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Where is the uss los alamos afdb 7 located now?
Section "F" sunk as a target July 19, 2001 Remaining sections transferred to Brownsville, Tx August 11, 1995
Where is the USS Los Alamos located at now?
The USS Los Alamos, AFDB-7, is located in the Port of Brownsville, Texas. It is now being used as a dry dock facility for oil rigs and is located in the Keppel AmFels facility, 20000 State Highway 48, Brownsville, TX 78521-8910.I just completed refitting crane no. 1 with new DC VSD's. Next year, money permitting, crane #2 may be refitted in the same manner. I know its the one because I saw the log book while I was there. We used the 1961 Navy Manual and drawings to adapt the new drives
What international organizations does Spain take part in?
You have the classic EU and UN. But they are also members of theADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CBSS (observer), CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA, FAO, FATF, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), SICA (observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC according to the CIA Factbook.
Are there any countries that Denmark have relationships with?
Denmark has many relations with many other countries. We are a member of the European Union and Nato, for starters. To quote the CIA factbook: "AfDB, Arctic Council, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUC, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMIL, UNMOGIP, UNOMIG, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WEU (observer), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC" https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/da.html
What are three cash crops in Africa?
Around sixty percent of African workers are employed by the agricultural sector with about three-fifths of African farmers being subsistence farmers. Subsistence farms provide a source of food and a relatively small income for the family, but generally fail to produce enough to make re-investment possible. Larger farms tend to grow cash crops such as coffee, cotton, cocoa, and rubber. These farms, normally operated by large corporations, cover tens of square kilometres and employ large numbers of labourers. The situation whereby African nations export crops to the West while millions on the continent starve has been blamed on Western States including Japan, the European Union and the United States. These countries protect their own agricultural sectors with high import tariffs and offer subsidies to their farmers, which many contend leads the overproduction of such commodities as grain, cotton and milk. The result of this is that the global price of such products is continually reduced until Africans are unable to compete, except for cash crops that do not grow easily in a northern climate. Due to these market forces, in Africa excess capacity is devoted to growing crops for export. Thus, when civil unrest or a bad harvest occurs, there is often very little food saved and many starve. Ironically, excess foodstuffs grown in developed nations are regularly destroyed, as it is not economically viable to transport it across the oceans to a market poor in capital. Although cash crops can expand a nation's wealth, there is often a risk that focusing on them rather than staples will lead to food shortages and hunger. See also: Trade and development [edit] Mining and drilling Africa's most valuable exports are minerals and petroleum. A few countries possess and export the vast majority of these resources. The southern nations have large reserves of gold, diamonds, and copper. Petroleum is concentrated in Nigeria, its neighbours, and Libya. While mining and drilling produce most of Africa's revenues each year, these industries only employ about two million people, a tiny fraction of the continent's population. Profits normally go either to large corporations or to the governments. Both have been known to squander this money on luxuries for the elite or on megaprojects that return little value. In some cases, these resources have turned out to be a curse. Although Congo is rich in minerals, the country remains one of the poorest countries in the world. This is historically due to ownership fights over these minerals, tracing back to the early 1900s. After Congo's independence from Belgium, the colonial government hesitated to leave behind these resources. Congo solicited UN help against Belgium, but that turned out to be a bad idea. In an attempt to get out of the quagmire, Congo sought Soviet assistance. This led the country into deeper trouble, as the country separated into two and a long proxy war between the West and East began. See also: Aluminum in Africa; Iron ore in Africa; Platinum in Africa; Titanium in Africa [edit] Manufacturing Africa is the least industrialized continent; only South Africa and North Africa have substantial manufacturing sectors. Despite readily available cheap labour, nearly all of the continent's natural resources are exported for secondary refining and manufacturing. According to the AFDB, about 15% of workers are employed in the industrial sector. The multinational corporations that control most of the world's major industries and their financiers require political stability before erecting an expensive factory. An educated populace, good infrastructure and a stable source of electricity are essential to investments. These factors are rare in Africa. Other developing regions of the world such as India and China have been more attractive to companies looking to build a new factory or invest in a local enterprise. Many African states used to limit foreign investment to ensure local majority ownership. Close governmental control over industry further discouraged international investment. Attempts to foster local industry have been hampered by insufficient technology, training, and investment money. The paucity of local markets and the difficulty of transporting goods from major African centres to world markets contribute to the lack of manufacturing outside of South Africa and Egypt. The continent has the largest growth rate of cellular subscribers in the world.[1] African markets are expanding nearly twice as fast as Asian markets.[2] The African cell phone has created a base for cellular banking.[3] [edit] Investment and banking Banking in Africa has long been problematic. Because local banks are often unstable and corrupt, governments and industry rely on international banks. South Africa alone has a thriving banking sector, aided by the international sanctions of the apartheid era, which forced out the once-dominant British banks. In the years after independence, African governments heavily regulated the banking sector and placed strict limits on international competition. In recent decades, banking reform has been a priority of the IMF and World Bank. One important reform was obtaining permission for increased penetration by foreign banks. South Africa has been the most successful in attracting local operation of foreign banks. Encouraging foreign investment in Africa has been difficult. Even Africans are reluctant to invest locally; about forty percent of sub-Saharan African savings are invested in other markets. Foreign governments who invest may have ulterior motives not in the best interest of the African economies. The IMF and World Bank only lend money after imposing stringent conditions such as austerity policies. There are two African currency unions; the West African Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (BCEAO) and the Central African Banque des États de l'Afrique Centrale (BEAC). Both use the CFA Franc as their legal tender
One cool fact about france?
