Country Profiles: Curacao

Curacao is located in the Caribbean.

Originally settled by Arawak Indians, Curacao was seized by the Dutch in 1634 along with the neighboring island of Bonaire. Once the center of the Caribbean slave trade, Curacao was hard hit economically by the abolition of 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 oil fields. In 1954, Curacao and several other Dutch Caribbean possessions were reorganized as the Netherlands Antilles, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In referenda in 2005 and 2009, the citizens of Curacao voted to become a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The change in status became effective in October 2010 with the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles.
CIA World Factbook

With an area of 444 sq km, it is more than twice the size of Washington,D.C.

Curacao is an island, and it is mostly low, hilly terrain.

People who live in Curacao are called Curacaon, which is also an adjective used to describe something from this country. As of July 2013, there are 146,836 people in Curacao. The ethnic groups that reside in Curacao are mostly Afro-Caribbean, with some Dutch, French, Latin American, East Asian, South Asian, and Jewish. Several languages are spoken there: though Dutch is the official language, it is only spoken by 8% of the population. Majority of Curacoans speak Papiamentu (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect) is spoken by 81.2%, while Spanish is spoken by 4%, and English is spoken by 2.9%. Roman Catholics make up approximately 80.1% of the population, while Protestants make up an additional 11.2%.

The country's official name is Land Curacao (or Pais Korsou in Papiamentu). The capital is Willemstad, and the country is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilders (abbreviated ANG), which stands at 1.79 ANG per USD as of 2011.

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Curacao, CIA World Factbook

U.S. Relations With Curacao, U.S. Department of State

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Country Profiles: Cuba

Cuba is located in the Caribbean and is part of Central America.

The native Amerindian population of Cuba began to decline after the European discovery of the island by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1492 and following its development 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 that 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 the US in 1902 after which the island experienced a string of governments mostly dominated by the military and corrupt politicians. Fidel CASTRO led a rebel army to victory in 1959; his iron rule held the subsequent regime together for nearly five decades. He stepped down as president in February 2008 in favor of his younger brother Raul CASTRO. Cuba's communist revolution, with Soviet support, was exported throughout Latin America and Africa during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The country faced a severe economic downturn in 1990 following the withdrawal of former Soviet subsidies worth $4 billion to $6 billion annually. Cuba at times portrays the US embargo, in place since 1961, as the source if its difficulties. Illicit migration to the US - using homemade rafts, alien smugglers, air flights, or via the US's southwest border - is a continuing problem. The US Coast Guard interdicted 1,275 Cuban nationals attempting to cross the Straits of Florida in 2012.
CIA World Factbook

With an area of 110,860 sq km, it is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.

Cuba shares a border with the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay. The Guantanamo Naval Base has an area of 29 km. It is leased by the US and remains part of Cuba. It is mostly flat to rolling plains, with rugged hills and mountains in the southeast.

People who live in Cuba are called Cubans, which is also an adjective used to describe something from this country. As of July 2013, there are 11,061,886 people in Cuba. The ethnic groups that reside in Cuba are mostly white (65.1%), with some mulatto and mestizo (24.8%) and black (10.1%). The official language of Cuba is Spanish. Roman Catholicism makes up approximately 85% of the population, while Protestant, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jewish, and Santeri make up the rest.

The country's official name is the Republic of Cuba. The capital is Havana, and the country is made up of 15 provinces. Cuba gained independence from Spain on May 20, 1902. A constitution was drafted in 1976. The constitution can be found here through Constitution Finder. The current president and Council of State is Raul Modesto Castro Ruz. Information about the leaders of Cuba's government can be found here. The currency is the Cuban pesos (abbreviated CUP), which stands at 1 CUP per USD as of 2012.

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Cuba, CIA World Factbook

Cuba, U.S. Department of State

2012 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Cuba, U.S. Department of State.

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Country Profiles: Croatia

Croatia is located in Europe.

The lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the close of World War I. In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia became a federal independent communist state under the strong hand of Marshal TITO. Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic, but often bitter, fighting before occupying Serb armies were mostly cleared from Croatian lands, along with a majority of Croatia's ethnic Serb population. Under UN supervision, the last Serb-held enclave in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998. The country joined NATO in April 2009 and the EU in July 2013.
CIA World Factbook

With an area of 56,594 sq km, it is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of West Virginia.

