Legal issue:
Near Location:
Use my location
Distance:

LIST VIEW

Featured

Address:
Telephone:
Website:
Rating:
NEW YORK NY Child Support And Custody Lawyers - Top Rating Local Lawyers, Law Firms with review, ratings and information on radius map in NEW YORK NY, USA - LookforAttorney.com/us
Legal issue:
Near Location:
Use my location
Distance:

LIST VIEW

Featured

Address:
Telephone:
Website:
Rating:
RALEIGH NC Workers Compensation Lawyers - Top Rating Local Lawyers, Law Firms with review, ratings and information on radius map in RALEIGH NC, USA - LookforAttorney.com/us
Legal issue:
Near Location:
Use my location
Distance:

LIST VIEW

Featured

Address:
Telephone:
Website:
Rating:
Zone Planning And Land Use Law - Legal Information and Resources

Zone Planning And Land Use

Zoning and land use planning are governed by both federal and states laws, depending on who has jurisdiction over the subject property. Zoning refers to the local government's permit for specific uses of certain lands. Parcels of land can be designated as commercial, residential, or special. Mixed residential-commercial areas are areas where commerce and residences are grouped together, while special areas are areas allocated for sports complexes, areas, and malls. Land can also be designated as agricultural or industrial. In addition, zoning is also used to designate the types of buildings that can be erected in a certain area. With respect to the construction of buildings and houses, local governments has different requirements.

Zoning laws vary from state to state but the goal is the same -- to separate incompatible property uses. This means that industrial areas are designated certain distance from residential areas to minimize any untowardly incidents that typically happen in industrial zones. In addition, zoning laws are also sensitive as to the needs of the citizens, providing different access roads for industrial trucks and family cars. Zoning is an inherent power of the state, which is why there are numerous legal issues arising from this power. States, in order to provide the basic services needed for its citizens, routinely tramp over the property rights of individuals or private entities. In addition, one of the complaints of citizens with respect to zoning would be social and economic segregation through exclusion. Moreover, there are complaints with respect to taxes as municipalities are able to artificially maintain high housing costs.

One of the most common legal disputes with respect to zone planning and land use would be disputes between neighbors with respect the right to build. It is not uncommon for prospective property buyers to consider the "view" from the property as an essential factor in deciding whether to purchase such property. The "view" increases the value of the property, which is why properties with views are purchased easily. This view, however, can be obstructed because of another person's right to build. All persons are granted the right to build, for as long as the building requirements are complied with. But this right often interferes with another's person privilege. In the suits arising from a neighbor's right to build, it is best to contact an expert land use attorney as there may be intricacies accompanying this dispute that cannot be seen at plain sight by an ordinary property buyer.

Another common legal dispute with respect to zone planning and land use is property easements. There are numerous ways that another person may encroach upon the property of another person without being detected. Often, the property at issue may be a small portion of the property but the cost of litigating the issue may not be commensurate as to the value of the encroached property. The laws provides for various remedies to property owners whose land has been eased upon, with some of the remedies not requiring expensive litigation. It is thus best for property owners to seek the help of a counsel to determine which remedy to pursue in order to avoid costly litigation.

Areas of Law

LookForAttorney.com | Country Guide of Mali
LookForAttorney.com | Country Guide of Paraguay

Country Guide

Paraguay Facts

Geography People and Society Government Economy Communications Transportation Military Transnational Issues

Geography

Location:
Central South America, northeast of Argentina, southwest of Brazil


Geographic coordinates:
23 00 S, 58 00 W


Map references:
South America


Area:
total:406,752 sq kmcountry comparison to the world: 60
land:397,302 sq km
water:9,450 sq km


Area - comparative:
slightly smaller than California


Land boundaries:
total:3,995 km
border countries:Argentina 1,880 km, Bolivia 750 km, Brazil 1,365 km


Coastline:
0 km (landlocked)


Maritime claims:
lowest point:junction of Rio Paraguay and Rio Parana 46 m
highest point:Cerro Pero 842 m


Natural resources:
hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone


    Land use:
arable land:9.59%
permanent crops:0.22%
other:90.19% (2011)


Irrigated land:
670 sq km (2003)


Total renewable water resources:
336 cu km (2011)


Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
336 cu km (2011)

Natural hazards:
local flooding in southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)


Environment - current issues:
deforestation; water pollution; inadequate means for waste disposal pose health risks for many urban residents; loss of wetlands


Environment - international agreements:
party to:Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified:none of the selected agreements


Geography - note:
landlocked; lies between Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil; population concentrated in southern part of country

People and Society

Nationality:
noun: Paraguayan(s)
adjective:Paraguayan


Ethnic groups:
mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian) 95%, other 5%


Languages:
Spanish (official), Guarani (official)


Religions:
Roman Catholic 89.6%, Protestant 6.2%, other Christian 1.1%, other or unspecified 1.9%, none 1.1% (2002 census)


Demographic profile:
Paraguay falls below the Latin American average in several socioeconomic categories, including immunization rates, potable water, sanitation, and secondary school enrollment, and has greater rates of income inequality and child and maternal mortality. Paraguay's poverty rate has declined in recent years but remains high, especially in rural areas, with more than a third of the population below the poverty line. However, the well-being of the poor in many regions has improved in terms of housing quality and access to clean water, telephone service, and electricity. The fertility rate continues to drop, declining sharply from an average 4.3 births per woman in the late 1990s to about 2 in 2013, as a result of the greater educational attainment of women, increased use of contraception, and a desire for smaller families among young women.