France has bred a lot of philpsophers in the last two or three hundred years. 'Cool' fact: France has the highest mountain in the Alps - Mont Blanc. It's really cool, covered with snow all year round! Country name:conventional long form: French Republicconventional short form: Francelocal long form: Republique francaiselocal short form: France Government type:republic Capital:name: Parisgeographic coordinates: 48 52 N, 2 20 Etime difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in Octobernote: applies to metropolitan France only, not to its overseas departments, collectivities, or territories Administrative divisions:26 regions (regions, singular - region); Alsace, Aquitaine, Auvergne, Basse-Normandie (Lower Normandy), Bourgogne (Burgundy), Bretagne (Brittany), Centre, Champagne-Ardenne, Corse (Corsica), Franche-Comte, Guadeloupe, Guyane (French Guiana), Haute-Normandie (Upper Normandy), Ile-de-France, Languedoc-Roussillon, Limousin, Lorraine, Martinique, Midi-Pyrenees, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Pays de la Loire, Picardie, Poitou-Charentes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, Reunion, Rhone-Alpesnote: France is divided into 22 metropolitan regions (including the "territorial collectivity" of Corse or Corsica) and 4 overseas regions (including French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion) and is subdivided into 96 metropolitan departments and 4 overseas departments (which are the same as the overseas regions) Dependent areas:Clipperton Island, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Wallis and Futunanote: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica; New Caledonia has been considered a "sui generis" collectivity of France since 1999, a unique status falling between that of an independent country and a French overseas department Independence:486 (Frankish tribes unified); 843 (Western Francia established from the division of the Carolingian Empire) National holiday:Fete de la Federation, 14 July (1790); note - although often incorrectly referred to as Bastille Day, the celebration actually commemorates the holiday held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille (on 14 July 1789) and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy; other names for the holiday are Fete Nationale (National Holiday) and quatorze juillet (14th of July) Constitution:adopted by referendum 28 September 1958, effective 4 October 1958note: amended concerning election of president in 1962; amended to comply with provisions of 1992 EC Maastricht Treaty, 1997 Amsterdam Treaty, 2003 Treaty of Nice; amended to tighten immigration laws in 1993; amended in 2000 to change the seven-year presidential term to a five-year term; amended in 2005 to make the EU constitutional treaty compatible with the Constitution of France and to ensure that the decision to ratify EU accession treaties would be made by referendum Legal system:civil law system with indigenous concepts; review of administrative but not legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage:18 years of age; universal Executive branch:chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007)head of government: Prime Minister Francois FILLON (since 17 May 2007)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president at the suggestion of the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (changed from seven-year term in October 2000); election last held 22 April and 6 May 2007 (next to be held spring 2012); prime minister nominated by the National Assembly majority and appointed by the presidentelection results: Nicolas SARKOZY wins the election; First Round: percent of vote - Nicolas SARKOZY 31.18%, Segolene ROYAL 25.87%, Francois BAYROU 18.57%, Jean-Marie LE PEN 10.44%, others 13.94%; Second Round: SARKOZY 53.1% and ROYAL 46.9% Legislative branch:bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or Senat (343 seats, 321 for metropolitan France and overseas departments, 2 for New Caledonia, 2 for Mayotte, 1 for Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, 1 for Saint-Barthelemy, 1 for Saint-Martin, 3 for overseas territories, and 12 for French nationals abroad; members are indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve six-year terms; one third elected every three years); note - between 2006 and 2011, 15 new seats will be added to the Senate for a total of 348 seats - 326 for metropolitan France and overseas departments, 2 for New Caledonia, 2 for Mayotte, 1 for Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, 1 for Saint-Barthelemy, 1 for Saint-Martin, 3 for overseas territories, and 12 for French nationals abroad; starting in 2008, members will be indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve six-year terms, with one-half elected every three years; and the National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (577 seats, 555 for metropolitan France, 15 for overseas departments, 7 for dependencies; members are elected by popular vote under a single-member majority system to serve five-year terms)elections: Senate - last held 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); National Assembly - last held 10 and 17 June 2007 (next to be held in June 2012)election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 151, PS 116, UC-UDF 29, CRC 23, RDSE 17, other 7; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - UMP 46.37%, PS 42.25%, miscellaneous left wing parties 2.47%, PCF 2.28%, NC 2.12%, PRG 1.65%, miscellaneous right wing parties 1.17%, the Greens 0.45, other 1.24%; seats by party - UMP 313, PS 186, NC 22, miscellaneous left wing parties 15, PCF 15, miscellaneous right wing parties 9, PRG 7, the Greens 4, other 6 Judicial branch:Supreme Court of Appeals or Cour de Cassation (judges are appointed by the president from nominations of the High Council of the Judiciary); Constitutional Council or Conseil Constitutionnel (three members appointed by the president, three appointed by the president of the National Assembly, and three appointed by the president of the Senate); Council of State or Conseil d'Etat Political parties and leaders:Communist, Republican and Citizen or CRC; Democratic Movement or MoDem [Francois BAYROU] (previously Union for French Democracy or UDF); Democratic and Social European Rally or RDSE [Yvon COLLIN] (mainly Radical Republican and Socialist Parties, and PRG); French Communist Party or PCF [Marie-George BUFFET]; Greens [Cecile DUFLOT]; Left Radical Party or PRG [Jean-Michel BAYLET] (previously Radical Socialist Party or PRS and the Left Radical Movement or MRG); Movement for France or MPF [Philippe DE VILLIERS]; National Front or FN [Jean-Marie LE PEN]; New Center or NC [Herve MORIN]; Radical Party [Jean-Louis BORLOO]; Rally for France or RPF [Charles PASQUA]; Republican and Citizen Movement or MRC [Jean Pierre CHEVENEMENT and Georges SARRE]; Socialist Party or PS [Martine AUBRY]; Union Centrist-UDF or UC-UDF [Michel MERCIER]; Union for a Popular Movement or UMP [Xavier BERTRAND] Political pressure groups and leaders:Confederation Francaise Democratique du Travail or CFDT, left-leaning labor union with approximately 803,000 members; Confederation Generale des Cadres or CGC, independent white-collar union with 196,000 members; Confederation Generale du Travail or CGT, historically communist labor union with approximately 700,000 members; Confederation Generale du Travail - Force Ouvriere or FO, independent labor union with an estimated 300,000 members; Mouvement des Entreprises de France or MEDEF, employers' union with 750,000 companies as members (claimed)French Guiana: conservationists; gold mining pressure groups; hunting pressure groupsGuadeloupe: Christian Movement for the Liberation of Guadeloupe or KLPG; General Federation of Guadeloupe Workers or CGT-G; General Union of Guadeloupe Workers or UGTG; Movement for an Independent Guadeloupe or MPGI; The Socialist Renewal MovementMartinique: Caribbean Revolutionary Alliance or ARC; Central Union for Martinique Workers or CSTM; Frantz Fanon Circle; League of Workers and Peasants; Proletarian Action Group or GAPReunion: NA International organization participation:ADB (nonregional members), AfDB (nonregional members), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FZ, G-20, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURCAT, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), SPC, UN, UN Security Council, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNOMIG, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (nonregional), WCL, WCO, WEU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US:chief of mission: Ambassador Pierre VIMONTchancery: 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007telephone: [1] (202) 944-6000FAX: [1] (202) 944-6166consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, Washington, DC Diplomatic representation from the US:chief of mission: Ambassador Craig R. STAPLETONembassy: 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75382 Paris Cedex 08mailing address: PSC 116, APO AE 09777telephone: [33] (1) 43-12-22-22FAX: [33] (1) 42 66 97 83consulate(s) general: Marseille, Strasbourg Flag description:three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), white, and red; known as the "Le drapeau tricolore" (French Tricolor), the origin of the flag dates to 1790 and the French Revolution; the design and/or colors are similar to a number of other flags, including those of Belgium, Chad, Ireland, Cote d'Ivoire, Luxembourg, and Netherlands; the official flag for all French dependent areas
What are facts about France?
