officially republic country region situated crossroads southwest asia southeastern europe bounded sea east russia north georgia northwest armenia west iran south bounded armenia north east iran south west having short border turkey north west democratic republic proclaimed independence country incorporated soviet_union soviet socialist republic modern republic proclaimed independence august official dissolution ussr september disputed armenian majority region affirmed willingness create separate state republic region seven adjacent districts outside facto independent ending war regions internationally recognized final solution status found negotiations facilitated semi presidential republic country member state council europe nato partnership peace program independent states active member council community diplomatic relations countries holds membership international organizations founding members guam commonwealth independent states organization prohibition chemical weapons member united_nations elected membership newly established human rights council united_nations general_assembly term office began june member state non aligned movement holds observer status world trade organization correspondent international union constitution declare official religion major political forces country majority people opposition movements adhere islam high level human development ranks par eastern european countries high rate economic development literacy low rate unemployment corruption widespread especially public service ruling party new party accused human rights abuses etymology according modern etymology derives persian empire later reinstated media alexander great original etymology thought roots dominant religion hymn guardian angels mention literally translates worship holy ruled region present iranian greek old iranian probably median compounded meaning protected holy fire land holy fire greek mentioned span evolved middle iranian new persian present day armenia country called archaic form ultimately comes word guardian fire treasury treasurer fire land fire modern persian changed following arab conquest 7th century arabic lacked letters arabic speakers modified spelling history antiquity earliest evidence human settlement territory dates late stone age related culture cave upper late bronze age cultures attested caves early settlements included 9th century following iranian came dominate area south forged vast empire integrated empire area conquered leading spread later alexander great empire successor empire period spread original inhabitants northeastern ruled area 4th century established independent kingdom came cultural influence 4th 3rd centuries following overthrow empire southwestern modern kingdom armenia ruled dynasty years western half modern including included kingdom greater armenia ruled armenia branch eponymous dynasty partition kingdom armenia persia byzantium provinces mixed population passed albania feudal era persian turned albania vassal state king officially adopted christianity state religion 4th century despite rule albania remained entity region 9th century fully subordinate persia retained monarchy half 7th century islamic repulsed byzantines region turned albania vassal state christian resistance led king suppressed albania came nominal muslim rule muslim conquest persia territory advent muslim conquest power vacuum left decline filled numerous local beginning 11th century territory gradually seized waves tribes central asia established entered area known pre population lived territory modern republic spoke european languages armenian iranian language called old language gradually replaced language early precursor language today distinguish language iranian language designated language old language language people designated persian language designated iranian republic like spoken remnant locally possessions subsequent empire ruled technically facto rulers turks local poets gave rise persian literature territory present day ruling state short lived fell conquests local dynasty vassal state empire assisted war ruler golden following death independent rival states emerged returned maintaining high degree autonomy local rulers conquest persecution iranian dynasty imposed islam population territories modern day iran battling ottoman_empire combination series events laid foundation fact contemporary republic iran majority countries despite efforts ottomans briefly managed occupy present day twice centuries briefly managed russians early 18th century consequences russo persian war despite brief iran neighboring rivals land remained intermittent iranian rule earliest advent course 19th century modern era area ruled iranian briefly forced russian_empire course 19th century self ruling forms independence emerged area especially following collapse dynasty early era self ruling subjects iranian king exercised control affairs international trade routes central asia west late 18th century imperial russia changed aggressive political stance neighbors rivals south iran turkey following chain events started georgia iran russia actively contest battle possession region hands iran successful russian campaigns later stages russo persian war concluded treaty claims dismissed russia ground facto independent long russian occupation following iran loss war forced alongside georgia russian_empire treaty area north river territory contemporary republic iranian territory occupied russia course 19th century treaty finalised russo persian war iran forced recognize russian sovereignty remainder comprising parts soil contemporary republic iranian hands incorporation territories iran russia new border set river soviet_union subsequently border iran republic iran forced territories russia 19th century included territory modern day republic result ethnic group parted nations iran furthermore number ethnic iran far neighbouring collapse russian_empire world war armenia georgia short lived democratic republic followed march days took place march april city adjacent areas russian_empire republic dissolved declared independence democratic republic modern parliamentary republic muslim world important accomplishments parliament extension suffrage women making muslim nation grant women equal political rights men important accomplishment establishment state university modern type university founded muslim east march obvious soviet russia attack needed said invasion justified soviet russia survive oil independent lasted months 11th soviet red army invaded establishing april bulk newly formed army engaged putting armenian revolt broken surrender brief independence quickly easily soldiers died resisting effectively russian october soviet russia armenia georgia signed agreement turkey known treaty previously independent autonomous treaty hand armenia awarded region turkey agreed return known world war played crucial role strategic energy policy soviet_union soviet_union oil eastern supplied decree supreme soviet ussr february commitment workers employees oil industry awarded orders medals operation carried german targeted importance energy petroleum ussr fifth