http://RealAdventures.com/vacations/185574_official-info-asia.htm Check out some of the recently updated travel & vacation listings on RealAdventures. Be inspired, go explore! en-us Sun, 29 Nov 2009 07:16:19 GMT Sun, 29 Nov 2009 07:16:19 GMT http://RealAdventures.com http://RealAdventures.com/vacations/185574_official-info-asia.htm 100 100 http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024080_Background-Notes-Indonesia http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024080_Background-Notes-Indonesia Official Info Indonesia Fri, 23 Apr 2004 00:04:00 U.S. Department Of State information for The Republic of Indonesia. -
U.S. Department Of State information for The Republic of Indonesia.



Details & Reservations: Background Notes Indonesia
RealAdventures | Indonesia Official Info

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024362_Travel-Warning-Indonesia http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024362_Travel-Warning-Indonesia Official Info Indonesia Fri, 23 Apr 2004 00:04:00 US State Department Travel Warning for Indonesia -
US State Department Travel Warning for Indonesia


November 1, 2000

The Department of State urges American citizens to defer nonessential travel to Indonesia and all travel to Aceh, Maluku, Papua and West Timor. Those who must travel to Indonesia, or who are resident there, should exercise extreme caution. Serious violence has broken out in the past year on most major islands. Events in the Middle East have increased the possibility of further violence.

Indonesia is experiencing a major political transition, and unrest and violence can erupt with little forewarning anywhere in the country. This has been complicated by a rise in antiAmerican rhetoric by some national political leaders and extremist groups. In addition, events in the Middle East have sparked tensions between Muslim and Christian communities in parts of Indonesia, increasing the possibility of further violence.

Due to the continuing threat of serious violence, all travel should be avoided to the regions of Aceh, Maluku and West Timor. Further, all travel by U.S. and other foreign government officials to Aceh, Papua and the Moluccas (provinces of North Maluku and Maluku) has been restricted by the Indonesian government because of security concerns. Private Americans should adhere to these same restrictions.


The cities of Jakarta and Medan, in addition to other locations, have been struck by a number of bombings in recent months. The Jakarta Stock Exchange, foreign diplomatic facilities and Indonesian government buildings have been targeted. The U.S. Embassy has had indications that this wave of bombings may continue and that U.S. interests may be targeted.


On occasion, the U.S. mission in Indonesia may have to suspend services to the public or close because of security concerns. In those situations, the Embassy will continue to be available by telephone to offer emergency services to American citizens.


Some foreign travelers in troubled areas of Indonesia have been subject to arbitrary arrest, detention and deportation and, on at least one occasion, false accusations of espionage. In the central Java city of Solo, groups opposed to U.S. policy have undertaken or threatened "sweeps," trying to identify American citizens and order them to depart the country. There also have been a number of acts of intimidation and violence directed at American companies and U.S. diplomatic facilities. Security officials have sometimes been unwilling or unable to intervene in instances of unrest.


The Abu Sayyaf terrorist group has been active throughout the islands in the extreme southwest Philippines, near Indonesia, and continues to hold an American citizen kidnapped in the Philippines. American citizens traveling to the border regions in Northern Kalimantan and North Sulawesi, in particular the smaller islands closer to the Philippines, are urged to review their security procedures.


American citizens resident or traveling in Indonesia are advised to exercise caution at all times, be alert to suspicious or unclaimed packages and vary times and routes and other aspects of personal daily routine and keep a low profile.


Details & Reservations: Travel Warning Indonesia
RealAdventures | Indonesia Official Info

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024363_Travel-Consideration-Indonesia http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024363_Travel-Consideration-Indonesia Official Info Indonesia Fri, 23 Apr 2004 00:04:00 US State Department Travel Considerations for Indonesia -
US State Department Travel Considerations for Indonesia



Details & Reservations: Travel Consideration Indonesia
RealAdventures | Indonesia Official Info

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024056_Background-Notes-India http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024056_Background-Notes-India Official Info India Thu, 08 Apr 2004 00:04:00 U.S. Department Of State information for The Republic Of India. -
U.S. Department Of State information for The Republic Of India.



