Felix of Bourbon-Parma. They have a son and heir, Prince Jeane (born Jan. 5, 1921) and four daughters and another son. The country maintained an armed State force of 250 and 225 police. German troops occupied Luxemburg (May 10, 1940) and Gustav Simon, Provincial Governor of Coblenz-Trier, was appointed Provincial Governor (Gauleiter). Simon proclaimed German as the official language. A German civil administration was set up to reorganize life on a basis comparable to that in the Reich. Luxemburg was incorporated into the Reich's custom borders. The Reichsmark was made legal tender and German foreign currency restrictions put into effect. The gauleiter declared the constitution void and also dissolved the Chamber of Deputies and Council of State. The provisional Government of Luxemburg has been established in Montreal, Canada. Luxemburg is a country of small landowners; 430,000 of the 500.000 acres devoted to agriculture are farmed by resident owners. The principal crops are oats and potatoes. The mineral output of Luxemburg, despite its size, is enormous and includes iron, pig iron and steel. Government receipts (1939) were estimated at 355,229,716 francs; expenditures at 353,439,719. The value of the franc, the monetary unit of Luxemburg, was 1.25 times the value of the Belgian belga. Manchukuo Capital, Hsinking-Area, 503,013 square miles-Population (Jan. 1, 1938), 36,949,972 Japan wrested Manchuria from China (1931) occupying Mukden (Sept. 18) and defeating the Chinese in a series of military operations. The three northeastern provinces of China-Fengtien, Kirin and Heilungchiang, together with Jeholwere, with the assistance of the Japanese army, proclaimed (Feb. 18, 1932) an independent state, to be known as Manchukuo. Japan, Italy, Germany, Hungary, Poland and San Salvador (March, 1939) have recognized Manchukuo. Rumanía extended recognition later but the United States has not. The Manchukuo-Outer Mongolia border dispute between Japan and Russia ended (June 10, 1940) when the two countries signed an agreement. Japanese and Russian forces clashed (1938) at Changkufeng Hill, at the junction of the Siberian, Manchukuoan and Korean borders. There was another clash of armed forces (1939) which was followed by a long truce. Outer Mongolia, a Russian dependency, has long disputed her 1,000-mile boundary with Japanese controlled Manchukuo. Henry Pu Yi (born Feb., 1906), the former Manchu "boy" Emperor, Hsuan Tung (deposed in 1911) was made Ching Chang (Chief Executive) of the new government (March 9, 1932), and enthroned as Emperor Kang Teh (March 1, 1934). He has selected a Chinese cabinet behind each member of which stands a Japanese adviser. There are more than 600 Japanese in the government. The Prime Minister is Gen. Chang Ching-hui (appointed May 21, 1935). Conscription for males between 19 and 40 with a three year period of military service prevails. The Government decided (1940) to create a conscript army of youths of 19 to be united to the Japanese army under the sole command of the Japanese commander-in-chief. Manchukuo, the Manchu State, is the former northeast portion of China bounded on the north by Siberia (U. S. S. R.), the boundary being the Amur River; on the east by Siberia, and Korea (Japan); on the southeast by Korea, the boundary being the Yalu River; on the south by the Yellow Sea and China; and on the west by China, Mongolia and Siberia. The Chinese Eastern railway (1,078 miles), built by Russia (1896-1903) and managed jointly by Russia and China, crosses it a little north of center from Manchouli in the northwest to Vladivostok, the Russian Far East Pacific Ocean port which is just beyond the mountains that form the eastern boundary. A spur south from Harbin connects at Changchun with the South Manchuria railway, built by Russia as part of the Chinese Eastern but ceded to Japan after the Japanese-Russian war (1905). The Chinese Eastern Railway was formally transferred to Manchukuo (March 23, 1935). The price paid was 140,000,000 yen (about $39,900,000), plus retirement allowances totaling 30,000,000 yen (about $8.440.000) to Soviet railway employees. The soil of Manchukuo is one of the richest in the world. The area of land capable of cultivation totals 27,853,640 acres, of which 11,409,585 acres are tilled. The principal crops are soy beans, kaoliang. millet, corn, wheat and rice. Lumber is an important produce. The land possesses great mineral wealth, including iron, gold, coal, magnesite, and oil shale. The monetary unit is the yuan, worth about 30 cents in American money. Government receipts and expenditures (1940) are estimated to balance at 570,000,000 yuan. Mexico (REPUBLICA MEXICANA) nearly to Vera Cruz. Between the two ranges lies the vast tableland of Mexico, altitude from 5,000 to 8,000 ft., with a delightful climate and with the vegetation and altitude. The lowlands along the coast are tropical, products of the temperate zone varying with the rising to subtropical in the foothills; hot and unhealthy with a heavy rainfall on the Gulf side. Along the Pacific