fought second world war approximately people women went total population million time people killed named heroes soviet_union major general twice awarded hero soviet_union republic era following politics initiated civil unrest ethnic strife grew regions soviet_union including autonomous region disturbances response moscow indifference heated conflict resulted calls independence culminated black january later supreme council dropped words soviet socialist title adopted declaration sovereignty republic restored flag democratic republic state flag october supreme council adopted declaration independence affirmed nationwide referendum december soviet_union officially ceased exist december early years independence overshadowed war ethnic armenian majority backed armenia end hostilities controlled percent territory including war atrocities committed including massacre furthermore estimated people killed million people displaced united_nations security council resolutions demand immediate withdrawal armenian forces occupied territories russians left 1990s according census ethnic russians elected president overthrown military insurrection led colonel resulted rise power leader soviet time prime minister attempted military coup arrested charged treason year later coup attempted time commander special unit coup resulting killing disbanding units time country rampant corruption governing bureaucracy october reelected second term despite improved economy particularly oil field gas field presidency criticized suspected vote fraud corruption son assumed new party office presidency father died reelected term president october launched crackdown opposition elements november prominent opponents trial riots months earlier chairman opposition republican alternative real deputy chairman new equality party addition islamic theologian sentenced years imprisonment opposition newspaper closed men sentenced life prison charges plotting attacks conspiracy iran geography south region western asia eastern_europe lies latitudes total length land borders kilometers armenia kilometers iran kilometers georgia kilometers russia kilometers turkey coastline stretches length widest area section sea territory extends north south west east physical features dominate sea shoreline forms natural boundary east greater mountain range north extensive country center mountain ranges greater lesser mountains covering approximately percent country highest peak mount lowest point lies sea nearly half mud earth concentrated nominees nature main water sources surface waters rivers greater length rivers drain sea east country largest lake longest river main islands sea combined area thirty square kilometers independence government taken drastic measures preserve environment national protection environment started truly improve state budget increased new revenues provided pipeline years protected areas doubled percent country territory government set seven large reserves doubled sector budget environmental protection landscape home vast variety landscapes half land mass consists mountain ridges rise levels meters including middle lower places meters meters rest terrain consist plains marks region vary meters sea shoreline meters peak formation climate influenced particularly cold arctic air masses scandinavian anticyclone temperate anticyclone central asian anticyclone diverse landscape affects ways air masses enter country greater protects country direct influences cold air masses coming north leads formation subtropical climate foothills plains country plains foothills characterized high solar radiation rates existing climate zones present absolute minimum temperature absolute maximum temperature observed maximum annual precipitation falls minimum rivers lakes form principal water systems formed long geological changed significantly period particularly evidenced remnants ancient rivers found country country water systems continually changing influence natural forces human introduced industrial activities artificial rivers canals ponds water systems terms water supply average world approximately cubic metres cubic feet year water square kilometer big water built basically belongs sea basin rivers lengths rivers kilometers long popular rivers run lowland rivers directly flow sea originate mainly north eastern slope major mountains run translated burning mountain natural gas fire continuously peninsula sea near known land fire flames jet air thin sandstone layer tourist attraction visitors area biodiversity reports diversity animal life found travel notes eastern travelers animal carvings architectural monuments ancient rocks stones survived present times information animal kingdom collected visits 17th century unlike fauna concept animal kingdom covers types animals number individual species species mammals species fish species birds species amphibians species reptiles recorded classified national animal horse mountain racing riding horse endemic horse reputation good temper speed intelligence oldest breeds ancestry dating ancient world today horse endangered species flora consists species higher plants unique climate flora richer number species flora south percent species growing found politics structural formation political system completed adoption new constitution november according article constitution state symbols republic flag coat arms national anthem state power limited law internal issues international affairs additionally limited provisions international agreements government based separation powers legislative executive judicial branches legislative power held national assembly supreme national assembly autonomous republic parliamentary elections held years sunday november party loyal ruling government currently hold parliament seats parliamentary election opposition parties popular party failed win single seat european observers found numerous irregularities run election election day executive power held president elected year term direct elections prime minister president authorized form cabinet collective executive body president national assembly cabinet consists primarily prime minister deputies ministers president right dissolve national assembly right veto decisions presidential veto parliament majority votes judicial power constitutional court supreme_court economic court president judges courts security council body president according constitution established april administrative department president office manages financial technical activities president office held elections regaining independence formal institutions democracy remains classified free border partly free freedom house recent years large numbers journalists lawyers human rights activists rounded jailed criticism president government authorities resolution adopted european parliament september described having suffered greatest decline democratic governance past years noting dialogue country human rights substantial progress harshly criticized foreign officials diplomats promoting causes abroad elections home practice termed diplomacy foreign relations short lived democratic republic succeeded