentecostal 19.5%, Adventist 5.9%, Methodist 4.2%, Wesleyan 3.4%, Nazarene 3.2%, Church of God 2.4%, Baptist 1.8%, Moravian 1.2%, other Protestant 0.9%), Roman Catholic 3.8%, other Christian 5.4% (includes Jehovah's Witness 2.0%, other 3.4%), Rastafarian 1%, other 1.5%, none 20.6%, unspecified 1.2% (2010 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 16.6% (male 25,273/female 25,284) 15-64 years: 67% (male 100,328/female 103,536) 65 years and over: 16.3% (2024 est.) (male 20,986/female 28,732) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 44.6 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 20.4 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 24.2 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 4.1 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 42.2 years (2025 est.) male: 40.3 years female: 42.5 years **Population growth rate:** -0.42% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 8.02 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 11.96 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -0.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** most densely populated country in the eastern Caribbean; approximately one third of the population lives in urban areas **Urbanization:** urban population: 31.4% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.46% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 89,000 BRIDGETOWN (capital) (2018) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.01 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Maternal mortality ratio:** 35 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 15.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 11.1 deaths/1,000 live births female: 8.1 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 79 years (2024 est.) male: 76.3 years female: 81.8 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.24 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.62 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: total: 98.5% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: total: 1.5% of population (2022 est.) **Health expenditure:** 8.1% of GDP (2021) 8.7% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 2.96 physicians/1,000 population (2022) **Hospital bed density:** 5.7 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: total: 100% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: total: 0% of population (2022 est.) **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 23.1% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 9.94 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 3.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 1.36 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 4.75 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Tobacco use:** total: 6.2% (2025 est.) male: 11.4% (2025 est.) female: 1.5% (2025 est.) **Currently married women (ages 15-49):** 57.2% (2021 est.) **Education expenditure:** 3.6% of GDP (2024 est.) 14.2% national budget (2025 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** pollution of coastal waters from waste disposal by ships; soil erosion; illegal solid-waste disposal **International environmental agreements:** party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements **Climate:** tropical; rainy season (June to October) **Land use:** agricultural land: 23.3% (2023 est.) arable land: 16.3% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 2.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 4.7% (2023 est.) forest: 14.7% (2023 est.) other: 62.1% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 31.4% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.46% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 1.348 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 2 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 1.284 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from consumed natural gas: 64,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 9.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 174,800 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10.6% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 20 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 6.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 54.8 million cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 80 million cubic meters (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: none conventional short form: Barbados etymology: the name is the plural of the Spanish word barbado and means "the bearded ones," which could refer either to the beard-like leaves of the island's fig trees or to the beards of Carib inhabitants **Government type:** parliamentary republic; a Commonwealth realm **Capital:** name: Bridgetown geographic coordinates: 13 06 N, 59 37 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: originally named Indian Bridge in 1628 for a bridge built beside Carlisle Bay, then called St. Michael's Town until the 19th century; now named after a bridge built over the Constitution River that flows through the center of the city **Administrative divisions:** 11 parishes and 1 city*; Bridgetown*, Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip, Saint Thomas **Legal system:** English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts **Constitution:** history: adopted 22 November 1966, effective 30 November 1966; Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2021 establishes Barbados as a republic and revokes the earlier Order in Council amendment process: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments to constitutional sections such as citizenship, fundamental rights and freedoms, and the organization and authorities of the branches of government requires two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both houses of Parliament; passage of other amendments only requires a majority vote of both houses **International law organization participation:** accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: President Jeffrey Davidson BOSTIC (since 30 November 2025) head of government: Prime Minister Mia MOTTLEY (since 25 May 2018) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister election/appointment process: president elected by an electoral college of both Houses of Parliament for a 4-year renewable term; following legislative elections, the president usually appoints the leader of the majority party or leader of the majority coalition as prime minister; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister most recent election date: 7 October 2025 election results: Jeffrey Davidson BOSTIC elected as the country's second president expected date of next election: NA **Legislative branch:** legislature name: Parlement de Barbade (Parliament of Barbados) legislative structure: bicameral note: tradition dictates that the next election is held within 5 years of the last election, but constitutionally it is 5 years from the first seating of Parliament plus a 90-day grace period **Legislative branch - lower chamber:** chamber name: House of Assembly number of seats: 30 (all directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 1/19/2022 parties elected and seats per party: Barbados Labour Party (BLP) (30) percentage of women in chamber: 26.7% expected date of next election: January 2027 **Legislative branch - upper chamber:** chamber name: Senate number of seats: 21 (all appointed) scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 2/4/2022 percentage of women in chamber: 33.3% expected date of next election: February 2027 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the High Court with 8 justices) and the Court of Appeal (consists of the High Court chief justice and president of the court and 4 justices; Caribbean Court of Justice is the final court of appeal judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister and opposition leader of Parliament; other justices appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission, a 5-member independent body consisting of the Supreme Court chief justice, the commission head, and presidential appointees recommended by the prime minister; justices serve until mandatory retirement at age 65 subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts **Political parties:** Alliance Party for Progress or APP Barbados Labor Party or BLP Democratic Labor Party or DLP **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador Victor Anthony FERNANDES (since 18 September 2024) chancery: 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 939-9200 FAX: [1] (202) 332-7467 email address and website: washington@foreign.gov.bb https://www.foreign.gov.bb/embassies-high-commissions-and-permanent-missions/ consulate(s) general: Miami, New York **Diplomatic representation from the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Karin B. SULLIVAN (since January 2025); note - also accredited to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines embassy: Wildey Business Park, St. Michael BB 14006, Barbados, W.I. mailing address: 3120 Bridgetown Place, Washington DC 20521-3120 telephone: (246) 227-4000 FAX: (246) 431-0179 email address and website: bridgetownpublicaffairs@state.gov https://bb.usembassy.gov/ **International organization participation:** ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO **Independence:** 30 November 1966 (from the UK) **National holiday:** Independence Day, 30 November (1966) **Flag:** description: three equal vertical bands of ultramarine blue (left side), gold, and ultramarine blue with a black trident head centered on the gold band meaning: blue stands for the sea and sky, and gold for the beaches; the trident head represents independence and a break with the past **National symbol(s):** Neptune's trident, pelican, red bird of paradise flower (also known as "Pride of Barbados") **National color(s):** blue, yellow, black **National anthem(s):** title: "The National Anthem of Barbados" lyrics/music: Irving BURGIE/C. Van Roland EDWARDS history: adopted 1966 **National heritage:** total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison ### Economy **Economic overview:** high-income Eastern Caribbean economy; high standard of living among regional peers; key tourism, construction, and financial sectors driving recent GDP growth; declining but still very high public debt leading to IMF support programs; susceptible to natural disasters and reliance on import partners **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $5.634 billion (2024 est.) $5.428 billion (2023 est.) $5.214 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 3.8% (2024 est.) 4.1% (2023 est.) 17.8% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $19,900 (2024 est.) $19,200 (2023 est.) $18,500 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $7.165 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** -0.5% (2024 est.) 9.8% (2023 est.) 4.1% (2019 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 1.9% (2023 est.) industry: 13.2% (2023 est.) services: 75.4% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 75.6% (2022 est.) government consumption: 11.8% (2022 est.) investment in fixed capital: 16.5% (2022 est.) investment in inventories: 0.2% (2022 est.) exports of goods and services: 34.3% (2022 est.) imports of goods and services: -42.2% (2022 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection **Agricultural products:** sugarcane, chicken, vegetables, milk, eggs, sweet potatoes, pork, coconuts, tropical fruits, pulses (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for export **Industrial production growth rate:** -1.3% (2023 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Labor force:** 147,200 (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work **Unemployment rate:** 7.6% (2024 est.) 7.9% (2023 est.) 8.4% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment **Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):** total: 23.7% (2024 est.) male: 27.5% (2024 est.) female: 19.6% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment **Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income:** 34.1 (2016 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality **Household income or consumption by percentage share:** lowest 10%: 2.5% (2016 est.) highest 10%: 25.8% (2016 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population **Remittances:** 1.3% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.4% of GDP (2022 est.) 1.6% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $1.269 billion (2015 est.) expenditures: $1.664 billion (2015 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Public debt:** 133.2% of GDP (2016 est.) note: central government debt as a % of GDP **Taxes and other revenues:** 24.9% (of GDP) (2016 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP **Current account balance:** -$296.396 million (2017 est.) -$452.39 million (2016 est.) -$98.732 million (2015 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $2.228 billion (2017 est.) $2.41 billion (2016 est.) $2.358 billion (2015 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** USA 22%, Jamaica 17%, Trinidad & Tobago 8%, Canada 6%, Guyana 6% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** liquor, refined petroleum, packaged medicine, margarine, baked goods (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $2.12 billion (2021 est.) $2.213 billion (2017 est.) $2.238 billion (2016 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 32%, Trinidad & Tobago 19%, Netherlands 6%, UK 6%, Guyana 5% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, crude petroleum, cars, plastic products, ships (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $1.606 billion (2023 est.) $1.52 billion (2022 est.) $1.673 billion (2021 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Exchange rates:** Barbadian dollars (BBD) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 2 (2024 est.) 2 (2023 est.) 2 (2022 est.) 2 (2021 est.) 2 (2020 est.) note: the Barbadian dollar is pegged to the US dollar ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 320,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 1.025 billion kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 64.586 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 91.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 7.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** exports: 4 metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 57 metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** total petroleum production: 2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 8,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 1.978 million barrels (2021 est.) **Natural gas:** production: 7.957 million cubic meters (2023 est.) consumption: 32.593 million cubic meters (2023 est.) imports: 24.636 million cubic meters (2023 est.) proven reserves: 113.267 million cubic meters (2021 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 68.293 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 121,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 43 (2022 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 323,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 115 (2022 est.) **Broadcast media:** government-owned Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) operates the lone terrestrial TV station; CBC also has a multi-channel cable TV subscription service; roughly a dozen CBC-operated radio stations operate alongside privately owned radio stations (2019) **Internet country code:** .bb **Internet users:** percent of population: 80% (2023 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 106,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 37 (2022 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** 8P **Airports:** 1 (2025) **Heliports:** 1 (2025) **Merchant marine:** total: 272 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 90, general cargo 149, oil tanker 5, other 28 **Ports:** total ports: 1 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 1 very small: 0 ports with oil terminals: 1 key ports: Bridgetown ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** Barbados Defense Force (BDF): The Barbados Regiment, The Barbados Coast Guard (2025) note 1: the Barbados Police Service (TBPS) is the national police force; it is modeled after London's Metropolitan Police Service and divided into three territorial divisions note 2: the Barbados Cadet Corps is a national youth organization affiliated with the BDF; membership is open to all school children in Barbados between the ages of 11 and 18 **Military expenditures:** 0.7% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.7% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2022 est.) 0.9% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.9% of GDP (2020 est.) **Military and security service personnel strengths:** approximately 600 active BDF personnel (2025) **Military equipment inventories and acquisitions:** the BDF's major equipment inventory is comprised mostly of donated items from China, the Netherlands, and the US (2025) **Military service age and obligation:** 18-25 for voluntary active service at the start of recruit training; 18-30 for reserves (2025) **Military - note:** formed in 1979, the Barbados Defense Force (BDF) is responsible for protecting national security, but it may also be called upon to maintain internal public order in times of crisis, emergency, or other specific needs, such as special joint patrols with the police; it also provides humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations both domestically and regionally; other duties include assisting with national development, such as the training of the country's youth through the Barbados Cadet Corps Barbados has been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security; the RSS is headquartered in Barbados (2025) ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 13 (2024 est.) **Trafficking in persons:** tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — Barbados did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking compared with the previous reporting period and was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/barbados/ --- ## Belize **Slug:** belize **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇧🇿 **Codes:** cek: bh, iso2: BZ, iso3: BLZ, iso_num: 084, genc: BLZ, stanag: BLZ, internet: .bz ### Introduction **Background:** Belize was the site of several Mayan city states until their decline at the end of the first millennium A.D. The British and Spanish disputed the region in the 17th and 18th centuries; it formally became the colony of British Honduras in 1862. Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992, and the two countries are still involved in an ongoing border dispute. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. Current concerns include the country's heavy foreign debt burden, high crime rates, high unemployment combined with a majority youth population, growing involvement in the Mexican and South American drug trade, and one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in Central America. ### Geography **Location:** Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico **Geographic coordinates:** 17 15 N, 88 45 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 22,966 sq km land: 22,806 sq km water: 160 sq km **Area - comparative:** slightly smaller than Massachusetts **Land boundaries:** total: 542 km border countries (2): Guatemala 266 km; Mexico 276 km **Coastline:** 386 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm in the north, 3 nm in the south exclusive economic zone: 200 nm note: from the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Cay, Belize's territorial sea is 3 nm; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act (1992), the purpose of this limit is to provide a framework for negotiating a definitive agreement on territorial differences with Guatemala **Climate:** tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May) **Terrain:** flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south **Elevation:** highest point: Doyle's Delight 1,124 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 173 m **Natural resources:** arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower **Land use:** agricultural land: 8% (2023 est.) arable land: 4.4% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 1.4% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 2.2% (2023 est.) forest: 58.3% (2023 est.) other: 33.7% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 35 sq km (2012) **Population distribution:** approximately 25% to 30% of the population lives in the former capital, Belize City; over half of the overall population is rural; population density is slightly higher in the north and east **Natural hazards:** frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and coastal flooding (especially in south) **Geography - note:** only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean ### People and Society **Population:** total: 421,960 (2025 est.) male: 208,844 female: 213,116 **Nationality:** noun: Belizean(s) adjective: Belizean **Ethnic groups:** Mestizo 52.9%, Creole 25.9%, Maya 11.3%, Garifuna 6.1%, East Indian 3.9%, Mennonite 3.6%, White 1.2%, Asian 1%, other 1.2%, unknown 0.3% (2010 est.) note: percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents were able to identify more than one ethnic origin **Languages:** English 62.9% (official), Spanish 56.6%, Creole 44.6%, Maya 10.5%, German 3.2%, Garifuna 2.9%, other 1.8%, unknown 0.5% (2010 est.) major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. (English) La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish) note: shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census **Religions:** Roman Catholic 40.1%, Protestant 31.5% (includes Pentecostal 8.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 5.4%, Anglican 4.7%, Mennonite 3.7%, Baptist 3.6%, Methodist 2.9%, Nazarene 2.8%), Jehovah's Witness 1.7%, other 10.5% (includes Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu, Church of Jesus Christ, Muslim, Rastafarian, Salvation Army), unspecified 0.6%, none 15.5% (2010 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 27.7% (male 58,529/female 56,811) 15-64 years: 66.7% (male 135,903/female 141,503) 65 years and over: 5.5% (2024 est.) (male 11,463/female 11,580) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 49.4 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 40.8 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 8.6 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 11.6 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 27.2 years (2025 est.) male: 26.4 years female: 27.2 years **Population growth rate:** 1.47% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 17.44 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 4.87 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** 2.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** approximately 25% to 30% of the population lives in the former capital, Belize City; over half of the overall population is rural; population density is slightly higher in the north and east **Urbanization:** urban population: 46.6% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 23,000 BELMOPAN (capital) (2018) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Maternal mortality ratio:** 67 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 11.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 12.4 deaths/1,000 live births female: 10.1 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 74.3 years (2024 est.) male: 72.6 years female: 76.1 years **Total fertility rate:** 2.02 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.99 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: urban: 98.9% of population (2022 est.) rural: 98% of population (2022 est.) total: 98.4% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 1.1% of population (2022 est.) rural: 2% of population (2022 est.) total: 1.6% of population (2022 est.) **Health expenditure:** 5% of GDP (2021) 11.5% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 1.09 physicians/1,000 population (2018) **Hospital bed density:** 1 beds/1,000 population (2018 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: urban: 99.1% of population (2022 est.) rural: 95.7% of population (2022 est.) total: 97.3% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 0.9% of population (2022 est.) rural: 4.3% of population (2022 est.) total: 2.7% of population (2022 est.) **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 24.1% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 5.93 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 3.88 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.68 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 1.19 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Tobacco use:** total: 8.3% (2025 est.) male: 14.8% (2025 est.) female: 1.8% (2025 est.) **Children under the age of 5 years underweight:** 4.6% (2015/16) **Child marriage:** women married by age 15: 6.3% (2016) women married by age 18: 33.5% (2016) men married by age 18: 22.2% (2016) **Education expenditure:** 4.6% of GDP (2024 est.) 18.9% national budget (2024 est.) **Literacy:** total population: 87.9% (2022 est.) male: 87.9% (2022 est.) female: 87.9% (2022 est.) **School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):** total: 12 years (2023 est.) male: 12 years (2023 est.) female: 12 years (2023 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** deforestation; water pollution from sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff; inability to properly dispose of solid waste **International environmental agreements:** party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements **Climate:** tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May) **Land use:** agricultural land: 8% (2023 est.) arable land: 4.4% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 1.4% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 2.2% (2023 est.) forest: 58.3% (2023 est.) other: 33.7% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 46.6% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 662,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 3 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 662,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 10.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 101,400 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10.4% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 11.4 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 21.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 68.4 million cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 21.734 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: none conventional short form: Belize former: British Honduras etymology: traditionally believed to be derived from the Spanish pronunciation of the last name of Scottish explorer Peter Wallace, who settled in the area in 1638; alternatively, may be named for the Belize River, whose name possibly derives from the Maya word "belix," meaning "muddy-watered" **Government type:** parliamentary democracy (National Assembly) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm **Capital:** name: Belmopan geographic coordinates: 17 15 N, 88 46 W time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name is formed from two words: "Belize," the name of the longest river in the country, and "Mopan," one of the rivers in the area that empties into the Belize River **Administrative divisions:** 6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo **Legal system:** English common law **Constitution:** history: previous 1954, 1963 (pre-independence); latest signed and entered into force 21 September 1981 amendment process: proposed and adopted by two-thirds majority vote of the National Assembly House of Representatives except for amendments relating to rights and freedoms, changes to the Assembly, and to elections and judiciary matters, which require at least three-quarters majority vote of the House; both types of amendments require assent of the governor general **International law organization participation:** has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor-General Froyla TZALAM (since 27 May 2021) head of government: Prime Minister John BRICEÑO (since 12 November 2020) cabinet: governor general appoints Cabinet from among members of the National Assembly, on the advice of the prime minister election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor-general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the governor-general; prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister **Legislative branch:** legislature name: National Assembly legislative structure: bicameral **Legislative branch - lower chamber:** chamber name: House of Representatives number of seats: 32 (all directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 3/12/2025 parties elected and seats per party: People's United Party (PUP) (26); United Democratic Party (UDP) (5) percentage of women in chamber: 12.5% expected date of next election: March 2030 **Legislative branch - upper chamber:** chamber name: Senate number of seats: 13 (all appointed) scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 5/9/2025 percentage of women in chamber: 35.7% expected date of next election: May 2030 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Supreme Court of Judicature (consists of the Court of Appeal with the court president and 3 justices, and the Supreme Court with the chief justice and 10 justices); the Caribbean Court of Justice is the final court of appeal judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal president and justices appointed by the governor-general upon advice of the prime minister after consultation with the National Assembly opposition leader; justices' tenures vary by terms of appointment; Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the governor-general upon the advice of the prime minister and the National Assembly opposition leader; other judges appointed by the governor-general upon the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Section of the Public Services Commission and with the concurrence of the prime minister after consultation with the National Assembly opposition leader; judges can be appointed beyond age 65 but must retire by age 75 subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts; Family Court **Political parties:** Belize People’s Front or BPF Belize Progressive Party or BPP (formed in 2015 from a merger of the People's National Party, elements of the Vision Inspired by the People, and other smaller political groups) People's United Party or PUP United Democratic Party or UDP Vision Inspired by the People or VIP **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador Lynn Raymond YOUNG (since 7 July 2021) chancery: 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008-2826 telephone: [1] (202) 332-9636 FAX: [1] (202) 332-6888 email address and website: reception.usa@mfa.gov.bz https://www.belizeembassyusa.mfa.gov.bz/ consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York **Diplomatic representation from the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Katharine BEAMER (since 23 August 2025) embassy: 4 Floral Park Road, Belmopan, Cayo mailing address: 3050 Belmopan Place, Washington DC 20521-3050 telephone: (501) 822-4011 FAX: (501) 822-4012 email address and website: ACSBelize@state.gov https://bz.usembassy.gov/ **International organization participation:** ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO **Independence:** 21 September 1981 (from the UK) **National holiday:** Battle of St. George's Caye Day (National Day), 10 September (1798); Independence Day, 21 September (1981) **Flag:** description: royal blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; the coat of arms is on a large white disk at the center and shows a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree, with the motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom; a green garland of 50 mahogany leaves rings the coat of arms meaning: the figures, the mahogany tree, and the garland refer to the logging industry that led the British to settle Belize; blue and red are the colors of the two main political parties note: Belize has the only national flag that depicts humans; the flags of two British overseas territories, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands, also depict humans **National symbol(s):** Baird's tapir (a large forest-dwelling mammal), keel-billed toucan, black orchid **National color(s):** red, blue **National anthem(s):** title: "Land of the Free" lyrics/music: Samuel Alfred HAYNES/Selwyn Walford YOUNG history: adopted 1981 _____ title: "God Save the King" lyrics/music: unknown history: royal anthem, as a Commonwealth country **National heritage:** total World Heritage Sites: 1 (natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System ### Economy **Economic overview:** tourism- and agriculture-driven economy; strong post-pandemic rebound; innovative and ecological bond restructuring that significantly lowered public debt and expanded marine protections; central bank offering USD-denominated treasury notes; high mobility across borders **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $5.538 billion (2024 est.) $5.12 billion (2023 est.) $5.062 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 8.2% (2024 est.) 1.1% (2023 est.) 9.7% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $13,300 (2024 est.) $12,500 (2023 est.) $12,600 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $3.516 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 3.3% (2024 est.) 4.4% (2023 est.) 6.3% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 8.1% (2023 est.) industry: 14.3% (2023 est.) services: 62.4% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 62.9% (2023 est.) government consumption: 15.7% (2023 est.) investment in fixed capital: 20.6% (2023 est.) investment in inventories: -2.3% (2023 est.) exports of goods and services: 55.3% (2023 est.) imports of goods and services: -51.2% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection **Agricultural products:** sugarcane, maize, bananas, sorghum, soybeans, chicken, rice, oranges, fruits, plantains (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** garment production, food processing, tourism, construction, oil **Industrial production growth rate:** 4.8% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Labor force:** 190,000 (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work **Unemployment rate:** 7% (2024 est.) 8.3% (2023 est.) 8.8% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment **Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):** total: 16.3% (2024 est.) male: 10.6% (2024 est.) female: 25.6% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment **Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income:** 39.9 (2018 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality **Household income or consumption by percentage share:** lowest 10%: 2.2% (2018 est.) highest 10%: 30% (2018 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population **Remittances:** 4.4% of GDP (2024 est.) 4.9% of GDP (2023 est.) 5% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $554.405 million (2017 est.) expenditures: $506.316 million (2017 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Public debt:** 99% of GDP (2017 est.) note: central government debt as a % of GDP **Taxes and other revenues:** 21.3% (of GDP) (2017 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP **Current account balance:** -$51.762 million (2024 est.) -$19.761 million (2023 est.) -$235.566 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $1.64 billion (2024 est.) $1.536 billion (2023 est.) $1.369 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** USA 22%, UK 14%, Spain 9%, Guatemala 7%, Portugal 5% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** raw sugar, bananas, fish, shellfish, refined petroleum (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $1.724 billion (2024 est.) $1.573 billion (2023 est.) $1.574 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 37%, China 17%, Guatemala 10%, Mexico 8%, Costa Rica 6% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, orthopedic appliances, ships, garments, tobacco (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $498.087 million (2024 est.) $473.729 million (2023 est.) $482.146 million (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Debt - external:** $1.235 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars **Exchange rates:** Belizean dollars (BZD) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 2 (2024 est.) 2 (2023 est.) 2 (2022 est.) 2 (2021 est.) 2 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 98.6% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 98.4% electrification - rural areas: 97.1% **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 220,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 595.389 million kWh (2023 est.) imports: 283.8 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 140.519 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 12% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 2.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 52.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 32.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** imports: 32 metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** total petroleum production: 800 bbl/day (2023 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 6.7 million barrels (2021 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 30.752 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 17,800 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2022 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 271,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 67 (2022 est.) **Broadcast media:** 8 privately owned TV stations; multi-channel cable TV provides access to foreign stations; about 25 radio stations broadcasting on roughly 50 different frequencies; state-run radio was privatized in 1998 (2019) **Internet country code:** .bz **Internet users:** percent of population: 72% (2023 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 39,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2022 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** V3 **Airports:** 27 (2025) **Heliports:** 5 (2025) **Merchant marine:** total: 774 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 49, general cargo 410, oil tanker 64, other 251 **Ports:** total ports: 2 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 1 very small: 0 size unknown: 1 ports with oil terminals: 1 key ports: Belize City, Big Creek ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** Belize Defense Force (BDF): Army, Air Wing; Belize Coast Guard (BCG) (2025) note: the Ministry of National Defense and Border Security is responsible for oversight of the BDF and the Coast Guard, while the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries has responsibility for the Belize Police Department (BPD) and prisons **Military expenditures:** 1% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.9% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.1% of GDP (2022 est.) 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.5% of GDP (2020 est.) **Military and security service personnel strengths:** approximately 1,500 BDF personnel (2025) **Military equipment inventories and acquisitions:** the military has a small inventory consisting mostly of UK- and US-origin equipment (2025) **Military service age and obligation:** 18-23 years of age for voluntary military service; laws allow for conscription only if volunteers are insufficient, but conscription has never been implemented; initial service obligation is 12 years (2025) **Military - note:** the Belize Defense Force (BDF) is responsible for external security but also provides some support to civilian authorities; it has limited powers of arrest within land and shoreline areas, while the Coast Guard has arrest powers and jurisdiction within coastal and maritime areas; the BDF traces its history back to the Prince Regent Royal Honduras Militia, a volunteer force established in 1817; the BDF was established in 1978 from the disbanded Police Special Force and the Belize Volunteer Guard to assist the resident British forces with the defense of Belize against Guatemala the British Army has maintained a presence in Belize since its independence; the presence consists of a small training support unit that provides jungle training to troops from the UK and international partners (2025) ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 2,287 (2024 est.) IDPs: 8 (2024 est.) **Illicit drugs:** USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025) --- ## British Virgin Islands **Slug:** british-virgin-islands **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇻🇬 **Codes:** cek: vi, iso2: VG, iso3: VGB, iso_num: 092, genc: VGB, stanag: VGB, internet: .vg ### Introduction **Background:** First inhabited by Arawak and later by Carib Indians, the Virgin Islands were settled by the Dutch in 1648 and then annexed by the English in 1672. The islands were part of the British colony of the Leeward Islands (1872-1960); they were granted autonomy in 1967. The economy is closely tied to the larger and more populous US Virgin Islands to the west, and the US dollar is the legal currency. In 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated the island of Tortola. An estimated 80% of residential and business structures were destroyed or damaged, communications disrupted, and local roads rendered impassable. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico **Geographic coordinates:** 18 30 N, 64 30 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 151 sq km land: 151 sq km water: 0 sq km note: comprised of 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited islands; includes the islands of Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke **Area - comparative:** about 0.9 times the size of Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 80 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm **Climate:** subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds **Terrain:** coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly **Elevation:** highest point: Mount Sage 521 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m **Natural resources:** NEGL; pleasant climate, beaches foster tourism **Land use:** agricultural land: 46.7% (2023 est.) arable land: 6.7% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 6.7% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 33.3% (2023 est.) forest: 66.5% (2023 est.) other: 0% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** NA **Population distribution:** a fairly even distribution throughout the inhabited islands, with the largest islands of Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke having the largest populations **Natural hazards:** hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October) **Geography - note:** strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico ### People and Society **Population:** total: 40,830 (2025 est.) male: 19,373 female: 21,457 **Nationality:** noun: British Virgin Islander(s) adjective: British Virgin Islander **Ethnic groups:** African/Black 76.3%, Latino 5.5%, White 5.4%, mixed 5.3%, Indian 2.1%, East Indian 1.6%, other 3%, unspecified 0.8% (2010 est.) **Languages:** English (official), Virgin Islands Creole **Religions:** Protestant 70.2% (Methodist 17.6%, Church of God 10.4%, Anglican 9.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 9.0%, Pentecostal 8.2%, Baptist 7.4%, New Testament Church of God 6.9%, other Protestant 1.2%), Roman Catholic 8.9%, Jehovah's Witness 2.5%, Hindu 1.9%, other 6.2%, none 7.9%, unspecified 2.4% (2010 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 16.6% (male 3,298/female 3,351) 15-64 years: 71.3% (male 13,455/female 15,152) 65 years and over: 12.1% (2024 est.) (male 2,289/female 2,557) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 41.3 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 23.4 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 17.8 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 5.6 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 38.8 years (2025 est.) male: 38.1 years female: 38.9 years **Population growth rate:** 1.78% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 10.8 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 5.58 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** 12.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** a fairly even distribution throughout the inhabited islands, with the largest islands of Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke having the largest populations **Urbanization:** urban population: 49.7% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.73% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 15,000 ROAD TOWN (capital) (2018) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 13 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 16 deaths/1,000 live births female: 10.7 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 80.1 years (2024 est.) male: 78.6 years female: 81.7 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.39 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.68 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: total: 99.9% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: total: 0.1% of population (2022 est.) **Education expenditure:** 3.2% of GDP (2023 est.) 13.6% national budget (2025 est.) **School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):** total: 11 years (2022 est.) male: 11 years (2022 est.) female: 11 years (2022 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** limited natural freshwater resources; water pollution from sewage and mining/industry waste; coral reef preservation **Climate:** subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds **Land use:** agricultural land: 46.7% (2023 est.) arable land: 6.7% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 6.7% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 33.3% (2023 est.) forest: 66.5% (2023 est.) other: 0% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 49.7% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.73% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 188,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 188,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 21,100 tons (2024 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: none conventional short form: British Virgin Islands abbreviation: BVI etymology: the islets, cays, and rocks surrounding the major islands reminded explorer Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 of Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgin followers (Santa Ursula y las Once Mil Virgenes), which over time was shortened to the Virgins (las Virgenes) **Government type:** Overseas Territory of the UK with limited self-government; parliamentary democracy **Dependency status:** overseas territory of the UK; internal self-governing **Capital:** name: Road Town geographic coordinates: 18 25 N, 64 37 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: name refers to the nautical term "roadstead" or "roads," a body of water less sheltered than a harbor but where ships can still lie at anchor **Legal system:** English common law **Constitution:** history: several previous; latest effective 15 June 2007 (The Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007) amendment process: initiated by any elected member of the House of Assembly; passage requires simple majority vote by the elected members of the Assembly and assent by the governor on behalf of the monarch **Citizenship:** see United Kingdom **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Daniel PRUCE (since 29 January 2024) head of government: Premier Dr. Natalio WHEATLEY (since 5 May 2022) cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from members of the House of Assembly election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the governor usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as premier note: on 5 May 2022, Premier Andrew FAHIE was removed from office by a no-confidence vote in the House of Assembly after his arrest on drug-trafficking and money-laundering charges; Premier Dr. Natalio WHEATLEY was sworn in as premier on 5 May 2022 **Legislative branch:** legislature name: House of Assembly legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 15 (directly elected and appointed) scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 4/24/2023 parties elected and seats per party: VIP (6); NDP (3); PVIM (3); PU (1) expected date of next election: 2027 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC is headquartered on St. Lucia and consists of the Court of Appeal -- headed by the chief justice and 4 judges -- and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts judge selection and term of office: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62 subordinate courts: Magistrates' Courts **Political parties:** National Democratic Party or NDP Progressive Virgin Islands Movement or PVIM Progressives United or PU Virgin Islands Party or VIP **Diplomatic representation in the US:** none (overseas territory of the UK) **Diplomatic representation from the US:** embassy: none (overseas territory of the UK) **International organization participation:** ACS (associate), Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, OECS, UNESCO (associate), UPU **Independence:** none (overseas territory of the UK) **National holiday:** Territory Day, 1 July (1956) **Flag:** description: blue with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered on the right half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman between two columns of six oil lamps, above a scroll with the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful) meaning: Christopher COLUMBUS named the islands in 1493 in honor of Saint Ursula and her virgin followers, and the figure holding a lamp represents the saint, with the other lamps symbolizing her followers **National symbol(s):** zenaida dove, white cedar flower **National color(s):** yellow, green, red, white, blue **National anthem(s):** title: "God Save the King" lyrics/music: unknown history: official anthem, as a UK overseas territory ### Economy **Economic overview:** British Caribbean island territorial economy; strong tourism and services industries; vulnerable to hurricanes; navigating public debt insolvency since 2008 Crisis; considered a tax haven; high electrification costs; major rum exporter **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $1.634 billion (2024 est.) $1.579 billion (2023 est.) $1.537 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2015 dollars **Real GDP per capita:** $40,500 (2024 est.) $38,600 (2023 est.) $38,400 (2022 est.) note: data in 2015 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $1.598 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 8.5% (2022 est.) 2.8% (2021 est.) 1.4% (2020 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **Agricultural products:** fruits, vegetables; livestock, poultry; fish **Industries:** tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore banking center **Budget:** revenues: $400 million (2017 est.) expenditures: $400 million (2017 est.) **Exports - partners:** Malta 33%, Guyana 22%, Greece 11%, Germany 7%, Indonesia 4% (2023) **Exports - commodities:** ships, refined petroleum, aircraft, molasses, precious stones (2023) **Imports - partners:** USA 34%, Italy 10%, France 9%, China 8%, Luxembourg 5% (2023) **Imports - commodities:** ships, refined petroleum, aircraft, railway cargo containers, jewelry (2023) **Exchange rates:** the US dollar is used ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 63,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 163.82 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 10.18 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 97.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 1.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** imports: 20 metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** refined petroleum consumption: 1,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 66.998 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 24,400 (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 62 (2024 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 36,800 (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 93 (2024 est.) **Broadcast media:** 1 private TV station; multi-channel TV is available from cable and satellite subscription services; about a half-dozen private radio stations **Internet country code:** .vg **Internet users:** percent of population: 78% (2017 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 7,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2022 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** VP-L **Airports:** 3 (2025) **Heliports:** 2 (2025) **Merchant marine:** total: 29 (2023) by type: general cargo 3, other 26 **Ports:** total ports: 1 (2024) large: 0 medium: 1 small: 0 very small: 0 ports with oil terminals: 1 key ports: Road Harbor ### Military and Security **Military - note:** defense is the responsibility of the UK ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 41 (2024 est.) --- ## Cayman Islands **Slug:** cayman-islands **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇰🇾 **Codes:** cek: cj, iso2: KY, iso3: CYM, iso_num: 136, genc: CYM, stanag: CYM, internet: .ky ### Introduction **Background:** The British colonized the Cayman Islands during the 18th and 19th centuries, and Jamaica -- also a British colony at the time -- administered the islands after 1863. In 1959, the islands became a territory within the Federation of the West Indies. When the Federation dissolved in 1962, the Cayman Islands chose to remain a British dependency. The territory has transformed itself into a significant offshore financial center. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, three-island group (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman) in Caribbean Sea, 240 km south of Cuba and 268 km northwest of Jamaica **Geographic coordinates:** 19 30 N, 80 30 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 264 sq km land: 264 sq km water: 0 sq km **Area - comparative:** 1.5 times the size of Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 160 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm **Climate:** tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April) **Terrain:** low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs **Elevation:** highest point: 1 km SW of The Bluff on Cayman Brac 50 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m **Natural resources:** fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism **Land use:** agricultural land: 11.2% (2023 est.) arable land: 0.8% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 2.1% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 8.3% (2023 est.) forest: 53% (2023 est.) other: 35.8% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** NA **Population distribution:** majority of the population resides on Grand Cayman **Natural hazards:** hurricanes (July to November) **Geography - note:** important location between Cuba and Central America ### People and Society **Population:** total: 67,816 (2025 est.) male: 32,930 female: 34,886 **Nationality:** noun: Caymanian(s) adjective: Caymanian **Ethnic groups:** Cayman Islander 35.4%, Jamaican 24.8%, Filipino 5.5%, British 5.3%, American 5.2%, Honduran 4.2%, Canadian 3.3%, Indian 2.1%, Cuban 1.6%, Nicaraguan 1%, other 11.1%, unspecified 0.5% (2021 est.) note: data represent population by country of birth **Languages:** English (official) 88.8%, Spanish 3.9%, Filipino 3.8%, other 2.8%, unspecified 0.7% (2021 est.) note: data represent main language spoken at home **Religions:** Protestant 60.8% (includes Church of God 19.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.7%, non-denominational 8.3%, Baptist 6.9%, Pentecostal 6.8%, Presbyterian/United Church 5.7%, Anglican 2.8%, Wesleyan Holiness 1.5%, Methodist 0.5%), Roman Catholic 13.6%, Hindu 1.7%, Jehovah's Witness 0.9%, other 4.8%, none 16.7%, unspecified 1.4% (2021 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 17.4% (male 5,845/female 5,767) 15-64 years: 65.9% (male 21,480/female 22,456) 65 years and over: 16.7% (2024 est.) (male 5,054/female 6,051) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 53 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 26.6 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 26.4 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 3.8 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 41.3 years (2025 est.) male: 40.3 years female: 42 years **Population growth rate:** 1.71% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 11.41 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 6.24 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** 11.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** majority of the population resides on Grand Cayman **Urbanization:** urban population: 100% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.13% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 35,000 GEORGE TOWN (capital) (2018) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 7.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 8.8 deaths/1,000 live births female: 5.7 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 82.5 years (2024 est.) male: 79.8 years female: 85.2 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.81 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.9 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: urban: 95.5% of population (2022 est.) total: 95.5% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 4.5% of population (2022 est.) total: 4.5% of population (2022 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: urban: 93.5% of population (2022 est.) total: 93.5% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 6.5% of population (2022 est.) total: 6.5% of population (2022 est.) **Education expenditure:** 1.6% of GDP (2023 est.) 15% national budget (2019 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** no natural freshwater resources; trash washing up or being deposited on beaches; no recycling or waste-treatment facilities; deforestation **Climate:** tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April) **Land use:** agricultural land: 11.2% (2023 est.) arable land: 0.8% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 2.1% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 8.3% (2023 est.) forest: 53% (2023 est.) other: 35.8% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 100% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.13% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 737,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 737,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 60,000 tons (2024 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: none conventional short form: Cayman Islands etymology: Spanish explorers named the islands in the early 16th century, using the Carib word for marine crocodiles, caiman **Government type:** parliamentary democracy; self-governing overseas territory of the UK **Dependency status:** overseas territory of the UK **Capital:** name: George Town (on Grand Cayman) geographic coordinates: 19 18 N, 81 23 W time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: originally named Hogstyes, the town was renamed in honor of English King GEORGE III (1738-1820) around 1800 **Administrative divisions:** 6 districts; Bodden Town, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, East End, George Town, North Side, West Bay **Legal system:** English common law and local statutes **Constitution:** history: several previous; latest approved 10 June 2009, entered into force 6 November 2009 (The Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009) **Citizenship:** see United Kingdom **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Jane OWEN (since 21 April 2023) head of government: Premier André Martin EBANKS (since 6 May 2025) cabinet: Cabinet selected from the Parliament and appointed by the governor on the advice of the premier election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the governor appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as premier **Legislative branch:** legislature name: Parliament legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 21 (directly elected and appointed) scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 4/14/2021 parties elected and seats per party: independent (12); PPM (7) percentage of women in chamber: 23.8% expected date of next election: 2025 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and at least 2 judges); Grand Court (consists of the court president and at least 2 judges) judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal and Grand Court judges appointed by the governor on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an 8-member independent body consisting of governor appointees, Court of Appeal president, and attorneys; Court of Appeal judges' tenure based on their individual instruments of appointment; Grand Court judges normally appointed until retirement at age 65 but can be extended until age 70 subordinate courts: Summary Court note: appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) **Political parties:** Cayman Islands Peoples Party or CIPP People's Progressive Movement or PPM **Diplomatic representation in the US:** none (overseas territory of the UK) **Diplomatic representation from the US:** embassy: none (overseas territory of the UK); consular services provided through the US Embassy in Jamaica **International organization participation:** Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UNESCO (associate), UPU **Independence:** none (overseas territory of the UK) **National holiday:** Constitution Day, the first Monday in July (1959) **Flag:** description: a blue field with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms centered on the right half of the flag; the coat of arms has a pineapple, a turtle, a shield with a golden lion and three green stars, and a scroll below the shield with the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS meaning: the pineapple represents ties to Jamaica; the turtle represents the Caymans' seafaring tradition; the lion symbolizes Great Britain; the green stars represent the three islands; the white and blue wavy lines on the coat of arms represent the sea **National symbol(s):** green sea turtle **National coat of arms:** the Queen of England approved the Cayman Islands' coat of arms -- which was designed with input from the public -- in 1958; the shield features the lion of England and three green stars that symbolize the three islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman; the green turtle stands for the islands’ seafaring history, the rope under it for the thatch-rope industry, and the pineapple for historical ties with Jamaica; the motto comes from Psalms 24, acknowledging the Caymans’ Christian heritage **National anthem(s):** title: "Beloved Isle Cayman" lyrics/music: Leila E. ROSS history: adopted 1960; served as an unofficial anthem since 1930 _____ title: "God Save the King" lyrics/music: unknown history: official anthem, as an overseas UK territory ### Economy **Economic overview:** dominant offshore banking territory; services sector accounts for over 85% of economic activity; recently adopted a fiscal responsibility framework to combat tax evasion and money laundering; large tourism sector; does not have any welfare system; high standard of living **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $5.705 billion (2023 est.) $5.467 billion (2022 est.) $5.199 billion (2021 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 4.4% (2023 est.) 5.2% (2022 est.) 4.9% (2021 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $78,100 (2023 est.) $76,400 (2022 est.) $74,200 (2021 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $7.139 billion (2023 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 2% (2017 est.) -0.6% (2016 est.) -2.3% (2015 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 0.5% (2022 est.) industry: 8.2% (2022 est.) services: 85.4% (2022 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **Agricultural products:** vegetables, fruit; livestock; turtle farming **Industries:** tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, construction materials, furniture **Industrial production growth rate:** 3.4% (2022 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Remittances:** 0.2% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.2% of GDP (2022 est.) 0.2% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $874.5 million (2017 est.) expenditures: $766.6 million (2017 est.) **Current account balance:** -$712.684 million (2023 est.) -$749.482 million (2022 est.) -$794.205 million (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $4.6 billion (2023 est.) $4.215 billion (2022 est.) $3.542 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** UK 40%, Cyprus 21%, Germany 9%, Grenada 8%, Italy 5% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** aircraft, ships, refined petroleum, natural gas, broadcasting equipment (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $3.444 billion (2023 est.) $3.287 billion (2022 est.) $2.808 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** Germany 30%, USA 29%, Italy 20%, Turkey 5%, China 5% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** ships, refined petroleum, cars, furniture, jewelry (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $234 million (2023 est.) $225.4 million (2022 est.) $228.3 million (2021 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Exchange rates:** Caymanian dollars (KYD) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 0.833 (2024 est.) 0.833 (2023 est.) 0.833 (2022 est.) 0.833 (2021 est.) 0.833 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 176,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 698.767 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.117 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 96.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 3.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** refined petroleum consumption: 5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 143.149 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 35,800 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 50 (2022 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 99,700 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 139 (2022 est.) **Broadcast media:** 4 TV stations; cable and satellite subscription services offer international programming; government-owned Radio Cayman operates 2 networks broadcasting on 5 stations; 10 privately owned radio stations operate alongside Radio Cayman **Internet country code:** .ky **Internet users:** percent of population: 81% (2017 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 40,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 56 (2022 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** VP-C **Airports:** 3 (2025) **Heliports:** 5 (2025) **Merchant marine:** total: 130 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 29, container ship 3, general cargo 1, oil tanker 20, other 77 **Ports:** total ports: 2 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 0 very small: 2 ports with oil terminals: 2 key ports: Cayman Brac, Georgetown ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** no regular military forces; Royal Cayman Islands Police Service **Military - note:** defense is the responsibility of the UK ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 65 (2024 est.) --- ## Costa Rica **Slug:** costa-rica **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇨🇷 **Codes:** cek: cs, iso2: CR, iso3: CRI, iso_num: 188, genc: CRI, stanag: CRI, internet: .cr ### Introduction **Background:** Although explored by the Spanish early in the 16th century, initial attempts at colonizing Costa Rica proved unsuccessful due to a combination of factors, including disease from mosquito-infested swamps, brutal heat, resistance from Indigenous populations, and pirate raids. It was not until 1563 that a permanent settlement of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands. The area remained a colony for some two-and-a-half centuries. In 1821, Costa Rica was one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared independence from Spain. Two years later it joined the United Provinces of Central America, but this federation disintegrated in 1838, at which time Costa Rica proclaimed its sovereignty and independence. Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the country's democratic development. General Federico TINOCO Granados led a coup in 1917, but the threat of US intervention pushed him to resign in 1919. In 1948, landowner Jose FIGUERES Ferrer raised his own army and rebelled against the government. The brief civil war ended with an agreement to allow FIGUERES to remain in power for 18 months, then step down in favor of the previously elected Otilio ULATE. FIGUERES was later elected twice in his own right, in 1953 and 1970. Costa Rica experienced destabilizing waves of refugees from Central American civil wars in the 1970s and 1980s, but peace in the region has since helped the economy rebound. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. ### Geography **Location:** Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama **Geographic coordinates:** 10 00 N, 84 00 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 51,100 sq km land: 51,060 sq km water: 40 sq km note: includes Isla del Coco **Area - comparative:** slightly smaller than West Virginia **Land boundaries:** total: 661 km border countries (2): Nicaragua 313 km; Panama 348 km **Coastline:** 1,290 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm **Climate:** tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands **Terrain:** coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major active volcanoes **Elevation:** highest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,819 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 746 m **Natural resources:** hydropower **Land use:** agricultural land: 33.1% (2023 est.) arable land: 3.3% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 7.4% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 22.5% (2023 est.) forest: 58.4% (2023 est.) other: 8.4% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 1,015 sq km (2012) **Population distribution:** roughly half of the nation's population resides in urban areas; the capital of San Jose is the largest city and home to approximately one fifth of the population **Natural hazards:** occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast; frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season and landslides; active volcanoes volcanism: Arenal (1,670 m) is the most active volcano in Costa Rica; a 1968 eruption destroyed the town of Tabacon; Irazu (3,432 m), situated just east of San Jose, has the potential to spew ash over the capital city, as it did between 1963 and 1965; other historically active volcanoes include Miravalles, Poas, Rincon de la Vieja, and Turrialba **Geography - note:** four volcanoes, two of them active, rise near the capital of San Jose in the center of the country; one of the volcanoes, Irazu, erupted destructively in 1963-65 ### People and Society **Population:** total: 5,304,932 (2025 est.) male: 2,654,314 female: 2,650,618 **Nationality:** noun: Costa Rican(s) adjective: Costa Rican **Ethnic groups:** White or Mestizo 83.6%, Mulatto 6.7%, Indigenous 2.4%, Black or African descent 1.1%, other 1.1%, none 2.9%, unspecified 2.2% (2011 est.) **Languages:** Spanish (official), English major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. **Religions:** Roman Catholic 47.5%, Evangelical and Pentecostal 19.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.4%, other Protestant 1.2%, other 3.1%, none 27% (2021 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 18.8% (male 506,041/female 482,481) 15-64 years: 70.2% (male 1,862,872/female 1,832,024) 65 years and over: 11.1% (2024 est.) (male 266,568/female 315,589) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 42.7 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 26.2 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 16.5 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 6.1 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 36 years (2025 est.) male: 34.9 years female: 36.1 years **Population growth rate:** 0.75% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 10.86 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 5.24 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** 1.89 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** roughly half of the nation's population resides in urban areas; the capital of San Jose is the largest city and home to approximately one fifth of the population **Urbanization:** urban population: 82.6% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 1.462 million SAN JOSE (capital) (2023) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Maternal mortality ratio:** 24 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 6.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 7 deaths/1,000 live births female: 6.3 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 80.3 years (2024 est.) male: 77.7 years female: 82.9 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.45 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.71 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: urban: 99.8% of population (2022 est.) rural: 99.6% of population (2022 est.) total: 99.8% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 0.2% of population (2022 est.) rural: 0.4% of population (2022 est.) total: 0.2% of population (2022 est.) **Health expenditure:** 7.6% of GDP (2021) 25.8% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 2.69 physicians/1,000 population (2022) **Hospital bed density:** 1.2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: urban: 99.2% of population (2022 est.) rural: 97.6% of population (2022 est.) total: 98.9% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 0.8% of population (2022 est.) rural: 2.4% of population (2022 est.) total: 1.1% of population (2022 est.) **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 25.7% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 3.07 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 2.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.15 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 0.36 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.39 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Tobacco use:** total: 8.1% (2025 est.) male: 12.2% (2025 est.) female: 4.1% (2025 est.) **Children under the age of 5 years underweight:** 2.9% (2018 est.) **Currently married women (ages 15-49):** 41.7% (2022 est.) **Child marriage:** women married by age 15: 2% (2018) women married by age 18: 17.1% (2018) **Education expenditure:** 6.2% of GDP (2021 est.) 31.2% national budget (2021 est.) **Literacy:** female: 94.1% (2018 est.) **School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):** total: 16 years (2019 est.) male: 15 years (2019 est.) female: 16 years (2019 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** deforestation, largely from clearing land for cattle ranching and agriculture; soil erosion; coastal marine pollution; fisheries protection; solid waste management; air pollution **International environmental agreements:** party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation **Climate:** tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands **Land use:** agricultural land: 33.1% (2023 est.) arable land: 3.3% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 7.4% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 22.5% (2023 est.) forest: 58.4% (2023 est.) other: 8.4% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 82.6% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.5% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 7.91 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 58,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 7.852 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 15.1 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.46 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 5.4% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 1.109 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 245.34 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 2.093 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 113 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Republic of Costa Rica conventional short form: Costa Rica local long form: República de Costa Rica local short form: Costa Rica etymology: the name means "rich coast" in Spanish; Christopher COLUMBUS named it in 1502, referring to the region's abundant vegetation and water **Government type:** presidential republic **Capital:** name: San José geographic coordinates: 9 56 N, 84 05 W time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: Spanish settlers originally named the city Villa Nueva in 1736; it was later renamed for Saint Joseph **Administrative divisions:** 7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose **Legal system:** civil law system based on Spanish civil code; Supreme Court reviews legislative acts **Constitution:** history: many previous; latest effective 8 November 1949 amendment process: proposals require the signatures of at least 10 Legislative Assembly members or petition of at least 5% of qualified voters; consideration of proposals requires two-thirds majority approval in each of three readings by the Assembly, followed by preparation of the proposal as a legislative bill and its approval by simple majority of the Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership; a referendum is required only if approved by at least two thirds of the Assembly **International law organization participation:** accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal and compulsory **Executive branch:** chief of state: President Rodrigo CHAVES Robles (since 8 May 2022) head of government: President Rodrigo CHAVES Robles (since 8 May 2022) cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president election/appointment process: president and vice presidents directly elected on the same ballot by modified majority popular vote (40% threshold) for a 4-year term (eligible for non-consecutive terms) most recent election date: 6 February 2022, with a runoff on 3 April 2022 election results: 2022: Rodrigo CHAVES Robles elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Jose Maria FIGUERES Olsen (PLN) 27.3%, Rodrigo CHAVES Robles (PPSD) 16.8%, Fabricio ALVARADO Munoz (PNR) 14.9%, Eliecer FEINZAIG Mintz (PLP) 12.4%, Lineth SABORIO Chaverri (PUSC) 12.4%, Jose Maria VILLALTA Florez-Estrada 8.7% (PFA), other 7.5%; percent of vote in second round - Rodrigo CHAVES Robles (PPSD) 52.8%, Jose Maria FIGUERES Olsen (PLN) 47.2% 2018: Carlos ALVARADO Quesada elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Fabricio ALVARADO Munoz (PRN) 25%; Carlos ALVARADO Quesada (PAC) 21.6%; Antonio ALVAREZ (PLN) 18.6%; Rodolfo PIZA (PUSC) 16%; Juan Diego CASTRO (PIN) 9.5%; Rodolfo HERNANDEZ (PRSC) 4.9%, other 4.4%; percent of vote in second round - Carlos ALVARADO Quesada (PAC) 60.7%; Fabricio ALVARADO Munoz (PRN) 39.3% expected date of next election: 1 February 2026 (a runoff, if needed, will take place in April 2026) note: the president is both chief of state and head of government **Legislative branch:** legislature name: Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa) legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 57 (all directly elected) electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 2/6/2022 parties elected and seats per party: National Liberation Party (PLN) (19); Democratic Social Progress Party (PPSD) (10); Christian Social Unity Party (USC) (9); New Republic Party (NR) (7); Broad Front (FA) (6); Progressive Liberal Party (LP) (6) percentage of women in chamber: 49.1% expected date of next election: February 2026 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Supreme Court of Justice (consists of 22 judges organized into 3 cassation chambers each with 5 judges and the Constitutional Chamber with 7 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court of Justice judges elected by the National Assembly for 8-year terms with renewal decided by the National Assembly subordinate courts: appellate courts; trial courts; first instance and justice of the peace courts; Superior Electoral Tribunal **Political parties:** Accessibility Without Exclusion or PASE Broad Front (Frente Amplio) or PFA Citizen Action Party or PAC Costa Rican Renewal Party or PRC Here Costa Rica Commands Party or ACRM Liberal Progressive Party or PLP Libertarian Movement Party or ML National Integration Party or PIN National Liberation Party or PLN National Restoration Party or PRN New Generation or PNG New Republic Party or PNR Social Christian Republican Party or PRSC Social Christian Unity Party or PUSC of UNIDAD Social Democratic Progress Party or PPSD **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador Catalina CRESPO SANCHO (since 19 April 2023) chancery: 2114 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 499-2980 FAX: [1] (202) 265-4795 email address and website: embcr-us@rree.go.cr https://www.embassycr.org/ consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Washington DC **Diplomatic representation from the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador-designate Melinda HILDEBRAND (since 3 December 2025); Chargé d’Affaires Jennifer SAVAGE (since August 2025) embassy: Calle 98 Via 104, Pavas, San Jose mailing address: 3180 St. George's Place, Washington DC 20521-3180 telephone: [506] 2519-2000 FAX: [506] 2519-2305 email address and website: acssanjose@state.gov https://cr.usembassy.gov/ **International organization participation:** ACS, BCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS, OIF (observer), OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO **Independence:** 15 September 1821 (from Spain) **National holiday:** Independence Day, 15 September (1821) **Flag:** description: five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double-width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical disk placed toward the left side of the red band meaning: the blue is said to stand for the sky, opportunity, and perseverance; the white for peace, happiness, and wisdom; and the red for the blood shed for freedom, as well as Costa Ricans' generosity and vibrancy history: Costa Rica retained the earlier blue-white-blue flag of Central America until 1848 when, in response to revolutions in Europe, it was decided to incorporate the French colors by adding a central red stripe note: somewhat resembles the flag of North Korea; similar to the flag of Thailand, but with the blue and red colors reversed **National symbol(s):** yiguirro (clay-colored thrush) **National color(s):** blue, white, red **National coat of arms:** the Costa Rican coat of arms highlights the country’s natural beauty and history; three volcanoes, each topped with a white cloud, are surrounded with water, symbolizing the seaports of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans; the rising sun in the background stands for the birth of a new nation, and the seven white stars for the country's provinces; the two merchant ships carrying Costa Rica’s flag are a reminder of the maritime trade that shaped the country's history **National anthem(s):** title: "Himno Nacional de Costa Rica" (National Anthem of Costa Rica) lyrics/music: Jose Maria ZELEDON Brenes/Manuel Maria GUTIERREZ history: adopted 1949; the music was originally written for a welcome ceremony in 1852 for the US and UK diplomatic missions; the lyrics were added in 1900 **National heritage:** total World Heritage Sites: 4 (1 cultural, 3 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Guanacaste Conservation Area (n); Cocos Island National Park (n); Precolumbian Stone Spheres (c); La Amistad International Park (n) ### Economy **Economic overview:** trade-based upper middle-income economy; green economy leader, having reversed deforestation; investing in blue economy infrastructure; declining poverty until hard impacts of COVID-19; lingering inequality and growing government debts have prompted a liquidity crisis **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $138.371 billion (2024 est.) $132.64 billion (2023 est.) $126.189 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 4.3% (2024 est.) 5.1% (2023 est.) 4.6% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $27,000 (2024 est.) $26,000 (2023 est.) $24,800 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $95.35 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** -0.4% (2024 est.) 0.5% (2023 est.) 8.3% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 3.6% (2024 est.) industry: 19.7% (2024 est.) services: 68.8% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 63.9% (2024 est.) government consumption: 14.7% (2024 est.) investment in fixed capital: 15.8% (2024 est.) investment in inventories: -0.1% (2024 est.) exports of goods and services: 38.5% (2024 est.) imports of goods and services: -32.8% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection **Agricultural products:** sugarcane, pineapples, bananas, oil palm fruit, milk, fruits, oranges, chicken, cassava, beef (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** medical equipment, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products **Industrial production growth rate:** 4.1% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Labor force:** 2.357 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work **Unemployment rate:** 7.9% (2024 est.) 8.4% (2023 est.) 11.4% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment **Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):** total: 23% (2024 est.) male: 20.7% (2024 est.) female: 26.2% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment **Population below poverty line:** 24.4% (2023 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line **Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income:** 45.8 (2024 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality **Average household expenditures:** on food: 21.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.) on alcohol and tobacco: 1.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.) **Household income or consumption by percentage share:** lowest 10%: 1.7% (2024 est.) highest 10%: 34.2% (2024 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population **Remittances:** 0.8% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.9% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $26.333 billion (2023 est.) expenditures: $25.953 billion (2023 est.) note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Taxes and other revenues:** 13.9% (of GDP) (2023 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP **Current account balance:** -$1.291 billion (2024 est.) -$1.239 billion (2023 est.) -$2.272 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $36.77 billion (2024 est.) $33.683 billion (2023 est.) $29.392 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** USA 40%, Netherlands 6%, China 5%, Guatemala 4%, Belgium 3% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** medical instruments, integrated circuits, orthopedic appliances, bananas, tropical fruits (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $30.459 billion (2024 est.) $28.413 billion (2023 est.) $27.095 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 38%, China 15%, Mexico 6%, Brazil 3%, Guatemala 3% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, plastic products, cars, medical instruments, broadcasting equipment (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $14.177 billion (2024 est.) $13.225 billion (2023 est.) $8.554 billion (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Debt - external:** $15.574 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars **Exchange rates:** Costa Rican colones (CRC) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 515.11 (2024 est.) 544.051 (2023 est.) 647.136 (2022 est.) 620.785 (2021 est.) 584.901 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 3.751 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 9.957 billion kWh (2023 est.) exports: 774 million kWh (2023 est.) imports: 54 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.039 billion kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 12.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 72.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) geothermal: 13.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 0.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** consumption: 23,000 metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 24,000 metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** total petroleum production: 400 bbl/day (2023 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 60,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 30.725 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 610,000 (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 12 (2024 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 6.98 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 136 (2024 est.) **Broadcast media:** over two dozen privately owned TV stations and 1 publicly owned TV station; cable network services are widely available; more than 100 privately owned radio stations and a public radio network (2022) **Internet country code:** .cr **Internet users:** percent of population: 85% (2023 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 1.15 million (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2023 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** TI **Airports:** 132 (2025) **Heliports:** 8 (2025) **Railways:** total: 278 km (2014) narrow gauge: 278 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge note: the entire rail network fell into disrepair and out of use at the end of the 20th century; since 2005, certain sections of rail have been rehabilitated **Merchant marine:** total: 11 (2023) by type: other 11 **Ports:** total ports: 6 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 1 very small: 5 ports with oil terminals: 4 key ports: Golfito, Puerto Caldera, Puerto Limon, Puerto Moin, Puerto Quepos, Puntarenas ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** Ministry of Public Security (Ministerio de Seguridad Pública de Costa Rica): National Police (Fuerza Pública), Air Surveillance Service (Servicio de Vigilancia Aérea), National Coast Guard Service (Servicio Nacional de Guardacostas), Drug Control Police (Policía Control de Drogas), Border Police (Policia de Fronteras), Professional Migration Police (Policía Profesional de Migración) Ministry of Presidency: Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS), Special Intervention Unit (UEI) (2025) note: Costa Rica's armed forces were constitutionally abolished in 1949 **Military expenditures:** 0.6% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.6% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.6% of GDP (2022 est.) 0.7% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.7% of GDP (2020 est.) **Military and security service personnel strengths:** approximately 10-15,000 Ministry of Public Security personnel (2025) **Military equipment inventories and acquisitions:** the National Police are lightly armed although small special units are trained and equipped for tactical operations; the US has provided equipment and support to forces such as the Coast Guard, including secondhand US vessels and aircraft (2025) **Military - note:** Costa Rica relies on specialized paramilitary units within the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) for internal security missions and countering transnational threats such as narcotics smuggling and organized crime, as well as for participating in regional security operations and exercises; MPS forces have received advisory and training support from the US (2025) ### Space **Space agency/agencies:** Costa Rican Space Agency (ACE; established by legislation in 2021) (2025) note: ACE is a non-state, public entity subject to guidelines issued by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Telecommunications of Costa Rica **Space program overview:** has a small, recently established program focused on using space to develop the country’s economy and industry, including acquiring and using satellites; has built a remote sensing (RS) cube satellite; has relations with US space agencies and commercial space industries, as well as with the ESA and the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (2025) **Key space-program milestones:** 2018 - first domestically produced remote sensing cube satellite (Irazú) for monitoring tropical forests and climate change launched by US and deployed from the International Space Station 2021 - signed protocols for newly established Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency; opened US commercial company’s space radar facility for mapping and space situational awareness 2022 - domestically produced scientific device (Proyecto Musa or Musa Project) launched on European rocket 2024 - participated in first China-Latin America and the Caribbean Space Cooperation Forum ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 249,521 (2024 est.) IDPs: 58 (2024 est.) stateless persons: 345 (2024 est.) **Illicit drugs:** USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country major precursor-chemical producer (2025) --- ## Cuba **Slug:** cuba **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇨🇺 **Codes:** cek: cu, iso2: CU, iso3: CUB, iso_num: 192, genc: CUB, stanag: CUB, internet: .cu ### Introduction **Background:** The native Amerindian population of Cuba began to decline after the arrival of Christopher COLUMBUS in 1492, as the country was developed as a Spanish colony during the next several centuries. Large numbers of African slaves were imported to work the coffee and sugar plantations, and Havana became the launching point for the annual treasure fleets bound for Spain from Mexico and Peru. Spanish rule eventually provoked an independence movement, and occasional rebellions were harshly suppressed. US intervention during the Spanish-American War in 1898 assisted the Cubans in overthrowing Spanish rule. The Treaty of Paris established Cuban independence from Spain in 1898, and after three-and-a-half years of subsequent US military rule, Cuba became an independent republic in 1902. Cuba then experienced a string of governments mostly dominated by the military and corrupt politicians. Fidel CASTRO led a rebel army to victory in 1959; his authoritarian rule held the subsequent regime together for nearly five decades. He handed off the presidency to his younger brother Raul CASTRO in 2008. Cuba's communist revolution, with Soviet support, was exported throughout Latin America and Africa during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Miguel DIAZ-CANEL Bermudez, hand-picked by Raul CASTRO to succeed him, was approved as president by the National Assembly and took office in 2018. DIAZ-CANEL was appointed First Secretary of the Communist Party in 2021 after the retirement of Raul CASTRO and continues to serve as both president and first secretary. Cuba traditionally and consistently portrays the US embargo, in place since 1961, as the source of its socioeconomic difficulties. As a result of efforts begun in 2014 to reestablish diplomatic relations, the US and Cuba reopened embassies in their respective countries in 2015. The embargo remains in place, however, and the relationship between the US and Cuba remains tense. Illicit migration of Cuban nationals to the US via maritime and overland routes has been a longstanding challenge. In 2017, the US and Cuba signed a Joint Statement ending the so-called "wet-foot, dry-foot" policy, by which Cuban nationals who reached US soil were permitted to stay. Irregular Cuban maritime migration has dropped significantly since 2016, when migrant interdictions at sea topped 5,000, but land border crossings continue. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, 150 km south of Key West, Florida **Geographic coordinates:** 21 30 N, 80 00 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 110,860 sq km land: 109,820 sq km water: 1,040 sq km **Area - comparative:** slightly smaller than Pennsylvania **Land boundaries:** total: 28.5 km border countries (1): US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay 28.5 km note: Guantanamo Naval Base is leased by the US and remains part of Cuba **Coastline:** 3,735 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm **Climate:** tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October) **Terrain:** mostly flat to rolling plains, with rugged hills and mountains in the southeast **Elevation:** highest point: Pico Turquino 1,974 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 108 m **Natural resources:** cobalt, nickel, iron ore, chromium, copper, salt, timber, silica, petroleum, arable land **Land use:** agricultural land: 61.7% (2023 est.) arable land: 28% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 6.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 27.4% (2023 est.) forest: 34.9% (2023 est.) other: 3.5% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 8,700 sq km (2012) **Population distribution:** large population clusters found throughout the country, the more significant ones being in the larger towns and cities, particularly the capital of Havana **Natural hazards:** the east coast is subject to hurricanes from August to November (in general, the country averages about one hurricane every other year); droughts are common **Geography - note:** largest country in Caribbean and westernmost island of the Greater Antilles ### People and Society **Population:** total: 10,059,519 (2025 est.) male: 4,950,615 female: 5,108,904 **Nationality:** noun: Cuban(s) adjective: Cuban **Ethnic groups:** White 64.1%, Mulatto or mixed 26.6%, Black 9.3% (2012 est.) note: data represent racial self-identification from Cuba's 2012 national census **Languages:** Spanish (official) major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. **Religions:** Christian 58.9%, folk religion 17.6%, Buddhist <1%, Hindu <1%, Jewish <1%, Muslim <1%, other <1%, none 23.2% (2020 est.) note: folk religions include religions of African origin, spiritualism, and others intermingled with Catholicism or Protestantism; data is estimative because no authoritative source on religious affiliation exists for Cuba **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 16.3% (male 918,066/female 866,578) 15-64 years: 66.5% (male 3,670,531/female 3,623,658) 65 years and over: 17.2% (2024 est.) (male 852,910/female 1,034,295) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 50.2 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 22.6 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 27.6 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 3.6 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 46.2 years (2025 est.) male: 41 years female: 44.4 years **Population growth rate:** -0.6% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 7.78 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 11.42 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -2.39 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** large population clusters found throughout the country, the more significant ones being in the larger towns and cities, particularly the capital of Havana **Urbanization:** urban population: 77.5% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.19% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 2.149 million HAVANA (capital) (2023) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Maternal mortality ratio:** 35 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 5.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 4.5 deaths/1,000 live births female: 3.5 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 80.1 years (2024 est.) male: 77.8 years female: 82.6 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.49 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.72 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: urban: 95.5% of population (2022 est.) rural: 91.8% of population (2022 est.) total: 94.7% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 4.5% of population (2022 est.) rural: 8.2% of population (2022 est.) total: 5.3% of population (2022 est.) **Health expenditure:** 13.8% of GDP (2021) 21% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 9.54 physicians/1,000 population (2021) **Hospital bed density:** 4.2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: urban: 98.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 95.7% of population (2022 est.) total: 97.8% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 1.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 4.3% of population (2022 est.) total: 2.2% of population (2022 est.) **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 24.6% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 4.7 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 1.77 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.23 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 2.69 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Tobacco use:** total: 16.7% (2025 est.) male: 24.7% (2025 est.) female: 9% (2025 est.) **Children under the age of 5 years underweight:** 2.4% (2019 est.) **Currently married women (ages 15-49):** 58.6% (2019 est.) **Child marriage:** women married by age 15: 4.8% (2019) women married by age 18: 29.4% (2019) men married by age 18: 5.9% (2019) **Education expenditure:** 8.4% of GDP (2022 est.) 17% national budget (2022 est.) **Literacy:** total population: 97.7% (2019 est.) male: 99% (2019 est.) female: 96.3% (2019 est.) **School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):** total: 14 years (2023 est.) male: 13 years (2023 est.) female: 15 years (2023 est.) **People - note:** illicit emigration is a continuing problem; Cubans attempt to depart the island and enter the US using homemade rafts, alien smugglers, direct flights, or falsified visas; Cubans also use non-maritime routes to enter the US including direct flights to Miami and overland via the southwest border; the number of Cubans migrating to the US surged after the announcement of normalization of US-Cuban relations in late December 2014 but has decreased since the end of the so-called "wet-foot, dry-foot" policy on 12 January 2017 ### Environment **Environmental issues:** soil degradation and desertification (brought on by poor farming techniques and natural disasters); biodiversity loss; deforestation; air and water pollution **International environmental agreements:** party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation **Climate:** tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October) **Land use:** agricultural land: 61.7% (2023 est.) arable land: 28% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 6.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 27.4% (2023 est.) forest: 34.9% (2023 est.) other: 3.5% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 77.5% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.19% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 19.716 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 16,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 18.12 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from consumed natural gas: 1.58 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 13.3 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Methane emissions:** energy: 23 kt (2022-2024 est.) agriculture: 249.7 kt (2019-2021 est.) waste: 146.4 kt (2019-2021 est.) other: 2.2 kt (2019-2021 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.693 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 25.7% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 1.7 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 740 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 4.519 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 38.12 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Republic of Cuba conventional short form: Cuba local long form: República de Cuba local short form: Cuba etymology: the origin of the name is disputed; it could be derived from a local Taino word, either cubao, meaning "where fertile land is abundant," or coabana, meaning "great place" **Government type:** communist state **Capital:** name: Havana geographic coordinates: 23 07 N, 82 21 W time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November; note - Cuba has been known to alter the schedule of DST on short notice in an attempt to conserve electricity for lighting etymology: Spanish soldier Diego VELAZQUEZ named the city San Cristobal de la Habana, or Saint Christopher of the Habana; "Habana" may have been the name of a local ethnic group, but the meaning of the word is unknown **Administrative divisions:** 15 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 special municipality* (municipio especial); Artemisa, Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Cienfuegos, Granma, Guantanamo, Holguin, Isla de la Juventud*, La Habana (Havana), Las Tunas, Matanzas, Mayabeque, Pinar del Río, Sancti Spiritus, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara **Legal system:** civil law system based on Spanish civil code **Constitution:** history: several previous; latest drafted 14 July 2018, approved by the National Assembly 22 December 2018, approved by referendum 24 February 2019 amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly of People’s Power; passage requires approval of at least two-thirds majority of the National Assembly membership; amendments to constitutional articles on the authorities of the National Assembly, Council of State, or any rights and duties in the constitution also require approval in a referendum; constitutional articles on the Cuban political, social, and economic system cannot be amended **International law organization participation:** has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: unknown **Suffrage:** 16 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: President Miguel DIAZ-CANEL Bermudez (since 19 April 2018) head of government: Prime Minister Manuel MARRERO Cruz (since 21 December 2019) cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the president and appointed by the National Assembly election/appointment process: president and vice president indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term) most recent election date: 19 April 2023 election results: 2023: Miguel DIAZ-CANEL Bermudez (PCC) reelected president; percent of National Assembly vote - 97.7%; Salvador Antonio VALDES Mesa (PCC) reelected vice president; percent of National Assembly vote - 93.4% 2018: Miguel DIAZ-CANEL Bermudez (PCC) elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - 98.8%; Salvador Antonio VALDES Mesa (PCC) elected vice president; percent of National Assembly vote - 98.1% expected date of next election: 2028 **Legislative branch:** legislature name: National Assembly of the People's Power (Asamblea nacional del Poder popular) legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 470 (all directly elected) electoral system: other systems scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 3/26/2023 percentage of women in chamber: 55.7% expected date of next election: March 2028 note: the National Candidature Commission submits a slate of approved candidates; to be elected, candidates must receive more than 50% of valid votes, otherwise the seat remains vacant or the Council of State can declare another election **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): People's Supreme Court (consists of court president, vice president, 41 professional justices, and NA lay judges); organization includes the State Council, criminal, civil, administrative, labor, crimes against the state, and military courts) judge selection and term of office: professional judges elected by the National Assembly are not subject to a specific term; lay judges nominated by workplace collectives and neighborhood associations and elected by municipal or provincial assemblies; lay judges appointed for 5-year terms and serve up to 30 days per year subordinate courts: People's Provincial Courts; People's Regional Courts; People's Courts **Political parties:** Cuban Communist Party or PCC **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Lianys TORRES RIVERA (since 14 January 2021) chancery: 2630 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 797-8515 FAX: [1] (202) 797-8521 email address and website: recepcion@usadc.embacuba.cu https://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/en/usa/embassy-cuba-usa **Diplomatic representation from the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Mike HAMMER (since 14 November 2024) embassy: Calzada between L & M Streets, Vedado, Havana mailing address: 3200 Havana Place, Washington DC 20521-3200 telephone: [53] (7) 839-4100 FAX: [53] (7) 839-4247 email address and website: acshavana@state.gov https://cu.usembassy.gov/ **International organization participation:** ACP, ACS, ALBA, AOSIS, CABEI, CELAC, EAEU (observer), FAO, G-77, IAEA, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, NAM, OAS (excluded from formal participation since 1962), OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Petrocaribe, PIF (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO **Independence:** 20 May 1902 (from US administration); 10 December 1898 (from Spain); not acknowledged by the Cuban Government as days of independence **National holiday:** Triumph of the Revolution (Liberation Day), 1 January (1959) **Flag:** description: five equal horizontal bands of blue (top, center, and bottom) alternating with white; a red equilateral triangle based on the left side has a five-pointed white star in the center meaning: the blue bands stand for the islands' three former departments: Central, Occidental, and Oriental; the white bands for the purity of the independence ideal; the triangle for liberty, equality, and fraternity; the red color for the blood shed in the independence struggle; the white star, called "La Estrella Solitaria" (the Lone Star), lights the way to freedom and was inspired by the state flag of Texas note: design similar to the Puerto Rican flag, with the colors of the bands and triangle reversed **National symbol(s):** royal palm **National color(s):** red, white, blue **National anthem(s):** title: "La Bayamesa" (The Bayamo Song) lyrics/music: Pedro FIGUEREDO history: adopted 1940; Pedro FIGUEREDO first performed it in 1868 during the Ten Years War against the Spanish; a leading figure in the uprising, FIGUEREDO was captured in 1870 and executed by a firing squad; just before being shot, he is said to have shouted, "Morir por la Patria es vivir" (To die for the country is to live), a line from the anthem **National heritage:** total World Heritage Sites: 9 (7 cultural, 2 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Old Havana (c); Trinidad and the Valley de los Ingenios (c); San Pedro de la Roca Castle (c); Desembarco del Granma National Park (n); Viñales Valley (c); Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations (c); Alejandro de Humboldt National Park (n); Historic Cienfuegos (c); Historic Camagüey (c) ### Economy **Economic overview:** still largely state-run planned economy, although privatization increasing under new constitution; widespread protests due to lack of basic necessities and electricity; massive foreign investment increases recently; known tobacco exporter; unique oil-for-doctors relationship with Venezuela; widespread corruption **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $81.165 billion (2024 est.) $81.985 billion (2023 est.) $83.597 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2015 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** -1.9% (2023 est.) 1.8% (2022 est.) 1.3% (2021 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $23,700 (2024 est.) $18,300 (2023 est.) $13,300 (2022 est.) note: data in 2015 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $259.781 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 76.1% (2022 est.) 151.9% (2021 est.) 11.9% (2020 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 1.3% (2023 est.) industry: 27.5% (2023 est.) services: 70% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 73.3% (2023 est.) government consumption: 25.5% (2023 est.) investment in fixed capital: 12.3% (2023 est.) investment in inventories: 10% (2023 est.) exports of goods and services: 43.5% (2023 est.) imports of goods and services: -64.6% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection **Agricultural products:** sugarcane, cassava, plantains, vegetables, mangoes/guavas, milk, tomatoes, pumpkins/squash, sweet potatoes, bananas (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** petroleum, nickel, cobalt, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, construction, steel, cement, agricultural machinery, sugar **Industrial production growth rate:** -0.9% (2023 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Labor force:** 4.859 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work **Unemployment rate:** 1.6% (2024 est.) 1.8% (2023 est.) 1.9% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment **Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):** total: 3.9% (2024 est.) male: 4.1% (2024 est.) female: 3.5% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment **Budget:** revenues: $54.52 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: $64.64 billion (2017 est.) **Exports:** $8.768 billion (2020 est.) $12.632 billion (2019 est.) $14.53 billion (2018 est.) note: GDP expenditure basis - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** China 34%, Spain 12%, Germany 6%, Switzerland 5%, Hong Kong 4% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** tobacco, nickel, liquor, zinc ore, precious metal ore (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $8.067 billion (2020 est.) $10.971 billion (2019 est.) $12.567 billion (2018 est.) note: GDP expenditure basis - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** Spain 24%, China 13%, Netherlands 10%, USA 9%, Canada 6% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** beer, poultry, rice, plastic products, soybean oil (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Exchange rates:** Cuban pesos (CUP) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 24 (2024 est.) 24 (2023 est.) 24 (2022 est.) 24 (2021 est.) 1 (2020 est.) note: official exchange rate of 24 Cuban pesos per US dollar effective 1 January 2021 ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 7.264 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 11.951 billion kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 3.352 billion kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 95.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 1.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 2.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** consumption: 1,000 metric tons (2023 est.) exports: 25 metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 8,000 metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** total petroleum production: 34,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 118,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 124 million barrels (2021 est.) **Natural gas:** production: 850.133 million cubic meters (2023 est.) consumption: 850.133 million cubic meters (2023 est.) proven reserves: 70.792 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 26.07 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 1.59 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 15 (2024 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 8.01 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 73 (2024 est.) **Broadcast media:** government owns and controls all broadcast media: 8 national TV channels (Cubavision, Cubavision Plus, Tele Rebelde, Multivision, Educational Channel 1 and 2, Canal Clave, Canal Habana), 2 international channels (Cubavision Internacional and Canal Caribe), multiple regional TV stations, 7 national radio networks, and multiple regional radio stations; the government uses the Radio-TV Marti signal; private ownership of electronic media is officially prohibited, with several online independent news sites tolerated but blocked if critical of the government; YouTube popular; Christian denominations create original video content to distribute via social media (2023) **Internet country code:** .cu **Internet users:** percent of population: 71% (2023 est.) note: private citizens are prohibited from buying computers or accessing the Internet without special authorization; foreigners may access the Internet in large hotels but are subject to firewalls; some Cubans buy illegal passwords on the black market or take advantage of public outlets to access limited email and the government-controlled "intranet"; issues relating to COVID-19 impact research into internet adoption, so actual internet user figures may be different than published numbers suggest **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 327,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2023 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** CU **Airports:** 120 (2025) **Heliports:** 4 (2025) **Railways:** total: 8,367 km (2017) standard gauge: 8,195 km (2017) 1.435-m gauge (124 km electrified) narrow gauge: 172 km (2017) 1.000-m gauge note: As of 2013, 70 km of standard gauge and 12 km of narrow gauge track were not for public use **Merchant marine:** total: 65 (2023) by type: general cargo 13, oil tanker 10, other 42 **Ports:** total ports: 34 (2024) large: 6 medium: 3 small: 10 very small: 6 size unknown: 9 ports with oil terminals: 14 key ports: Antilla, Bahai de la Habana, Bahia de Sagua de Tanamo, Cabanas, Casilda, Cienfuegos, Nuevitas Bay, Puerto Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** Revolutionary Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias, FAR): Ground Troops (Tropas Terrestres), Revolutionary Navy (Marina de Guerra Revolucionaria, MGR), Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Forces (Defensas Anti-Aereas y Fuerza Aerea Revolucionaria, DAAFAR) Paramilitary forces under the FAR: Youth Labor Army (Ejercito Juvenil del Trabajo, EJT), Territorial Militia Troops (Milicia de Tropas de Territoriales, MTT), Defense and Production Brigades (Brigadas de Producción y Defensa, BPD), Civil Defense Organization (Defensa Civil de Cuba) Ministry of Interior: National Revolutionary Police (Policía Nacional Revolucionaria, PNR), Directorate of Border Guard Troops (Dirección de Tropas de Guardia Fronteriza, TGF), Department of State Security (Departamento de Seguridad del Estado, DSE) (2025) **Military expenditures:** 4.2% of GDP (2020 est.) 3.2% of GDP (2019 est.) 2.9% of GDP (2018 est.) 2.9% of GDP (2017 est.) 3.1% of GDP (2016 est.) **Military and security service personnel strengths:** limited available information; estimated 50,000 active Armed Forces (2025) **Military equipment inventories and acquisitions:** the military's inventory is comprised of Russian and Soviet-era equipment (2025) **Military service age and obligation:** military service is mandatory for all men and voluntary for women (ages 17-28); service obligation is 24 months with the Armed Forces or the Ministry of Interior; reserve commitment for men until age 45 (2025) **Military - note:** the Cuban military is largely focused on protecting territorial integrity and the state; it perceives the US as its primary threat; the military is a central pillar of the Cuban regime and viewed as the guardian of the Cuban revolution; it has an important role in the country’s politics and economy; many senior government posts are held by military officers, and the FAR reportedly has interests in agriculture, banking and finance, construction, import/exports, ports, industry, real estate, retail, shipping, transportation, and tourism (2025) ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 171 (2024 est.) IDPs: 37,171 (2024 est.) **Trafficking in persons:** tier rating: Tier 3 — Cuba does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, therefore, Cuba remained on Tier 3; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/cuba/ --- ## Curacao **Slug:** curacao **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇨🇼 **Codes:** cek: uc, iso2: CW, iso3: CUW, iso_num: 531, genc: CUW, stanag: -, internet: .cw ### Introduction **Background:** The original Arawak Indian settlers who arrived on Curaçao from South America in about A.D. 1000 were largely enslaved by the Spanish early in the 16th century and forcibly relocated to other colonies where labor was needed. The Dutch seized Curaçao from the Spanish in 1634. Once the center of the Caribbean slave trade, Curaçao was hard hit economically when the Dutch abolished slavery in 1863. Its prosperity (and that of neighboring Aruba) was restored in the early 20th century with the construction of the Isla Refineria to service the newly discovered Venezuelan oilfields. In 1954, Curaçao and several other Dutch Caribbean colonies were reorganized as the Netherlands Antilles, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In referenda in 2005 and 2009, the citizens of Curaçao voted to become a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The change in status became effective in 2010 with the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, an island in the Caribbean Sea, 55 km off the coast of Venezuela **Geographic coordinates:** 12 10 N, 69 00 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 444 sq km land: 444 sq km water: 0 sq km **Area - comparative:** more than twice the size of Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 364 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm **Climate:** tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in mild temperatures; semiarid with average rainfall of 60 cm/year **Terrain:** generally low, hilly terrain **Elevation:** highest point: Mt. Christoffel 372 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m **Natural resources:** calcium phosphates, protected harbors, hot springs **Land use:** agricultural land: 0% (2022 est.) arable land: 10% (2018) forest: 0.2% (2022 est.) other: 99.8% (2022 est.) **Irrigated land:** NA **Population distribution:** largest concentration on the island is Willemstad; smaller settlements near the coast can be found throughout the island, particularly in the northwest **Natural hazards:** Curacao is south of the Caribbean hurricane belt and is rarely threatened **Geography - note:** Curaçao is a part of the Windward Islands (southern) group in the Lesser Antilles ### People and Society **Population:** total: 153,693 (2025 est.) male: 73,992 female: 79,701 **Nationality:** noun: Curacaoan adjective: Curacaoan; Dutch **Ethnic groups:** Curacaoan 75.4%, Dutch 6%, Dominican 3.6%, Colombian 3%, Bonairean, Sint Eustatian, Saban 1.5%, Haitian 1.2%, Surinamese 1.2%, Venezuelan 1.1%, Aruban 1.1%, other 5%, unspecified 0.9% (2011 est.) **Languages:** Papiamento (official) (a creole language that is a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, and, to a lesser extent, French, as well as elements of African languages and the language of the Arawak) 80%, Dutch (official) 8.8%, Spanish 5.6%, English (official) 3.1%, other 2.3%, unspecified 0.3% (2011 est.) note: data represent most spoken language in household **Religions:** Roman Catholic 72.8%, Pentecostal 6.6%, Protestant 3.2%, Adventist 3%, Jehovah's Witness 2%, Evangelical 1.9%, other 3.8%, none 6%, unspecified 0.6% (2011 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 19.2% (male 15,069/female 14,337) 15-64 years: 62.3% (male 47,258/female 48,217) 65 years and over: 18.5% (2024 est.) (male 11,428/female 16,980) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 61.8 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 30.9 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 30.9 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 3.2 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 38.1 years (2025 est.) male: 35.5 years female: 40.2 years **Population growth rate:** 0.25% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 12.71 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 8.91 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -1.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** largest concentration on the island is Willemstad; smaller settlements near the coast can be found throughout the island, particularly in the northwest **Urbanization:** urban population: 89% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.57% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 144,000 WILLEMSTAD (capital) (2018) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 7.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 8.3 deaths/1,000 live births female: 6.7 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 79.9 years (2024 est.) male: 77.6 years female: 82.3 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.95 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.95 (2025 est.) **Education expenditure:** 7.4% of GDP (2020 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** waste management, including pollution of marine areas from domestic sewage, inadequate sewage treatment facilities, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, mismanagement of toxic substances, and ineffective regulations; damage from neglect and a lack of controls at major refinery **Climate:** tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in mild temperatures; semiarid with average rainfall of 60 cm/year **Land use:** agricultural land: 0% (2022 est.) arable land: 10% (2018) forest: 0.2% (2022 est.) other: 99.8% (2022 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 89% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.57% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 24,700 tons (2024 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Country of Curacao conventional short form: Curacao local long form: Land Curacao (Dutch)/ Pais Korsou (Papiamento) local short form: Curacao (Dutch)/ Korsou (Papiamento) former: Netherlands Antilles; Curacao and Dependencies etymology: the origin of the name is disputed; many historians now agree that the name derives from a similar-sounding word the original inhabitants used to describe themselves **Government type:** parliamentary democracy **Dependency status:** one of four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010; Dutch government responsible for defense and foreign affairs note: the other three constituent countries in the Kingdom of the Netherlands are the Netherlands, Aruba, and Sint Maarten **Capital:** name: Willemstad geographic coordinates: 12 06 N, 68 55 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name means "William's Town" in Dutch; named after Prince WILLEM of Orange (1533-84), the first stadtholder of the United Provinces of the Netherlands **Legal system:** based on Dutch civil law **Constitution:** history: previous 1947, 1955; latest adopted 5 September 2010, entered into force 10 October 2010 (regulates governance of Curacao but is subordinate to the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands) **Citizenship:** see the Netherlands **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: King WILLEM-ALEXANDER of the Netherlands (since 30 April 2013); represented by Governor Lucille A. GEORGE-WOUT (since 4 November 2013) head of government: Prime Minister Gilmar PISAS (since 14 June 2021) cabinet: Cabinet sworn-in by the governor election/appointment process: the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the legislature usually elects the leader of the majority party as prime minister most recent election date: 21 March 2025 expected date of next election: 2029 **Legislative branch:** legislature name: Parliament of Curacao legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 21 (directly elected) electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 3/19/2021 parties elected and seats per party: MFK (9); PAR (4); PNP (4); MAN (2); KEM (1); TPK (1) percentage of women in chamber: 28.6% expected date of next election: 2025 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba or "Joint Court of Justice" (sits as a 3-judge panel); final appeals heard by the Supreme Court in The Hague, Netherlands judge selection and term of office: Joint Court judges appointed by the monarch for life subordinate courts: first instance courts, appeals court; specialized courts **Political parties:** Korsou di Nos Tur or KdnT Korsou Esun Miho or KEM Movementu Futuro Korsou or MFK Movementu Progresivo or MP Movishon Antia Nobo or MAN Partido Antia Restruktura or PAR Partido Inovashon Nashonal or PIN Partido Nashonal di Pueblo or PNP Pueblo Soberano or PS Trabou pa Kòrsou or TPK Un Korsou Hustu **Diplomatic representation in the US:** none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands) **Diplomatic representation from the US:** chief of mission: Consul General Ramón “Chico” NEGRÓN (since 9 June 2025); note - also accredited to Aruba and Sint Maarten embassy: P.O. Box 158, J.B. Gorsiraweg 1 mailing address: 3160 Curacao Place, Washington DC 20521-3160 telephone: [599] (9) 461-3066 FAX: [599] (9) 461-6489 email address and website: ACSCuracao@state.gov https://cw.usconsulate.gov/ **International organization participation:** ACS (associate), Caricom (observer), FATF, ILO, ITU, UNESCO (associate), UPU **Independence:** none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) **National holiday:** King's Day (birthday of King WILLEM-ALEXANDER), 27 April (1967) note: King's or Queen's Day are observed on the ruling monarch's birthday; celebrated on 26 April if 27 April is a Sunday **Flag:** description: on a blue field, a horizontal yellow band divides the flag below the center; two five-pointed white stars -- the smaller above and to the left of the larger -- appear in the upper left meaning: the blue stands for the sky and sea, and yellow for the sun; the stars symbolize Curacao and its uninhabited sister island of Klein Curacao (Little Curacao); the star points represent the five continents from which Curacao's inhabitants originate **National symbol(s):** laraha (citrus tree) **National color(s):** blue, yellow, white **National anthem(s):** title: "Himmo di Korsou" (Anthem of Curacao) lyrics/music: Guillermo ROSARIO, Mae HENRIQUEZ, Enrique MULLER, Betty DORAN/Frater Candidus NOWENS, Errol "El Toro" COLINA history: adapted 1978; the lyrics, originally written in 1899, were rewritten in 1978 to remove colonial references **National heritage:** total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural); note - excerpted from the Netherlands entry selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Willemstad ### Economy **Economic overview:** high-income island economy; developed infrastructure; tourism and financial services-based economy; investing in information technology incentives; oil refineries service Venezuela and China **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $4.312 billion (2023 est.) $4.138 billion (2022 est.) $3.834 billion (2021 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 4.2% (2023 est.) 7.9% (2022 est.) 4.2% (2021 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $27,700 (2023 est.) $27,600 (2022 est.) $25,200 (2021 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $3.281 billion (2023 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 2.6% (2019 est.) 2.6% (2018 est.) 1.6% (2017 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 0.3% (2023 est.) industry: 11.7% (2023 est.) services: 73.3% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 73.2% (2018 est.) government consumption: 14.5% (2018 est.) investment in fixed capital: 34% (2018 est.) investment in inventories: 7.1% (2018 est.) exports of goods and services: 63.2% (2018 est.) imports of goods and services: -92% (2018 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection **Agricultural products:** aloe, sorghum, peanuts, vegetables, tropical fruit **Industries:** tourism, petroleum refining, petroleum transshipment, light manufacturing, financial and business services **Remittances:** 5.4% of GDP (2023 est.) 5.2% of GDP (2022 est.) 5.2% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Current account balance:** -$654.688 million (2023 est.) -$822.667 million (2022 est.) -$508.758 million (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $2.107 billion (2023 est.) $2.046 billion (2022 est.) $1.363 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** Armenia 57%, USA 15%, Guyana 5%, Dominican Republic 4%, Netherlands 2% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** diamonds, refined petroleum, crude petroleum, gold, petroleum coke (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $2.764 billion (2023 est.) $2.891 billion (2022 est.) $1.91 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 39%, Netherlands 24%, China 6%, Colombia 5%, Brazil 3% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, cars, garments, plastic products, packaged medicine (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Exchange rates:** Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 1.79 (2024 est.) 1.79 (2023 est.) 1.79 (2022 est.) 1.79 (2021 est.) 1.79 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 46,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 25 (2023 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 174,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 94 (2023 est.) **Broadcast media:** government-run TeleCuracao operates a TV station and a radio station; 2 other privately owned TV stations and several privately owned radio stations (2019) **Internet country code:** .cw **Internet users:** percent of population: 68% (2017 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 61,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 33 (2022 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** PJ **Airports:** 1 (2025) **Merchant marine:** total: 57 (2023) by type: general cargo 5, oil tanker 1, other 51 **Ports:** total ports: 4 (2024) large: 0 medium: 2 small: 1 very small: 1 ports with oil terminals: 3 key ports: Bullenbaai, Caracasbaai, Sint Michelsbaai, Willemstad ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** Curaçao Militia (CURMIL); Curaçao Volunteer Corps; Curacao Police Force (Korps Politie Curacao) (2025) **Military - note:** defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the Dutch Government controls foreign and defense policy; local security forces are supported by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (Gendarmerie), the Dutch Caribbean Police Force (Korps Politie Caribisch Nederland, KPCN), and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG or Kustwacht Caribisch Gebied (KWCARIB)); there are two Dutch naval bases on Curaçao, and the Dutch Army maintains a small unit on a rotational basis (2025) --- ## Dominica **Slug:** dominica **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇩🇲 **Codes:** cek: do, iso2: DM, iso3: DMA, iso_num: 212, genc: DMA, stanag: DMA, internet: .dm ### Introduction **Background:** Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans, due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs. France ceded possession to Britain in 1763, and Dominica became a British colony in 1805. Slavery ended in 1833, and in 1835, the first three men of African descent were elected to the legislative assembly of Dominica. In 1871, Dominica became first part of the British Leeward Islands and then the British Windward Islands until 1958. In 1967, Dominica became an associated state of the UK, formally taking responsibility for its internal affairs, and the country gained its independence in 1978. In 1980, Dominica's fortunes improved when Mary Eugenia CHARLES -- the first female prime minister in the Caribbean -- replaced a corrupt and tyrannical administration, and she served for the next 15 years. In 2017, Hurricane Maria passed over the island, causing extensive damage to structures, roads, communications, and the power supply, and largely destroying critical agricultural areas. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago **Geographic coordinates:** 15 25 N, 61 20 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 751 sq km land: 751 sq km water: NEGL **Area - comparative:** slightly more than four times the size of Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 148 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm **Climate:** tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall **Terrain:** rugged mountains of volcanic origin **Elevation:** highest point: Morne Diablotins 1,447 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m **Natural resources:** timber, hydropower, arable land **Land use:** agricultural land: 33.3% (2023 est.) arable land: 8% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 22.7% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 2.7% (2023 est.) forest: 76.6% (2023 est.) other: 0% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** NA **Population distribution:** population is mostly clustered along the coast, with roughly a third living in the parish of St. George, in or around the capital of Roseau; the volcanic interior is sparsely populated **Natural hazards:** flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes can be expected during the late summer months volcanism: Dominica lies in the middle of the volcanic-island arc of the Lesser Antilles that extends from the island of Saba in the north to Grenada in the south; of the 16 volcanoes that make up this arc, five are located on Dominica, more than any other island in the Caribbean: Morne aux Diables (861 m), Morne Diablotins (1,430 m), Morne Trois Pitons (1,387 m), Watt Mountain (1,224 m), which last erupted in 1997, and Morne Plat Pays (940 m); the two best-known volcanic features on Dominica, the Valley of Desolation and the Boiling Lake thermal areas, lie on the flanks of Watt Mountain, and both are popular tourist destinations **Geography - note:** known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its lush and varied flora and fauna, which are protected by an extensive natural park system; the most mountainous of the Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and include Boiling Lake, the second-largest thermally active lake in the world ### People and Society **Population:** total: 74,642 (2025 est.) male: 37,742 female: 36,900 **Nationality:** noun: Dominican(s) adjective: Dominican **Ethnic groups:** African descent 84.5%, mixed 9%, Indigenous 3.8%, other 2.1%, unspecified 0.6% (2011 est.) **Languages:** English (official), French patois **Religions:** Roman Catholic 52.7%, Protestant 29.7% (includes Seventh Day Adventist 6.7%, Pentecostal 6.1%, Baptist 5.2%, Christian Union Church 3.9%, Methodist 2.6%, Gospel Mission 2.1%, other Protestant 3.1%), Jehovah's Witness 1.3%, Rastafarian 1.1%, other 4.3%, none 9.4%, unspecified 1.4% (2011 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 20.7% (male 7,891/female 7,530) 15-64 years: 65.6% (male 25,000/female 24,009) 65 years and over: 13.7% (2024 est.) (male 4,862/female 5,369) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 52.7 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 31.2 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 21.5 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 4.7 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 37.5 years (2025 est.) male: 36.5 years female: 37.6 years **Population growth rate:** -0.04% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 13.02 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 8.15 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -5.