slope and in the interior irrigation is needed and natural streams from the mountains are used to supply it. Capital, Mexico City-Area, 763,944 square miles-Population (1939) 19,478,791 Mexico is bounded on the north by the United | tinuation of the Rocky Mountains-runs down States, on the east by the United States (Texas), the Rio Grande forming the boundary line, and the Gulf of Mexico; on the south by Guatemala and on the southwest and west by the Pacific Ocean. The Gulf of California, 739 miles long with a maximum width of 190 miles, makes a huge indentation in the western coast, completely separating the narrow, mountainous, sterile and sparsely inhabited peninsula of Lower California, 760 miles long, from the mainland. On the east the province Yucatan juts out into the Gulf of Mexico, connected with the main territory of the country by a narrow strip northwest of the Guatemala frontier. The coast line on the Pacific is 4,574 miles long and 1,727 on the Caribbean. The northern boundary is 1,600 miles long. The principal industry in Mexico is mining, and until recently 97% of the 31,000 mining properties had been foreign-owned. Foreign concessions number nearly 17,000. Mexican silver accounts for 40% of the world's output. Among the minerals are gold, copper, lead, zinc, antimony, mercury, arsenic, amorphous graphite, molybdenum, coal and opal. Petroleum production is huge and has been controlled mainly by three big companies in fields covered by 1,186 concessions occupying 30,866,894 acres. Mexico began large scale experiments in the cultivation of rubber (1941), with the United States supplying the seedlings and technical supervision. The Sierra Madre mountains run north and south near the western coast, turning near Colima and continuing nearly due east. paralleling the coast into the Central American countries. Near the Gulf Coast another range of mountains-a con Agriculture and stock-raising are the chief industries. The country is marvelously rich, but the land is barely scratched except on the larger ranches; primitive methods of cultivation prevail. The cultivable lands are estimated at one-fourth of the total area, or 120,417,760 acres, of which only 30,000,000 acres are cultivated. The grazing lands cover about 120,500,000 acres and forests 44,000,000 acres of which 25,000,000 are estimated to be rich in pine, spruce, cedar, mahogany, rosewood and logwood. Some of the more important products are corn, rice, sugar, wheat, coffee beans, tomatoes, tobacco, cotton, carbanzos, cocoa, sisal, bananas. About 50% of the world's supply of sisal comes from Yucatan. The labor law obliges employers to contract directly with the unions for their help; recognizes the right to strike, and the right of strikers to close a business until the issue is settled; obliges employers to provide hygienic living quarters for their employees; and stipulates that 80% of the employees of all industrial and commercial concerns shall be Mexican citizens. The eight-hour six-day week is established. Minimum wages are fixed by special commissions in each region, and regional boards of conciliation and arbitration are provided | District; the Chamber is elected on a population for. Mexico has pursued (since 1915) a policy of land distribution, seizing large estates and partitioning them among the poor. Under this system peasant groups organize, certify they have no lands or means of support and apply to the Agrarian Commissioner for a collective farm. The Government, after investigation, assigns to them expropriated land or seizes the land for their use. The title rests in the Government, but the peasants are allowed to use the lands, paying rent out of their crops. If not cultivated for two years the land is subject to forfeiture. There were distributed (1915-1939) 56,882.726 acres among 1,606,507 peas ants. President Avila Camacho decreed (1940) that individual land titles be given "as soon as possible" to 1,500,000 Mexican peasants diving on the Republic's communal farms. Under the decree 65,000,000 acres will be parceled out among the peasants, but communal operation of the farms will continue. The Government regulates farm production and fixes maximum and minimum prices for farm products. The exportation and importation of agricultural products are under State control. The National Highway Commission of Mexico (organized in 1925) has been active in road development. The trunk automobile highway from Mexico City to Nuevo Laredo was opened (July. 1936). This road is 770 miles long. The total road mileage (1938) was 42,470, of which 7,939 were suitable for all-year traffic. The Commission is active in the construction of new highways. The main Mexican railways are nationalized. Mexico is now linked to all parts of the continent by aviation service. Mexico has been much torn by civil war and insurrection since achieving its independence from Spain (proclaimed Sept. 15, 1810, and effected in 1821). At a general election (July 7, 1940) Gen. Manuel Avila Camacho was elected president. Mexico is governed under a