Contents
http://3lib.ukonline.co.uk/pocketinfo/index.html
by
Bob Hepple, bhepple@freeshell.org, Nov 2002
Capital: Kabul
GMT-offset: +4:30
Currency: 100 puls = 1 afghani
ISO code: AFA
Currency rate: 7,953·40
Dial code: 93
Population: 16,450,000
Area: 649,507 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: AFG
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 11955, 15575, 15310
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Recommended
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Vets are good and treat people here
Notes:
Capital: Tiranë
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: 100 quarts = 1 lek
ISO code: ALL
Currency rate: 292·183
Dial code: 355 (42)
Population: 3,335,000
Area: 28,749 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: AL
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 12095, 15070, 12095
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate reqd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Fairly Safe
Health care: Hospitals safe and free
Notes: Independence (Turkey): 1912
Capital: Algiers
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: Dinar
ISO code: DZD
Currency rate: 98·1588
Dial code: 213 (2)
Population: 26,022,000
Area: 2,381,740 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: DZ
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15575, 17705, 12095
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Some licences recognized - otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Recommended
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Safe in main towns
Health care: Hospitals free but dirty. Private consultations from 200 DZD
Notes: Independence (France): 1962
Capital: Andorra la Vella
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: French Francs, Spanish Pesetas
ISO code:
Currency rate:
Dial code: 376
Population: 53,000
Area: 487 km2
Religion: Catholic
Language: AND
Car code:
Mains voltage:
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements:
Driving license:
Cholera:
Yellow fever:
Typhoid:
Malaria:
Polio:
Water Quality:
Health care:
Notes:
Capital: Luanda
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: Kwanza (readj)
ISO code: AON
Currency rate: 329,721·1
Dial code: 244 (2)
Population: 8,668,000
Area: 1,246,700 km2
Religion:
Language: Portugese
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 17885, 21660, 17880
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Recommended
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Not Safe
Health care: Free but inadequate, nothing outside Luanda other than ICRC or MSF
Notes: The Country is littered with land mines and generally unsafe outside Luanda. Extreme caution should be excercised in terms of personal security too. Independence (Portugal): 1975
Capital: St John's
GMT-offset: -4:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 East Caribbean Dollar
ISO code: XCD
Currency rate: 4·5209 2·7 EC$=1US$
Dial code: 1 809
Population: 64,000
Area: 443 km2
Religion:
Language: English
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15220, 6195, 9915
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: Show own permit for issue of local one at police
Cholera: Independence (Britain): 1981
Yellow fever:
Typhoid:
Malaria:
Polio:
Water Quality:
Health care:
Notes:
Capital: Buenos Aires
GMT-offset: -3:00
Currency: 100centavos = 1 peso
ISO code: ARS
Currency rate: 1·6737
Dial code: 54 (1)
Population: 32,664,000
Area: 2,776,661 km2
Religion: Catholic
Language: Spanish
Car code: RA
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15190, 15260, 11750
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Recommended
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Safe in main towns
Health care: High standard generally
Notes: Independence (Spain): 1810
Capital: Jerevan
GMT-offset: +4:00
Currency: Dram
ISO code: RUR
Currency rate: 853·525
Dial code: 374 (2)
Population: 3,283,000
Area: 29,800 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: try 9410
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP
Cholera:
Yellow fever:
Typhoid:
Malaria:
Polio:
Water Quality:
Health care:
Notes:
Capital:
GMT-offset:
Currency: Florin
ISO code:
Currency rate: 2·9972
Dial code: 297
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage:
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements:
Driving license:
Cholera:
Yellow fever:
Typhoid:
Malaria:
Polio:
Water Quality:
Health care:
Notes:
Capital: Canberra
GMT-offset: +10:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 dollar
ISO code: AUD
Currency rate: 2·2626
Dial code: 61 (6)
Population: 17,288,000
Area: 7,682,300 km2
Religion:
Language: English
Car code: AUS
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15340, 11955, 17830
Visa Requirements: Yes UK, US, Canada
Driving license: All accepted, but IDP preferred
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: High standards - expensive but free emergency treatment for UK nationals
Notes: Largest city and former capital, Sydney (2). Independence (Britain): 1901
Capital: Vienna
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: 100 groschen = 1 schilling
ISO code: SCS
Currency rate: 21·0955
Dial code: 43 (1)
Population: 7,666,000
Area: 83,851
Religion:
Language: German
Car code: A
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15575, 15070, 9410
Visa Requirements: No up to 3 months
Driving license: US,UK,NZ CAN,AUS OK
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Excellent
Notes: EEA
Capital: Baku
GMT-offset: +4:00
Currency: Manat
ISO code: ?
