YEMEN

Republic of Yemen Al-Jumhuriyah al-Yamaniyah CAPITAL: Sana (San‘a) FLAG: The national flag is a tricolor of red, white, and black horizontal stripes. ANTHEM: Al-Watani (Peace to the Land). MONETARY UNIT: The Yemeni riyal (YR) is a paper currency of 100 fils. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 fils and notes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 riyals. YR1 = $0.00546 (or $1 = YR183.15) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is being introduced, but local measures remain in common use. HOLIDAYS: Labor Day, 1 May; Day of National Unity, 22 May; National Day, 14 October; Independence Day, 30 November. Movable Muslim holidays include Laylat al-Miraj, ‘Id al-Fitr, ‘Id al- ‘Adha’, Milad an-Nabi, and 1st of Muharram. TIME: 3 PM = noon GMT.

VIETNAM

Socialist Republic of Vietnam Cong Hoa Chu Nghia Viet Nam CAPITAL: Hanoi FLAG: The flag is red with a five-pointed gold star in the center. ANTHEM: Tien Quan Ça (Forward, Soldiers!). MONETARY UNIT: The dong (D) is a paper currency of 10 hao and 100 xu. There are coins of 1, 2, and 5 xu, and notes of 5 xu, 1, 2, and 5 hao, and 1, 2, 5, and 10 dong. D1 = $0.00007 (or $1 653= D 15,303) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard, but some traditional measures are still used. HOLIDAYS: Liberation of Saigon, 30 April; May Day, 1 May; Independence Day, 2 September. Movable holidays include the Vietnamese New Year (Tet). TIME: 7 PM = noon GMT.

VANUATU

Republic of Vanuatu [French] République de Vanuatu [Bislama] Ripablik blong Vanuatu CAPITAL: Port-Vila FLAG: Red and green sections are divided horizontally by a gold stripe running within a black border and widening at the hoist into a black triangle on which is a pig’s tusk enclosing two crossed yellow mele leaves. ANTHEM: Yumi, Yumi, Yumi (We, We, We). MONETARY UNIT: As of 1 January 1981, the vatu (VT) replaced at par value the New Hebridean franc as the national currency. There are coins of 100 vatu and notes of 100, 500, 1,000, and 5,000 vatu. VT1 = $0.0078 (or $1 = VT126.97) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric standard is used. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; May Day, 1 May; Independence Day, 30 July; Assumption, 15 August; Constitution Day, 5 October; National Unity Day, 29 November; Christmas Day, 25 December; Family Day, 26 December. Movable religious holidays include Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Ascension. TIME: 11 PM = noon GMT.

UZBEKISTAN

Republic of Uzbekistan Uzbekiston Respublikasi CAPITAL: Tashkent (Toshkent) FLAG: Horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and green separated by narrow red bands; white crescent moon and twelve stars on the blue band. ANTHEM: The national anthem begins “Serquyosh hur o‘lkam,” (“My country, sunny and free,”). MONETARY UNIT: The som (SOM) is the official currency, introduced when Uzbekistan left the ruble zone in November 1993. SOM1 = $0.00103 (or $1 = SOM966.43) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is used. HOLIDAYS: Independence Day, 1 September. TIME: 5 PM = noon GMT.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

United Arab Emirates Al-Imarat al-‘Arabiyah al-Muttahidah CAPITAL: Abu Dhabi (Abu Zaby) FLAG: The flag consists of a red vertical stripe at the hoist and three equal horizontal stripes of green, white, and black. ANTHEM: The National Anthem is an instrumental piece without words. MONETARY UNIT: The United Arab Emirates dirham (UD), introduced as the currency in May 1973, is divided into 100 fils. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 fils and 1 and 5 dirham and notes of 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 dirhams. UD1 = $0.27337 (or $1 = UD3.658) as of January 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system and imperial and local measures are used. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Accession of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi only), 6 August; National Day, 2 December; Christmas, 25 December. Muslim religious holidays include Lailat al-Miraj, ‘Id al-Fitr, ‘Id al-‘Adha’, Hijra New Year, and Milad an-Nabi. TIME: 4 PM = noon GMT.

TUVALU

CAPITAL: Funafuti FLAG: The national flag has the Union Jack in the upper quarter nearest the hoist; nine yellow stars on a light blue field are arranged in the same pattern as Tuvalu’s nine islands. ANTHEM: Tuvalu mo te Atua (Tuvalu for the Almighty). MONETARY UNIT: Both the Australian dollar (A$) and the Tuvaluan dollar (T$) of 100 cents are legal tender. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 Tuvaluan cents; 1 and 5 Tuvaluan dollars; and notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Australian dollars. T$1 = US$0.61728 (or US$1 = T$1.62) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is being introduced, but imperial measures are still commonly employed. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; National Children’s Day, first Monday in August; Tuvalu Day, 1 October; Christmas Day, 25 December; Boxing Day, 26 December. Movable holidays include Commonwealth Day (March), Queen’s Official Birthday (June), and Prince of Wales’s Birthday (November); movable religious holidays include Good Friday and Easter Monday. TIME: Midnight = noon GMT.

TURKMENISTAN

CAPITAL: Ashgabat (Ashkhabad) FLAG: Green field with claret stripe of five carpet patterns; white crescent and five white stars symbolizing five major regions of Turkmenistan to the right of the stripe. In 1997, two crossed olive branches were added beneath the carpet patterns. ANTHEM: Independence Turkmenistan. MONETARY UNIT: Manat (MN), the unit of currency, was introduced by the government in November 1993. In January 2003, $1 = MN5,200, but exchange rates fluctuate widely. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is used. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Flag Day, 19 February; International Women’s Day, 8 March; Novruz Bairam (first day of spring), 21 March; Victory Day, 9 May; Revival and Unity Day, 18 May; Independence Day, 27 October; Neutrality Day, 12 December. TIME: 5 PM = noon GMT.

TURKEY

Republic of Turkey Türkiye Cumhuriyeti CAPITAL: Ankara FLAG: The national flag consists of a white crescent (open toward the fly) and a white star on a red field. ANTHEM: Istiklâl Mars¸i (March of Independence). MONETARY UNIT: The Turkish lira (TL) is a paper currency of 100 kurus¸. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, and 100 liras, and notes of 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 250,000, and 500,000 liras. TL1 = $0.000000626 (or $1 = TL1,597,000.00) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, 23 April; Spring Day, 1 May; Youth and Sports Day, 19 May; Victory Day, 30 August; Independence Day (Anniversary of the Republic), 29 October. Movable religious holidays include S¸eker Bayrami (three days) and Kurban Bayrami (four days). TIME: 3 PM = noon GMT.