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** population is mostly clustered along the coast, with roughly a third living in the parish of St. George, in or around the capital of Roseau; the volcanic interior is sparsely populated **Urbanization:** urban population: 72% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.84% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 15,000 ROSEAU (capital) (2018) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Maternal mortality ratio:** 36 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 10.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 14.5 deaths/1,000 live births female: 6.8 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 78.7 years (2024 est.) male: 75.8 years female: 81.8 years **Total fertility rate:** 2.01 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.98 (2025 est.) **Health expenditure:** 6.5% of GDP (2021) 6.2% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 1.16 physicians/1,000 population (2018) **Hospital bed density:** 3 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.) **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 27.9% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 6.32 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 1.64 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.29 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 4.39 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Education expenditure:** 5.4% of GDP (2024 est.) 5.8% national budget (2025 est.) **People - note:** 3,000-3,500 Kalinago (Carib) still living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the Caribbean; only 70-100 may be "pure" Kalinago because of years of integration into the broader population ### Environment **Environmental issues:** pollution from agrochemicals and from untreated sewage; forests endangered by the expansion of farming; soil erosion; pollution of the coastal zone from agricultural/industrial chemicals and untreated sewage **International environmental agreements:** party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements **Climate:** tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall **Land use:** agricultural land: 33.3% (2023 est.) arable land: 8% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 22.7% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 2.7% (2023 est.) forest: 76.6% (2023 est.) other: 0% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 72% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.84% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 168,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 168,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 7.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 13,200 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 12.6% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 19 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 0 cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 1 million cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 200 million cubic meters (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Commonwealth of Dominica conventional short form: Dominica etymology: the island was named by explorer Christopher COLUMBUS for the day of the week on which he spotted it, Sunday (Domingo in Spanish, dominica dies in Latin), 3 November 1493 **Government type:** parliamentary republic **Capital:** name: Roseau geographic coordinates: 15 18 N, 61 24 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name is French for "reed;" the first settlement was named after the river reeds that grew in the area **Administrative divisions:** 10 parishes; Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint Paul, Saint Peter **Legal system:** common law based on the English model **Constitution:** history: previous 1967 (pre-independence); latest presented 25 July 1978, entered into force 3 November 1978 amendment process: proposed by the House of Assembly; passage of amendments to constitutional sections such as fundamental rights and freedoms, the government structure, and constitutional amendment procedures requires approval by three fourths of the Assembly membership in the final reading of the amendment bill, approval by simple majority in a referendum, and assent of the president **International law organization participation:** accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: President Sylvanie BURTON (since 2 October 2023) head of government: Prime Minister Roosevelt SKERRIT (since 8 January 2004) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister election/appointment process: president nominated by the prime minister and leader of the opposition party and elected by the House of Assembly for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president most recent election date: 27 September 2023 election results: 2023: parliament elects Sylvanie BURTON (DLP) with 20 votes for and five against 2018: Charles A. SAVARIN (DLP) reelected president unopposed expected date of next election: October 2028 **Legislative branch:** legislature name: House of Assembly legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 32 (21 directly elected; 9 appointed) electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 12/6/2022 parties elected and seats per party: Dominica Labor Party (DLP) (19); Independents (2) percentage of women in chamber: 40.6% expected date of next election: December 2027 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC is headquartered on St. Lucia and consists of the Court of Appeal -- headed by the chief justice and 4 judges -- and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts; the Caribbean Court of Justice is the final court of appeal judge selection and term of office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an independent body of judicial officials; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62 subordinate courts: Court of Summary Jurisdiction; magistrates' courts **Political parties:** Dominica Freedom Party or DFP Dominica Labor Party or DLP Dominica United Workers Party or UWP **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador Steve FERROL (since 15 September 2023) chancery: 3216 New Mexico Ave NW Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 364-6781 FAX: [1] (202) 364-6791 email address and website: embdomdc@gmail.com consulate(s) general: New York **Diplomatic representation from the US:** embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Dominica; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Dominica **International organization participation:** ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, Commonwealth of Nations, ECCU, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO **Independence:** 3 November 1978 (from the UK) **National holiday:** Independence Day, 3 November (1978) **Flag:** description: green with a centered cross of three equal bands in yellow, black, and white; in the center of the cross is a red disk with a Sisserou parrot surrounded by 10 five-pointed green stars edged in yellow meaning: the stars represent the 10 administrative divisions (parishes); green symbolizes the island's lush vegetation; the tricolor cross represents the Christian Trinity; yellow stands for sunshine, the primary agricultural products (citrus and bananas), and the Carib people; black for the rich soil and the African heritage of most citizens; white for rivers, waterfalls, and the purity of aspirations; the red disc for social justice **National symbol(s):** sisserou parrot, Carib wood flower **National color(s):** green, yellow, black, white, red **National coat of arms:** the coat of arms was adopted on July 21, 1961, and features two sisserou parrots supporting a shield that is divided into four sections by a cross, a reference to the island’s discovery on a Sunday; the quadrants feature a palm tree, a banana tree, a frog that is native to the island, and a canoe on the Caribbean Sea; the golden lion symbolizes Dominica’s past colonial ties with the UK; below the shield is the national motto, which means "After God is the Earth" **National anthem(s):** title: "Isle of Beauty" lyrics/music: Wilfred Oscar Morgan POND/Lemuel McPherson CHRISTIAN history: adopted 1967 ### Economy **Economic overview:** highly agrarian OECS island economy; ECCU-member state; large banana exporter; improved oversight of its citizenship-by-investment program; emerging ecotourism, information and communications, and education industries **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $1.241 billion (2024 est.) $1.216 billion (2023 est.) $1.173 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 2.1% (2024 est.) 3.7% (2023 est.) 10.4% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $18,700 (2024 est.) $18,300 (2023 est.) $17,600 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $688.881 million (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 2.6% (2024 est.) 5.1% (2023 est.) 2.9% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 12.2% (2024 est.) industry: 13.9% (2024 est.) services: 56.9% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 87.7% (2018 est.) government consumption: 27.4% (2018 est.) investment in fixed capital: 32.7% (2018 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2018 est.) exports of goods and services: 29.2% (2018 est.) imports of goods and services: -77.8% (2018 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection **Agricultural products:** taro, grapefruits, yams, bananas, coconuts, plantains, milk, yautia, sugarcane, oranges (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** soap, coconut oil, tourism, copra, furniture, cement blocks, shoes **Industrial production growth rate:** 8.8% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Remittances:** 5.6% of GDP (2024 est.) 5.2% of GDP (2023 est.) 6.1% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $233.831 million (2017 est.) expenditures: $164.673 million (2017 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Current account balance:** -$160.12 million (2024 est.) -$223.632 million (2023 est.) -$163.746 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $212.753 million (2024 est.) $188.818 million (2023 est.) $173.93 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** Bahamas, The 13%, Saudi Arabia 11%, Iceland 10%, Guyana 7%, Antigua & Barbuda 7% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** iron blocks, medical instruments, excavation machinery, power equipment, soap (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $387.532 million (2024 est.) $417.164 million (2023 est.) $354.27 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 24%, China 11%, Indonesia 8%, Trinidad & Tobago 7%, Italy 7% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, ships, plastic products, semi-finished iron, cars (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $155.971 million (2024 est.) $183.53 million (2023 est.) $204.343 million (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Debt - external:** $301.191 million (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars **Exchange rates:** East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 2.7 (2024 est.) 2.7 (2023 est.) 2.7 (2022 est.) 2.7 (2021 est.) 2.7 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 41,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 145.827 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 8 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 84.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 15% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** refined petroleum consumption: 1,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 36.395 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 7,460 (2021 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2021 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 56,900 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 85 (2022 est.) **Broadcast media:** no terrestrial TV service; subscription cable TV provider offers some locally produced programming, plus channels from the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean; state-operated radio broadcasts on 6 stations; privately owned radio broadcasts on about 15 stations (2019) **Internet country code:** .dm **Internet users:** percent of population: 84% (2023 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 14,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 21 (2022 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** J7 **Airports:** 2 (2025) **Merchant marine:** total: 77 (2023) by type: general cargo 26, oil tanker 10, other 41 **Ports:** total ports: 2 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 0 very small: 2 ports with oil terminals: 1 key ports: Portsmouth, Roseau ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** no regular military forces; Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) under the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs **Military - note:** Dominica has been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2025) ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 5 (2024 est.) --- ## Dominican Republic **Slug:** dominican-republic **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇩🇴 **Codes:** cek: dr, iso2: DO, iso3: DOM, iso_num: 214, genc: DOM, stanag: DOM, internet: .do ### Introduction **Background:** The Taino -- indigenous inhabitants of Hispaniola prior to the arrival of Europeans -- divided the island now known as the Dominican Republic and Haiti into five chiefdoms and territories. Christopher COLUMBUS explored and claimed the island on his first voyage in 1492; it became a springboard for Spanish conquest of the Caribbean and the American mainland. In 1697, Spain recognized French dominion over the western third of the island, which in 1804 became Haiti. The remainder of the island, by then known as Santo Domingo, sought to gain its own independence in 1821, but the Haitians conquered and ruled it for 22 years; it finally attained independence as the Dominican Republic in 1844. In 1861, the Dominicans voluntarily returned to the Spanish Empire, but two years later, they launched a war that restored independence in 1865. A legacy of unsettled and mostly non-representative rule followed, capped by the dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas TRUJILLO from 1930 to 1961. Juan BOSCH was elected president in 1962 but was deposed in a military coup in 1963. In 1965, the US led an intervention in the midst of a civil war sparked by an uprising to restore BOSCH. In 1966, Joaquin BALAGUER defeated BOSCH in the presidential election. BALAGUER maintained a tight grip on power for most of the next 30 years, until international reaction to flawed elections forced him to curtail his term in 1996. Since then, regular competitive elections have been held. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Haiti **Geographic coordinates:** 19 00 N, 70 40 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 48,670 sq km land: 48,320 sq km water: 350 sq km **Area - comparative:** slightly more than twice the size of New Jersey **Land boundaries:** total: 376 km border countries (1): Haiti 376 km **Coastline:** 1,288 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin note: measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines **Climate:** tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonal variation in rainfall **Terrain:** rugged highlands and mountains interspersed with fertile valleys **Elevation:** highest point: Pico Duarte 3,098 m lowest point: Lago Enriquillo -46 m mean elevation: 424 m **Natural resources:** nickel, bauxite, gold, silver, arable land **Land use:** agricultural land: 55.4% (2023 est.) arable land: 20.2% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 11.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 23.8% (2023 est.) forest: 46.6% (2023 est.) other: 0% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 2,981 sq km (2018) **Major lakes (area sq km):** salt water lake(s): Lago de Enriquillo - 500 sq km **Population distribution:** coastal development is significant, especially in the southern coastal plains and the Cibao Valley, where population density is highest; smaller population clusters exist in the interior mountains (Cordillera Central) **Natural hazards:** lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding; periodic droughts **Geography - note:** shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti (eastern two-thirds makes up the Dominican Republic, western one-third is Haiti); the second largest country in the Antilles (after Cuba); geographically diverse with the Caribbean's tallest mountain, Pico Duarte, and lowest elevation and largest lake, Lago Enriquillo ### People and Society **Population:** total: 10,899,292 (2025 est.) male: 5,506,679 female: 5,392,613 **Nationality:** noun: Dominican(s) adjective: Dominican **Ethnic groups:** mixed 70.4% (Mestizo/Indio 58%, Mulatto 12.4%), Black 15.8%, White 13.5%, other 0.3% (2014 est.) note: respondents self-identified their race; the term "indio" in the Dominican Republic is not associated with people of indigenous ancestry but people of mixed ancestry or skin color between light and dark **Languages:** Spanish (official) major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. **Religions:** Evangelical 50.2%, Roman Catholic 30.1%, none 18.5%, unspecified 1.2% (2023 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 25.5% (male 1,402,847/female 1,358,833) 15-64 years: 66.9% (male 3,667,584/female 3,563,848) 65 years and over: 7.6% (2024 est.) (male 395,345/female 427,400) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 49.6 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 37.8 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 11.8 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 8.5 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 29.6 years (2025 est.) male: 29.1 years female: 29.4 years **Population growth rate:** 0.78% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 17.4 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 6.97 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -2.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** coastal development is significant, especially in the southern coastal plains and the Cibao Valley, where population density is highest; smaller population clusters exist in the interior mountains (Cordillera Central) **Urbanization:** urban population: 84.4% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 3.524 million SANTO DOMINGO (capital) (2023) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Mother's mean age at first birth:** 20.9 years (2013 est.) note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49 **Maternal mortality ratio:** 124 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 20.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 24.3 deaths/1,000 live births female: 19 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 72.6 years (2024 est.) male: 71 years female: 74.3 years **Total fertility rate:** 2.17 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 1.06 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: urban: 97.8% of population (2022 est.) rural: 91.4% of population (2022 est.) total: 96.8% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 2.2% of population (2022 est.) rural: 8.6% of population (2022 est.) total: 3.2% of population (2022 est.) **Health expenditure:** 4.9% of GDP (2021) 14.4% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 2.43 physicians/1,000 population (2023) **Hospital bed density:** 1.4 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: urban: 97.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 91.9% of population (2022 est.) total: 96.5% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 2.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 8.1% of population (2022 est.) total: 3.5% of population (2022 est.) **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 27.6% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 5.56 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 3.15 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.17 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 2.18 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Tobacco use:** total: 9.7% (2025 est.) male: 13.5% (2025 est.) female: 5.9% (2025 est.) **Children under the age of 5 years underweight:** 3% (2019 est.) **Currently married women (ages 15-49):** 53.2% (2019 est.) **Child marriage:** women married by age 15: 9.4% (2019) women married by age 18: 31.5% (2019) **Education expenditure:** 3.8% of GDP (2023 est.) 20.9% national budget (2025 est.) **Literacy:** total population: 94% (2024 est.) male: 93.6% (2024 est.) female: 94.4% (2024 est.) **School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):** total: 14 years (2022 est.) male: 13 years (2022 est.) female: 15 years (2022 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** soil eroding into the sea damages coral reefs; deforestation **International environmental agreements:** party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements **Climate:** tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonal variation in rainfall **Land use:** agricultural land: 55.4% (2023 est.) arable land: 20.2% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 11.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 23.8% (2023 est.) forest: 46.6% (2023 est.) other: 0% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 84.4% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.64% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 29.713 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 5.374 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 19.872 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from consumed natural gas: 4.467 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 4.064 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 11.6% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 855 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 659.9 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 7.563 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 23.5 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Dominican Republic conventional short form: The Dominican local long form: República Dominicana local short form: La Dominicana former: Santo Domingo (the capital city's name formerly applied to the entire country) etymology: the name is a latinized form of the Spanish term Santo Domingo, meaning "holy Sunday;" Spanish explorers originally settled the island on a Sunday in 1496, and the name was first given to the island of Hispaniola as a whole in 1697 **Government type:** presidential republic **Capital:** name: Santo Domingo geographic coordinates: 18 28 N, 69 54 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: named after Saint Domingo de GUZMAN (1170-1221), founder of the Dominican Order; the city's full name was originally Santo Domingo de Guzman **Administrative divisions:** 31 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), 1 district* (distrito); Azua, Baoruco, Barahona, Dajabón, Distrito Nacional*, Duarte, Elías Piña, El Seibo, Espaillat, Hato Mayor, Hermanas Mirabal, Independencia, La Altagracia, La Romana, La Vega, María Trinidad Sánchez, Monseñor Nouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata, Pedernales, Peravia, Puerto Plata, Samaná, Sánchez Ramírez, San Cristóbal, San José de Ocoa, San Juan, San Pedro de Macorís, Santiago, Santiago Rodríguez, Santo Domingo, Valverde **Legal system:** civil law system based on the French civil code; Criminal Procedures Code modified in 2004 to include important elements of an accusatory system **Constitution:** history: many previous (38 total); latest proclaimed 13 June 2015 amendment process: proposed by a special session of the National Congress called the National Revisory Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority approval by at least one half of those present in both houses of the Assembly; passage of amendments to constitutional articles, such as fundamental rights and guarantees, territorial composition, nationality, or the procedures for constitutional reform, also requires approval in a referendum **International law organization participation:** accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Dominican Republic dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 2 years **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal and compulsory; married persons can vote, regardless of age note: members of the armed forces and national police by law cannot vote **Executive branch:** chief of state: President Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (since 16 August 2020) head of government: President Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (since 16 August 2020) cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the president election/appointment process: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 4-year term (eligible for a maximum of two consecutive terms) most recent election date: 19 May 2024 election results: 2024: Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona reelected president; percent of vote - Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (PRM) 57.5%, Leonel Antonio FERNÁNDEZ Reyna (FP) 28.8%, Abel MARTÍNEZ (PLD) 10.4%, other 3.3% 2020: Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona elected president in first round; percent of vote - Luis Rodolfo ABINADER Corona (PRM) 52.5%, Gonzalo CASTILLO Terrero (PLD) 37.5%, Leonel Antonio FERNÁNDEZ Reyna (FP) 8.9%, other 1.1% expected date of next election: 21 May 2028 note: the president is both chief of state and head of government **Legislative branch:** legislature name: National Congress of the Republic (Congreso Nacional de la República) legislative structure: bicameral **Legislative branch - lower chamber:** chamber name: Chamber of Deputies (Cámara de Diputados) number of seats: 190 (all directly elected) electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 5/19/2024 parties elected and seats per party: Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) and its allies (146); People’s Force (FP) and its allies (28); Other (16) percentage of women in chamber: 37.4% expected date of next election: May 2028 **Legislative branch - upper chamber:** chamber name: Senate (Senado) number of seats: 32 (all directly elected) electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 5/19/2024 parties elected and seats per party: Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) and its allies (24); People’s Force (FP) and its allies (3); Other (5) percentage of women in chamber: 12.5% expected date of next election: May 2028 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Supreme Court of Justice or Suprema Corte de Justicia (consists of a minimum of 16 magistrates); Constitutional Court or Tribunal Constitucional (consists of 13 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court and Constitutional Court judges appointed by the National Council of the Judiciary composed of the president, the leaders of both chambers of congress, the president of the Supreme Court, and a non-governing party congressional representative; Supreme Court judges appointed for 7-year terms; Constitutional Court judges appointed for 9-year terms subordinate courts: courts of appeal; courts of first instance; justices of the peace; special courts for juvenile, labor, and land cases; Contentious Administrative Court for cases filed against the government **Political parties:** Alliance for Democracy or APD Broad Front (Frente Amplio) Country Alliance or AP Dominican Liberation Party or PLD Dominican Revolutionary Party or PRD Dominicans For Change or DXC Independent Revolutionary Party or PRI Institutional Social Democratic Bloc or BIS Liberal Reformist Party or PRL (formerly the Liberal Party of the Dominican Republic or PLRD) Modern Revolutionary Party or PRM National Progressive Front or FNP People's First Party or PPG People's Force or FP Social Christian Reformist Party or PRSC **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador María Isabel CASTILLO BÁEZ (since 11 June 2025) chancery: 1715 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 332-6280 FAX: [1] (202) 265-8057 email address and website: embassy@drembassyusa.org http://drembassyusa.org/ consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angelos, Miami, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia **Diplomatic representation from the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador Leah F. CAMPOS (since 19 November 2025) embassy: Av. Republica de Colombia #57, Santo Domingo mailing address: 3470 Santo Domingo Place, Washington DC 20521-3470 telephone: (809) 567-7775 email address and website: SDOAmericans@state.gov https://do.usembassy.gov/ **International organization participation:** ACP, ACS, AOSIS, BCIE, Caricom (observer), CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, MIGA, MINUSMA, NAM, OAS, OIF (observer), OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA (associated member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO **Independence:** 27 February 1844 (from Haiti) **National holiday:** Independence Day, 27 February (1844) **Flag:** description: a centered white cross extends to the edges and divides the flag into four rectangles; the top ones are ultramarine blue (left side) and vermilion red, and the bottom ones are vermilion red (left side) and ultramarine blue; a small coat of arms with a shield supported by a laurel branch and a palm branch is at the center of the cross; above the shield, a blue ribbon displays the motto DIOS, PATRIA, LIBERTAD (God, Fatherland, Liberty); below the shield, REPUBLICA DOMINICANA is on a red ribbon; on the shield, a Bible is opened to a verse that reads "Y la verdad nos hara libre" (And the truth shall set you free) meaning: blue stands for liberty, white for salvation, and red for the blood of heroes **National symbol(s):** palmchat (bird) **National color(s):** red, white, blue **National anthem(s):** title: "Himno Nacional" (National Anthem) lyrics/music: Emilio PRUD'HOMME/Jose REYES history: adopted 1934; also known as "Quisqueyanos valientes" (Valiant Sons of Quisqueye); the anthem refers to the Dominican people as Quisqueyanos, which comes from the ethnic name for the island **National heritage:** total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Colonial City of Santo Domingo ### Economy **Economic overview:** surging middle-income tourism, construction, mining, and telecommunications OECS economy; major foreign US direct investment and free-trade zones; developing local financial markets; improving debt management; declining poverty **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $276.884 billion (2024 est.) $263.82 billion (2023 est.) $258.16 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 5% (2024 est.) 2.2% (2023 est.) 5.2% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $24,200 (2024 est.) $23,300 (2023 est.) $23,000 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $124.282 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 3.3% (2024 est.) 4.8% (2023 est.) 8.8% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 4.5% (2024 est.) industry: 28.7% (2024 est.) services: 59.8% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 67.7% (2024 est.) government consumption: 11.5% (2024 est.) investment in fixed capital: 26.1% (2024 est.) investment in inventories: 0.9% (2024 est.) exports of goods and services: 22.8% (2024 est.) imports of goods and services: -29% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection **Agricultural products:** sugarcane, bananas, papayas, plantains, avocados, rice, milk, watermelons, vegetables, pineapples (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** tourism, sugar processing, gold mining, textiles, cement, tobacco, electrical components, medical devices **Industrial production growth rate:** 3% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Labor force:** 5.413 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work **Unemployment rate:** 5.5% (2024 est.) 5.6% (2023 est.) 5.6% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment **Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):** total: 11.7% (2024 est.) male: 9.2% (2024 est.) female: 15.5% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment **Population below poverty line:** 23% (2023 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line **Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income:** 38.4 (2023 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality **Average household expenditures:** on food: 28.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.) on alcohol and tobacco: 3.8% of household expenditures (2023 est.) **Household income or consumption by percentage share:** lowest 10%: 2.3% (2023 est.) highest 10%: 29.1% (2023 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population **Remittances:** 9% of GDP (2024 est.) 8.8% of GDP (2023 est.) 9.1% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $20.418 billion (2023 est.) expenditures: $24.348 billion (2023 est.) note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Taxes and other revenues:** 14.5% (of GDP) (2023 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP **Current account balance:** -$4.167 billion (2024 est.) -$4.418 billion (2023 est.) -$6.549 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $28.563 billion (2024 est.) $25.79 billion (2023 est.) $25.169 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** USA 52%, Switzerland 7%, Haiti 6%, China 5%, India 3% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** medical instruments, tobacco, gold, garments, power equipment (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $36.144 billion (2024 est.) $34.45 billion (2023 est.) $36.838 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 40%, China 18%, Brazil 4%, Spain 4%, Mexico 3% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, cars, natural gas, plastic products, crude petroleum (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $13.471 billion (2024 est.) $15.547 billion (2023 est.) $14.523 billion (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Debt - external:** $35.044 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars **Exchange rates:** Dominican pesos (DOP) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 59.565 (2024 est.) 56.158 (2023 est.) 55.141 (2022 est.) 57.221 (2021 est.) 56.525 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 98.1% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 98.8% electrification - rural areas: 95% **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 6.581 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 22.193 billion kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 2.369 billion kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 82.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 5.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 4.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 0.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** consumption: 2.356 million metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 2.356 million metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** refined petroleum consumption: 146,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Natural gas:** consumption: 2.277 billion cubic meters (2023 est.) exports: 1.997 million cubic meters (2023 est.) imports: 2.279 billion cubic meters (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 39.329 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 1.15 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2024 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 10.7 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 94 (2024 est.) **Broadcast media:** combination of state-owned and privately owned broadcast media; 1 state-owned TV network and a number of private TV networks; networks operate repeaters to extend signals throughout country; over 300 state-owned and privately owned radio stations (2019) **Internet country code:** .do **Internet users:** percent of population: 85% (2023 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 1.26 million (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2023 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** HI **Airports:** 32 (2025) **Heliports:** 8 (2025) **Railways:** total: 496 km (2014) standard gauge: 354 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 142 km (2014) 0.762-m gauge **Merchant marine:** total: 40 (2023) by type: container ship 1, general cargo 2, oil tanker 1, other 36 **Ports:** total ports: 17 (2024) large: 0 medium: 2 small: 7 very small: 6 size unknown: 2 ports with oil terminals: 7 key ports: Andres (Andres Lng Terminal), Las Calderas, Puerto de Haina, Puerto Plata, Punta Nizao Oil Terminal, San Pedro de Macoris, Santa Barbara de Samana, Santa Cruz de Barahona, Santo Domingo ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** Armed Forces of the Dominican Republic: Army of the Dominican Republic (Ejercito de la República Dominicana, ERD), Navy (Armada de República Dominicana or ARD; includes naval infantry), Dominican Air Force (Fuerza Aerea de la República Dominicana, FARD) (2025) note 1: in addition to the three main branches of the military, the Ministry of Defense directs the Specialized Border Security Corps (CESFRONT), the Specialized Corps in Port Security (CESEP), and the Specialized Corps in Airport and Civil Aviation Safety (CESAC); these specialized corps are joint forces, made up of civilians and personnel from all the military branches; they may also assist in overall citizen security working together with the National Police, which is under the Ministry of Interior **Military expenditures:** 0.8% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.7% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.7% of GDP (2022 est.) 0.7% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2020 est.) **Military and security service personnel strengths:** approximately 55-60,000 Armed Forces; up to 35,000 National Police (2025) **Military equipment inventories and acquisitions:** the military's equipment inventory comes largely from the US, with smaller quantities from such suppliers as Brazil and Spain (2025) **Military service age and obligation:** 17-early 20s for voluntary military service for men and women (ages vary depending on military service and position; under 18 admitted with permission of parents) (2025) note: as of 2024, women made up approximately 17% of the active-duty military **Military - note:** the military is responsible for defending the independence, integrity, and sovereignty of the Dominican Republic; it also has an internal security role, which includes assisting with airport, border, port, tourism, and urban security, supporting the police in maintaining or restoring public order, countering transnational crime, and providing disaster or emergency relief/management; a key area of focus is securing the country’s 217-mile (350-kilometer) long border with Haiti, where the Army in recent years has assigned thousands of troops to assist with security; these forces complement the personnel of the Border Security Corps permanently deployed along the border; the Air Force and Navy also provide support to the Haitian border mission; the Army has a brigade dedicated to managing and providing relief during natural disasters; the military also contributes personnel to the National Drug Control Directorate, and both the Air Force and Navy devote assets to detecting and interdicting narcotics trafficking; the Navy conducts regular bilateral maritime interdiction exercises with the US Navy (2025) ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 1,004 (2024 est.) IDPs: 390 (2023 est.) **Illicit drugs:** USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025) --- ## El Salvador **Slug:** el-salvador **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇸🇻 **Codes:** cek: es, iso2: SV, iso3: SLV, iso_num: 222, genc: SLV, stanag: SLV, internet: .sv ### Introduction **Background:** El Salvador achieved independence from Spain in 1821 and from the Central American Federation in 1839. A 12-year civil war, which cost about 75,000 lives, was brought to a close in 1992 when the government and leftist rebels signed a treaty that provided for military and political reforms. El Salvador is beset by one of the world's highest homicide rates and pervasive criminal gangs. ### Geography **Location:** Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Guatemala and Honduras **Geographic coordinates:** 13 50 N, 88 55 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 21,041 sq km land: 20,721 sq km water: 320 sq km **Area - comparative:** about the same size as New Jersey **Land boundaries:** total: 590 km border countries (2): Guatemala 199 km; Honduras 391 km **Coastline:** 307 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm **Climate:** tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November to April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands **Terrain:** mostly mountains with narrow coastal belt and central plateau **Elevation:** highest point: Cerro El Pital 2,730 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 442 m **Natural resources:** hydropower, geothermal power, petroleum, arable land **Land use:** agricultural land: 57.7% (2023 est.) arable land: 34.8% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 7.7% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 15.2% (2023 est.) forest: 33% (2023 est.) other: 9.3% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 240 sq km (2022) **Population distribution:** high population density country-wide, with particular concentration around the capital of San Salvador **Natural hazards:** known as the Land of Volcanoes; frequent and sometimes destructive earthquakes and volcanic activity; extremely susceptible to hurricanes volcanism: significant volcanic activity; San Salvador (1,893 m), which last erupted in 1917, has the potential to cause major harm to the country's capital, which lies just below the volcano's slopes; San Miguel (2,130 m) is one of the most active volcanoes in the country; other historically active volcanoes include Conchaguita, Ilopango, Izalco, and Santa Ana **Geography - note:** smallest Central American country and only one without a coastline on the Caribbean Sea ### People and Society **Population:** total: 6,334,723 (2025 est.) male: 3,026,645 female: 3,308,078 **Nationality:** noun: Salvadoran(s) adjective: Salvadoran **Ethnic groups:** Mestizo 86.3%, White 12.7%, Indigenous 0.2% (includes Lenca, Kakawira, Nahua-Pipil), Black 0.1%, other 0.6% (2007 est.) **Languages:** Spanish (official), Nawat (among some indigenous) major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. **Religions:** Roman Catholic 43.9%, Protestant 39.6% (Evangelical - unspecified 38.2%, Evangelical - Methodist 1.3%, Evangelical - Baptist 0.1%), none 16.3%, unspecified 0.2% (2023 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 25.3% (male 855,841/female 818,642) 15-64 years: 66.3% (male 2,077,745/female 2,317,416) 65 years and over: 8.4% (2024 est.) (male 238,658/female 320,400) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 43 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 29.9 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 13.1 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 7.6 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 31.2 years (2025 est.) male: 28.2 years female: 31.2 years **Population growth rate:** 0.34% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 12.46 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 5.93 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -3.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** high population density country-wide, with particular concentration around the capital of San Salvador **Urbanization:** urban population: 75.4% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.33% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 1.116 million SAN SALVADOR (capital) (2023) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Mother's mean age at first birth:** 20.8 years (2008 est.) note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29 **Maternal mortality ratio:** 39 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 10 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 13.3 deaths/1,000 live births female: 10 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 75.9 years (2024 est.) male: 72.4 years female: 79.5 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.4 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.68 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.) rural: 94.4% of population (2022 est.) total: 98.6% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.) rural: 5.6% of population (2022 est.) total: 1.4% of population (2022 est.) **Health expenditure:** 9.7% of GDP (2021) 21.2% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 1.62 physicians/1,000 population (2023) **Hospital bed density:** 1.2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.) rural: 98.3% of population (2022 est.) total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.) rural: 1.7% of population (2022 est.) total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.) **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 24.6% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 2.94 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 1.5 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.06 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 1.37 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Tobacco use:** total: 7.8% (2025 est.) male: 14.7% (2025 est.) female: 1.7% (2025 est.) **Children under the age of 5 years underweight:** 5% (2021 est.) **Currently married women (ages 15-49):** 50.7% (2021 est.) **Child marriage:** women married by age 15: 4.3% (2021) women married by age 18: 19.7% (2021) **Education expenditure:** 3.2% of GDP (2023 est.) 15.9% national budget (2025 est.) **Literacy:** total population: 89.8% (2024 est.) male: 91.6% (2024 est.) female: 88.2% (2024 est.) **School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):** total: 11 years (2023 est.) male: 11 years (2023 est.) female: 12 years (2023 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution; contamination of soils from disposal of toxic wastes **International environmental agreements:** party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea **Climate:** tropical; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November to April); tropical on coast; temperate in uplands **Land use:** agricultural land: 57.7% (2023 est.) arable land: 34.8% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 7.7% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 15.2% (2023 est.) forest: 33% (2023 est.) other: 9.3% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 75.4% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.33% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 8.694 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 1,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 7.745 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from consumed natural gas: 948,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 23.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.649 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15.2% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 433.229 million cubic meters (2022) industrial: 94.316 million cubic meters (2022) agricultural: 1.411 billion cubic meters (2022) **Total renewable water resources:** 26.27 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Republic of El Salvador conventional short form: El Salvador local long form: República de El Salvador local short form: El Salvador etymology: means "the Savior" in Spanish and is a shortened form of "the Divine Savior of the World" (el Divino Salvador del Mundo), referring to Jesus Christ; 16th-century Spanish colonists gave the name "San Salvador" to the fort located where the country's capital of San Salvador now stands, and the name was later used for the city and the surrounding region; the country was officially named El Salvador in 1824 **Government type:** presidential republic **Capital:** name: San Salvador geographic coordinates: 13 42 N, 89 12 W time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: Spanish colonists founded the city in 1526 on the feast day of the Transfiguration of the Savior (Jesus Christ), and the name means "Holy Savior" in Spanish **Administrative divisions:** 14 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Ahuachapán, Cabanas, Chalatenango, Cuscatlán, La Libertad, La Paz, La Union, Morazán, San Miguel, San Salvador, San Vicente, Santa Ana, Sonsonate, Usulután **Legal system:** civil law system with minor common law influence; Supreme Court reviews legislative acts **Constitution:** history: many previous; latest drafted 16 December 1983, enacted 23 December 1983 amendment process: proposals require agreement by absolute majority of the Legislative Assembly membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly; constitutional articles on basic principles, and citizen rights and freedoms cannot be amended **International law organization participation:** has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: President Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (since 1 June 2019) head of government: President Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (since 1 June 2019) cabinet: Council of Ministers selected by the president election/appointment process: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute-majority popular vote for a 6-year term (no term limits) most recent election date: 4 February 2024 election results: 2024: Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez reelected president - Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (Nuevas Ideas) 84.7%, Manuel FLORES (FMLN) 6.4%, Joel SANCHEZ (ARENA) 5.6%, Luis PARADA (NT) 2%, other 1.3% 2019: Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez elected president - Nayib Armando BUKELE Ortez (GANA) 53.1%, Carlos CALLEJA Hakker (ARENA) 31.7%, Hugo MARTINEZ (FMLN) 14.4%, other 0.8% expected date of next election: 28 February 2027; note - on 31 July 2025, the Legislative Assembly voted to move the date of the next presidential election from 2029 to 2027 to bring the presidential election cycle in line with the three-year legislative and municipal election cycle note: the president is both chief of state and head of government **Legislative branch:** legislature name: Legislative Assembly (Asamblea legislativa) legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 60 (all directly elected) electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 3 years most recent election date: 2/4/2024 parties elected and seats per party: New Ideas (N) (54); Other (6) percentage of women in chamber: 31.7% expected date of next election: February 2027 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Supreme Court or Corte Suprema de Justicia (consists of 15 judges, including its president, and 15 substitute judges organized into Constitutional, Civil, Penal, and Administrative Conflict Chambers) judge selection and term of office: judges elected by the Legislative Assembly on the recommendation of both the National Council of the Judicature, an independent body elected by the Legislative Assembly, and the Bar Association; judges elected for 9-year terms, with renewal of one third of membership every 3 years; consecutive reelection is allowed subordinate courts: Appellate Courts; Courts of First Instance; Courts of Peace **Political parties:** Christian Democratic Party or PDC Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front or FMLN Great Alliance for National Unity or GANA National Coalition Party or PCN Nationalist Republican Alliance or ARENA New Ideas (Nuevas Ideas) or NI Our Time (Nuestro Tiempo) or NT Vamos or V **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador Carmen Milena MAYORGA VALERA (since 23 December 2020) chancery: 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 595-7500 FAX: [1] (202) 232-3763 email address and website: infoEEUU@rree.gob.sv https://rree.gob.sv/embajadas-consulados-y-misiones-permanentes-de-la-republica-de-el-salvador/ consulate(s) general: Aurora (CO), Boston, Charlotte (NC), Chicago, Dallas, Doral (FL), Duluth (GA), El Paso (TX), Elizabeth (NJ), Fresno (CA), Houston, Las Vegas (NV), Laredo (TX), Long Island (NY), Los Angeles, McAllen (TX), New York, Omaha (NE), San Bernardino (CA), San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Silver Spring (MD), Springdale (AR), St. Paul (MN), Tucson (AZ), Woodbridge (VA) **Diplomatic representation from the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Naomi C. FELLOWS (since August 2025) embassy: Final Boulevard Santa Elena, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La Libertad, San Salvador mailing address: 3450 San Salvador Place, Washington, DC 20521-3450 telephone: [503] 2501-2999 FAX: [503] 2501-2150 email address and website: ACSSanSal@state.gov https://sv.usembassy.gov/ **International organization participation:** ACS, BCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO **Independence:** 15 September 1821 (from Spain) **National holiday:** Independence Day, 15 September (1821) **Flag:** description: three equal horizontal bands of cobalt blue (top), white, and cobalt blue, with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms has a round emblem with the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL around it meaning: the blue bands stand for the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and the white for the land, as well as peace and prosperity history: the banner is based on the former blue-white-blue flag of the Federal Republic of Central America note: similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which has a different coat of arms centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an "X" pattern and centered in the white band **National symbol(s):** turquoise-browed motmot (bird) **National color(s):** blue, white **National anthem(s):** title: "Himno Nacional de El Salvador" (National Anthem of El Salvador) lyrics/music: Juan Jose CANAS/Juan ABERLE history: officially adopted 1953, in use since 1879; at four minutes and 20 seconds, the anthem is one of the world's longest **National heritage:** total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site ### Economy **Economic overview:** upper-middle-income, dollarized Central American economy; reliant on remittances from US; recent growth linked to infrastructure investment, consumption, and crime reduction; $1.3 billion IMF loan to address fiscal imbalances; Bitcoin adopted as legal tender; persistent poverty and large informal sector **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $73.961 billion (2024 est.) $72.085 billion (2023 est.) $69.621 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 2.6% (2024 est.) 3.5% (2023 est.) 3% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $11,700 (2024 est.) $11,400 (2023 est.) $11,100 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $35.365 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 0.9% (2024 est.) 4% (2023 est.) 7.2% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 4.4% (2024 est.) industry: 22.4% (2024 est.) services: 61% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 79.6% (2024 est.) government consumption: 19.2% (2024 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.2% (2024 est.) investment in inventories: -1.9% (2024 est.) exports of goods and services: 32.8% (2024 est.) imports of goods and services: -51.9% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection **Agricultural products:** sugarcane, maize, milk, chicken, sorghum, beans, oranges, coconuts, eggs, mangoes/guavas (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** food processing, beverages, petroleum, chemicals, fertilizer, textiles, furniture, light metals **Industrial production growth rate:** 0.4% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Labor force:** 2.89 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work **Unemployment rate:** 2.9% (2024 est.) 3% (2023 est.) 3% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment **Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):** total: 6.7% (2024 est.) male: 5.2% (2024 est.) female: 9.5% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment **Population below poverty line:** 26.6% (2022 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line **Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income:** 39.8 (2023 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality **Average household expenditures:** on food: 26.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.) on alcohol and tobacco: 0.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.) **Household income or consumption by percentage share:** lowest 10%: 1.9% (2023 est.) highest 10%: 29.7% (2023 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population **Remittances:** 24% of GDP (2024 est.) 24.5% of GDP (2023 est.) 24.6% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $9.359 billion (2023 est.) expenditures: $10.313 billion (2023 est.) note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Public debt:** 102.2% of GDP (2023 est.) note: central government debt as a % of GDP **Taxes and other revenues:** 20.7% (of GDP) (2023 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP **Current account balance:** -$632.549 million (2024 est.) -$367.831 million (2023 est.) -$2.144 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $11.586 billion (2024 est.) $10.629 billion (2023 est.) $10.164 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** USA 36%, Guatemala 17%, Honduras 15%, Nicaragua 8%, Costa Rica 5% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** garments, plastic products, electrical capacitors, raw sugar, toilet paper (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $18.354 billion (2024 est.) $17.034 billion (2023 est.) $18.181 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 28%, China 15%, Guatemala 11%, Mexico 8%, Honduras 5% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, natural gas, garments, packaged medicine, plastics (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $3.705 billion (2024 est.) $3.079 billion (2023 est.) $2.695 billion (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Debt - external:** $12.668 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars **Exchange rates:** the US dollar is used as a medium of exchange and circulates freely in the economy ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 2.803 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 6.335 billion kWh (2023 est.) exports: 140 million kWh (2023 est.) imports: 750.096 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 770.613 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 9.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 19.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 2.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 31% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) geothermal: 24.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 14% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** consumption: 500 metric tons (2022 est.) imports: 2,000 metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** total petroleum production: 3 bbl/day (2023 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 56,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Natural gas:** consumption: 486.291 million cubic meters (2023 est.) imports: 486.291 million cubic meters (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 24.421 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 885,000 (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2024 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 11.2 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 177 (2024 est.) **Broadcast media:** multiple privately owned national terrestrial TV networks, supplemented by cable TV networks that carry international channels; hundreds of commercial radio stations and 2 government-owned radio stations; transition to digital transmission was set to begin in 2018, along with adoption of the Japanese-Brazilian Digital Standard (ISDB-T) (2022) **Internet country code:** .sv **Internet users:** percent of population: 68% (2023 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 671,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2022 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** YS **Airports:** 27 (2025) **Railways:** total: 12.5 km (2014) narrow gauge: 12.5 km (2014) 0.914-mm gauge **Merchant marine:** total: 5 (2023) by type: other 5 **Ports:** total ports: 3 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 0 very small: 3 ports with oil terminals: 3 key ports: Acajutla, Acajutla Offshore Terminal, La Union ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** The Armed Forces of El Salvador (La Fuerza Armada de El Salvador, FAES): Army of El Salvador (Ejercito de El Salvador, ES), Naval Force of El Salvador (Fuerza Naval de El Salvador, FNES), Salvadoran Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Salvadoreña, FAS) Ministry of Justice and Public Safety: National Civil Police (Policia Nacional Civil, PNC) (2025) **Military expenditures:** 1.2% of GDP (2024 est.) 1.2% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.3% of GDP (2022 est.) 1.2% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.4% of GDP (2020 est.) **Military and security service personnel strengths:** approximately 25,000 active FAES (2025) note: El Salvador has pledged to increase the size of the military to 40,000 troops by 2026 **Military equipment inventories and acquisitions:** the FAES is lightly armed with an inventory of mostly older or secondhand arms and equipment, largely provided by the US (2025) **Military service age and obligation:** 18-30 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women (17-22 for military schools); men are subject to selective compulsory military service; service obligation up to 18 months (2025) note: in 2024, women comprised over 11% of the active military **Military - note:** the Armed Force of El Salvador (FAES) is responsible for defending national sovereignty and ensuring territorial integrity but also has domestic security responsibilities; while the National Civil Police (PNC) are responsible for maintaining public security, the country’s constitution allows the president to use the FAES “in exceptional circumstances” to maintain internal peace and public security; in 2016, the government created a special joint unit of Army commandos and police to fight criminal gangs; more military personnel were devoted to internal security beginning in 2019 when President BUKELE signed a decree authorizing military involvement in police duties to combat rising gang violence, organized crime, and narcotics trafficking, as well as assisting with border security the military led the country for much of the 20th century; from 1980 to 1992, it fought a bloody civil war against guerrillas from the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front or FMLN, the paramilitary arm of the Democratic Revolutionary Front (Frente Democrático Revolucionario), a coalition of left-wing dissident political groups backed by Cuba and the Soviet Union; the FAES received considerable US support during the conflict; significant human rights violations occurred during the war and approximately 75,000 Salvadorans, mostly civilians, were killed (2025) ### Terrorism **Terrorist group(s):** Terrorist group(s): La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 392 (2024 est.) IDPs: 35,391 (2024 est.) **Illicit drugs:** USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country major precursor-chemical producer (2025) --- ## Grenada **Slug:** grenada **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇬🇩 **Codes:** cek: gj, iso2: GD, iso3: GRD, iso_num: 308, genc: GRD, stanag: GRD, internet: .gd ### Introduction **Background:** The indigenous Carib people inhabited Grenada when Christopher COLUMBUS landed on the island in 1498, but it remained uncolonized for more than a century. The French settled Grenada in the 17th century, established sugar estates, and imported large numbers of African slaves. Britain took the island in 1762 and vigorously expanded sugar production. In the 19th century, cacao eventually surpassed sugar as the main export crop; in the 20th century, nutmeg became the leading export. In 1967, Britain gave Grenada autonomy over its internal affairs. Full independence was attained in 1974, making Grenada one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. In 1979, a leftist New Jewel Movement seized power under Maurice BISHOP, ushering in the Grenada Revolution. On 19 October 1983, factions within the revolutionary government overthrew and killed BISHOP and members of his party. Six days later, US forces and those of six other Caribbean nations intervened, quickly capturing the ringleaders and their hundreds of Cuban advisers. Rule of law was restored, and democratic elections were reinstituted the following year and have continued since. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago **Geographic coordinates:** 12 07 N, 61 40 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 344 sq km land: 344 sq km water: 0 sq km **Area - comparative:** twice the size of Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 121 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm **Climate:** tropical; tempered by northeast trade winds **Terrain:** volcanic in origin with central mountains **Elevation:** highest point: Mount Saint Catherine 840 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m **Natural resources:** timber, tropical fruit **Land use:** agricultural land: 23.5% (2023 est.) arable land: 8.8% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 11.8% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 2.9% (2023 est.) forest: 52.1% (2023 est.) other: 24.4% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 20 sq km (2012) **Population distribution:** approximately one third of the population is found in the capital of St. George's; the island's population is concentrated along the coast **Natural hazards:** lies on edge of hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from June to November volcanism: Mount Saint Catherine (840 m) is on the island of Grenada; Kick 'em Jenny, an active submarine volcano (seamount) on the Caribbean Sea floor, lies about 8 km (5 mi) north of Grenada; these two volcanoes are at the southern end of the volcanic island arc of the Lesser Antilles that extends to the Dutch dependency of Saba in the north ### People and Society **Population:** total: 114,915 (2025 est.) male: 58,317 female: 56,598 **Nationality:** noun: Grenadian(s) adjective: Grenadian **Ethnic groups:** African descent 82.4%, mixed 13.3%, East Indian 2.2%, other 1.3%, unspecified 0.9% (2011 est.) **Languages:** English (official), French patois **Religions:** Protestant 49.2% (includes Pentecostal 17.2%, Seventh Day Adventist 13.2%, Anglican 8.5%, Baptist 3.2%, Church of God 2.4%, Evangelical 1.9%, Methodist 1.6%, other 1.2%), Roman Catholic 36%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%, Rastafarian 1.2%, other 5.5%, none 5.7%, unspecified 1.3% (2011 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 21.9% (male 13,095/female 12,003) 15-64 years: 65.3% (male 38,129/female 36,726) 65 years and over: 12.8% (2024 est.) (male 6,944/female 7,724) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 53.6 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 33.1 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 20.5 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 4.9 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 35.9 years (2025 est.) male: 35.2 years female: 35.7 years **Population growth rate:** 0.24% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 13 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 8.41 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -2.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** approximately one third of the population is found in the capital of St. George's; the island's population is concentrated along the coast **Urbanization:** urban population: 37.1% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.86% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 39,000 SAINT GEORGE'S (capital) (2018) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.1 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.09 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Maternal mortality ratio:** 48 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 8.