Population:
6,703,860 (July 2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 105


Age structure:
0-14 years:26.2% (male 892,315/female 861,915)
15-24 years:20.5% (male 691,365/female 683,653)
25-54 years:39.5% (male 1,326,281/female 1,323,194)
55-64 years:7.2% (male 246,869/female 236,564)
65 years and over:6.4% (male 206,089/female 235,615) (2014 est.)


Dependency ratios:
total dependency ratio:60.5 %
youth dependency ratio:51.5 %
elderly dependency ratio:8.9 %
potential support ratio:11.2 (2014 est.)


Median age:
total:26.8 years
male:26.6 years
female:27 years (2014 est.)


Population growth rate:
1.19% (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 100


Birth rate:
16.66 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 118


Death rate:
4.64 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 199


Net migration rate:
-0.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 114


Urbanization:
urban population:61.9% of total population (2011)
rate of urbanization:2.55% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)


Major urban areas - population:
ASUNCION (capital) 2.139 million (2011)


Sex ratio:
at birth:1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years:1.04 male(s)/female
15-24 years:1.01 male(s)/female
25-54 years:1 male(s)/female
55-64 years:1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over:0.87 male(s)/female
total population:1.01 male(s)/female (2014 est.)


Mother's mean age at first birth:
22.9


Maternal mortality rate:
99 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)


Infant mortality rate:
total:20.75 deaths/1,000 live birthscountry comparison to the world: 86
male:24.39 deaths/1,000 live births
female:16.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)


    Life expectancy at birth:
total population:76.8 yearscountry comparison to the world: 72
male:74.16 years
female:79.56 years (2014 est.)


Total fertility rate:
1.96 children born/woman (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 131


Contraceptive prevalence rate:
79.4%


Health expenditures:
9.7% of GDP (2011)


Physicians density:
1.11 physicians/1,000 population (2002)


Hospital bed density:
1.3 beds/1,000 population (2011)


Drinking water source:
improved:
urban: 100% of population
rural: 83.4% of population
total: 93.8% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0% of population
rural: 16.6% of population
total: 6.2% of population (2012 est.)


Sanitation facility access:
improved:
urban: 96.1% of population
rural: 52.5% of population
total: 79.7% of population
unimproved:
urban: 3.9% of population
rural: 47.5% of population
total: 20.3% of population (2012 est.)


HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
0.3% (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 86


HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
13,100 (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 96


HIV/AIDS - deaths:
300 (2012 est.)country comparison to the world: 104


Major infectious diseases:


Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
17.9% (2008)country comparison to the world: 110


Children under the age of 5 years underweight:
3.4% (2005)country comparison to the world: 104


Education expenditures:
4.8% of GDP (2011)country comparison to the world: 84

Literacy:
definition:age 15 and over can read and write
total population:93.9%
male:94.8%
female:92.9% (2010 est.)


School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total:13 years
male:12 years
female:13 years (2011)


Child labor - children ages 5-14:



Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
total:11.2%country comparison to the world: 104
male:9%
female:14.6% (2012)

Government

Country name:
conventional long form: Republic of Paraguay
conventional short form:Paraguay
local long form:Republica del Paraguay
local short form:Paraguay


Government type:
constitutional republic


Capital:
name:Asuncion
geographic coordinates:25 16 S, 57 40 W
time difference:UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time:+1hr, begins first Sunday in October; ends fourth Sunday in March


Administrative divisions:
17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital city*; Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Asuncion*, Boqueron, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Concepcion, Cordillera, Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Paraguari, Presidente Hayes, San Pedro


Independence:
14 May 1811 (from Spain)


National holiday:
Independence Day, 14 May 1811 (observed 15 May)


Constitution:
several previous; latest approved and promulgated 20 June 1992; amended 2011 (2011)


Legal system:
civil law system with influences from Argentine, Spanish, Roman, and French civil law models; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court of Justice


International law organization participation:
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction


Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal and compulsory until the age of 75


Executive branch:
chief of state:President Horacio CARTES (since 15 August 2013); Vice President Juan AFARA Maciel (since 15 August 2013); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government:President Horacio CARTES (since 15 August 2013); Vice President Juan AFARA Maciel (since 15 August 2013)
cabinet:Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections:president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held on 21 April 2013 (next to be held in April 2018)
election results:Horacio CARTES elected president; percent of vote - Horacio CARTES 45.8%, Efrain ALEGRE 36.94%, Mario FERREIRO 5.88%, Anibal CARRILLO 3.32%, other 8.06%


Legislative branch:
bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (45 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (80 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
elections:Chamber of Senators - last held on 21 April 2013 (next to be held in April 2018); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 21 April 2013 (next to be held in April 2018)
election results:Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - ANR 19, PLRA 12, FG 5, PDP 3, Avanza Pais 2, UNACE 2, PEN 1, PPQ 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - ANR 44, PLRA 27, Avanza Pais 2, PEN 2, UNACE 2, FG 1, PPQ 1, other 1


Judicial branch:
highest court(s):Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (consists of 9 justices divided 3 each into the Constitutional Court, Civil and Commercial Chamber, and Criminal Division
judge selection and term of office:justices proposed by the Council of Magistrates or Consejo de la Magistratura, a 6-member independent body, and appointed by the Chamber of Senators with presidential concurrence; judges appointed until mandatory retirement at age 75
subordinate courts:appellate courts; first instance courts; minor courts, including justices of the peace