Croatia shares a border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, and Slovenia. It is geographically diverse with flat plains along Hungarian border, low mountains and highlands near Adriatic coastline, and islands.

People who live in Croatia are called Croats or Croatians; Croatian is also an adjective used to describe something from this country. As of July 2013, there are 4,475,611 people in Croatia. The ethnic groups that reside in Croatia are mostly Croat (89.6%) with some Serb (4.5%) and other (5.9%), including Bosniak, Hungarian, Slovene, Czech, and Roma. Croatian (96.1%) is the official language, but Serbian (1%) and other/undesignated (2.9%), including Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and German, are spoken there. Roman Catholic make up approximately 87.8% of the population, while Orthodox (4.4%), other Christian (0.4%), and Muslim (1.3%) make up most of the rest.

The country's official name is Republic of Croatia. The capital is Zagreb, and the country is made up of 20 counties. Croatia gained independence from Yugoslavia on June 25, 1991. The constitution can be found here through Constitution Finder. The current president is Ivo Josipovic. Information about the leaders of Croatia's government can be found here. The currency is the kuna (abbreviated HRK), which stands at 5.8503 HRK per USD as of 2012.

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Croatian Government Site

Croatia, CIA World Factbook

Background Notes: Croatia, U.S. Department of State

2012 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Croatia, U.S. Department of State.

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Country Profiles: Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire is located in Africa.

Close ties to France following independence in 1960, the development of cocoa production for export, and foreign investment all made Côte d’Ivoire one of the most prosperous of the West African states but did not protect it from political turmoil. In December 1999, a military coup - the first ever in Côte d’Ivoire's history - overthrew the government. Junta leader Robert GUEI blatantly rigged elections held in late 2000 and declared himself the winner. Popular protest forced him to step aside and brought Laurent GBAGBO into power. Ivorian dissidents and disaffected members of the military launched a failed coup attempt in September 2002 that developed into a rebellion and then a civil war. The war ended in 2003 with a cease fire that left the country divided with the rebels holding the north, the government the south, and peacekeeping forces a buffer zone between the two. In March 2007, President GBAGBO and former New Forces rebel leader Guillaume SORO signed an agreement in which SORO joined GBAGBO's government as prime minister and the two agreed to reunite the country by dismantling the buffer zone, integrating rebel forces into the national armed forces, and holding elections. Difficulties in preparing electoral registers delayed balloting until 2010. In November 2010, Alassane Dramane OUATTARA won the presidential election over GBAGBO, but GBAGBO refused to hand over power, resulting in a five-month stand-off. In April 2011, after widespread fighting, GBAGBO was formally forced from office by armed OUATTARA supporters with the help of UN and French forces. Several thousand UN peacekeepers and several hundred French troops remain in Côte d’Ivoire to support the transition process. OUATTARA is focused on rebuilding the country's infrastructure and military after the five months of post-electoral fighting and faces ongoing threats from GBAGBO supporters, many of whom have sought shelter in Ghana. GBAGBO is in The Hague awaiting trial for crimes against humanity. CIA World Factbook

. With an area of 322,463 sq km, it is slightly larger than the U.S. state of New Mexico.

Côte d’Ivoire shares a border with Burkina Faso, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, and Mali. It is mostly flat to undulating plains with mountains in the northwest..

People who live in Côte d’Ivoire are called Ivoirian, which is also an adjective used to describe something from this country. As of July 2013, there are 22,400,835 people in Côte d’Ivoire. The ethnic groups that reside in Côte d’Ivoire are mostly Akan (42%), with Voltaiques/Gur (17%), Northern Mandes (16%), Krous (11%), and Southern Mandes (10%). Though French is the official language, 60 native dialects are spoken - Dioula is the most widely spoken. Muslims make up approximately 38% of the population, while Christian (32%) and indigenous (12%) make up the rest, save the 16% that have none.

The country's official name is Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. The capital is Yamoussoukro, and the country is made up of 12 districts and 2 autonomous districts. The Côte d’Ivoire gained independence from the French on August 7, 1960. The current president is Alassane Dramane Ouattara. Information about the leaders of Côte d’Ivoire's government can be found on the Chiefs of State and Cabinet Members of Foreign Governments site (CIA). The currency is the Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF), which stands at 510.29 XOF per USD as of 2012.

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Côte d’Ivoire, CIA World Factbook

Côte d’Ivoire, U.S. Department of State

2012 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Côte d’Ivoire, U.S. Department of State.