The Capital of France is Paris. Also, pink poodles are very popular, and the french like to dye them pink. The Eiffel tower is France's landmark. France's flag colors are red, blue, and white. France is organized in provinces.The Capital of France is ParisLanguage: FrenchCapital: ParisLocation: West Central Europe
How have humans changed Brazil landscaping?
GeographyLocation: Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic OceanMap references: South America, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area 8,511,965 sq kmland area 8,456,510 sq kmcomparative area slightly smaller than the USnote includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao PauloMore detailed territorial information from Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. IBGELand boundaries: total 14,691 km, Argentina 1,224 km, Bolivia 3,400 km, Colombia 1,643 km, French Guiana 673 km, Guyana 1,119 km, Paraguay 1,290 km, Peru 1,560 km, Suriname5 97 km, Uruguay 985 km, Venezuela 2,200 kmCoastline: 7,491 kmMaritime claims:contiguous zone 24 nmcontinental shelf 200-m depth or to depth of exploitationexclusive economic zone 200 nmterritorial sea 12 nmInternational disputes: short section of the boundary with Paraguay, just west of Salto das Sete Quedas (Guaira Falls) on the Rio Parana, is in dispute; two short sections of boundary with Uruguay are in dispute - Arroio Invernada (Arroyo de la Invernada) area of the Rio Quarai (Rio Cuareim) and the islands at the confluence of the Rio Quarai and the Uruguay RiverClimate: mostly tropical, but temperate in southTerrain: mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal beltNatural resources: iron ore, manganese, bauxite, nickel, uranium, phosphates, tin, hydropower, gold, platinum, petroleum, ti mberLand use:arable land 7%permanent crops 1%meadows and pastures 19%forest and woodland 67%other 6%Irrigated land: 27,000 sq km (1989 est.)Environment:current issues deforestation in Amazon Basin; air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and several other large cities; land degradation and water pollution caused by improper mining activitiesnatural h azards recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in southinternational agreements party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the S ea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Tropical TimberNote: largest country in South America; shares common boundaries with ever y South American country except Chile and EcuadorGo Back to Brasil Facts Quick IndexGo Back to Bem-Vindo ao Brasil PagePeoplePopulation: 158,739,257 (July 1994 est.)Population growth rate: 1.28% (1994 est.)Birth rate: 21.48 births/1,000 population (1994 est.)Death rate: 8.63 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.)Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.)Infant mortality rate: 59.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population 62.25 yearsmale 57.41 yearsfemale 67.32 years (1994 est.)Total fertility rate: 2.44 children born/woman (1994 est.)More detailed population information from Brazilian Institute of Geography and StatisticsNationality:noun Brazilian(s)adjective BrazilianEthnic divisions: Portuguese, Italian, German, Japanese, Amerindian, black 6%, white 55%, mixed 38%, other 1%Religions: Roman Catholic (nominal) 70%Languages: Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, FrenchLiteracy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)total population 81%male 82%female 80%Labor force: 57 million (1989 est.)by occupation services 42%, agriculture 31%, industry 27%More Detailed Labor Information from Brazilian Institute of Geography and StatisticsGeneral Outlook of the PeopleBrazilians are friendly, warm, and happy people. Above all they are free-spirited and resent being told what to do. Brazilians are gregarious, outgoing, and love to be around people. The hot climate allows them to spend a great deal of time outdoors, often just chatting with friends or watching people. Women should be aware that it is common for Brazilian men to stare at them or make comments as they walk by; women should not respond in any way to such actions. Brazilians can be very opinionated, and the vigor with which they argue for their convictions often leads foreigners to believe that they are angry. Visitors should not be offended by such behavior. Brazilians tend to view time more as a sequence of events rather than hours, minutes, and seconds. For this reason they may appear to have an extremely casual attitude about time.Excerpt adapted from Jaime SichmanHealth Related IssuesUrbanization Issues such as Dwellings, Sewage Systems, etc.Go Back to Brasil Facts Quick IndexGo Back to Bem-Vindo ao Brasil PageGovernmentPolitical Institutions Foreign PolicyNames:conventional long form Federative Republic of Brazilconventional short form Brazillocal long form Republica Federativa do Brasil local short form BrasilDigraph: BRType: federal republicCapital: BrasiliaAdministrative divisions: 26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara, Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias,Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana , Pernambuco , Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina,Sao Paulo, Sergipe, Tocantins(See the each of the State flags.)Independence: 7 September 1822 (from Portugal)National holiday: Independence Day, 7 September (1822)Constitution: 5 October 1988Legal system: based on Roman codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdictionSuffrage: voluntary between 16 and 18 years of age and over 70; compulsory over 18 and under 70 years of ageExecutive branch:chief of state and head of government President Fernando Henrique Cardoso (since 1 January 1995); election last held October 1994; results - Fernando Henrique Cardoso 54%, Luis Inacio LULA da Silva 24%; Others 22%; Itamar Franco was the previous Presidentcabinet Cabinet; appointed by the presidentLegislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congresso Nacional)Federal Senate (Senado Federal) Results of the 1994 Elections will be posted at a later date. Prior to that elections were last held 3 October 1990 ; results 1990 - percent of vote by party PMBD 33%, PFL 16%, PSDB 12%, PDS 4%, PDT 6%, PT 1%, other 28%; seats - (81 total as of 3 February 1991) PMDB 27, PFL 15, PSDB 10, PTB 8, PDT 5, other 16 Chamber of Deputies (Camara dos Deputados) election last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held October 1994); results - PMDB 21%, PFL 17%, PDT 9%, PDS 8%, PRN 7.9%, PTB 7%, PT 7%, other 23.1%; seats - (503 total as of 3 February 1991) PMDB 108, PFL 87, PDT 46, PDS 43, PRN 40, PTB 35, PT 35, other 109Judicial branch: Supreme Federal TribunalPolitical parties and leaders: National Reconstruction Party (PRN), Daniel TOURINHO, president; Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), Luiz HENRIQUE da Silveira, preside nt; Liberal Front Party (PFL), Jorge BORNHAUSEN, president; Workers' Party (PT), Luis Inacio LULA da Silva, president; Brazilian Workers' Party (PTB), Rodrigues PALMA, president; Democratic Workers' Party (PDT), Leonel BRIZOLA, president; Progressive Rene wal Party (PPR), Paulo MALUF, president; Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), Tasso JEREISSATI, president; Popular Socialist Party (PPS), Roberto FREIRE, president; Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB), Joao AMAZONAS, secretary general; Liberal Party (PL ), Flavio ROCHA, presidentOther political or pressure groups: left wing of the Catholic Church and labor unions allied to leftist Workers' Party are critical of government's social and economic policiesMember of: AfDB , AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, MERCOSUR, NAM (observer), OAS, ONUSAL, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UNOMUR, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WHO, WFTU, WIPO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission Ambassador Paulo Tarso FLECHA de LIMAch ancery 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone (202) 745-2700FAX (202) 745-2827consulate(s) general Boston, Chicago, Hong Kong (Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands), Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)consulate(s) Houston and San FranciscoUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission Ambassador Melvyn LEVITSKYembassy Avenida das Nacoes, Lote 3, Bra si lia, Distrito Federalmailing address APO AA 34030telephone [55] (61) 321-7272FAX [55] (61) 225-9136consulate(s) general Rio de Janeiro, Sao Pauloconsulate(s) Porto Alegre, RecifeFlag: green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars (one for each state and district) arranged in the same pattern as the night sky over Brazil; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress)Go Back to Brasil Facts Quick IndexGo Back to Bem-Vindo ao Brasil PageEconomyOverview: The economy, with large agrarian, mining, and manufacturing sectors, entered the 1990s with declining real growth, runaway inflation, an unserviceable foreign debt of $122 billion, and a lack of policy direction. In addition, the economy remained highly regulated, inward-looking, and protected by substantial trade and investment barriers. Ownership of major industrial and mining facilities is divided among private interests - including several multinationals - and the government. Most large agricultural holdings are private, with the government channeling financing to this sector. Conflicts between large landholders and landless peasants have produced intermittent violence. The COLLOR government, which assumed office in March 1990, launched an ambitious reform program that sought to modernize and reinvigorate the economy by stabilizing prices, deregulating the economy, and opening it to i n creased foreign competition. The government also obtained an IMF standby loan in January 1992 and reached agreements with commercial bankers on the repayment of interest arrears and on the reduction of debt and debt service payments. Galloping inflation ( the rate doubled in 1992 and by March 1994 had risen to 42% per month) continues to undermine economic stability. Itamar FRANCO, who assumed the presidency following President COLLOR'S resignation in December 1992, was out of step with COLLOR'S reform age nda; initiatives to redress fiscal problems, privatize state enterprises, and liberalize trade and investment policies are gaining momentum under the new administration of Fernando Henrique Cardoso. Brazil's natural resources remain a major, long-term economic strength. Inflation in 1995 is forecasted to be around 30%.National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $1.04 trillion (1997 est.)National product real growth rate: 2-3% (1998)National product per capita: $6,300 (1997 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):5% (1997 est)GDP-composition by sector:agriculture: 13%industry: 38%services: 49% (1995)Inflation rate-consumer price index: 4.8% (1997)Labor force:total: 57 million (1989 est.)by occupation: services 42%, agriculture 31%, industry 27%Unemployment rate: 7% (1997 est.)Budget:revenues: $87.5 billionexpenditures: $96 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1996)Industries: textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipmentIndustrial production growth rate: 4.5% (1997 est.)Electricity-capacity: 57.64 million kW (1995)Electricity-production: 264.895 billion kWh (1995)note: imported about 36.95 billion kWh of electricity from ParaguayElectricity-consumption per capita: 1,878 kWh (1995)Agriculture-products: coffee, soybeans, wheat, rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, citrus; beefExports:total value: $53 billion (f.o.b., 1997)commodities: iron ore, soybean bran, orange juice, footwear, coffee, motor vehicle partspartners: EU 28%, Latin America 23%, US 20%, Argentina 12% (1996)Imports:total value: $61.4 billion (f.o.b., 1997)commodities: crude oil, capital goods, chemical products, foodstuffs, coalpartners: EU 26%, US 22%, Argentina 13%, Japan 5% (1996)Debt-external: $192.9 billion (December 1997) crude oil, capital goods, chemical products, foodstuffs, coalpartners US 23.3%, EC 22.5%, Middle East 13.0%, Latin America 11.8%, Japan 6.5% (1993)External debt: $119 billion (1993)Industrial production: growth rate 9.5% (1993); accounts for 39% of GDPElectricity:capacity 63,765,000 kWproduction 242.184 billion kWhconsumption per capita 1,531 kWh (1992)Industries: textiles and o ther consumer goods, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, steel, motor vehicles and auto parts, metalworking, capital goods, tinAgriculture: accounts for 11% of GDP; world's largest producer and exporter of coffee and orange juice conc entrate and second-largest exporter of soybeans; other products - rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, beef; self-sufficient in food, except for wheatIllicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis and coca, mostly for domestic consumption; governm ent has a modest eradication program to control cannabis and coca cultivation; important transshipment country for Bolivian and Colombian cocaine headed for the US and EuropeEconomic aid:recipient US commitments, including E x-Im (FY70-89), $2.5 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.2 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $284 million; former Communist countries (1970-89), $1.3 billionCurrency: 1 real (R$) = 100 centavosExchange rates: CR$ per US$1 - 0.90 (May 95)See also financial and economic outlookGo Back to Brasil Facts Quick IndexGo Back to Bem-Vindo ao Brasil PageCommunicationsRailroads: 30,133 km total; 24,690 km 1.000-meter gauge, 5,120 km 1.600-meter gauge, 310 km mixed 1.600-1.000-meter gauge, 13 km 0.760-meter gauge; 2,150 km electrifiedHighways:total 1,670,148 kmpaved 161,503 kmunpaved gravel/earth 1,508,645 km (1990)Inland waterwa ys: 50,000 km navigablePipelines: crude oil 2,000 km; petroleum products 3,804 km; natural gas 1,095 kmPorts: Belem, Fortaleza, Ilheus, Manaus, Paranagua, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande,Salvador, SantosMerchant marine: 220 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,139,176 GRT/8,695,682 DWT, bulk 53, cargo 40, chemical tanker 14, combination ore/oil 12, container 11, liquified gas 11, oil tanker 62, passenger-cargo 5, refrigerated car go 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 11note in addition, 1 naval tanker is sometimes used commerciallyAirports:total 3,581usable 3,024with permanent-surface runways 436with runw ays over 3,659 m 2with runways 2,440-3,659 m 22with runways 1,220-2,439 m 598Telecommunications: good system; extensive microwave radio relay facilities; 9.86 million telephones; broadcast stations - THousands of AM/FM and TV stations, shortwave; 3 coaxial submarine cables, 3 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations and 64 domestic satellite earth stationsDefense ForcesBranches: Brazilian Army, Navy of Brazil (including Marines), Brazilian Air Force, Military Police (paramilitary)Manpower availability: males age 15-49 43,489,704; fit for military service 29,286,530; reach military age (18) annually 1,674,930 (1994 est.)Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion, 3% of GDP (1990)Go Back to Brasil Facts Quick IndexGo Back to Bem-Vindo ao Brasil PageSource: CIA Factbook 1994 with modifications.accesses October 10, 1995.