TONGA

Kingdom of Tonga Pule’anga Tonga CAPITAL: Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu FLAG: The flag, adopted in 1862, is crimson with a cross of the same color mounted in a white square in the upper left corner. ANTHEM: Koe Fasi Oe Tu’i Oe Otu Tonga (Tongan National Anthem) begins “‘E ‘Otua Mafimafi Ko homau ‘Eiki Koe” (“O Almighty God above, Thou art our Lord and sure defense”). MONETARY UNIT: The Tongan pa’anga (T$) of 100 seniti is a paper currency at par with the Australian dollar. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 seniti, and 1 and 2 Tongan pa’angas, and notes of ½, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 pa’angas. T$1 = US$0.4926 (or US$1 = T$2.03; in March 2003). WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard, but some imperial and local weights and measures also are employed. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; ANZAC Day, 25 April; Crown Prince’s Birthday, 4 May; Independence Day, 4 June; King’s Birthday, 4 July; Constitution Day, 4 November; Tupou I Day, 4 December; Christmas, 25–26 December. Movable religious holidays include Good Friday and Easter Monday. TIME: 1 AM (the following day) = noon GMT.

THAILAND

Kingdom of Thailand Prates Thai CAPITAL: Bangkok (Krung Thep) FLAG: The national flag, adopted in 1917, consists of five horizontal stripes. The outermost are red (symbolizing the Thai people); those adjacent are white (symbolizing Buddhism); the blue center stripe (representing the monarchy) is twice as high as each of the other four. ANTHEM: There are three national anthems: Pleng Sansen Phra Barami (Anthem Eulogizing His Majesty); Pleng Chard Thai (Thai National Anthem); and Pleng Maha Chati (Anthem of Great Victory), an instrumental composition. MONETARY UNIT: The baht (B) is divided into 100 satang. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 stangs and 1, 5, and 10 baht, and notes of 50 satang and 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 60, 100, and 500 baht. B1 = $0.0235 (or $1 = B42.58) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard, but some traditional units also are used. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Chakkri Day, 6 April; Songkran Day, mid-April; Coronation Day, 5 May; Queen’s Birthday, 12 August; Chulalongkorn Day, 23 October; King’s Birthday, 5 December; Constitution Day, 10 December. Movable holidays include Makabuja Day, Plowing Festival, and Visakabuja Day. TIME: 7 PM = noon GMT.

TAJIKISTAN

Republic of Tajikistan Jumhurii Tojikistan CAPITAL: Dushanbe FLAG: The flag consists of a broad white horizontal stripe in the center, with a red stripe at the top and a green stripe at the bottom. The national emblem is centered in the white stripe. ANTHEM: The flag consists of a broad white horizontal stripe in the center, with a red stripe at the top and a green stripe at the bottom. The national emblem is centered in the white stripe. MONETARY UNIT: The Tajik ruble (TR) was replaced by the somoni in October 2000. S1 = $0.3125 (or $1 = S3.20) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is used. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Navruz (“New Day”), 21 March; Independence Day, 9 September. TIME: 6 PM = noon GMT.

TAIWAN

Republic of China Chung Hwa Min Kuo CAPITAL: T’aipei FLAG: The flag is red with a 12-pointed white sun on the blue upper left quadrant. The 12 points of the sun represent the 12 two-hour periods of the day in Chinese tradition, and symbolize progress. The colors red, white, and blue represent the Three Principles of the people (San Min Chu I) of Sun Yat-sen, father of the Republic of China, and symbolize the spirit of liberty, fraternity, and equality. ANTHEM: Chung Hwa Min Kuo Kuo Ke (Chinese National Anthem). MONETARY UNIT: The new Taiwan dollar (NT$) is a paper currency of 100 cents. There are coins of 50 cents and 1, 5, and 10 dollars, and notes of 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 new Taiwan dollars. NT$1 = US$0.0289 (or US$1 = NT$34.60) as of 2002. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is employed in government and industrial statistics. Commonly used standards of weights and measures are the catty (1.1 lb or 0.4989 kilograms), the li (0.5 kilometers or 0.31 miles), the ch’ih (0.33 meters or 1.09 feet), and the chia (0.97 hectare or 2.39 acres). HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day and the Founding of the Republic of China (1912), 1 January; Youth Day (formerly known as Martyrs’ Day), 29 March; Tomb-Sweeping Day and Anniversary of the Death of Chiang Kai-shek, 5 April; Birthday of Confucius and Teachers’ Day, 28 September; National Day (Double Tenth Day), 10 October; Taiwan Retrocession Day, 25 October; Chiang Kai-shek’s Birthday, 31 October; Sun Yat-sen’s Birthday, 12 November; Constitution Day, 25 December. TIME: 8 PM = noon GMT.

SYRIA

Syrian Arab Republic Al-Jumhuriyah al-‘Arabiyah as-Suriyah CAPITAL: Damascus (Dimashq) FLAG: The national flag is a horizontal tricolor of red, white, and black stripes; in the white center stripe are two green five-pointed stars. ANTHEM: An-Nashid as-Suri (The Syrian National Anthem) begins “Protectors of the nation, peace be upon you.” MONETARY UNIT: The Syrian pound (S£) is a paper currency of 100 piasters. There are coins of 25 and 50 piasters and 1 Syrian pound and notes of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 Syrian pounds. S£1 = $0.0194 (or $1 = S£51.50) as of January 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard, but local units are widely used. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Revolution Day, 8 March; Egypt’s Revolution Day, 23 July; Union of Arab Republics Day, 1 September; National Day, 16 November. Muslim religious holidays include ‘Id al-Fitr, ‘Id al-‘Adha’, Milad an-Nabi, and Laylat al-Miraj. Christian religious holidays include Easter (Catholic); Easter (Orthodox); and Christmas, 25 December. TIME: 2 PM = noon GMT.

SRILANKA

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Prajathanthrika Samajavadi Janarajaya CAPITAL: Colombo FLAG: The national flag contains, at the hoist, vertical stripes of green and saffron (orange-yellow) and, to the right, a maroon rectangle with yellow bo leaves in the corners and a yellow lion symbol in the center. The entire flag is bordered in yellow, and a narrow yellow vertical area separates the saffron stripe from the dark maroon rectangle. ANTHEM: Sri Lanka Matha (Mother Sri Lanka). MONETARY UNIT: The Sri Lanka rupee (R) of 100 cents is a paper currency with one official rate. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents and 1 and 2 rupees, and notes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 rupees. R1 = $0.0103 (or $1 = R96.34; as of April 2003). WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the national standard, but British weights and measures and some local units also are used. HOLIDAYS: Independence Commemoration Day, 4 February; May Day, 1 May; National Heroes Day, 22 May; Bank Holiday, 30 June; Christmas Day, 25 December; Bank Holiday, 31 December. Movable holidays include Maha Sivarathri Day, Milad-an-Nabi, Good Friday, ‘Id al-Fitr, Dewali, and ‘Id al- ‘Adha’; in addition, the day of the rise of the full moon of every month of the Buddhist calendar, called a Poya day, is a public holiday. TIME: 5:30 PM = noon GMT.

SOLOMON ISLANDS

CAPITAL: Honiara FLAG: The flag consists of two triangles, the upper one blue, the lower one green, separated by a diagonal gold stripe; on the blue triangle are five white five-pointed stars. ANTHEM: God Save the Queen. MONETARY UNIT: The Solomon Islands dollar (SI$), a paper currency of 100 cents, was introduced in 1977, replacing the Australian dollar, and became the sole legal tender in 1978. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents and 1 dollar, and notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 dollars. SI$1 = US$0.14306 (or US$1 = SI$6.99) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is in force. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Queen’s Birthday, celebrated as a movable holiday in June; Independence Day, 7 July; Christmas, 25 December; Boxing Day, 26 December. Movable religious holidays include Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Whitmonday. TIME: 11 PM = noon GMT.