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Country Profiles: Costa Rica

Costa Rica is located in Central America.

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 by natives, 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 became one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared their 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. In 1949, Costa Rica dissolved its armed forces. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.
CIA World Factbook

With an area of 51,100 sq km, it is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of West Virginia.

Costa Rica shares a border with Nicaragua and Panama. It is mostly coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes.



People who live in Costa Rica are called Costa Rican, which is also an adjective used to describe something from this country. Based on the July 2013 estimates, there are 4,695,942 people in Costa Rica. The ethnic groups that reside in Costa Rica are mostly white (including mestizo, 94%), with some black (3%), Amerindian (1%) and Chinese (1%). Spanish is the official language of Costa Rical; English is also spoken there. Roman Catholics make up approximately 76.3% of the population, while Evangelicals (13.7%) and Jehovah's Witnesses (1.3%) make up most of the rest.

The country's official name is the Republic of Costa Rica (Republica of Costa Rica). The capital is San Jose, and the country is made up of 7 provinces. Though Costa Rica gained independence from the Spain on September 15, 1821, a constitution was not drafted until November 7, 1949. The constitution can be found here through Constitution Finder. The current president is Laura Chinchilla Miranda. Information about the leaders of Costa Rica's government can be found here. The currency is the Costa Rican colones(abbreviated CRC), which stands at 504.5 CRC per USD as of 2012.



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Costa Rica President's Site

Costa Rica, CIA World Factbook

Background Notes: Costa Rica, U.S. Department of State

2012 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Costa Rica, U.S. Department of State.

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Country Profiles: Coral Sea Islands

Coral Sea Islands are located off the coast of Australia in Oceania.

Scattered over more than three-quarters of a million square kilometers of ocean, the Coral Sea Islands were declared a territory of Australia in 1969. They are uninhabited except for a small meteorological staff on the Willis Islets. Automated weather stations, beacons, and a lighthouse occupy many other islands and reefs.
CIA World Factbook

The islands have an area of less than 3 sq km.

The Coral Sea Islands do not share a border with other countries because it is a string of islands. It is mostly sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays).



There are no indigenous inhabitants of Coral Sea Islands. There is only a staff of three to four at the meteorological station on Willis Island.

The country's official name is Coral Sea Islands Territory. There is no capital. There is no economy on the island. Since it is a territory of Australia, it shares Australia's flag.



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Coral Sea Islands, Department of Regional Australia

Coral Sea Islands, CIA World Factbook

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Country Profiles: Cook Islands

Cook Islands are located in Australia-Oceania.

Named after Captain Cook, who sighted them in 1770, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965, residents chose self-government in free association with New Zealand. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and government deficits are continuing problems.
CIA World Factbook

With an area of 236 sq km, it is 1.3 times the size of Washington, D.C.

Cook Islands are surrounded by the South Pacific Ocean. It is mostly low coral atolls in north and volcanic, hilly islands in south.



People who live in the Cook Islands are called Cook Islanders, which is also an adjective used to describe something from this country. As of July 2012, there are 10,447 people in Cook Islands. The ethnic group that resides in Cook Islands is mostly Cook Island Maori (Polynesian) at 87.7%. English is the official language, but Maori is also spoken there. Protestants make up approximately 69.6% of the population, while Roman Catholics (16.8%) and Mormons (3.8%) make up most of the rest.



The Cook Islands were once known as the Harvey Islands. The capital is Avarua. Cook Islands is a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand. The country has the right to move to full independence at any time. The constitution can be found here through Constitution Finder. The current prime minister is Henry Puna. Information about the leaders of Cook Islands' government can be found here. The currency is the NZ dollar (abbreviated NZD), which stands at 1.289 NZD per USD as of 2012.



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Cook Islands, CIA World Factbook

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Country Profiles: Republic of the Congo

The Republic of the Congo is located in Africa.

Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. A quarter century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990 and a democratically elected government took office in 1992. A brief civil war in 1997 restored former Marxist President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso, and ushered in a period of ethnic and political unrest. Southern-based rebel groups agreed to a final peace accord in March 2003, but the calm is tenuous and refugees continue to present a humanitarian crisis. The Republic of Congo was once one of Africa's largest petroleum producers, but with declining production it will need new offshore oil finds to sustain its oil earnings over the long term.

CIA World Factbook

With an area of 342,000 sq km, it is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Montana.