    Political parties and leaders:
Asociacion Nacional Republicana - Colorado Party or ANR [Lilian SAMANIEGO]
Avanza Pais coalition [Adolfo FERREIRO]
Broad Front coalition (Frente Guasu) or FG [Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez]
Movimiento Union Nacional de Ciudadanos Eticos or UNACE [Jorge OVIEDO MATTO]
Patria Querida (Beloved Fatherland Party) or PPQ [Sebastian ACHA]
Partido del Movimiento al Socialismo or P-MAS [Camilo Ernesto SOARES Machado]
Partido Democratica Progresista or PDP [Desiree MASI]
Partido Encuentro Nacional or PEN [Fernando CAMACHO Paredes]
Partido Liberal Radical Autentico or PLRA [Miguel ABDON SAGUIER]
Partido Pais Solidario or PPS [Carlos Alberto FILIZZOLA Pallares]
Partido Popular Tekojoja [Sixto PEREIRA]


Political pressure groups and leaders:
Ahorristas Estafados or AE


International organization participation:
CAN (associate), CD, CELAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO


Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission:Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Francisco BARREIRO (since 31 October 2013)
chancery:2400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:[1] (202) 483-6960 through 6962
FAX:[1] (202) 234-4508
consulate(s) general:Los Angeles, Miami, New York


Diplomatic representation from the US:
embassy:1776 Avenida Mariscal Lopez, Casilla Postal 402, Asuncion
mailing address:Unit 4711, DPO AA 34036-0001
telephone:[595] (21) 213-715
FAX:[595] (21) 213-728


Flag description:
three equal, horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue with an emblem centered in the white band; unusual flag in that the emblem is different on each side; the obverse (hoist side at the left) bears the national coat of arms (a yellow five-pointed star within a green wreath capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles); the reverse (hoist side at the right) bears a circular seal of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap of Liberty and the words PAZ Y JUSTICIA (Peace and Justice)); red symbolizes bravery and patriotism, white represents integrity and peace, and blue denotes liberty and generosity


National symbol(s):
lion


National anthem:
name:'Paraguayos, Republica o muerte!' (Paraguayans, The Republic or Death!)

lyrics/music:Francisco Esteban ACUNA de Figueroa/disputed
note:adopted 1934, in use since 1846; the anthem was officially adopted following its re-arrangement in 1934

Economy

Economy - overview:
Landlocked Paraguay has a market economy distinguished by a large informal sector, featuring re-export of imported consumer goods to neighboring countries, as well as the activities of thousands of microenterprises and urban street vendors. A large percentage of the population, especially in rural areas, derives its living from agricultural activity, often on a subsistence basis. Because of the importance of the informal sector, accurate economic measures are difficult to obtain. On a per capita basis, real income has stagnated at 1980 levels. The economy grew rapidly between 2003 and 2008 as growing world demand for commodities combined with high prices and favorable weather to support Paraguay's commodity-based export expansion. Paraguay is the sixth largest soy producer in the world. Drought hit in 2008, reducing agricultural exports and slowing the economy even before the onset of the global recession. The economy fell 3.8% in 2009, as lower world demand and commodity prices caused exports to contract. The government reacted by introducing fiscal and monetary stimulus packages. Growth resumed at a 13% level in 2010, the highest in South America, but slowed in 2011-12 as the stimulus subsided and severe drought and outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease led to a drop in beef and other agricultural exports. The economy took another leap in 2013, largely due to strong export growth. Political uncertainty, corruption, limited progress on structural reform, and deficient infrastructure are the main obstacles to long-term growth.


GDP (purchasing power parity):
$45.9 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 100
$40.98 billion (2012 est.)
$41.49 billion (2011 est.)
note:data are in 2013 US dollars


GDP (official exchange rate):
$30.56 billion (2013 est.)


GDP - real growth rate:
12% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 4
-1.2% (2012 est.)
4.3% (2011 est.)


GDP - per capita (PPP):
$6,800 (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 143
$6,100 (2012 est.)
$6,300 (2011 est.)
note:data are in 2013 US dollars


GDP - composition, by end use:
household consumption:67.1%
government consumption:12.8%
investment in fixed capital:16.9%
investment in inventories:0.4%
exports of goods and services:52.1%
imports of goods and services:-49.4%
(2013 est.)


GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
agriculture:20.4%
industry:17.7%
services:61.9% (2013 est.)


Agriculture - products:
cotton, sugarcane, soybeans, corn, wheat, tobacco, cassava (manioc, tapioca), fruits, vegetables; beef, pork, eggs, milk; timber


Industries:
sugar, cement, textiles, beverages, wood products, steel, base metals, electric power


Industrial production growth rate:
5.6% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 47

Labor force:
3.19 million (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 102


Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture:26.5%
industry:18.5%
services:55% (2008)


Unemployment rate:
6.6% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 69
6.9% (2012 est.)


Population below poverty line:
34.7% (2010 est.)


Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%:1%
highest 10%:41.1% (2010 est.)


Distribution of family income - Gini index:
53.2 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 13
57.7 (1998)


    Budget:
revenues:$5.788 billion
expenditures:$6.287 billion (2013 est.)


Taxes and other revenues:
18.9% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 172

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
-1.6% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 74


Public debt:
15.7% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 142
14.7% of GDP (2012 est.)


Fiscal year:
calendar year


Inflation rate (consumer prices):
2.3% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 86
3.7% (2012 est.)


Central bank discount rate:
5.5% (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 61
6% (31 December 2011 est.)