SINGAPORE

Republic of Singapore CAPITAL: Singapore FLAG: The flag consists of a red stripe at the top and a white stripe on the bottom. On the red stripe, at the hoist, are a white crescent opening to the fly and five white stars. ANTHEM: Long Live Singapore. MONETARY UNIT: The Singapore dollar (S$) of 100 cents is a freely convertible currency. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents and 1 dollar and notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, and 10,000 dollars. S$1 = US$0.5617 (or US$1 = S$1.78) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is in force, but some local measures are used. HOLIDAYS: Major Western, Chinese, Malay, and Muslim holidays are celebrated, some of which fall on annually variable dates because of the calendars used. Major holidays include New Year’s Day, 1 January; Chinese New Year; Good Friday; Vesak Day (Buddhist festival); Labor Day, 1 May; Hari Raya Puasa (Muslim festival); National Day, 9 August; Hari Raya Haji (Malay Muslim festival); Dewali; Christmas, 25 December. TIME: 8 PM = noon GMT.

SA'UDI ARABIA

Kingdom of Sa‘udi Arabia Al-Mamlakah al-‘Arabiyah as-Sa‘udiyah CAPITAL: Riyadh (Ar-Riyad) FLAG: The national flag bears in white on a green field the inscription, in Arabic, “There is no god but Allah, and Mohammad is the messenger of Allah.” There is a long white sword beneath the inscription; the sword handle is toward the fly. ANTHEM: The National Anthem is a short instrumental selection. MONETARY UNIT: The Sa‘udi riyal (SR) is divided into 20 qursh (piasters), in turn divided into 5 halalah. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 halalah and notes of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 riyals. SR1 = $0.2666 (or $1 = SR3.75) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system has been officially adopted. HOLIDAYS: Muslim religious holidays include 1st of Muharram (Muslim New Year), ‘Id al-Fitr, and ‘Id al-‘Adha’. TIME: 3 PM = noon GMT.

SAMOA

Independent State of Samoa Malo Sa‘oloto Tuto‘atasi o Samoa i Sisifo CAPITAL: Apia FLAG: The upper left quarter of the flag is blue and bears five white, five-rayed stars representing the Southern Cross; the remainder of the flag is red. ANTHEM: The Flag of Freedom. MONETARY UNIT: The Samoan tala (S) is a paper currency of 100 sene. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 sene and 1 tala, and notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, and 100 talas. S1 = US$0.3333 (or US$1 = S3.00) as of January 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: British weights and measures are used. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s, 1–2 January; Independence Holidays (first three workdays of June), Anzac Day, 25 April; Christmas Day, 25 December; Boxing Day, 26 December. Movable religious holidays are Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Whitmonday. TIME: 1 AM = noon GMT.

QATAR

State of Qatar Dawlat Qatar CAPITAL: Doha (Ad-Dawhah) FLAG: Maroon with white serrated border at the hoist. ANTHEM: Qatar National Anthem. MONETARY UNIT: The Qatar riyal (QR) of 100 dirhams was introduced on 13 May 1973. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 dirhams, and notes of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 riyals. QR1 = $0.2747 (or $1 = QR3.64) as of January 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard, although some British measures are still in use. HOLIDAYS: Emir’s Succession Day, 22 February; Independence Day, 3 September. Muslim religious holidays include ‘Id al-Fitr, ‘Id al-‘Adha’, and Milad an-Nabi. TIME: 3 PM = noon GMT.

PHILIPPINES

Republic of the Philippines Republika ng Pilipinas CAPITAL: Manila FLAG: The national flag consists of a white equilateral triangle at the hoist, with a blue stripe extending from its upper side and a red stripe extending from its lower side. Inside each angle of the triangle is a yellow five-pointed star, and in its center is a yellow sun with eight rays. ANTHEM: Bayang Magiliw (Nation Beloved). MONETARY UNIT: The peso (P) is divided into 100 centavos. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 centavos and 1 and 2 pesos, and notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 500 pesos. P1 = $0.0191 (or $1 = P52.30;as of May 2003). WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard, but some local measures also are used. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Freedom Day, 25 February; Labor Day, 1 May; Heroes’ Day, 6 May; Independence Day (from Spain), 12 June; Thanksgiving, 21 September; All Saints’ Day, 1 November; Bonifacio Day, 30 November; Christmas, 25 December; Rizal Day, 30 December; Last Day of the Year, 31 December. Movable religious holidays include Holy Thursday and Good Friday. TIME: 8 PM = noon GMT.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Independent State of Papua New Guinea CAPITAL: Port Moresby FLAG: The flag is a rectangle, divided diagonally. The upper segment is scarlet with a yellow bird of paradise; the lower segment is black with five white stars representing the Southern Cross. ANTHEM: O, Arise All You Sons. MONETARY UNIT: The kina (K) of 100 toea is linked with the Australian dollar. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 toea and 1 kina, and notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 kina. K1=US$0.2881 (or US$1=K3.47) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Queen’s Birthday, 1st Monday in June; Remembrance Day, 23 July; Independence Day, 16 September; Christmas, 25 December; Boxing Day, 26 December. Movable religious holidays include Good Friday and Easter Monday. TIME: 10 PM=noon GMT.

PALAU

Republic of Palau Belau CAPITAL: Koror, Koror Island FLAG: The flag, adopted 1 January 1981, is light blue, with a yellow disc set slightly off center toward the hoist. ANTHEM: Belau er Kid. MONETARY UNIT: The US dollar is the official medium of exchange. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: British units are used, as modified by US usage. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Youth Day, 15 March; Senior Citizens Day, 5 May; Constitution Day, 9 July; Labor Day, 1st Monday in September; United Nations Day, 24 October; Thanksgiving Day, 4th Thursday in November; Christmas, 25 December. TIME: 8 PM = noon GMT.

PAKISTAN

Islamic Republic of Pakistan Islami Jamhooria Pakistan CAPITAL: Isla¯ma¯ba¯d FLAG: The national flag is dark green, with a white vertical stripe at the hoist and a white crescent and five-pointed star in the center. ANTHEM: The opening lines of the national anthem, sung in Urdu, are “Blessed be the sacred land, Happy be the bounteous realm, Symbol of high resolve, land of Pakistan, Blessed be thou citadel of faith.” MONETARY UNIT: The rupee (R) is a paper currency of 100 paisa. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 paisa and of 1 rupee, and notes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 rupees. R1 = $0.0175 (or $1 = R56.90) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system was introduced in 1966 and made mandatory as of 1 January 1979. HOLIDAYS: Pakistan Day, 23 March; May Day, 1 May; Independence Day, 14 August; Defense of Pakistan Day, 6 September; Anniversary of Death of the Quaid-e-Azam, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, 11 September; Christmas and Birthday of the Quaid-e-Azam, 25 December. Religious holidays include ‘Id al-Fitr, Id al-‘Adha’, 1st of Muharram, and Milad an-Nabi. TIME: 5 PM = noon GMT.