The Republic of the Congo shares a border with Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Gabon. It has coastal plains, a southern basin, a central plateau, and a northern basin.



People who live in the Republic of the Congo are called Congolese, which (along with the word Congo) is also an adjective used to describe something from this country. As of July 2012, there are 4,366,266 people in the Congo. The ethnic groups that reside in the Congo are mostly Kongo 48%, with some Sangha 20%, M'Bochi 12%, Teke 17%, Europeans and other 3%. Several languages are spoken there French (official), Lingala and Monokutuba (lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread). Christians make up approximately 50% of the population, while animists (48%) and Muslims (2%) make up the rest.

The country's official name is Republic of the Congo, but it is referred to as Congo. The capital is Brazzaville, and the country is made up of 10 regions. Though Congo gained independence from the French on August 15, 1960, a constitution was not drafted until 1992. The constitution can be found here through Constitution Finder. The current president is Denis Sassou-Nguesso. Information about the leaders of Congo's government can be found here. The currency is the Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs (abbreviated XAF), which stands at 511.4 XAF per USD as of 2012.



All of this information was gathered from the CIA World Factbook. For more information, check out these resources...

Republic of the Congo, CIA World Factbook

Background Notes: Republic of the Congo, U.S. Department of State

2011 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in the Republic of the Congo, U.S. Department of State.

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Country Profiles: Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is located in Africa.

Established as a Belgian colony in 1908, the then-Republic of the Congo gained its independence in 1960, but its early years were marred by political and social instability. Col. Joseph MOBUTU seized power and declared himself president in a November 1965 coup. He subsequently changed his name - to MOBUTU Sese Seko - as well as that of the country - to Zaire. MOBUTU retained his position for 32 years through several sham elections, as well as through brutal force.
CIA World Factbook

With an area of 2,344,858 sq km, it is slightly less than one-fourth the size of the United States of America.

Democratic Republic of the Congo shares a border with Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. It is a vast central basin is a low-lying plateau with mountains in east.



People who live in Democratic Republic of the Congo are called Congolese, which is also an adjective used to describe something from this country (Congo also describes an object from the country). As of July 2012, there are 73,599,190 people in the country. Over 200 African ethnic groups reside in the DRC, the majority of which are Bantu. The four largest tribes are Mongo, Luba, Kongo, and the Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic) and make up about 45% of the population. Several languages are spoken there: French (official), Lingala (a lingua franca trade language), Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or Swahili), Kikongo, and Tshiluba. Roman Catholics make up approximately 50% of the population, while Protestant 20%, Kimbanguist 10%, Muslim 10%, other (includes syncretic sects and indigenous beliefs) 10% make up the rest.

The country's official name is Democratic Republic of the Congo. The capital is Kinshasa, and the country is made up of 10 provinces. Though the DRC gained independence from Belgium on June 30, 1960, a constitution was not drafted until February 18, 2006. The constitution can be found here through Constitution Finder. The current president is Joseph Kabilar. Information about the leaders of the DRC's government can be found here. The currency is the Congolese francs (abbreviated CDF), which stands at 920 CDF per USD as of 2012.



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Democratic Republic of the Congo, CIA World Factbook

Background Notes: Democratic Republic of the Congo, U.S. Department of State

2011 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Democratic Republic of the Congo, U.S. Department of State.

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Country Profiles: Comoros

Comoros is located in Africa. Comoros has endured more than 20 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. In 1997, the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared independence from Comoros. In 1999, military chief Col. Azali seized power in a bloodless coup, and helped negotiate the 2000 Fomboni Accords power-sharing agreement in which the federal presidency rotates among the three islands, and each island maintains its local government. With an area of 2,235 sq km, it is slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC.

Comoros is an island in the Mozambique Channel. It is mostly volcanic islands and the interiors vary from steep mountains to low hills.



People who live in Comoros are called Comorans, which is also an adjective used to describe something from this country. As of July 2012, there are 737,284 people in Comoros. The ethnic groups that reside in Comoros are Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, and Sakalava. There are two official languages, Arabic and French, but Shikomoro (a blend of Swahili and Arabic) are spoken there too. Sunni Muslims make up approximately 98% of the population, while Roman Catholics make up an additional 2%.