Commercial bank prime lending rate:
28.9% (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 5
29.1% (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of narrow money:
$4.364 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 107
$4.135 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of broad money:
$8.215 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 111
$7.637 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of domestic credit:
$11 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 96
$9.747 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Market value of publicly traded shares:
$962.3 million (31 December 2012 est.)


Current account balance:
$1.376 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 46
$115.6 million (2012 est.)


Exports:
$14.7 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 81
$11.9 billion (2012 est.)


Exports - commodities:
soybeans, feed, cotton, meat, edible oils, wood, leather


Exports - partners:
Uruguay 17.7%, Brazil 16.4%, Argentina 15.6%, Russia 12% (2012)


Imports:
$12.37 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 93
$11.06 billion (2012 est.)


Imports - commodities:
road vehicles, consumer goods, tobacco, petroleum products, electrical machinery, tractors, chemicals, vehicle parts


Imports - partners:
Brazil 24.2%, China 19.5%, Argentina 18.3%, US 11.5% (2012)


Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$6.336 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 86
$4.994 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Debt - external:
$7.013 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 108
$5.985 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
$4.526 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 91
$4.145 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
$213.6 million (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 83
$213.6 million (31 December 2012 est.)


Exchange rates:
guarani (PYG) per US dollar -
4,315.1 (2013 est.)
4,424.9 (2012 est.)
4,735.5 (2010 est.)
4,965.4 (2009)
4,337.7 (2008)

Energy

Electricity - production:
53.53 billion kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 50


Electricity - consumption:
6.778 billion kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 101


Electricity - exports:
46.12 billion kWh (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 4


Electricity - imports:
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 184


Electricity - installed generating capacity:
8.816 million kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 61


Electricity - from fossil fuels:
0.1% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 208


Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 159


Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
99.9% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 3


Electricity - from other renewable sources:
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 110


Crude oil - production:
2,000 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 105


Crude oil - exports:
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 166


Crude oil - imports:
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 108


    Crude oil - proved reserves:
0 bbl (1 January 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 175


Refined petroleum products - production:
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 184


Refined petroleum products - consumption:
26,820 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 119


Refined petroleum products - exports:
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 207


Refined petroleum products - imports:
31,290 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 89


Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 180


Natural gas - consumption:
0 cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 185


Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 163


Natural gas - imports:
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 113


Natural gas - proved reserves:
0 cu m (1 January 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 182


Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
3.987 million Mt (2011 est.)

Communications

Telephones - main lines in use:
376,000 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 107


Telephones - mobile cellular:
6.79 million (2012)
country comparison to the world: 95


Telephone system:
general assessment:the fixed-line market is a state monopoly and fixed-line telephone service is meager; principal switching center is in Asuncion
domestic:deficiencies in provision of fixed-line service have resulted in a rapid expansion of mobile-cellular services fostered by competition among multiple providers
international:country code - 595; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2010)



    Broadcast media:
6 privately owned TV stations; about 75 commercial and community radio stations; 1 state-owned radio network (2010)


Internet country code:
.py


Internet hosts:
280,658 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 65


Internet users:
1.105 million (2009)
country comparison to the world: 94

Transportation

Airports
799 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 9


Airports - with paved runways
total:15
over 3,047 m:3
1,524 to 2,437 m:7
914 to 1,523 m:5 (2013)


Airports - with unpaved runways
total:784
1,524 to 2,437 m:23
914 to 1,523 m:290
under 914 m:
471 (2013)


Railways
total:36 kmcountry comparison to the world: 132
standard gauge:36 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)


    Roadways
total:32,059 kmcountry comparison to the world: 95
paved:4,860 km
unpaved:27,199 km (2010)


Waterways
3,100 km (primarily on the Paraguay and Paraná river systems) (2012)
country comparison to the world: 33


Merchant marine
total:19country comparison to the world: 96
by type:cargo 13, container 3, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 1, roll on/roll off 1
foreign-owned:6 (Argentina 5, Netherlands 1) (2010)



Ports and terminals
river port(s):Asuncion, Villeta, San Antonio, Encarnacion (Parana)

Military

Military branches
Armed Forces Command (Commando de las Fuerzas Militares): Army, National Navy (Armada Nacional, includes Marine Corps, Naval Aviation, and Coast Guard), Paraguayan Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Paraguay, FAP), Logistics Command, War Materiel Directorate (2012)


Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation is 12 months for Army, 24 months for Navy; volunteers for the Air Force must be younger than 22 years of age with a secondary school diploma (2012)


Manpower available for military service
males age 16-49:1,678,335
females age 16-49:1,675,352 (2010 est.)


Manpower fit for military service
males age 16-49:1,409,859
females age 16-49:1,433,037 (2010 est.)


    Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually
male:73,367
female:71,801 (2010 est.)


Military expenditures
1.66% of GDP (2012)
country comparison to the world: 54
1.16% of GDP (2011)
1.66% of GDP (2010)

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international
unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and illegal narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations


    Illicit drugs
major illicit producer of cannabis, most or all of which is consumed in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile; transshipment country for Andean cocaine headed for Brazil, other Southern Cone markets, and Europe; weak border controls, extensive corruption and money-laundering activity, especially in the Tri-Border Area; weak anti-money-laundering laws and enforcement
 Information/ Data by CIA - The World Factbook

Child Support And Custody Law - Legal Information and Resources

Child Support And Custody

Child custody is often an aftereffect of divorce and is often part andparcel of divorce law. Accordingly, the court which has jurisdictionover a divorce proceeding also has jurisdiction over child custody disputes. Child custody disputes, however, do not just arise whenmarried parents seek divorce. Child custody disputes also arise when(i) unmarried parents cannot agree as to who will take responsiblefor their minor child, (ii) a parent or a legal guardian is found tobe incapable of providing for and making decisions for the minorchild, or (iii) when the parent or both parents or legal guardian isdeceased. Child custody is also not just limited to biological oradoptive parents, but can also be awarded to family members, fosterparents or an institution.