Details & Reservations: Background Notes India
RealAdventures | India Official Info

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024360_Travel-Consideration-India http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024360_Travel-Consideration-India Official Info India Thu, 08 Apr 2004 00:04:00 US State Department Travel Considerations for India -
US State Department Travel Considerations for India



Details & Reservations: Travel Consideration India
RealAdventures | India Official Info

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024745_South-Korea-Consular-Information-Sheet http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024745_South-Korea-Consular-Information-Sheet Official Info South Korea Mon, 05 Aug 2002 00:08:00 US State Department's Counsular Information Sheet -
US State Department's Counsular Information Sheet


South Korea Consular Information Sheet
January 14, 2002

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION The Republic of Korea (South Korea or ROK) is a highly
developed, stable, democratic republic with powers shared between the
president and the legislature. It has a modern economy, and tourist
facilities are widely available. English is often not spoken outside the
main tourist and business centers. The Korean National Tourism Organization
(KNTO) has a useful web site in English at http//www.knto.or.kr, and it can
be reached in the United States by calling 18008687567. The KNTO also
operates a telephone information service in South Korea, which can be
reached by calling 7570086 in Seoul and tollfree at 0807572000 in the
rest of the country. The telephone service has English speakers and is
available 900 A.M. to 800 P.M. every day of the week.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS A passport is required. Visas are not required for
tourist or business stays up to thirty days. For longer stays and other
types of travel, visas must be obtained in advance. Changes of status from
one type of visa to another (from tourism to teaching, for example) are
normally not granted in South Korea. Individuals who stay in Korea longer
than the period authorized by Korean immigration are subject to fines and
may be required to pay the fines before departing the country. Individuals
who plan to stay longer than the period authorized must apply to Korean
immigration for an extension in advance.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, the Korean government
has initiated special procedures at entry/exit points. These include
requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the
child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having
such documentation on hand may facilitate entry/departure.

For further information on entry requirements, please contact the Embassy of
the Republic of Korea at 2320 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C.
20008, telephone (202) 9395660/63 or the Korean Embassy Internet home page
at http//www.mofat.go.kr/main/etop/html. South Korean consulates are also
located in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Guam, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles,
Miami, New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle. The Korean Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade has a web site with a directory of all Korean
diplomatic missions worldwide at http//www.mofat.go.kr/en_missions.htm.

While activeduty U.S. military personnel may enter South Korea under the
Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with proper Department of Defense (DOD)
identification and travel orders, every SOFA family member, civilian
employee and contractor must have a valid passport and, in some cases, a
SOFA visa to enter Korea. Active duty military personnel should obtain a
tourist passport prior to leaving the United States to accommodate offduty
travel elsewhere in Asia. DOD travelers should consult the DOD Foreign
Clearance Guide before leaving the United States.

South Korea's new Incheon International Airport is about one to two hours
drive, depending on traffic, from the Seoul city center. There are no
subways or railways connecting the Incheon International Airport to Seoul,
but buses and taxis are available. American citizens must pay an airport
departure tax, either $12 (US) or Korean won 15,000, when leaving South
Korea.

DUAL NATIONALITY The Government of the Republic of Korea does not permit
dual citizenship after an individual reaches the age of 21. Americans of
Korean descent who hold dual citizenship under South Korean law and work or
study in South Korea are usually compelled to choose one or the other
nationality soon after reaching 20 years of age. In addition, South Korean
citizen men age 18 and over are subject to compulsory military service. The
Government of the Republic of Korea considers an individual to be a citizen
of South Korea if the individual's name appears on the family census
register. A male dual national who has reached the age of 18 may not be
allowed to abandon his ROK nationality until he finishes his military
service or has received a special exemption from military service.

There have been several instances in which young American men of Korean
descent, who were born and lived all of their lives in the United States,
arrived in the ROK for a tourist visit only to be drafted into the South
Korean army. At least two of these cases involved U.S. citizens of Korean
descent whose names had been recorded on the Korean family census register
at the time of their birth in the United States and who had been unaware of
their South Korean citizenship. Further information concerning
dualnationality is available at the nearest South Korean consulate or
through the
Consular Affairs' Dual Nationality flyer on the Internet at
http//travel.state.gov/.

SAFETY AND SECURITY In recent years, the U.S. Embassy and U.S. military
installations throughout the Republic of Korea have taken steps to increase
security at all facilities. U.S. citizens in the Republic of Korea should
review their own personal security practices, be alert to any unusual
activity around their homes or businesses, and report any significant
incidents to local police authorities.

CRIME INFORMATION Although the crime rate in the Republic of Korea is low,
in major metropolitan areas, such as Seoul and Pusan, there is a greater
risk of pickpocketing, pursesnatching, assaults, hotel room burglaries, and
residential crime, and foreigners can be targeted. U.S citizens are more
likely to be targeted in known tourist areas, like Itaewon and other large
market areas. Americans should stay alert, be aware of personal
surroundings and exercise caution. Travelers may reduce the likelihood of
encountering incidents of crime by exercising the same type of security
precautions that they would take when visiting any large city in the United
States.