The country's official name is Union of the Comoros. The capital is Moroni, and the country is made up of 3 islands and 4 municipalities. The constitution can be found here (in French) through Constitution Finder. The current president is Ikililou Dhoinine. Information about the leaders of Comoros' government can be found here. The currency is the Comoran francs (abbreviated KMF), which stands at 386.4 KMF per USD as of 2012.



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COUTNRY Government Site

Comoros, CIA World Factbook

Background Notes: Comoros, U.S. Department of State

2011 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Comoros, U.S. Department of State.

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Country Profiles: Colombia

Colombia is located in South America. Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Ecuador and Venezuela). In January 2011, Colombia assumed a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2011-12 term. With an area of 1,138,910 sq km, it is slightly less than the U.S. state of Texas.

Colombia shares a border with Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. It is mostly flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes Mountains, and eastern lowland plains.

People who live in Colombia are called Colombians, which is also an adjective used to describe something from this country. As of July 2012, there are 45,239,079 people in Colombia. The ethnic groups that reside in Colombia are mostly mestizo (58%), with white (20%), mulatto (14%), black (4%), mixed black-Amerindian (3%), and Amerindian (1%). Spanish is the language. Catholics make up approximately 90% of the population.

The country's official name is Republic of Colombia. The capital is Bogota, and the country is made up of 32 departments. Though Colombia gained independence from Spain on July 20, 1810, a constitution was not drafted until July 5, 1991. The constitution can be found here through Constitution Finder. The current president is Juan Manuel Santos Calderon. Information about the leaders of Colombia's government can be found here. The currency is the Colombian pesos (COP), which stands at 1,848.1 COP per USD as of 2011.

All of this information was gathered from the CIA World Factbook. For more information, check out these resources...

Colombia, CIA World Factbook

Background Notes: Colombia, U.S. Department of State

2011 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Colombia, U.S. Department of State.

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Country Profiles: Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Cocos (Keeling) Islands is located in Australia-Oceania.

There are 27 coral islands in the group. Captain William Keeling discovered the islands in 1609, but they remained uninhabited until the 19th century. From the 1820s to 1978, members of the CLUNIE-ROSS family controlled the islands and the copra produced from local coconuts. Annexed by the UK in 1857, the Cocos Islands were transferred to the Australian Government in 1955. The population on the two inhabited islands generally is split between the ethnic Europeans on West Island and the ethnic Malays on Home Island.
CIA World Factbook

. With an area of 14 sq km, it is about 24 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands is a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Indonesia, about halfway between Australia and Sri Lanka. It is mostly flat, low-lying coral atolls.

People who live on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are called Cocos Islanders, which is also an adjective used to describe something from this country. As of July 2010, there are 596 people on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The ethnic groups that reside in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands are Europeans and Cocos Malays. Malay (Cocos dialect) and English are spoken there. Sunni Muslims make up approximately 80% of the population.

The country's official name is the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The capital is West Island. Since it is a territory of Australia, there is no constitution. The currency is the Australian dollar(abbreviated AUD), which stands at 0.9695 AUD per USD as of 2011.

The flag of Australia is used for the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands

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Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Cocos (Keeling) Islands, CIA World Factbook

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Country Profiles: Clipperton Island

Clipperton Island is located in North America.

This isolated island was named for John CLIPPERTON, a pirate who made it his hideout early in the 18th century. Annexed by France in 1855, it was seized by Mexico in 1897. Arbitration eventually awarded the island to France, which took possession in 1935
CIA World Factbook

With an area of 6 sq km, it is about 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC.

Clipperton Island is actually an atoll, which is a coral island consisting of a reef surrounding a lagoon, located in the North Pacific Ocean (southwest of Mexico). It is an uninhabited possession of France.

The country's names in French is Ile Clipperton, but it was also known as Ile de la Passion. Since Clipperton Island is a possession of France, it does not have a constitution. It is administered directly by the Minister of Overseas France, Victorin Lurel.

Although 115 species of fish have been identified in the territorial waters of Clipperton Island, the only economic activity is tuna fishing.
CIA World Factbook

The flag of France is use for Clipperton Island.

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Clipperton Island, CIA World Factbook

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Country Profiles: Christmas Island

Christmas Island is located in Australia-Oceania.

Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island was annexed and settlement began by the UK in 1888. Phosphate mining began in the 1890s. The UK transferred sovereignty to Australia in 1958. Almost two-thirds of the island has been declared a national park.
Cia World Factbook

With an area of 135 sq km, it is three quarters the size of Washington, DC.