Names of international organizations in south African countries?
this is from my friendhe is a fellow nerdACP-African, Caribbean, and Pacific:The ACP Group´s main objectives are sustainable development of its Member-States and their gradual integration into the global economy, which entails making poverty reduction a matter of priority and establishing a new, fairer, and more equitable world order, coordination of the activities of the ACP Group in the framework of the implementation of ACP-EC Partnership Agreements, consolidation of unity and solidarity among ACP States, as well as understanding among their peoples, and establishment and consolidation of peace and stability in a free and democratic society.AfDB-African Development Bank: The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group's mission is to help reduce poverty, improve living conditions for Africans and mobilize resources for the continent's economic and social development. With this objective in mind, the institution aims at assisting African countries - individually and collectively - in their efforts to achieve sustainable economic development and social progress. Combating poverty is at the heart of the continent's efforts to attain sustainable economic growth. To this end, the Bank seeks to stimulate and mobilize internal and external resources to promote investments as well as provide its regional member countries with technical and financial assistance.AU-African Union: The African Union (abbreviated AU in English, and UA in its other official languages) is an intergovernmental organization consisting of 53 African states. The only African state not in the AU is Morocco. Among the objectives of the AU's leading institutions are: to accelerate the political and socio-economic integration of the continent; to promote and defend African common positions on issues of interest to the continent and its peoples; to achieve peace and security in Africa; and to promote democratic institutions, good governance and human rights.BIS-Bank for International Settlements: The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is an international organization which fosters international monetary and financial cooperation and serves as a bank for central banks. The BIS fulfils this mandate by acting as: a forum to promote discussion and policy analysis among central banks and within the international financial community a centre for economic and monetary research a prime counterparty for central banks in their financial transactions agent or trustee in connection with international financial operations The head office is in Basel, Switzerland and there are two representative offices: in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and in Mexico City. Established on 17 May 1930, the BIS is the world's oldest international financial organization.C-Cell (South Africa's cellular provider): Cell C is South Africa's third cellular provider, after Vodacom and MTN, and the first cellular provider operating a dual band GSM 900/1800 Mhz network, with over 3 million subscribers as of 2006. Cell C has to date achieved over 12.5% market share since its launch on 17 November 2001. With 300 telecommunications operators nationwide, Cell C has to date rolled out in excess of 2000 base stations and carries over 80% of its traffic on its own network. Cell C is 100% owned by 3C Telecommunications (which in turn is 60% owned by Oger Telecom South Africa, a division of Saudi Oger), 25% by CellSAf, unencumbered (CellSAf represents over 30 black empowerment companies and trusts) and 15% by Lanum Securities SA.FATF-Financial Action Task Force: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body whose purpose is the development and promotion of policies, both at national and international levels, to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The Task Force is therefore a "policy-making body" which works to generate the necessary political will to bring about national legislative and regulatory reforms in these areas. The FATF monitors members' progress in implementing necessary measures, reviews money laundering and terrorist financing techniques and counter-measures, and promotes the adoption and implementation of appropriate measures globally. In performing these activities, the FATF collaborates with other international bodies involved in combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The FATF does not have a tightly defined constitution or an unlimited life span. The Task Force reviews its mission every five years. The FATF has been in existence since 1989. In 2004, Ministry representatives from the 35 FATF members agreed to extend the mandate of the Task Force until 2012. This 8-year mandate demonstrates that members of the FATF remain united in their commitment to combat terrorism and international crime, and is a sign of their confidence in the FATF as an important instrument in that fight.IAEA- International Atomic Energy Agency: The IAEA is the world´s center of cooperation in the nuclear field. It was set up as the world´s "Atoms for Peace" organization in 1957 within the United Nations family. The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies. As an independent international organization related to the United Nations system, the IAEA´s relationship with the UN is regulated by special agreement. In terms of its Statute, the IAEA reports annually to the UN General Assembly and, when appropriate, to the Security Council regarding non-compliance by States with their safeguards obligations as well as on matters relating to international peace and security. The IAEA´s mission is guided by the interests and needs of Member States, strategic plans and the vision embodied in the IAEA Statute. Three main pillars - or areas of work - underpin the IAEA´s mission: Safety and Security; Science and Technology; and Safeguards and Verification.ICC-International Code Council: The International Code Council (ICC) is a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention. ICC develops the codes and standards used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. The International Codes, or I-Codes, published by ICC, provide minimum safeguards for people at home, at school and in the workplace. The I-Codes are a complete set of comprehensive, coordinated building safety and fire prevention codes. Building codes benefit public safety and support the industry's need for one set of codes without regional limitations. Vision: Protect the health, safety and welfare of people by creating safe buildings and communities. Mission: To provide the highest quality codes, standards, products and services for all concerned with the safety and performance of the built environment.FAO-Food and Agriculture Organization: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information. We help developing countries and countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices and ensure good nutrition for all. Since our founding in 1945, we have focused special attention on developing rural areas, home to 70 percent of the world's poor and hungry people. FAO's activities comprise four main areas: Putting information within reach. FAO serves as a knowledge network. We use the expertise of our staff - agronomists, foresters, fisheries and livestock specialists, nutritionists, social scientists, economists, statisticians and other professionals - to collect, analyze and disseminate data that aid development. A million times a month, someone visits the FAO Internet site to consult a technical document or read about our work with farmers. We also publish hundreds of newsletters, reports and books, distribute several magazines, create numerous CD-ROMS and host dozens of electronic fora. Sharing policy expertise, FAO lends its years of experience to member countries in devising agricultural policy, supporting planning, drafting effective legislation and creating national strategies to achieve rural development and hunger alleviation goals. Providing a meeting place for nations. On any given day, dozens of policy-makers and experts from around the globe convene at headquarters or in our field offices to forge agreements on major food and agriculture issues. As a neutral forum, FAO provides the setting where rich and poor nations can come together to build common understanding. Bringing knowledge to the field. Our breadth of knowledge is put to the test in thousands of field projects throughout the world. FAO mobilizes and manages millions of dollars provided by industrialized countries, development banks and other sources to make sure the projects achieve their goals. FAO provides the technical know-how and in a few cases is a limited source of funds. In crisis situations, we work side-by-side with the World Food Program and other humanitarian agencies to protect rural livelihoods and help people rebuild their lives.G20-Group of 20, The Group of Twenty (G-20) Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors was established in 1999 to bring together systemically important industrialized and developing economies to discuss key issues in the global economy. The inaugural meeting of the G-20 took place in Berlin, on December 15-16, 1999, hosted by German and Canadian finance ministers. The G-20 is the premier forum for our international economic development that promotes open and constructive discussion between industrial and emerging-market countries on key issues related to global economic stability. By contributing to the strengthening of the international financial architecture and providing opportunities for dialogue on national policies, international co-operation, and international financial institutions, the G-20 helps to support growth and development across the globe. The G-20 is made up of the finance ministers and central bank governors of 19 countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Republic of Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of America. The European Union, who is represented