The emergency number to reach the police anywhere in South Korea is 112.
English interpreters may be available. The Korean National Police (KNP)
operate a Central Interpretation Center (CIC) where foreigners can report
incidents of crime. The CIC is available on a twentyfour hour,
sevendayaweek basis. In Seoul, its telephone number is 3130842 outside
Seoul, its number is (02) 3130842.

The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the
local police and the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. U.S. citizens may refer to the
Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," for ways to promote a
troublefree journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http//www.acess.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the
Consular Affairs home page at http//travel.state.gov/.

MEDICAL FACILITIES Health care facilities in the Republic of Korea are
good. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical
evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more.
Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health
services. A list of hospitals and medical specialists who speak English is
available at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul or via the Internet at the Consular
Affairs home page at http//travel.state.gov/.

MEDICAL INSURANCE The Department of State strongly urges Americans to
consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to
confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency
expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom
cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental
coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not
provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However,
many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will
cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services
such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider
that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to
providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may
cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical
care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your
insurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to
the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for
expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for
psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.


Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas
insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of
Consular Affairs brochure,"Medical Information for Americans Traveling
Abroad," available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax
(202) 6473000.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION Information on vaccinations and other health
precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1877FYITRIP
(18773948747) fax 1888CDCFAXX (18882323299), or via the CDC's
Internet site at http//www.cdc.gov.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS While in a foreign country, U.S.
citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those
in the United States. The information below concerning South Korea is
provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a
particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance Good
Availability of Roadside/Ambulance Assistance Good (However, assistance
personnel may not be able to speak English.)

Although South Korean roads are well paved, traffic lights function and most
drivers comply with basic traffic laws, the ROK has a significantly higher
traffic fatality rate than the United States. Causes of accidents include
excessive speed, frequent lane changes, running of red lights, aggressive
bus drivers, and weaving motorcyclists. Pedestrians should be aware that
motorcycles are sometimes driven on the sidewalks, and drivers of all types
of vehicles do not always yield to pedestrians in marked pedestrian
crosswalks. It is safer to use pedestrian underpasses and overpasses where
available.

Traffic laws in South Korea differ from laws in the United States in some
respects. At many intersections with traffic lights, drivers are not
permitted to make a lefthand turn if there is a green light and no oncoming
traffic normally there is a green arrow for lefthand turns and drivers may
turn only when the lefthand arrow is illuminated. In most other cases,
lefthand turns are prohibited, and drivers must continue until special
uturn lanes are indicated, where drivers may reverse direction and make a
righthand turn at the desired intersection. Drivers may turn right on a
red light after coming to a complete stop. Seat belts are mandatory.
Children riding in the front seat of vehicles must wear a seat belt or must
use an appropriate child car seat. Passengers on motorcycles must wear
protective helmets. An international driving permit issued in the United
States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American
Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is required of shortterm visitors who
drive in Korea. Otherwise, drivers must have a Korean driver's license.

In all accidents involving an automobile and a pedestrian or motorcycle, the
driver of the automobile, regardless of citizenship, is presumed to be at
fault. Police investigations of traffic accidents usually involve long
waits at police stations. Police may request to hold the passport of a
foreigner involved in a traffic accident if there is any personal injury or
a dispute about the cause of the accident. Criminal charges and heavy
penalties are common in accidents involving injury, even if negligence is
not proven. Persons arrested in accidents involving serious injury or death
may be detained until the conclusion of the police investigation and legal
process. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense.
People driving in South Korea may wish to carry a disposable camera to
document any traffic accidents, even minor ones.

For specific information concerning South Korean driver's permits, vehicle
inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, please contact the Korea
National Tourism Organization office in Fort Lee, N.J., telephone
18008687567 or check via the Internet at
http//www.knto.or.kr/index.html.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
has assessed the Government of South Korea's civil aviation authority as
Category 1 in compliance with international aviation safety standards for
oversight of South Korea's air carrier operations.

For further information, travelers may contact the Department of
Transportation within the U.S. at telephone 18003227873, or visit the
FAA's Internet web site at http//www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/. The U.S.
Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers
for suitability as official providers of air services. For information
regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD
at telephone 6182294801.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS South Korean customs authorities may enforce strict
regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from South Korea
of items such as firearms, explosives, narcotics and prescription drugs,
radio equipment, gold, books or other printed material, as well as video or
audio recordings, that might be considered subversive to national security,
obscene, or in any way harmful to the public interest and cultural property.