Christmas Island is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia. It is mostly steep cliffs along the coast that rise abruptly to a central plateau.

People who live on Christmas Island are called Christmas Islanders, while Christmas Island is the adjective used to describe something from this country. As of July 2012, there are 1,496 people in Christmas Island. The ethnic groups that reside in Christmas Island are mostly Chinese (70%), with some European (20%) and Malay (10%). The official language is English, but Chinese and Malay are also spoken there. Buddhists make up approximately 36% of the population, while Muslims (25%) and Christians (18%) make up the rest.

The country's official name is the Territory of Christmas Island. The capital is The Settlement. Christmas Island is a territory of Australia, so there is not a constitution. The currency is the Australian dollar (abbreviated AUD), which stands at 0.9695 AUD per USD as of 2011.

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Christmas Island

Christmas Island, CIA World Factbook

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Country Profiles: China

China is located in Asia.

For centuries China stood as a leading civilization, outpacing the rest of the world in the arts and sciences, but in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by civil unrest, major famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation. After World War II, the Communists under MAO Zedong established an autocratic socialist system that, while ensuring China's sovereignty, imposed strict controls over everyday life and cost the lives of tens of millions of people. After 1978, MAO's successor DENG Xiaoping and other leaders focused on market-oriented economic development and by 2000 output had quadrupled. For much of the population, living standards have improved dramatically and the room for personal choice has expanded, yet political controls remain tight. China since the early 1990s has increased its global outreach and participation in international organizations.
CIA World Factbook

With an area of 9,596,961 sq km, it is slightly smaller than the United States.

China shares a border with Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burma, India, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Krygyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Vietnam. It is mostly mountains, high plateaus, deserts in west, with plains, deltas, and hills in east.

People who live in China are called Chinese, which is also an adjective used to describe something from this country. As of July 2012, there are 1,343,239,923 people in China. The ethnic groups that reside in China are mostly Han Chinese (91.5%) with Zhuang, Manchu, Hui, Miao, Uighur, Tujia, Yi, Mongol, Tibetan, Buyi, Dong, Yao, Korean, and other nationalities (8.5%) making up the rest. Several languages are spoken there: Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, and minority languages. The main religions in China are Daoism (Taoism) and Buddhism, with some Christians (3%-4%) and Muslims (1%-2%).

The country's official name is People's Republic of China (locally Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo). The capital is Beijing, and the country is made up of 23 provinces and 4 municipalities. The current constitution from 1982 can be found here through Constitution Finder. The current president is Hu Jintao. Information about the leaders of China's government can be found here. The currency is the Renminbi yuan (abbreviated RMB), which stands at 6.4615 RMB per USD as of 2011.

All of this information was gathered from the CIA World Factbook. For more information, check out these resources...

People's Republic of China Government Site

China, CIA World Factbook

Background Notes: China, U.S. Department of State

2011 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in China, U.S. Department of State.

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Country Profiles: Chile

Chile is located in South America.

Prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the Inca ruled northern Chile while the indigenous Mapuche inhabited central and southern Chile. Although Chile declared its independence in 1810, decisive victory over the Spanish was not achieved until 1818. In the War of the Pacific (1879-83), Chile defeated Peru and Bolivia and won its present northern regions. It was not until the 1880s that the Mapuche Indians were completely subjugated. After a series of elected governments, the three-year-old Marxist government of Salvador ALLENDE was overthrown in 1973 by a military coup led by Augusto PINOCHET, who ruled until a freely elected president was installed in 1990. Sound economic policies, maintained consistently since the 1980s, have contributed to steady growth, reduced poverty rates by over half, and have helped secure the country's commitment to democratic and representative government. Chile has increasingly assumed regional and international leadership roles befitting its status as a stable, democratic nation.
CIA World Factbook

With an area of 756,102 sq km, it is slightly smaller than twice the size of the U.S. state of Montana.

Chile shares a border with Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. It is mostly low coastal mountains with a fertile central valley. The rugged Andes lie in the east.

People who live in Chile are called Chileans, which is also an adjective used to describe something from this country. As of July 2012, there are 17,067,369 people in Chile. The ethnic groups that reside in Chile are mostly white and white-Amerindian (95.4%) with Mapuche (4%) and other indigenous groups (0.6%). Spanish is the official language, but Mapudungun, German, and English are also spoken there. Roman Catholics make up approximately 70% of the population, while Evangelical Christians (15.1%), Jehovah's Witnesses (1.1%), and other Christians (1%) make up most of the rest.