establishing diplomatic relations countries sending diplomatic representatives germany finland process international recognition independence collapsing soviet_union lasted roughly year recent country recognize november diplomatic relations including mutual exchanges missions established turkey pakistan united_states iran israel placed particular emphasis special relationship turkey diplomatic relations countries far holds membership international organizations holds observer status non aligned movement world trade organization correspondent international union elected membership newly established human rights council united_nations general_assembly term office began june foreign policy priorities include restoration territorial integrity elimination consequences loss seven regions integration european euro atlantic structure contribution international security cooperation international organizations regional cooperation relations strengthening defense capability promotion security domestic policy means strengthening democracy preservation ethnic religious tolerance scientific educational cultural policy preservation moral values economic social development enhancing internal border security migration energy transportation security policy government late stated long standing dispute armenian occupied territory certain spark new war remains unresolved government process increasing military budget furthermore attack military armenian villages caused physical damage raised controversy future peaceful relations neighbor armenia active member international fighting international terrorism country contributing efforts afghanistan iraq active member nato partnership peace program maintains good relations european_union potentially day apply membership administrative divisions divided economic regions singular cities singular direct authority republic includes autonomous republic president governors units government elected approved parliament autonomous republic note cities direct authority republic military history modern army dates democratic republic national army newly formed democratic republic created june gained independence dissolution soviet_union armed forces republic created according law armed forces october original date establishment short lived national army celebrated army day june today active personnel armed forces paramilitary troops armed forces branches land forces air forces navy additionally armed forces embrace military sub groups involved state defense needed internal troops ministry internal affairs state border service includes coast guard national_guard paramilitary force operates semi independent entity special state protection service agency subordinate president treaty conventional armed forces europe signed major international arms weapons treaties closely nato programs partnership peace individual partnership action plan deployed forces iraq afghanistan defense budget set billion addition billion planned needs defense industry bring total military spending billion president said june defence spending reached billion year defense budget billion defense industry small arms artillery systems tanks devices aviation bombs vehicles military vehicles military planes helicopters economy gaining independence member international monetary fund world bank european bank reconstruction development islamic development bank asian development bank banking system consists central bank commercial banks non banking credit organizations national central bank created based state savings bank affiliate state savings bank ussr central bank serves central bank empowered issue national currency supervise commercial banks major commercial banks state owned international bank run pushed spending demand growth inflation rate reached nominal monthly wages climbed respectively figure price increases non oil industry encouraged inflation country shows signs called dutch disease fast growing energy sector causes inflation makes non energy exports expensive early years century high inflation brought control led launch new currency new january cement acquisition economic reforms unstable economy cited world bank business report led world reformer improvements seven regulatory reform started operating stop shop january time cost number procedures start business business increased months eliminated minimum loan doubling number covered credit registry file forms pay taxes online extensive reforms moved far ranks overall ease business ranked 57th global report countries increased fold relative level energy thirds rich oil natural gas region lesser accounts country gold silver iron copper complex ore september year contract signed state oil company republic oil companies western oil companies able tap untouched soviet exploitation considered important spots world oil exploration development state oil fund established extra budgetary fund ensure stability transparency management oil revenue resources future generations sub company intends ensure country agriculture largest agricultural basin region percent agricultural lands beginning hectares utilized agricultural area year total wood resources counted million agricultural scientific research focused meadows subtropical crops green vegetables wine making cotton growing medicinal plants lands profitable grow grain potatoes sugar cotton tobacco livestock dairy products wine spirits important farm products fishing industry concentrated stocks merchant marine ships portions products previously imported abroad begun produced locally ltd beer oil pipes pipe coating tourism tourism important economy country known tourist spot 1980s fall soviet_union war 1990s damaged tourist industry image tourist destination 2000s tourism industry began recover country experienced high rate growth number tourist visits overnight stays recent years popular destination religious spa health care tourism winter mountain resort offers skiing state art facilities government set development elite tourist destination priority national strategy tourism major single largest contributor economy activities regulated ministry culture tourism transportation convenient location major international traffic silk road south north corridor highlights strategic importance transportation sector country economy transport sector country includes roads railways aviation maritime transport important economic hub transportation raw materials pipeline operational extends kilometers territories georgia turkey designed transport million tons crude oil annually carries oil sea global markets south pipeline stretching territory georgia turkey operational end offers additional gas supplies european market gas field expected produce billion cubic meters natural gas year plays major role sponsored silk road project government established ministry transport broad range policy regulatory functions year country member vienna convention road traffic highest priority upgrading transport network transforming transportation services key comparative advantages country highly development sectors economy construction railway expected provide transportation asia europe