In the case of married couples, under common statutory provisions,parents have joint guardianship over their minor child, their parental rights are equal, and, when they separate, parents retaintheir equal right to the custody of the child. In all cases of childcustody, the courts' foremost consideration is the child's "bestinterests." This means, courts must take into consideration, foremost, the child's wishes, the parents' wishes, the child's relationship with the parents, guardian, or siblings, and the child's education, welfare, and health.

State laws generally govern child custody cases. The general rule is that child custody should be awarded to a parent rather than a non-parent.The presumption of law in child custody differs from one state to another, however, most states presume that both parents should have joint custody over their minor child.

There are different types of custody that the courts can choose from. In the case of married parents, while divorce or separation proceedings are ongoing, the court may grant temporary custody to an individual. Following divorce proceedings, the court may grant joint custody where both parents enjoy equal rights in rearing their minor child if the court finds that both parents are capable of responsibly providing for the child.

The court may also grant exclusive custody to one parent and grant theother parent non-custodial rights. In exclusive custody, the non-custodial parent may be awarded supervision rights and visitation rights. Seeking exclusive custody of a child is common in divorce proceedings. The parent suing for exclusive child custody must overthrow the presumption that joint custody is in the best interest of the child. In cases where the marriage produced multiple children,courts can award each parent custody to a particular child in accordance with the best interests of the specific child. In instances where both parents are unfit, or when both parents are deceased, the court may award custody to a grandparent or a closerelative.

One of the issues that would arise in child custody cases is when the custodial parent seeks to deny the non-custodial parent visitation rights or when the non-custodial parent, having been denied ofvisitation rights, attempts to violate the court's decree.

Determining who has custody over a child will involve complex andemotionally-draining litigation. Child custody cases, in streetspeak, are often referred to as "battles," and battles the yare. Expert child custody attorneys help parents and guardians protect their rights and that of their child's and win the battle the least heartbreaking way.

Areas of Law

LookForAttorney.com | Country Guide of Iceland

Country Guide

Iceland Facts

Geography People and Society Government Economy Communications Transportation Military Transnational Issues

Geography

Location:
Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the United Kingdom


Geographic coordinates:
65 00 N, 18 00 W


Map references:
Europe


Area:
total:103,000 sq kmcountry comparison to the world: 108
land:100,250 sq km
water:2,750 sq km


Area - comparative:
slightly smaller than Kentucky


Land boundaries:
territorial sea:12 nm
exclusive economic zone:200 nm
continental shelf:200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin


Climate:
temperate; moderated by North Atlantic Current; mild, windy winters; damp, cool summers


Terrain:
mostly plateau interspersed with mountain peaks, icefields; coast deeply indented by bays and fiords


Elevation extremes:
lowest point:Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point:Hvannadalshnukur 2,110 m (at Vatnajokull glacier)


    Natural resources:
fish, hydropower, geothermal power, diatomite


Land use:
arable land:1.19%
permanent crops:0%
other:98.81% (2011)


Irrigated land:
NA


Total renewable water resources:
170 cu km (2011)


Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
170 cu km (2011)

Natural hazards:
earthquakes and volcanic activity


Environment - current issues:
water pollution from fertilizer runoff; inadequate wastewater treatment


Environment - international agreements:
party to:Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Transboundary Air Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified:Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation


Geography - note:
strategic location between Greenland and Europe; westernmost European country; Reykjavik is the northernmost national capital in the world; more land covered by glaciers than in all of continental Europe

People and Society

Nationality:
noun: Icelander(s)
adjective:Icelandic


Ethnic groups:
homogeneous mixture of descendants of Norse and Celts 94%, population of foreign origin 6%


Languages:
Icelandic, English, Nordic languages, German widely spoken


Religions:
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland (official) 76.2%, Roman Catholic 3.4%, Reykjavik Free Church 2.9%, Hafnarfjorour Free Church 1.9%, The Independent Congregation 1%, other religions 3.6% (includes Pentecostal and Asatru Association), none 5.2%, other or unspecified 5.9% (2013 est.)


Population:
317,351 (July 2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 180


Age structure:
0-14 years:19.7% (male 31,660/female 30,720)
15-24 years:14.5% (male 23,116/female 22,742)
25-54 years:40.7% (male 65,218/female 64,102)
55-64 years:11.6% (male 18,644/female 18,225)
65 years and over:13.2% (male 19,754/female 23,170) (2014 est.)


Dependency ratios:
total dependency ratio:50.9 %
youth dependency ratio:31.1 %
elderly dependency ratio:19.7 %
potential support ratio:5.1 (2014 est.)


Median age:
total:36.4 years
male:35.9 years
female:36.9 years (2014 est.)


Population growth rate:
0.65% (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 149


Birth rate:
13.09 births/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 153


Death rate:
7.13 deaths/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 126


Net migration rate:
0.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 69


Urbanization:
urban population:93.7% of total population (2011)
rate of urbanization:1.27% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)


Major urban areas - population:
REYKJAVIK (capital) 206,000 (2011)


Sex ratio:
at birth:1.04 male(s)/female
0-14 years:1.03 male(s)/female
15-24 years:1.02 male(s)/female
25-54 years:1.02 male(s)/female
55-64 years:1 male(s)/female
65 years and over:0.85 male(s)/female
total population:1 male(s)/female (2014 est.)