The country's official name is the Republic of Chile (or Republica de Chile in Spanish). The capital is Santiago, and the country is made up of 15 regions. Though Chile gained independence from Spain on September 18, 1810, a constitution was not drafted until September 11, 1980. The constitution can be found here through Constitution Finder. The current president is Sebastian Pinera Echenique. Information about the leaders of Chile's government can be found here. The currency is the Chilean pesos (abbreviated CLP), which stands at 483.67 CLP per USD as of 2011.

All of this information was gathered from the CIA World Factbook. For more information, check out these resources...

Chilean Government Site

Chile, CIA World Factbook

Background Notes: Chile, U.S. Department of State

2011 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Chile, U.S. Department of State.

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Country Profiles: Chad

Chad is located in Africa.

Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, endured three decades of civil warfare as well as invasions by Libya before a semblance of peace was finally restored in 1990. The government eventually drafted a democratic constitution and held flawed presidential elections in 1996 and 2001. In 1998, a rebellion broke out in northern Chad, which has sporadically flared up despite several peace agreements between the government and the rebels. In 2005, new rebel groups emerged in western Sudan and made probing attacks into eastern Chad despite signing peace agreements in December 2006 and October 2007. In June 2005, President Idriss DEBY held a referendum successfully removing constitutional term limits and won another controversial election in 2006. Sporadic rebel campaigns continued throughout 2006 and 2007. The capital experienced a significant rebel threat in early 2008, but has had no significant rebel threats since then, in part due to Chad's 2010 rapprochement with Sudan, which previously used Chadian rebels as proxies. DEBY in 2011 was reelected to his fourth term in an election that international observers described as proceeding without incident. Power remains in the hands of an ethnic minority.
CIA World Factbook

With an area of 1.284 million sq km, it is slightly more than three times the size of the U.S. state of California.

Chad shares a border with Cameroon, Central African Republic, Libya, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan. It is mostly broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in northwest, and lowlands in south.

People who live in Chad are called Chadians, which is also an adjective used to describe something from this country. As of July 2012, there are 10,975,648 people in Chad. The ethnic groups that reside in Chad are Sara (27.7%), Arab (12.3%), Mayo-Kebbi (11.5%), Kanem-Bornou (9%), Ouaddai (8.7%), Hadjarai (6.7%), Tandjile (6.5%), Gorane (6.3%), and Fitri-Batha (4.7%). French and Arabic are the official languages, but Sara is also spoken in the south, and more than 120 different languages and dialects are spoken there. Muslims make up 53.1% of the population, Catholics (20.1%), Protestants (14.2%), animist (7.3%), and atheist (3.1%) make up the rest.

The country's official name is the Republic of Chad, locally known as Republique du Tchad or Jumhuriyat Tshad. The capital is N'Djamena, and the country is made up of 22 regions. Though Chad gained independence from France on August 11, 1960, a constitution was not passed until March 31, 1996. The constitution can be found here through Constitution Finder. The current president is Idriss Deby Itno; the current prime minister is Emmanuel Nadingar. Information about the leaders of Chad's government can be found here. The currency is the Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs (abbreviated XAF), which stands at 471.87 XAF per USD as of 2011.

All of this information was gathered from the CIA World Factbook. For more information, check out these resources...

Chad, CIA World Factbook

Background Notes: Chad, U.S. Department of State

2011 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Chad, U.S. Department of State.

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Country Profiles: Central African Republic

Central African Republic is located in Africa.

The former French colony of Ubangi-Shari became the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. After three tumultuous decades of misrule - mostly by military governments - civilian rule was established in 1993 and lasted for one decade. President Ange-Felix PATASSE's civilian government was plagued by unrest, and in March 2003 he was deposed in a military coup led by General Francois BOZIZE, who established a transitional government. Though the government has the tacit support of civil society groups and the main parties, a wide field of candidates contested the municipal, legislative, and presidential elections held in March and May of 2005 in which General BOZIZE was affirmed as president. BOZIZE was reelected in the 2011 elections, which were widely viewed as having gross inaccuracies and discrepancies. The government still does not fully control the countryside, where pockets of lawlessness persist. Militant group Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) continues to affect stability in the Central African Republic as well.
CIA World Factbook

With an area of 622,984 sq km, it is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Texas.