connecting railways china east turkey european railway system west broad gauge railways stretched electrified railways numbered airports science technology 21st century new oil gas boom helped improve situation science technology sectors government launched campaign aimed modernization innovation government estimates profits information technology communication industry grow comparable oil production large steadily growing internet sector global financial crisis rapid growth forecast years country making progress developing sector ministry communications information technologies operator role policy maker public pay phones available local calls require purchase token telephone exchange shops allow indefinite duration main telephone lines internet users providers mobile mobile network operators 21st century number prominent scientists inspired fundamental works designed hundreds earthquake prediction stations earthquake resistant buildings constitute bulk republican center seismic service national agency launched satellite orbit february space centre french positions east satellite cover europe significant asian countries africa transmission radio broadcasting internet launch satellite orbit action realizing prospective projects turn country space industry demographics total population people july nearly urban population remaining rural population total population female sex ratio total population year males female population growth rate compared worldwide significant factor restricting population growth high level migration saw migration people found countries turn centers ethnic minorities inside including german cultural society slavic cultural center israeli community cultural center international association national center community society etc ethnic composition population according population census live break away region russians turks jews iranian far largest minority iran number ethnic iran furthermore far neighboring cia world estimates iranian comprising iran population total cities smaller class cities special legal status city followed urban type settlements villages language official language spoken approximately population mother tongue belongs language family russian english play significant roles second languages education communication dozen languages spoken country armenian georgian spoken minorities language communities small numbers decreasing armenian exclusively spoken break away region religion population muslims muslims muslims muslims republic second highest population percentage iran practised country ethnic groups article constitution secular state ensures religious freedom poll respondents stated religion important daily lives nation religious minorities christians estimated russian georgian orthodox armenian live break away region roman catholics christian denominations include small ethnic protestant community ancient jewish population year history jewish organizations estimate jews remain home members hare krishna witnesses communities adherents religious communities religious communities unofficially restricted religious freedom state department report matter mentions detention members certain muslim christian groups groups difficulty registering education relatively high percentage obtained form higher education notably scientific technical subjects soviet era literacy average education levels rose dramatically low starting point despite changes standard alphabet arabic script latin 1920s roman 1930s according soviet data percent males females ages according united_nations development program report literacy rate percent independence laws parliament passed soviet_union adopt modified latin alphabet replace system undergone little structural change initial alterations included religious education banned soviet period curriculum changes use language eliminated ideological content addition elementary schools education institutions include thousands general secondary schools schools including specialized secondary schools technical schools education eighth grade compulsory culture culture developed result influences today national traditions preserved country despite western influences including consumer culture main elements culture music literature folk dances art cuisine architecture cinematography derived traditional celebration new year ancient persian religion family holiday folk consists representative society nations ethnic groups living areas country national traditional dresses radio broadcasts russian armenian georgian languages financed state budget local radio stations organize broadcasts newspapers published russian languages jewish society publishes newspaper music folk dances music builds folk traditions reach nearly thousand years centuries music evolved badge producing diverse melodies music mode system major minor scales great importance national musical instruments string instruments percussion instruments wind instruments according grove dictionary music musicians terms ethnicity culture religion musically closer iran turkey art musical traditions usually suite poetry instrumental performing singers transform emotions singing music contrast traditions central asian countries free form rigid compared improvised field jazz proclaimed tradition masterpiece oral heritage humanity november kind traditional distinctive folk song usually performed people particular subject combines poetry storytelling dance vocal instrumental music traditional performance art stands symbol culture mystic traveling sings plays tradition origin beliefs ancient peoples songs semi improvised common bases art included list cultural heritage september mid-1960s western influenced pop music forms growing popularity genres rock hip hop alternative music genres encouraged pop folk music arose international popularity performers like muslim enthusiastic participant song contest debut appearance song contest country entry gained place fifth following year won place song contest song running scared host contest missed grand final dozens folk dances performed formal celebrations dancers wear national clothes like preserved national dances dances fast rhythm national dance shows characteristics nation literature medieval authors born territorial limits modern republic persian poet philosopher called place birth author composed romantic poems including treasure mysteries earliest known figure literature composed consisting persian persian pen composed classical literature formed 14th century based dialect early middle ages poets period pen end 14th century period starting literary activity greatest mystical poets late 14th early 15th centuries prominent early masters literary history composed poetry persian arabic styles developed poets pen book consists manuscripts copied 16th century written earlier 15th century collection stories reflecting oral tradition 16th century poet produced timeless philosophical lyrical arabic persian immensely fine literary traditions environment building legacy predecessors destined leading literary figure society major works include century literature flourished development poetic genre period