constitution (promulgated Feb. 5, 1917) replacing the Constitution of 1857. It was amended chiefly as to tenure of office (1929 and 1933) and now provides that the President shall be elected for a term of six years, the 58 Senators for six years (half the Senate being renewed at a time), and the 170 Deputies for three years. None may be re-elected for the term immediately following. Governors of the States. Mayors and State Legislators are also barred from succeeding themselves in office. The Senate has two members from each State and from the Federal basis. Mexico is declared to be a Federal Republic of 28 States, each having a large measure of home rule and with governor, legislature and judiciary elected by universal suffrage in a general election. There are also two territories whose governors are appointed and may be removed by the President, and a Federal District containing Mexico City governed by Federal Commissioners. The President appoints a Cabinet of nine ministers and eight department heads with cabinet rank, who are responsible to him and may be dismissed by him. He has the right to expel from Mexico without "judicial process" any foreigner whose presence he may deem "inexpedient. Military service is obligatory with men between the ages of 18 and 45 subject to service for one year. The measure (made a law 1940) calls for the training of 50,000 reserves annually until a reserve of 200,000 has been developed. The Navy consists of six escort vessels, ten coast guard patrol boats and minor craft, and is used chiefly to police the coasts. Education, is free and compulsory up to 15 years of age. Vocational instruction, particularly in agriculture, is being promoted. There are normal schools for both sexes throughout the country and some hundred technical schools. The National University of Mexico, (founded 1553), is famous among Latin-American universities, and in the capital are many higher institutions of learning and culture and scientific institutions and societies. Education in primary, secondary and normal schools is socialistic and divorced from all religious doctrines. There is full religious freedom and services are held daily and without interference throughout the Republic in churches of all creeds. The majority of the people are Roman Catholic. All foreign priests were expelled (1926) and the Papal Delegate (1931). The Mexican Congress has limited the number of priests to 350, approximately one to each 45.000 inhabitants. Several States permitted Catholic churches to reopen (1936). The Mexican Constitution forbids any church to own real estate. The monetary unit is the pesos with an average value of $.20. The budget (1941) is estimated to balance at 492,000,000 pesos. Mexico's imports are mainly from the United States, 65.3% Germany, 11.9% Great Britain, 5.8%. Exports are principally distributed among the following-United States, 62.8%; Great Britain, 10.1%; Germany, 7.1%. Monaco Capital, Monaco-Area, 7.99 square miles-Population (1939) 23,973 Monaco is a small principality on the Mediterranean surrounded by the French Department of the Alpes Maritimes. An independent Principality for 800 years, the reigning Prince was dispossessed by the French Revolution. The line was re-established (1814) and placed under the protectorate o France, (1815) of the Kingdom of Sardinia. King Charles III (1861) ceded his rights upon Menton and Roquebrune to France. The Prince of Monaco was an absolute ruler until a Constitution was promulgated (June 7, 1911). This provided for a National Council of 21 members reduced to 12 (1917) elected by universal suffrage for four years. The revenue is mainly derived from the gaming tables of the Casino at Monte Carlo. (Monte Carlo is a town with a resident population of 9,428). The annual grant for the concession was £80,000 (1917); £90,000 (1927) and £100,000 (1937). The yearly peace time average of visitors is more than 1,500,000. The French franc is the unit of currency. The budget (1939) proposed expenditures of 38,892,921 francs. The principality is divided into three communes, Monaco-Ville. La Condamine and Monte Carlowhich are administered by a municipal body, elected by vote. Women do not have the right of suffrage. There is a local police force of 200. The late Prince Albert established an important oceanographic museum, aquarium and laboratory. and also an anthropological museum, in Monaco. The ruler of Monaco is Prince Louis II, (born July 12, 1870). He succeeded his father, Prince Albert (June 26, 1922). His heir is his grandson. Prince Ranier, (born May 31, 1923.) Morocco (MOGHREB-EL-AKSA, i. e. THE FARTHEST WEST) Capital, Rabat-Area, 213,350 square miles-Population (1936), 7,093,720 Morocco of to-day is the remnant of the great of Morocco (except the Ifni enclave and the Cape Shereefian Empire founded by the Arab invader, who carried the crescent of Islam west at the close of the seventh century and ruled all northwestern Africa and most of the Iberian peninsula. It is bounded on the east by Algeria, on the north by the Mediterranean, the