OMAN

Sultanate of Oman Saltanat ‘Uman CAPITAL: Muscat (Masqat) FLAG: The flag is red with a broad stripe of white at the upper fly and green at the lower fly. In the upper left corner, white crossed swords overlay a ceremonial dagger. ANTHEM: Nashid as-Salaam as-Sutani (Sultan’s National Anthem). MONETARY UNIT: The Omani riyal (RO), established in November 1972, is a paper currency of 1,000 baizas. There are coins of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500 baizas, and notes of 100, 250, and 500 baizas (the last two being replaced by coins) and 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 riyals. RO1 = $2.60417 (or $1 = RO0.384) as of January 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system was adopted on 15 November 1974. The imperial and local system also are used. HOLIDAYS: Accession of the Sultan, 23 July; National Day, 18 November; Sultan’s Birthday, 19 November. Movable Muslim religious holidays include ‘Id al-Fitr, ‘Id al-‘Adha’, and Milad an-Nabi. TIME: 4 PM = noon GMT. Solar time also is observed.

NEW ZEALAND

CAPITAL: Wellington FLAG: The flag has two main features: the red, white, and blue Union Jack in the upper left quarter and the four-star Southern Cross in the right half. On the blue state flag the stars are red outlined in white. On the red national flag, used by individuals or commercial institutions at sea, the stars are white. ANTHEM: God Save the Queen and God Defend New Zealand have had equal status since 1977. MONETARY UNIT: The New Zealand dollar (NZ$) is a paper currency of 100 cents; it replaced the New Zealand pound on 10 July 1967. There are coins of 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents and 1 and 2 dollars, and notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars. NZ$1 = US$0.5555 (or US$1 = NZ$1.8) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: Metric weights and measures are used. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Waitangi Day, 6 February; Anzac Day, 25 April; Queen’s Birthday, 1st Monday in June; Labor Day, 4th Monday in October; Christmas Day, 25 December; Boxing Day, 26 December. Movable holidays are Good Friday and Easter Monday. Each province has a holiday on its own anniversary day. TIME: 12 midnight = noon GMT.

NEPAL

Kingdom of Nepal Nepal Adhirajya CAPITAL: Ka¯thma¯ndu FLAG: The national flag consists of two red adjoining triangles, outlined in blue and merging at the center; the points are at the fly. On the upper triangle, in white, is a symbolic representation of the moon; on the lower triangle, that of the sun. ANTHEM: The national anthem begins “May His Majesty, solemn and supremely valiant, be prosperous forever.” MONETARY UNIT: The Nepalese rupee (NR) is a paper currency of 100 paisa. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, and 50 paisa and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, and 100 rupees, and notes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 Nepalese rupees. NR1 = $0.01294 (or $1 = NR77.25). WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is in use, but some traditional Indian standards also are employed. HOLIDAYS: National Unity Day, 11 January; Martyrs’ Day, 30 January; Rashtriya Prajatantra Divas— National Democracy Day, 18 February; Nepalese Women’s Day, 8 March; Navabarsha—Nepalese New Year’s Day, mid-April; UN Day, 24 October; Queen Aishworya’s Birthday, 7 November; Constitution Day, 9 November; National Day (King Birendra’s Birthday), 28 December. Hindu and Buddhist religious holidays are based on the lunisolar calendar. Saturday is the general day of rest. TIME: 5:45 PM = noon GMT.

NAURU

Republic of Nauru Naoero CAPITAL: There is no formal capital. The seat of government is in the district of Yaren. FLAG: The flag has a blue background divided horizontally by a narrow gold band, symbolizing the equator. Below the band is a white 12-pointed star, representing the island’s 12 traditional tribes. ANTHEM: Nauru Ubwema (Nauru, Our Homeland). MONETARY UNIT: The Australian dollar (A$) of 100 cents is the legal currency. A$1 = US$0.61728 (or US$1 = A$1.62) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: Imperial weights and measures are used. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Independence Day, 31 January; Angam Day, 26 October (a celebration of the day on which the population of Nauru reached the pre-World War II level); Christmas Day, 25 December; and Boxing Day, 26 December. TIME: 11:30 PM = noon GMT.

MYANMAR

Union of Myanmar Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw CAPITAL: Yangon (formerly Rangoon) FLAG: The national flag is red with a blue canton, within which 14 white stars encircle a rice stalk and an industrial wheel. ANTHEM: Kaba Makye (Our Free Homeland). MONETARY UNIT: The kyat (K) is a paper currency of 100 pyas. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 pyas and 1 kyat, and notes of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 100 kyats. K1 = $0.00125 (or $1 = K800) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: Both British and metric weights and measures are in general use, but local units also are employed. HOLIDAYS: Independence Day, 4 January; Union Day, 12 February; Peasants’ Day, 2 March; Defense Services Day, 27 March; Burmese New Year, 17 April; World Workers’ Day, 1 May; Martyrs’ Day, 19 July; Christmas, 25 December. Movable religious holidays include Full Moon of Tabaung, February or March; Thingyan (Water Festival), April; Full Moon of Kason, April or May; Waso (Beginning of Buddhist Lent), June or July; Thadingyut (End of Buddhist Lent), October; and Tazaungdaing, November. TIME: 6:30 PM = noon GMT.

MONGOLIA

Mongol Uls CAPITAL: Ulaanbaatar FLAG: The national flag, adopted in 1946, contains a light blue vertical stripe between two red stripes; in gold, on the stripe nearest the hoist, is the soyombo, Mongolia’s independence emblem. ANTHEM: Bügd Nayramdah mongol ard ulsyn töriin duulal (State Anthem of the Mongolian People’s Republic). MONETARY UNIT: The tugrik (T) of 100 mongos. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 50 mongos and notes of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, and 100 tugriks. T1 = $0.0008833 (or $1 = T1,132) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Constitution Day, 13 January; Women’s Day, 8 March; Mother and Children’s Day, 1 June; Naadam Festival, 11–13 July; Mongolian Republic Day, 26 November. Movable holidays include Mongol New Year’s Day, in February or March. TIME: 8 PM = noon GMT.

MICRONESIA, FEDERATED STATES OF

Federated States of Micronesia CAPITAL: Palikir, Pohnpei Island FLAG: Adopted in 1978, the flag is light blue, bearing four five-pointed stars arranged in a diamond in the center. ANTHEM: Patriots of Micronesia MONETARY UNIT: The US dollar is the official medium of exchange. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: British units are used, as modified by US usage. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Federated States of Micronesia Day, 10 May; Independence Day, 3 November; Christmas Day, 25 December. TIME: In Pohnpei and Kosrae, 10 PM = noon GMT; in Yap and Truk, 9 PM = noon GMT.