Mother's mean age at first birth:
27 (2011 est.)


Maternal mortality rate:
5 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)


Infant mortality rate:
total:3.15 deaths/1,000 live birthscountry comparison to the world: 215
male:3.3 deaths/1,000 live births
female:3 deaths/1,000 live births (2014 est.)


    Life expectancy at birth:
total population:81.22 yearscountry comparison to the world: 20
male:78.98 years
female:83.54 years (2014 est.)


Total fertility rate:
1.88 children born/woman (2014 est.)country comparison to the world: 143


Health expenditures:
9.1% of GDP (2011)


Physicians density:
3.46 physicians/1,000 population (2011)


Hospital bed density:
5.8 beds/1,000 population (2007)


Drinking water source:
improved:
urban: 100% of population
rural: 100% of population
total: 100% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0% of population
rural: 0% of population
total: 0% of population (2012 est.)


Sanitation facility access:
improved:
urban: 100% of population
rural: 100% of population
total: 100% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0% of population
rural: 0% of population
total: 0% of population (2012 est.)


HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
0.3% (2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 85


HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
fewer than 1,000 (2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 147


HIV/AIDS - deaths:
fewer than 100 (2009 est.)country comparison to the world: 118


Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
23.2% (2008)country comparison to the world: 76


Education expenditures:
7.6% of GDP (2010)country comparison to the world: 14

Literacy:
definition:age 15 and over can read and write
total population:99%
male:99%
female:99% (2003 est.)


School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total:19 years
male:18 years
female:20 years (2011)


Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
total:13.6%country comparison to the world: 93
male:14.7%
female:12.4% (2012)

Government

Country name:
conventional long form: Republic of Iceland
conventional short form:Iceland
local long form:Lydveldid Island
local short form:Island


Government type:
constitutional republic


Capital:
name:Reykjavik
geographic coordinates:64 09 N, 21 57 W
time difference:UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)


Administrative divisions:
8 regions; Austurland, Hofudhborgarsvaedhi, Nordhurland Eystra, Nordhurland Vestra, Sudhurland, Sudhurnes, Vestfirdhir, Vesturland


Independence:
1 December 1918 (became a sovereign state under the Danish Crown); 17 June 1944 (from Denmark; birthday of Jon SIGURDSSON leader of Iceland's 19th Century independence movement)


National holiday:
Independence Day, 17 June (1944)


Constitution:
several previous; latest ratified 16 June 1944, effective 17 June 1944 (at independence); amended many times, last in 2013; note - a new constitution drafted in 2012 in the aftermath of the country's banking collapse was voted down in April 2013 by the recently elected parliament, though several amendments were passed (2013)


Legal system:
civil law system influenced by the Danish model


International law organization participation:
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction


Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal


Executive branch:
chief of state:President Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON (since 1 August 1996)
head of government:Prime Minister Sigmundur David GUNNLAUGSSON (since 23 May 2013)
cabinet:Cabinet appointed by the prime minister
elections:president is elected by popular vote for a four-year term (no term limits); election last held on 30 June 2012 (next to be held in June 2016); note - following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually the prime minister
election results:Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON elected president; percent of vote - Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON 52.8%, Thora ARNORSDOTTIR 33.2%, Ari Trausti GUDMUNDSSON 8.6%, other 5.4%


Legislative branch:
unicameral Althingi (parliament) (63 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections:last held on 27 April 2013 (next to be held in 2017)
election results:percent of vote by party - SDA 30.16%, IP 25.4%, LGM 17.46%, PP 14.29%, Bright Future 3.18%, Dawn 3.18%, Rainbow 3.18%, Pirate Party 1.59%, Solidarity 1.59%; seats by party - SDA 19, IP 16, LGM 11, PP 9, Bright Future 2, Dawn 2, Rainbow 2, Pirate Party 1, Solidarity 1


Judicial branch:
highest court(s):Supreme Court or Haestirettur (consists of 9 judges)
judge selection and term of office:judges proposed by Ministry of Interior selection committee and appointed by the president; judges appointed for an indefinite period
subordinate courts:8 district courts; Labor Court


    Political parties and leaders:
Bright Future (Bjort Framtid) or BF [Gudmundur STEINGRIMSSON]
Dawn (Dogun) [Benedikt SIGURDARSON]
Independence Party (Sjalfstaedisflokkurinn) or IP [Bjarni BENEDIKTSSON]
Left-Green Movement (Vinstrihreyfingin) or LGM [Katrin JAKOBSDOTTIR]
Pirate Party [Birgitta JONSDOTTIR]
Progressive Party (Framsoknarflokkurinn) or PP [Sigmundur David GUNNLAUGSSON]
Rainbow [Atli GISLASON] [Jon BJARNASON]
Social Democratic Alliance (Samfylkingin) or SDA [Arni Pall ARNASON]
Solidarity (Samstada) [Lilja MOSESDOTTIR]


International organization participation:
Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA, EU (candidate country), FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO


Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission:Ambassador Gudmundur A. STEFANSSON (since 12 October 2011)
chancery:House of Sweden, 2900 K Street NW #509, Washington, DC 20007
telephone:[1] (202) 265-6653
FAX:[1] (202) 265-6656
consulate(s) general:New York


Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission:Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Paul O'Friel (since 24 November 2013)
embassy:Laufasvegur 21, 101 Reykjavik
mailing address:US Department of State, 5640 Reykjavik Place, Washington, D.C. 20521-5640
telephone:[354] 595-22 00
FAX:[354] 562-9118