extreme point opposite Gibraltar being Ceuta; on the south by Rio de Oro and Algeria, and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The country is divided into three zones-the French, the Spanish zone and the neutral Tangier area. The Sultan resides in Rabat in the French zone, but Fez, Marrakesh and Meknes are accepted as capitals by tradition. The French protectorate encompasses the whole Juby area) from the Algerian frontier to the Atlantic Ocean and from the Sahara Desert in the south to the boundary of the Spanish zone in the north. The Spanish section is the northern strip that extends (except for the small internationalized Tangier area) from a point in the Atlantic about 16 miles south of Larache to the river Moulouya. Spain also exercises jurisdiction over the Ini enclave and the Cape Juby area on the Atlantic Ocean in the extreme southwest of the country. The reigning Sultan of Morocco is Sidi Mohammed, (proclaimed Nov. 19, 1927). He was the third son of Moulay Youssef (reigned 1912-1927). Along the 200 miles of the Mediterranean littoral run the Riff hills, still unexplored. Through the country from northeast to southwest extend the Atlas Mountains in five great ranges rising to an altitude of 12,000 ft. Between these ranges lie fertile, well-watered plains and the northern slopes of the mountains are well wooded. Irrigation is much used, though all agricultural methods and implements are primitive. The climate is healthy, especially on the Atlantic Coast, which is shielded from the hot winds of the Sahara by the Atlas Mountains, and where there is a "tell" or fertile region. Tangier is a recognized health resort, also Mogador, where the temperature never rises above 80 or falls below 40. The most numerous of the inhabitants are the aboriginal Berbers, mountain dwellers, whose forebears thrice conquered Spain, and who so long maintained the independence of their country. The plains are mostly occupied by Arabs and a mixture of the two races, known to foreigners as "Moors." The latter are also town dwellers. The third race is Jewish, in two sections, one settled there from time immemorial, and the other driven from Europe in comparatively modern times, who live near the ports, and have much of the trade. The people are agricultural and pastoral. Eggs and poultry have become the chief articles of export, reaching even to England. Other important exports are skins, hides, wool, beans, barley, linseed and wheat, almonds, cummin and gums. The chief imports are textiles, sugar, tea, machinery and hardware, candles and spirits. Fruit and vineyards are abundant and dates a regular crop. Carpets, leather goods, fezzes, woolen and silk stuffs are among the manufactures, chiefly for domestic consumption. Mineral deposits are undeveloped, but much copper, lead and tin are known to exist. An oil field extends from Fez to Laraish. Phosphate exists in great abundance, estimated at 100,000,000 metric tons. Peacetime commerce is principally with France, Japan, Belgium, China, United States, Algeria and Italy. Morocco came under French influence because of its proximity to Algeria. A general rising of the tribes (Oct. 1910) culminating in the siege of Fez, called out a French expedition of pacification, which occupied Fez (1911). For two decades thereafter the country was restless, with frequent uprisings, and pacification was not completed until the exile of Abd-el Krim (1926) and surrender of Sidi All Hociene, last die-hard chief (1933.) Tangier, a seaport of 60,000 inhabitants, which occupies the extreme northwest corner of Africa on the Atlantic, was temporarily internationalized by the chief Mediterranean powers (1911-1912), with a hinterland of 140 square miles, making a total of 225 square miles. A convention was signed (Dec. 18, 1923) and a protocol (July, 1925) by Great Britain, France and Spain, providing for its permanent neutrality, security and internationalization. Spain, however, reopened the question (1926) by a demand for full control and the incorporation of Tangier within the Spanish protectorate. A new accord was signed (July 25, 1928) giving Spain control of policing. A committee of eight consular officers and an international legislative assembly of 26 members, form the govern ment. Spanish troops occupied the international area flanking the Strait of Gibraltar (June 14, 1940) "to protect its neutrality." The Spanish military took full charge of the zone (Nov. 4, 1940), ousting the British employes. Great Britain and Spain reached a provisional agreement (Feb. 26, 1941), under which Spain promised to refrain from fortifying the international zone. Spain ousted the Moroccan native nominal ruler (March 16, 1941), and the ruler's palace was turned over to the Germans as a consular office. Nepal Capital, Kathmandu-Area, 54,000 square miles-Population (est.), 5,600,000 long and 20 miles wide, which supports 300,000 in- The sovereign is Maharajah Tribhubana Bir Bikram (born June 30, 1906), who succeeded his father (Dec. 11, 1911.) All power is held by the Prime