MARSHALL ISLANDS

Republic of the Marshall Islands CAPITAL: Majuro, Majuro Atoll FLAG: The flag, adopted in 1979, is blue, with two diagonal strips of orange over white; in the canton is a white star with 4 large rays and 20 shorter ones. ANTHEM: Ij iokwe lok aelon eo ao ijo iaar lotak ie (I Love My Island, Where I Was Born). MONETARY UNIT: The US dollar is the official medium of exchange. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: British units are used, as modified by US usage. HOLIDAYS: The government has not legislated official holidays. TIME: 11 PM = noon GMT.

MALDIVES

Republic of Maldives Dhivehi Raajjeyge Jumhooriyyaa CAPITAL: Malé FLAG: The national flag consists of a white crescent at the center of a green field which, in turn, is at the center of a red field. ANTHEM: Gavmii mi erkuverikan matii tibegen kuriime salaam (In National Unity Do We Salute Our Nation). MONETARY UNIT: The Maldivian rupee, or rufiyaa (MR), is a paper currency of 100 laris. There are notes of ½, 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, and 100 rufiyaa. The dollar circulates freely and is the only currency accepted at some resorts. MR1 = $0.0784 (or $1 = MR12.75) as of January 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system has been adopted, but some local units remain in use. HOLIDAYS: National Day, 7 January; Independence Day, 26 July; Republic Day, 11 November; Fishermen’s Day, 10 December. ‘Id al-Fitr, ‘Id al-‘Adha’, and Milad an-Nabi are some of the Muslim religious holidays observed. TIME: 5 PM = noon GMT.

MALAYSIA

CAPITAL: Kuala Lumpur FLAG: The national flag consists of 14 alternating horizontal stripes, of which 7 are red and 7 white; a gold 14-pointed star and crescent appear on a blue field in the upper left corner. ANTHEM: Negara Ku (My Country). MONETARY UNIT: The Malaysian ringgit (M$), or dollar, is divided into 100 sen, or cents. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 sens and 1 ringgit, and notes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 100, 500, and 1,000 ringgits. M$1 = US$0.2652 (or US$1 = M$3.77) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system became the legal standard in 1982, but some British weights and measures and local units also are in use. HOLIDAYS: National Day, 31 August; Christmas, 25 December. Movable holidays include Vesak Day, Birthday of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Raya Haji, the 1st of Muharram (Muslim New Year), Milad an-Nabi, Dewali, Thaipusam, and the Chinese New Year. Individual states celebrate the birthdays of their rulers and other holidays observed by native ethnic groups. TIME: 7 PM = noon GMT.

LEBANON

Republic of Lebanon Al-Jumhuriyah al-Lubnaniyah CAPITAL: Beirut (Bayrut) FLAG: The national flag, introduced in 1943, consists of two horizontal red stripes separated by a white stripe which is twice as wide; at the center, in green and brown, is a cedar tree. ANTHEM: Kulluna lil watan lil‘ula lil‘alam (All of Us for the Country, Glory, Flag). MONETARY UNIT: The Lebanese pound, or livre libanaise (LL), is a paper currency of 100 piasters. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 piasters and 1 Lebanese pound, and notes of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 1,000 and 10,000 Lebanese pounds. LL1 = $0.000666 (or $1 = LL1,501) as of March 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard, but traditional weights and measures are still used. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Arab League Day, 22 March; Independence Day, 22 November; Evacuation Day, 31 December. Christian religious holidays include Feast of St. Maron, 9 February; Good Friday; Easter Monday; Ascension; Assumption, 15 August; All Saints’ Day, 1 November; and Christmas, 25 December. Muslim religious holidays include ‘Id al-Fitr, ‘Id al-‘Adha’, and Milad an- Nabi. TIME: 2 PM = noon GMT.

LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

Laos Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao CAPITAL: Vientiane (Viangchan) FLAG: The national flag, officially adopted in 1975, is the former flag of the Pathet Lao, consisting of three horizontal stripes of red, dark blue, and red, with a white disk, representing the full moon, at the center. ANTHEM: Pheng Sat Lao (Hymn of the Lao People). MONETARY UNIT: The new kip (K) is a paper currency of 100 at (cents). There are notes of 10, 20, 50, 200, and 500 new kip. K1 = $0.00009385 (or $1 = K10,655) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard, but older local units also are used. HOLIDAYS: Anniversary of the Founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, 2 December. The government generally reschedules on weekends such traditional festivals as the Lao New Year (April); Boun Bang-fai (Rocket Festival), the celebration of the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha (May); Boun Khao Watsa, the beginning of a period of fasting and meditation lasting through the rainy season (July); Boun Ok Watsa (Water Holiday), a celebration of the end of the period of fasting and meditation (October); and That Luang, a pagoda pilgrimage holiday (November). TIME: 7 PM = noon GMT.

KYRGYZSTAN

Kyrgyz Republic Kyrgyz Respublikasy CAPITAL: Bishkek FLAG: Red field with a yellow sun in the center; in the center of the sun is a red ring crossed by two sets of three lines, a stylized representation of the vent in a Kyrgyz yurt. ANTHEM: Kyrgyz National Anthem. MONETARY UNIT: The som was established in May 1993; som1 = $0.0228 (or $1 = som43.85) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is in force. HOLIDAYS: Constitution Day, 5 May; Independence Day, 31 August; National Day, 2 December. TIME: 5 PM = noon GMT.

KUWAIT

State of Kuwait Dawlat al-Kuwayt CAPITAL: Kuwait (Al-Kuwayt) FLAG: The flag, adopted in 1961, is a rectangle divided equally into green, white, and red horizontal stripes, with a black trapezoid whose longer base is against the staff and is equal to the breadth of the flag, and whose shorter base is equal to the breadth of the white stripe. ANTHEM: National Anthem, melody only; no words. MONETARY UNIT: The Kuwaiti dinar (KD) has 1,000 fils. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 fils, and notes of 250 and 500 fils and of 1, 5, 10, and 20 Kuwaiti dinars. KD1 = $3.344 (or $1 = KD0.299) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard, but imperial weights and measures also are in use, and some US measures are recognized. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Emir’s Accession Day, 25 February. Movable religious holidays include Muslim New Year (1st of Muharram); Laylat al-Miraj; Milad an-Nabi; ‘Id al-Fitr; and ‘Id al- ‘Adha’. TIME: 3 PM = noon GMT.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF (ROK)

Republic of Korea Taehan Min-guk CAPITAL: Seoul FLAG: The flag, called the T’aegukki, shows, on a white field, a central circle divided into two parts, red on top and deep blue below, in the shape of Chinese yin and yang symbols. Broken and unbroken black bars in each of the four corners are variously arranged in sets of three, representing divination diagrams. ANTHEM: Aegukka (The Song of Patriotism), officially adopted on 15 August 1948. MONETARY UNIT: The won (W) is the national currency. There are notes of 500, 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 won. W1 = $0.00083(or $1 = W1,206) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: Both the metric system and ancient Korean units of measurement are used. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Days, 1–3 January; Independence Movement Day, 1 March; Labor Day, 10 March; Arbor Day, 5 April; Children’s Day, 5 May; Memorial Day, 6 June; Constitution Day, 17 July; Liberation Day, 15 August; Armed Forces Day, 1 October; National Foundation Day, 3 October; Han’gul (Korean Alphabet) Day, 9 October; Christmas, 25 December. TIME: 9 PM = noon GMT.