Central African Republic shares a border with Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan. It is mostly vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau with scattered hills in northeast and southwest.

People who live in Central African Republic are called Central Africans, which is also an adjective used to describe something from this country. As of July 2012, there are 5,057,208 people in Central African Republic. The ethnic groups that reside in the Central African Republic are mostly Baya (33%) and Banda (27%) with some Mandjia (13%), Sara (10%), Mboum (7%), M'Baka (4%), and Yakoma (4%). While French is the official language, Sangho and other tribal languages are also spoken there. Indigenous beliefs make up 35% of the population, while Protestants (25%), Roman Catholics (25%), and Muslims (15%) make up the rest.

The country's local long name is Republique Centrafricaine. The capital is Bangui, and the country is made up of 14 prefectures and 2 economic prefectures. Though Central African Republic gained independence from the the French on August 13, 1960, a constitution was not adopted until December 28, 1994. The constitution can be found here through Constitution Finder. The current president is Francois Bozize. Information about the leaders of Central African Republic's government can be found here. The currency is the Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs (abbreviated XAF), which stands at 471.87 XAF per USD as of 2011.

All of this information was gathered from the CIA World Factbook. For more information, check out these resources...

Central African Republic, CIA World Factbook

Background Notes: Central African Republic, U.S. Department of State

2011 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Central African Republic, U.S. Department of State.

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Country Profile: Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands are located in the Caribbean.

The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the British during the 18th and 19th centuries and were administered by Jamaica 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.
CIA World Factbook

With an area of 264 sq km, it is 1.5 times the size of the U.S. capital, Washington, D.C.

Cayman Islands are located in the Caribbean Sea near Central America. It is a low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs.

People who live in the Cayman Islands are called Caymanians, which is also an adjective used to describe something from this country. As of July 2012, there are 52,560 people in the Cayman Islands. The ethnic groups that reside in the Cayman Islands are mostly mixed race (40%) with some white (20%), black (20%), and expatriates of various ethnic groups (20%). English (95%) is the official language of Cape Verde, but Spanish (3.2%) and other languages (1.8%) are also spoken there. Protestants make up approximately 67.7% of the population, while Roman Catholics make up an additional 12.6%.

The capital of the Cayman Islands is George Town, and the country is made up of 8 districts. Though the Cayman Islands are an overseas territory of the UK, they do have a constitution, drafted November 6, 2009. The constitution can be found here through Constitution Finder. Though the chief of state is Queen Elizabeth II (who is represented by Governor Duncan Taylor), the head of government is Premier McKeeva Bush. The currency is the Caymanian dollars (abbreviated KYD), which stands at 0.83 KYD per USD as of 2011.

All of this information was gathered from the CIA World Factbook. For more information, check out these resources...

Cayman Islands, CIA World Factbook

Background Notes: Cayman Islands, U.S. Department of State

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Country Profiles: Cape Verde

Cape Verde is located in Africa.

The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; Cape Verde subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments. Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result, Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one. Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.
CIA World Factbook

With an area of 4,033 sq km, it is slightly larger than the U.S. state of Rhode Island.

Cape Verde is a group of islands surrounded by the North Atlantic Ocean. It is mostly steep, rugged, rocky, and volcanic.

People who live in Cape Verde are called Cape Verdeans, which is also an adjective used to describe something from this country. As of July 2012, there are 523,568 people in Cape Verde. The ethnic groups that reside in Cape Verde are mostly Creole (71%) with some African (28%) and European (1%). Portuguese is the official language, but Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West African words) is also spoken there. The main religions of Cape Verde are Roman Catholicism (infused with indigenous beliefs) and Protestantism (mostly Church of the Nazarene).

The country's official name is Republic of Cape Verde (or Republica de Cabo Verde). The capital is Praia, and the country is made up of 17 municipalities. Though Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975, a constitution was not drafted until September 25, 1992. The constitution can be found here (in Portuguese) through Constitution Finder. The current president is Jorge Carlos de Almeida Fonseca. Information about the leaders of Cape Verde's government can be found here. The currency is the Cape Verdean escudos(abbreviated CVE), which stands at 79.323 CVE per USD as of 2011.

All of this information was gathered from the CIA World Factbook. For more information, check out these resources...

Cape Verde Government Site (in Portuguese)

Cape Verde, CIA World Factbook

Background Notes: Cape Verde, U.S. Department of State

2011 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Cape Verde, U.S. Department of State.

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