by the rotating Council presidency and the European Central Bank, is the 20th member of the G-20. To ensure global economic fora and institutions work together, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the President of the World Bank, plus the chairs of the International Monetary and Financial Committee and Development Committee of the IMF and World Bank, also participate in G-20 meetings on an ex-officio basis. The G-20 thus brings together important industrial and emerging-market countries from all regions of the world. Together, member countries represent around 90 per cent of global gross national product, 80 per cent of world trade (including EU intra-trade) as well as two-thirds of the world's population. The G-20's economic weight and broad membership gives it a high degree of legitimacy and influence over the management of the global economy and financial system.ICAO-International Civil Aviation Organization: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, codifies the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth. Its headquarters are located in the Quartier International of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The ICAO Council adopts standards and recommended practices concerning air navigation, its infrastructure, Flight inspection, prevention of unlawful interference, and facilitation of border-crossing procedures for international civil aviation. In addition, the ICAO defines the protocols for air accident investigation followed by transport safety authorities in countries signatory to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, commonly known as the Chicago Convention.ICCt-International Council on Clean Transportation: As a major and rapidly expanding source of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants, transportation presents an urgent global challenge. In 20 years the number of cars on the planet is expected to go from one to two billion; based on current projections, the amount of energy used for transport will double by 2050. The goal of the International Council on Clean Transportation is to protect public health, minimize climate change and improve quality of life for billions of people as the world's transportation infrastructure grows. Overarching Principles: Design programs and policies that reduce conventional, toxic, and noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in parallel, and ensure that future technologies provide major improvements in each of these areas. Base policies solely on performance compared to societal objectives, and not give special consideration to specific fuels, technologies, or vehicle types. In both industrialized and developing countries, expect and require the best technologies and fuels available worldwide; it is not necessary or cost-effective for developing nations to follow, step by step, the same path of incremental improvements that was taken by the industrialized nations. Use combinations of economic instruments and regulatory requirements; make related policies complementary. Treat vehicles and fuels as a system, and move toward standards based on life- cycle emissions (including vehicle and fuel production, distribution, and disposal) in policies. Prevent high in-use emissions with more realistic and representative test procedures, greater manufacturer accountability, improved inspection and maintenance programs, on-board monitoring and diagnostics, and retrofit and scrappage programs. Consider the relative cost-effectiveness of near-term measures and the market potential of future technologies. Work across jurisdictions, both nationally and internationally, to strengthen programs and give cohesive signals to affected industries.ICRM-The Institute of Certified Records Managers: The Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM) is an international certifying organization of and for professional records and information managers. Incorporated in 1975, the ICRM develops and administers the program for professional certification of records managers, including certification examinations and a certification maintenance program. The ICRM serves as the official certifying body for ARMA International and the Nuclear Information and Records Management Association.IFAD-International Fund for Agriculture Development: The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialized agency of the United Nations, was established as an international financial institution in 1977 as one of the major outcomes of the 1974 World Food Conference. The Conference was organized in response to the food crises of the early 1970s that primarily affected the Sahelian countries of Africa. The conference resolved that "an International Fund for Agricultural Development should be established immediately to finance agricultural development projects primarily for food production in the developing countries". One of the most important insights emerging from the conference was that the causes of food insecurity and famine were not so much failures in food production, but structural problems relating to poverty and to the fact that the majority of the developing world's poor populations were concentrated in rural areas. IFAD's mission is to enable poor rural people to overcome poverty. IFAD is dedicated to eradicating rural poverty in developing countries. Seventy-five per cent of the world's poorest people - 1.05 billion women, children and men - live in rural areas and depend on agriculture and related activities for their livelihoods. Working with rural poor people, governments, donors, non-governmental organizations and many other partners, IFAD focuses on country-specific solutions, which can involve increasing rural poor peoples' access to financial services, markets, technology, land and other natural resources.IFRCS-International Financial Recording Standards: International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are principles-based Standards, Interpretations and the Framework (1989) adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are a set of accounting standards intended to be used for companies throughout the world. They were developed by the International Accounting Standards Committee. The advantage to multinational companies that switch to IFRS is that they are able to apply the same accounting standards to all of their subsidiaries. The advantage to investors is that they can compare companies across the globe as they determine which stock to purchase.IHO-International Hydrographic Organization: The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) is an international body representing the hydrographic community. The principal work undertaken by the IHO is: ·To bring about a close and permanent association between national hydrographic offices. ·To study matters relating to Hydrography and allied sciences and techniques. ·To further the exchange of nautical charts and documents between hydrographic officers of member governments. ·To tender guidance and advice upon request, in particular to countries engaged in setting up or expanding their hydrographic service. ·To encourage coordination of hydrographic surveys with relevant oceanographic activities. ·To extend and facilitate the application of oceanographic knowledge for the benefit of navigators. ·To cooperate with international organizations and scientific institutions which have related objectives.ILO-International Labor Organization: The International Labor Organization (ILO) is devoted to advancing opportunities for women and men to obtain decent and productive work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity. Its main aims are to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection and strengthen dialogue in handling work-related issues.IMF-International Monetary Fund: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization of 187 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world.IMO- International Maritime Organization: is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollutionIMSO- International Mobile Satellite Organization: The International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) is the intergovernmental organization that oversees certain public satellite safety and security communication services provided via the Inmarsat satellites. These public services include: services for maritime safety within the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) distress alerting, search and rescue coordinating, communications, maritime safety information (MSI) broadcasts, general communications, aeronautical safety AMS(R)S services through compliance with the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) IMSO also acts as the International LRIT Coordinator, appointed by IMO to coordinate the establishment and operation of the international system for the Long Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT) worldwide.Interpol-International Police Organization: INTERPOL is the world's largest international police organization, with 188 member countries. Created in 1923, it facilitates cross-border police co-operation, and supports and assists all organizations, authorities and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime.INTERPOL aims to facilitate international police co-operation even where diplomatic relations do not exist between particular countries. Action is taken within the limits of existing laws in different countries and in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. INTERPOL's constitution prohibits 'any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character.'IOC-International Olympic Committee: is an international corporation based in Lausanne, Switzerland, created by Demetrios Vikelas and Pierre de Coubertin on 23 June 1894. Its membership consists of the 205 National Olympic Committees. The mission of the IOC is to promote Olympism throughout the world and to lead the Olympic Movement. The IOC's role is to: Encourage and support the promotion of ethics in sport as well