KOREA, DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF (DPRK)

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Choson Minjujuui Inmin Konghwa-guk CAPITAL: P’yongyang FLAG: A wide horizontal red stripe is bordered on top and bottom by narrow blue stripes, separated from the red by thin white stripes. The left half of the red stripe contains a red five-pointed star on a circular white field. ANTHEM: The Song of General Kim Il Sung. MONETARY UNIT: The won (W) of 100 ch’on (or jeon) is the national currency. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, and 50 ch’on, and 1 won, and notes of 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 won. W1 = $0.00674 (or $1 = W148.33; as of April 2003). WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system and native Korean units of measurement are used. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Kim Jong Il’s Birthday, 16 February; International Women’s Day, 8 March; Kim Il Sung’s Birthday, 15 April; May Day, 1 May; Liberation Day, 15 August; National Foundation Day, 9 September; Founding of the Korean Workers’ Party, 10 October; Anniversary of the Constitution, 27 December. TIME: 9 PM = noon GMT.

KIRIBATI

Republic of Kiribati CAPITAL: Tarawa FLAG: Above a blue and white heraldic representation of Pacific waters, a golden sun rises against a red background, with a golden frigate bird at the top. ANTHEM: Troika kain Kiribati (Stand Kiribati). MONETARY UNIT: The Australian dollar is the national currency. A$1 = US$0.6173 (or US$1 = A$1.62) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: Kiribati is in transition from imperial to metric standards. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Independence Day, 12 July; Youth Day, 4 August; Christmas Day, 25 December; Boxing Day, 26 December. Movable holidays include Good Friday, Easter Monday, Queen’s Birthday (June), Bank Holiday (August), and Prince of Wales’s Birthday (November). TIME: Midnight = noon GMT.

KAZAKHSTAN

Republic of Kazakhstan Kazakstan Respublikasy CAPITAL: Astana (as of December 1997; formerly Almaty) FLAG: Light blue with a yellow sun and soaring eagle in the center and a yellow vertical ornamentation in the hoist. ANTHEM: National Anthem of Kazakhstan. MONETARY UNIT: The tenge (T), issued in 15 November 1993, is the national currency, replacing the ruble (R). There is a coin, the tyin. One hundred tyin equal one tenge. As of May 2003, T1 = $0.00661 (or $1 = T151.2), but exchange rates fluctuate widely. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is in force. HOLIDAYS: New Year, 31 December–1 January; International Women’s Day, 8 March; Nauryz (Kazak New Year), 28 March; Solidarity Day, 1 May; Victory Day, 9 May; Independence Day, 25 October. TIME: 5 PM = noon GMT.

JORDAN

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Al-Mamlaka al-Urdunniyya al-Hashimiyya CAPITAL: ‘Amman FLAG: The national flag is a tricolor of black, white, and green horizontal stripes with a seven-pointed white star on a red triangle at the hoist. ANTHEM: As-Salam al-Maliki (Long Live the King). MONETARY UNIT: The Jordanian dinar (JD) is a paper currency of 1,000 fils. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, and 250 fils and notes of ½, 1, 5, 10, and 20 dinars. JD1 = $1.412 (or $1 = JD0.708) as of January 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard, but some local and Syrian units are still widely used, especially in the villages. HOLIDAYS: Arbor Day, 15 January; Independence Day, 25 May; Accession of King Hussein, 11 August; King Hussein’s Birthday, 14 November. Muslim religious holidays include the 1st of Muharram (Islamic New Year), ‘Id al-Fitr, ‘Id al-‘Adha’, and Milad an-Nabi. Christmas and Easter are observed by sizable Christian minorities. TIME: 2 PM = noon GMT.

JAPAN

Nippon CAPITAL: Tokyo FLAG: The Sun-flag (Hi-no-Maru) consists of a red circle on a white background. ANTHEM: (de facto) Kimigayo (The Reign of Our Emperor), with words dating back to the ninth century. MONETARY UNIT: The yen (¥) of 100 sen is issued in coins of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen, and notes of 500, 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen. ¥1 = $0.0083(or $1 = ¥120) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Adults’ Day, 15 January; Commemoration of the Founding of the Nation, 11 February; Vernal Equinox Day, 20 or 21 March; Greenery Day, 29 April; Constitution Day, 3 May; Children’s Day, 5 May; Respect for the Aged Day, 15 September; Autumnal Equinox Day, 23 or 24 September; Health-Sports Day, 10 October; Culture Day, 3 November; Labor-Thanksgiving Day, 23 November; Emperor’s Birthday, 23 December. TIME: 9 PM = noon GMT.

ISRAEL

State of Israel [Arabic] Dawlat Israel [Hebrew] Medinat Yisrael CAPITAL: Jerusalem (Yerushalayim, Al-Quds) FLAG: The flag, which was adopted at the First Zionist Congress in 1897, consists of a blue six-pointed Shield of David (Magen David) centered between two blue horizontal stripes on a white field. ANTHEM: Hatikvah (The Hope). MONETARY UNIT: The new Israeli shekel (NIS), a paper currency of 100 new agorot, replaced the shekel (IS) at a rate of 1,000 to 1 in 1985; the shekel replaced the Israeli pound (IL) in 1980 at the rate of 10 pounds per shekel. There are coins of 5, 10, and 50 agora, 1 and 5 shekels and notes of 10, 50, 100, and 200 shekels. NIS1 = $0.21978 (or $1 = NIS4.55) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard, but some local units are used, notably the dunam (equivalent to 1,000 square meters, or about 0.25 acre). HOLIDAYS: Israel officially uses both the Gregorian and the complex Jewish lunisolar calendars, but the latter determines the occurrence of national holidays: Rosh Hashanah (New Year), September or October; Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), September or October; Sukkot (Tabernacles), September or October; Simhat Torah (Rejoicing in the Law), September or October; Pesach (Passover), March or April; Independence Day, April or May; and Shavuot (Pentecost), May or June. All Jewish holidays, as well as the Jewish Sabbath (Friday/Saturday), begin just before sundown and end at nightfall 24 hours later. Muslim, Christian, and Druze holidays are observed by the respective minorities. TIME: 2 PM = noon GMT

IRAQ

Republic of Iraq Al-Jumhuriyah al-‘Iraqiyah CAPITAL: Baghdad FLAG: The national flag is a tricolor of red, white, and black horizontal stripes, with three five-pointed stars in green in the center of the white stripe. In 1991 the phrase Allahu Akbar (“God is Great”) in green Arabic script was added between the stars. ANTHEM: Al-Salaam al-Jumhuri (Salute of the Republic). MONETARY UNIT: The Iraqi dinar (ID) is a paper currency of 1,000 fils. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 250 fils, and notes of 250 and 500 fils and 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 dinars. As of May 2003, 1ID = $.0008547 (or $1 = ID1,170) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard, but weights and measures in general use vary, especially in domestic transactions. The unit of land is the dunam, which is equivalent to approximately 0.25 hectare (0.62 acre). HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Army Day, 6 January; 14th Ramadan Revolution Day, 8 February; Declaration of the Republic, 14 July; and Peaceful Revolution Day, 17 July. Muslim religious holidays include ‘Id al-Fitr, ‘Id al-‘Adha’, Milad an-Nabi, and Islamic New Year. TIME: 3 PM = noon GMT.