Flag description:
blue with a red cross outlined in white extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors represent three of the elements that make up the island: red is for the island's volcanic fires, white recalls the snow and ice fields of the island, and blue is for the surrounding ocean


National symbol(s):
gyrfalcon


National anthem:
name:'Lofsongur' (Song of Praise)

lyrics/music:Matthias JOCHUMSSON/Sveinbjorn SVEINBJORNSSON
note:adopted 1944; the anthem, also known as 'O, Gud vors lands' (O, God of Our Land), was originally written and performed in 1874

Economy

Economy - overview:
Iceland's Scandinavian-type social-market economy combines a capitalist structure and free-market principles with an extensive welfare system. Prior to the 2008 crisis, Iceland had achieved high growth, low unemployment, and a remarkably even distribution of income. The economy depends heavily on the fishing industry, which provides 40% of export earnings, more than 12% of GDP, and employs nearly 5% of the work force. It remains sensitive to declining fish stocks as well as to fluctuations in world prices for its main exports: fish and fish products, aluminum, and ferrosilicon. Iceland's economy has been diversifying into manufacturing and service industries in the last decade, particularly within the fields of software production, biotechnology, and tourism. In fall 2013, the Icelandic government approved a joint application by Icelandic, Chinese and Norwegian energy firms to conduct oil exploration off Iceland’s northeast coast. Abundant geothermal and hydropower sources have attracted substantial foreign investment in the aluminum sector, boosted economic growth, and sparked some interest from high-tech firms looking to establish data centers using cheap green energy, although the financial crisis has put several investment projects on hold. Much of Iceland's economic growth in recent years came as the result of a boom in domestic demand following the rapid expansion of the country's financial sector. Domestic banks expanded aggressively in foreign markets, and consumers and businesses borrowed heavily in foreign currencies, following the privatization of the banking sector in the early 2000s. Worsening global financial conditions throughout 2008 resulted in a sharp depreciation of the krona vis-a-vis other major currencies. The foreign exposure of Icelandic banks, whose loans and other assets totaled more than 10 times the country's GDP, became unsustainable. Iceland's three largest banks collapsed in late 2008. The country secured over $10 billion in loans from the IMF and other countries to stabilize its currency and financial sector, and to back government guarantees for foreign deposits in Icelandic banks. GDP fell 6.8% in 2009, and unemployment peaked at 9.4% in February 2009. Since the collapse of Iceland's financial sector, government economic priorities have included: stabilizing the krona, implementing capital controls, reducing Iceland's high budget deficit, containing inflation, addressing high household debt, restructuring the financial sector, and diversifying the economy. Three new banks were established to take over the domestic assets of the collapsed banks. Two of them have foreign majority ownership, while the State holds a majority of the shares of the third. Iceland began making payments to the UK, the Netherlands, and other claimants in late 2011 following Iceland's Supreme Court ruling that upheld 2008 emergency legislation that gives priority to depositors for compensation from failed Icelandic banks. Iceland owes British and Dutch authorities approximately $5.5 billion for compensating British and Dutch citizens who lost deposits in Icesave when parent bank Landsbanki failed in 2008. Iceland began accession negotiations with the EU in July 2010, but decided in mid-2013 to suspend negotiations with the EU because of concern about losing control over fishing resources and worries over the ongoing Eurozone crisis.


GDP (purchasing power parity):
$13.11 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 150
$12.87 billion (2012 est.)
$12.66 billion (2011 est.)
note:data are in 2013 US dollars


GDP (official exchange rate):
$14.59 billion (2013 est.)


GDP - real growth rate:
1.9% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 148
1.6% (2012 est.)
2.9% (2011 est.)


GDP - per capita (PPP):
$40,700 (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 27
$40,300 (2012 est.)
$39,800 (2011 est.)
note:data are in 2013 US dollars


Gross national saving:
15.4% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 107
9.3% of GDP (2012 est.)
8.1% of GDP (2011 est.)


GDP - composition, by end use:
household consumption:53.3%
government consumption:24.9%
investment in fixed capital:13.8%
investment in inventories:2%
exports of goods and services:56.4%
imports of goods and services:-50.4%
(2013 est.)


GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
agriculture:5.9%
industry:22.9%
services:71.2% (2013 est.)


Agriculture - products:
potatoes, green vegetables; mutton, chicken, pork, beef, dairy products; fish


Industries:
fish processing; aluminum smelting, ferrosilicon production; geothermal power, hydropower, tourism


Industrial production growth rate:
-1% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 178

Labor force:
181,100 (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 175


Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture:4.8%
industry:22.2%
services:73% (2008)


    Unemployment rate:
4.5% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 42
5.8% (2012 est.)


Population below poverty line:
NA%


Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%:NA%
highest 10%:NA%


Distribution of family income - Gini index:
28 (2006)
country comparison to the world: 126
25 (2005)


Budget:
revenues:$6.231 billion
expenditures:$6.448 billion (2013 est.)


Taxes and other revenues:
42.7% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 27

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
-1.5% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 71


Public debt:
130.5% of GDP (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 5
131.8% of GDP (2012 est.)


Fiscal year:
calendar year


Inflation rate (consumer prices):
3.9% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 133
$NA (2012 est.)


Central bank discount rate:
5.4% (31 January 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 62
5.75% (31 December 2010 est.)