as education of youth through sport and to dedicate its efforts to ensuring that, in sport, the spirit of fair play prevails and violence is banned; Encourage and support the organization, development and coordination of sport and sports competitions; Ensure the regular celebration of the Olympic Games; Cooperate with the competent public or private organizations and authorities in the endeavor to place sport at the service of humanity and thereby to promote peace; Take action in order to strengthen the unity and to protect the independence of the Olympic Movement; Act against any form of discrimination affecting the Olympic Movement; Encourage and support the promotion of women in sport at all levels and in all structures with a view to implementing the principle of equality of men and women; Lead the fight against doping in sporting. Encourage and support measures protecting the health of athletes; Oppose any political or commercial abuse of sport and athletes; Encourage and support the efforts of sports organizations and public authorities to provide for the social and professional future of athletes; Encourage and support the development of sport for all; Encourage and support a responsible concern for environmental issues, to promote sustainable development in sport and to require that the Olympic Games are held accordingly; Promote a positive legacy from the Olympic Games to the host cities and host countries; Encourage and support initiatives blending sport with culture and education; Encourage and support the activities of the International Olympic Academy (IOA) and other institutions which dedicate themselves to Olympic education.IOM-Institute of Medicine: The Institute of Medicine (IOM) is an independent, nonprofit organization that works outside of government to provide unbiased and authoritative advice to decision makers and the public. The Institute of Medicine serves as adviser to the nation to improve health. The IOM asks and answers the nation's most pressing questions about health and health care. Our aim is to help those in government and the private sector make informed health decisions by providing evidence upon which they can rely. Each year, more than 2,000 individuals, members, and nonmembers volunteer their time, knowledge, and expertise to advance the nation's health through the work of the IOM.IPU-Inter-Parliamentary Union, The IPU is the international organization of Parliaments (Article 1 of the Statutes of the Inter-Parliamentary Union). It was established in 1889. The Union is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and works for peace and co-operation among peoples and for the firm establishment of representative democracy. The IPU supports the efforts of the United Nations, whose objectives it shares, and works in close co-operation with it. The Union also co-operates with regional inter-parliamentary organizations, as well as with international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations which are motivated by the same ideals.ISO-International Organization for Standardization, ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is the world's largest developer and publisher of International Standards. ISO is a network of the national standards institutes of 163 countries, one member per country, with a Central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, that coordinates the system. ISO is a non-governmental organization that forms a bridge between the public and private sectors. On the one hand, many of its member institutes are part of the governmental structure of their countries, or are mandated by their government. On the other hand, other members have their roots uniquely in the private sector, having been set up by national partnerships of industry associations.ITSO-International Telecommunications Satellite Organization: ITSO (International Telecommunications Satellite Organization) is an intergovernmental organization with the mission to ensure that Intelsat, Ltd. provides public telecommunications services, including voice, data and video, on a global and non-discriminatory basis. Headquartered in Washington D.C., ITSO currently has 150 member countries. The mission of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO) is to:act as the supervisory authority of Intelsat, Ltd; ensure the performance of Core Principles for the provision of international public telecommunications services, with high reliability and quality; and promote international public telecommunications services to meet the needs of the information and communication society.ITU-International Triathlon Union: is the official international governing body for the Olympic sport of triathlon. International triathlon union was formed in 1989 at Avignon, France. The first world triathlon championships were held during the same year by the International Triathlon Union. The triathlon world championship event comprised 1500 meter swimming, 40km cycling and 10km running. This is a standard distance for the ITU world cup series.ITUC-International Trade Union Confederation: The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) is the main international trade union organization, representing the interests of working people worldwide. It has 301 affiliated member organizations in 151 countries and territories, with a total membership of 176 million workers. The ITUC was founded at its inaugural Congress in Vienna, Austria, on 1 -3 November 2006. It groups together the former affiliates of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and the World Confederation of Labor (WCL), along with trade union organizations which had no global affiliation. The ICFTU and the WCL dissolved themselves on 31 October 2006, to pave the way for the creation of the ITUC. The ITUC's primary mission is the promotion and defense of workers' rights and interests, through international cooperation between trade unions, global campaigning and advocacy within the major global institutions. The Program Document adopted at the ITUC founding Congress sets out the Confederation's overall policy framework. Its main areas of activity include: trade union and human rights economy, society and the workplace equality, and non-discrimination international solidarity.MIGA-Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency: As a member of the World Bank Group, MIGA's mission is to promote foreign direct investment (FDI) into developing countries to help support economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve people's lives. It does this by providing political risk insurance (guarantees) to the private sector. MIGA's operational strategy plays to our foremost strength in the marketplace-attracting investors and private insurers into difficult operating environments. The agency's strategy focuses on specific areas where we can make the greatest difference. Countries eligible for assistance from the International Development Association (the world's poorest countries): Conflict-affected environments; Complex deals in infrastructure and extractive industries, especially those involving project finance and environmental and social considerations; South-South investments (from one developing country to another)MONUC-UN stabilization mission: is a United Nations peacekeeping force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which was established by the United Nations Security Council in resolutions 1279 (1999) and 1291 (2000) of the United Nations Security Council to monitor the peace process of the Second Congo War, though much of its focus subsequently turned to the Ituri conflict, the Kivu conflict and the Dongo conflict. The new mission has been authorized to use all necessary means to carry out its mandate relating, among other things, to the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel and human rights defenders under imminent threat of physical violence and to support the Government of the DRC in its stabilization and peace consolidation efforts.NAM-National Association of Manufacturers: The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the preeminent US manufacturers association as well as the nation's largest industrial trade association, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 12 million workers, contributes more than $1.6 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, is the largest driver of economic growth in the nation and accounts for the lion's share of private sector research and development. The NAM's world-class staff of policy experts provides unmatched access and information on the key issues affecting your business and your bottom-line. We are on the front lines of a wide range of policy battles, from health care reform and labor relations to energy and the environment to trade policy and taxes. At every turn, we are working on behalf of manufacturers in America to advance policies that help manufacturers do what they do best: create economic strength and jobs. The mission of the NAM is to be the voice for all manufacturing in the United States. To inform legislators, the Administration, the media, policy influencers and the public about manufacturing's vital leadership in innovation, job opportunity, technological progress and economic security.NSG-national Geodetic Survey: The Mission of NOAA's National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is "to define, maintain and provide access to the National Spatial Reference System to meet our nation's economic, social, and environmental needs. "NGS provides the framework for all positioning activities in the Nation. The foundational elements - latitude, longitude, elevation and shoreline information - contribute to informed decision making and impact a wide range of important activities including mapping and charting, flood risk determination, transportation, land use and ecosystem management. NGS' authoritative spatial data, models and tools are vital for the protection and management of natural and manmade resources and support the