Further, South Korea has customs laws and regulations to prevent the spread
of hoof and mouth disease. Beef and pork products must be declared to South
Korean customs officials upon arrival. It is advisable to contact the
Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Washington, D.C. or one of the ROK
consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs
requirements.

Customs officials encourage the use of an ATA (Admission
Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of
professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and
fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for
International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036,
issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional
information, please call telephone (212) 3544480, or send an email to
atacarnet@uscib.org, or visit http//www.uscib.org for details.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject
to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available
to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be
more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons
violating South Korean laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested,
fined, or imprisoned. People arrested in South Korea, even for minor
offenses, may be detained temporarily. Foreigners convicted of crimes in
South Korea, whether or not sentenced to prison, are commonly deported and
may be banned from returning to the country for several years. Foreigners
deported from Korea must pay for their own plane ticket.

U.S. citizens should be aware that there was one recent case in which a U.S.
citizen was prosecuted under the South Korean National Security Law, broad
legislation which makes illegal actions considered subversive or antistate.
In this case, contact by the U.S. citizen with allegedly proNorth Korea
figures in the United States and travel to North Korea formed part of the
basis for prosecution.

Adultery is a crime actively prosecuted in South Korea. Recently, a U.S.
citizen was convicted of adultery and sentenced to six months imprisonment.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in South
Korea are strict, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and
heavy fines. Travelers should also be careful to adhere to Korean
government regulations regarding currency exchange and customs declarations.


PASSPORT SEIZURES/EXIT BANS AND COMMERCIAL DISPUTES The Government of the
Republic of Korea sometimes seizes the passports and blocks the departure
from the country of foreigners involved in commercial disputes. In such
circumstances, the U.S. Government reissues a passport to a U.S. citizen who
applies for one. The ROK exit ban, however, remains in effect, thereby
preventing departure.

DEMONSTRATIONS Occasionally, political, labor, and student demonstrations
and marches have the potential to become confrontational or violent.
American citizens in the Republic of Korea can minimize personal risks to
themselves and their property by avoiding large demonstrations.

WORKING IN SOUTH KOREA Americans going to the Republic of Korea to work,
teach or model (parttime or fulltime, paid or unpaid) must enter the ROK
using the appropriate work visa. Changes of status from any other visa
status to a work visa are not granted within the country. Any foreigner who
begins work without the appropriate visa is subject to arrest, costly fines,
and deportation. Persons working without a valid work permit and who have a
contractual dispute with their employers have little or no entitlement to
legal recourse under South Korean law.

TEACHING ENGLISH The U.S. Embassy in Seoul receives many complaints from
U.S. citizens who have gone to South Korea to teach English at private
language schools ("hagwon"). The most frequent complaints are that the
schools and/or employment agencies misrepresent salaries, working
conditions, living arrangements and other benefits, including health
insurance, even in the written contracts. There have also been some
complaints of physical assault, threats of arrest/deportation, and sexual
harassment. Some U.S.based employment agencies have been known to
misrepresent contract terms, employment conditions or the need for an
appropriate work visa. A comprehensive handout, "Teaching English in Korea
Opportunities and Pitfalls
," may be obtained at the
U.S. Embassy in Seoul or via the Consular Affairs home page at
http//travel.state.gov/ under "Travel Publications ."

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Legally, North and South Korea remain in a state of
war. Peace has been maintained on the Korean peninsula under an Armistice
for nearly 50 years. Recently, political, economic, and social contacts
between North and South Korea have increased significantly. However, the
possibility of military hostilities that could necessitate the evacuation of
U.S. citizens from South Korea cannot be excluded. The U.S. Government has
developed a Noncombatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) plan for the evacuation
of U.S. citizens. A guide for U.S. citizens about the NEO plan is available
on line at http//www.asktheconsul.org, or at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.

To provide enhanced protection to the dependents of U.S. military service
members and to civilian Department of Defense (DOD) employees and their
families, the DOD provides protective gas masks and hoods to its
noncombatant community in the Republic of Korea. In addition, the U.S.
Embassy provides the same level of protection to its U.S. citizen personnel
and their dependents. The gas masks and hoods provide the most fundamental
level of protection in an emergency in which chemical substances are
present.

These measures do not result from any recent incident. They are a prudent
precaution to further enhance the safety of U.S. Governmentaffiliated
personnel and their families, and are part of a continuing effort to improve
the U.S. Government's overall safety and security posture. If the
Department of State becomes aware of any specific and credible threat to the
safety and security of U.S. citizens, that information will be provided to
the American public at large.