IRAN

Islamic Republic of Iran Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran CAPITAL: Tehran FLAG: The national flag is a tricolor of green, white, and red horizontal stripes, the top and bottom stripes having the Arabic inscription Allah Akbar (“God Is Great”) written along the edge nearest the white stripe. In the center, in red, is the coat of arms, consisting of a stylized representation of the word Allah. ANTHEM: The national anthem begins, “On the horizon rises the Eastern Sun.” MONETARY UNIT: The rial (R) is a paper currency of 100 dinars. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 rials, and notes of 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 rials. R1 = $0.0001226 (or $1 = R8,150) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard, but local units are widely used. HOLIDAYS: National Day, 11 February; Oil Nationalization Day, 20 March; No Ruz (New Year), 21– 24 March; Islamic Republic Day, 1 April; 13th Day of No Ruz (Revolution Day), 2 April. Religious holidays (according to the lunar calendar) include Birthday of Imam Husayn; Birthday of the Twelfth Imam; Martyrdom of Imam ‘Ali; Death of Imam Ja‘afar Sadiq; ‘Id al-Fitr; Birthday of Imam Reza; ‘Idi- Qurban; ‘Id-i-Qadir; Shab-i-Miraj; Martyrdom of Imam Husayn; 40th Day after the Death of Imam Husayn; Birthday of the Prophet; Birthday of Imam ‘Ali. TIME: 3:30 PM = noon GMT.

INDONESIA

Republic of Indonesia Republik Indonesia CAPITAL: Jakarta FLAG: The national flag, adopted in 1949, consists of a red horizontal stripe above a white stripe. ANTHEM: Indonesia Raya (Great Indonesia). MONETARY UNIT: The rupiah (RP) consists of 100 sen. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 rupiahs, and notes of 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 rupiahs. RP1 = $0.0001149 (or $1 = RP8,700) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is standard. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Independence Day, 17 August; Christmas, 25 December. Movable religious holidays include the Prophet’s Birthday, Ascension of Muhammad, Good Friday, Ascension Day of Jesus Christ, the end of Ramadan, ‘Id al-Fitr, ‘Id al-‘Adha’, and the 1st of Muharram (Muslim New Year). TIME: Western, 7 PM = noon GMT; Central, 8 PM = noon GMT; Eastern, 9 PM = noon GMT.

FIJI

Republic of Fiji CAPITAL: Suva FLAG: The national flag of Fiji consists of the red, white, and blue Union Jack in the upper left corner of a light blue field, with the Fiji shield in the lower right corner. ANTHEM: God Bless Fiji. MONETARY UNIT: The Fiji dollar (F$) of 100 cents is the national currency. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and notes of 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 Fiji dollars. F$1 = US$0.5181 (or US$1 = F$1.93) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is official, but some British weights and measures are still in use. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Constitution Day, 24 July; Independence Day, 10 October; Christmas Day, 25 December; Boxing Day, 26 December. Movable religious holidays include Good Friday, Easter Monday, Dewali, and Milad an-Nabi. TIME: 12 midnight = noon GMT.

EAST TIMOR

CAPITAL: Dili FLAG: The national flag is rectangular. Two isosceles triangles, the bases of which form the left edge and overlap each other. One triangle is black and its height is equal to one-third of the length overlapped to the yellow triangle, whose height is equal to half the length of the flag. A white fivepointed star, signifying “the light that guides,” is centered on the black triangle. The remaining part of the flag is red. ANTHEM: Pátria! Pátria! (Nation! Nation!) was designated the national anthem until a new anthem is voted on by the National Assembly. MONETARY UNIT: East Timor has adopted the US dollar ($) of 100 cents. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents and 1 dollar, and notes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollars. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Labor Day, 1 May; Assumption Day, 15 August; Constitution Day, 30 August; All Saints Day, 1 November; Santa Cruz Day, 12 November; Independence Day, 28 November; Feast of the Immaculate Conception, 8 December; Christmas, 25 December. Movable holiday is Good Friday. TIME: 9 PM = noon GMT.

CYPRUS

Republic of Cyprus Kypriaki Dimokratia CAPITAL: Nicosia FLAG: The national flag consists of the map of Cyprus in gold set above two green olive branches on a white field. ANTHEM: Ethnikos Hymnos (National Hymn), beginning “Se gnorizo apo tin kopsi” (“I recognize you by the keenness of your spade”). MONETARY UNIT: The Cyprus pound (C£) is a paper currency of 100 cents. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents and 1 pound, and notes of 50 cents, and 1, 5, 10, and 20 pounds. C£1 = $1.851 (or $1 = C£0.54; as of February 2003). The Turkish lira (TL) of 100 kurus¸ is the currency in the Turkish Cypriot zone. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard. Imperial and local measures also are used. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Epiphany, 6 January; Late President Makarios’ Day, 19 January; Greek Independence Day, 25 March; Cyprus National Day, 1 April; Labor Day, 1 May; Cyprus Independence Day, 1 October; Greek Resistance Day, 28 October; Christmas, 25 December; Boxing Day, 26 December. Holidays observed by the Turkish Cypriot community include Founding of the Turkish Federated State of Cyprus, 13 February; Turkish National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, 23 April; Turkish Youth and Sports Day, 19 May; Turkish Victory Day, 30 August; Turkish Independence Day, 29 October. Movable Christian religious holidays include Green Monday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Monday. Movable Muslim religious holidays are observed in the Turkish Cypriot zone. TIME: 2 PM = noon GMT.

CHINA

People’s Republic of China Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo CAPITAL: Beijing (Peking) FLAG: The flag is red with five gold stars in the upper left quadrant; one large star is near the hoist and four smaller ones are arranged in an arc to the right. ANTHEM: March of the Volunteers. MONETARY UNIT: The renminbi, or “people’s money,” denominated in yuan (Y), is equivalent to 10 jiao or 100 fen. There are coins of 1, 2, and 5 fen, 1, 2, and 5 jiao, and 1 yuan, and notes of 1, 2, and 5 fen, 1, 2, and 5 jiao, and 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, and 100 yuan. Y1 = $0.12097 (or $1 = Y8.266) as of January 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard, but some Chinese units remain in common use. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), from the 1st to the 3d day of the first moon of the lunar calendar, usually in February; International Women’s Day, 8 March; May Day, 1 May; Army Day, 1 August; Teachers’ Day, 9 September; and National Day, 1–2 October. TIME: 8 PM = noon GMT.

CAMBODIA

Kingdom of Cambodia Preahreacheanachakr Kampuchea CAPITAL: Phnom Penh FLAG: The flag has a red center field with a white silhouette of the temple complex at Angkor Wat. The center field is bordered top and bottom by blue bands. ANTHEM: Nokoreach, beginning “Heaven protects our King.” MONETARY UNIT: The new riel (CR) is a paper currency of 100 sen. CR1 = $0.0002534 (or $1 = CR3,946.00) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: Both the metric system and traditional weights and measures are in general use. HOLIDAYS: National Day, 9 January; New Year, April; Labor Day, 1 May; Feast of the Ancestors, 22 September; Independence Day, 9 November. TIME: 7 PM = noon GMT.