economic prosperity and environmental health of the Nation.OPCW-Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons: The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is the implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC or Convention). The OPCW is given the mandate to achieve the object and purpose of the Convention, to ensure the implementation of its provisions, including those for international verification of compliance with it, and to provide a forum for consultation and cooperation among States Parties.PCA-Permanent Court of Arbitration: The PCA is an intergovernmental organization with over one hundred member states. Established in 1899 to facilitate arbitration and other forms of dispute resolution between states, the PCA has developed into a modern, multi-faceted arbitral institution that is now perfectly situated at the juncture between public and private international law to meet the rapidly evolving dispute resolution needs of the international community. Today the PCA provides services for the resolution of disputes involving various combinations of states, state entities, intergovernmental organizations, and private parties.SACU-Southern African Customs Union: The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) consists of Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland. The SACU Secretariat is located in Windhoek, Namibia. SACU was established in 1910, making it the world's oldest Customs Union. Its aim is to maintain the free interchange of goods between member countries. It provides for a common external tariff and a common excise tariff to this common customs area. All customs and excise collected in the common customs area are paid into South Africa' national Revenue Fund. The Revenue is shared among members according to a revenue-sharing formula as described in the agreement. South Africa is the custodian of this pool. Only the BLNS Member States' shares are calculated with South Africa receiving the residual. SACU revenue constitutes a substantial share of the state revenue of the BLNS countries.SADC-South African Development Community: The Southern African Development Community (SADC) started as Frontline States whose objective was political liberation of Southern Africa. SADC was preceded by the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC), which was formed in Lusaka, Zambia on April 01, 1980 with the adoption of the Lusaka Declaration (Southern Africa: Towards Economic Liberation). The SADC Mission is to promote sustainable and equitable economic growth and socio-economic development through efficient productive systems, deeper co-operation and integration, good governance, and durable peace and security, so that the region emerges as a competitive and effective player in international relations and the world economy.UN-United Nations: The United Nations Organization (UNO) or simply the United Nations (UN) is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace. The UN was founded in 1945 after World War II to replace the League of Nations, to stop wars between countries, and to provide a platform for dialogue. It contains multiple subsidiary organizations to carry out its missions.UNAMID-African Union/United Nations Hybrid operation in Darfur: is a joint African Union and United Nations peacekeeping mission formally approved by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1769 on July 31, 2007,to bring stability to the war-torn Darfur region of Sudan while peace talks on a final settlement continue. UNAMID has the protection of civilians as its core mandate, but is also tasked with contributing to security for humanitarian assistance, monitoring and verifying implementation of agreements, assisting an inclusive political process, contributing to the promotion of human rights and the rule of law, and monitoring and reporting on the situation along the borders with Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR).UNCTAD-United Nations Conference on Trade and Development: Established in 1964, UNCTAD promotes the development-friendly integration of developing countries into the world economy. UNCTAD has progressively evolved into an authoritative knowledge-based institution whose work aims to help shape current policy debates and thinking on development, with a particular focus on ensuring that domestic policies and international action are mutually supportive in bringing about sustainable development.UNESCO-United Nations Educational: is a specialized agency of the United Nations established on 16 November 1945. Its stated purpose is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education, science, and culture in order to further universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and the human rights along with fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the UN Charter. It is the heir of the League of Nations' International Commission on Intellectual Cooperation. UNESCO implements its activities through the five program areas of Education, Natural Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, Culture, and Communication and Information.UNHCR-United Nations Refugee Agency: The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country. It also has a mandate to help stateless people.UNIDO-United Nations Industrial Development Organization: The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Its mandate is to promote and accelerate sustainable industrial development in developing countries and economies in transition, and work towards improving living conditions in the world's poorest countries by drawing on its combined global resources and expertise.UNITAR-United Nations Institute for Training and Research: The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is making concrete contributions to developing the capacities of tens of thousands of people around the world. Since its inception in 1965, UNITAR has built sustainable partnerships acquiring unique expertise and accumulating experience and knowledge to fulfill its mandate. These accomplishments have enabled UNITAR to respond to the growing demand from UN Member States for training for capacity development in the fields of Environment; Peace, Security and Diplomacy; and Governance. UNITAR has training expertise in multilateral diplomacy, international law and human rights, conflict prevention and peacemaking, peacekeeping, adaptation to climate change, environmental governance, chemicals and waste management, local governance, international migration, as well as public finance and trade. UNITAR also serves as a research centre for knowledge systems innovation (KSI) and application of satellite imagery to humanitarian, conflict or disaster situations, through UNOSAT, the Operational Satellite Applications Program.UPU-Universal Postal Union: The UPU was created in 1874, under the name "General Postal Union", as a result of the Treaty of Bern signed on 9 October 1874. In 1878, the name was changed to "Universal Postal Union". The UPU established that: There should be a more or less uniform flat rate to mail a letter anywhere in the world Postal authorities should give equal treatment to foreign and domestic mail Each country should retain all money it had collected for international postage.WCO-World Customs Organization: The World Customs Organization (WCO) is the only intergovernmental organization exclusively focused on Customs matters. With its worldwide membership, the WCO is now recognized as the voice of the global Customs community. It is particularly noted for its work in areas covering the development of global standards, the simplification and harmonization of Customs procedures, trade supply chain security, the facilitation of international trade, the enhancement of Customs enforcement and compliance activities, anti-counterfeiting and piracy initiatives, public-private partnerships, integrity promotion, and sustainable global Customs capacity building programs. The WCO also maintains the international Harmonized System goods nomenclature, and administers the technical aspects of the WTO Agreements on Customs Valuation and Rules of Origin.WFTU-World Federation of Trade Unions: the basic tasks of the WFTU were formulated in the charter adopted in 1945: organizing and uniting the trade unions of the whole world without distinction as to race, nationality, religion, or political convictions; aiding the workers of socially and economically underdeveloped countries in organizing trade unions; fighting for the final elimination of all fascist forms of government, as well as any manifestations of fascism; fighting against war and its causes; defending the interests of the working people throughout the world in all international bodies; organizing the common struggle of trade unions of all countries against any encroachment on the economic and social rights of working people and on economic freedom; fighting to ensure jobs for working people, to increase wages steadily, shorten the working day, and improve the working and living conditions of the working masses; fighting for complete social security of workers, covering unemployment, illness, accidents, and old age; and organizing educational work among the members of trade unions concerning issues of the international unity of the working masses.WHO-World Health Organization: WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.WIPO-World Intellectual Property Organization: The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It is dedicated to developing a balanced and accessible international intellectual property (IP) system, which rewards creativity, stimulates innovation and contributes to economic development while safeguarding the public interest.WMO-World Meteorological Organization, The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It is the UN system's authoritative voice on the state and behavior of the Earth's atmosphere, its interaction with the oceans, the climate it produces and the resulting distribution of water resources.