The U.S. Government is not providing protective equipment to private
American citizens in the Republic of Korea. As always, U.S. citizens should
review their own personal security practices and must make their own
decisions with regard to those precautions that they might take to avoid
injury. Those who may wish to acquire protective equipment for personal use
should contact commercial vendors who may be able to provide such equipment.
For further information, please refer to the Department of State Fact Sheet
entitled, "Chemical/Biological Agent Release," available at Internet address
http//travel.state.gov/, or via the autofax by dialing (202) 6473000 from
a fax machine.

Children's Issues Adoption of South Korean children by foreign nationals
is permitted and is carefully regulated. Any nonKorean wishing to adopt a
South Korean child is required to work through one of the four ROK
Governmentlicensed adoption agencies. This includes U.S. citizens of
Korean ancestry who wish to adopt South Koreancitizen children. Private
adoptions are not allowed. For information on international adoption of
children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our
Internet site at http//travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone
(202) 7367000.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION Americans living in or visiting South Korea
are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in
Seoul and obtain updated information on travel and security within South
Korea. The U.S. Embassy is located at 82 SejongRo ChongroKu, Seoul,
telephone (822) 3974114 fax (822) 7388845. The U.S. Embassy's web page
can be found at http//usembassy.state.gov/seoul.

* * *

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 30, 2001 to update
the section on
Aviation Safety Oversight.




***********************************************************
See http//travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html for
State Department Travel Warnings
************************************************************
To change your subscription, go to http//www.state.gov/www/listservs_cms.html

Details & Reservations: South Korea Consular Information Sheet
RealAdventures | South Korea Official Info

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024736_Macau-Background-Notes http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024736_Macau-Background-Notes Official Info Macau Mon, 14 Jan 2002 00:01:00 US State Department's Background Notes -
US State Department's Background Notes


U.S. Department of State, January 2002

PROFILE

OFFICIAL NAME
Macau

Geography
Area 16 sq. km. (6 sq. mi.) on a peninsula connected to China and the
southern islands of Taipa (3.4 sq. km.) and Coloane (7.2 sq. km.) linked by
bridge and causeway.
Terrain Coastline is flat, inland is hilly and rocky.
Climate Tropical monsoon cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy from
spring through summer.

People
Nationality NounMacanese (sing. and pl.).
Population (end2000) 437,903.
Population growth rate (2001) 1.79%
Ethnic groups Chinese 95%, Portuguese 3%.
Religions Buddhist 45%, Roman Catholic 9%.
Languages In 1992, the government gave the Chinese (Cantonese) language
official status and the same legal force as Portuguese, the official
language.
Education Literacy90%.
Work Force Industry and commerce68% Services12% Agriculture and
fishing9%.

Government
Type Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China
since December 20, 1999 with its own miniconstitution (the Basic Law).
Branches ExecutivePresident of the People's Republic of China (head of
state), Chief executive (head of government), Executive Council (cabinet).
LegislativeLegislative Council. JudicialIndependent judicial system
with a high court (the Court of Final Appeal).

Economy
GDP PPP (2000) $7.82 billion.
GDP real growth rate (2000) 2%.
Per capita GDP PPP (2000) $17,500.
Agriculture Productsrice and vegetables most foodstuffs and water are
imported.
Industry Typestourism and gambling textiles, construction, and real
estate development.
Trade (2000) Exports$2.6 billion textiles and clothing, manufactured
goods (especially toys, electronics, footwear and cement). Major
marketsU.S. 30%, Hong Kong 7%, China 9.2%. Imports$2.4 billion
consumer goods, foodstuffs, fuels, raw materials. Major suppliersChina
36%, Hong Kong 18%, EU 13%, Taiwan 10%, Japan 7%

PEOPLE
Macau's population is 95% Chinese, primarily Cantonese and some Hakka, both
from nearby Guangdong Province. The remainder are of Portuguese or mixed
ChinesePortuguese ancestry.
The official languages are Portuguese and Chinese (Cantonese). English is
spoken in tourist areas.
Macau has only one university (University of Macau) most of its 7,700
students are from Hong Kong.

GOVERNMENT
The chief executive is appointed by China's central government after
selection by an election committee, whose members are nominated by corporate
bodies. The chief executive appears before a cabinet, the Executive
Council, of between 7 and 11 members. The term of office of the chief
executive is 5 years, and no individual may serve for more than two
consecutive terms. The governor has strong policymaking and executive
powers similar to those of a president. These powers are, however, limited
from above by the central government in Beijing, to whom the governor
reports directly, and from below (to a more limited extent) by the
legislature. Edmund Ho, a community leader and banker, is the first
Chinaappointed chief executive of the Macau SAR, having replaced General de
Rocha Viera on December 20th 1999.