pen arabic wrote verses later published unique literary style known introduced period developed later son successor span 17th 18th centuries unique genres poetry taken prominent poets writers turks celebrate epic blind man son legendary folk hero documented versions epic remain institute manuscripts national academy sciences modern literature based dialect mainly iran based newspaper published mid-19th century taught schools taught university saint_petersburg russia folk art rich distinctive culture major decorative applied art form art represented wide range chasing metal carving wood stone bone carpet making pattern weaving printing types decorative art evidence nation favor interesting facts pertaining development arts crafts reported numerous merchants travelers diplomats visited places different times carpet traditional textile sizes dense texture pile pile surface patterns characteristic carpet making regions november carpet proclaimed masterpiece heritage ancient times known center large variety crafts dig territory developed agriculture stock raising metal working pottery carpet weaving date far 2nd millennium sites uncovered pipeline revealed early iron age artifacts categorized large groups multitude scientific research carpet connected prominent scientist artist classification related large groups geographical zones cuisine traditional cuisine famous abundance vegetables dishes fresh herbs including mint green popular accompany main dishes table climatic diversity fertility land reflected national dishes based fish sea local meat mainly beef abundance seasonal vegetables rice flagship food black tea national use traditional pear shaped glass strong tea culture popular traditional dishes include lamb soup exists regional varieties addition different vegetables fried turnover filling meat sort filled ground meat flavor architecture architecture typically combines elements east west ancient architectural treasures maiden tower palace walled city survive modern entries submitted world heritage tentative list include national park national park mud volcano stage mountain shore defensive constructions national reserve national reserve palace architectural treasures castle number bridges spanning river 19th early 20th centuries little monumental architecture created distinctive residences built recent architectural monuments noted lavish task modern architecture diverse application modern aesthetics search architect artistic style inclusion existing cultural environment major projects cultural center flame towers crystal hall white city tower transformed country skyline promotes contemporary identity visual art art includes oldest art objects world discovered territory dated 1st 4th centuries carved rock paintings images deer goats dogs snakes birds fantastic beings people carriages symbols found rocks norwegian convinced people area went scandinavia took boat building skills viking boats northern europe centuries art gone stylistic changes painting traditionally characterized warmth colour light exemplified works religious figures cultural motifs painting enjoyed hundreds years ottoman periods soviet baroque periods saw fruition notable artists fall periods include cinema film industry dates fact countries involved cinematography surprising apparatus soon showed start 20th century bay town producing percent world supply oil like today oil industry attracted foreigners eager invest work democratic republic documentary celebration anniversary independence filmed independence day premiered june theatres soviet power established chairman revolutionary committee signed decree cinema influenced creation animation gained independence soviet_union international film festival east west held december president signed decree proclaiming august professional holiday filmmakers today filmmakers dealing issues similar faced prior establishment soviet_union choice content sponsorship films largely left initiative filmmaker media media freedom state owned television channels public channel private channels television space region print broadcast media wholly control ruling family eventually friendly ownership backed law hosts national stations public service broadcaster state run channels regional stations radio channels daily newspapers opposition media manages work perpetual brink survival human rights constitution claims guarantee freedom speech denied practice years decline press media freedom media environment deteriorated fast governmental campaign silence opposition criticism country led committee ministers council europe november legal charges violence journalists remained norm foreign broadcasts banned country according freedom house freedom press report press freedom status free ranks countries bbc radio free europe radio liberty voice america banned years journalists killed prosecuted trials described unfair international human rights organizations biggest number journalists imprisoned europe central asia according committee protect journalists 5th censored country world ahead iran china report amnesty international researcher october points severe deterioration human rights past years sadly allowed away unprecedented levels repression process civil society amnesty annual report country stated persecution political dissent continued human rights organizations remained unable resume work prisoners conscience remained detention end year independent journalists activists persisted country abroad family members faced harassment arrests international human rights monitors barred expelled country reports torture ill treatment persisted sports sport ancient roots traditional modern sports practiced freestyle wrestling traditionally regarded national sport won fourteen medals including joining national olympic committee currently popular sports include football chess football popular sport association football registered players largest sporting association country national football team demonstrates relatively low performance international arena compared nation football clubs successful football clubs inter team advance group stage european competition beating cyprus aggregate play round league second club advancing group stage league popular sport national team reached fourth place championship domestic club clinched bronze medals cup cup main sponsor spanish football club madrid partnership club describes promote image world traditional world chess having hosted international chess tournaments competitions european team chess championship winners notable chess players country chess schools great impact game world includes world chess champion country home chess category event highest rated tournaments time plays major role culture game popular widely played local public different variations developed analyzed experts leading countries world women super league strongest women leagues world women national team came fourth european championship years clubs like achieved great success european cups players include likes formula race track country hosted formula grand prix june known athletes wrestling boxing olympic fighter hosted major sport competitions decade including world championship women world cup world boxing championships european wrestling championships rhythmic european championships european championships december selected host european games held competition history important annual sporting events held country cup tour cycling race