Minister, always a member of the ruling family; succession is determined under special rules. The first railway, 24 miles long, was opened (Feb., 1926). It runs from Raxaul, on the Indian frontier, to Kathmandu. Foreign trade is almost entirely with British India and amounts to about 70,000,000 rupees a year. Annual gross revenues are estimated at 12,500,000. The Maharajah receives an annual grant of 1,000,000 rupees from the British Government. Netherlands (KONINKRIJK DER NEDERLANDEN) Capital, Amsterdam-Area, 12,704 square miles-Population (1939), 8,728,569 Amsterdam is the sole capital of the Kingdom and the inauguration of the King or Queen-in accordance with the constitution-takes place in that city. The Netherlands, a kingdom in northwestern | helmina and the seat of her government, but Europe, is bounded by Germany on the east, Belgium on the south and the North Sea on the west and north. Its surface is flat, with an average height above sea level of 37 ft. and with about onefourth of its land below sea level, reclaimed and protected by dykes, of which there are 1,500 miles. Drainage of half of the shallow Zuyder Zee, which covers 1,350 square miles with an opening into the North Sea about 19 miles wide, designed to add 900 square miles to the cultivable land, "polders,' has been under way since 1920. One part of the great dam (11⁄2 miles long) connecting the west coast with the Island of Wieringen, was completed (1925) The other (171⁄2 miles long) connecting the island with the eastern shore, was finished (1932). It has huge tidal sluices to discharge the waters of the "Lake" Yssel, a new fresh-water reservoir fed by the River Yssel, a branch of the Rhine. The cost of the dam was $35,000,000, and the entire expenditure for 30 years on dikes and drainage will be about $190,000,000. The added value of fertile soil will be $210,000,000. The first "polder" of 77 square miles finished, was under crops (1936), and work on the second installment of 203 square miles was finished in April, 1941. The Hague is the official residence of Queen Wil Of the country's 5,563,960 acres given over to agriculture, (including gardens, orchards and pastures), 90% are in holdings of less than 50 acres and more than 50%, of less than 12 acres, with about 360.000 employed on the land. There are 615,165 acres of well cared for forests. Cereals, potatoes, sugar beets and other crops are raised. Commercial fishing engages 20,000 persons. Dairy products are an important industry, the cheese the very special type of soil found on the edge of products are famous, and the cattle high grade; on the polders and the sand dunes along the coast tulips and other flowering bulbs and roots are grown and exported extensively. (The Dutch bulb is not indigenous to Holland, but originated in Persia, whence it was brought to Holland 375 years ago). The village of Boskoop, with 600 nurseries, is the largest center in the world for flowers and ornamental plants. The most important industries are shipbuilding. the manufacture of machinery, textiles (including rayon), and chemical products; also brewing and distilling and flour milling. Amsterdam is famous for diamond cutting; Delft for pottery. Coal is found in Limburg. The mines are mostly government owned. Canals, of which there are 4,500 miles, are most important in internal communication; elaborate systems are in the cities and feed the harbors. The Rhine and the Scheldt reach the sea through the Netherlands and carry enormous traffic, the Scheldt including that from Antwerp. The first Constitution after the reconstruction of the Netherlands as a sovereign state was promulgated (1814), and revised (1815) after the addition of the Belgian provinces, and (1840, 1848, 1887, 1917, 1922 and 1938). It assures a hereditary constitutional monarchy. Executive power rests exclusively in the sovereign and the States-General of two Chambers: First Chamber, 50 members, elected for six years (one-half every third year) by the provincial legislatures, and the Second Chamber, 100 Deputies, elected for four years directly. Universal suffrage for citizens of both sexes over 25 years of age and proportional representation are in force. The Sovereign exercises the executive authority through a Council of Ministers, the President thereof corresponding to a Prime Minister. There is a State Council of 14 members, named by the Sovereign, of which she is President, to be consulted on all legislative and some executive matters. The reigning Sovereign is Queen Wilhelmina Helena Pauline Maria (born Aug. 31, 1880) who succeeded on the death of her father, Willem III, (Nov. 23, 1890) and was crowned (Sept. 6, 1898) She married Prince Henry of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (Prince Consort) (Feb. 7, 1901). He died (July 3, 1934). The heir to the throne is Princess Juliana, only daughter, (born April 30, 1909) and married (Jan. 7, 1937) to Prince Bernhard zu Lippe-Biesterfeld (born June 29, 1911). They have two daughters, Princess Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard (Born