Commercial bank prime lending rate:
9.3% (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 108
8.33% (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of narrow money:
$3.876 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 108
$3.562 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of broad money:
$7.152 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 115
$7.006 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Stock of domestic credit:
$19.35 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 81
$18.96 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Market value of publicly traded shares:
$2.825 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Current account balance:
-$100 million (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 75
-$740 million (2012 est.)


Exports:
$5.2 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 113
$5.06 billion (2012 est.)


Exports - commodities:
fish and fish products 40%, aluminum, animal products, ferrosilicon, diatomite


Exports - partners:
Netherlands 30%, Germany 12.9%, UK 9.8%, Norway 5.1%, US 4.5%, France 4.4% (2012)


Imports:
$4.526 billion (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 136
$4.441 billion (2012 est.)


Imports - commodities:
machinery and equipment, petroleum products, foodstuffs, textiles


Imports - partners:
Norway 16.6%, US 10.2%, Germany 9.2%, China 7.2%, Brazil 6.7%, Netherlands 6%, Denmark 5.7%, UK 4.6% (2012)


Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:
$5.604 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 90
$4.192 billion (31 December 2012 est.)


Debt - external:
$102 billion (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 47
$110.8 billion (31 December 2011 est.)


Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
$NA
$9.2 billion (31 December 2008)


Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:
$NA
$8.8 billion (31 December 2008)


Exchange rates:
Icelandic kronur (ISK) per US dollar -
123.7 (2013 est.)
125.08 (2012 est.)
122.24 (2010 est.)
123.64 (2009)
85.619 (2008)

Energy

Electricity - production:
17.08 billion kWh (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 79


Electricity - consumption:
16.23 billion kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 76


Electricity - exports:
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 149


Electricity - imports:
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 156


Electricity - installed generating capacity:
2.579 million kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 96


Electricity - from fossil fuels:
4.7% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 199


Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 107


Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
73% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 19


Electricity - from other renewable sources:
22.3% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 7


Crude oil - production:
0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 181


Crude oil - exports:
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 129


Crude oil - imports:
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 201


    Crude oil - proved reserves:
0 bbl (1 January 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 146


Refined petroleum products - production:
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 157


Refined petroleum products - consumption:
20,770 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 126


Refined petroleum products - exports:
1,420 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 103


Refined petroleum products - imports:
14,160 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 123


Natural gas - production:
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 145


Natural gas - consumption:
0 cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 158


Natural gas - exports:
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 118


Natural gas - imports:
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 206


Natural gas - proved reserves:
0 cu m (1 January 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 151


Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
3.809 million Mt (2011 est.)

Communications

Telephones - main lines in use:
189,000 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 128


Telephones - mobile cellular:
346,000 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 173


Telephone system:
general assessment:telecommunications infrastructure is modern and fully digitized, with satellite-earth stations, fiber-optic cables, and an extensive broadband network
domestic:liberalization of the telecommunications sector beginning in the late 1990s has led to increased competition especially in the mobile services segment of the market
international:country code - 354; the CANTAT-3 and FARICE-1 submarine cable systems provide connectivity to Canada, the Faroe Islands, UK, Denmark, and Germany; a planned new section of the Hibernia-Atlantic submarine cable will provide additional connectivity to Canada, US, and Ireland; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Iceland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden) (2011)



    Broadcast media:
state-owned public TV broadcaster operates 1 TV channel nationally; several privately owned TV stations broadcast nationally and roughly another half-dozen operate locally; about one-half the households utilize multi-channel cable or satellite TV services; state-owned public radio broadcaster operates 2 national networks and 4 regional stations; 2 privately owned radio stations operate nationally and another 15 provide more limited coverage (2007)


Internet country code:
.is


Internet hosts:
369,969 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 56


Internet users:
301,600 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 129

Transportation

Airports
96 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 59


Airports - with paved runways
total:7
over 3,047 m:1
1,524 to 2,437 m:3
914 to 1,523 m:3 (2013)


Airports - with unpaved runways
total:89
1,524 to 2,437 m:3
914 to 1,523 m:26
under 914 m:
60 (2013)


Roadways
total:12,890 kmcountry comparison to the world: 126
paved/oiled gravel:4,782 km (does not include urban roads)
unpaved:8,108 km (2012)


    Merchant marine
total:2country comparison to the world: 144
by type:passenger/cargo 2
registered in other countries:19 (Antigua and Barbuda 10, Belize 1, Faroe Islands 4, Finland 1, Gibraltar 1, Norway 2) (2010)



Ports and terminals
major seaport(s):Grundartangi, Hafnarfjordur, Reykjavik

Military

Military branches
no regular military forces; Icelandic National Police; Icelandic Coast Guard (2013)


Manpower available for military service
males age 16-49:75,337 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service
males age 16-49:62,781
females age 16-49:61,511 (2010 est.)


Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually
male:2,277
female:2,200 (2010 est.)


    Military expenditures
0.13% of GDP (2012)
country comparison to the world: 131
0.14% of GDP (2011)
0.13% of GDP (2010)


Military - note
Iceland has no standing military force; all US military forces in Iceland were withdrawn as of October 2006; defense of Iceland remains a NATO commitment and NATO maintains an air policing presence in Icelandic airspace; Iceland participates in international peacekeeping missions with the civilian-manned Icelandic Crisis Response Unit (ICRU) (2011)

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international
Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm; the European Free Trade Association Surveillance Authority filed a suit against Iceland, claiming the country violated the European Economic Area agreement in failing to pay minimum compensation to Icesave depositors


    Refugees and internally displaced persons
stateless persons:119 (2012)

 Information/ Data by CIA - The World Factbook