Rivers Of Belgium
US Department Of State Post Report
The Kyrgyz Republic is positioned near the middle of the Eurasian landmass, and there is no body of water large enough to influence weather patterns. Those factors create a distinctly continental climate that has significant local variations. Although the mountains tend to collect clouds and block sunlight (reducing some narrow valleys at certain times of year to no more than three or four hours of sunlight per day), the country is generally sunny, receiving as much as 2,900 hours of sunlight per year in some areas. The same conditions also affect temperatures, which can vary significantly from place to place. In January the warmest average temperature (24.8°F, -4 [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Suriname's primary production sectors are the bauxite sector, the gold sector and the crude oil sector. The Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA Inc.) has been active in Suriname since 1916 through its subsidiary Suralco. Suralco operates in a joint venture with BHPBilliton Maatschappij Suriname, a subsidiary of the Australian BHPBilliton. Exports from the bauxite sector, which no longer includes aluminium, account for almost 70 percent of the country's total exports. Suralco has recently completed a 67 million USD expansion of its refinery and both companies are currently working on a 149 million USD mine preparation project in the district of Commewijne. There is exploration project in the Western part of Suriname. If reserves prove economically viable total investments in this area could prove substantial. In 2004, Suriname's gold sector experienced a significant boost with the start-up of a 95 million USD processing plant and gold refinery, R ... [Read More]
USIA - Portrait of the USA, Ch. 5
At a time when many workers in Europe were joiningrevolutionary unions that called for the abolition of capitalism,most American workers followed the lead of Gompers, who sought togive workers a greater share in the wealth they helped produce. Aradical alternative was offered by the Industrial Workers of theWorld (IWW), a union started in 1905 by representatives of 43groups that opposed the AFL's policies. The IWW demanded theoverthrow of capitalism through strikes, boycotts, and sabotage.It opposed U.S. participation in World War I and sought to tie upU.S. copper production during the war. After reaching a peak of100,000 members in 1912, the IWW had almost disappeared by 1925,because of federal prosecutions of its leaders and a nationalsentiment against radicalism during and after World War I. ... [Read More]
Gambia, The (01/05)
The AFPRC announced a transition plan for return to democratic civilian government. The Provisional Independent Electoral Commission (PIEC) was established in 1996 to conduct national elections. The transition process included the compilation of a new electoral register, adoption of a new constitution by referendum in August 1996, and presidential and legislative elections in September 1996 and January 1997, respectively. Foreign observers did not deem these elections free and fair. Retired Col. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh was sworn into office as President of the Republic of The Gambia in November 1996. The PIEC was transformed to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in 1997 and became responsible for registration of voters and conduct of elections and referenda. In late 2001 and early 2002, The Gambia completed a full cycle of presidential, legislative, and local elections, which foreign observers deemed free, fair, and transparent, albeit with some shortcomings. President Yahya Jammeh ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
American Embassy - The Hague Post CityLast Updated: 9/9/2004 7:50 AM The Hague is the third largest city of Holland, covering an area of 6,800 hectors and hosting a population of 463,754 inhabitants. Founded in 1248 by Count Williem II, the city derives its name from the older version ’sGravenhage, meaning The Count’s Hedge. The city’s coats of arms depict a stork and eel in remembrance of the storks kept at the court of the counts. The shield is held by a pair of gold lions and bears a count’s coronet. Being the seat of the crown, the parliament, and the government, The Hague is considered the political center of the country. This royal city is home to numerous foreign embassies, international institutions and multinational companies. Some of the prominent institutions include the ... [Read More]
Europe and Central Asia
Corruption. Corruption has been the most significant problem within Georgia's law enforcement agencies. Georgia's anti- corruption efforts continue to be hampered by the widespread tolerance of corruption within Georgian society. During 2001 the Government of Georgia formed a commission to reform the law enforcement agencies (so-called "power ministries"). The commission developed a strategy for reorganization that was forwarded to the Georgian National Security Council; however, no significant changes were made. In any case, none of these proposed measures can truly ameliorate the situation given the low wages of officials and poor standard of behavior from those in charge that nourish wide-scale, low level corruption. The new hope of eradicating corruption within the system emerged with the appointment of a new Minister of Internal Affairs, who has publicly and repeatedly announced his commitment to combating corruption and the trafficking ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
HousingLast Updated: 7/8/2005 6:09 AM As in many urban areas, houses are rare in central Riga; all Embassy employees are housed in apartments. A fairly stable leasing pool has been established and most newcomers are placed in permanent housing as soon as they arrive. Riga has undergone and is continuing a restoration stage and most Embassy apartments are located in beautifully restored buildings, some with elevators. [Read More]
Iceland
U.S. Department of State [Read More]
Eritrea (04/05)
The Government of Eritrea states that it is committed to a market economy and privatization, and it has made development and economic recovery its priorities. Nevertheless, the government and the ruling PFDJ party play pervasive roles in the economy. The government has imposed an arbitrary and complex set of regulatory requirements that discourage investment from both foreign and domestic sources. The economy was devastated by war and the misguided policies of the Derg, which disrupted agriculture and industry. The more recent 1998-2000 war with Ethiopia also has had a major negative impact on the economy and further discouraged investment. Eritrea lost many valuable economic assets in particular during the last round of fighting in May-June 2000, when a significant portion of its territory in the agriculturally important west and south was occupied by Ethiopia. As a result of this last round of fighting, more than one million Eritreans were displaced. According to World Bank estimates ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
During 3 weeks in May, pilgrimages are made from all parts of the country to the Cathedral, culminating in a procession of the statue of “Our Lady of Luxembourg” through the city streets. The “Schueberfouer” comes to town at the end of August, following an almost unbroken tradition of over 450 years. This annual street fair has all the usual attractions loved by children: bumper cars, carousels, shooting ranges-plus many temporary restaurants and two dance halls. Social Activities Among AmericansLast Updated: 1/9/2005 10:38 AMLuxembourg is a small post and there is no American Embassy club. An American Chamber of Commerce, an American Business Association of Luxembourg, and an American Women's ... [Read More]
|