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

Nation of Brunei, Abode of Peace Negara Brunei Darussalam CAPITAL: Bandar Seri Begawan FLAG: On a yellow field extend two diagonal stripes of white and black, with the state emblem centered in red. ANTHEM: National Anthem, beginning Ya Allah lanjutkan usia (“God bless His Highness with a long life”). MONETARY UNIT: The Brunei dollar (B$, or ringgit) of 100 cents is valued at par with, and is interchangeable with, the Singapore dollar. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and notes of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, and 10,000 Brunei dollars. B$1 = US$0.5617; (or US$1 = B$1.78) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: Imperial weights and measures are in common use, as are certain local units, but a change to the metric system is slowly proceeding. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; National Day, 23 February; Anniversary of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, 31 May; Sultan’s Birthday, 15 July. Movable holidays include the Chinese New Year and various Muslim holy days. TIME: 8 PM = noon GMT.

BHUTAN

Kingdom of Bhutan Druk-Yul CAPITAL: Thimphu (Tashi Chho Dzong) FLAG: The flag is divided diagonally into an orange-yellow field above and a crimson field below. In the center is a wingless white Chinese dragon. ANTHEM: Gyelpo Tenjur, beginning “In the Thunder Dragon Kingdom, adorned with sandalwood.” MONETARY UNIT: The ngultrum (N) is a paper currency of 100 chetrum. There are coins of 5, 10, 25, and 50 chetrum and 1 ngultrum, and notes of 1, 5, 10, and 100 ngultrum. The ngultrum is at par with the Indian rupee (R), which also circulates freely. N1 = $0.0213 (or $1 = N46.97) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard, but some traditional units are still in common use. HOLIDAYS: King’s Birthday, 11–13 November; National Day, 17 December. Movable Buddhist holidays and festivals are observed. TIME: 5:30 PM = noon GMT.

BANGLADESH

People’s Republic of Bangladesh Gana-Prajatantri Bangladesh CAPITAL: Dhaka (formerly Dacca) FLAG: The national flag is a red circle against a dark-green background. ANTHEM: Amar Sonar Bangla (My Golden Bengal). MONETARY UNIT: The taka (T) of 100 poisha is a paper currency set on a par with the Indian rupee. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 poisha, and notes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 taka. T1 = $0.0173 (or $1 = T58.00) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: Bangladesh adopted the metric system as of 1 July 1982. Customary numerical units include the lakh (equal to 100,000) and the crore (equal to 10 million). HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; National Mourning Day (Shaheel Day), 21 February; Independence Day, 26 March; May Day, 1 May; Victory Day, 16 December; Christmas, 25 December; Boxing Day, 26 December. Movable religious holidays include Good Friday, Jamat Wida, Shab-i- Bharat, ‘Id al-Fitr, ‘Id al-‘Adha’, and Durga Puja. TIME: 6 PM = noon GMT.

BAHRAIN

State of Bahrain Dawlat al-Bahrayn CAPITAL: Manama (Al-Manamah) FLAG: Red with a white serrated band (five white points) on the hoist side. ANTHEM: Music without words. MONETARY UNIT: The Bahrain dinar (BD) is divided into 1,000 fils. There are coins of 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 fils and notes of 500 fils and 1, 5, 10, and 20 dinars. BD1 = $2.6596 (or $1 = BD0.376) as of January 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is used; local measures also are used. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; National Day, 16 December. Movable Muslim religious holidays include Hijra (Muslim New Year), ‘Ashura, Prophet’s Birthday, ‘Id al-Fitr, and ‘Id al-‘Adha’. TIME: 3 PM = noon GMT

AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijan Republic Azarbaichan Respublikasy CAPITAL: Baku FLAG: Three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and green; a crescent and eight-pointed star in white are centered in the red band. ANTHEM: Azerbaijan National Anthem, composed by Uzeyir Hajibeyov. MONETARY UNIT: The manat, consisting of 100 gopik, was introduced in 1992 and remains tied to the Russian ruble with widely fluctuating exchange rates. As of May 2003, 1 manat = $0.000204 (or $1 = 4,909 manat). WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is in force. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; International Women’s Day, 8 March; Novruz Bayrom (Holiday of Spring), 22 March; Day of the Republic, 28 May; Day of Armed Forces, 9 October; Day of State Sovereignty, 18 October; Day of National Revival, 17 November; Universal Azeri Solidarity Day, 31 December. TIME: 4 PM = noon GMT.

AUSTRALIA (a short story)

Commonwealth of Australia CAPITAL: Canberra FLAG: The flag has three main features: the red, white, and blue Union Jack in the upper left quarter, indicating Australia’s membership in the Commonwealth of Nations; the white five-star Southern Cross in the right half; and the white seven-pointed federal star below the Union Jack. The flag has a blue background. Of the five stars of the Southern Cross, four have seven points and one has five points. ANTHEM: God Save the Queen is reserved for regal and state occasions and whenever singing is appropriate; the national tune is Advance Australia Fair. MONETARY UNIT: The Australian dollar (A$) is a paper currency of 100 cents. There are coins of 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents and 1 and 2 dollars, and notes of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars. A$1 = US$0.6173 (US$1 = A$1.62) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: Metric weights and measures are used. The Australian proof gallon equals 1.37 US proof gallons. HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Australia Day, last Monday in January; Anzac Day, 25 April; Queen’s Birthday, second Monday in June; Christmas, 25 December; Boxing Day, 26 December. Numerous state holidays also are observed. Movable religious holidays include Good Friday, Easter Saturday, and Easter Monday. TIME: Western Australia, 8 PM = noon GMT; South Australia and Northern Territory, 9:30 PM; Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and Tasmania, 10 PM. Summer time is 1 hour later in all states except Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory.

AFGHANISTAN (a short story)

Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan Dowlat-e Eslami-ye Afghanestan CAPITAL: Kabul FLAG: Three equal vertical bands of black (hoist), red, and green, with a white emblem centered on the red band; the emblem features a temple-like structure encircled by a wreath on the left and right and by a bold Islamic inscription above. ANTHEM: Esllahte Arzi (Land Reform), beginning “So long as there is the earth and the heavens.” MONETARY UNIT: The afghani (AF) is a paper currency of 100 puls. There are coins of 25 and 50 puls and 1, 2, and 5 afghanis, and notes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 afghanis. Af1 = $0.0211 (or $1 = AF47.3) as of May 2003. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is the legal standard, although some local units are still in use. HOLIDAYS: Now Rooz (New Year’s Day), 21 March; May Day, 1 May; Independence Day, 18 August. Movable religious holidays include First Day of Ramadan, ‘Id al-Fitr, ‘Id al-‘Adha’, ‘Ashura, and Milad an-Nabi. The Afghan calendar year begins on 21 March; the Afghan year 1376 began on 21 March 1997. TIME: 4:30 PM = noon GMT.