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 8.6 deaths/1,000 live births female: 9.5 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 76.3 years (2024 est.) male: 73.7 years female: 79.1 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.89 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.9 (2025 est.) **Health expenditure:** 5.7% of GDP (2021) 6.3% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 1.38 physicians/1,000 population (2018) **Hospital bed density:** 3.2 beds/1,000 population (2018 est.) **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 21.3% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 8.62 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 3.54 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.56 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 4.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.31 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Education expenditure:** 5.1% of GDP (2023 est.) 11.4% national budget (2025 est.) **School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):** total: 18 years (2018 est.) male: 17 years (2018 est.) female: 18 years (2018 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** deforestation causing habitat and species loss; coastal erosion and contamination; pollution and sedimentation; inadequate solid waste management **International environmental agreements:** party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements **Climate:** tropical; tempered by northeast trade winds **Land use:** agricultural land: 23.5% (2023 est.) arable land: 8.8% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 11.8% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 2.9% (2023 est.) forest: 52.1% (2023 est.) other: 24.4% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 37.1% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.86% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 348,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 348,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 10.2 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 29,500 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15.1% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 12 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 0 cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 2.1 million cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 200 million cubic meters (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: none conventional short form: Grenada etymology: origin of the name remains obscure; some sources attribute the designation to Spanish influence (most likely named for the Spanish city of Granada); in Spanish granada means "pomegranate" **Government type:** parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm **Capital:** name: Saint George's geographic coordinates: 12 03 N, 61 45 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: originally named Ville de Fort Royal (Fort Royal Town), the name was changed to Saint George's Town in 1764, in honor of the patron saint of England, when the English took over Grenada from the French; the name was eventually shortened to Saint George's **Administrative divisions:** 6 parishes and 1 dependency*; Carriacou and Petite Martinique*, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick **Legal system:** common law based on English model **Constitution:** history: previous 1967; latest presented 19 December 1973, effective 7 February 1974, suspended 1979 following a revolution but restored in 1983 amendment process: proposed by either house of Parliament; passage requires two-thirds majority vote by the membership in both houses and assent of the governor general; passage of amendments to constitutional sections, such as personal rights and freedoms, the structure, authorities, and procedures of the branches of government, the delimitation of electoral constituencies, or the procedure for amending the constitution, also requires two-thirds majority approval in a referendum **International law organization participation:** has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years for persons from a non-Caribbean state and 4 years for a person from a Caribbean state **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General Cecile LA GRENADE (since 7 May 2013) head of government: Prime Minister Dickon MITCHELL (since 24 June 2022) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the governor general usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister **Legislative branch:** legislature name: Parliament legislative structure: bicameral **Legislative branch - lower chamber:** chamber name: House of Representatives number of seats: 15 (all directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 6/23/2022 parties elected and seats per party: National Democratic Congress (NDC) (9); New National Party (NNP) (6) percentage of women in chamber: 31.3% expected date of next election: June 2027 **Legislative branch - upper chamber:** chamber name: Senate number of seats: 13 (all appointed) scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 8/31/2022 percentage of women in chamber: 30.8% expected date of next election: August 2027 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): regionally, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC is headquartered on St. Lucia and consists of the Court of Appeal -- headed by the chief justice and 4 judges -- and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts judge selection and term of office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, and independent body of judicial officials; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62 subordinate courts: magistrates' courts; Court of Magisterial Appeals note: appeals beyond the ECSC in civil and criminal matters are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) **Political parties:** National Democratic Congress or NDC New National Party or NNP **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador Tarlie FRANCIS (since 15 September 2023) chancery: 1701 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 265-2561 FAX: [1] (202) 265-2468 email address and website: embassy@grenadaembassyusa.org https://grenadaembassyusa.org/ consulate(s) general: Miami, New York **Diplomatic representation from the US:** chief of mission: the US does not have an official embassy in Grenada; the Chargé d’Affaires to Barbados, Karin B. SULLIVAN, is accredited to Grenada embassy: Lance-aux-Epines, Saint George's mailing address: 3180 Grenada Place, Washington DC 20521-3180 telephone: [1] (473) 444-1173 FAX: [1] (473) 444-4820 email address and website: StgeorgesACS@state.gov https://bb.usembassy.gov/embassy/grenada/ **International organization participation:** ACP, ACS, AOSIS, CARIFORUM, CARIBCAN, Caricom, CBI, CDB, CELAC, CSME, ECCU, EPA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTO **Independence:** 7 February 1974 (from the UK) **National holiday:** Independence Day, 7 February (1974) **Flag:** description: a rectangle divided diagonally into yellow triangles (top and bottom) and green triangles (left and right), with a wide red border around the flag; three five-pointed yellow stars are centered on the top and bottom of the red border, with one larger yellow star on a red disk at the center of the flag; a small yellow-and-red nutmeg pod is on the left triangle meaning: the seven stars stand for the country's administrative divisions, with the central star symbolizing the capital, St. George's; yellow stands for the sun and the warmth of the people, green for vegetation and agriculture, and red for harmony, unity, and courage **National symbol(s):** Grenada dove, bougainvillea flower **National color(s):** red, yellow, green **National coat of arms:** Grenada’s coat of arms shows Grand Etang Lake, a crater lake on the volcano that formed Grenada; in the center of the shield is Christopher Columbus’s ship, the Santa Maria, which landed on the island in 1498; the gold cross dividing the shield, the two Madonna lilies, and the national motto signal the importance of religion; two lions symbolize past UK rule (1762-1974), as well as Grenada’s current status as a Commonwealth country; the corn stalk and banana plant represent agriculture; the armadillo and Grenada dove next to the shield are native to the island, and the roses in the bougainvillea flower garland represent Grenada’s seven communities **National anthem(s):** title: "Hail Grenada" lyrics/music: Irva Merle BAPTISTE/Louis Arnold MASANTO history: adopted 1974 _____ title: "God Save the King" lyrics/music: unknown history: royal anthem, as a Commonwealth country ### Economy **Economic overview:** small OECS service-based economy; large tourism, construction, transportation, and education sectors; major spice exporter; shrinking but still high public debt; vulnerable to hurricanes; emerging blue economy incentives **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $2.08 billion (2024 est.) $2.005 billion (2023 est.) $1.916 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 3.7% (2024 est.) 4.7% (2023 est.) 7.3% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $17,700 (2024 est.) $17,100 (2023 est.) $16,400 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $1.391 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 1.1% (2024 est.) 2.7% (2023 est.) 2.6% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 2.7% (2024 est.) industry: 14.8% (2024 est.) services: 65.2% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **Agricultural products:** sugarcane, coconuts, eggs, vegetables, fruits, bananas, plantains, grapefruits, avocados, mangoes/guavas (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations, tourism, construction, education, call-center operations **Industrial production growth rate:** 2.9% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Population below poverty line:** 25% (2018 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line **Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income:** 43.8 (2018 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality **Household income or consumption by percentage share:** lowest 10%: 2.1% (2018 est.) highest 10%: 33.7% (2018 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population **Remittances:** 5% of GDP (2024 est.) 5.3% of GDP (2023 est.) 5.1% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $288.404 million (2017 est.) expenditures: $222.475 million (2017 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Current account balance:** -$270.771 million (2024 est.) -$243.473 million (2023 est.) -$148.445 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $858.949 million (2024 est.) $828.529 million (2023 est.) $706.195 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** USA 24%, Antigua & Barbuda 13%, St. Vincent & the Grenadines 8%, Dominica 6%, Trinidad & Tobago 5% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** nutmeg/cardamons, fish, wheat flours, frozen fruits and nuts, aqueous paints (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $990.587 million (2024 est.) $924.688 million (2023 est.) $785.022 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 37%, Trinidad & Tobago 13%, Cayman Islands 10%, China 4%, UK 3% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, cars, poultry, ships, plastic products (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $423.263 million (2024 est.) $404.13 million (2023 est.) $371.767 million (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Debt - external:** $501.371 million (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars **Exchange rates:** East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 2.7 (2024 est.) 2.7 (2023 est.) 2.7 (2022 est.) 2.7 (2021 est.) 2.7 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 94.2% (2022 est.) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 60,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 221.453 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 18 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 98.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 1.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** imports: 1 metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** refined petroleum consumption: 2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 41.703 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 17,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 15 (2022 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 112,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 96 (2022 est.) **Broadcast media:** multiple publicly and privately owned TV and radio stations; state-owned Grenada Information Service (GIS) provides TV and radio; the Grenada Broadcasting Network, jointly owned by the government and the Caribbean Communications Network of Trinidad and Tobago, operates a TV station and 2 radio stations; multi-channel cable TV subscription service is provided by Columbus Communications Grenada (FLOW GRENADA); approximately 25 private radio stations (2019) **Internet country code:** .gd **Internet users:** percent of population: 74% (2023 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 35,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 30 (2022 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** J3 **Airports:** 2 (2025) **Merchant marine:** total: 6 (2023) by type: general cargo 3, other 3 **Ports:** total ports: 1 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 1 very small: 0 ports with oil terminals: 1 key ports: St. George's ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** no regular military forces; the Royal Grenada Police Force (under the Ministry of National Security) includes a Coast Guard and a paramilitary Special Services Unit (2025) **Military - note:** Grenada joined the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) in 1985; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2025) ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** IDPs: 383 (2024 est.) --- ## Guatemala **Slug:** guatemala **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇬🇹 **Codes:** cek: gt, iso2: GT, iso3: GTM, iso_num: 320, genc: GTM, stanag: GTM, internet: .gt ### Introduction **Background:** The Maya civilization flourished in Guatemala and surrounding regions during the first millennium A.D. After almost three centuries as a Spanish colony, Guatemala won its independence in 1821. During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced a variety of military and civilian governments, as well as a 36-year guerrilla war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement formally ending the internal conflict. ### Geography **Location:** Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize **Geographic coordinates:** 15 30 N, 90 15 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 108,889 sq km land: 107,159 sq km water: 1,730 sq km **Area - comparative:** slightly smaller than Pennsylvania **Land boundaries:** total: 1,667 km border countries (4): Belize 266 km; El Salvador 199 km; Honduras 244 km; Mexico 958 km **Coastline:** 400 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation **Climate:** tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands **Terrain:** two east-west trending mountain chains divide the country into three regions: the mountainous highlands, the Pacific coast south of mountains, and the vast northern Peten lowlands **Elevation:** highest point: Volcan Tajumulco (highest point in Central America) 4,220 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 759 m **Natural resources:** petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, hydropower **Land use:** agricultural land: 43% (2023 est.) arable land: 14.5% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 11% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 17.5% (2023 est.) forest: 33.2% (2023 est.) other: 23.7% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 3,375 sq km (2012) **Major lakes (area sq km):** fresh water lake(s): Lago de Izabal - 590 sq km **Population distribution:** the vast majority of the populace resides in the southern half of the country, particularly in the mountainous regions; more than half of the population lives in rural areas **Natural hazards:** numerous volcanoes in mountains, with occasional violent earthquakes; Caribbean coast extremely susceptible to hurricanes and other tropical storms volcanism: significant volcanic activity in the Sierra Madre range; Santa Maria (3,772 m) has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Pacaya (2,552 m) is one of the country's most active volcanoes, with frequent eruptions since 1965; other historically active volcanoes include Acatenango, Almolonga, Atitlan, Fuego, and Tacana; see note 2 under "Geography - note" **Geography - note:** note 1: despite having both eastern and western coastlines (Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean), there are no natural harbors on the west coast note 2: Guatemala is one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, which is a belt bordering the Pacific Ocean that contains about 75% of the world's volcanoes and up to 90% of the world's earthquakes ### People and Society **Population:** total: 17,148,610 (2025 est.) male: 8,473,085 female: 8,675,525 **Nationality:** noun: Guatemalan(s) adjective: Guatemalan **Ethnic groups:** Mestizo (mixed Indigenous-Spanish - in local Spanish called Ladino) 56%, Maya 41.7%, Xinca (Indigenous, non-Maya) 1.8%, African descent 0.2%, Garifuna (mixed West and Central African, Island Carib, and Arawak) 0.1%, foreign 0.2% (2018 est.) **Languages:** Spanish (official) 69.9%, Maya languages 29.7% (Q'eqchi' 8.3%, K'iche 7.8%, Mam 4.4%, Kaqchikel 3%, Q'anjob'al 1.2%, Poqomchi' 1%, other 4%), other 0.4% (includes Xinca and Garifuna) (2018 est.) major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. note: the 2003 Law of National Languages officially recognized 23 indigenous languages, including 21 Maya languages, Xinca, and Garifuna **Religions:** Evangelical 45.7%, Roman Catholic 42.4%, none 11%, unspecified 0.9% (2023 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 31.5% (male 2,925,079/female 2,819,927) 15-64 years: 63.2% (male 5,688,500/female 5,839,958) 65 years and over: 5.4% (2024 est.) (male 437,105/female 544,647) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 51.1 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 41.9 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 9.2 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 10.9 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 26.7 years (2025 est.) male: 24.2 years female: 25.4 years **Population growth rate:** 0.99% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 17.12 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 4.99 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -2.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** the vast majority of the populace resides in the southern half of the country, particularly in the mountainous regions; more than half of the population lives in rural areas **Urbanization:** urban population: 53.1% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 3.095 million GUATEMALA CITY (capital) (2023) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Mother's mean age at first birth:** 20.6 years (2014/15 est.) note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49 **Maternal mortality ratio:** 94 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 23.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 28.1 deaths/1,000 live births female: 21.7 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 73.5 years (2024 est.) male: 71.5 years female: 75.6 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.97 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.96 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: urban: 97.8% of population (2022 est.) rural: 91% of population (2022 est.) total: 94.6% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 2.2% of population (2022 est.) rural: 9% of population (2022 est.) total: 5.4% of population (2022 est.) **Health expenditure:** 6.9% of GDP (2021) 16.9% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 1.28 physicians/1,000 population (2020) **Hospital bed density:** 0.4 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: urban: 91.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 68.9% of population (2022 est.) total: 80.8% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 8.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 31.1% of population (2022 est.) total: 19.2% of population (2022 est.) **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 21.2% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 1.63 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 0.9 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.05 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 0.68 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Tobacco use:** total: 11.8% (2025 est.) male: 22.5% (2025 est.) female: 1.5% (2025 est.) **Children under the age of 5 years underweight:** 14.4% (2021 est.) **Currently married women (ages 15-49):** 56.2% (2018 est.) **Child marriage:** women married by age 15: 6.2% (2015) women married by age 18: 29.5% (2015) men married by age 18: 9.6% (2015) **Education expenditure:** 3.1% of GDP (2023 est.) 17.3% national budget (2025 est.) **Literacy:** total population: 82.1% (2024 est.) male: 86.9% (2024 est.) female: 78.5% (2024 est.) **School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):** total: 11 years (2023 est.) male: 10 years (2023 est.) female: 11 years (2023 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** deforestation in the Peten rainforest; soil erosion; water pollution **International environmental agreements:** party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements **Climate:** tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands **Land use:** agricultural land: 43% (2023 est.) arable land: 14.5% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 11% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 17.5% (2023 est.) forest: 33.2% (2023 est.) other: 23.7% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 53.1% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.59% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 18.546 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 2.31 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 16.232 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from consumed natural gas: 4,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 21.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.757 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10.4% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 835 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 603.1 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 1.886 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 127.91 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Republic of Guatemala conventional short form: Guatemala local long form: República de Guatemala local short form: Guatemala etymology: the Spanish conquistadors' first capital (established in 1524) was a former Mayan settlement called "Quauhtemallan" by their Nahuatl-speaking Mexican allies, a name that means "land of the eagle" but that the Spanish probably pronounced "Guatemala" **Government type:** presidential republic **Capital:** name: Guatemala City geographic coordinates: 14 37 N, 90 31 W time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the Spanish conquistadors' first capital (established in 1524) was a former Mayan settlement called "Quauhtemallan" by their Nahuatl-speaking Mexican allies, a name that means "land of the eagle" but that the Spanish probably pronounced "Guatemala" **Administrative divisions:** 22 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, El Progreso, Escuintla, Guatemala, Huehuetenango, Izabal, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten, Quetzaltenango, Quiche, Retalhuleu, Sacatepéquez, San Marcos, Santa Rosa, Sololá, Suchitepéquez, Totonicapán, Zacapa **Legal system:** civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts **Constitution:** history: several previous; latest adopted 31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986; suspended and reinstated in 1994 amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic, by agreement of 10 or more deputies of Congress, by the Constitutional Court, or by public petition of at least 5,000 citizens; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Congress membership and approval by public referendum, referred to as "popular consultation"; constitutional articles such as national sovereignty, the republican form of government, limitations on those seeking the presidency, or presidential tenure cannot be amended **International law organization participation:** has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years with no absences of six consecutive months or longer or absences totaling more than a year **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal note: active-duty members of the armed forces and police by law cannot vote and are restricted to their barracks on election day **Executive branch:** chief of state: President Bernardo ARÉVALO de León (since 15 January 2024) head of government: President Bernardo ARÉVALO de León (since 15 January 2024) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president election/appointment process: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 4-year term (not eligible for consecutive terms) most recent election date: 25 June 2023, with a runoff on 20 August 2023 election results: 2023: Bernardo ARÉVALO de León elected president in second round; percent of vote in first round - Sandra TORRES (UNE) 21%; Bernardo ARÉVALO de León (SEMILLA) 15.6%, Manuel CONDE Orellana (VAMOS) 10.4%; Armando CASTILLO Alvarado (VIVA) 9.6%, other 43.4%; percent of vote in second round - Bernardo ARÉVALO de León 60.9%, Sandra TORRES 39.1% 2019: Alejandro GIAMMATTEI elected president; percent of vote in first round - Sandra TORRES (UNE) 25.5%, Alejandro GIAMMATTEI (VAMOS) 14%, Edmond MULET (PHG) 11.2%, Thelma CABRERA (MLP) 10.4%, Roberto ARZU (PAN-PODEMOS) 6.1%, other 32.8%; percent of vote in second round - Alejandro GIAMMATTEI 58%, Sandra TORRES 42% expected date of next election: June 2027 note: the president is both chief of state and head of government **Legislative branch:** legislature name: Congress of the Republic (Congreso de la República) legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 160 (all directly elected) electoral system: mixed system scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 6/25/2023 parties elected and seats per party: Let’s Go for a Different Guatemala (Vamos) (39); National Unity of Hope Party (UNE) (28); Seed Movement (Semilla) (23); Cabal (18); Vision with Values (VIVA) (11); Other (41) percentage of women in chamber: 20% expected date of next election: June 2027 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (consists of 13 magistrates, including the court president and organized into 3 chambers) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court magistrates elected by the Congress of the Republic from candidates proposed by the Postulation Committee, an independent body of deans of the country's university law schools, representatives of the country's law associations, and representatives of the Courts of Appeal; magistrates elected for concurrent, renewable 5-year terms; Constitutional Court judges - 1 elected by the Congress of the Republic, 1 by the Supreme Court, 1 by the president of the republic, 1 by the (public) University of San Carlos, and 1 by the Assembly of the College of Attorneys and Notaries; judges elected for renewable, consecutive 5-year terms; the presidency of the court rotates among the magistrates for a single 1-year term subordinate courts: Appellate Courts of Accounts, Contentious Administrative Tribunal, courts of appeal, first instance courts, child and adolescence courts, minor or peace courts note 1: the Supreme Court of Justice president also supervises trial judges countrywide note 2: the Constitutional Court or Corte de Constitucionalidad of Guatemala resides outside the country's judicial system; its sole purpose is the interpretation of the constitution and to see that the laws and regulations are not superior to the constitution (consists of 5 titular magistrates and 5 substitute magistrates) **Political parties:** Bienestar Nacional or BIEN Blue Party (Partido Azul) or Blue CABAL Cambio Citizen Prosperity or PC Commitment, Renewal, and Order or CREO Elephant Community (Comunidad Elefante) or Elephant Everyone Together for Guatemala or TODOS Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity or URNG-MAIZ or URNG Humanist Party of Guatemala or PHG Movement for the Liberation of Peoples or MLP Movimiento Semilla or SEMILLA National Advancement Party or PAN National Convergence Front or FCN-NACION National Unity for Hope or UNE Nationalist Change Union or UCN (dissolved 16 December 2021) Nosotros or PPN PODEMOS Political Movement Winaq or Winaq TODOS Value or VALOR Vamos por una Guatemala Diferente or VAMOS Victory or VICTORIA Vision with Values or VIVA Will, Opportunity and Solidarity (Voluntad, Oportunidad y Solidaridad) or VOS **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador Hugo Eduardo BETETA (since 17 June 2024) chancery: 2220 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 745-4953 FAX: [1] (202) 745-1908 email address and website: embestadosunidos@minex.gob.gt https://estadosunidos.minex.gob.gt/home/home.aspx consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Columbus (OH), Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville (TN), New York, Oklahoma City, Omaha (NE), Philadelphia, Phoenix, Providence (RI), Raleigh (NC), Rockville (MD), San Francisco, Seattle consulate(s): Dallas, Del Rio (TX), Lake Worth (FL), McAllen (TX), Riverhead (NY), San Bernardino (CA), Tucson (AZ) **Diplomatic representation from the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador Tobin BRADLEY (since 12 February 2024) embassy: Boulevard Austriaco 11-51, Zone 16, Guatemala City mailing address: 3190 Guatemala Place, Washington DC 20521-3190 telephone: [502] 2354-0000 FAX: [502] 2326-4654 email address and website: AmCitsGuatemala@state.gov https://gt.usembassy.gov/ **International organization participation:** ACS, BCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNITAR, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO **Independence:** 15 September 1821 (from Spain) **National holiday:** Independence Day, 15 September (1821) **Flag:** description: three equal vertical bands of light blue (left side), white, and light blue, with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms includes a green-and-red quetzal (the national bird), a scroll with the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date of independence from Spain), a pair of crossed rifles, and a pair of crossed swords; a laurel wreath frames the objects meaning: the rifles stand for Guatemala's willingness to defend itself, the swords for honor, and the laurel wreath for victory; blue stands for the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and white for peace and purity note: one of two national flags featuring a firearm -- the other is Mozambique **National symbol(s):** quetzal (bird) **National color(s):** blue, white **National anthem(s):** title: "Himno Nacional de Guatemala" (National Anthem of Guatemala) lyrics/music: Jose Joaquin PALMA/Rafael Alvarez OVALLE history: adopted 1897, modified lyrics adopted 1934; Cuban poet Jose Joaquin PALMA anonymously submitted lyrics to a public contest calling for a national anthem and it was not discovered until 1911; anthem has four verses with four separate choruses at the end of each verse -- all are official, and the anthem is sung in its entirety when performed in Guatemala **National heritage:** total World Heritage Sites: 4 (3 cultural, 1 mixed) selected World Heritage Site locales: Antigua Guatemala (c); Tikal National Park (m); Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua (c); National Archaeological Park Tak'alik Ab'aj (c) ### Economy **Economic overview:** developing Central American economy; steady economic growth fueled by remittances; high poverty and income inequality; limited government services, lack of employment opportunities, and frequent natural disasters impede human development efforts and drive emigration **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $232.673 billion (2024 est.) $224.475 billion (2023 est.) $216.815 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 3.7% (2024 est.) 3.5% (2023 est.) 4.2% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $12,600 (2024 est.) $12,400 (2023 est.) $12,100 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $113.2 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 2.9% (2024 est.) 6.2% (2023 est.) 6.9% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 9.8% (2024 est.) industry: 21.7% (2024 est.) services: 61.8% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 88% (2024 est.) government consumption: 10.9% (2024 est.) investment in fixed capital: 16.1% (2024 est.) investment in inventories: 0.6% (2024 est.) exports of goods and services: 15.9% (2024 est.) imports of goods and services: -31.5% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection **Agricultural products:** sugarcane, bananas, oil palm fruit, maize, cantaloupes/melons, potatoes, milk, tomatoes, chicken, pineapples (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism **Industrial production growth rate:** 2% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Labor force:** 7.575 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work **Unemployment rate:** 2.3% (2024 est.) 2.4% (2023 est.) 3.1% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment **Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):** total: 4.2% (2024 est.) male: 4% (2024 est.) female: 4.7% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment **Population below poverty line:** 56% (2023 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line **Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income:** 45.2 (2023 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality **Average household expenditures:** on food: 35.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.) on alcohol and tobacco: 1.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.) **Household income or consumption by percentage share:** lowest 10%: 1.6% (2023 est.) highest 10%: 34.1% (2023 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population **Remittances:** 19.1% of GDP (2024 est.) 19.1% of GDP (2023 est.) 19% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $16.603 billion (2023 est.) expenditures: $17.349 billion (2023 est.) note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Public debt:** 31.56% of GDP (2020 est.) note: central government debt as a % of GDP **Taxes and other revenues:** 11.6% (of GDP) (2023 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP **Current account balance:** $3.333 billion (2024 est.) $3.212 billion (2023 est.) $1.116 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $17.997 billion (2024 est.) $17.342 billion (2023 est.) $18.141 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** USA 33%, El Salvador 11%, Honduras 9%, Nicaragua 6%, Mexico 4% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** garments, bananas, coffee, palm oil, raw sugar (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $35.576 billion (2024 est.) $33.056 billion (2023 est.) $33.943 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 30%, China 19%, Mexico 11%, El Salvador 4%, Costa Rica 3% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, video displays, cars, trucks, packaged medicine (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $24.412 billion (2024 est.) $21.311 billion (2023 est.) $20.415 billion (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Debt - external:** $11.862 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars **Exchange rates:** quetzales (GTQ) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 7.759 (2024 est.) 7.832 (2023 est.) 7.748 (2022 est.) 7.734 (2021 est.) 7.722 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 99.1% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 97.7% electrification - rural areas: 98.2% **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 4.995 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 12.222 billion kWh (2023 est.) exports: 1.104 billion kWh (2023 est.) imports: 1.573 billion kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.716 billion kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 25.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 1.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 2.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 42% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) geothermal: 2.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 25.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** consumption: 1.012 million metric tons (2023 est.) exports: 20 metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 808,000 metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** total petroleum production: 6,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 117,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 86.11 million barrels (2021 est.) **Natural gas:** production: 2.016 million cubic meters (2023 est.) consumption: 1.991 million cubic meters (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 17.096 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 1.98 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 11 (2024 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 20.7 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 113 (2024 est.) **Broadcast media:** 4 privately owned national terrestrial TV channels dominate TV broadcasting; multi-channel satellite and cable services are available; 1 government-owned radio station and hundreds of privately owned radio stations (2019) **Internet country code:** .gt **Internet users:** percent of population: 56% (2023 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 921,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2023 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** TG **Airports:** 58 (2025) **Heliports:** 2 (2025) **Railways:** total: 800 km (2018) narrow gauge: 800 km (2018) 0.914-m gauge note: despite the existence of a railway network, all rail service was suspended in 2007 and no passenger or freight train currently runs in the country (2018) **Merchant marine:** total: 9 (2023) by type: oil tanker 1, other 8 **Ports:** total ports: 3 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 2 very small: 1 ports with oil terminals: 2 key ports: Puerto Barrios, Puerto Quetzal, Santo Tomas de Castilla ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** Army of Guatemala (Ejercito de Guatemala; aka Armed Forces of Guatemala or Fuerzas Armadas de Guatemala): Land Forces (Fuerzas de Tierra), Naval Forces (Fuerzas de Mar), and Air Force (Fuerza de Aire) (2025) note: the National Civil Police (Policia Nacional Civil or PNC) are under the Ministry of Government (Interior) **Military expenditures:** 0.4% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.4% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.4% of GDP (2022 est.) 0.4% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.4% of GDP (2020 est.) **Military and security service personnel strengths:** approximately 20,000 active Armed Forces (2025) **Military equipment inventories and acquisitions:** the military is lightly armed with an inventory mostly comprised of ageing US equipment; in recent years, the US has provided additional secondhand equipment (2025) **Military service age and obligation:** 18-28 for voluntary service for men and women (17-21 for military schools); all Guatemalan men 18-49 are subject to selective compulsory service; service obligation is 12-24 months (2025) **Military deployments:** 180 Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (2025) **Military - note:** the military is responsible for maintaining the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the honor of Guatemala, but has long focused on internal security; since the 2000s, the Guatemalan Government has used the military to support the National Civil Police in internal security operations (as permitted by the constitution) to combat organized crime, gang violence, and narco-trafficking; other responsibilities include border security, cybersecurity, and providing humanitarian assistance; it also participates in UN missions on a small scale and has a peacekeeping operations training command that offers training to regional countries; the military has security ties with regional partners such as Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, and Honduras; cooperation with El Salvador and Honduras has included a combined police-military anti-gang task force to patrol border areas; it also has ties with the US, including joint training exercises and material assistance the military held power during most of Guatemala’s 36-year civil war (1960-1996) and conducted a campaign of widespread violence and repression, particularly against the country’s majority indigenous population; more than 200,000 people were estimated to have been killed or disappeared during the conflict (2025) ### Terrorism **Terrorist group(s):** Terrorist group(s): La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 4,676 (2024 est.) IDPs: 572,813 (2024 est.) **Illicit drugs:** USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country major precursor-chemical producer (2025) --- ## Haiti **Slug:** haiti **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇭🇹 **Codes:** cek: ha, iso2: HT, iso3: HTI, iso_num: 332, genc: HTI, stanag: HTI, internet: .ht ### Introduction **Background:** The native Taino -- who inhabited the island of Hispaniola when Christopher COLUMBUS first landed in 1492 -- were virtually wiped out by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola. In 1697, Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island, which later became Haiti. The French colony, based on forestry and sugar-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean but relied heavily on the forced labor of enslaved Africans and environmentally degrading practices. In the late 18th century, Toussaint L'OUVERTURE led a revolution of Haiti's nearly half a million slaves that ended France's rule on the island. After a prolonged struggle, and under the leadership of Jean-Jacques DESSALINES, Haiti became the first country in the world led by former slaves after declaring its independence in 1804, but it was forced to pay an indemnity of 100 million francs (equivalent to $22 billion USD in March 2023) to France for more than a century and was shunned by other countries for nearly 40 years. In 1862, the US officially recognized Haiti, but foreign economic influence and internal political instability induced the US to occupy Haiti from 1915 to 1934. Francois "Papa Doc" DUVALIER and then his son Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" DUVALIER led repressive and corrupt regimes that ruled Haiti in 1957-1971 and 1971-1986, respectively. Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE was Haiti's first democratically elected president in 1991 and was elected a second time in 2000, but coups interrupted his first term after only a few months and ended his second term in 2004. President Jovenel MOÏSE was assassinated in 2021, leading the country further into an extra-constitutional governance structure and contributing to the country’s growing fragility. The Government of Haiti then installed Ariel HENRY -- whom President MOÏSE had nominated shortly before his death -- as prime minister. On 29 February 2024, a significant escalation of gang violence occurred on the 20th anniversary of ARISTIDE's second overthrow, after the announcement that HENRY would not hold elections until August 2025. HENRY’s return from an overseas trip was diverted to Puerto Rico when the airport closed due to gang violence. With control of much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, gang leaders called for the ouster of HENRY’S government. By mid-March, Haiti’s continued violence, HENRY’S inability to return to the country, and increasing pressure from the international community led HENRY to pledge to resign. On 25 April 2024, HENRY formally submitted his resignation as a nine-member Transitional Presidential Council assumed control, tasked with returning stability to the country and preparing elections. Since January 2023, Haiti has had no sitting elected officials. The country has long been plagued by natural disasters. In 2010, a major 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti with an epicenter about 25 km (15 mi) west of the capital, Port-au-Prince. An estimated 300,000 people were killed, and some 1.5 million left homeless. The earthquake was assessed as the worst in this region in 200 years. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti’s southern peninsula in 2021, causing well over 2,000 deaths; an estimated 500,000 required emergency humanitarian aid. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, as well as one of the most unequal in wealth distribution. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, western one-third of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of the Dominican Republic **Geographic coordinates:** 19 00 N, 72 25 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 27,750 sq km land: 27,560 sq km water: 190 sq km **Area - comparative:** slightly smaller than Maryland **Land boundaries:** total: 376 km border countries (1): Dominican Republic 376 km **Coastline:** 1,771 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: to depth of exploitation **Climate:** tropical; semiarid where mountains in east cut off trade winds **Terrain:** mostly rough and mountainous **Elevation:** highest point: Pic la Selle 2,674 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 470 m **Natural resources:** bauxite, copper, calcium carbonate, gold, marble, hydropower, arable land **Land use:** agricultural land: 65.1% (2023 est.) arable land: 36.5% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 10.9% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 17.8% (2023 est.) forest: 13.4% (2023 est.) other: 21.5% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 800 sq km (2013) **Population distribution:** fairly even distribution; largest concentrations located near coastal areas **Natural hazards:** lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding and earthquakes; periodic droughts **Geography - note:** shares island of Hispaniola with Dominican Republic (western one-third is Haiti, eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic); it is the most mountainous nation in the Caribbean ### People and Society **Population:** total: 11,898,812 (2025 est.) male: 5,863,438 female: 6,035,374 **Nationality:** noun: Haitian(s) adjective: Haitian **Ethnic groups:** Black 95%, mixed and White 5% **Languages:** French (official), Creole (official) major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) The World Factbook, sous endispansab pou enfomasyon debaz. (Haitian Creole) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. **Religions:** Catholic 55%, Protestant 29%, Vodou 2.1%, other 4.6%, none 10% (2018 est.) note: 50-80% of Haitians incorporate some elements of Vodou culture or practice in addition to another religion, most often Roman Catholicism; Vodou was recognized as an official religion in 2003 **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 30.5% (male 1,790,061/female 1,794,210) 15-64 years: 65.3% (male 3,787,782/female 3,887,791) 65 years and over: 4.2% (2024 est.) (male 214,600/female 279,499) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 52.3 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 45.8 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 6.5 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 15.4 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 25.3 years (2025 est.) male: 24.7 years female: 25.3 years **Population growth rate:** 1.22% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 20.76 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 7 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -1.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** fairly even distribution; largest concentrations located near coastal areas **Urbanization:** urban population: 59.7% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.47% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 2.987 million PORT-AU-PRINCE (capital) (2023) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.01 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Mother's mean age at first birth:** 22.4 years (2016/7 est.) note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49 **Maternal mortality ratio:** 328 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 35 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 40.2 deaths/1,000 live births female: 33.5 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 65.6 years (2024 est.) male: 63.8 years female: 67.4 years **Total fertility rate:** 2.39 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 1.19 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: urban: 84.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 42.8% of population (2022 est.) total: 67.4% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 15.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 57.2% of population (2022 est.) total: 32.6% of population (2022 est.) **Health expenditure:** 3.5% of GDP (2021) 4.1% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 0.29 physicians/1,000 population (2022) **Hospital bed density:** 4.8 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: urban: 82.9% of population (2022 est.) rural: 42.6% of population (2022 est.) total: 66.3% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 17.1% of population (2022 est.) rural: 57.4% of population (2022 est.) total: 33.7% of population (2022 est.) **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 22.7% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 2.85 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 0.55 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 2.26 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Tobacco use:** total: 7.1% (2025 est.) male: 12.4% (2025 est.) female: 2.1% (2025 est.) **Children under the age of 5 years underweight:** 10.7% (2023 est.) **Currently married women (ages 15-49):** 53.6% (2017 est.) **Child marriage:** women married by age 15: 2.1% (2017) women married by age 18: 14.9% (2017) men married by age 18: 1.6% (2017) **Education expenditure:** 1% of GDP (2023 est.) 13.2% national budget (2025 est.) **Literacy:** total population: 68% (2017 est.) male: 72.9% (2017 est.) female: 63.9% (2017 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** deforestation (trees cleared for agriculture and used as fuel); soil erosion; inadequate potable water and lack of sanitation; natural disasters **International environmental agreements:** party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Nuclear Test Ban **Climate:** tropical; semiarid where mountains in east cut off trade winds **Land use:** agricultural land: 65.1% (2023 est.) arable land: 36.5% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 10.9% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 17.8% (2023 est.) forest: 13.4% (2023 est.) other: 21.5% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 59.7% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.47% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 2.854 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 2.848 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from consumed natural gas: 6,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 9.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.31 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 9.1% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 190 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 51 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 1.209 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 14.022 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Republic of Haiti conventional short form: Haiti local long form: République d'Haïti (French)/Repiblik d Ayiti (Haitian Creole) local short form: Haïti (French)/ Ayiti (Haitian Creole) etymology: derived from the Arawak name Ayti, meaning "Land of Mountains," that was originally applied to the entire island of Hispaniola **Government type:** semi-presidential republic **Capital:** name: Port-au-Prince geographic coordinates: 18 32 N, 72 20 W time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November etymology: the name means "the port of the prince" and probably came from a ship called The Prince that anchored in the bay in the early 18th century **Administrative divisions:** 10 departments (départements, singular - département); Artibonite, Centre, Grand'Anse, Nippes, Nord, Nord-Est, Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-Est **Legal system:** civil law system strongly influenced by Napoleonic Code **Constitution:** history: many previous; latest adopted 10 March 1987, with substantial revisions in June 2012 amendment process: proposed by the executive branch or by either the Senate or the Chamber of Deputies; consideration of proposed amendments requires support by at least two-thirds majority of both houses; passage requires at least two-thirds majority of the membership present and at least two-thirds majority of the votes cast; approved amendments enter into force after installation of the next president of the republic; constitutional articles on the democratic and republican form of government cannot be amended note: the constitution is commonly referred to as the “amended 1987 constitution” **International law organization participation:** accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; non-party state to the ICCt **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a native-born citizen of Haiti dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: President (vacant) head of government: Prime Minister Alix Didier FILS-AIMÉ (since 10 November 2024) cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister in consultation with the president; parliament must ratify the Cabinet and prime minister's governing policy election/appointment process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a single non-consecutive term) most recent election date: 20 November 2016 election results: 2016: Jovenel MOÏSE elected president in first round; percent of vote - Jovenel MOÏSE (PHTK) 55.6%, Jude CELESTIN (LAPEH) 19.6%, Jean-Charles MOÏSE (PPD) 11%, Maryse NARCISSE (FL) 9%; other 4.8% 2011: Michel MARTELLY elected president in second round; percent of vote in second round - Michel MARTELLY (Peasant's Response) 68%, Mirlande MANIGAT (RDNP) 32% expected date of next election: 30 August 2026 note: former Prime Minister Ariel HENRY, who had assumed executive responsibilities following the assassination of President MOÏSE on 7 July 2021, resigned on 24 April 2024; a nine-member Presidential Transitional Council, equipped with presidential powers, was sworn in on 25 April 2024 and will remain in place until 7 February 2026 **Legislative branch:** legislature name: National Assembly (Assemblée nationale) legislative structure: bicameral note 1: when the two chambers meet collectively, it is known as the National Assembly (or L'Assemblée nationale) and is convened for specific purposes spelled out in the constitution note 2: as of October 2024, the Senate and Chamber of Deputies were not functional **Legislative branch - lower chamber:** chamber name: Chamber of Deputies (Chambre des Députés) number of seats: 119 (all directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 8/9/2015 to 10/25/2015 parties elected and seats per party: Haitian Tet Kale Party (PHTK) (9); Konvansyon Inite Demokratik (KID) (7); Ayiti an aksyon (AAA) (6); Fanmi Lavalas (6); Patriotic Unity Party (Inite Patriyotik) (4); People's Struggle Party (OPL) (7); Other (24) percentage of women in chamber: 0% expected date of next election: August 2026 **Legislative branch - upper chamber:** chamber name: Senate (Sénat) number of seats: 30 (all directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: partial renewal term in office: 6 years most recent election date: 11/20/2016 to 1/29/2017 parties elected and seats per party: Haitian Tet Kale Party (PHTK) (9); Truth (Vérité) (3); Konvansyon Inite Demokratik (KID) (2); Bouclier (2); Ayiti an aksyon (AAA) (2); Other (10) expected date of next election: August 2026 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Supreme Court or Cour de cassation (consists of 12 judges) judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the president from candidate lists submitted by the Senate of the National Assembly subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal; Courts of First Instance; magistrate's courts; land, labor, and children's courts note: the Superior Council of the Judiciary or Conseil Supérieur du Pouvoir Judiciaire is a 9-member body charged with the administration and oversight of the judicial branch of government note: Haiti is a member of the Caribbean Court of Justice, the Constitutional Court (called for in the 1987 constitution but not yet established), and the High Court of Justice, for trying high government officials (currently not functional) note: Article 174 of Haiti's constitution states that judges of the Supreme Court are appointed for 10 years, whereas Article 177 states that judges of the Supreme Court are appointed for life **Political parties:** Alternative League for Haitian Progress and Emancipation (Ligue Alternative pour le Progrès et l’Emancipation Haïtienne) or LAPEH Christian Movement for a New Haiti or MCNH or Mochrenha Christian National Movement for the Reconstruction of Haiti or UNCRH Combat of Peasant Workers to Liberate Haiti (Konbit Travaye Peyizan Pou Libere Ayiti) or Kontra Pep La Convention for Democratic Unity or KID Cooperative Action to Rebuild Haiti or KONBA December 16 Platform or Platfom 16 Desanm Democratic Alliance Party or ALYANS (coalition includes KID and PPRH) Democratic Centers' National Council or CONACED Democratic and Popular Sector (Secteur Démocratique et Populaire) or SDP Democratic Unity Convention (Konvansyon Inite Demokratik) or KID Dessalinian Patriotic and Popular Movement or MOPOD Effort and Solidarity to Create an Alternative for the People or ESKAMP Fanmi Lavalas or FL Forward (En Avant) Fusion of Haitian Social Democrats (Fusion Des Sociaux-Démocrates Haïtiens) or FHSD G18 Policy Platform (Plateforme Politique G18) Haiti in Action (Ayiti An Aksyon Haiti's Action) or AAA Haitian Tet Kale Party (Parti Haitien Tet Kale) or PHTK Independent Movement for National Reconciliation or MIRN Lavni Organization or LAVNI Lod Demokratik Love Haiti (Renmen Ayiti) or RA MTV Ayiti National Consortium of Haitian Political Parties (Consortium National des Partis Politiques Haitiens) or CNPPH National Shield Network (Reseau Bouclier National) Organization of the People's Struggle (Oganizasyon Pep Kap Lite) or OPL Patriotic Unity (Inite Patriyotik) or Inite Platform Pitit Desalin (Politik Pitit Dessalines) or PPD Political Party for Us All or Bridge (Pont) or Pou Nou Tout Popular Patriotic Dessalinien Movement (Mouvement Patriotique Populaire Dessalinien) or MOPOD Rally of Progressive National Democrats (Rassemblement des Démocrates Nationaux Progressistes) or RDNP Respe (Respect) Women and Families Political Parties (Defile Pati Politik Fanm Ak Fanmi) **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador Lionel DELATOUR (since 11 June 2025) chancery: 2311 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 332-4090 FAX: [1] (202) 745-7215 email address and website: amb.washington@diplomatie.ht https://www.haiti.org/ consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Miami, Orlando (FL), New York **Diplomatic representation from the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Henry T. WOOSTER (since 12 June 2025) embassy: Tabarre 41, Route de Tabarre, Port-au-Prince mailing address: 3400 Port-au-Prince Place, Washington, DC 20521-3400 telephone: [011] (509) 2229-8000 FAX: [011] (509) 2229-8027 email address and website: acspap@state.gov https://ht.usembassy.gov/ **International organization participation:** ACP, ACS, AOSIS, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO **Independence:** 1 January 1804 (from France) **National holiday:** Independence Day, 1 January (1804) **Flag:** description: two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red; a centered white rectangle bears the coat of arms, which has a palm tree flanked by flags and two cannons above a scroll with the motto L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Union Makes Strength) meaning: the colors are taken from the French flag and represent the union of ethnic groups **National symbol(s):** Hispaniolan trogon (bird), hibiscus flower **National color(s):** blue, red **National anthem(s):** title: "La Dessalinienne" (The Dessalines Song) lyrics/music: Justin LHERISSON/Nicolas GEFFRARD history: adopted 1904; named for Jean-Jacques DESSALINES, founder of Haiti **National heritage:** total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers ### Economy **Economic overview:** small Caribbean island economy and OECS-member state; extreme poverty and inflation; enormous income inequality; ongoing civil unrest due to recent presidential assassination; US preferential market access; very open to foreign direct investment **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $32.971 billion (2024 est.) $34.406 billion (2023 est.) $35.059 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** -4.2% (2024 est.) -1.9% (2023 est.) -1.7% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $2,800 (2024 est.) $3,000 (2023 est.) $3,000 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $25.224 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 26.9% (2024 est.) 36.8% (2023 est.) 34% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 15.9% (2024 est.) industry: 33.4% (2024 est.) services: 48.3% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 99.8% (2024 est.) government consumption: 5.7% (2024 est.) investment in fixed capital: 9.9% (2024 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.) exports of goods and services: 3.4% (2024 est.) imports of goods and services: -18.8% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection **Agricultural products:** sugarcane, cassava, plantains, bananas, mangoes/guavas, avocados, maize, tropical fruits, rice, vegetables (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** textiles, sugar refining, flour milling, cement, light assembly using imported parts **Industrial production growth rate:** -4.7% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Labor force:** 5.281 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work **Unemployment rate:** 15.1% (2024 est.) 14.6% (2023 est.) 14.7% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment **Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):** total: 37.5% (2024 est.) male: 30% (2024 est.) female: 47.1% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment **Remittances:** 18.9% of GDP (2023 est.) 18.8% of GDP (2022 est.) 19.1% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $1.179 billion (2020 est.) expenditures: $1.527 billion (2020 est.) **Current account balance:** -$682.57 million (2023 est.) -$491.954 million (2022 est.) $87.656 million (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $1.095 billion (2023 est.) $1.355 billion (2022 est.) $1.272 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** USA 82%, Canada 4%, Mexico 2%, France 2%, India 2% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** garments, essential oils, scrap iron, industrial acids/oils/alcohols, bedding (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $5.303 billion (2023 est.) $5.451 billion (2022 est.) $5.048 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 31%, Dominican Republic 23%, China 14%, Indonesia 4%, India 3% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, rice, garments, cotton fabric, plastic products (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $2.718 billion (2024 est.) $2.586 billion (2023 est.) $2.173 billion (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Debt - external:** $1.865 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars **Exchange rates:** gourdes (HTG) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 131.811 (2024 est.) 141.036 (2023 est.) 115.631 (2022 est.) 89.227 (2021 est.) 93.51 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 49.3% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 83% electrification - rural areas: 1.2% (2019 est.) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 472,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 861 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 152 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 81.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 18.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** imports: 5.7 metric tons (2022 est.) **Petroleum:** refined petroleum consumption: 19,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Natural gas:** consumption: 3.2 million cubic meters (2023 est.) imports: 3.2 million cubic meters (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 3.486 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 1,360 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1 **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 7.5 million (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 65 (2022 est.) **Broadcast media:** 398 legal broadcasting stations, including about 60 community radio stations; 105 TV stations, including 36 in Port-au-Prince, 41 others in the provinces, and more than 40 radio-television stations; large number of stations operate irregularly or flout regulations; VOA Creole Service broadcasts daily on 30 affiliate stations (2019) **Internet country code:** .ht **Internet users:** percent of population: 39% (2019 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 35,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1 ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** HH **Airports:** 17 (2025) **Heliports:** 2 (2025) **Merchant marine:** total: 4 (2023) by type: general cargo 3, other 1 **Ports:** total ports: 5 (2024) large: 0 medium: 1 small: 0 very small: 4 ports with oil terminals: 1 key ports: Cap Haitien, Jacmel, Miragoane, Petit Goave, Port au Prince ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** the Haitian Armed Forces (FAdH): Army Ministry of Justice and Public Security: Haitian National Police (Police Nationale d'Haïti or PNH) (2025) note: the PNH is responsible for maintaining public security; it includes police, corrections, fire, emergency response, airport security, port security, and coast guard functions; its units include a presidential guard and a paramilitary rapid-response Motorized Intervention Unit (BIM) **Military and security service personnel strengths:** estimates vary; up to 2,000 trained military personnel (the force is planned to eventually have around 5,000 personnel); estimates for the National Police range from a low of 9,000 to a high of about 13,000 (2025) **Military equipment inventories and acquisitions:** in recent years, Canada, Taiwan, UAE, and the US have provided some equipment to the Haitian security forces, including vehicles (2025) **Military service age and obligation:** men and women 18-25 may volunteer for the FAdH (2023) **Military - note:** Haiti's military was disbanded in 1995 after it participated in multiple coups and was accused of other political interference and human rights violations; the military was reinstated by former President MOISE in 2017 after the UN ended its peacekeeping operation in Haiti; the reconstituted military established an Army command in 2018 and has received some training assistance from Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, France, and Mexico; the military’s stated mission is to assist with natural disaster relief, border security, and combating transnational crime; in 2023, Prime Minister HENRY called upon the military to assist the National Police (PNH) in combating armed gangs, which have overwhelmed the PNH, killed hundreds of Haitians, and seized control of swaths of territory, including much of the capital Port-au-Prince, since the assassination of President MOISE in 2021 in 2023, the UN Security Council approved the deployment of a Kenya-led multinational security support mission (MSS) to help bring gang violence under control; the first contingent of MSS personnel from the Kenya National Police Service arrived in mid-2024; other countries pledging forces included the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad, and Jamaica; the mission is slated to have a total of 2,500 personnel (2025) ### Terrorism **Terrorist group(s):** Terrorist group(s): Gran Grif; Viv Ansanm note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 5 (2024 est.) IDPs: 1,041,229 (2024 est.) **Trafficking in persons:** tier rating: Special Case; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/haiti/ **Illicit drugs:** USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025) --- ## Honduras **Slug:** honduras **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇭🇳 **Codes:** cek: ho, iso2: HN, iso3: HND, iso_num: 340, genc: HND, stanag: HND, internet: .hn ### Introduction **Background:** Once part of Spain's vast empire in the New World, Honduras became an independent nation in 1821. After two and a half decades of mostly military rule, a freely elected civilian government came to power in 1982. During the 1980s, Honduras proved a haven for anti-Sandinista contras fighting the Marxist Nicaraguan Government and an ally to Salvadoran Government forces fighting leftist guerrillas. Hurricane Mitch devastated the country in 1998, killing about 5,600 people and causing approximately $2 billion in damage. Since then, the economy has slowly rebounded, despite COVID-19 and severe storm-related setbacks in 2020 and 2021. ### Geography **Location:** Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Nicaragua and bordering the Gulf of Fonseca (North Pacific Ocean), between El Salvador and Nicaragua **Geographic coordinates:** 15 00 N, 86 30 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 112,090 sq km land: 111,890 sq km water: 200 sq km **Area - comparative:** slightly larger than Tennessee **Land boundaries:** total: 1,575 km border countries (3): Guatemala 244 km; El Salvador 391 km; Nicaragua 940 km **Coastline:** 823 km (Caribbean Sea 669 km; Gulf of Fonseca 163 km) **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: natural extension of territory or to 200 nm **Climate:** subtropical in lowlands, temperate in mountains **Terrain:** mostly mountains in interior, narrow coastal plains **Elevation:** highest point: Cerro Las Minas 2,870 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 684 m **Natural resources:** timber, gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron ore, antimony, coal, fish, hydropower **Land use:** agricultural land: 32% (2023 est.) arable land: 9.1% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 5.4% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 17.5% (2023 est.) forest: 53.3% (2023 est.) other: 14.8% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 900 sq km (2012) **Major lakes (area sq km):** salt water lake(s): Laguna de Caratasca - 1,110 sq km **Population distribution:** most residents live in the mountainous western half of the country; Honduras is the only Central American nation with an urban population that is distributed between two large centers, the capital of Tegucigalpa and the city of San Pedro Sula; the Rio Ulua valley in the north is the only densely populated lowland area **Natural hazards:** frequent, but generally mild, earthquakes; extremely susceptible to damaging hurricanes and floods along the Caribbean coast **Geography - note:** has only a short Pacific coast but a long Caribbean shoreline, including the virtually uninhabited eastern Mosquito Coast ### People and Society **Population:** total: 9,652,170 (2025 est.) male: 4,649,294 female: 5,002,876 **Nationality:** noun: Honduran(s) adjective: Honduran **Ethnic groups:** Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European) 90%, Indigenous 7%, African descent 2%, White 1% **Languages:** Spanish (official), Amerindian dialects major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. **Religions:** Evangelical 55%, Roman Catholic 33.4%, none 10.1%, unspecified 1.5% (2023 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 28.7% (male 1,378,026/female 1,353,238) 15-64 years: 65.7% (male 2,980,393/female 3,282,159) 65 years and over: 5.6% (2024 est.) (male 232,828/female 302,544) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 51.5 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 42.8 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 8.8 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 11.4 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 26.1 years (2025 est.) male: 24.8 years female: 26.6 years **Population growth rate:** 1.28% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 19.7 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 4.9 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -2.02 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** most residents live in the mountainous western half of the country; Honduras is the only Central American nation with an urban population that is distributed between two large centers, the capital of Tegucigalpa and the city of San Pedro Sula; the Rio Ulua valley in the north is the only densely populated lowland area **Urbanization:** urban population: 60.2% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.48% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 1.568 million TEGUCIGALPA (capital), 982,000 San Pedro Sula (2023) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Mother's mean age at first birth:** 20.3 years (2011/12 est.) note: data represents median age a first birth among women 25-49 **Maternal mortality ratio:** 47 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 15.