Jan. 31, 1938) and Princess Irene Emma Elisabeth (Born Aug. 5, 1939). Pieter S. Gerbrandy is Premier. The political complexions of the two chambers (elected May, 1937) follows: First Chamber-Catholics, 16; Social Democrats, 12; Anti-Revolutionists, 7; Christian Historicals, 6; National Socialists, 4; Liberty Union, 3; Democrats, 2. Second Chamber-Catholics, 31; Social Democrats, 23; Anti-Revolutionists, 17; Christian Historicals, 8; Democrats, 6; Liberty Union, 4; National Socialists, 4; other parties, 7. Under the revision of 1922 Netherland India has been abolished as a colony and made an integral part of the Kingdom. Germany invaded and occupied the Netherlands (May 10-14, 1940) and a German Commissioner, responsible directly to Chancellor Hitler of Germany, was made Governor Commissar of the occupied areas with a German trade expert to direct economic recovery. Arthur Seyss-Inquart was named Commissar for the duration of the war with the promise to the Netherlands that "its independence would be restored after the close of the war." Queen Wilhelmina and Cabinet filed for England at the time of the invasion and established a refugee Government in London. Army service was compulsory with every man liable from the ages of 19 to 40. There were recruited annually 30,500, with 1,000 for sea service. The Navy is maintained for the protection of home waters and the coast and the defense of the East Indian possessions with three cruisers assigned to the East Indian fleet with destroyers, submarines and most of the vessels of the Navy. Entire liberty of worship and conscience is guaranteed. The royal family belongs to the Dutch Reformed Church. The state contributes to the support of several religious denominations, Education is obligatory from ages six to thirteen. Instruction is free in both public and denominational schools and teachers are paid by the State. There are universities in Amsterdam (Two), Utrecht, Leyden, Delft (Engineering), Groningen, Wageningen (Agriculture), Rotterdam (Commerce), Nijmegen (Roman Catholic), and Tilburg (Commerce, Roman Catholic). The monetary unit is the guilder (florin) with an average value of $.53, based on the official German rate. Government revenues (1940) were estimated at 770,005,000 guilders, expenditures 1,015,599,000. NETHERLANDS INDIES The overseas territories of the Netherlands in the East Indies consist of great islands and archipelagoes lying along the Equator from about 6° north latitude to 10° south latitude, between the Asiatic mainland and the Philippines, and Australia. They form the bulk of the Malaysia. Java is the most densely populated land mass in the world (821 to the square mile). The great majority of the natives are Mohammedans. The estimated (1941) total population of Netherlands Indies is 67,000,000, of which 250,000 are white. They are distributed as follows: Java and Madura, 46,000,000; Sumatra, 9,000,000; Borneo, 2,400,000; Celebes, 4,600,000; rest of the Archipelago, 5,000,000. The capital is Batavia, Java. The total area is 735,267 square miles, divided as follows-Java and Madura, 50,752; Sumatra, 163,145; Borneo, 206,819; Celebes, 48,060. The islands are luxuriant, even for the Tropics, and produce annually enormous natural wealth. The Netherlands East Indies figures in world exports in the following percentages: cinchona bark 90%, pepper 85%, kapok 82%, rubber 33%, Coconut 30%, hard cordage fibre 25%, palm oil products 24%, and tea 17. Other products of major importance are tobacco and sugar; also coffee, cocoa and teak wood. The export of rubber is controlled by the International Rubber Regulation Committee for Netherland India. The main NETHERLANDS Netherlands Guiana, also called Surinam, is situated on the north coast of South America, between French Guiana on the east and British Gulana on the west; inaccessible forests and savannas on the south stretch to the Tumuc Humac Mountains. The area is 54,291 square miles. The population is 177,980. Paramaribo is the capital. The Dutch by the Treaty of Breda (1667) gave New Netherlands (New York) to England in exchange for Surinam. The chief export is aluminum ore "bauxite," and 65 per cent of the American consumption of this important raw material comes from Surinam. Other exports are sugar, coffee, bananas, balata and high quality lumber. The Netherland guilder is the monetary unit. Government revenues (1941) are estimated at 4,348,000 guilders; expenditures at 5,846,000. mineral riches are tin and oil. Raw materials are of great strategic value. Tin production is also regulated. Huge high quality iron ore deposits are still unused. The inter-island and coastal traffic is handled by a large fleet of small steamers and an extensive network of air lines. In peacetime three times weekly airplanes connected the Netherlands with the Netherlands Indies. A colonial army, separate from the home army, is maintained in the East Indies. There is compulsory militia service for whites between the ages of 19 and 32 and in the landstorm between 31 and 45. The army consisted (Jan. 1, 1939) of 