officially republic country southeast africa known bordered northwest northeast east south west country separated lake km2 estimated population july est capital largest city second largest comes old people inhabit area country nicknamed warm heart africa smallest countries africa lake takes area area africa known settled migrating groups 10th century centuries later area british known united_kingdom semi independent federation federation dissolved ended independent country queen elizabeth_ii new years later republic gaining independence party state presidency hastings remained president lost election peter current president democratic multi party government small military force includes army navy air wing foreign policy pro western includes positive diplomatic relations countries participation international organisations including united_nations commonwealth nations southern african development community world developed countries economy heavily based agriculture largely rural population government depends heavily outside aid meet development needs need aid offered decreased government faces challenges building expanding economy improving education health care environmental protection financially independent developed programs focus issues country outlook appears improving rise economy education healthcare seen low life high infant mortality high prevalence hiv aids drain labour force government expenditures diverse population native peoples europeans languages spoken array religious beliefs periodic regional conflict ethnic divisions past diminished considerably concept emerged history area africa known small population hunter waves speaking peoples began north 10th century peoples continued south remained permanently founded ethnic groups based common ancestry tribes established kingdom reached north river lake river soon area united native ruler native began encountering trading making alliances portuguese traders members military empire broken areas controlled individual ethnic groups noted portuguese information gathering arab slave trade reached height mid- 1800s approximately people enslaved considered carried yearly sold missionary explorer david reached lake lake identified highlands south lake area suitable european settlement result visit anglican presbyterian missions established area 1860s 1870s african lakes company limited established set trade transport concern working closely missions small mission trading settlement established british consul took residence portuguese government interested area prevent portuguese occupation british government sent harry british consul instructions treaties local rulers portuguese jurisdiction british proclaimed highlands extended include present day british central africa renamed retained remainder time british rule prime example called thin white line colonial authority africa colonial government formed administrators given budget nominal value year employ european civilians military officers seventy eighty employees expected administer police territory square kilometres million people african congress formed promote local interests british government britain linked northern southern federation called central african federation mainly political reasons federation semi independent linking provoked opposition african nationalists gained popular support influential opponent hastings european trained doctor working persuaded return assist nationalist cause elected president worked nationalist sentiment jailed colonial authorities released asked help draft new constitution clause granting majority colony legislative council congress party gained majority legislative council elections prime minister federation dissolved july independent british rule renamed new constitution republic president new document formally party state legal party declared president life years presided authoritarian regime ensured suffer armed conflict parties like freedom movement socialist league existed founded exile despite political severity economy president cited example poor heavily populated mineral poor country achieve progress agriculture industrial development office control country constructed business empire eventually produced country employed wage earning workforce money earned developing building boarding school called academy africa words want boys girls leave homes families away education reason school pressure increased political freedom agreed referendum populace voted multi party democracy late presidential council formed life presidency abolished new constitution place effectively ending rule multi party elections held defeated secretary general cabinet minister elected remained president elected political environment described challenging multi party system exists parliamentary presidential elections held fourth time president successfully elected despite charges election fraud rival president seen increasingly dismissive human rights july protests high costs living foreign relations poor governance lack foreign exchange reserves erupted protests left people dead suffering gunshot wounds april died heart attack presidential title taken vice president lost elections coming replaced peter brother elected president government politics democratic multi party government currently leadership peter defeated president elections despite alleged poll rigging current constitution place branches government consist executive legislative judicial executive includes president chief state head government second vice presidents cabinet president elected years vice president chosen president second vice president appointed president chosen different party members cabinet appointed president inside outside legislature legislative branch consists national assembly members elected years constitution provides senate seats exist practice created senate provide representation traditional leaders variety geographic districts special interest groups including disabled youth women currently political parties democratic progressive party acting ruling party congress party united democratic acting main opposition parties national assembly suffrage universal years age central government budget billion independent judicial branch based english model consists supreme_court appeal high_court divided sections general constitutional commercial industrial relations court courts divided grades includes child justice courts judicial system changed times gained independence conventional courts traditional courts varying combinations varying degrees success corruption composed regions northern central southern regions divided districts approximately traditional authorities administrative local government administered central government appointed regional administrators district commissioners time multi party era local elections