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 17.5 deaths/1,000 live births female: 13.2 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 73.1 years (2024 est.) male: 69.6 years female: 76.8 years **Total fertility rate:** 2.29 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 1.13 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: urban: 99.2% of population (2022 est.) rural: 90.8% of population (2022 est.) total: 95.8% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 0.8% of population (2022 est.) rural: 9.2% of population (2022 est.) total: 4.2% of population (2022 est.) **Health expenditure:** 9.2% of GDP (2021) 14.2% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 0.49 physicians/1,000 population (2020) **Hospital bed density:** 0.7 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: urban: 96.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 88.1% of population (2022 est.) total: 93.2% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 3.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 11.9% of population (2022 est.) total: 6.8% of population (2022 est.) **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 21.4% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 2.73 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 1.6 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 1.09 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Tobacco use:** total: 11.9% (2025 est.) male: 22.2% (2025 est.) female: 1.6% (2025 est.) **Children under the age of 5 years underweight:** 7.1% (2019 est.) **Currently married women (ages 15-49):** 54.4% (2019 est.) **Child marriage:** women married by age 15: 9.2% (2019) women married by age 18: 34% (2019) men married by age 18: 10% (2019) **Education expenditure:** 4.5% of GDP (2023 est.) 23.2% national budget (2018 est.) **Literacy:** total population: 88.2% (2024 est.) male: 87.6% (2024 est.) female: 88.8% (2024 est.) **School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):** total: 10 years (2019 est.) male: 9 years (2019 est.) female: 10 years (2019 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** deforestation from logging and agricultural clearing; land degradation and soil erosion from overdevelopment and improper land use practices; mining activities polluting Lago de Yojoa (the country's largest source of fresh water) and other rivers and streams **International environmental agreements:** party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements **Climate:** subtropical in lowlands, temperate in mountains **Land use:** agricultural land: 32% (2023 est.) arable land: 9.1% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 5.4% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 17.5% (2023 est.) forest: 53.3% (2023 est.) other: 14.8% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 60.2% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.48% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 10.534 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 324,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 10.21 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 19.1 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.162 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 10.3% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 315 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 114 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 1.178 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 92.164 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Republic of Honduras conventional short form: Honduras local long form: República de Honduras local short form: Honduras etymology: the name means "depths" in Spanish and refers to the deep anchorage in the northern Bay of Trujillo **Government type:** presidential republic **Capital:** name: Tegucigalpa geographic coordinates: 14 06 N, 87 13 W time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time) etymology: the name is a Nahuatl word meaning "silver mountain," probably referring to nearby silver mines note: the Honduran constitution states that Tegucigalpa and Comayaguela jointly constitute the capital of Honduras, but virtually all governmental institutions are on the Tegucigalpa side **Administrative divisions:** 18 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Atlántida, Choluteca, Colon, Comayagua, Copan, Cortes, El Paraiso, Francisco Morazán, Gracias a Dios, Intibucá, Islas de la Bahia, La Paz, Lempira, Ocotepeque, Olancho, Santa Barbara, Valle, Yoro **Legal system:** civil law system **Constitution:** history: several previous; latest approved 11 January 1982, effective 20 January 1982 amendment process: proposed by the National Congress with at least two-thirds majority vote of the membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of Congress in its next annual session; constitutional articles, such as the form of government, national sovereignty, the presidential term, and the procedure for amending the constitution, cannot be amended **International law organization participation:** accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 1 to 3 years **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal and compulsory **Executive branch:** chief of state: President Iris Xiomara CASTRO de Zelaya (since 27 January 2022) head of government: President Iris Xiomara CASTRO de Zelaya (since 27 January 2022) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by president election/appointment process: president directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a 4-year term most recent election date: 30 November 2025 election results: 2025: Nasry Juan ASFURA Zablah elected president; percent of vote - Nasry Juan ASFURA Zablah (PNH) 40.3%, Salvador NASRALLA (PL) 39.5%, Rixi Ramona MONCADA Godoy (LIBRE) 19.2%; note - ASFURA will take office 27 January 2026 2021: Iris Xiomara CASTRO de Zelaya elected president; percent of vote - Iris Xiomara CASTRO de Zelaya (LIBRE) 51.1%, Nasry Juan ASFURA Zablah (PNH) 36.9%, Yani Benjamin ROSENTHAL Hidalgo (PL) 10%, other 2% 2017: Juan Orlando HERNANDEZ Alvarado reelected president; percent of vote - Juan Orlando HERNANDEZ Alvarado (PNH) 43%, Salvador NASRALLA (Alianza de Oposicion contra la Dictadura) 41.4%, Luis Orlando ZELAYA Medrano (PL) 14.7%, other 0.9% expected date of next election: 25 November 2029 note: the president is both chief of state and head of government **Legislative branch:** legislature name: National Congress (Congreso Nacional) legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 128 (all directly elected) electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 11/30/2025 parties elected and seats per party: Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE) (50); National Party (PN) (44); Liberal Party (PL) (22); Salvador de Honduras Party (PSH) (10); Other (2) percentage of women in chamber: 27.3% expected date of next election: November 2029 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (15 principal judges, including the court president, and 6 alternates; court organized into civil, criminal, constitutional, and labor chambers) judge selection and term of office: court president elected by his peers; judges elected by the National Congress from candidates proposed by the Nominating Board, a diverse 7-member group of judicial officials and other government and non-government officials nominated by each of their organizations; judges elected by Congress for renewable, 7-year terms subordinate courts: courts of appeal; courts of first instance; justices of the peace note: the Supreme Court has both judicial and constitutional jurisdiction **Political parties:** Anti-Corruption Party or PAC Christian Democratic Party or DC Democratic Liberation of Honduras or Liderh Democratic Unification Party or UD The Front or El Frente Honduran Patriotic Alliance or AP Innovation and Unity Party or PINU Liberal Party or PL Liberty and Refoundation Party or LIBRE National Party of Honduras or PNH New Route or NR Opposition Alliance against the Dictatorship or Alianza de Oposicion contra la Dictadura (electoral coalition) Savior Party of Honduras or PSH Vamos or Let’s Go We Are All Honduras (Todos Somos Honduras) or TSH **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Leonardo VALENZUELA NEDA (since 10 June 2025) chancery: 1220 19th Street NW, Suite #320, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 966-7702 FAX: [1] (202) 966-9751 email address and website: info@wadchn.com https://hondurasembusa.org/ consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte (NC), Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, McAllen (TX), Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, Seattle **Diplomatic representation from the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Colleen Anne HOEY (since 23 June 2025) embassy: Avenida La Paz, Tegucigalpa M.D.C. mailing address: 3480 Tegucigalpa Place, Washington DC 20521-3480 telephone: [504] 2236-9320, FAX: [504] 2236-9037 email address and website: usahonduras@state.gov https://hn.usembassy.gov/ **International organization participation:** ACS, BCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, EITI (candidate country), FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC (suspended), IOM, IPU, ISO (subscriber), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNHRC, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCO (suspended), WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO **Independence:** 15 September 1821 (from Spain) **National holiday:** Independence Day, 15 September (1821) **Flag:** description: three equal horizontal bands of cerulean blue (top), white, and cerulean blue, with five five-pointed cerulean stars arranged in an "X" pattern and centered in the white band meaning: the stars represent the members of the former Federal Republic of Central America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; blue stands for the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and white for the land and the people's peace and prosperity note: similar to the flag of El Salvador, which has a round emblem surrounded by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL; also similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which has a triangle with the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA above and AMERICA CENTRAL below **National symbol(s):** scarlet macaw, white-tailed deer **National color(s):** blue, white **National anthem(s):** title: "Himno Nacional de Honduras" (National Anthem of Honduras) lyrics/music: Augusto Constancio COELLO/Carlos HARTLING history: adopted 1915; the anthem's seven verses chronicle Honduran history; on official occasions, only the chorus and last verse are sung **National heritage:** total World Heritage Sites: 2 (1 cultural, 1 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Maya Site of Copan (c); Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve (n) ### Economy **Economic overview:** second-fastest-growing Central American economy; COVID-19 and two hurricanes crippled activity; high poverty and inequality; declining-but-still-high violent crime disruption; systemic corruption; coffee and banana exporter; enormous remittances **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $71.297 billion (2024 est.) $68.85 billion (2023 est.) $66.473 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 3.6% (2024 est.) 3.6% (2023 est.) 4.1% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $6,600 (2024 est.) $6,500 (2023 est.) $6,400 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $37.094 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 4.6% (2024 est.) 6.7% (2023 est.) 9.1% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 11.2% (2024 est.) industry: 26.1% (2024 est.) services: 58.4% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 86% (2024 est.) government consumption: 15.5% (2024 est.) investment in fixed capital: 23.9% (2024 est.) investment in inventories: -1.4% (2024 est.) exports of goods and services: 33.5% (2024 est.) imports of goods and services: -57.6% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection **Agricultural products:** sugarcane, oil palm fruit, maize, milk, bananas, coffee, cantaloupes/melons, oranges, chicken, beans (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** sugar processing, coffee, woven and knit apparel, wood products, cigars **Industrial production growth rate:** 0.8% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Labor force:** 4.296 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work **Unemployment rate:** 6.1% (2024 est.) 6.1% (2023 est.) 8.8% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment **Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):** total: 10.5% (2024 est.) male: 7.9% (2024 est.) female: 15.9% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment **Population below poverty line:** 64.1% (2023 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line **Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income:** 46.8 (2023 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality **Average household expenditures:** on food: 31.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.) on alcohol and tobacco: 4.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.) **Household income or consumption by percentage share:** lowest 10%: 1.1% (2023 est.) highest 10%: 33% (2023 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population **Remittances:** 25.7% of GDP (2024 est.) 26.1% of GDP (2023 est.) 27% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $5.333 billion (2020 est.) expenditures: $6.391 billion (2020 est.) note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Taxes and other revenues:** 15.1% (of GDP) (2020 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP **Current account balance:** -$1.711 billion (2024 est.) -$1.368 billion (2023 est.) -$2.157 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $9.352 billion (2024 est.) $9.805 billion (2023 est.) $9.51 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** USA 49%, Nicaragua 8%, El Salvador 7%, Guatemala 5%, Mexico 5% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** garments, coffee, insulated wire, palm oil, shellfish (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $18.235 billion (2024 est.) $17.926 billion (2023 est.) $18.101 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 36%, China 14%, Guatemala 8%, Mexico 6%, El Salvador 6% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, cotton yarn, garments, trucks, packaged medicine (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $8.036 billion (2024 est.) $7.543 billion (2023 est.) $8.41 billion (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Debt - external:** $7.785 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars **Exchange rates:** lempiras (HNL) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 24.799 (2024 est.) 24.602 (2023 est.) 24.486 (2022 est.) 24.017 (2021 est.) 24.582 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 94.4% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 100% electrification - rural areas: 86.8% **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 3.334 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 8.303 billion kWh (2023 est.) exports: 4 million kWh (2023 est.) imports: 214.601 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 3.617 billion kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 38.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 8.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 5.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 33.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) geothermal: 3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 10.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** consumption: 144,000 metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 148,000 metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** total petroleum production: 20 bbl/day (2023 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 71,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 16.642 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 458,000 (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2024 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 7.68 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 71 (2024 est.) **Broadcast media:** multiple privately owned terrestrial TV networks, supplemented by multiple cable TV networks; Radio Honduras is the state-owned radio network; roughly 300 privately owned radio stations (2019) **Internet country code:** .hn **Internet users:** percent of population: 58% (2023 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 476,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2023 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** HR **Airports:** 129 (2025) **Heliports:** 6 (2025) **Railways:** total: 699 km (2014) narrow gauge: 164 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge 115 km 1.057-mm gauge 420 km 0.914-mm gauge **Merchant marine:** total: 489 (2023) by type: general cargo 233, oil tanker 82, other 174 **Ports:** total ports: 8 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 1 very small: 7 ports with oil terminals: 3 key ports: Coxen Hole, La Ceiba, Puerto Castilla, Puerto Cortes, Puerto de Hencan, Puerto Este, Tela, Trujillo ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** Honduran Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas de Honduras, FFAA): Army (Ejercito), Honduran Naval Force (Fuerza Naval Hondurena, FNH; includes marines), Honduran Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Hondurena, FAH), Honduran Military Police of Public Order (Policía Militar del Orden Público or PMOP) (2025) note 1: the National Police of Honduras (Policía Nacional de Honduras, PNH) are under the Secretariat of Security and responsible for internal security; some larger cities have police forces that operate independently of the national police and report to municipal authorities note 2: the PMOP supports the PNH against narcotics trafficking and organized crime; it is subordinate to the Secretariat of Defense/FFAA, but conducts operations sanctioned by civilian security officials as well as by military leaders note 3: the National Interinstitutional Security Force is an interagency command that coordinates the overlapping responsibilities of the HNP, PMOP, and other security organizations such as the National Intelligence Directorate and the Public Ministry (public prosecutor), but exercises coordination, command, and control responsibilities only during interagency operations involving those forces **Military expenditures:** 1.5% of GDP (2024 est.) 1.5% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.4% of GDP (2022 est.) 1.5% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.6% of GDP (2020 est.) **Military and security service personnel strengths:** approximately 15,000 active Honduran Armed Forces (2025) **Military equipment inventories and acquisitions:** the FFAA's inventory is comprised of a mix of older or secondhand and limited amounts of more modern equipment; its main supplier is the US; other suppliers include Colombia, Israel, the Netherlands, and the UK (2025) **Military service age and obligation:** 18-22 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; 24–36 month service obligation; no conscription (2026) **Military - note:** the Honduran Armed Forces (FFAA) are responsible for maintaining the country’s territory, defending its sovereignty, providing emergency/humanitarian assistance, and supporting the National Police (PNH); the FFAA’s primary focus is internal and border security, and since 2011 a considerable portion of it has been deployed to support the PNH in combating narcotics trafficking and organized crime; military support to domestic security included the creation of the Military Police of Public Order (PMOP) in 2013 to provide security in areas controlled by street gangs to combat crime and make arrests; the FFAA, including the PMOP, cooperates with the militaries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua on border security the FFAA has received military equipment, training, humanitarian, and technical assistance from the US military; the US military maintains a joint service task force co-located with the FFAA at Soto Cano Air Base (2025) ### Terrorism **Terrorist group(s):** Terrorist group(s): La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 341 (2024 est.) IDPs: 100,637 (2024 est.) **Illicit drugs:** USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country major precursor-chemical producer (2025) --- ## Jamaica **Slug:** jamaica **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇯🇲 **Codes:** cek: jm, iso2: JM, iso3: JAM, iso_num: 388, genc: JAM, stanag: JAM, internet: .jm ### Introduction **Background:** Europeans first saw Jamaica when Christopher COLUMBUS arrived in 1494, and the Spanish settled the island early in the 16th century. The Native Taino, who had inhabited Jamaica for centuries, were gradually exterminated and replaced with African slaves. England seized the island in 1655 and established a plantation economy based on sugar, cocoa, and coffee. The abolition of slavery in 1834 freed a quarter-million slaves, many of whom became small farmers. Jamaica gradually increased its independence from Britain. In 1958, it joined other British Caribbean colonies in forming the Federation of the West Indies. Jamaica withdrew from the Federation in 1961 and gained full independence in 1962. Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurring violence as rival gangs affiliated with the major political parties evolved into powerful organized crime networks involved in international drug smuggling and money laundering. Violent crime, drug trafficking, corruption, and poverty pose significant challenges to the government today. Nonetheless, many rural and resort areas remain relatively safe and contribute substantially to the economy. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba **Geographic coordinates:** 18 15 N, 77 30 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 10,991 sq km land: 10,831 sq km water: 160 sq km **Area - comparative:** about half the size of New Jersey; slightly smaller than Connecticut **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 1,022 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin note: measured from claimed archipelagic straight baselines **Climate:** tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior **Terrain:** mostly mountains, with narrow, discontinuous coastal plain **Elevation:** highest point: Blue Mountain Peak 2,256 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 18 m **Natural resources:** bauxite, alumina, gypsum, limestone **Land use:** agricultural land: 38.5% (2023 est.) arable land: 11.1% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 6.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 21.1% (2023 est.) forest: 56.2% (2023 est.) other: 5.3% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 250 sq km (2012) **Population distribution:** population density is high throughout, but increases in and around Kingston, Montego Bay, and Port Esquivel **Natural hazards:** hurricanes (especially July to November) **Geography - note:** third largest island in the Caribbean (after Cuba and Hispaniola); strategic location between Cayman Trench and Jamaica Channel, the main sea lanes for the Panama Canal ### People and Society **Population:** total: 2,938,503 (2025 est.) male: 1,453,759 female: 1,484,744 **Nationality:** noun: Jamaican(s) adjective: Jamaican **Ethnic groups:** Black 92.1%, mixed 6.1%, East Indian 0.8%, other 0.4%, unspecified 0.7% (2011 est.) **Languages:** English, Jamaican patois **Religions:** Protestant 64.8% (includes Seventh Day Adventist 12.0%, Pentecostal 11.0%, Other Church of God 9.2%, New Testament Church of God 7.2%, Baptist 6.7%, Church of God in Jamaica 4.8%, Church of God of Prophecy 4.5%, Anglican 2.8%, United Church 2.1%, Methodist 1.6%, Revived 1.4%, Brethren 0.9%, and Moravian 0.7%), Roman Catholic 2.2%, Jehovah's Witness 1.9%, Rastafarian 1.1%, other 6.5%, none 21.3%, unspecified 2.3% (2011 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 23.8% (male 342,691/female 329,773) 15-64 years: 65.7% (male 914,364/female 941,816) 65 years and over: 10.4% (2024 est.) (male 140,440/female 154,629) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 50.6 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 36 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 14.6 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 6.9 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 28.8 years (2025 est.) male: 30.1 years female: 31.7 years **Population growth rate:** 0.25% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 16.08 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 7.37 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -6.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** population density is high throughout, but increases in and around Kingston, Montego Bay, and Port Esquivel **Urbanization:** urban population: 57.4% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.79% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 597,000 KINGSTON (capital) (2023) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Mother's mean age at first birth:** 21.2 years (2008 est.) note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29 **Maternal mortality ratio:** 130 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 14.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 11.9 deaths/1,000 live births female: 9.4 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 76.3 years (2024 est.) male: 74.5 years female: 78.1 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.86 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.91 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: urban: 95.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 85.4% of population (2022 est.) total: 91.1% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 4.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 14.6% of population (2022 est.) total: 8.9% of population (2022 est.) **Health expenditure:** 7.2% of GDP (2021) 19% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 0.46 physicians/1,000 population (2023) **Hospital bed density:** 1.7 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: urban: 98.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 99.4% of population (2022 est.) total: 98.9% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 1.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 0.6% of population (2022 est.) total: 1.1% of population (2022 est.) **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 24.7% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 3.46 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 1.19 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.25 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 1.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.35 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Tobacco use:** total: 9% (2025 est.) male: 15.1% (2025 est.) female: 3.1% (2025 est.) **Children under the age of 5 years underweight:** 2.5% (2018 est.) **Currently married women (ages 15-49):** 35.2% (2022 est.) **Education expenditure:** 5.5% of GDP (2024 est.) 17.9% national budget (2024 est.) **Literacy:** female: 90.8% (2022 est.) **School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):** total: 13 years (2015 est.) male: 12 years (2015 est.) female: 14 years (2015 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** heavy rates of deforestation; coastal waters polluted by industrial waste, sewage, and oil spills; damage to coral reefs; air pollution in Kingston from vehicle emissions; land erosion **International environmental agreements:** party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements **Climate:** tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior **Land use:** agricultural land: 38.5% (2023 est.) arable land: 11.1% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 6.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 21.1% (2023 est.) forest: 56.2% (2023 est.) other: 5.3% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 57.4% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.79% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 7.89 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 239,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 6.04 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from consumed natural gas: 1.611 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 14.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.052 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 339.867 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 43.989 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 78.972 million cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 10.823 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: none conventional short form: Jamaica etymology: from the Arawak word xaymaca, meaning "Land of Wood and Water" or possibly "Land of Springs" **Government type:** parliamentary democracy (Parliament) under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm **Capital:** name: Kingston geographic coordinates: 18 00 N, 76 48 W time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name is a blend of the words "king's" and "town;" named after the English king at the time of the city's founding in 1692, WILLIAM III **Administrative divisions:** 14 parishes; Clarendon, Hanover, Kingston, Manchester, Portland, Saint Andrew, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Saint Mary, Saint Thomas, Trelawny, Westmoreland note: for local government purposes, Kingston and Saint Andrew were amalgamated in 1923 into the present single corporate body known as the Kingston and Saint Andrew Corporation **Legal system:** common law system based on the English model **Constitution:** history: several previous (pre-independence); latest drafted 1961-62, submitted to British Parliament 24 July 1962, entered into force 6 August 1962 (at independence) amendment process: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments to "non-entrenched" constitutional sections, such as lowering the voting age, requires majority vote by the Parliament membership; passage of amendments to "entrenched" sections, such as fundamental rights and freedoms, requires two-thirds majority vote of Parliament; passage of amendments to "specially entrenched" sections such as the dissolution of Parliament or the executive authority of the monarch requires two-thirds approval by Parliament and approval in a referendum **International law organization participation:** has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 4 out of the previous 5 years **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General Sir Patrick L. ALLEN (since 26 February 2009) head of government: Prime Minister Andrew HOLNESS (since 3 March 2016) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the governor general appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition in the House of Representatives as prime minister **Legislative branch:** legislature name: Parliament legislative structure: bicameral **Legislative branch - lower chamber:** chamber name: House of Representatives number of seats: 63 (all directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 9/3/2025 parties elected and seats per party: Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) (35); People's National Party (PNP) (28) percentage of women in chamber: 30.2% expected date of next election: August 2030 **Legislative branch - upper chamber:** chamber name: Senate number of seats: 21 (all appointed) scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 9/18/2025 percentage of women in chamber: 33.3% expected date of next election: September 2030 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of president of the court and a minimum of 4 judges); Supreme Court (40 judges organized in specialized divisions) judge selection and term of office: chief justice of the Supreme Court and president of the Court of Appeal appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the prime minister; other judges of both courts appointed by the governor-general on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission; judges of both courts serve till age 70 subordinate courts: resident magistrate courts, district courts, and petty sessions courts note: appeals beyond Jamaica's highest courts are referred to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) rather than to the Caribbean Court of Justice (the appellate court for member states of the Caribbean Community) **Political parties:** Jamaica Labor Party or JLP Jamaica Progressive Party or JPP People's National Party or PNP United Independents' Congress or UIC **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador Antony B. ANDERSON (since 24 July 2025) chancery: 1520 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 452-0660 FAX: [1] (202) 452-0036 email address and website: contactus@jamaicaembassy.org Jamaican Embassy (embassyofjamaica.org) consulate(s) general: Miami, New York **Diplomatic representation from the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Scott RENNER (since 13 August 2025) embassy: 142 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6 mailing address: 3210 Kingston Place, Washington DC 20521-3210 telephone: (876) 702-6000 FAX: (876) 702-6348 email address and website: KingstonACS@state.gov https://jm.usembassy.gov/ **International organization participation:** ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO **Independence:** 6 August 1962 (from the UK) **National holiday:** Independence Day, 6 August (1962) **Flag:** description: diagonal yellow cross divides the flag into four triangles, two green (top and bottom) and two black (left and right) meaning: green stands for hope, vegetation, and agriculture; black for hardships overcome and to be faced; and yellow for sunshine and natural resources **National symbol(s):** green-and-black streamertail (bird), guaiacwood (Guiacum officinale) **National color(s):** green, yellow, black **National anthem(s):** title: "Jamaica, Land We Love" lyrics/music: Hugh Braham SHERLOCK/Robert Charles LIGHTBOURNE history: adopted 1962 **National heritage:** total World Heritage Sites: 2 ( 1mixed,1 cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Blue and John Crow Mountains (m); The Archaeological Ensemble of 17th Century Port Royal (c) ### Economy **Economic overview:** upper-middle-income Caribbean island economy; key agriculture and tourism sectors; high crime, youth unemployment, and poverty; susceptible to natural disasters and global commodity price shocks; progress in reducing public debt and moderating inflation within target range **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $29.13 billion (2024 est.) $29.341 billion (2023 est.) $28.596 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** -0.7% (2024 est.) 2.6% (2023 est.) 5.2% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $10,300 (2024 est.) $10,300 (2023 est.) $10,100 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $19.93 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 5.4% (2024 est.) 6.5% (2023 est.) 10.3% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 9.8% (2024 est.) industry: 18.3% (2024 est.) services: 60.3% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 76.2% (2019 est.) government consumption: 13.6% (2019 est.) investment in fixed capital: 24.1% (2019 est.) investment in inventories: 0.2% (2019 est.) exports of goods and services: 38% (2019 est.) imports of goods and services: -52.1% (2019 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection **Agricultural products:** sugarcane, goat milk, yams, chicken, oranges, coconuts, bananas, plantains, pumpkins/squash, pineapples (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** agriculture, mining, manufacture, construction, financial and insurance services, tourism, telecommunications **Industrial production growth rate:** -1.5% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Labor force:** 1.57 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work **Unemployment rate:** 4.9% (2024 est.) 4.4% (2023 est.) 4.1% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment **Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):** total: 14.5% (2024 est.) male: 12.9% (2024 est.) female: 16.4% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment **Population below poverty line:** 16.7% (2021 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line **Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income:** 39.9 (2021 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality **Household income or consumption by percentage share:** lowest 10%: 2.2% (2021 est.) highest 10%: 29.6% (2021 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population **Remittances:** 17.9% of GDP (2024 est.) 18.5% of GDP (2023 est.) 21.6% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $4.041 billion (2020 est.) expenditures: $4.466 billion (2020 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Public debt:** 106.3% of GDP (2020 est.) note: central government debt as a % of GDP **Taxes and other revenues:** 25.7% (of GDP) (2020 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP **Current account balance:** $678.808 million (2024 est.) $568.932 million (2023 est.) -$136.401 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $7.124 billion (2024 est.) $7.275 billion (2023 est.) $6.424 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** USA 37%, Russia 7%, Latvia 7%, Iceland 7%, UK 5% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** aluminum oxide, refined petroleum, natural gas, liquor, processed fruits and nuts (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $9.524 billion (2024 est.) $9.866 billion (2023 est.) $9.726 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 39%, China 11%, Brazil 4%, Colombia 4%, Japan 4% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, natural gas, cars, crude petroleum, plastic products (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $4.869 billion (2023 est.) $4.52 billion (2022 est.) $4.838 billion (2021 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Debt - external:** $9.636 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars **Exchange rates:** Jamaican dollars (JMD) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 156.44 (2024 est.) 154.159 (2023 est.) 153.427 (2022 est.) 150.79 (2021 est.) 142.403 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 1.242 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 3.301 billion kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.181 billion kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 87.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 2.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 6.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 2.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** consumption: 106,000 metric tons (2023 est.) exports: 100 metric tons (2022 est.) imports: 105,000 metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** total petroleum production: 3,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 41,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Natural gas:** consumption: 822.549 million cubic meters (2023 est.) imports: 822.549 million cubic meters (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 42.095 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 454,000 (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2024 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 3.34 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 118 (2024 est.) **Broadcast media:** 3 free-to-air TV stations, subscription cable services, and roughly 30 radio stations (2019) **Internet country code:** .jm **Internet users:** percent of population: 83% (2023 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 448,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2023 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** 6Y **Airports:** 20 (2025) **Heliports:** 2 (2025) **Merchant marine:** total: 40 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 1, general cargo 11, oil tanker 1, other 27 **Ports:** total ports: 11 (2024) large: 0 medium: 1 small: 2 very small: 8 ports with oil terminals: 5 key ports: Falmouth, Kingston, Lucea, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Port Esquivel, Port Kaiser, Rio Bueno, Rocky Point, Savannah la Mar ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** Jamaica Defense Force (JDF): Jamaica Regiment (Land Force), Maritime, Air, and Cyber Command (MACC), Support Brigade, Caribbean Military Academy, Jamaica National Reserve (2025) note: the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is the country’s police force; it has primary responsibility for internal security and has units for community policing, special response, intelligence gathering, and internal affairs; both it and the JDF are under the Ministry of National Security **Military expenditures:** 1.4% of GDP (2024 est.) 1.2% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.3% of GDP (2022 est.) 1.4% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.7% of GDP (2020 est.) **Military and security service personnel strengths:** approximately 4,000 active Jamaica Defense Forces (2025) **Military equipment inventories and acquisitions:** the JDF's inventory features equipment mostly from Australia, the Netherlands, and the US (2025) **Military service age and obligation:** 18-23 for voluntary military service (17 with parental consent) for men and women; 18-28 for the reserves; no conscription; since 2017, the JDF's standard mode of recruitment is to enroll recruits ages 18-23 through the Jamaica National Service Corps (JNSC), which has a service requirement of 12 months (2025) note 1: the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force (JCCF), a youth organization under the Ministry of Security, also provides a recruitment pool for the JDF, as well as other government agencies note 2: as of 2022, women made up about 20% of the JDF's uniformed personnel **Military - note:** in addition to its responsibility of defending against external aggression, the Jamaican Defense Force's (JDF) primary missions are border, cyber, internal, and maritime security; other missions include search and rescue, disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and peacekeeping; it has arrest authority and partners with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), particularly in support of combating crime and violence; both the JDF and JCF are under the Ministry of National Security, which directs policy for the security forces; the JDF participates in bilateral and multinational training exercises, including with the armed forces of Canada, the UK, the US, and other Caribbean nations while Jamaica had a militia force as early as the 1660s, the JDF was constituted in 1962 from the West India Regiment (WIR), a British colonial regiment which dates back to 1795 (2025) ### Transnational Issues **Illicit drugs:** USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025) --- ## Montserrat **Slug:** montserrat **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇲🇸 **Codes:** cek: mh, iso2: MS, iso3: MSR, iso_num: 500, genc: MSR, stanag: MSR, internet: .ms ### Introduction **Background:** English and Irish colonists from St. Kitts first settled on Montserrat in 1632; the first African slaves arrived three decades later. The British and French fought for possession of the island for most of the 18th century, but it finally was confirmed as a British possession in 1783. The island's sugar plantation economy was converted to small farm landholdings in the mid-19th century. The Soufriere Hills Volcano erupted in 1995, devastating much of the island; two thirds of the population fled abroad. Montserrat has endured volcanic activity since, with the last eruption occurring in 2013. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico **Geographic coordinates:** 16 45 N, 62 12 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 102 sq km land: 102 sq km water: 0 sq km **Area - comparative:** about 0.6 times the size of Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 40 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm **Climate:** tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation **Terrain:** volcanic island, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland **Elevation:** highest point: Soufriere Hills volcano pre-eruption height was 915 m; current lava dome is subject to periodic build up and collapse; estimated dome height was 1,050 m in 2015 lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m **Natural resources:** NEGL **Land use:** agricultural land: 30% (2023 est.) arable land: 20% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.) permanent pasture: 10% (2023 est.) forest: 24.2% (2023 est.) other: 45.8% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 0 sq km (2022) **Population distribution:** only the northern half of the island is populated; the southern portion is uninhabitable due to volcanic activity **Natural hazards:** volcanic eruptions; severe hurricanes (June to November) volcanism: Soufrière Hills volcano (915 m) has erupted continuously since 1995; a massive eruption in 1997 destroyed most of the capital, Plymouth, and made about half of the island uninhabitable; the island of Montserrat is part of the volcanic island arc of the Lesser Antilles that extends from Saba in the north to Grenada in the south **Geography - note:** the island is entirely volcanic in origin and composed of three major volcanic centers of differing ages ### People and Society **Population:** total: 5,499 (2025 est.) male: 2,744 female: 2,755 **Nationality:** noun: Montserratian(s) adjective: Montserratian **Ethnic groups:** African/Black 86.2%, mixed 4.8%, Hispanic/Spanish 3%, Caucasian/White 2.7%, East Indian/Indian 1.6%, other 1.8% (2018 est.) **Languages:** English **Religions:** Protestant 71.4% (includes Anglican 17.7%, Pentecostal/Full Gospel 16.1%, Seventh Day Adventist 15%, Methodist 13.9%, Church of God 6.7%, other Protestant 2%), Roman Catholic 11.4%, Rastafarian 1.4%, Hindu 1.2%, Jehovah's Witness 1%, Muslim 0.4%, other/not stated 5.1%, none 7.9% (2018 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 15.8% (male 446/female 420) 15-64 years: 76.1% (male 2,062/female 2,101) 65 years and over: 8% (2024 est.) (male 220/female 219) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 31.7 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 20.9 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 10.8 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 9.2 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 37.1 years (2025 est.) male: 35.4 years female: 37.8 years **Population growth rate:** 0.55% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 11.64 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 6.18 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** only the northern half of the island is populated; the southern portion is uninhabitable due to volcanic activity **Urbanization:** urban population: 9.3% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.94% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 9.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 8 deaths/1,000 live births female: 11.6 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 76.1 years (2024 est.) male: 76.9 years female: 75.3 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.34 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.65 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: total: 98.1% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: total: 1.9% of population (2022 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: total: 99.6% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: total: 0.4% of population (2022 est.) **Currently married women (ages 15-49):** 35.8% (2023 est.) **Education expenditure:** 7.2% of GDP (2023 est.) 5.7% national budget (2025 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** land erosion on slopes that have been cleared for cultivation **Climate:** tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation **Land use:** agricultural land: 30% (2023 est.) arable land: 20% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.) permanent pasture: 10% (2023 est.) forest: 24.2% (2023 est.) other: 45.8% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 9.3% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.94% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 24,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 24,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: none conventional short form: Montserrat etymology: explorer Christopher COLUMBUS named the island in 1493 after the Benedictine abbey Santa Maria de Montserrat, near Barcelona, Spain **Government type:** parliamentary democracy; self-governing overseas territory of the UK **Dependency status:** overseas territory of the UK **Capital:** name: Plymouth geographic coordinates: 16 42 N, 62 13 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: now entirely deserted because of volcanic activity, the city was named after Plymouth, England note: Plymouth was abandoned in 1997 because of volcanic activity; interim government buildings have been built at Brades Estate, the de facto capital, at the northwest end of Montserrat **Administrative divisions:** 3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter **Legal system:** English common law **Constitution:** history: previous 1960; latest put into force 20 October 2010 (The Montserrat Constitution Order 2010) **Citizenship:** see United Kingdom **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Sarah TUCKER (since 6 April 2023) head of government: Premier Easton TAYLOR-FARRELL (since 19 November 2019) cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, the premier, 3 other ministers, the attorney general, and the finance secretary election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party usually becomes premier **Legislative branch:** legislature name: Legislative Assembly legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 12 (directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 11/18/2019 parties elected and seats per party: MCAP (5); PDM (3); independent (1) percentage of women in chamber: 33.3% expected date of next election: 2024 note: the Assembly elects the speaker from the outside for a 5-year term; the Assembly includes 2 ex-officio members, the attorney general and the financial secretary **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC is headquartered on St. Lucia and consists of the Court of Appeal -- headed by the chief justice and 4 judges -- and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts; Montserrat is a member of the Caribbean Court of Justice judge selection and term of office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, and independent body of judicial officials; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62 subordinate courts: magistrate's court **Political parties:** Movement for Change and Prosperity or MCAP People's Democratic Movement or PDM **Diplomatic representation in the US:** none (overseas territory of the UK) **Diplomatic representation from the US:** embassy: none (overseas territory of the UK); alternate contact is the US Embassy in Barbados [1] (246) 227-4000; US Embassy Bridgetown, Wildey Business Park, St. Michael BB 14006, Barbados, WI **International organization participation:** Caricom, CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS, UPU **Independence:** none (overseas territory of the UK) **National holiday:** Official birthday of King Charles III, usually celebrated the second Saturday in June (1948) **Flag:** description: blue with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant and the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the right half of the flag; the arms show a woman in a green dress standing beside a yellow harp and embracing a large, dark-brown cross with her right arm meaning: the woman is Erin, the female personification of Ireland, the harp is an Irish symbol, and the cross represents the Christian faith; blue stands for awareness, trustworthiness, determination, and righteousness **National coat of arms:** Montserrat's coat of arms dates back to 1909 and reflects the country's Irish settlers, who first arrived in 1632; the woman in the green dress is Erin, the personification of Ireland, and she holds Ireland's symbol, a gold harp; the cross represents Christianity, Monserrat's predominant religion **National anthem(s):** title: "Motherland" lyrics/music: Howard FERGUS/George IRISH history: adopted 2013; used as a local anthem and for sporting events and local ceremonies title: "God Save the King" lyrics/music: unknown history: official anthem, as a UK territory ### Economy **Economic overview:** formerly high-income economy; volcanic activity destroyed much of original infrastructure and economy; new capital and port is being developed; key geothermal and solar power generation; key music recording operations **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $89.254 million (2024 est.) $86.875 million (2023 est.) $80.972 million (2022 est.) note: data in 2015 dollars **Real GDP per capita:** $19,300 (2024 est.) $18,200 (2023 est.) $16,200 (2022 est.) note: data in 2015 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $84.537 million (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 4% (2022 est.) 1.7% (2021 est.) -1.9% (2020 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 90.8% (2017 est.) government consumption: 50.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 17.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: -0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 29.5% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -88.6% (2017 est.) **Agricultural products:** cabbages, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers; livestock products **Industries:** tourism, rum, textiles, electronic appliances **Budget:** revenues: $55.651 million (2014 est.) expenditures: $43.652 million (2014 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Exports - partners:** USA 25%, Antigua & Barbuda 13%, Guyana 13%, Egypt 12%, France 10% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** gravel and crushed stone, sand (2023) note: top export commodities based on value in dollars over $500,000 **Imports:** $15.3 million (2021 est.) $39.44 million (2017 est.) $36.1 million (2016 est.) **Imports - partners:** USA 62%, Antigua & Barbuda 6%, UK 5%, Belgium 4%, Trinidad & Tobago 3% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, electric generating sets, cars, stone processing machines, x-ray equipment (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Exchange rates:** East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 2.7 (2024 est.) 2.7 (2023 est.) 2.7 (2022 est.) 2.7 (2021 est.) 2.7 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2020) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 6,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 15.968 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 370,000 kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 87.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 12.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** refined petroleum consumption: 200 bbl/day (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 2,990 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 67 (2022 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 5,020 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 113 (2022 est.) **Broadcast media:** Radio Montserrat, a public radio broadcaster, transmits on 1 station and has a repeater transmission to a second station; repeater transmissions from the GEM Radio Network of Trinidad and Tobago provide another 2 radio stations; cable and satellite TV available (2007) **Internet country code:** .ms **Internet users:** percent of population: 54.6% (2011 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 2,700 (2018 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 55 (2018 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** VP-M **Airports:** 1 (2025) ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** no regular military forces; Royal Montserrat Defense Force (ceremonial, civil defense duties), Montserrat Police Force (2025) **Military - note:** defense is the responsibility of the UK --- ## Navassa Island **Slug:** navassa-island **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Codes:** cek: bq, genc: XNV, stanag: UMI, internet: -, comment: ISO includes with the US Minor Outlying Islands ### Introduction **Background:** The US claimed uninhabited Navassa Island in 1857 for its guano. Mining took place between 1865 and 1898. The lighthouse, built in 1917, was shut down in 1996, and administration of Navassa Island was transferred from the US Coast Guard to the Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs. A 1998 scientific expedition to the island described it as a "unique preserve of Caribbean biodiversity." The following year it became a National Wildlife Refuge, and annual scientific expeditions have continued. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, 30 nm west of Tiburon Peninsula of Haiti **Geographic coordinates:** 18 25 N, 75 02 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 5 sq km land: 5.4 sq km water: 0 sq km **Area - comparative:** about nine times the size of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 8 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm **Climate:** marine, tropical **Terrain:** raised flat to undulating coral and limestone plateau; ringed by vertical white cliffs (9 to 15 m high) **Elevation:** highest point: 200 m NNW of lighthouse 85 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m **Natural resources:** guano (mining discontinued in 1898) **Land use:** other: 100% (2018 est.) **Natural hazards:** hurricanes **Geography - note:** strategic location 160 km south of the US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; mostly exposed rock with numerous solution holes (limestone sinkholes) but with enough grassland to support goat herds; dense stands of fig trees, scattered cactus ### People and Society **Population:** total: uninhabited ### Environment **Environmental issues:** some coral bleaching **Climate:** marine, tropical **Land use:** other: 100% (2018 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: none conventional short form: Navassa Island etymology: the flat island was named "Navaza" by sailors with the Christopher COLUMBUS expedition in 1504; the name derives from the Spanish word nava, meaning "flat land or level ground" **Dependency status:** unorganized, unincorporated territory of the US; administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service, US Department of the Interior, from the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge in Boqueron, Puerto Rico; Haiti has claimed the island since the 19th century **Legal system:** the laws of the US apply **Diplomatic representation from the US:** embassy: none (territory of the US) **Flag:** the flag of the US is used ### Military and Security **Military - note:** defense is the responsibility of the US --- ## Nicaragua **Slug:** nicaragua **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇳🇮 **Codes:** cek: nu, iso2: NI, iso3: NIC, iso_num: 558, genc: NIC, stanag: NIC, internet: .ni ### Introduction **Background:** The Pacific coast of Nicaragua was settled as a Spanish colony in the early 16th century. Independence from Spain was declared in 1821, and the country became an independent republic in 1838. Britain occupied the Caribbean Coast in the first half of the 19th century, but gradually ceded control of the region in subsequent decades. By 1978, violent opposition to governmental manipulation and corruption resulted in a short-lived civil war that brought a civil-military coalition to power in 1979, spearheaded by Marxist Sandinista guerrillas led by Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra. Nicaraguan aid to leftist rebels in El Salvador prompted the US to sponsor anti-Sandinista Contra guerrillas through much of the 1980s. After losing free and fair elections in 1990, 1996, and 2001, ORTEGA was elected president in 2006, 2011, 2016, and most recently in 2021. Municipal, regional, and national-level elections since 2008 have been marred by widespread irregularities. Democratic institutions have lost their independence under the ORTEGA regime as the president has assumed full control over all branches of government, as well as cracking down on a nationwide pro-democracy protest movement in 2018 and shuttering over 3,300 civil society organizations between 2018 and 2024. In the lead-up to the 2021 presidential election, authorities arrested over 40 individuals linked to the opposition, including presidential candidates, private sector leaders, NGO workers, human rights defenders, and journalists. Only five lesser-known presidential candidates from mostly small parties allied to ORTEGA's Sandinistas were allowed to run against ORTEGA. He then awarded the Sandinistas control of all 153 of Nicaraguan municipalities in the 2022 municipal elections, consolidating one-party rule. ### Geography **Location:** Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Costa Rica and Honduras **Geographic coordinates:** 13 00 N, 85 00 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 130,370 sq km land: 119,990 sq km water: 10,380 sq km **Area - comparative:** slightly larger than Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than New York State **Land boundaries:** total: 1,253 km border countries (2): Costa Rica 313 km; Honduras 940 km **Coastline:** 910 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: natural prolongation **Climate:** tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands **Terrain:** extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes **Elevation:** highest point: Mogoton 2,085 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 298 m **Natural resources:** gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber, fish **Land use:** agricultural land: 42.3% (2023 est.) arable land: 12.5% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 2.5% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 27.4% (2023 est.) forest: 40.1% (2023 est.) other: 17.6% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 1,990 sq km (2012) **Major lakes (area sq km):** fresh water lake(s): Lago de Nicaragua - 8,150 sq km; Lago de Managua - 1,040 sq km **Population distribution:** the overwhelming majority of the population resides in the western half of the country, with much of the urban growth centered in the capital city of Managua; coastal areas also show large population clusters **Natural hazards:** destructive earthquakes; volcanoes; landslides; extremely susceptible to hurricanes volcanism: significant volcanic activity; Cerro Negro (728 m) is one of Nicaragua's most active volcanoes; its lava flows and ash have been known to cause significant damage to farmland and buildings; other historically active volcanoes include Concepcion, Cosiguina, Las Pilas, Masaya, Momotombo, San Cristobal, and Telica **Geography - note:** largest country in Central America; contains the largest freshwater body in Central America, Lago de Nicaragua ### People and Society **Population:** total: 6,739,380 (2025 est.) male: 3,304,133 female: 3,435,247 **Nationality:** noun: Nicaraguan(s) adjective: Nicaraguan **Ethnic groups:** Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and White) 69%, White 17%, Black 9%, Indigenous 5% **Languages:** Spanish (official) 99.5%, Indigenous 0.3%, Portuguese 0.1%, other 0.1% (2020 est.) major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. note: English and indigenous languages found on the Caribbean coast **Religions:** Roman Catholic 44.9%, Protestant 38.7% (Evangelical 38.2, Adventist 0.5%), other 1.2%, (includes Jehovah's Witness and Church of Jesus Christ), believer but not belonging to a church 1%, agnostic or atheist 0.4%, none 13.7%, unspecified 0.2% (2020 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 25.1% (male 855,256/female 818,714) 15-64 years: 68.9% (male 2,240,297/female 2,360,244) 65 years and over: 6% (2024 est.) (male 178,347/female 224,090) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 44.6 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 35.6 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 9 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 11.1 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 29.5 years (2025 est.) male: 28.1 years female: 29.9 years **Population growth rate:** 0.92% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 16.07 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 5.14 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -1.