1,783 reservist officers, 13,263 militiamen, and 17,596 in the landstorm. The navy in the East Indies normally has three cruisers, eight destroyers, 14 submarines and additional small craft. The main naval base is Sourabaya, with an auxiliary Naval Air Base in Ambon. The Naval Air Force consists of 72 seagoing hydroplanes and 18 additional planes aboard ships. Forces were largely increased (1941) by the threats of war. The budget (1941) carried $220.000,000 for defense measures. The monetary unit-the guilder-has the same foreign exchange valuation as that of the Netherlands. Governmental revenues (1941) were estimated at 694,140,035 guilders; expenditures at 829,304,901. WEST INDIES The colony of Curacao consists of a group of six islands in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Venezuela. The area of the group is 403 square miles; of Curacao it is 210 square miles; of Aruba it is 70 square miles. The population (Jan. 1. 1939) is 101.021. Willemstad is the capital. The chief products are corn, pulse, cattle, salt and phosphates; the principal industry is the refinery of oil. On Curacao the Royal Dutch Shell and on Aruba the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey have large oil refineries, refining the oil from Venezuela. The harbor of Curacao is very important. In 1939 nearly 7,000 ships with a gross register of about 27,000,000 tons entered the harbor. These included the many cruise ships whose passengers bought European cosmetics and other articles in this duty-free port Government revenues (1939) were estimated at 11,822,760 guilders; expenditures, 11,587,117. Nicaragua (REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA) Capital, Managua-Area, 60,000 square miles-Population (1940) 1,380,287 Nicaragua lies between the Caribbean Sea, with a coastline of 280 miles, and the Pacific (200 miles), with Honduras on the north and Costa Rica on the south. The Cordillera range of mountains, including many volcanic peaks, runs from northwest to southeast through the middle of the country. Between this range and a range of volcanic peaks to the west lie Lake Managua, 30 miles long by 15 miles wide, and Lake Nicaragua, 100 miles long and 45 miles wide, of great importance in the transport system of the country. The Pacific Railroad, running from Corinto to Leon and from Managua to Granada (171 miles), the only one in the country is Government owned. Other products are mahogany and hides and skins. Chief imports are textiles, machinery, chemicals and flour. The United States acquired by the BryanChamarro treaty (1916) the right to construct a canal through Nicaragua and also to build a naval base in the Bay of Fonseca on the Pacific coast and at Corn Island on the Atlantic coast. The United States paid $3,000,000 for the option. The country has had a stormy politcal history: revolutions have been frequent and it has been necessary for the United States to land Marines there on several occasions to protect American lives and property. The country has valuable forests, some gold is mined, but it is essentially an agricultural and stock raising community. On the broad tropical plains of the east coast, bananas and sugar cane are cultivated, and coffee is grown on the mountain slopes. The production of gold has attained first rank in the country, taking precedence over coffee, which held the lead until 1940. The Constitution (March 12, 1912) amended (1913) provides for a Congress of two Houses, a Senate of 24 members elected for six years, onethird each two years, and a House of 43 Deputies elected for four years by universal suffrage. The President is elected for four years and has a Council of five Ministers. General Anastasio Somoza was elected President (Dec. 8, 1936) to serve until 1940. A new constitution was approved by the constituent assembly (March 22, 1939) and President Somoza elected for an eight-year term (expiring May 1, 1947.) The Roman Catholic is the prevailing religion. The teaching of English is compulsory in the schools. A Central University of Nicaragua was established (1941) by President Sonazo. The university. located in Managua, consists of schools of medicine. law, arts, pharmacy and engineering. Nicaragua also has universities in Leon and Granada. The National Guard (1939) numbers 3,538 officers and men with a trained reserve of 4,000. The period of enlistment is for three years and during that period soldiers are barred from voting. Aviation is being developed with the construction of commercial and military airports. The monetary unit is the cordoba with an average value of $.17. The budget (1939-1940) was estimated to balance at 20,281,429 cordobas. The (1940-1941) budget was increased to almost 26,000,000 cordobas because of war expenditures. Norway (NORGE) Capital, Oslo-Area, 124,556 square miles-Population (est. 1940), 2,937,000 Norway occupies the west part of the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northwest Europe from the Skagerrack, which separates it from Denmark, to the North Cape in the Arctic Ocean, where