The legislative organ of the territory is the legislative Assembly, a
23member body comprising eight directly elected members, eight appointed
members representing functional constituencies and seven members appointed
by the chief executive. The Legislative Assembly is responsible for general
lawmaking, including taxation, the passing of the budget and socioeconomic
legislation. In the last election, held in September 1996, probusiness
groups won four of the eight directly elected seats, while proChina parties
dropped from four seats to three and the number of prodemocracy
representatives fell from two seats to one. Unlike in Hong Kong, the
legislature's term straddled the handover of sovereignty to China, and has
even been extended from its normal 4year term until October 2001. The city
of Macau and the islands of Taipa and Coloane each have a municipal council.


The legal system is based largely on Portuguese law. The territory has its
own independent judicial system, with a high court. Judges are selected by
a committee and appointed by the chief executive. Foreign judges may serve
on the courts. In July 1999 the chief executive appointed a sevenperson
committee to select judges for the SAR. Twentyfour judges were recommended
by the committee and were then appointed by Mr. Ho. Included are three
judges who serve on the Macau SAR's highest court, the Court of Final Appeal
(CFA) 39yearold Sam Hou Fai (who will be chief justice), 32yearold Chu
Kin, and the 46yearold Viriato Manuel Pinhiero de Lima.

Principal Government Officials
Chief ExecutiveEdmund Ho Hau Wah
Secretary of Administration and JusticeFlorinda da Rosa Silva Chan
Secretary of Economy and FinanceFrancis Tam Pak Yuen
Secretary of SecurityCheong Kuoc Va
Secretary of Social Affairs and CultureFernando Chui Sai On
Secretary of Transport and Public WorksAo Man Long


ECONOMY
Macau's economy is based largely on tourism, including gambling, and textile
and fireworks manufacturing. Efforts to diversify have spawned other small
industries, such as toys, artificial flowers, and electronics. The clothing
industry has provided about threefourths of export earnings, and the
gambling industry is estimated to contribute more than 40% of GDP. More
than 8 million tourists visited Macau in 2000. Although the recent growth
in gambling and tourism has been driven primarily by mainland Chinese,
tourists from Hong Kong remain the most numerous. Recently, gang violence,
a dark spot in the economy, has declined somewhat, to the benefit the
tourism sector.

Macau depends on China for most of its food, fresh water, and energy
imports. Japan and Hong Kong are the main suppliers of raw materials and
capital goods. Output dropped 5% in 1998 and 3% in 1999, with a small 2%
gain in 2000.

Over the longer term, the relocation of manufacturing operations from Macau
to the neighboring Chinese province of Guangdong will extend to textiles and
garment production as China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO)
gives the mainland increased direct access to international markets.
Mainland competition, along with the phasing out of MultiFiber Arrangement
(MFA) quotas, which provide a near guarantee of export markets, over the
next few years, will eventually spell the end of Macau's lowend mass
production of textiles, which comprise the bulk of the SAR's merchandise
export earnings. The best opportunities may lie in providing
servicesshipping, finance, legalto facilitate mainland exports through
Macau to the rest of the world, and conversely inflows of goods and
investment to the mainland. Tourism, building on current gambling tourism,
also will be an important area of potential economic growth and
foreignexchange earnings.

HISTORY
Chinese records of Macau date back to the establishment in 1152 of Xiangshan
County under which Macau was administered, though it remained unpopulated
through most of the next century. Members of the South Sung (Song) Dynasty
and some 50,000 followers were the first recorded inhabitants of the area,
seeking refuge in Macau from invading Mongols in 1277. They were able to
defend their settlements and establish themselves there.

The Hoklo Boat people were the first to show commercial interest in Macau as
a trading center for the southern provinces. Macau did not develop as a
major settlement until the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century.
Portuguese traders used Macau as a staging port as early as 1516, making it
the oldest European settlement in the Far East. In 1557, the Chinese agreed
to a Portuguese settlement in Macau but did not recognize Portuguese
sovereignty. Although a Portuguese municipal government was established,
the sovereignty question remained unresolved.

Initially, the Portuguese developed Macau's port as a trading post for
ChinaJapan trade and as a staging port on the long voyage from Lisbon to
Nagasaki. When Chinese officials banned direct trade with Japan in 1547,
Macau's Portuguese traders carried goods between the two countries.
The first Portuguese governor was appointed to Macau in 1680, but the
Chinese continued to assert their authority, collecting land and customs
taxes. Portugal continued to pay rent to China until 1849, when the
Portuguese abolished the Chinese customs house and declared Macau's
"independence," a year which also saw Chinese retaliation and finally the
assassination of Gov. Ferreira do Amaral.