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** the overwhelming majority of the population resides in the western half of the country, with much of the urban growth centered in the capital city of Managua; coastal areas also show large population clusters **Urbanization:** urban population: 59.8% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.45% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 1.095 million MANAGUA (capital) (2023) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Mother's mean age at first birth:** 19.2 years (2011/12 est.) note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-29 **Maternal mortality ratio:** 60 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 14.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 15.9 deaths/1,000 live births female: 12.8 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 74.7 years (2024 est.) male: 73.2 years female: 76.4 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.82 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.89 (2025 est.) **Health expenditure:** 9.7% of GDP (2021) 17.8% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 0.68 physicians/1,000 population (2018) **Hospital bed density:** 0.9 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** unimproved: rural: 33.5% of population **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 23.7% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 3.69 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 1.57 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 2.1 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Currently married women (ages 15-49):** 56% (2023 est.) **Education expenditure:** 2.9% of GDP (2023 est.) 11% national budget (2024 est.) **School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):** total: 12 years (2023 est.) male: 12 years (2023 est.) female: 12 years (2023 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution; drought **International environmental agreements:** party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements **Climate:** tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands **Land use:** agricultural land: 42.3% (2023 est.) arable land: 12.5% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 2.5% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 27.4% (2023 est.) forest: 40.1% (2023 est.) other: 17.6% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 59.8% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.45% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 3.806 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 2 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 3.806 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 16.3 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.529 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 15% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 190 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 620,000 cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 1.084 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 164.52 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) **Geoparks:** total global geoparks and regional networks: 1 global geoparks and regional networks: Rio Coco (2023) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Republic of Nicaragua conventional short form: Nicaragua local long form: República de Nicaragua local short form: Nicaragua etymology: 16th-century Spanish explorer Gil GONZALEZ Davila is said to have combined the name of a local chieftain, Nicarao, with the Spanish word agua (water), referring to the two large lakes in the west of the country (Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua) **Government type:** presidential republic **Capital:** name: Managua geographic coordinates: 12 08 N, 86 15 W time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name comes from Lake Managua, whose name is composed of the Guaraní words ama (rain) and nagua (spirit) and refers to a local deity **Administrative divisions:** 15 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 2 autonomous regions* (regiones autonomistas, singular - region autonoma); Boaco, Carazo, Chinandega, Chontales, Costa Caribe Norte*, Costa Caribe Sur*, Estelí, Granada, Jinotega, Leon, Madriz, Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, Nueva Segovia, Rio San Juan, Rivas **Legal system:** civil law system; Supreme Court may review administrative acts **Constitution:** history: several previous; latest adopted 19 November 1986, effective 9 January 1987 amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic or assent of at least half of the National Assembly membership; passage requires approval by 60% of the membership of the next elected Assembly and promulgation by the president of the republic **International law organization participation:** accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; non-party state to the ICCt **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: no, except in cases where bilateral agreements exist residency requirement for naturalization: 4 years **Suffrage:** 16 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: President Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10 January 2007) head of government: President Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (since 10 January 2007) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president election/appointment process: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by qualified plurality vote for a 6-year term (no term limits) most recent election date: 7 November 2021 election results: 2021: Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra reelected president for a fourth consecutive term; percent of vote - Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 75.9%, Walter ESPINOZA (PLC) 14.3%, Guillermo OSORNO (CCN) 3.3%, Marcelo MONTIEL (ALN) 3.1%, other 3.4% 2016: Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra reelected president for a third consecutive term; percent of vote - Jose Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 72.4%, Maximino RODRIGUEZ (PLC) 15%, Jose del Carmen ALVARADO (PLI) 4.5%, Saturnino CERRATO Hodgson (ALN) 4.3%, other 3.7% expected date of next election: 1 November 2026 note: the president is both chief of state and head of government **Legislative branch:** legislature name: National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional) legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 91 (all directly elected) electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 11/7/2021 parties elected and seats per party: Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) (75); Liberal and Constitutionalist Party (PLC) (9); Other (6) percentage of women in chamber: 54.9% expected date of next election: November 2026 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Supreme Court or Corte Suprema de Justicia (consists of 16 judges organized into administrative, civil, criminal, and constitutional chambers) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges elected by the National Assembly to serve 5-year staggered terms subordinate courts: Appeals Court; first instance civil, criminal, and labor courts; military courts are independent of the Supreme Court **Political parties:** Alliance for the Republic or APRE Alternative for Change or AC (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN) Autonomous Liberal Party or PAL Caribbean Unity Movement or PAMUC Christian Unity Party or PUC (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN) Independent Liberal Party or PLI Liberal Constitutionalist Party or PLC Moskitia Indigenous Progressive Movement or MOSKITIA PAWANKA (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN) Multiethnic Indigenous Party or PIM (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN) Nationalist Liberal Party or PLN (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN) Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance or ALN Nicaraguan Party of the Christian Path or CCN Nicaraguan Resistance Party or PRN (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN) Sandinista National Liberation Front or FSLN Sons of Mother Earth or YATAMA The New Sons of Mother Earth Movement or MYATAMARAN (operates in a political alliance with the FSLN) **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Sammia Alicia HODGSON MCKENZIE (since 3 June 2025) chancery: 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 939-6570 FAX: [1] (202) 939-6545 email address and website: mperalta@cancilleria.gob.ni United States of America | ConsuladoDeNicaragua.com consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco **Diplomatic representation from the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Elias BAUMANN (since December 2025) embassy: Kilometer 5.5 Carretera Sur, Managua mailing address: 3240 Managua Place, Washington DC 20521-3240 telephone: [505] 2252-7100, FAX: [505] 2252-7250 email address and website: ACS.Managua@state.gov https://ni.usembassy.gov/ **International organization participation:** ACS, BCIE, CACM, CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, Petrocaribe, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO **Independence:** 15 September 1821 (from Spain) **National holiday:** Independence Day, 15 September (1821) **Flag:** description: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue, with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms has a triangle with the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA in an arc over it and AMERICA CENTRAL in an arc underneath meaning: blue stands for the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and white for the land between the two bodies of water history: the banner is based on the former blue-white-blue flag of the Federal Republic of Central America note: similar to the flag of El Salvador, which has a round emblem; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars in an "X" pattern centered on the white band **National symbol(s):** turquoise-browed motmot (bird) **National color(s):** blue, white **National anthem(s):** title: "Salve a ti, Nicaragua" (Hail to Thee, Nicaragua) lyrics/music: Salomon Ibarra MAYORGA/traditional, arranged by Luis Abraham DELGADILLO history: music was approved in 1918 and the lyrics in 1939 **National heritage:** total World Heritage Sites: 2 (both cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Ruins of León Viejo; León Cathedral ### Economy **Economic overview:** low-income Central American economy; until 2018, nearly 20 years of sustained GDP growth; recent struggles due to COVID-19, political instability, and hurricanes; significant remittances; increasing poverty and food scarcity since 2005; sanctions limit investment **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $52.989 billion (2024 est.) $51.153 billion (2023 est.) $48.985 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 3.6% (2024 est.) 4.4% (2023 est.) 3.6% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $7,700 (2024 est.) $7,500 (2023 est.) $7,300 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $19.694 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 4.6% (2024 est.) 8.4% (2023 est.) 10.5% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 14.4% (2024 est.) industry: 27.6% (2024 est.) services: 46.8% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 80.6% (2024 est.) government consumption: 12.3% (2024 est.) investment in fixed capital: 22.9% (2024 est.) investment in inventories: 1.8% (2024 est.) exports of goods and services: 40.5% (2024 est.) imports of goods and services: -58.1% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection **Agricultural products:** sugarcane, milk, rice, oil palm fruit, maize, plantains, cassava, groundnuts, beans, chicken (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** food processing, chemicals, machinery and metal products, knit and woven apparel, petroleum refining and distribution, beverages, footwear, wood, electric wire harness manufacturing, mining **Industrial production growth rate:** 3.6% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Labor force:** 3.225 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work **Unemployment rate:** 4.6% (2024 est.) 4.8% (2023 est.) 5% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment **Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):** total: 9% (2024 est.) male: 7.8% (2024 est.) female: 12% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment **Population below poverty line:** 24.9% (2016 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line **Remittances:** 26.6% of GDP (2024 est.) 26.2% of GDP (2023 est.) 20.6% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $3.856 billion (2023 est.) expenditures: $3.382 billion (2023 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Public debt:** 33.3% of GDP (2017 est.) note: official data; data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by Government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities, as well as intragovernmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as retirement, medical care, and unemployment, debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions; Nicaragua rebased its GDP figures in 2012, which reduced the figures for debt as a percentage of GDP **Taxes and other revenues:** 19.9% (of GDP) (2023 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP **Current account balance:** $817.618 million (2024 est.) $1.465 billion (2023 est.) -$459.6 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $8.135 billion (2024 est.) $8.248 billion (2023 est.) $7.87 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** USA 51%, Mexico 12%, El Salvador 6%, Canada 6%, Switzerland 4% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** garments, gold, insulated wire, coffee, beef (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $11.437 billion (2024 est.) $10.519 billion (2023 est.) $10.213 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 24%, China 13%, Mexico 9%, Honduras 9%, Guatemala 8% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** garments, refined petroleum, crude petroleum, plastic products, fabric (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $6.105 billion (2024 est.) $5.447 billion (2023 est.) $4.404 billion (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Debt - external:** $6.753 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars **Exchange rates:** cordobas (NIO) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 36.624 (2024 est.) 36.441 (2023 est.) 35.874 (2022 est.) 35.171 (2021 est.) 34.342 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 86.5% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 100% electrification - rural areas: 66.3% **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 1.849 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 4.654 billion kWh (2023 est.) imports: 1.125 billion kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 839 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 35.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 12.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 14.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) geothermal: 15.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 20.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** imports: 22 metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** total petroleum production: 200 bbl/day (2023 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 28,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 10.66 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 245,000 (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 4 (2024 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 7.33 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 106 (2024 est.) **Broadcast media:** multiple terrestrial TV stations, supplemented by cable TV in most urban areas; nearly all are state-owned or affiliated; more than 300 radio stations, both state-affiliated and privately owned (2019) **Internet country code:** .ni **Internet users:** percent of population: 58% (2023 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 371,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2023 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** YN **Airports:** 39 (2025) **Merchant marine:** total: 5 (2023) by type: general cargo 1, oil tanker 1, other 3 **Ports:** total ports: 5 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 2 very small: 3 ports with oil terminals: 4 key ports: Bluefields, Corinto, El Bluff, Puerto Cabezas, Puerto Sandino ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** Armed Forces of Nicaragua (formal name is Army of Nicaragua or Ejercito de Nicaragua, EN): Land Force; Naval Force; Air Force (2025) note: both the military and the Nicaraguan National Police (Policía Nacional de Nicaragua or PNN) report directly to the president; Parapolice, which are non-uniformed, armed, and masked units with marginal tactical training and loose hierarchical organization, act in coordination with government security forces and report to the National Police; they have been used to suppress anti-government protesters **Military expenditures:** 0.5% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.6% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.6% of GDP (2022 est.) 0.6% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.6% of GDP (2020 est.) **Military and security service personnel strengths:** approximately 12,000 active Armed Forces (2025) **Military equipment inventories and acquisitions:** the military's air and ground force inventories include mostly secondhand Russian or Soviet-era equipment (2025) **Military service age and obligation:** 18-30 years of age for voluntary military service (16-20 for cadets); no conscription; tour of duty 18-36 months (2025) **Military - note:** the military is responsible for defending Nicaragua’s independence, sovereignty, and territory; it also has some domestic security responsibilities, including border security, assisting the police, protecting natural resources, and providing disaster relief and humanitarian assistance; Nicaragua has defense ties with Cuba, Venezuela, and Russia; Russia has provided training support and equipment; in 2025, Nicaragua signed an agreement of “mutual protection” with Russia the modern Army of Nicaragua was created in 1979 as the Sandinista Popular Army (1979-1984); prior to 1979, the military was known as the National Guard, which was organized and trained by the US in the 1920s and 1930s; the first commander of the National Guard, Anastasio SOMOZA GARCIA, seized power in 1937 and ran the country as a military dictator until his assassination in 1956; his sons ran the country either directly or through figureheads until the Sandinistas came to power in 1979; the defeated National Guard was disbanded by the Sandinistas (2025) ### Space **Space agency/agencies:** National Secretariat for Extraterrestrial Space Affairs, The Moon and Other Celestial Bodies (Secretaría Nacional para Asuntos del Espacio Ultraterrestre, la Luna y otros Cuerpos Celestes, established 2021; operates under the military’s control) (2025) **Space program overview:** stated mission is to promote the development of space activities with the aim of broadening the country’s capacities in education, industry, science, and technology; has cooperated with China and Russia; is a signatory of the convention establishing the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency (2025) **Key space-program milestones:** 1994 - joined UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space 2017 - Russia opened a satellite navigation system monitoring station in Nicaragua 2021 - signed convention establishing the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agency 2024 - joined the China-led International Lunar Research Station project, which aims to establish a permanent base on the Moon by the 2030s ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** IDPs: 89 (2024 est.) **Trafficking in persons:** tier rating: Tier 3 — Nicaragua does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, therefore, Nicaragua remained on Tier 3; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/nicaragua/ **Illicit drugs:** USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025) --- ## Panama **Slug:** panama **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇵🇦 **Codes:** cek: pm, iso2: PA, iso3: PAN, iso_num: 591, genc: PAN, stanag: PAN, internet: .pa ### Introduction **Background:** Explored and settled by the Spanish in the 16th century, Panama broke with Spain in 1821 and joined a union of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela that was named the Republic of Gran Colombia. When the union dissolved in 1830, Panama remained part of Colombia. With US backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903 and promptly signed a treaty with the US allowing for the construction of a canal and US sovereignty over a strip of land known as the Panama Canal Zone on either side of the structure. The US Army Corps of Engineers built the Panama Canal between 1904 and 1914. In 1977, an agreement was signed for the complete transfer of the Canal from the US to Panama by the end of the century. Certain portions of the Zone and increasing responsibility over the Canal were turned over in the subsequent decades. With US help, Panamanian dictator Manuel NORIEGA was deposed in 1989. The entire Panama Canal, the area supporting the Canal, and remaining US military bases were transferred to Panama by the end of 1999. An ambitious expansion project to more than double the Canal's capacity by allowing for more Canal transits and larger ships was carried out between 2007 and 2016. ### Geography **Location:** Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica **Geographic coordinates:** 9 00 N, 80 00 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 75,420 sq km land: 74,340 sq km water: 1,080 sq km **Area - comparative:** slightly smaller than South Carolina **Land boundaries:** total: 687 km border countries (2): Colombia 339 km; Costa Rica 348 km **Coastline:** 2,490 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or edge of continental margin **Climate:** tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May) **Terrain:** interior mostly steep, rugged mountains with dissected, upland plains; coastal plains with rolling hills **Elevation:** highest point: Volcan Baru 3,475 m lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 360 m **Natural resources:** copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, hydropower **Land use:** agricultural land: 29.5% (2023 est.) arable land: 7.6% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 1.6% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 20.3% (2023 est.) forest: 62.3% (2023 est.) other: 8.2% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 394 sq km (2022) **Major lakes (area sq km):** salt water lake(s): Laguna de Chiriqui - 900 sq km **Population distribution:** population is concentrated towards the center of the country, particularly around the Canal, but a sizeable segment of the populace also lives in the far west around David; the eastern third of the country is sparsely inhabited **Natural hazards:** occasional severe storms and forest fires in the Darien area **Geography - note:** strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land bridge that connects North and South America; controls the Panama Canal, which links the North Atlantic Ocean with the North Pacific Ocean via the Caribbean Sea ### People and Society **Population:** total: 4,536,008 (2025 est.) male: 2,284,105 female: 2,251,903 **Nationality:** noun: Panamanian(s) adjective: Panamanian **Ethnic groups:** Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and White) 65%, Indigenous 12.3% (Ngabe 7.6%, Kuna 2.4%, Embera 0.9%, Bugle 0.8%, other 0.4%, unspecified 0.2%), Black or African descent 9.2%, Mulatto 6.8%, White 6.7% (2010 est.) **Languages:** Spanish (official), Indigenous languages (including Ngabere (Guaymi), Buglere, Kuna, Embera, Wounaan, Naso (Teribe), and Bri Bri), Panamanian English Creole (a mixture of English and Spanish with elements of Ngabere, also known as Guari Guari and Colon Creole), English, Chinese (Yue and Hakka), Arabic, French Creole, other (Yiddish, Hebrew, Korean, Japanese) major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. **Religions:** Evangelical 55%, Roman Catholic 33.4%, none 10.1%, unspecified 1.5% (2023 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 25% (male 574,336/female 544,180) 15-64 years: 64.8% (male 1,465,907/female 1,433,023) 65 years and over: 10.1% (2024 est.) (male 211,014/female 241,781) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 54.4 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 38.4 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 16 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 6.3 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 31.7 years (2025 est.) male: 31 years female: 31.9 years **Population growth rate:** 1.44% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 17.11 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 5.48 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** 2.82 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** population is concentrated towards the center of the country, particularly around the Canal, but a sizeable segment of the populace also lives in the far west around David; the eastern third of the country is sparsely inhabited **Urbanization:** urban population: 69.5% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.92% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 1.977 million PANAMA CITY (capital) (2023) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Maternal mortality ratio:** 37 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 13.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 15.4 deaths/1,000 live births female: 12.9 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 79.2 years (2024 est.) male: 76.4 years female: 82.2 years **Total fertility rate:** 2.33 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 1.13 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: urban: 98.5% of population (2022 est.) rural: 86.1% of population (2022 est.) total: 94.7% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 1.5% of population (2022 est.) rural: 13.9% of population (2022 est.) total: 5.3% of population (2022 est.) **Health expenditure:** 9.7% of GDP (2021) 22.2% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 1.63 physicians/1,000 population (2022) **Hospital bed density:** 1.9 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: urban: 96.1% of population (2022 est.) rural: 70.1% of population (2022 est.) total: 88% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 3.9% of population (2022 est.) rural: 29.9% of population (2022 est.) total: 12% of population (2022 est.) **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 22.7% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 6.54 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 5.29 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 1.2 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Tobacco use:** total: 4.5% (2025 est.) male: 7.4% (2025 est.) female: 1.7% (2025 est.) **Children under the age of 5 years underweight:** 2.9% (2019 est.) **Currently married women (ages 15-49):** 53.2% (2023 est.) **Education expenditure:** 2.5% of GDP (2023 est.) 16.3% national budget (2024 est.) **Literacy:** total population: 96.3% (2024 est.) male: 97.3% (2024 est.) female: 95.9% (2024 est.) **School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):** total: 13 years (2016 est.) male: 12 years (2016 est.) female: 14 years (2016 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** water pollution from agricultural runoff; deforestation of tropical rainforest; land degradation and soil erosion in Panama Canal; air pollution in urban areas; effects of mining **International environmental agreements:** party to: Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation **Climate:** tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May) **Land use:** agricultural land: 29.5% (2023 est.) arable land: 7.6% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 1.6% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 20.3% (2023 est.) forest: 62.3% (2023 est.) other: 8.2% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 69.5% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.92% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 23.458 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 1.969 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 20.389 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from consumed natural gas: 1.101 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 11.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 1.472 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 14.2% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 759.1 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 6.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 446.1 million cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 139.304 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Republic of Panama conventional short form: Panama local long form: República de Panama local short form: Panama etymology: origin is unclear; may come from a Guarani word meaning "place of many fish" **Government type:** presidential republic **Capital:** name: Panama City geographic coordinates: 8 58 N, 79 32 W time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: origin is unclear; may come from a Guaraní word meaning "place of many fish" **Administrative divisions:** 10 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 4 indigenous regions* (comarcas); Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí, Coclé, Colon, Darien, Embera-Wounaan*, Guna Yala*, Herrera, Los Santos, Naso Tjer Di*, Ngabe-Bugle*, Panama, Panama Oeste, Veraguas **Legal system:** civil law system; Supreme Court of Justice reviews legislative acts **Constitution:** history: several previous; latest effective 11 October 1972 amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly, by the Cabinet, or by the Supreme Court of Justice; passage requires approval by one of two procedures: 1) absolute majority vote of the Assembly membership in each of three readings and by absolute majority vote of the next elected Assembly in a single reading without textual modifications; 2) absolute majority vote of the Assembly membership in each of three readings, followed by absolute majority vote of the next elected Assembly in each of three readings with textual modifications, and approval in a referendum **International law organization participation:** accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: President José Raúl MULINO Quintero (since 1 July 2024) head of government: President José Raúl MULINO Quintero (since 1 July 2024) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president election/appointment process: president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by simple-majority popular vote for a 5-year term; president eligible for a single non-consecutive term) most recent election date: 5 May 2024 election results: 2024: José Raúl MULINO Quintero elected president; percent of vote - José Raúl MULINO Quintero (RM) 34.2%, Ricardo Alberto LOMBANA González (MOCA) 24.6%, Martín Erasto TORRIJOS Espino (PP) 16%, Alberto ROUX Moses (CD) 11.4%, Zulay RODRÍGUEZ Lu (independent) 6.6%, José Gabriel CARRIZO Jaén (PRD) 5.9%, other 1.3% 2019: Laurentino "Nito" CORTIZO Cohen elected president; percent of vote - Laurentino CORTIZO Cohen (PRD) 33.3%, Romulo ROUX (CD) 31%, Ricardo LOMBANA (independent) 18.8%, Jose BLANDON (Panameñista Party) 10.8%, Ana Matilde GOMEZ Ruiloba (independent) 4.8%, other 1.3% expected date of next election: May 2029 note: the president is both chief of state and head of government **Legislative branch:** legislature name: National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional) legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 71 (all directly elected) electoral system: mixed system scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 5/5/2024 parties elected and seats per party: Realizing Goals (RM) (14); Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) (13); Democratic Change (CD) (8); Panamenista Party (8); Independents (20); Other (8) percentage of women in chamber: 21.7% expected date of next election: May 2029 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (consists of 9 magistrates and 9 alternates and divided into civil, criminal, administrative, and general business chambers) judge selection and term of office: magistrates appointed by the president for staggered 10-year terms subordinate courts: appellate courts or Tribunal Superior; Labor Supreme Courts; Court of Audit; circuit courts or Tribunal Circuital (2 each in 9 of the 10 provinces); municipal courts; electoral, family, maritime, and adolescent courts **Political parties:** Alliance Party or PA Alternative Independent Socialist Party or PAIS Another Way Movement or MOCA Democratic Change or CD Democratic Revolutionary Party or PRD Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement or MOLIRENA Panameñista Party (formerly the Arnulfista Party) Popular Party or PP (formerly Christian Democratic Party or PDC) Realizing Goals Party or RM **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador José Miguel ALEMÁN HEALY (since 18 September 2024) chancery: 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 483-1407 FAX: [1] (202) 483-8413 email address and website: info@embassyofpanama.org https://www.embassyofpanama.org/ consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Tampa **Diplomatic representation from the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador Kevin Marino CABRERA (since 5 May 2025) embassy: Building 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue, Clayton mailing address: 9100 Panama City PL, Washington, DC 20521-9100 telephone: [507] 317-5000 FAX: [507] 317-5568 email address and website: Panama-ACS@state.gov https://pa.usembassy.gov/ **International organization participation:** ACS, BCIE, CAN (observer), CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, SICA, UN, UNASUR (observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO **Independence:** 3 November 1903 (from Colombia); 28 November 1821 (from Spain) **National holiday:** Independence Day (Separation Day), 3 November (1903) **Flag:** description: divided into four equal rectangles; one of the top quadrants is white (left side) with a five-pointed blue star in the center, and the other is plain red; one of the bottom quadrants is plain blue (left side), and the other is white with a five-pointed red star in the center meaning: blue and red stand for the main political parties, and white for peace between them; the blue star stands for the civic virtues of purity and honesty, and the red star for authority and law **National symbol(s):** harpy eagle **National color(s):** blue, white, red **National anthem(s):** title: "Himno Istmeno" (Isthmus Hymn) lyrics/music: Jeronimo DE LA OSSA/Santos A. JORGE history: adopted 1925 **National heritage:** total World Heritage Sites: 6 (3 cultural, 3 natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Caribbean Fortifications (c); Darien National Park (n); Talamanca Range-La Amistad National Park (n); Panamá Viejo and Historic District of Panamá (c); Coiba National Park (n); The Colonial Transisthmian Route of Panamá (c) ### Economy **Economic overview:** upper middle-income Central American economy; increasing Chinese trade; US dollar user; canal expansion fueling broader infrastructure investment; services sector dominates economy; historic money-laundering and illegal drug hub **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $164.484 billion (2024 est.) $159.908 billion (2023 est.) $148.891 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 2.9% (2024 est.) 7.4% (2023 est.) 10.8% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $36,400 (2024 est.) $35,900 (2023 est.) $33,800 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $86.26 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 0.7% (2024 est.) 1.5% (2023 est.) 2.9% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 2.6% (2024 est.) industry: 26.3% (2024 est.) services: 68.8% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 46.7% (2023 est.) government consumption: 12.2% (2023 est.) investment in fixed capital: 32.3% (2023 est.) investment in inventories: 5.4% (2023 est.) exports of goods and services: 46.5% (2023 est.) imports of goods and services: -43.1% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection **Agricultural products:** sugarcane, rice, bananas, oranges, oil palm fruit, chicken, plantains, maize, milk, pineapples (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** construction, brewing, cement and other construction materials, sugar milling **Industrial production growth rate:** -2.6% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Labor force:** 2.206 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work **Unemployment rate:** 6.6% (2024 est.) 6.6% (2023 est.) 8.1% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment **Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):** total: 16.8% (2024 est.) male: 13.4% (2024 est.) female: 22.1% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment **Population below poverty line:** 21.8% (2021 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line **Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income:** 48.9 (2023 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality **Average household expenditures:** on food: 15.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.) on alcohol and tobacco: 1.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.) **Household income or consumption by percentage share:** lowest 10%: 1.2% (2023 est.) highest 10%: 36.9% (2023 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population **Remittances:** 0.6% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.6% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.7% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $7.57 billion (2021 est.) expenditures: $12.046 billion (2021 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Taxes and other revenues:** 7.5% (of GDP) (2021 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP **Current account balance:** $1.672 billion (2024 est.) -$2.581 billion (2023 est.) $28.769 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $37.376 billion (2024 est.) $37.905 billion (2023 est.) $35.717 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** China 25%, Japan 10%, USA 6%, Thailand 5%, Costa Rica 5% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** copper ore, ships, refined petroleum, bananas, fish (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $30.887 billion (2024 est.) $35.927 billion (2023 est.) $32.646 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 15%, Colombia 13%, China 13%, Ecuador 13%, Japan 11% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** crude petroleum, ships, refined petroleum, nitrogen compounds, cars (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $6.856 billion (2024 est.) $6.757 billion (2023 est.) $6.876 billion (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Exchange rates:** balboas (PAB) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 1 (2024 est.) 1 (2023 est.) 1 (2022 est.) 1 (2021 est.) 1 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 95% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 99% electrification - rural areas: 100% **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 4.485 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 11.777 billion kWh (2023 est.) exports: 404.9 million kWh (2023 est.) imports: 234 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 924.16 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 38.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 6.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 6.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 47.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 0.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** consumption: 863,000 metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 863,000 metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** refined petroleum consumption: 131,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Natural gas:** consumption: 564.786 million cubic meters (2023 est.) imports: 564.786 million cubic meters (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 78.01 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 774,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2023 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 6.98 million (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 157 (2023 est.) **Broadcast media:** multiple privately owned TV networks and a government-owned educational TV station; multi-channel cable and satellite TV subscription services are available; more than 100 commercial radio stations (2019) **Internet country code:** .pa **Internet users:** percent of population: 78% (2023 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 809,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (2023 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** HP **Airports:** 77 (2025) **Heliports:** 1 (2025) **Railways:** total: 77 km (2014) standard gauge: 77 km (2014) 1.435-m gauge **Merchant marine:** total: 8,174 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 2732, container ship 671, general cargo 1,428, oil tanker 866, other 2,477 **Ports:** total ports: 12 (2024) large: 0 medium: 3 small: 3 very small: 5 size unknown: 1 ports with oil terminals: 5 key ports: Bahia de las Minas, Balboa, Pedregal, Puerto Armuelles, Puerto Colon, Puerto Cristobal ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** no regular military forces Ministry of Public Security: National Police (Policía Nacional, PN), National Aeronaval Service (Servicio Nacional Aeronaval, SENAN), National Border Service (Servicio Nacional de Fronteras, SENAFRONT) (2025) note 1: collectively, the security forces are known as the Panamanian Public Forces note 2: the PNP includes a special forces directorate with counterterrorism and counternarcotics units; SENAFRONT has four regionally based border security brigades, plus a specialized brigade comprised of special forces, counternarcotics, maritime, and rapid reaction units **Military expenditures:** 1.1% of GDP (2024 est.) 1.1% of GDP (2023 est.) 1.2% of GDP (2022 est.) 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.) 1.4% of GDP (2020 est.) **Military and security service personnel strengths:** approximately 30,000 Ministry of Public Security personnel (2025) **Military - note:** the Panamanian Public Forces focus on law enforcement, border control, and maritime security; the National Police are responsible for internal law enforcement and public order, while the National Border Service (SENAFRONT) handles border security; the Aeronaval Service is responsible for carrying out air and naval operations that include some internal security responsibilities; key areas of focus are countering narcotics trafficking and securing the border, particularly along the frontier with Colombia where SENAFRONT maintains a significant presence Panama created a paramilitary National Guard (Guardia Nacional de Panamá) in the 1950s from the former National Police (established 1904); the National Guard subsequently evolved into more of a military force with some police responsibilities; it seized power in a coup in 1968 and military officers ran the country until 1989; in 1983, the National Guard was renamed the Panama Defense Force (PDF); the PDF was disbanded after the 1989 US invasion and the current national police forces were formed in 1990; the armed forces were officially abolished under the 1994 Constitution (2025) ### Terrorism **Terrorist group(s):** Terrorist group(s): Tren de Aragua (TdA) note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 10,801 (2024 est.) stateless persons: 928 (2024 est.) **Illicit drugs:** USG identification: major illicit drug-producing and/or drug-transit country (2025) --- ## Puerto Rico **Slug:** puerto-rico **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇵🇷 **Codes:** cek: rq, iso2: PR, iso3: PRI, iso_num: 630, genc: PRI, stanag: PRI, internet: .pr ### Introduction **Background:** Populated for centuries by aboriginal peoples, Puerto Rico was claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 after Christopher COLUMBUS' second voyage to the Americas. In 1898, after 400 years of colonial rule that saw the indigenous population nearly exterminated and African slave labor introduced, Puerto Rico was ceded to the US as a result of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship in 1917. Popularly elected governors have served since 1948. In 1952, a constitution was enacted that provided for internal self-government. In plebiscites held in 1967, 1993, and 1998, voters chose not to alter the existing political status with the US, but the results of a 2012 vote left open the possibility of American statehood. A referendum held in late 2020 showed a narrow preference for statehood. Economic recession on the island has led to a net population loss since about 2005, as large numbers of residents moved to the US mainland. In 2017, Hurricane Maria was the worst storm to hit the island in eight decades, and damage was estimated in the tens of billions of dollars. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic **Geographic coordinates:** 18 15 N, 66 30 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 9,104 sq km land: 8,959 sq km water: 145 sq km **Area - comparative:** slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 501 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm **Climate:** tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation **Terrain:** mostly mountains with coastal plain in north; precipitous mountains to the sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastal areas **Elevation:** highest point: Cerro de Punta 1,338 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 261 m **Natural resources:** some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and offshore oil **Land use:** agricultural land: 19% (2023 est.) arable land: 5.7% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 1.8% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 11.6% (2023 est.) forest: 50.3% (2023 est.) other: 30.6% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 220 sq km (2012) **Population distribution:** population clusters tend to be found along the coast, with the largest of these in and around San Juan; an exception is a sizeable population located in the interior of the island immediately south of the capital around Caguas; most of the interior, particularly in the western half of the island, is dominated by the Cordillera Central mountains, where population density is low **Natural hazards:** periodic droughts; hurricanes **Geography - note:** important location along the Mona Passage, a key shipping lane to the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean; many small rivers and high central mountains ensure land is well-watered; south coast relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north ### People and Society **Population:** total: 2,984,841 (2025 est.) male: 1,400,771 female: 1,584,070 **Nationality:** noun: Puerto Rican(s) (US citizens) adjective: Puerto Rican **Ethnic groups:** White 75.8%, Black/African American 12.4%, other 8.5% (includes American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, other Pacific Islander, and others), mixed 3.3% (2010 est.) note: 99% of the population is Latino **Languages:** Spanish, English major-language sample(s): La Libreta Informativa del Mundo, la fuente indispensable de información básica. (Spanish) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. **Religions:** Roman Catholic 56%, Protestant 33% (largely Pentecostal), other 2%, atheist 1%, none 7% (2014 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 12.5% (male 191,649/female 184,597) 15-64 years: 62.6% (male 904,406/female 986,778) 65 years and over: 24.9% (2024 est.) (male 322,698/female 429,322) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 60.7 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 19.4 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 41.2 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 2.4 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 46.7 years (2025 est.) male: 44.2 years female: 47.8 years **Population growth rate:** -1.1% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 7.78 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 10.48 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -8.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** population clusters tend to be found along the coast, with the largest of these in and around San Juan; an exception is a sizeable population located in the interior of the island immediately south of the capital around Caguas; most of the interior, particularly in the western half of the island, is dominated by the Cordillera Central mountains, where population density is low **Urbanization:** urban population: 93.6% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: -0.12% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 2.440 million SAN JUAN (capital) (2023) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Maternal mortality ratio:** 11 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 5.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 6.4 deaths/1,000 live births female: 5.2 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 82.1 years (2024 est.) male: 78.9 years female: 85.5 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.27 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.62 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: total: 100% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: total: 0% of population (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 3.06 physicians/1,000 population (2018) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: total: 100% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: total: 0% of population (2022 est.) **Currently married women (ages 15-49):** 40.9% (2022 est.) **Education expenditure:** 4.3% of GDP (2024 est.) 16% national budget (2025 est.) **Literacy:** total population: 92.4% (2017 est.) male: 92.4% (2017 est.) female: 92.4% (2017 est.) **School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):** total: 17 years (2023 est.) male: 16 years (2023 est.) female: 18 years (2023 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** soil erosion; occasional droughts cause water shortages; industrial pollution **Climate:** tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation **Land use:** agricultural land: 19% (2023 est.) arable land: 5.7% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 1.8% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 11.6% (2023 est.) forest: 50.3% (2023 est.) other: 30.6% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 93.6% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: -0.12% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 18.833 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 2.49 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 11.801 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from consumed natural gas: 4.542 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 4.171 million tons (2024 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 796 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 2.365 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 113.5 million cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 7.1 billion cubic meters (2022) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico conventional short form: Puerto Rico abbreviation: PR etymology: Christopher COLUMBUS originally named the island San Juan Bautista (Saint John the Baptist) and the capital city and main port Cuidad de Puerto Rico (Rich Port City); over time, the names were shortened and transposed **Government type:** unincorporated organized territory of the US with local self-government; republican form of territorial government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches; note - reference Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act, 2 March 1917, as amended by Public Law 600, 3 July 1950 **Dependency status:** unincorporated organized territory of the US with commonwealth status; policy relations between Puerto Rico and the US conducted under the jurisdiction of the Office of the President **Capital:** name: San Juan geographic coordinates: 18 28 N, 66 07 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: Spanish explorer Juan PONCE de Leon named the city in 1511 both for himself and for his name saint, Saint John **Administrative divisions:** no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US government, but 78 municipalities (municipios, singular - municipio) are considered second-order: Adjuntas, Aguada, Aguadilla, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Anasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barceloneta, Barranquitas, Bayamon, Cabo Rojo, Caguas, Camuy, Canovanas, Carolina, Catano, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerio, Corozal, Culebra, Dorado, Fajardo, Florida, Guanica, Guayama, Guayanilla, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Hatillo, Hormigueros, Humacao, Isabela, Jayuya, Juana Diaz, Juncos, Lajas, Lares, Las Marias, Las Piedras, Loiza, Luquillo, Manati, Maricao, Maunabo, Mayaguez, Moca, Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Penuelas, Ponce, Quebradillas, Rincon, Rio Grande, Sabana Grande, Salinas, San German, San Juan, San Lorenzo, San Sebastian, Santa Isabel, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja, Vieques, Villalba, Yabucoa, Yauco **Legal system:** civil law system based on the Spanish civil code, within the framework of the US federal system **Constitution:** history: previous 1900 (Organic Act, or Foraker Act); latest ratified by referendum 3 March 1952, approved 3 July 1952, effective 25 July 1952 amendment process: proposed by a concurrent resolution of at least two-thirds majority by the total Legislative Assembly membership; approval requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both houses and approval by a majority of voters in a special referendum; if passed by at least three-fourths Assembly vote, the referendum can be held concurrently with the next general election; constitutional articles such as the republican form of government or the bill of rights cannot be amended **Citizenship:** see United States **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal note: residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections **Executive branch:** chief of state: President Donald J. TRUMP (since 20 January 2025) head of government: Governor Jenniffer GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN (since 2 January 2025) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by governor with the consent of the Legislative Assembly election/appointment process: president and vice president indirectly elected on the same ballot by an Electoral College of electors chosen from each state; president and vice president serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); under the US Constitution, residents of Puerto Rico do not vote in elections for US president and vice president, but they can vote in Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a 4-year term (no term limits) most recent election date: 5 November 2024 election results: 2024: Jenniffer GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN elected governor; percent of vote - Jenniffer GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN (PNP) 39.4%, Juan DALMAU Ramírez (PIP) 32.7%, Jesús Manuel ORTIZ (PPD) 21.1%, Javier JIMÉNEZ (PD) 6.7%, other 0.1% 2020: Pedro PIERLUISI elected governor; percent of vote - Pedro PIERLUISI (PNP) 32.9%, Carlos DELGADO (PPD) 31.6%, Alexandra LUGARO (independent) 14.2%, Juan DALMAU (PIP) 13.7%, other 7.6% expected date of next election: 7 November 2028 **Legislative branch:** legislature name: Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa) legislative structure: bicameral term in office: 4 years note: Puerto Rico directly elects 1 member by simple majority vote to serve a 4-year term as a commissioner to the US House of Representatives; the commissioner can vote when serving on a committee and when the House meets as the Committee of the Whole House but not when legislation is submitted for a 'full floor' House vote; election of commissioner last held on 6 November 2018 (next to be held in November 2022) **Legislative branch - lower chamber:** chamber name: House of Representatives (Camara de Representantes) number of seats: 51 (directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 11/3/2020 parties elected and seats per party: PPD (26); PNP (21); MVC (2); PIP (1); PD (1) percentage of women in chamber: 19.6% expected date of next election: November 2024 **Legislative branch - upper chamber:** chamber name: Senate (Senado) number of seats: 30 (directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 11/3/2020 parties elected and seats per party: PPD (12); NP (10); MVC (2); PD (1); PIP (1); independent (1) percentage of women in chamber: 48.1% expected date of next election: November 2024 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 8 associate justices) judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the governor and confirmed by majority Senate vote; judges serve until compulsory retirement at age 70 subordinate courts: Court of Appeals; First Instance Court comprised of superior and municipal courts **Political parties:** Citizens' Victory Movement (Movimiento Victoria Ciudadana) or MVC Democratic Party of Puerto Rico New Progressive Party or PNP (pro-US statehood) Popular Democratic Party or PPD (pro-commonwealth) Project Dignity (Projecto Dignidad) or PD Puerto Rican Independence Party or PIP (pro-independence) Republican Party of Puerto Rico **Diplomatic representation in the US:** none (territory of the US) **Diplomatic representation from the US:** embassy: none (territory of the US with commonwealth status) **International organization participation:** AOSIS (observer), Caricom (observer), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UNWTO (associate), UPU, WFTU (NGOs) **Independence:** none (territory of the US with commonwealth status) **National holiday:** US Independence Day, 4 July (1776); Puerto Rico Constitution Day, 25 July (1952) **Flag:** description: five equal horizontal bands of red alternating with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the left side has a large five-pointed white star in the center meaning: the star stands for the country; the three sides of the triangle stand for the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the government; blue stands for the sky and the coastal waters, red for the blood shed by warriors, and white for liberty, victory, and peace note: design initially influenced by the US flag, but similar to the Cuban flag, with the colors of the bands and triangle reversed **National symbol(s):** Puerto Rican spindalis (bird), coqui (frog) **National color(s):** red, white, blue **National anthem(s):** title: "La Borinquena" (The Puerto Rican) lyrics/music: Manuel Fernandez JUNCOS/Felix Astol ARTES history: music adopted 1952, lyrics adopted 1977; the local anthem's name refers to the local name for the island, Borinquen; the music was originally composed as a dance in 1867 and gained popularity in the early 20th century _____ title: "The Star-Spangled Banner" lyrics/music: Francis Scott KEY/John Stafford SMITH history: official anthem, as a US commonwealth **National heritage:** total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural); note - excerpted from the US entry selected World Heritage Site locales: La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site ### Economy **Economic overview:** US Caribbean island territorial economy; hit hard by COVID-19 and hurricanes; declining labor force and job growth after a decade of continuous recession; capital-based industry and tourism; high poverty; energy import-dependent **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $141.344 billion (2024 est.) $136.926 billion (2023 est.) $136.247 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 3.2% (2024 est.) 0.5% (2023 est.) 3% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $44,100 (2024 est.) $42,700 (2023 est.) $42,300 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $125.842 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 4.3% (2022 est.) 2.4% (2021 est.) -0.5% (2020 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 0.7% (2024 est.) industry: 48% (2024 est.) services: 51.5% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 76% (2024 est.) government consumption: 8.2% (2024 est.) investment in fixed capital: 14.6% (2024 est.) investment in inventories: 0.2% (2024 est.) exports of goods and services: 51.9% (2024 est.) imports of goods and services: -42.8% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection **Agricultural products:** milk, plantains, bananas, tomatoes, chicken, oranges, mangoes/guavas, pineapples, eggs, pumpkins/squash (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, tourism **Labor force:** 1.152 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work **Unemployment rate:** 5.5% (2024 est.) 5.8% (2023 est.) 6% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment **Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):** total: 12.5% (2024 est.) male: 14% (2024 est.) female: 9.8% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment **Budget:** revenues: $9.268 billion (2017 est.) expenditures: $9.974 billion (2017 est.) **Exports:** $65.368 billion (2024 est.) $63.563 billion (2023 est.) $59.712 billion (2022 est.) note: GDP expenditure basis - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** Italy 15%, Netherlands 15%, Belgium 9%, Japan 8%, Germany 8%, Austria 8%, Spain 7%, China 5% (2019) **Exports - commodities:** packaged medicines, medical cultures/vaccines, hormones, orthopedic and medical appliances, sulfur compounds (2019) top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $53.898 billion (2024 est.) $56.889 billion (2023 est.) $52.15 billion (2022 est.) note: GDP expenditure basis - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** Ireland 38%, Singapore 9%, Switzerland 8%, South Korea 5% (2019) **Imports - commodities:** nitrogen compounds, sulfur compounds, refined petroleum, medical cultures/vaccines, cars (2019) **Exchange rates:** the US dollar is used ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 6.898 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 18.669 billion kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 1.224 billion kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 94.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 4.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) biomass and waste: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** consumption: 1.124 million metric tons (2023 est.) exports: 500 metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 1.124 million metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** refined petroleum consumption: 80,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Natural gas:** consumption: 2.315 billion cubic meters (2023 est.) exports: 15.627 million cubic meters (2023 est.) imports: 2.331 billion cubic meters (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 86.286 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 773,000 (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 24 (2024 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 4.1 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 126 (2024 est.) **Broadcast media:** more than 30 TV stations; cable TV subscription services are available; roughly 125 radio stations **Internet country code:** .pr **Internet users:** percent of population: 87% (2022 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 751,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 23 (2023 est.) ### Transportation **Airports:** 20 (2025) **Heliports:** 40 (2025) **Ports:** total ports: 14 (2024) large: 0 medium: 3 small: 4 very small: 7 ports with oil terminals: 7 key ports: Arroyo, Ensenada Honda, Mayaguez, Playa de Guanica, Playa de Guayanilla, Playa de Ponce, San Juan ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** Puerto Rico Police; Puerto Rico (US) National Guard (Guardia Nacional de Puerto Rico or GNPR) (2025) note: the GNPR was created by order of the US Congress in June 1919; the organization traces its lineage and history to Spanish militias created in 1511 and is one of the oldest organizations in the US National Guard system **Military - note:** defense is the responsibility of the US ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** IDPs: 146 (2024 est.) --- ## Saint Barthelemy **Slug:** saint-barthelemy **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇧🇱 **Codes:** cek: tb, iso2: BL, iso3: BLM, iso_num: 652, genc: BLM, stanag: -, internet: .bl, comment: ccTLD .fr and .gp may also be used ### Introduction **Background:** In 1493, Christopher COLUMBUS named Saint Barthelemy for his brother Bartolomeo, but the island was first settled by the French in 1648. In 1784, France sold the island to Sweden, which renamed the largest town Gustavia after the Swedish King GUSTAV III and made it a free port; the island prospered as a trade and supply center during the colonial wars of the 18th century. France repurchased the island in 1877 and took control the following year, placing it under the administration of Guadeloupe. Saint Barthelemy retained its free port status along with various Swedish appellations such as Swedish street and town names, and the three-crown symbol on the coat of arms. In 2003, the islanders voted to secede from Guadeloupe, and in 2007, the island became a French overseas collectivity. In 2012, it became an overseas territory of the EU, allowing it to exert local control over the permanent and temporary immigration of foreign workers, including non-French European citizens. Hurricane Irma hit the island in 2017 and caused extensive damage. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean; located in the Leeward Islands (northern) group; Saint Barthelemy lies east of the US Virgin Islands **Geographic coordinates:** 17 90 N, 62 85 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 25 sq km land: 25 sq km water: negligible **Area - comparative:** less than one-eighth the size of Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Climate:** tropical, with practically no variation in temperature; has two seasons (dry and humid) **Terrain:** hilly, almost completely surrounded by shallow-water reefs, with plentiful beaches **Elevation:** highest point: Morne du Vitet 286 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m **Natural resources:** few natural resources; beaches foster tourism **Land use:** agricultural land: 0% (2022 est.) forest: 8.5% (2022 est.) other: 91.5% (2022 est.) **Population distribution:** most of the populace is concentrated in and around the capital of Gustavia, but scattered settlements exist around the island's periphery **Geography - note:** a 1,200-hectare (3,000-acre) marine nature reserve, the Reserve Naturelle, is made up of five zones around the island that form a network to protect the island's coral reefs, seagrass, and endangered marine species ### People and Society **Population:** total: 7,079 (2025 est.) male: 3,730 female: 3,349 **Ethnic groups:** French, Portuguese, Caribbean, Afro-Caribbean **Languages:** French (primary), English major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 13.9% (male 506/female 479) 15-64 years: 63.1% (male 2,413/female 2,057) 65 years and over: 23% (2024 est.) (male 818/female 813) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 60.1 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 22 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 38 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 2.6 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 47.7 years (2025 est.) male: 47 years female: 47.8 years **Population growth rate:** -0.08% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 9.32 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 9.75 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -0.42 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** most of the populace is concentrated in and around the capital of Gustavia, but scattered settlements exist around the island's periphery **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.17 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.01 male(s)/female total population: 1.12 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 6.