on the east it meets Finland. The Kjolen Mountains, which separate Norway from Sweden to the east, give to Norway in the northern part but a narrow fringe of country washed by the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans, and cut deep by fjords of scenic grandeur. The climate is mild and moist, on the west coast, but cold and dry in the interior and in the north and east sections. The country is 1,100 miles long and its greatest width is 270 miles. The coastline, including the fjords and greater islands, is 12,000 miles long, and includes 150,000 islands. signed solely for coast-defense duty and numbered approximately 10,000 officers and men. All seafaring men between the ages of 20 and 44 are enrolled on the active list and are liable to conscription. Norway has only 4.300 square miles of land under cultivation; rivers and lakes occupy 5.000; and forests 29,455; three-fourths of the land is unproductive. Norway is essentially a maritime-country. The chief agricultural products are wheat, barley, oats, rye, corn, potatoes and hay. Forests are one of the principal natural sources of wealth. Nearly 70,000 men are engaged in cod fisheries; 31,500 in winter herring fisheries, and 30,000 in summer herring fisheries. Huge quantities of whale, walrus, seal, mackerel and salmon are also caught. Mining is an important industry and the country yields silver, copper, pyrites, nickel, iron, zinc and lead. The country lacks coal but has become a great power producing country by utilizing by electrical transmission, its greatest natural asset-water power The principal manufactures are food products, machinery and metal work, paper and pulp. textiles, wood, animal oils, soap and electrochemical products, especially nitrates. The Evangelical Lutheran religion is endowed by the state and its clergy are nominated by the King. All religions are tolerated. Education is compulsory from seven to fourteen, and the school system is highly organized. There is, so to speak, no illiteracy. The University of Oslo (founded in 1811) is subsidized by the state. The Army was the national militia with universal and compulsory service beginning at the age of 18 and continuing until 55. The first call was at the age of 21 and for 12 years the recruit belongs to the line. Males from 18 to 21 and from 45 to 55 belonged to the landstorm, subject to call in national emergency. Service for the ages of 33 to 45 was in the landvaern. Military training in all branches was for 90 days. The strength of the army (1939) including officers and men, was approximately 60,000. The Norwegian Navy was de After Norway's entry into the war no effort has been spared to build up a better navy and air force. Some 50 Norwegian men-of-war are now active on the seas, among them a number of the destroyers handed over by the United States Government to England and by the British Government put at the disposal of the Norwegian Government; and an air-force of about 2,000 men are on the wings. Norway, under its Constitution (adopted May 17, 1814) is a constitutional hereditary monarchy. Independent for centuries, Norway entered into a union with the Kingdom of Denmark (1381). By treaty (Jan. 14, 1814) the King of Denmark ceded Norway to Sweden, but the Norwegian people declared themselves independent and elected a Danish Prince as their King. The foreign powers refused to recognize this election; as a result a convention (Aug. 14) proclaimed the independence of Norway in union with Sweden, and (Nov. 4) elected Charles XIII, of Sweden King of Norway. This union lasted until 1905. Disagreements having arisen culminating in Norway's claiming the right to maintain its own consular service. Norway declared the union dissolved (June 7) and after negotiations a repeal of the union by mutual agreement was signed (Oct. 26, 1905). After a plebiscite Prince Charles of Denmark was elected King and ascended the throne as Haakon VII. The legislative power is vested in the Storthing, the members numbering 150, elected for four years by direct vote on universal suffrage of citizens, both male and female of 23 years of age. The Storthing discusses and votes on all political and budgetary questions, but divides itself into two sections for questions of legislation, onefourth of the membership forming the Lagthing. and three-fourths the Odelsthing, which consider the legislation separately, sitting in joint session on failure to agree separately. when decision is made by a two-thirds majority. The King may exercise the veto twice, but if the same bill is passed a third time, it becomes law. The king of Norway is Haakon VII. (born Aug. 3, 1872) second son of Frederick VIII., King of Denmark. He was elected King of Norway by the Storthing (Nov. 18, 1905) and crowned (June 22, 1906) married (July 22, 1896) to Princess Maud who died (Nov. 20, 1938) third daughter of King Edward VII. of Great Britain. The heir to the throne, Crown Prince Olaf (born July 2, 1903) was married (March 21, 1929) to Princess Martha of Sweden, daughter of Prince Charles. A son, Heredi |