On March 26, 1887, the Manchu government acknowledged the Portuguese right
of "perpetual occupation." The ManchuPortuguese agreement, known as the
Protocol of Lisbon, was signed with the condition that Portugal would never
surrender Macau to a third party without China's permission.

Macau enjoyed a brief period of economic prosperity during World War II as
the only neutral port in South China, after the Japanese occupied Guangzhou
(Canton) and Hong Kong. In 1943, Japan created a virtual protectorate over
Macau. Japanese domination ended in August 1945.
When the Chinese communists came to power in 1949, they declared the
Protocol of Lisbon to be invalid as an "unequal treaty" imposed by
foreigners on China. However, Beijing was not ready to settle the treaty
question, requesting a maintenance of "the status quo" until a more
appropriate time. Beijing took a similar position on treaties relating to
the Hong Kong territories.

Riots broke out in 1966 when the procommunist Chinese elements and the Macau
police clashed. The Portuguese Government reached an agreement with China
to end the flow of refugees from China and to prohibit all communist
demonstrations. This move ended the conflict, and relations between the
government and the leftist organizations have remained peaceful.

The Portuguese tried once in 1966 after the riots in Macau, and again in
1974, the year of a military revolution in Portugal, to return Macau to
Chinese sovereignty. China refused to reclaim Macau however, hoping to
settle the question of Hong Kong first.

Portugal and China established diplomatic relations in 1979. A year later,
Gen. Melo Egidio became the first Governor of Macau to visit China. The
visit underscored both parties' interest in finding a mutually agreeable
solution to Macau's status negotiations began in 1985, a year after the
signing of the SinoU.K. agreement returning Hong Kong to China in 1997.
The result was a 1987 agreement returning Macau to Chinese sovereignty as a
Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China on December 20, 1999.

FOREIGN RELATIONS
Macau's foreign relations and defense are the responsibility of China. China
has, however, granted Macau considerable autonomy in economic and commercial
relations.

U.S. REPRESENTATION
The U.S. Government has no offices in Macau. U.S. interests are represented
by the U.S. consulate general in Hong Kong.

Principal U.S. Officials
Consul GeneralMichael Klosson
Deputy Principal OfficerKen Jarrett

The American consulate general is located at 26 Garden Road, Hong Kong
(tel. 0118525239011) (FAX 0118528454845 (consular) 0018528451598
(general)).

***********************************************************
See http//www.state.gov/r/pa/bgn/ for all Background notes
************************************************************
To change your subscription, go to
http//www.state.gov/www/listservs_cms.html



Details & Reservations: Macau Background Notes
RealAdventures | Macau Official Info

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024742_Pakistan-Travel-Warning http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024742_Pakistan-Travel-Warning Official Info Pakistan Mon, 14 Jan 2002 00:01:00 US State Department's Travel Warning -
US State Department's Travel Warning


Pakistan Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

December 13, 2001

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to evaluate carefully the
implications for their security and safety before deciding to travel to
Pakistan.

In neighboring Afghanistan, U.S. forces are engaged in military action
against the remnants of the former Taliban regime and the terrorist alQaida
network, including international terrorist Usama bin Laden.

While the Government of Pakistan has expressed its full support for the
international campaign against terrorism, some public sympathy and support
for the former Taliban regime, as well as for bin Laden, still exist in
Pakistan, and the presence of indigenous sectarian and militant groups in
Pakistan requires that all Americans in or traveling through Pakistan take
appropriate steps to maintain their security awareness. Events in the
Middle East also increase the possibility of violence.

The Department authorized the departure of all U.S. Embassy and Consulate
personnel in nonemergency positions and family members at our missions in
Pakistan on September 17. In addition, on September 25, all American
employees at the U.S. Consulate in Lahore departed Lahore. While emergency
American citizens services will be provided to the extent possible by
remaining Consulate Lahore foreign national staff, requests for
nonemergency American citizens services should be directed to the U.S.
Embassy in Islamabad. Further, the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar has
temporarily located some U.S. employees to Islamabad in light of rising
tensions in Peshawar. U.S. citizens considering travel in the region are
advised to be mindful of the reduced staffing levels of the
U.S. Mission in Pakistan and the resultant decrease in its ability to
provide services.

All American citizens in Pakistan are urged to consider their personal
security situations and to take those measures they deem appropriate to
ensure their well being, including consideration of departure from the
country. Consulates in Peshawar, Lahore and Karachi and the U.S. Embassy in
Islamabad remain available for emergency services to American citizens on a
limited basis. However, from time to time, the missions in Pakistan have
and will continue to temporarily close or suspend public services as
necessary to review their security posture and ensure its adequacy.