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 7.6 deaths/1,000 live births female: 5.3 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 81 years (2024 est.) male: 78 years female: 84.2 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.64 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.79 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.) total: 100% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.) total: 0% of population (2022 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.) total: 100% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.) total: 0% of population (2022 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** land-based pollution; urbanization; limited freshwater resources; overfishing **Climate:** tropical, with practically no variation in temperature; has two seasons (dry and humid) **Land use:** agricultural land: 0% (2022 est.) forest: 8.5% (2022 est.) other: 91.5% (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Overseas Collectivity of Saint Barthelemy conventional short form: Saint Barthelemy local long form: Collectivité d'outre mer de Saint-Barthélemy local short form: Saint-Barthélemy abbreviation: Saint-Barth (French)/ St. Barts or St. Barths (English) etymology: explorer Christopher COLUMBUS named the island in honor of his brother Bartolomeo in 1493 **Government type:** parliamentary democracy (Territorial Council); overseas collectivity of France **Dependency status:** overseas collectivity of France **Capital:** name: Gustavia geographic coordinates: 17 53 N, 62 51 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: named in honor of King GUSTAV III of Sweden, who was ruler when Sweden bought the island from France in 1784; the name was retained when the island was sold back to France in 1878 **Legal system:** French civil law **Constitution:** history: 4 October 1958 (French Constitution) amendment process: amendment procedures of France's constitution apply **Citizenship:** see France **Suffrage:** 18 years of age, universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017), represented by Prefect Cyrille LE VELY (since 15 January 2025) head of government: President of Territorial Council Xavier LEDEE (since 3 April 2022) cabinet: Executive Council elected by the Territorial Council; there is also an advisory, economic, social, and cultural council election/appointment process: French president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of French Ministry of Interior; president of Territorial Council indirectly elected by its members for a 5-year term most recent election date: 27 March 2022 election results: 2022: Xavier LEDEE (Saint Barth United) elected president; Territorial Council vote - 13 votes for, 6 blank votes 2017: Bruno MAGRAS (Saint Barth First!) elected president; Territorial Council vote - 14 out of 19 votes expected date of next election: 2027 **Legislative branch:** legislature name: Territorial Council legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 19 (directly elected) electoral system: mixed scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 3/27/2022 parties elected and seats per party: Saint Barth Action-Équilibre and Unis pour Saint Barthelemy (13); SBA (6) expected date of next election: 2027 note: 1 senator is indirectly elected to the French Senate by an electoral college for a 6-year term, and 1 deputy (shared with Saint Martin) is directly elected to the French National Assembly for a five-year term **Political parties:** All for Saint Barth (Tous pour Saint-Barth) Saint Barth Action Equilibre Saint Barth First! (Saint-Barth d'Abord!) or SBA (affiliated with France's Republican party, Les Republicans) Saint Barth United (Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy) **Diplomatic representation in the US:** none (overseas collectivity of France) **Diplomatic representation from the US:** embassy: none (overseas collectivity of France) **International organization participation:** ACS (associate), UPU **Independence:** none (overseas collectivity of France) **National holiday:** Fête de la Fédération, 14 July (1790) note 1: local holiday is St. Barthelemy Day, 24 August (1572) note 2: often incorrectly referred to as Bastille Day, France's national celebration commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison on 14 July 1789 and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy; other names for the holiday are la Fête nationale (National Holiday) and le Quatorze Juillet (14th of July) **Flag:** the flag of France is used **National symbol(s):** pelican **National anthem(s):** title: "L'Hymne à St. Barthelemy" (Hymn to St. Barthelemy) lyrics/music: Isabelle Massart DERAVIN/Michael VALENTI history: local anthem in use since 1999 _____ title: "La Marseillaise" lyrics/music: Claude-Joseph ROUGET de Lisle history: official anthem, as a French collectivity ### Economy **Economic overview:** high-income French Caribbean territorial economy; duty-free luxury commerce and tourism industries; import-dependent for food, water, energy, and manufacturing; large Brazilian and Portuguese labor supply; environmentally fragile **Exports - partners:** Spain 57%, Switzerland 24%, France 6%, Ireland 5%, Canada 2% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** refined copper, jewelry (2023) note: top export commodities based on value in dollars over $500,000 **Imports - partners:** Switzerland 50%, Portugal 14%, Brazil 6%, Japan 5%, Ireland 5% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** precious metal watches, base metal watches, jewelry, cars, garments (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Exchange rates:** euros (EUR) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 0.924 (2024 est.) 0.925 (2023 est.) 0.95 (2022 est.) 0.845 (2021 est.) 0.876 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2021) ### Communications **Broadcast media:** 2 local TV broadcasters; 5 FM radio channels (2021) **Internet country code:** .bl note: .gp, the Internet country code for Guadeloupe, and .fr, the Internet country code for France, are also used **Internet users:** percent of population: 71.3% (2022 est.) ### Transportation **Airports:** 1 (2025) ### Military and Security **Military - note:** defense is the responsibility of France --- ## Saint Kitts and Nevis **Slug:** saint-kitts-and-nevis **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇰🇳 **Codes:** cek: sc, iso2: KN, iso3: KNA, iso_num: 659, genc: KNA, stanag: KNA, internet: .kn ### Introduction **Background:** Carib Indians occupied the islands of the West Indies for hundreds of years before the British and French began settlement in 1623. During the 17th century, Saint Kitts became the premier base for British and French expansion into the Caribbean. The French ceded the territory to the UK in 1713. At the turn of the 18th century, Saint Kitts was the richest British Crown Colony per capita in the Caribbean, a result of the sugar trade. Although small in size and separated by only 3 km (2 mi) of water, Saint Kitts and Nevis were viewed and governed as different states until the late-19th century, when the British forcibly unified them along with the island of Anguilla. In 1967, the island territory of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla became an associated state of the UK with full internal autonomy. The island of Anguilla rebelled and was allowed to secede in 1971. The remaining islands achieved independence in 1983 as Saint Kitts and Nevis. In 1998, a referendum on Nevis to separate from Saint Kitts fell short of the necessary two-thirds majority. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, islands in the Caribbean Sea, about one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago **Geographic coordinates:** 17 20 N, 62 45 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 261 sq km (Saint Kitts 168 sq km; Nevis 93 sq km) land: 261 sq km water: 0 sq km **Area - comparative:** 1.5 times the size of Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 135 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin **Climate:** tropical, tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November) **Terrain:** volcanic with mountainous interiors **Elevation:** highest point: Mount Liamuiga 1,156 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m **Natural resources:** arable land **Land use:** agricultural land: 23.1% (2023 est.) arable land: 19.2% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.4% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 3.5% (2023 est.) forest: 42.3% (2023 est.) other: 34.6% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 8 sq km (2012) **Population distribution:** population clusters are found in the small towns located on the periphery of both islands **Natural hazards:** hurricanes (July to October) volcanism: Mount Liamuiga (1,156 m) on Saint Kitts and Nevis Peak (985 m) on Nevis are part of the volcanic-island arc of the Lesser Antilles, which extends from Saba in the north to Grenada in the south **Geography - note:** smallest country in the Western Hemisphere in terms of both area and population; the two volcanic islands are separated by a 3-km-wide (9-mi-wide) channel called The Narrows; on the southern tip of baseball-bat-shaped Saint Kitts lies the Great Salt Pond; Nevis Peak sits in the center of its ball-shaped namesake island ### People and Society **Population:** total: 55,434 (2025 est.) male: 27,748 female: 27,686 **Nationality:** noun: Kittitian(s), Nevisian(s) adjective: Kittitian, Nevisian **Ethnic groups:** African descent 92.5%, mixed 3%, White 2.1%, East Indian 1.5%, other 0.6%, unspecified 0.3% (2001 est.) **Languages:** English (official) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 19.2% (male 5,314/female 5,277) 15-64 years: 68.1% (male 18,944/female 18,575) 65 years and over: 12.7% (2024 est.) (male 3,341/female 3,682) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 48.1 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 28.1 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 20 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 5 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 39.1 years (2025 est.) male: 38.8 years female: 38.3 years **Population growth rate:** 0.53% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 11.58 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 7.43 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** 1.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** population clusters are found in the small towns located on the periphery of both islands **Urbanization:** urban population: 31.1% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.06% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 14,000 BASSETERRE (capital) (2018) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Maternal mortality ratio:** 74 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 7.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 5.5 deaths/1,000 live births female: 10.6 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 77.6 years (2024 est.) male: 75.2 years female: 80.1 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.76 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.87 (2025 est.) **Health expenditure:** 6.2% of GDP (2021) 5.9% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 3.09 physicians/1,000 population (2018) **Hospital bed density:** 4.3 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.) **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 22.9% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 8.84 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 3.73 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 1.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 3.89 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Education expenditure:** 3.5% of GDP (2023 est.) 11% national budget (2025 est.) **School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):** total: 19 years (2015 est.) male: 18 years (2015 est.) female: 20 years (2015 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** deforestation; soil erosion and silting affects marine life on coral reefs; water pollution from uncontrolled dumping of sewage **International environmental agreements:** party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements **Climate:** tropical, tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November) **Land use:** agricultural land: 23.1% (2023 est.) arable land: 19.2% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.4% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 3.5% (2023 est.) forest: 42.3% (2023 est.) other: 34.6% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 31.1% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.06% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 269,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 269,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 32,900 tons (2024 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 15.4 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 0 cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 200,000 cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 24 million cubic meters (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis conventional short form: Saint Kitts and Nevis former: Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis etymology: explorer Christopher COLUMBUS visited the islands in 1493 and named one for his own patron saint; a common nickname for Christopher during the following centuries was Kit or Kitt, and Saint Kitts is still referred to as Saint Christopher; the name of Nevis is said to derive from the original Spanish name "Las Nieves" (The Snows) and refers to its cloud-topped mountain note: Nevis is pronounced NEE-vis **Government type:** federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm **Capital:** name: Basseterre geographic coordinates: 17 18 N, 62 43 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the French name translates as "low land" in English; the reference is probably to the city's location in a valley **Administrative divisions:** 14 parishes; Christ Church Nichola Town, Saint Anne Sandy Point, Saint George Basseterre, Saint George Gingerland, Saint James Windward, Saint John Capesterre, Saint John Figtree, Saint Mary Cayon, Saint Paul Capesterre, Saint Paul Charlestown, Saint Peter Basseterre, Saint Thomas Lowland, Saint Thomas Middle Island, Trinity Palmetto Point **Legal system:** English common law **Constitution:** history: several previous (pre-independence); latest presented 22 June 1983, effective 23 June 1983 amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires approval by at least two-thirds majority vote of the total Assembly membership and assent of the governor general; amendments to constitutional provisions such as the sovereignty of the federation, fundamental rights and freedoms, the judiciary, and the Nevis Island Assembly also require approval in a referendum by at least two thirds of the votes cast in Saint Kitts and in Nevis **International law organization participation:** has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 14 years **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General Marcella LIBURD (since 1 February 2023) head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance DREW (since 6 August 2022) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by governor general in consultation with prime minister election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the governor general usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister; deputy prime minister also appointed by governor general **Legislative branch:** legislature name: National Assembly legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 16 (11 directly elected; 4 appointed) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 8/5/2022 parties elected and seats per party: St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) (6); Concerned Citizens' Movement (CCM) (3); Peoples Labour Party (PLP) (1); People's Action Movement (PAM) (1) percentage of women in chamber: 31.3% expected date of next election: October 2027 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC is headquartered on St. Lucia and consists of the Court of Appeal -- headed by the chief justice and 4 judges -- and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice judge selection and term of office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an independent body of judicial officials; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62 subordinate courts: magistrates' courts **Political parties:** Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM Nevis Reformation Party or NRP People's Action Movement or PAM People's Labour Party or PLP Saint Kitts and Nevis Labor Party or SKNLP **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador Jacinth HENRY-MARTIN (since 15 September 2023) chancery: 1203 19th St. NW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 686-2636 FAX: [1] (202) 686-5740 email address and website: stkittsnevis@embskn.com Embassy of St.Kitts and Nevis to the USA – and Permanent Mission to the OAS (embassydc.gov.kn) consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York **Diplomatic representation from the US:** embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Saint Kitts and Nevis; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Kitts and Nevis **International organization participation:** ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, MIGA, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTO **Independence:** 19 September 1983 (from the UK) **National holiday:** Independence Day, 19 September (1983) **Flag:** description: divided diagonally from the lower left side by a broad black band with two five-pointed white stars; the black band is edged in yellow; the upper triangle is green, and the lower is red meaning: green stands for the island's fertility, red for the struggles of the people from slavery, yellow for year-round sunshine, and black for the people's African heritage; the white stars stand for the islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis but can also express hope and liberty, or independence and optimism **National symbol(s):** brown pelican, royal poinciana (flamboyant) tree **National color(s):** green, yellow, red, black, white **National coat of arms:** the coat of arms of Saint Kitts and Nevis features a Carib who represents the original inhabitants of the islands, and a fleur-de-lis and rose that represent the French and English who arrived in the 1620; the shield also features the poinciana (the national flower) and a traditional boat; three hands hold the torch, which represents the quest for freedom: the hand of an African, a European, and a person of mixed ethnicity; pelicans (the national bird) support the shield, with a sugarcane plant and a coconut tree that symbolize the land **National anthem(s):** title: "O Land of Beauty!" lyrics/music: Kenrick Anderson GEORGES history: adopted 1983 title: "God Save the King" lyrics/music: unknown history: in use since 1745 **National heritage:** total World Heritage Sites: 1 (cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park ### Economy **Economic overview:** high-income, tourism-based Caribbean OECS economy; better debt balancing; CARICOM and ECCU member; growing offshore financial and telecommunications hub; environmentally fragile; unique citizenship-driven growth model **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $1.465 billion (2024 est.) $1.448 billion (2023 est.) $1.388 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 1.2% (2024 est.) 4.3% (2023 est.) 10.3% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $31,300 (2024 est.) $31,000 (2023 est.) $29,700 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $1.067 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 3.6% (2023 est.) 2.7% (2022 est.) 1.2% (2021 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 1.3% (2024 est.) industry: 21.1% (2024 est.) services: 65.5% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **Agricultural products:** coconuts, tropical fruits, root vegetables, vegetables, eggs, pulses, sweet potatoes, watermelons, cucumbers/gherkins, tomatoes (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** tourism, cotton, salt, copra, clothing, footwear, beverages **Industrial production growth rate:** -2.7% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Remittances:** 3.4% of GDP (2024 est.) 3.5% of GDP (2023 est.) 3.8% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $262 million (2020 est.) expenditures: $281.889 million (2020 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Public debt:** 62.9% of GDP (2017 est.) note: central government debt as a % of GDP **Taxes and other revenues:** 15% (of GDP) (2020 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP **Current account balance:** -$169.221 million (2024 est.) -$122.386 million (2023 est.) -$111.685 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $504.391 million (2024 est.) $579.568 million (2023 est.) $542.983 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** Malta 49%, USA 21%, Turkey 7%, St. Vincent & the Grenadines 5%, Guyana 3% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** ships, measuring instruments, beer, electrical transformers, electrical control boards (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $642.934 million (2024 est.) $669.168 million (2023 est.) $606.856 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 50%, Italy 11%, China 8%, Japan 2%, UK 2% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, ships, cars, jewelry, poultry (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $294.748 million (2024 est.) $286.075 million (2023 est.) $293.98 million (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Exchange rates:** East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 2.7 (2024 est.) 2.7 (2023 est.) 2.7 (2022 est.) 2.7 (2021 est.) 2.7 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 72,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 182.455 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 39.522 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 95% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 2.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 2.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** refined petroleum consumption: 2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 81.454 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 15,600 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 33 (2022 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 56,600 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 119 (2023 est.) **Broadcast media:** national state-operated TV network that broadcasts on 2 channels; cable subscription available for local and international channels; national state-operated radio network; mix of state-owned and privately owned broadcasters with about 15 radio stations (2019) **Internet country code:** .kn **Internet users:** percent of population: 76% (2022 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 22,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 47 (2022 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** V4 **Airports:** 2 (2025) **Heliports:** 1 (2025) **Railways:** total: 50 km (2008) narrow gauge: 50 km (2008) 0.762-m gauge on Saint Kitts for tourists **Merchant marine:** total: 341 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 22, container ship 16, general cargo 85, oil tanker 59, other 159 **Ports:** total ports: 2 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 0 very small: 2 ports with oil terminals: 2 key ports: Basseterre, Charlestown ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** St. Kitts and Nevis Defense Force (SKNDF); Regular Force, Coast Guard Force (SKNDF Coast Guard), Reserve Force, Cadet Force Ministry of National Security: the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (2025) **Military and security service personnel strengths:** estimated 200 active Defense Forces (2024) **Military equipment inventories and acquisitions:** the SKNDF is lightly armed with equipment from Belgium, the UK, and the US (2025) **Military service age and obligation:** 18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women (under 18 with written parental permission); no conscription (2025) **Military - note:** SKNDF's missions include protecting the country's territorial integrity, assisting the police in combating the illegal narcotic trade and other crimes, and providing humanitarian and disaster relief assistance; the force also has a regional role through the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS); St. Kitts joined the RSS in 1984; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2025) ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 5 (2024 est.) --- ## Saint Lucia **Slug:** saint-lucia **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇱🇨 **Codes:** cek: st, iso2: LC, iso3: LCA, iso_num: 662, genc: LCA, stanag: LCA, internet: .lc ### Introduction **Background:** England and France contested Saint Lucia -- with its fine natural harbor at Castries and burgeoning sugar industry -- throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries, with possession changing 14 times; it was finally ceded to the UK in 1814 and became part of the British Windward Islands colony. Even after the abolition of slavery on its plantations in 1834, Saint Lucia remained an agricultural island, dedicated to producing tropical commodity crops. In the mid-20th century, Saint Lucia joined the West Indies Federation (1958–1962) and in 1967 became one of the six members of the West Indies Associated States, with internal self-government. In 1979, Saint Lucia gained full independence. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago **Geographic coordinates:** 13 53 N, 60 58 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 616 sq km land: 606 sq km water: 10 sq km **Area - comparative:** 3.5 times the size of Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 158 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin **Climate:** tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season January to April, rainy season May to August **Terrain:** volcanic and mountainous with broad, fertile valleys **Elevation:** highest point: Mount Gimie 948 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m **Natural resources:** forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice), mineral springs, geothermal potential **Land use:** agricultural land: 16.3% (2023 est.) arable land: 4.4% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 11.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 0.6% (2023 est.) forest: 53.7% (2023 est.) other: 30% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 30 sq km (2012) **Population distribution:** most of the population is found on the periphery of the island, with a larger concentration in the north around the capital of Castries **Natural hazards:** hurricanes volcanism: Mount Gimie (948 m), also known as Qualibou, is a caldera on the west of the island; the iconic twin pyramidal peaks of Gros Piton (771 m) and Petit Piton (743 m) are lava-dome remnants associated with the Soufrière volcano; there have been no historical magmatic eruptions, but a minor steam eruption in 1766 spread a thin layer of ash over a wide area; Saint Lucia is part of the volcanic-island arc of the Lesser Antilles that extends from Saba in the north to Grenada in the south **Geography - note:** the twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), striking cone-shaped peaks south of Soufrière, are one of the scenic natural highlights of the Caribbean ### People and Society **Population:** total: 168,462 (2025 est.) male: 81,678 female: 86,784 **Nationality:** noun: Saint Lucian(s) adjective: Saint Lucian **Ethnic groups:** Black/African descent 85.3%, mixed 10.9%, East Indian 2.2%, other 1.6%, unspecified 0.1% (2010 est.) **Languages:** English (official), Saint Lucian Creole **Religions:** Roman Catholic 61.5%, Protestant 25.5% (includes Seventh Day Adventist 10.4%, Pentecostal 8.9%, Baptist 2.2%, Anglican 1.6%, Church of God 1.5%, other Protestant 0.9%), other Christian 3.4% (includes Evangelical 2.3% and Jehovah's Witness 1.1%), Rastafarian 1.9%, other 0.4%, none 5.9%, unspecified 1.4% (2010 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 17.9% (male 15,505/female 14,607) 15-64 years: 66.7% (male 54,260/female 57,747) 65 years and over: 15.4% (2024 est.) (male 11,752/female 14,167) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 50.9 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 26.6 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 24.3 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 4.1 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 40.4 years (2025 est.) male: 38.4 years female: 40.9 years **Population growth rate:** 0.25% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 11.17 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 8.41 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -0.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** most of the population is found on the periphery of the island, with a larger concentration in the north around the capital of Castries **Urbanization:** urban population: 19.2% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.98% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 22,000 CASTRIES (capital) (2018) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Maternal mortality ratio:** 44 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 11.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 10.8 deaths/1,000 live births female: 12.2 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 79.4 years (2024 est.) male: 76.7 years female: 82.3 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.71 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.83 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: urban: 97.2% of population (2022 est.) rural: 96.8% of population (2022 est.) total: 96.9% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 2.8% of population (2022 est.) rural: 3.2% of population (2022 est.) total: 3.1% of population (2022 est.) **Health expenditure:** 6.2% of GDP (2021) 9% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 4.23 physicians/1,000 population (2020) **Hospital bed density:** 2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: urban: 97.6% of population (2022 est.) rural: 92.9% of population (2022 est.) total: 93.8% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 2.4% of population (2022 est.) rural: 7.1% of population (2022 est.) total: 6.2% of population (2022 est.) **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 19.7% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 9.3 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 3.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.4 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 5.1 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.6 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Tobacco use:** total: 13.1% (2025 est.) male: 24.1% (2025 est.) female: 2.6% (2025 est.) **Education expenditure:** 3.8% of GDP (2024 est.) 12.7% national budget (2025 est.) **School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):** total: 13 years (2023 est.) male: 12 years (2023 est.) female: 13 years (2023 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** deforestation; soil erosion, particularly in the northern region **International environmental agreements:** party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements **Climate:** tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season January to April, rainy season May to August **Land use:** agricultural land: 16.3% (2023 est.) arable land: 4.4% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 11.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 0.6% (2023 est.) forest: 53.7% (2023 est.) other: 30% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 19.2% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.98% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 605,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 605,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 8.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 77,600 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 13.3% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 12.5 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 0 cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 30.4 million cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 300 million cubic meters (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: none conventional short form: Saint Lucia etymology: believed to be named after Saint LUCY (Sainte ALOUSIE) of Syracuse by French sailors who were shipwrecked on the island on 13 December 1502, the saint's feast day note: pronounced saynt-LOO-shuh **Government type:** parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm **Capital:** name: Castries geographic coordinates: 14 00 N, 61 00 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: in 1785, the village of Carenage was renamed Castries, after Charles Eugene Gabriel de La Croix de CASTRIES, who was then the French Minister of the Navy and Colonies **Administrative divisions:** 10 districts; Anse-la-Raye, Canaries, Castries, Choiseul, Dennery, Gros-Islet, Laborie, Micoud, Soufrière, Vieux-Fort **Legal system:** English common law **Constitution:** history: previous 1958, 1960 (pre-independence); latest presented 20 December 1978, effective 22 February 1979 amendment process: proposed by Parliament; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the House of Assembly membership in the final reading and assent of the governor general; passage of amendments to various constitutional sections, such as those on fundamental rights and freedoms, government finances, the judiciary, and procedures for amending the constitution, require at least three-quarters majority vote by the House and assent of the governor general; passage of amendments approved by the House but rejected by the Senate require a majority of votes cast in a referendum **International law organization participation:** has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Saint Lucia dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 8 years **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Acting Governor General Cyril Errol CHARLES (since 11 November 2021) head of government: Prime Minister Philip J. PIERRE (since 28 July 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the governor general usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister; deputy prime minister also appointed by governor general **Legislative branch:** legislature name: Houses of Parliament legislative structure: bicameral **Legislative branch - lower chamber:** chamber name: House of Assembly number of seats: 18 (all directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 7/26/2021 parties elected and seats per party: Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) (13); United Workers Party (UWP) (2); Independents (2) percentage of women in chamber: 10.5% expected date of next election: December 2025 **Legislative branch - upper chamber:** chamber name: Senate number of seats: 11 (all appointed) scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 8/17/2021 percentage of women in chamber: 54.5% expected date of next election: December 2025 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC is headquartered on St. Lucia and consists of the Court of Appeal -- headed by the chief justice and 4 judges -- and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice judge selection and term of office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an independent body of judicial officials; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62 subordinate courts: magistrate's court **Political parties:** Saint Lucia Labor Party or SLP United Workers Party or UWP **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador Elizabeth DARIUS-CLARKE (since 7 June 2022) chancery: 1629 K Street NW, Suite 1250, Washington, DC 20006 telephone: [1] (202) 364-6792 FAX: [1] (202) 364-6723 email address and website: embassydc@gosl.gov.lc https://www.embassyofstlucia.org/ consulate(s) general: Miami, New York **Diplomatic representation from the US:** embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Saint Lucia; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Lucia **International organization participation:** ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CD, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO **Independence:** 22 February 1979 (from the UK) **National holiday:** Independence Day, 22 February (1979) **Flag:** description: cerulean blue with a gold isosceles triangle below a black arrowhead; the upper edges of the arrowhead have a white border meaning: blue stands for the sky and sea, gold for sunshine and prosperity, and white and black for the ethnic composition of the island; the triangles represent Gros Piton and Petit Piton, the cone-shaped volcanic plugs that are a symbol of the island **National symbol(s):** twin pitons (volcanic peaks), Saint Lucia parrot **National color(s):** cerulean blue, gold, black, white **National anthem(s):** title: "Sons and Daughters of St. Lucia" lyrics/music: Charles JESSE/Leton Felix THOMAS history: adopted 1967 title: "God Save the King" lyrics/music: unknown history: in use since 1745 **National heritage:** total World Heritage Sites: 1 (natural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Pitons Management Area ### Economy **Economic overview:** upper middle-income, tourism-based Caribbean island economy; environmentally fragile; energy import-dependent; major banana producer; well-educated labor force; key infrastructure, IT, and communications investments **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $4.359 billion (2024 est.) $4.196 billion (2023 est.) $4.105 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 3.9% (2024 est.) 2.2% (2023 est.) 20.4% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $24,300 (2024 est.) $23,400 (2023 est.) $23,000 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $2.549 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** -0.1% (2024 est.) 4.1% (2023 est.) 6.4% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 1.1% (2024 est.) industry: 9.8% (2024 est.) services: 75.9% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 66.1% (2017 est.) government consumption: 11.2% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 16.9% (2017 est.) investment in inventories: 0.1% (2017 est.) exports of goods and services: 62.7% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -56.9% (2017 est.) **Agricultural products:** coconuts, bananas, tropical fruits, fruits, root vegetables, plantains, vegetables, cassava, chicken, milk (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** tourism; clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated cardboard boxes, lime processing, coconut processing **Industrial production growth rate:** 5.6% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Labor force:** 102,400 (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work **Unemployment rate:** 11% (2024 est.) 11.1% (2023 est.) 16% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment **Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):** total: 29% (2024 est.) male: 31.4% (2024 est.) female: 26.3% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment **Population below poverty line:** 25% (2015 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line **Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income:** 51.2 (2016 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality **Household income or consumption by percentage share:** lowest 10%: 2.1% (2015 est.) highest 10%: 34.1% (2015 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population **Remittances:** 2.5% of GDP (2024 est.) 2.6% of GDP (2023 est.) 2.6% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $414.77 million (2017 est.) expenditures: $351.956 million (2017 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Taxes and other revenues:** 18.2% (of GDP) (2017 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP **Current account balance:** -$64.121 million (2024 est.) -$38.069 million (2023 est.) -$83.442 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $1.6 billion (2024 est.) $1.419 billion (2023 est.) $1.29 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** Guyana 20%, Suriname 15%, USA 11%, Barbados 8%, Dominica 7% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** refined petroleum, gravel and crushed stone, beer, liquor, paper containers (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $1.446 billion (2024 est.) $1.292 billion (2023 est.) $1.2 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 59%, Guyana 8%, Brazil 7%, China 5%, UK 3% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, crude petroleum, cars, poultry, plastic products (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $406.064 million (2024 est.) $424.324 million (2023 est.) $389.083 million (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Debt - external:** $901.317 million (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars **Exchange rates:** East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 2.7 (2024 est.) 2.7 (2023 est.) 2.7 (2022 est.) 2.7 (2021 est.) 2.7 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 93,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 365.178 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 31.038 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 98% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** refined petroleum consumption: 4,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 47.522 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 30,600 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 17 (2022 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 176,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 99 (2022 est.) **Broadcast media:** 3 privately owned TV stations; 1 public TV station on a cable network; multi-channel cable TV service available; mix of state-owned and privately owned radio broadcasters with about 25 stations, including repeater transmission stations (2019) **Internet country code:** .lc **Internet users:** percent of population: 74% (2022 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 24,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 14 (2022 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** J6 **Airports:** 2 (2025) **Ports:** total ports: 3 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 2 very small: 1 ports with oil terminals: 2 key ports: Castries, Grand Cul de Sac Bay, Vieux Fort ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** no regular military forces; Ministry of Home Affairs, Justice, and National Security: Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) (2025) **Military - note:** Saint Lucia has been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Kitts, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2025) ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 5 (2024 est.) **Trafficking in persons:** tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — the government did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking compared with the previous reporting period, therefore Saint Lucia was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/saint-lucia/ --- ## Saint Martin **Slug:** saint-martin **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇲🇫 **Codes:** cek: rn, iso2: MF, iso3: MAF, iso_num: 663, genc: MAF, stanag: -, internet: .mf, comment: ccTLD .fr and .gp may also be used ### Introduction **Background:** Christopher COLUMBUS claimed Saint Martin for Spain in 1493, naming it after the feast day of St. Martin of Tours, but it was the Dutch who occupied the island in 1631 to exploit its salt deposits. The Spanish retook Saint Martin in 1633, but the Dutch continued to assert their claims. The Spanish finally relinquished the island to the French and Dutch, who divided it between themselves in 1648. The border frequently fluctuated over the next 200 years because of friction between the two countries, with the French eventually holding the greater portion of the island (about 61%). The cultivation of sugarcane introduced African slavery to the island in the late 18th century; the practice was not abolished until 1848. The island became a free port in 1939, and the tourism industry was dramatically expanded during the 1970s and 1980s. In 2003, the populace of Saint Martin voted to secede from Guadeloupe, and in 2007, the northern portion of the island became a French overseas collectivity. In 2010, the southern Dutch portion of the island became the independent nation of Sint Maarten within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In 2017, Hurricane Irma passed over the island of Saint Martin, causing extensive damage to roads, communications, electrical power, and housing; the UN estimated that 90% of the buildings were damaged or destroyed. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, located in the Leeward Islands (northern) group; French part of the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean Sea; Saint Martin lies east of the US Virgin Islands **Geographic coordinates:** 18 05 N, 63 57 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 50 sq km land: 50 sq km water: negligible **Area - comparative:** more than one-third the size of Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 16 km border countries (1): Sint Maarten 16 km **Coastline:** 58.9 km (for entire island) **Climate:** temperature averages 27-29 degrees Celsius all year long; low humidity, gentle trade winds, brief, intense rain showers; hurricane season stretches from July to November **Elevation:** highest point: Pic du Paradis 424 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m **Natural resources:** salt **Land use:** agricultural land: 0% (2022 est.) forest: 24.8% (2022 est.) other: 75.2% (2022 est.) **Population distribution:** most of the population is found along the coast, with the largest concentration around the capital of Marigot, as well as Orleans and Grand-Case **Natural hazards:** subject to hurricanes from July to November **Geography - note:** note 1: the southern border is shared with Sint Maarten, which is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; together, these two entities make up the smallest landmass in the world that is shared by two self-governing states note 2: Simpson Bay Lagoon (aka Simson Bay Lagoon or The Great Pond) is one of the largest inland lagoons in the West Indies; the border between the French and Dutch halves of the island runs across the center of the lagoon, which is shared by both of the island's entities ### People and Society **Population:** total: 33,093 (2025 est.) male: 15,825 female: 17,268 **Ethnic groups:** Creole (Mulatto), Black, Guadeloupe Mestizo (French-East Asian), White, East Indian, other **Languages:** French (official), Dutch, English, Guadeloupian Creole, Haitian Creole, Italian, Martiniquan Creole, Papiamento (dialect of Netherlands Antilles), Spanish major-language sample(s): The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information. **Religions:** Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Protestant, Hindu **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 24.7% (male 4,039/female 4,100) 15-64 years: 64.5% (male 10,216/female 11,068) 65 years and over: 10.8% (2024 est.) (male 1,536/female 2,037) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 55.4 (2025 est.) N youth dependency ratio: 38 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 17.4 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 5.7 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 34.3 years (2025 est.) male: 33.4 years female: 34.9 years **Population growth rate:** 0.29% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 13.78 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 4.83 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -6.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** most of the population is found along the coast, with the largest concentration around the capital of Marigot, as well as Orleans and Grand-Case **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 6.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 7.6 deaths/1,000 live births female: 5.3 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 81 years (2024 est.) male: 78 years female: 84.2 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.8 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.88 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: total: 100% of population unimproved: urban: 0% of population **Sanitation facility access:** improved: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.) total: 100% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.) total: 0% of population (2022 est.) **Education expenditure:** 3.9% of GDP (2023 est.) NA 23% national budget (2023 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** waste management; salinity intrusions; limited freshwater resources; over-exploitation of marine resources (reef fisheries, coral, and shell); water pollution and damage to coral reefs from boats **Climate:** temperature averages 27-29 degrees Celsius all year long; low humidity, gentle trade winds, brief, intense rain showers; hurricane season stretches from July to November **Land use:** agricultural land: 0% (2022 est.) forest: 24.8% (2022 est.) other: 75.2% (2022 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 15,500 tons (2024 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Overseas Collectivity of Saint Martin conventional short form: Saint Martin local long form: Collectivité d'outre mer de Saint-Martin local short form: Saint-Martin etymology: explorer Christopher COLUMBUS named the island after Saint MARTIN of Tours during a visit on 11 November 1493, the saint's feast day **Government type:** parliamentary democracy (Territorial Council); overseas collectivity of France **Dependency status:** overseas collectivity of France note: the only French overseas collectivity that is part of the EU **Capital:** name: Marigot geographic coordinates: 18 04 N, 63 05 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name is taken from the French word marigot, meaning "backwater" or "swampy area;" it probably comes from the original fishing village's location next to a water-logged area on a lagoon **Legal system:** French civil law **Constitution:** history: 4 October 1958 (French Constitution) amendment process: amendment procedures of France's constitution apply **Citizenship:** see France **Suffrage:** 18 years of age, universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: President Emmanuel MACRON (since 14 May 2017); represented by Prefect Cyrille LE VELY (since 10 February 2025) head of government: President of Territorial Council Louis MUSSINGTON (since 3 April 2022) cabinet: Executive Council, as well as an advisory economic, social, and cultural council election/appointment process: French president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prefect appointed by French president on the advice of French Ministry of Interior; president of Territorial Council elected by its members for a 5-year term most recent election date: 3 April 2022 election results: 2022: Louis MUSSINGTON (RSM) elected president; Territorial Council vote - unanimous 2017: Daniel Gibbs (UD) elected president; Territorial Council vote - 18 of 23 votes expected date of next election: 2027 **Legislative branch:** legislature name: Territorial Council legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 23 (directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 3/27/2022 parties elected and seats per party: RSM and Alternative (16); UD (5); HOPE, Saint Martin with You, and Future Saint Martin (2) percentage of women in chamber: 43.5% expected date of next election: March 2027 note: 1 senator is indirectly elected to the French Senate by an electoral college for a 6-year term, and 1 deputy (shared with Saint Barthelemy) is directly elected to the French National Assembly for a 5-year term **Political parties:** Alternative Future Saint Martin (Avenir Saint Martin) Generation Hope or HOPE Rassemblement Saint-Martinois or RSM (formerly Movement for Justice and Prosperity or MJP) Saint Martin with You Union for Democracy or UD **Diplomatic representation in the US:** none (overseas collectivity of France) **Diplomatic representation from the US:** embassy: none (overseas collectivity of France) **International organization participation:** ACS (associate), UPU **Independence:** none (overseas collectivity of France) **National holiday:** Fête de la Fédération, 14 July (1790) note 1: local holiday is Schoelcher Day (Slavery Abolition Day) 12 July (1848), as well as St. Martin's Day, 11 November (1985); the latter holiday celebrated on both halves of the island note 2: often incorrectly referred to as Bastille Day, France's national celebration commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison on 14 July 1789 and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy; other names for the holiday are la Fête nationale (National Holiday) and le Quatorze Juillet (14th of July) **Flag:** the flag of France is used **National symbol(s):** brown pelican **National anthem(s):** title: "O Sweet Saint Martin's Land" lyrics/music: Gerard KEMPS history: the song, written in 1958, is used as an unofficial anthem for the entire island (both French and Dutch sides) _____ title: "La Marseillaise" (The Song of Marseille) lyrics/music: Claude-Joseph ROUGET de Lisle history: official anthem, as a French collectivity ### Economy **Economic overview:** high-income French Caribbean territorial economy; extremely reliant on tourism, with severe COVID-19 impacts; near-total destruction from Hurricane Irma in 2017; some offshore banking; import-dependent; duty-free commerce; yachting destination **Real GDP growth rate:** 4.9% (2021 est.) -12.5% (2020 est.) 6.5% (2019 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **GDP (official exchange rate):** $649.206 million (2021 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Industries:** tourism, light industry and manufacturing, heavy industry **Exports - partners:** United States 35%, Netherlands 26%, Antigua and Barbuda 21%, France 10% (2019) **Exports - commodities:** gold, special use vessels, furniture, scrap aluminum, rum (2019) top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports - partners:** United States 76%, Netherlands 7%, France 7% (2019) **Imports - commodities:** jewelry, diamonds, pearls, recreational boats, cars (2019) **Exchange rates:** euros (EUR) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 0.924 (2024 est.) 0.925 (2023 est.) 0.95 (2022 est.) 0.845 (2021 est.) 0.876 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 68,840 (2012 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 196 (2012 est.) **Broadcast media:** 1 local TV station; access to about 20 radio stations, including RFO Guadeloupe radio broadcasts via repeater **Internet country code:** .mf note: .gp, the Internet country code for Guadeloupe, and .fr, the Internet country code for France, are also used **Internet users:** percent of population: 48.5% (2022 est.) ### Transportation **Airports:** 1 (2025) ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** no regular military forces; Ministry of Justice: Police Force of Sint Maaten (Korps Politie Sint Marteen, KPSM) (2025) **Military - note:** defense is the responsibility of France ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 156 (2024 est.) --- ## Saint Vincent and the Grenadines **Slug:** saint-vincent-and-the-grenadines **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇻🇨 **Codes:** cek: vc, iso2: VC, iso3: VCT, iso_num: 670, genc: VCT, stanag: VCT, internet: .vc ### Introduction **Background:** Resistance from native Caribs prevented colonization on Saint Vincent until 1719. France and England disputed the island for most of the 18th century, but it was ceded to England in 1783. The British prized Saint Vincent because of its fertile soil, which allowed for thriving slave-run plantations of sugar, coffee, indigo, tobacco, cotton, and cocoa. In 1834, the British abolished slavery. Immigration of indentured servants eased the ensuing labor shortage, as did subsequent immigrant waves from Portugal and East India. Conditions remained harsh for both former slaves and immigrant agricultural workers, however, as depressed world sugar prices kept the economy stagnant until the early 1900s. The economy then went into a period of decline, with many landowners abandoning their estates and leaving the land to be cultivated by liberated slaves. Between 1960 and 1962, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was a separate administrative unit of the Federation of the West Indies. Autonomy was granted in 1969 and independence in 1979. In 2021, the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano in the north of Saint Vincent destroyed much of Saint Vincent’s most productive agricultural lands. Unlike most of its tourism-dependent neighbors, the Vincentian economy is primarily agricultural. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago **Geographic coordinates:** 13 15 N, 61 12 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 389 sq km (Saint Vincent 344 sq km) land: 389 sq km water: 0 sq km **Area - comparative:** twice the size of Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 84 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm **Climate:** tropical; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November) **Terrain:** volcanic, mountainous **Elevation:** highest point: La Soufriere 1,234 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m **Natural resources:** hydropower, arable land **Land use:** agricultural land: 17.9% (2023 est.) arable land: 5.1% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 7.7% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 5.1% (2023 est.) forest: 73.2% (2023 est.) other: 8.8% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 10 sq km (2012) **Population distribution:** most of the population is concentrated in and around the capital of Kingstown **Natural hazards:** hurricanes; La Soufrière volcano on the island of Saint Vincent is a constant threat volcanism: La Soufrière (1,234 m) last erupted in 1979; the island of Saint Vincent is part of the volcanic-island arc of the Lesser Antilles that extends from Saba in the north to Grenada in the south **Geography - note:** the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is composed of 32 islands and cays ### People and Society **Population:** total: 100,498 (2025 est.) male: 51,171 female: 49,327 **Nationality:** noun: Saint Vincentian(s) or Vincentian(s) adjective: Saint Vincentian or Vincentian **Ethnic groups:** African descent 71.2%, mixed 23%, Indigenous 3%, East Indian/Indian 1.1%, European 1.5%, other 0.2% (2012 est.) **Languages:** English, Vincentian Creole English, French patois **Religions:** Protestant 75% (Pentecostal 27.6%, Anglican 13.9%, Seventh Day Adventist 11.6%, Baptist 8.9%, Methodist 8.7%, Evangelical 3.8%, Salvation Army 0.3%, Presbyterian/Congregational 0.3%), Roman Catholic 6.3%, Rastafarian 1.1%, Jehovah's Witness 0.8%, other 4.7%, none 7.5%, unspecified 4.7% (2012 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 18.8% (male 9,527/female 9,353) 15-64 years: 68.2% (male 35,401/female 33,288) 65 years and over: 13% (2024 est.) (male 6,321/female 6,757) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 47.3 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 27.2 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 20.1 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 5 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 38.1 years (2025 est.) male: 37.7 years female: 37.4 years **Population growth rate:** -0.15% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 11.72 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 7.75 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -5.43 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** most of the population is concentrated in and around the capital of Kingstown **Urbanization:** urban population: 54.3% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.94% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 27,000 KINGSTOWN (capital) (2018) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Maternal mortality ratio:** 56 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 12 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 13.9 deaths/1,000 live births female: 10.7 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 77.2 years (2024 est.) male: 75.2 years female: 79.3 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.73 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.85 (2025 est.) **Health expenditure:** 5.4% of GDP (2021) 8.6% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 0.66 physicians/1,000 population (2012) **Hospital bed density:** 4.2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: total: 90.2% of population **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 23.7% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 7.48 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 2.52 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.24 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 4.48 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.23 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Education expenditure:** 6.5% of GDP (2023 est.) 12.6% national budget (2024 est.) **School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):** total: 15 years (2015 est.) male: 14 years (2015 est.) female: 15 years (2015 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** pollution of coastal waters and shorelines from boats; poor land-use planning; deforestation; watershed management; squatter settlement control **International environmental agreements:** party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements **Climate:** tropical; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November) **Land use:** agricultural land: 17.9% (2023 est.) arable land: 5.1% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 7.7% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 5.1% (2023 est.) forest: 73.2% (2023 est.) other: 8.8% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 54.3% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.94% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 268,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 19,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 249,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 9.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 31,600 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 13.3% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 8.5 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 2,000 cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 0 cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 100 million cubic meters (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: none conventional short form: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines etymology: explorer Christopher COLUMBUS named the island after Saint VINCENT of Saragossa because 22 January 1498, the day of discovery, was the saint's feast day **Government type:** parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy; a Commonwealth realm **Capital:** name: Kingstown geographic coordinates: 13 08 N, 61 13 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) **Administrative divisions:** 6 parishes; Charlotte, Grenadines, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint Patrick **Legal system:** English common law **Constitution:** history: previous 1969, 1975; latest drafted 26 July 1979, effective 27 October 1979 (The Saint Vincent Constitution Order 1979) amendment process: proposed by the House of Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership and assent of the governor general; passage of amendments to constitutional sections on fundamental rights and freedoms, citizen protections, various government functions and authorities, and constitutional amendment procedures requires approval by the Assembly membership, approval in a referendum of at least two thirds of the votes cast, and assent of the governor general **International law organization participation:** has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor General Stanley JOHN (since 6 January 2026) head of government: Prime Minister Godwin FRIDAY (since 28 November 2025) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the governor general usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister; deputy prime minister also appointed by governor general on the advice of the prime minister **Legislative branch:** legislature name: House of Assembly legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 22 (15 directly elected; 6 appointed) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 11/27/2025 parties elected and seats per party: United Labour Party (ULP) (9); New Democratic Party (NDP) (6) percentage of women in chamber: 21.7% expected date of next election: November 2030 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) is the superior court of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States; the ECSC is headquartered on St. Lucia and consists of the Court of Appeal -- headed by the chief justice and 4 judges -- and the High Court with 18 judges; the Court of Appeal travels to member states on a schedule to hear appeals from the High Court and subordinate courts; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of the Caribbean Court of Justice judge selection and term of office: chief justice of Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court appointed by the British monarch; other justices and judges appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, an independent body of judicial officials; Court of Appeal justices appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 65; High Court judges appointed for life with mandatory retirement at age 62 subordinate courts: magistrates' courts **Political parties:** New Democratic Party or NDP SVG Green Party or SVGP Unity Labor Party or ULP (formed in 1994 by the coalition of Saint Vincent Labor Party or SVLP and the Movement for National Unity or MNU) **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador Lou-Anne Gaylene GILCHRIST (since 18 January 2017) chancery: 1627 K Street, NW, Suite 704, Washington, DC 20006 telephone: [1] (202) 364-6730 FAX: [1] (202) 364-6736 email address and website: mail@embsvg.com http://wa.embassy.gov.vc/washington/ consulate(s) general: New York **Diplomatic representation from the US:** embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines **International organization participation:** ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, Petrocaribe, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WTO **Independence:** 27 October 1979 (from the UK) **National holiday:** Independence Day, 27 October (1979) **Flag:** description: three vertical bands of blue (left side), gold (double-width), and green; the gold band has three green diamonds arranged in a "V" pattern that stands for "Vincent" meaning: the diamonds represent the islands as "the Gems of the Antilles" and are set slightly lowered in the gold band to reflect the country's position in the Antilles; blue stands for the tropical sky and sea, yellow for the sand, and green for vegetation **National symbol(s):** Saint Vincent parrot **National color(s):** blue, gold, green **National anthem(s):** title: "St. Vincent! Land So Beautiful!" lyrics/music: Phyllis Joyce MCCLEAN PUNNETT/Joel Bertram MIGUEL history: adopted 1969 title: "God Save the King" lyrics/music: unknown history: in use since 1745 ### Economy **Economic overview:** upper middle-income Caribbean island economy; key agriculture and tourism sectors; environmentally fragile; diversifying economy across services, science and knowledge, and creative industries; CARICOM member and US Caribbean Basin Initiative beneficiary **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $1.883 billion (2024 est.) $1.809 billion (2023 est.) $1.718 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 4.1% (2024 est.) 5.3% (2023 est.) 3.1% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $18,700 (2024 est.) $17,900 (2023 est.) $16,800 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $1.157 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 3.6% (2024 est.) 4.6% (2023 est.) 5.7% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 3.5% (2024 est.) industry: 15.4% (2024 est.) services: 66.4% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **Agricultural products:** bananas, root vegetables, plantains, spices, coconuts, fruits, apples, vegetables, mangoes/guavas, sweet potatoes (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** tourism; food processing, cement, furniture, clothing, starch **Industrial production growth rate:** 7.3% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Labor force:** 52,100 (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work **Unemployment rate:** 18.1% (2024 est.) 18.6% (2023 est.) 19.5% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment **Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):** total: 41.4% (2024 est.) male: 41.4% (2024 est.) female: 41.4% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment **Remittances:** 8.2% of GDP (2024 est.) 8.5% of GDP (2023 est.) 9% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $226.404 million (2017 est.) expenditures: $208.744 million (2017 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Taxes and other revenues:** 23.8% (of GDP) (2017 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP **Current account balance:** -$156.589 million (2024 est.) -$180.43 million (2023 est.) -$199.727 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $425.182 million (2024 est.) $345.098 million (2023 est.) $278.292 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** Croatia 16%, Barbados 14%, USA 10%, St. Lucia 10%, St. Kitts & Nevis 8% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** ships, wheat flours, animal food, shellfish, construction vehicles (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $641.179 million (2024 est.) $588.865 million (2023 est.) $540.833 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 37%, Italy 7%, Trinidad & Tobago 7%, China 6%, UK 6% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** ships, refined petroleum, wheat, coal, poultry (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $316.824 million (2024 est.) $280.564 million (2023 est.) $320.193 million (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Debt - external:** $456.971 million (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars **Exchange rates:** East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 2.7 (2024 est.) 2.7 (2023 est.) 2.7 (2022 est.) 2.7 (2021 est.) 2.7 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 55,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 140.316 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 10.868 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 86.