took place november party winning available seats scheduled second round mandated local elections cancelled government february president split united democratic began party democratic progressive party attracted reform minded officials parties won elections country president implemented reforms address country major corruption problem senior party members facing criminal charges ranked 7th countries sub africa index african governance index measures provide comprehensive view governance african countries country governance score higher continental average lower regional average southern africa highest scores safety rule law lowest scores sustainable economic opportunity ranking 47th continent educational opportunities governance score improved held recent elections challenger peter defeating incumbent president administrative divisions divided districts regions foreign relations president hastings established pro western foreign policy continued early included good diplomatic relationships western countries transition party state multi party democracy strengthened ties united_states significant numbers students travel schooling active branches peace corps centers disease control prevention department health human services agency international development maintained close relations south_africa era strained relationships african countries following collapse diplomatic relationships maintained african countries relationship strained partially disputes use river inter country electrical grid established diplomatic ties china chinese investment country continued increase despite concerns treatment workers chinese companies competition chinese business local companies relations united_kingdom damaged document released british ambassador criticised president expelled ambassador july announced budgetary aid lack response criticisms government economic july united_states followed suit freezing million grant citing concerns government suppression intimidation civic groups restriction press police violence seen haven refugees african countries including refugees placed strain economy drawn significant aid countries donors include united_states canada germany iceland japan netherlands norway sweden ireland flanders belgium international institutions world bank international monetary fund european_union african development bank organisations member international organisations including commonwealth child agencies world bank african union world health organization tends view economic political stability southern africa necessity advocates peaceful solutions negotiation country southern africa receive training african crisis response initiative human rights international observers noted issues human rights areas excessive force seen police forces security forces able act mob violence occasionally seen prison conditions continued harsh life threatening government seen effort prosecute security forces excessive force legal issues included limits free speech freedom press lengthy arbitrary arrests societal issues found included violence women human trafficking child labour corruption government seen major issue despite anti corruption bureau attempts reduce appears successful finding low level corruption higher level officials appear able act corruption security forces issue highest rates child marriage world raised legal age marriage issues raised lack adequate legal protection women sexual abuse harassment high maternal mortality rate abuse related accusations homosexuality illegal recent case couple perceived homosexual faced extensive jail time convicted convicted pair sentenced maximum years hard labour pardoned weeks later following intervention united_nations secretary general ban moon president pledged repeal laws homosexuality geography country southeastern africa bordered northwest northeast south southwest southeast lies latitudes great rift valley runs country north south east valley lies lake called lake making quarters eastern boundary lake called calendar lake miles long miles wide river flows south end lake joins river miles farther south surface lake located feet sea level maximum depth feet means lake feet sea level points mountainous sections surrounding rift valley rise generally feet sea level rise high feet north south lake lie highlands gently rolling land approximately feet sea level area mountain peaks rise respective heights feet capital commercial centre population people sites listed world heritage list lake national park listed rock art area listed climate hot low lying areas south country temperate northern highlands altitude climate november april temperature warm rains thunderstorms storms reaching peak severity late march march rainfall rapidly september wet float highlands rainfall months economy world developed countries population live rural areas economy based agriculture export revenues come past economy dependent substantial economic aid world bank international monetary fund countries ranked investment destination world march country risk rankings december stopped aid corruption concerns individual donors followed suit resulting drop development budget recipient million aid government faces challenges developing market economy improving environmental protection dealing rapidly growing hiv aids problem improving education system satisfying foreign donors working financially independent improved financial discipline seen leadership president financial minister discipline shown purchase private presidential jet followed immediately nationwide fuel shortage officially blamed logistical problems likely hard currency shortage caused jet purchase overall cost economy healthcare system unknown addition setbacks experienced lost ability pay imports general shortage foreign exchange investment fell investment barriers government failed address including high service costs poor infrastructure power water telecommunications estimated purchasing power billion capita inflation estimated agriculture accounts industry services remaining lowest capita world economic growth estimated strong growth predicted international monetary fund poverty rate decreasing work government supporting organizations people living poverty line decreasing percentage ultra poor decreasing analysts believe economic progress depends ability control population growth january southern devastated worst floods living memory people floods affected million people country including displaced according people killed estimated hectares washed away agriculture industry main agricultural products include tobacco cotton tea corn potatoes cattle goats main industries tobacco tea sugar processing products cement consumer goods industrial production growth rate estimated country makes significant use natural gas import export electricity import petroleum production country beginning country began mixing petrol produced country plants reduce dependence imported fuel began testing cars ran solely initial results promising country continuing increase use exports estimated million goods year country heavy reliance tobacco places heavy burden economy world prices decline