The U.S. Embassy also urges all American citizens to defer travel to the
tribal areas of Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province until further notice.
The Government of Pakistan requires all citizens of countries other than
Pakistan and Afghanistan to obtain permission from the Home and Tribal
Affairs Department prior to visiting these tribal areas which lie outside
the normal jurisdiction of the Government of Pakistan.

U.S. citizens in Pakistan are strongly urged to register and obtain updated
security information at the American Embassy in Islamabad, the U.S.
Consulate General in Karachi, the U.S. Consulate in Lahore, or the Consulate
in Peshawar at the following addresses

The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad is located at Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5,
telephone (9251) 20800000 consular section telephone (9251) 20802700,
fax (9251) 822632.

The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi is located at 8 Abdullah Haroon Road,
telephone (9221) 5685170 (after hours 92215681606), fax (9221)
5680496.

The U.S. Consulate in Lahore is located on 50Empress Road near Shimla Road
or SharahEAbdul Hamid Bin Badees, (Old Empress Road), telephone (9242)
6365530 during regular working hours,
fax (9242) 6365177.

The U.S. Consulate in Peshawar is located at 11 Hospital Road, Cantonment,
Peshawar, telephone (9291) 279801 through 803, fax (9291) 276712.

For further general information regarding travel to Pakistan, U.S. citizens
should consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for
Pakistan, available via the Internet at
http travel.state.gov.

This supersedes the Travel Warning for Pakistan dated September 25, 2001, to
update the security situation in Pakistan.





***********************************************************
See http//travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html for
State Department Travel Warnings
************************************************************
To change your subscription, go to
http//www.state.gov/www/listservs_cms.html



Details & Reservations: Pakistan Travel Warning
RealAdventures | Pakistan Official Info

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024057_Background-Notes-Maldives http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024057_Background-Notes-Maldives Official Info Maldives Wed, 28 Feb 2001 00:02:00 U.S. Department Of State information for The People's Republic Of Maldives. -
U.S. Department Of State information for The People's Republic Of Maldives.


Maldives comprises some 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean. The earliest settlers were probably from southern India, and they were followed by IndoEuropean speakers from Sri Lanka in the fourth and fifth centuries BC. In the 12th century AD, sailors from East Africa and Arab countries came to the islands. Today, the Maldivian ethnic identity is a blend of these cultures, reinforced by religion and language.

Originally Buddhists, Maldivians were converted to Sunni Islam in the mid12th century. Islam is the official religion of nearly the entire population. Strict adherence to Islamic precepts and close community relationships have helped keep crime under control.

The official and common language is Dhivehi, an IndoEuropean language related to Sinhala, the language of Sri Lanka. The writing system, like Arabic, is from right to left, although alphabets are different. English is used widely in commerce and increasingly as the medium of instruction in government schools.

Some social stratification exits on the islands. It is not rigid, since rank is based on varied factors, including occupation, wealth, Islamic virtue, and family ties. Members of the social elite are concentrated in Male.

The early history of the Maldives is obscure. According to Maldivian legend, a Sinhalese prince named Koimale was stranded with his bridedaughter of the king of Sri Lankain a Maldivian lagoon and stayed on to rule as the first sultan.

Over the centuries, the islands have been visited and their development influenced by sailors from countries on the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean littorals. Mopla pirates from the Malabar Coastpresentday Kerala state in Indiaharassed the islands. In the 16th century, the Portuguese subjugated and ruled the islands for 15 years (155873) before being driven away by the warriorpatriot Muhammad Thakurufar AlAzam.

Although governed as an independent Islamic sultanate for most of its history from 1153 to 1968, Maldives was a British protectorate from 1887 until July 25, 1965. In 1953, there was a brief, abortive attempt at a republican form of government, after which the sultanate was reimposed.

Following independence from Britain in 1965, the sultanate continued to operate for another three years. On November 11, 1968, it was abolished and replaced by a republic, and the country assumed its present name.
Details & Reservations: Background Notes Maldives
RealAdventures | Maldives Official Info

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024471_Travel-Consideration-North-Korea http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1024471_Travel-Consideration-North-Korea Official Info North Korea Mon, 06 Nov 2000 00:11:00 US State Department Travel Considerations for North Korea -
US State Department Travel Considerations for North Korea



Details & Reservations: Travel Consideration North Korea
RealAdventures | North Korea Official Info

]]>