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 1.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) hydroelectricity: 12.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** exports: 8 metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 8,000 metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** refined petroleum consumption: 2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) **Energy consumption per capita:** 37.253 million Btu/person (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 9,080 (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 9 (2024 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 109,000 (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 100 (2024 est.) **Broadcast media:** St. Vincent and the Grenadines Broadcasting Corporation operates 1 TV station and 5 repeater stations that provide near total coverage to the multi-island state; multi-channel cable TV service available; a partially government-funded national radio service broadcasts on 1 station and has 2 repeater stations; about a dozen privately owned radio stations and repeater stations **Internet country code:** .vc **Internet users:** percent of population: 76% (2023 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 31,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 30 (2023 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** J8 **Airports:** 5 (2025) **Merchant marine:** total: 830 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 30, container ship 18, general cargo 137, oil tanker 16, other 629 **Ports:** total ports: 1 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 1 very small: 0 ports with oil terminals: 1 key ports: Kingstown ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** no regular military forces; Ministry of National Security: Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVPF) (2025) **Military - note:** the country has been a member of the Caribbean Regional Security System (RSS) since its creation in 1982; RSS signatories (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia) agreed to prepare contingency plans and assist one another, on request, in national emergencies, prevention of smuggling, search and rescue, immigration control, fishery protection, customs and excise control, maritime policing duties, protection of off-shore installations, pollution control, national and other disasters, and threats to national security (2025) --- ## Sint Maarten **Slug:** sint-maarten **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇸🇽 **Codes:** cek: nn, iso2: SX, iso3: SXM, iso_num: 534, genc: SXM, stanag: -, internet: .sx ### Introduction **Background:** Christopher COLUMBUS claimed Saint Martin for Spain in 1493, naming it after the feast day of St. Martin of Tours, but it was the Dutch who occupied the island in 1631 to exploit its salt deposits. The Spanish retook Saint Martin in 1633, but the Dutch continued to assert their claims. The Spanish finally relinquished the island to the French and Dutch, who divided it between themselves in 1648. The border frequently fluctuated over the next 200 years because of friction between the two countries, with the Dutch eventually holding the smaller portion of the island (about 39%) and adopting the Dutch spelling of the island's name for their territory. The establishment of cotton, tobacco, and sugar plantations dramatically expanded African slavery on the island in the 18th and 19th centuries; the practice was not abolished in the Dutch half until 1863. The island's economy declined until 1939 when it became a free port; the tourism industry was dramatically expanded beginning in the 1950s. In 1954, Sint Maarten and several other Dutch Caribbean possessions became part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands as the Netherlands Antilles. In a 2000 referendum, the citizens of Sint Maarten voted to become a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, effective in 2010. In 2017, Hurricane Irma hit Saint Martin/Sint Maarten, causing extensive damage to roads, communications, electrical power, and housing; the UN estimated that 90% of the buildings were damaged or destroyed. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, located in the Leeward Islands (northern) group; Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean Sea; Sint Maarten lies east of the US Virgin Islands **Geographic coordinates:** 18 4 N, 63 4 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 34 sq km land: 34 sq km water: 0 sq km note: Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin **Area - comparative:** one-fifth the size of Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 16 km border countries (1): Saint Martin (France) 16 km **Coastline:** 58.9 km (for entire island) **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm **Climate:** tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 150 cm/year; hurricane season stretches from July to November **Terrain:** low, hilly terrain, volcanic origin **Elevation:** highest point: 250 m SW of Mount Flagstaff summit, 383 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m **Natural resources:** fish, salt **Land use:** agricultural land: 0% (2022 est.) forest: 10.9% (2022 est.) other: 89.1% (2022 est.) **Population distribution:** the most populous areas are Lower Prince's Quarter (north of Philipsburg) and Cul de Sac **Natural hazards:** subject to hurricanes from July to November **Geography - note:** note 1: the northern border is shared with the French overseas collectivity of Saint Martin; together, these two entities make up the smallest landmass in the world that is shared by two self-governing states note 2: Simpson Bay Lagoon (aka, Simson Bay Lagoon or The Great Pond) is one of the largest inland lagoons in the West Indies; the border between the French and Dutch halves of the island of Saint Martin runs across the center of the lagoon, which is shared ### People and Society **Population:** total: 46,738 (2025 est.) male: 23,071 female: 23,667 **Ethnic groups:** Saint Maarten 29.9%, Dominican Republic 10.2%, Haiti 7.8%, Jamaica 6.6%, Saint Martin 5.9%, Guyana 5%, Dominica 4.4%, Curacao 4.1%, Aruba 3.4%, Saint Kitts and Nevis 2.8%, India 2.6%, Netherlands 2.2%, US 1.6%, Suriname 1.4%, Saint Lucia 1.3%, Anguilla 1.1%, other 8%, unspecified 1.7% (2011 est.) note: data represent population by country of birth **Languages:** English (official) 67.5%, Spanish 12.9%, Creole 8.2%, Dutch (official) 4.2%, Papiamento (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect) 2.2%, French 1.5%, other 3.5% (2001 est.) **Religions:** Protestant 41.9% (Pentecostal 14.7%, Methodist 10.0%, Seventh Day Adventist 6.6%, Baptist 4.7%, Anglican 3.1%, other Protestant 2.8%), Roman Catholic 33.1%, Hindu 5.2%, Christian 4.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.7%, Evangelical 1.4%, Muslim/Jewish 1.1%, other 1.3% (includes Buddhist, Sikh, Rastafarian), none 7.9%, no response 2.4% (2011 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 18.4% (male 4,409/female 4,114) 15-64 years: 66.3% (male 15,158/female 15,496) 65 years and over: 15.2% (2024 est.) (male 3,250/female 3,788) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 52.8 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 28.1 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 24.7 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 4.1 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 40.8 years (2025 est.) male: 39 years female: 42.8 years **Population growth rate:** 1.1% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 12 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 6.59 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** 5.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** the most populous areas are Lower Prince's Quarter (north of Philipsburg) and Cul de Sac **Urbanization:** urban population: 100% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.16% annual rate of change (2020-25 est. est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 1,327 PHILIPSBURG (capital) (2011) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 7.5 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 8.4 deaths/1,000 live births female: 6.8 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 79.7 years (2024 est.) male: 77.4 years female: 82.2 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.96 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.96 (2025 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** scarcity of potable water; inadequate solid waste management; pollution from construction, chemical runoff, and sewage **Climate:** tropical marine climate, ameliorated by northeast trade winds, results in moderate temperatures; average rainfall of 150 cm/year; hurricane season stretches from July to November **Land use:** agricultural land: 0% (2022 est.) forest: 10.9% (2022 est.) other: 89.1% (2022 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 100% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.16% annual rate of change (2020-25 est. est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Country of Sint Maarten conventional short form: Sint Maarten local long form: Land Sint Maarten (Dutch)/ Country of Sint Maarten (English) local short form: Sint Maarten (Dutch and English) former: Netherlands Antilles; Curacao and Dependencies etymology: explorer Christopher COLUMBUS named the island in 1493 after Saint MARTIN of Tours because he visited on 11 November, the saint's feast day **Government type:** parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy **Dependency status:** one of four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 2010; Dutch government responsible for defense and foreign affairs note: the other three constituent countries in the Kingdom of the Netherlands are the Netherlands, Aruba, and Curacao **Capital:** name: Philipsburg geographic coordinates: 18 1 N, 63 2 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: founded and named in 1763 by John PHILIPS, a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy **Legal system:** based on Dutch civil law system with some English common law influence **Constitution:** history: previous 1947, 1955; latest adopted 21 July 2010, entered into force 10 October 2010 (regulates governance of Sint Maarten but is subordinate to the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands) amendment process: proposals initiated by the Government or by Parliament; passage requires at least a two-thirds majority of the Parliament membership; passage of amendments relating to fundamental rights, authorities of the governor and of Parliament must include the "views" of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Government prior to ratification by Parliament **Citizenship:** see the Netherlands **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: King WILLEM-ALEXANDER of the Netherlands (since 30 April 2013); represented by Governor Ajamu G. BALY (since 10 October 2022) head of government: Prime Minister Luc MERCELINA (since 3 May 2024) cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the prime minister and appointed by the governor election/appointment process: the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch for a 6-year term; following legislative elections, the Parliament usually elects the leader of the majority party as prime minister **Legislative branch:** legislature name: Parliament of Sint Maarten legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 15 (directly elected) electoral system: proportional representation scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 1/11/2024 parties elected and seats per party: NA (4); UPP (3); URSM (2); DP (2); PFP (2); NOW (2) percentage of women in chamber: 46.7% expected date of next election: 2028 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Joint Court of Justice of Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, and of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba or "Joint Court of Justice" (consists of the presiding judge, other members, and their substitutes); final appeals heard by the Supreme Court in The Hague, Netherlands judge selection and term of office: Joint Court judges appointed by the monarch serve for life subordinate courts: Courts in First Instance **Political parties:** Democratic Party or DP National Alliance or NA National Opportunity Wealth or NOW Party for Progress or PFP Sint Maarten Christian Party or SMCP Unified Resilient St Maarten Movement or URSM United People's Party or UPP United Sint Maarten Party or US Party **Diplomatic representation in the US:** none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands) **Diplomatic representation from the US:** embassy: the US does not have an embassy in Sint Maarten; the Consul General to Curacao is accredited to Sint Maarten **International organization participation:** Caricom (observer), ILO, Interpol, UNESCO (associate), UPU, WMO **Independence:** none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) **National holiday:** King's Day (birthday of King WILLEM-ALEXANDER), 27 April (1967) note: observed on the ruling monarch's birthday; celebrated on 26 April if 27 April is a Sunday; local holiday is Sint Maarten's Day, 11 November (1985), and is celebrated on both halves of the island **Flag:** description: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and blue, with a white isosceles triangle based on the left side; the national coat of arms is in the center of the triangle, with an orange-bordered blue shield that displays the white courthouse in Philipsburg, as well as yellow sage (the national flower) in the upper left and the silhouette of a Dutch-French friendship monument in the upper right; over the shield is a yellow rising sun and a brown pelican in flight; a yellow scroll below the shield has the motto SEMPER PROGREDIENS (Always Progressing) note: the flag resembles Philippines' flag, but with the red and blue bands reversed; the three main colors are the same as the Dutch flag **National symbol(s):** brown pelican, yellow sage (flower) **National color(s):** red, white, blue **National anthem(s):** title: "O Sweet Saint Martin's Land" lyrics/music: Gerard KEMPS history: the song, written in 1958, is used as a local anthem for the entire island (both French and Dutch sides) _____ title: “Het Wilhelmus” (The William) lyrics/music: Philips VAN MARNIX van Sint Aldegonde (presumed)/unknown history: adopted 1932 ### Economy **Economic overview:** high-income, tourism-based Dutch autonomous constituent economy; severe hurricane- and COVID-19-related economic recessions; multilateral trust fund helping offset economic downturn; no property taxation; re-exporter to Saint Martin **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $1.986 billion (2024 est.) $1.919 billion (2023 est.) $1.849 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 3.5% (2024 est.) 3.8% (2023 est.) 9.8% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $45,800 (2024 est.) $44,900 (2023 est.) $43,900 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $1.735 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 2.2% (2017 est.) 0.1% (2016 est.) 0.3% (2015 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** industry: 6% (2021 est.) services: 89.3% (2021 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **Agricultural products:** sugar **Industries:** tourism, light industry **Industrial production growth rate:** 0.5% (2021 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Remittances:** 3% of GDP (2023 est.) 3.2% of GDP (2022 est.) 3.4% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Current account balance:** -$116.693 million (2023 est.) -$56.984 million (2022 est.) -$311.463 million (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $1.504 billion (2023 est.) $1.375 billion (2022 est.) $790.938 million (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** Antigua & Barbuda 28%, USA 16%, France 12%, Netherlands 8%, Morocco 7% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** scrap iron, ships, jewelry, flavored water, liquor (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $1.489 billion (2023 est.) $1.32 billion (2022 est.) $1.003 billion (2021 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 82%, Netherlands 7%, France 4%, Brazil 1%, Switzerland 1% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** jewelry, refined petroleum, ships, pearl products, diamonds (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Exchange rates:** Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 1.79 (2024 est.) 1.79 (2023 est.) 1.79 (2022 est.) 1.79 (2021 est.) 1.79 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 86,542 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 205 (2022 est.) **Internet country code:** .sx **Internet users:** percent of population: 89.5% (2022) ### Transportation **Airports:** 1 (2025) **Ports:** total ports: 2 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 2 very small: 0 ports with oil terminals: 1 key ports: Coles Bay Oil Terminal, Philipsburg ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** no regular military forces; Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) **Military - note:** defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the KPSM is supported by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (Gendarmerie), the Dutch Caribbean Police Force (Korps Politie Caribisch Nederland, KPCN), and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG or Kustwacht Caribisch Gebied (KWCARIB)) ### Transnational Issues **Trafficking in persons:** tier rating: Tier 3 — Sint Maarten does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, therefore, Sint Maarten remained on Tier 3; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/sint-maarten/ --- ## Trinidad and Tobago **Slug:** trinidad-and-tobago **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇹🇹 **Codes:** cek: td, iso2: TT, iso3: TTO, iso_num: 780, genc: TTO, stanag: TTO, internet: .tt ### Introduction **Background:** First colonized by the Spanish, Trinidad and Tobago came under British control in the early 19th century. The emancipation of enslaved people in 1834 disrupted the twin islands' sugar industry. Contract workers arriving from India between 1845 and 1917 augmented the labor force, which boosted sugar production as well as the cocoa industry. The discovery of oil on Trinidad in 1910 added another important export that remains the country's dominant industry. Trinidad and Tobago attained independence in 1962. The country is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean, thanks largely to petroleum and natural gas production and processing. The government is struggling to reverse a surge in violent crime. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela **Geographic coordinates:** 11 00 N, 61 00 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 5,128 sq km land: 5,128 sq km water: 0 sq km **Area - comparative:** slightly smaller than Delaware **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 362 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the outer edge of the continental margin note: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines **Climate:** tropical; rainy season (June to December) **Terrain:** mostly plains with some hills and low mountains **Elevation:** highest point: El Cerro del Aripo 940 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m mean elevation: 83 m **Natural resources:** petroleum, natural gas, asphalt **Land use:** agricultural land: 10.5% (2023 est.) arable land: 4.9% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 4.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 1.4% (2023 est.) forest: 44.2% (2023 est.) other: 45.2% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 70 sq km (2012) **Population distribution:** population on Trinidad is concentrated in the western half of the island, on Tobago in the southern half **Natural hazards:** outside usual path of hurricanes and other tropical storms **Geography - note:** Pitch Lake, on Trinidad's southwestern coast, is the world's largest natural reservoir of asphalt ### People and Society **Population:** total: 1,410,170 (2025 est.) male: 708,677 female: 701,493 **Nationality:** noun: Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s) adjective: Trinidadian, Tobagonian note: Trinbagonian is used on occasion to describe a citizen of the country without specifying the island of origin **Ethnic groups:** East Indian 35.4%, African descent 34.2%, mixed - other 15.3%, mixed - African/East Indian 7.7%, other 1.3%, unspecified 6.2% (2011 est.) **Languages:** English (official), Trinidadian Creole English, Tobagonian Creole English, Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Trinidadian Creole French, Spanish, Chinese **Religions:** Protestant 32.1% (Pentecostal/Evangelical/Full Gospel 12%, Baptist 6.9%, Anglican 5.7%, Seventh Day Adventist 4.1%, Presbyterian/Congregational 2.5%, other Protestant 0.9%), Roman Catholic 21.6%, Hindu 18.2%, Muslim 5%, Jehovah's Witness 1.5%, other 8.4%, none 2.2%, unspecified 11.1% (2011 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 18.7% (male 134,508/female 129,180) 15-64 years: 67.2% (male 481,606/female 465,150) 65 years and over: 14.1% (2024 est.) (male 92,146/female 106,376) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 49.3 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 27.5 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 21.9 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 4.6 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 39.1 years (2025 est.) male: 38 years female: 39 years **Population growth rate:** 0.08% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 10.33 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 8.69 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -0.89 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** population on Trinidad is concentrated in the western half of the island, on Tobago in the southern half **Urbanization:** urban population: 53.4% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.23% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 545,000 PORT-OF-SPAIN (capital) (2023) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Maternal mortality ratio:** 54 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 14.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 17.1 deaths/1,000 live births female: 13 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 76.5 years (2024 est.) male: 74.6 years female: 78.4 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.63 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.8 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: total: 98.9% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: total: 1.1% of population (2022 est.) **Health expenditure:** 7% of GDP (2021) 10.9% of national budget (2022 est.) **Physician density:** 4.16 physicians/1,000 population (2021) **Hospital bed density:** 1.6 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: total: 99.9% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: total: 0.1% of population (2022 est.) **Obesity - adult prevalence rate:** 18.6% (2016) **Alcohol consumption per capita:** total: 5.81 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 2.92 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.16 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 2.65 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0.09 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) **Currently married women (ages 15-49):** 42.7% (2022 est.) **Child marriage:** women married by age 15: 0.7% (2022) women married by age 18: 4.2% (2022) **Education expenditure:** 3% of GDP (2023 est.) 12.6% national budget (2025 est.) **Literacy:** female: 93.8% (2022 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** water pollution from agricultural chemicals, industrial wastes, and raw sewage; widespread pollution of waterways and coastal areas; illegal dumping; deforestation; soil erosion; fisheries and wildlife depletion **International environmental agreements:** party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements **Climate:** tropical; rainy season (June to December) **Land use:** agricultural land: 10.5% (2023 est.) arable land: 4.9% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 4.3% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 1.4% (2023 est.) forest: 44.2% (2023 est.) other: 45.2% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 53.4% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 0.23% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 33.629 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 6,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 3.634 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from consumed natural gas: 29.989 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Particulate matter emissions:** 10.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.) **Methane emissions:** energy: 160.3 kt (2022-2024 est.) agriculture: 4.1 kt (2019-2021 est.) waste: 59.1 kt (2019-2021 est.) other: 6 kt (2019-2021 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 727,900 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 16.2% (2022 est.) **Total water withdrawal:** municipal: 237.6 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 128.9 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 16.7 million cubic meters (2022 est.) **Total renewable water resources:** 3.84 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago conventional short form: Trinidad and Tobago etymology: explorer Christopher COLUMBUS named the larger island "La Isla de la Trinidad" (The Island of the Trinity) in 1498, possibly because of the three mountain peaks on the island; COLUMBUS may have gotten the name Tobago, spelled "tobaco" in Spanish, from the tobacco grown and smoked locally, or from its elongated cigar shape **Government type:** parliamentary republic **Capital:** name: Port of Spain geographic coordinates: 10 39 N, 61 31 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: translation of the name the Spanish gave the town in 1595, Puerto de España; the name was anglicized after the British captured Trinidad in 1797 **Administrative divisions:** 9 regions, 3 boroughs, 2 cities, 1 ward regions: Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo, Diego Martin, Mayaro/Rio Claro, Penal/Debe, Princes Town, Sangre Grande, San Juan/Laventille, Siparia, Tunapuna/Piarco borough: Arima, Chaguanas, Point Fortin cities: Port of Spain, San Fernando ward: Tobago **Legal system:** English common law; Supreme Court reviews legislative acts **Constitution:** history: previous 1962; latest 1976 amendment process: proposed by Parliament; passage of amendments affecting constitutional provisions, such as human rights and freedoms or citizenship, requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both houses and assent of the president; passage of amendments, such as the powers and authorities of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, and the procedure for amending the constitution, requires at least three-quarters majority vote by the House membership, two-thirds majority vote by the Senate membership, and assent of the president **International law organization participation:** has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction **Citizenship:** citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: yes residency requirement for naturalization: 8 years **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: President Christine KANGALOO (since 20 March 2023) head of government: Prime Minister Kamla Susheila PERSAD-BISSESSAR (since 1 May 2025) cabinet: Cabinet appointed from among members of Parliament election/appointment process: president indirectly elected by an electoral college of selected Senate and House of Representatives members for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); the president usually appoints the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives as prime minister most recent election date: 20 January 2023 election results: 2023: Christine KANGALOO elected president by the electoral college on 20 January 2023; electoral college vote Christine KANGALOO (PNM) 48, Israel KHAN (UNC) 22 2018: Paula-Mae WEEKES (independent) elected president; ran unopposed and was elected without a vote; she was Trinidad and Tabago's first female head of state expected date of next election: by February 2028 **Legislative branch:** legislature name: Parliament legislative structure: bicameral note: Tobago has a unicameral House of Assembly (19 seats; 15 assemblymen directly elected by simple majority vote and 4 appointed councilors - 3 on the advice of the chief secretary and 1 on the advice of the minority leader; members serve 4-year terms) **Legislative branch - lower chamber:** chamber name: House of Representatives number of seats: 42 (all directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 4/28/2025 parties elected and seats per party: United National Congress (UNC) (26); People's National Movement (PNM) (13); Other (2) percentage of women in chamber: 23.8% expected date of next election: April 2030 **Legislative branch - upper chamber:** chamber name: Senate number of seats: 31 (all appointed) scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 5/23/2025 percentage of women in chamber: 25.8% expected date of next election: May 2030 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Supreme Court of the Judicature (consists of a chief justice for both the Court of Appeal with 12 judges and the High Court with 24 judges) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president after consultation with the prime minister and the parliamentary leader of the opposition; other judges appointed by the Judicial Legal Services Commission, headed by the chief justice and 5 members with judicial experience; all judges serve for life with mandatory retirement normally at age 65 subordinate courts: Courts of Summary Criminal Jurisdiction; Petty Civil Courts; Family Court note: Trinidad and Tobago can file appeals beyond its Supreme Court to the Caribbean Court of Justice, with final appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) **Political parties:** People's National Movement or PNM United National Congress or UNC Tobago People’s Party or Tobago **Diplomatic representation in the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Venessa RAMHIT-RAMROOP (since 4 June 2025) chancery: 1708 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036-1975 telephone: [1] (202) 467-6490 FAX: [1] (202) 785-3130 email address and website: embdcinfo@foreign.gov.tt https://foreign.gov.tt/missions-consuls/tt-missions-abroad/diplomatic-missions/embassy-washington-dc-us/ consulate(s) general: Miami, New York **Diplomatic representation from the US:** chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Jenifer NEIDHART de ORTIZ (since January 2025) embassy: 15 Queen's Park West, Port of Spain mailing address: 3410 Port of Spain Place, Washington DC 20521-3410 telephone: (868) 622-6371 FAX: (868) 822-5905 email address and website: ptspas@state.gov https://tt.usembassy.gov/ **International organization participation:** ACP, ACS, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, CELAC, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club (associate), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO **Independence:** 31 August 1962 (from the UK) **National holiday:** Independence Day, 31 August (1962) **Flag:** description: red with a white-edged black diagonal band from the upper left to the lower right meaning: the colors represent the elements of earth, water, and fire; black also stands for the wealth of the land and the dedication of the people; white for the sea, the purity of the country's aspirations, and equality; red for the sun, the vitality of the land, and the people's courage and friendliness **National symbol(s):** scarlet ibis (bird of Trinidad), cocrico (bird of Tobago), chaconia flower **National color(s):** red, white, black **National coat of arms:** designed in 1962, the coat of arms shows the scarlet ibis (national bird of Trinidad) and the cocrico (national bird of Tobago); they support a shield displaying two hummingbirds, because Trinidad is home to 18 species of the bird and is called the “Land of Hummingbirds;” three gold ships on a backdrop of national colors represent Christopher Columbus, who visited the islands; the three peaks in the lower left refer to Trinidad being named after the Holy Trinity and also represent a famous mountain; the image of a gold ship's wheel in front of a coconut palm was also used on the Great Seals of British Colonial Tobago; the gold helmet represents Queen Elizabeth II of England (ruler of the country at the time), and the national motto promotes harmony in diversity **National anthem(s):** title: "Forged From the Love of Liberty" lyrics/music: Patrick Stanislaus CASTAGNE history: adopted 1962; song originally written as an anthem for the West Indies Federation; Trinidad and Tobago adopted it when the Federation dissolved ### Economy **Economic overview:** high-income Caribbean economy; major hydrocarbon exporter; key tourism and finance sectors; high inflation and growing public debt; long foreign currency access delays; large foreign reserves and sovereign wealth fund **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $43.362 billion (2024 est.) $42.658 billion (2023 est.) $42.058 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 1.7% (2024 est.) 1.4% (2023 est.) 1.1% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $31,700 (2024 est.) $31,200 (2023 est.) $30,800 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $26.429 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 0.5% (2024 est.) 4.6% (2023 est.) 5.8% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 0.8% (2023 est.) industry: 35% (2023 est.) services: 59.9% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 78.9% (2017 est.) government consumption: 16.4% (2017 est.) investment in fixed capital: 19.8% (2021 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2021 est.) exports of goods and services: 45.4% (2017 est.) imports of goods and services: -48.7% (2017 est.) **Agricultural products:** chicken, fruits, coconuts, citrus fruits, maize, oranges, plantains, eggs, taro, mangoes/guavas (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage **Industries:** petroleum and petroleum products, liquefied natural gas, methanol, ammonia, urea, steel products, beverages, food processing, cement, cotton textiles **Industrial production growth rate:** -4.7% (2023 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Labor force:** 649,900 (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work **Unemployment rate:** 4.6% (2024 est.) 4.3% (2023 est.) 4.4% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment **Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):** total: 11.1% (2024 est.) male: 10.3% (2024 est.) female: 12% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment **Remittances:** 0.8% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.7% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $5.698 billion (2019 est.) expenditures: $7.822 billion (2019 est.) note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenses converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated **Taxes and other revenues:** 16.7% (of GDP) (2019 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP **Current account balance:** $1.117 billion (2024 est.) $2.948 billion (2023 est.) $4.967 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $11.087 billion (2024 est.) $11.545 billion (2023 est.) $17.584 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** USA 28%, China 7%, Guyana 5%, Chile 5%, Netherlands 5% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** natural gas, alcohols, ammonia, crude petroleum, iron reductions (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $10.19 billion (2024 est.) $9.219 billion (2023 est.) $10.968 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 29%, Guyana 27%, China 8%, Brazil 4%, Canada 3% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** railway cargo containers, refined petroleum, cars, iron ore, excavation machinery (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:** $5.601 billion (2024 est.) $6.256 billion (2023 est.) $6.832 billion (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars **Exchange rates:** Trinidad and Tobago dollars (TTD) per US dollar - Exchange rates: 6.75 (2024 est.) 6.75 (2023 est.) 6.754 (2022 est.) 6.759 (2021 est.) 6.751 (2020 est.) ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 2.139 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 9.001 billion kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 492 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 99.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** consumption: 6 metric tons (2022 est.) imports: 2,000 metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** total petroleum production: 72,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) refined petroleum consumption: 26,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) crude oil estimated reserves: 242.982 million barrels (2021 est.) **Natural gas:** production: 25.994 billion cubic meters (2023 est.) consumption: 15.316 billion cubic meters (2023 est.) exports: 10.737 billion cubic meters (2023 est.) proven reserves: 298.063 billion cubic meters (2021 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 311,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 21 (2023 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 1.79 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 119 (2024 est.) **Broadcast media:** 6 free-to-air TV networks, 2 of which are state-owned; 24 subscription providers (cable and satellite); over 36 radio frequencies (2019) **Internet country code:** .tt **Internet users:** percent of population: 85% (2023 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 404,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 27 (2023 est.) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** 9Y **Airports:** 3 (2025) **Merchant marine:** total: 102 (2023) by type: general cargo 1, other 101 **Ports:** total ports: 10 (2024) large: 0 medium: 1 small: 4 very small: 5 ports with oil terminals: 8 key ports: Galeota Point Terminal, Point Lisas Industrial Port, Point Lisas Port, Pointe-a-Pierre, Port of Spain ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF): Trinidad and Tobago Regiment (Army/Land Forces), Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard, Defense Force Reserves (2026) note: the Ministry of Homeland Security oversees both the TTDF and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) **Military expenditures:** 0.9% of GDP (2024 est.) 1% of GDP (2023 est.) 1% of GDP (2022 est.) 1% of GDP (2021 est.) 1% of GDP (2020 est.) **Military and security service personnel strengths:** approximately 5,000 Defense Forces (2025) **Military equipment inventories and acquisitions:** the TTDF's ground force inventory consists of light weapons, while the Coast Guard and Air Guard field mostly secondhand equipment from several countries, including Australia, China, Italy, the Netherlands, and the US (2025) **Military service age and obligation:** generally 18-24 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription (2025) **Military - note:** the primary responsibilities of the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF) are conducting border and maritime security, assisting civil authorities in times of crisis or disaster, providing search and rescue services, securing ports, and supporting civil law enforcement, particularly in countering gang-related crime and trafficking of narcotics and other illicit goods; the Police Service maintains internal security (2025) ### Terrorism **Terrorist group(s):** Terrorist group(s): Tren de Aragua (TdA) ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 24,134 (2024 est.) --- ## Turks and Caicos Islands **Slug:** turks-and-caicos-islands **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇹🇨 **Codes:** cek: tk, iso2: TC, iso3: TCA, iso_num: 796, genc: TCA, stanag: TCA, internet: .tc ### Introduction **Background:** The islands were part of the UK's Jamaican colony until 1962, when they assumed the status of a separate Crown colony upon Jamaica's independence. The governor of The Bahamas oversaw affairs from 1965 to 1973. With Bahamian independence, the islands received a separate governor in 1973. Although independence was agreed upon for 1982, the policy was reversed, and the islands remain a British overseas territory. Grand Turk Island suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Maria in 2017. ### Geography **Location:** two island groups in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of The Bahamas, north of Haiti; note - although the Turks and Caicos Islands do not border the Caribbean Sea, geopolitically they are often designated as being Caribbean **Geographic coordinates:** 21 45 N, 71 35 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 948 sq km land: 948 sq km water: 0 sq km **Area - comparative:** 2.5 times the size of Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 389 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm **Climate:** tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds; sunny and relatively dry **Terrain:** low, flat limestone; extensive marshes and mangrove swamps **Elevation:** highest point: Blue Hill on Providenciales and Flamingo Hill on East Caicos 48 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m **Natural resources:** spiny lobster, conch **Land use:** agricultural land: 1.1% (2023 est.) arable land: 1.1% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.) forest: 11.1% (2023 est.) other: 87.9% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 0 sq km (2022) **Population distribution:** eight of the thirty islands are inhabited; the island of Providenciales is the most populated, but the most densely populated is Grand Turk **Natural hazards:** frequent hurricanes **Geography - note:** include eight large islands and numerous smaller cays, islets, and reefs; only two of the Caicos Islands and six of the Turks group are inhabited ### People and Society **Population:** total: 61,504 (2025 est.) male: 30,911 female: 30,593 **Nationality:** noun: none adjective: none **Ethnic groups:** Black 87.6%, White 7.9%, mixed 2.5%, East Indian 1.3%, other 0.7% (2006 est.) **Languages:** English (official) **Religions:** Protestant 72.8% (Baptist 35.8%, Church of God 11.7%, Anglican 10%, Methodist 9.3%, Seventh Day Adventist 6%), Roman Catholic 11.4%, Jehovah's Witness 1.8%, other 14% (2006 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 20.4% (male 6,288/female 6,056) 15-64 years: 73.2% (male 22,232/female 22,011) 65 years and over: 6.4% (2024 est.) (male 1,869/female 1,983) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 36.7 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 27.5 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 9.2 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 10.8 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 36.6 years (2025 est.) male: 36.5 years female: 36.1 years **Population growth rate:** 1.73% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 12.73 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 3.59 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** 8.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** eight of the thirty islands are inhabited; the island of Providenciales is the most populated, but the most densely populated is Grand Turk **Urbanization:** urban population: 94.2% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.46% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 5,000 GRAND TURK (capital) (2018) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 10.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 13.9 deaths/1,000 live births female: 8.1 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 81.3 years (2024 est.) male: 78.5 years female: 84.1 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.7 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.83 (2025 est.) **Drinking water source:** improved: urban: 99.2% of population (2022 est.) rural: 91.8% of population (2022 est.) total: 98.8% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 0.8% of population (2022 est.) rural: 8.2% of population (2022 est.) total: 1.2% of population (2022 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: urban: 98.8% of population (2022 est.) rural: 97.7% of population (2022 est.) total: 98.7% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: urban: 1.2% of population (2022 est.) rural: 2.3% of population (2022 est.) total: 1.3% of population (2022 est.) **Children under the age of 5 years underweight:** 0.4% (2020 est.) **Currently married women (ages 15-49):** 59.3% (2020 est.) **Child marriage:** women married by age 15: 0% (2020) women married by age 18: 23.3% (2020) men married by age 18: 5.1% (2020) **Education expenditure:** 2.9% of GDP (2024 est.) 9.8% national budget (2025 est.) **School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):** total: 14 years (2023 est.) male: 15 years (2023 est.) female: 14 years (2023 est.) **People - note:** destination and transit point for illegal Haitian immigrants bound for the Bahamas and the US ### Environment **Environmental issues:** limited natural freshwater resources **Climate:** tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds; sunny and relatively dry **Land use:** agricultural land: 1.1% (2023 est.) arable land: 1.1% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.) permanent pasture: 0% (2022 est.) forest: 11.1% (2023 est.) other: 87.9% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 94.2% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.46% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 447,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 447,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: none conventional short form: Turks and Caicos Islands abbreviation: TCA etymology: the Turks Islands are named after the Turk's cap cactus, which is native to the islands and appears on the flag and coat of arms; the name Caicos may derive from caya hico, a phrase meaning “string of islands” in the Lucayan (Arawak) language, or from the Spanish word cayo, meaning "rock" **Government type:** parliamentary democracy **Dependency status:** overseas territory of the UK **Capital:** name: Grand Turk (Cockburn Town) geographic coordinates: 21 28 N, 71 08 W time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time) daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November etymology: named after Sir Francis COCKBURN, who served as governor of the Bahamas from 1837 to 1844 **Legal system:** mixed system of English common law and civil law **Constitution:** history: several previous; latest signed 7 August 2012, effective 15 October 2012 (The Turks and Caicos Constitution Order 2011) **Citizenship:** see United Kingdom **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal **Executive branch:** chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Dileeni Daniel-SELVARATNAM (since 29 June 2023) head of government: Premier Washington MISICK (since 19 February 2021) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor from among members of the House of Assembly election/appointment process: the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the governor appoints the leader of the majority party as the premier **Legislative branch:** legislature name: House of Assembly legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 21 (directly elected or appointed) electoral system: mixed scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 4 years most recent election date: 2/07/2025 parties elected and seats per party: PNP (16); PDM (2); independents (1) percentage of women in chamber: 27.3% expected date of next election: 2029 **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and other judges, as determined by the governor); Court of Appeal (consists of the court president and 2 justices) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court and Appeals Court judges appointed by the governor in accordance with the Judicial Service Commission, a 3-member body of high-level judicial officials; Supreme Court judges serve until mandatory retirement at age 65, but terms can be extended to age 70; Appeals Court judge tenure determined by individual terms of appointment subordinate courts: magistrates' courts note: appeals beyond the Supreme Court are referred to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London) **Political parties:** People's Democratic Movement or PDM Progressive National Party or PNP **Diplomatic representation in the US:** none (overseas territory of the UK) **Diplomatic representation from the US:** embassy: none (overseas territory of the UK) **International organization participation:** Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), UPU **Independence:** none (overseas territory of the UK) **Flag:** description: blue with the UK flag in the upper-left quadrant and the colonial shield centered on the right half of the flag; the shield is yellow and displays a conch shell, a spiny lobster, and Turk's cap cactus **National symbol(s):** conch shell, Turk's cap cactus **National anthem(s):** title: "This Land of Ours" lyrics/music: Conrad HOWELL history: serves as a local anthem _____ title: "God Save the King" lyrics/music: unknown history: official anthem, as a UK overseas territory ### Economy **Economic overview:** British Caribbean island territorial economy; GDP and its tourism industry hit hard by COVID-19 disruptions; major biodiversity locale; US dollar user; fossil fuel dependent; negative trade balance; increasing unemployment **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $1.554 billion (2024 est.) $1.471 billion (2023 est.) $1.293 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** 5.6% (2024 est.) 13.7% (2023 est.) 14.1% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $33,400 (2024 est.) $31,800 (2023 est.) $28,200 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $1.745 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **Inflation rate (consumer prices):** 8.5% (2022 est.) 5% (2021 est.) 2.3% (2020 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices **GDP - composition, by sector of origin:** agriculture: 0.4% (2024 est.) industry: 9.3% (2024 est.) services: 72.6% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data **Agricultural products:** corn, beans, cassava (manioc, tapioca), citrus fruits; fish **Industries:** tourism, offshore financial services **Industrial production growth rate:** 9% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency **Remittances:** 0% of GDP (2023 est.) 0% of GDP (2022 est.) 0% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities **Budget:** revenues: $247.3 million (2017 est.) expenditures: $224.3 million (2017 est.) **Current account balance:** $172.709 million (2018 est.) $35.016 million (2017 est.) $247.081 million (2016 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars **Exports:** $826.824 million (2018 est.) $602.581 million (2017 est.) $741.173 million (2016 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** Gabon 27%, USA 25%, Zimbabwe 17%, Czechia 8%, UAE 3% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports **Exports - commodities:** plastics, shellfish, carbonates, tobacco, garments (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $544.219 million (2018 est.) $484.842 million (2017 est.) $438.041 million (2016 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** USA 73%, Dominican Republic 4%, Italy 3%, Japan 3%, China 2% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, cars, aluminum structures, furniture, plastic products (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars **Exchange rates:** the US dollar is used ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 99.9% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 100% electrification - rural areas: 100% **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 94,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 252.088 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 12.912 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 98.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 1.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** refined petroleum consumption: 3,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 4,000 (2021 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 9 (2022 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 25,100 (2004 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 110 (2004 est.) **Broadcast media:** no local terrestrial TV stations; broadcasts from the Bahamas, multi-channel cable, and satellite TV available; state-run radio network operates alongside private broadcasters, with a total of about 15 stations **Internet country code:** .tc **Internet users:** percent of population: 93.5% (2022) ### Transportation **Civil aircraft registration country code prefix:** VQ-T **Airports:** 9 (2025) **Merchant marine:** total: 3 (2023) by type: general cargo 1, other 2 **Ports:** total ports: 3 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 0 very small: 2 size unknown: 1 ports with oil terminals: 1 key ports: Cockburn Harbor, Grand Turk, Providenciales ### Military and Security **Military - note:** defense is the responsibility of the UK ### Transnational Issues **Refugees and internally displaced persons:** refugees: 8 (2024 est.) --- ## Virgin Islands **Slug:** virgin-islands **Region:** Central America and Caribbean **Flag:** 🇻🇮 **Codes:** cek: vq, iso2: VI, iso3: VIR, iso_num: 850, genc: VIR, stanag: VIR, internet: .vi ### Introduction **Background:** The Danes secured control over the southern Virgin Islands of Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix during the 17th and early 18th centuries. Sugarcane, produced by African slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish holdings, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848. In 2017, Hurricane Irma passed over the northern Virgin Islands of Saint Thomas and Saint John and inflicted severe damage to structures, roads, the airport on Saint Thomas, communications, and electricity. Less than two weeks later, Hurricane Maria passed over the island of Saint Croix in the southern Virgin Islands, inflicting considerable damage with heavy winds and flooding rains. ### Geography **Location:** Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico **Geographic coordinates:** 18 20 N, 64 50 W **Map references:** Central America and the Caribbean **Area:** total : 1,910 sq km land: 346 sq km water: 1,564 sq km **Area - comparative:** twice the size of Washington, D.C. **Land boundaries:** total: 0 km **Coastline:** 188 km **Maritime claims:** territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm **Climate:** subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season September to November **Terrain:** mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little flat land **Elevation:** highest point: Crown Mountain 474 m lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m **Natural resources:** pleasant climate, beaches foster tourism **Land use:** agricultural land: 9.4% (2023 est.) arable land: 2.6% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.6% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 6.3% (2023 est.) forest: 58.2% (2023 est.) other: 32.4% (2023 est.) **Irrigated land:** 1 sq km (2012) **Population distribution:** overall population density throughout the islands is relatively low, but concentrations appear around Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas and Christiansted on St. Croix **Natural hazards:** several hurricanes in recent years; frequent and severe droughts and floods; occasional earthquakes **Geography - note:** important location along the Anegada Passage, a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the Caribbean ### People and Society **Population:** total: 103,792 (2025 est.) male: 49,195 female: 54,597 **Nationality:** noun: Virgin Islander(s) (US citizens) adjective: Virgin Islander **Ethnic groups:** African-American or African descent 71.4%, White 13.3%, Indigenous 0.4%, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 0.1%, other 6.3%, mixed 7.5% (2020 est.) note: 18.4% self-identify as Latino **Languages:** English 71.6%, Spanish or Spanish Creole 17.2%, French or French Creole 8.6%, other 2.5% (2010 est.) **Religions:** Protestant 65.5%, Roman Catholic 27.1%, other Christians 2.2%, other 1.5%, none 3.7% (2010 est.) **Age structure:** 0-14 years: 18.7% (male 9,983/female 9,547) 15-64 years: 59.8% (male 29,519/female 32,899) 65 years and over: 21.5% (2024 est.) (male 10,018/female 12,411) **Dependency ratios:** total dependency ratio: 68 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 30.9 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 37.1 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 2.7 (2025 est.) **Median age:** total: 43.4 years (2025 est.) male: 42.1 years female: 43.9 years **Population growth rate:** -0.58% (2025 est.) **Birth rate:** 10.88 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Death rate:** 9.43 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Net migration rate:** -7.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.) **Population distribution:** overall population density throughout the islands is relatively low, but concentrations appear around Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas and Christiansted on St. Croix **Urbanization:** urban population: 96.2% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: -0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Major urban areas - population:** 52,000 CHARLOTTE AMALIE (capital) (2018) **Sex ratio:** at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2024 est.) **Infant mortality rate:** total: 7.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 8.3 deaths/1,000 live births female: 6.3 deaths/1,000 live births **Life expectancy at birth:** total population: 80.7 years (2024 est.) male: 77.6 years female: 84.1 years **Total fertility rate:** 1.95 children born/woman (2025 est.) **Gross reproduction rate:** 0.95 (2025 est.) **Sanitation facility access:** improved: total: 99.1% of population (2022 est.) unimproved: total: 0.9% of population (2022 est.) ### Environment **Environmental issues:** lack of natural freshwater resources; protection of coral reefs; solid waste management; coastal development; increased boating and overfishing **Climate:** subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season September to November **Land use:** agricultural land: 9.4% (2023 est.) arable land: 2.6% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.6% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 6.3% (2023 est.) forest: 58.2% (2023 est.) other: 32.4% (2023 est.) **Urbanization:** urban population: 96.2% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: -0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) **Carbon dioxide emissions:** 2.378 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 2.378 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) **Waste and recycling:** municipal solid waste generated annually: 146,500 tons (2024 est.) ### Government **Country name:** conventional long form: none conventional short form: Virgin Islands former: Danish West Indies abbreviation: VI etymology: in 1493, the islets, cays, and rocks around the major islands in the chain reminded explorer Christopher COLUMBUS of Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgin followers (Santa Ursula y las Once Mil Virgenes), which over time was shortened to the Virgins (las Virgenes) **Government type:** unincorporated organized territory of the US with local self-government; republican form of territorial government with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches **Dependency status:** unincorporated, organized territory of the US, with policy relations with the US federal government under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior **Capital:** name: Charlotte Amalie geographic coordinates: 18 21 N, 64 56 W time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: named in honor of Danish King CHRISTIAN V’s wife, Charlotte AMALIE of Hesse-Kassel, after the colony was established in 1672 **Administrative divisions:** no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US government, but 3 islands are considered second-order: Saint Croix, Saint John, Saint Thomas **Legal system:** US common law **Constitution:** history: 22 July 1954 - the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands functions as a constitution for this US territory **Citizenship:** see United States **Suffrage:** 18 years of age; universal note: island residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections **Executive branch:** chief of state: President Donald J. TRUMP (since 20 January 2025) head of government: Governor Albert BRYAN, Jr. (since 7 January 2019) cabinet: Territorial Cabinet appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate election/appointment process: president and vice president indirectly elected on the same ballot by an Electoral College of electors chosen from each state; president and vice president serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); under the US Constitution, residents of the Virgin Islands do not vote in elections for US president and vice president, but they can vote in the Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 4-year term (eligible for a second term) most recent election date: 8 November 2022 election results: 2022: Albert BRYAN, Jr. reelected governor; percent of vote - Albert BRYAN, Jr. (Democratic Party) 56%, Kurt VIALET (independent) 38% 2018: Albert BRYAN, Jr. elected governor in the second round; percent of vote in first round - Albert BRYAN, Jr. (Democratic Party) 38.1%, Kenneth MAPP (independent) 33.5%, Adlah "Foncie" DONASTORG, Jr. (independent) 16.5%, other 11.9%; percent of vote in second round- Albert BRYAN, Jr. (Democratic Party) 54.5%, Kenneth MAPP (independent) 45.2%, other 0.3% expected date of next election: November 2026 **Legislative branch:** note: the Virgin Islands delegate to the US House of Representatives can vote when serving on a committee and when the House meets as the Committee of the Whole House, but not when legislation is submitted for a “full floor” House vote **Judicial branch:** highest court(s): Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands (consists of the chief justice and 2 associate justices) judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Virgin Islands Senate; justices serve initial 10-year terms and upon reconfirmation, during the extent of good behavior; chief justice elected to position by peers for a 3-year term subordinate courts: Superior Court (Territorial Court renamed in 2004); US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (has appellate jurisdiction over the District Court of the Virgin Islands; it is a territorial court and is not associated with a US federal judicial district); District Court of the Virgin Islands **Political parties:** Democratic Party Independent Citizens' Movement or ICM Republican Party **Diplomatic representation in the US:** none (territory of the US) **Diplomatic representation from the US:** none (territory of the US) **International organization participation:** AOSIS (observer), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UPU, WFTU (NGOs) **Independence:** none (territory of the US) **National holiday:** Transfer Day (from Denmark to the US), 31 March (1917) **Flag:** description: white field with a modified US coat of arms in the center between the large blue initials "V" and "I"; the coat of arms shows a yellow eagle holding an olive branch in its right talon and three arrows in its left, with a shield of seven red and six white vertical stripes below a blue panel meaning: white is a symbol of purity, and the letters stand for the Virgin Islands **National anthem(s):** title: "Virgin Islands March" lyrics/music: multiple/Alton Augustus ADAMS, Sr. history: adopted 1963; serves as a local anthem _____ title: "The Star-Spangled Banner" lyrics/music: Francis Scott KEY/John Stafford SMITH history: official anthem, as a US territory ### Economy **Economic overview:** high-income, tourism-based American territorial economy; severe COVID-19 economic disruptions; major rum distillery; high public debt; sluggish reopening of large oil refinery; environmentally susceptible to hurricanes; many informal industries **Real GDP (purchasing power parity):** $4.9 billion (2022 est.) $4.965 billion (2021 est.) $4.789 billion (2020 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **Real GDP growth rate:** -1.3% (2022 est.) 3.7% (2021 est.) -1.6% (2020 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency **Real GDP per capita:** $46,500 (2022 est.) $46,900 (2021 est.) $45,100 (2020 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars **GDP (official exchange rate):** $4.672 billion (2022 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate **GDP - composition, by end use:** household consumption: 68.9% (2022 est.) government consumption: 34.4% (2022 est.) investment in fixed capital: 7.5% (2016 est.) investment in inventories: 15% (2016 est.) exports of goods and services: 97.4% (2022 est.) imports of goods and services: -108.3% (2022 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection **Agricultural products:** fruit, vegetables, sorghum; Senepol cattle **Industries:** tourism, watch assembly, rum distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, electronics **Labor force:** 47,200 (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work **Unemployment rate:** 12.1% (2024 est.) 12.4% (2023 est.) 13.1% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment **Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):** total: 25.3% (2024 est.) male: 22% (2024 est.) female: 28.9% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment **Budget:** revenues: $1.496 billion (2016 est.) expenditures: $1.518 billion (2016 est.) **Exports:** $4.549 billion (2022 est.) $4.069 billion (2021 est.) $1.62 billion (2020 est.) note: GDP expenditure basis - exports of goods and services in current dollars **Exports - partners:** Haiti 14%, Guadeloupe 7%, Malaysia 7%, Martinique 7%, Barbados 7%, British Virgin Islands 5% (2019) **Exports - commodities:** refined petroleum, jewelry, recreational boats, watches, rum (2019) top five export commodities based on value in dollars **Imports:** $5.058 billion (2022 est.) $4.057 billion (2021 est.) $3.184 billion (2020 est.) note: GDP expenditure basis - imports of goods and services in current dollars **Imports - partners:** India 18%, Algeria 14%, South Korea 9%, Argentina 9%, Sweden 7%, Brazil 5% (2019) **Imports - commodities:** refined petroleum, crude petroleum, rubber piping, jewelry, beer (2019) **Exchange rates:** the US dollar is used ### Energy **Electricity access:** electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.) **Electricity:** installed generating capacity: 326,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 618.819 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 50.181 million kWh (2023 est.) **Electricity generation sources:** fossil fuels: 97.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 2.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) **Coal:** exports: 4 metric tons (2023 est.) **Petroleum:** refined petroleum consumption: 16,000 bbl/day (2023 est.) ### Communications **Telephones - fixed lines:** total subscriptions: 76,000 (2021 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 88 (2022 est.) **Telephones - mobile cellular:** total subscriptions: 79,100 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 92 (2022 est.) **Broadcast media:** about a dozen TV stations, including 1 public TV station; multi-channel cable and satellite TV available; 24 radio stations **Internet country code:** .vi **Internet users:** percent of population: 64% (2017 est.) **Broadband - fixed subscriptions:** total: 9,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 10 (2022 est.) ### Transportation **Airports:** 2 (2025) **Heliports:** 4 (2025) **Merchant marine:** total: 2 (2023) by type: general cargo 1, other 1 **Ports:** total ports: 6 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 3 very small: 3 ports with oil terminals: 3 key ports: Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Cruz Bay, Frederiksted, Limetree Bay, Port Alucroix ### Military and Security **Military and security forces:** US Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD); US Virgin Islands National Guard (VING) **Military - note:** defense is the responsibility of the US ---