international community increases pressure limit tobacco production dependence tobacco growing product jumping export revenues country relies heavily tea sugar coffee plus tobacco making export revenue rise costs decline sales prices encouraging farmers away tobacco profitable crops including india possible alternative arguments bring crime country resemblance varieties recreational drug difficulty distinguishing types concern especially important cultivation known gold drug increased significantly known growing best finest world recreational drug use according recent world bank report cultivation sales crop contribute corruption police force exported goods cotton wood products main destination locations country exports south_africa germany egypt united_states russia netherlands currently imports estimated billion goods year main food petroleum products consumer goods transportation equipment main countries imports south_africa india china response low agricultural began program subsidies designed land boost crop production reported program championed country president radically improving agriculture causing net food nearby countries infrastructure airports paved country kilometres railways narrow gauge miles roadways kilometres paved kilometres kilometres waterways lake river million cell phones internet users internet hosts government run radio station approximately dozen owned private enterprise station government owned past telecommunications system named africa conditions improving land line connected accessible urban areas quarter land lines rural areas demographics population million growth rate according estimates population forecast grow million people nearly estimated million population native ethnic groups populations europeans official language english major languages include language spoken population native languages spoken southeast country spoken people southeast spoken northwestern tip spoken spoken northern spoken southern spoken north religion majority christian country significant muslim minority exact figures disputed limited data widely varying estimates religious affiliation country according religion project run university pennsylvania approximately population identify christians muslim slightly dated cia statistics indicate population christian muslim largest christian groups roman_catholic_church church central africa presbyterian biggest protestant million members smaller presbyterian denominations like reformed presbyterian church evangelical presbyterian church smaller numbers witnesses seventh day muslim population groups muslims religious groups country include jews population number include people practice traditional african religions health central hospitals regional private facilities public sector offers free health services non government organisations offers services fees private doctors offer fee based services health insurance schemes established country manufacturing industry consisting privately owned companies healthcare goal promoting health preventing reducing disease reducing occurrence premature death population infant mortality rates high life birth years high adult prevalence rate hiv aids estimated adults population living disease approximately deaths year hiv aids approximately new people infected day hospital beds occupied hiv aids patients high rate infection resulted estimated farm labor force dying disease government spends year civil servants die disease international superstar madonna started raising foundation helps aids financed documentary hardships experienced called raising works millennium villages project improve education health care infrastructure agriculture high degree risk major infectious diseases including fever malaria plague making progress decreasing child mortality reducing hiv aids malaria diseases country performing reducing maternal mortality promoting gender equality female widespread practiced local communities education primary education compulsory constitution requires people entitled years primary education free primary education children established government increased attendance rates rates higher girls boys attributed security problems long travel school girls face higher prevalence gender based violence attendance rates children improving enrollment rates primary schools increased number students begin standard complete standard increased attendance secondary school falls approximately attendance rates slightly higher males youth literacy increased moving increase primarily attributed improved learning materials schools better infrastructure feeding programs implemented school system education comprises years primary education years secondary school years university public universities university agriculture natural resources university university science technology private universities like catholic university etc entry requirements credits school certificate education certificate equivalent levels research centre partnership university luke international establish fully dedicated research centre new research facility contribute improve health social outcomes communities enhancing quality research education healthcare military maintains small standing military approximately men defence force consists army navy air_force elements army originated british colonial units formed independence rifle regiments parachute regiment air_force established german help operates small number transport aircraft multi purpose helicopters navy vessels operating lake based monkey bay culture comes people emigrated southern reaching northern lake group divided group moving south west bank lake group known group ancestors today moved east lake southern section ethnic conflict continuing migration prevented formation society uniquely dawn 20th century past century ethnic diminished point significant inter ethnic friction regional divisions occur concept begun form predominantly rural people generally conservative traditionally flag equal horizontal stripes black red green red rising sun superimposed center black stripe black stripe represented african people red represented blood african freedom green represented green nature rising sun represented dawn freedom hope africa flag changed removing red rising sun adding white sun center symbol economic progress change reverted dances strong culture national dance troupe cultural troupe formed november government traditional music dances seen initiation rites rituals marriage ceremonies celebrations soccer common sport introduced british colonial rule basketball growing popularity indigenous ethnic groups rich tradition mask carving goods traditional ceremonies performed native peoples wood carving oil painting popular urban centres items produced sold tourists internationally recognised literary figures including poet jack history fiction writer paul authors frank david cuisine diverse tea fish popular features country cuisine sugar coffee corn potatoes cattle goats important components cuisine economy lake source fish including similar similar similar salmon food staple ground corn served dishes meat vegetable eaten lunch dinner