Currency rate: 6,644·02
Dial code: 994 (12)
Population: 7,029,000
Area: 86,600 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: try 9410
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: Check
Yellow fever: Check
Typhoid: Check
Malaria: Check
Polio: Check
Water Quality: Check
Health care: Check
Notes:
Capital: Ponta Delgada
GMT-offset: -1:00
Currency: Port. Escudos
ISO code: PTE
Currency rate: 302·815
Dial code: 351 (96)
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Check
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Free to UK nationals
Notes:
Capital: Nassau
GMT-offset: -5:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 dollar
ISO code: BSD
Currency rate: 1·6744 = 1US$)
Dial code: 1 809
Population: 252,000
Area: 13,939 km2
Religion:
Language: English
Car code: BS
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15220, 6195, 9915
Visa Requirements: No, up to 3 months
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: OK but low standard - fly to Miami for anything but basic treatment
Notes: Independence (Britain): 1973
Capital: Al Manamah
GMT-offset: +3:00
Currency: Dinar
ISO code: BHD
Currency rate: 0·6313
Dial code: 973
Population: 537,000
Area: 622 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: BRN
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15070, 15575, 1413
Visa Requirements: Yes except UK (up to 6 months)
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: Recommended
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Recommended
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: OK in hotels, government hospitals free, private pratice very expensive
Notes: Independence (Britain): 1971
Capital: Dhaka
GMT-offset: +6:00
Currency: Taka
ISO code: BDT
Currency rate: 73·0876
Dial code: 880 (2)
Population: 116,601,000
Area: 142,776km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: BD
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15380, 17790, 15310
Visa Requirements: Yes except US (up to 6 months)
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Variable
Notes: Independence (Pakistan): 1972
Capital: Bridgetown
GMT-offset: -4:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 dollar
ISO code: BBD
Currency rate: 3·3677
Dial code: 1 809
Population: 255,000
Area: 430 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: BDS
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15220, 6195, 9915
Visa Requirements: No except US & Canada
Driving license: BBD 30 fee for foreign licence recognition
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Safe - but not after floods
Health care: Excellent facilities, private and general
Notes: Independence (Britain): 1966
Capital: Brussels
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 franc
ISO code: BEF
Currency rate: 61·9193
Dial code: 32 (2)
Population: 9,922,000
Area: 30,513 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: B
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 6195, 9750, 9410
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: Most OK or IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Excellent but expensive, reciprocal agreement with UK
Notes: Independence: 21 July 1830
Capital: Belmopan
GMT-offset: -6:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 dollar
ISO code: BZD
Currency rate: 3·3488 =½ US Dollar
Dial code: 501 (8)
Population: 228,000
Area: 22,966 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: BH
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: No - return ticket required
Driving license: All OK up to 3 months
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Recommended
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Facilities OK
Notes: Largest City: Belize City (2). Independence (Britain): 1981. Formerly British Honduras.
Capital: Porto Novo
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 CFA Franc
ISO code: XOF
Currency rate: 1,013·10 =0·01 Fr Franc
Dial code: 229
Population: 4,832,000
Area: 112,620 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: DY
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 17885, 15400, 9410
Visa Requirements: Yes (15 days only)
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd
Typhoid: Recommended
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Largest city: Cotonou. Independence (France): 1960. Formerly Dahomey
Capital: Hamilton
GMT-offset: -4:00
Currency: 100 cents =1 dollar
ISO code: BMD
Currency rate: 1·6744 =1 US$
Dial code: 1 809
Population: 600,000
Area: 50 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: No - return ticket required
Driving license: Visitors may not drive
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Uncertain
Health care: Very Expensive
Notes: Independence (Britain): 1981
Capital: Thimphu
GMT-offset: +5:30
Currency: Ngultrum
ISO code: BTN
Currency rate: 59·7510
Dial code: 975 (2)
Population: 1,598,000
Area: 47,000 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Good but scarce
Notes: Independence: 1947
Capital: Sucre
GMT-offset: -4:00
Currency: Boliviano
ISO code: BOB
Currency rate: 8·7906
Dial code: 591 (64
Population: 7,157,000
Area: 1,098,582 km2
Religion:
Language: Spanish
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15220, 15205, 15260
Visa Requirements: Yes - except UK tourists and US up to 90 days
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Recommended
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Former capital and largest city: La Paz (2). Independence (Spain): 1825
Capital: Kralendijk
GMT-offset: -8:00
Currency:
ISO code:
Currency rate:
Dial code:
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Check
Driving license: Check
Cholera: Check
Yellow fever: Check
Typhoid: Check
Malaria: Check
Polio: Check
Water Quality: Check
Health care: Check
Notes: Dutch Antilles
Capital: Sarajevo
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: Dinar
ISO code: YUN
Currency rate:
Dial code: 387 (1)
Population: 4,124,256
Area: 51,129 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 9410, 15070, 6195
Visa Requirements: Uncertain
Driving license: IDP
Cholera:
Yellow fever:
Typhoid:
Malaria:
Polio:
Water Quality:
Health care: Uncertain at present
Notes:
Capital: Gaberone
GMT-offset: +2:00
Currency: Pula
ISO code: BWP
Currency rate: 6·0344
Dial code: 267
Population: 1,258,000
Area: 582,139
Religion:
Language:
Car code: RB
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 6190, 21660, 3255
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: All OK
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Poorly equipped, medicines free
Notes: Independence (Britain): 1966. Formerly Bechuanaland
Capital: Brasilia
GMT-offset: -3:00
Currency: 100 Centavos = 1 Real
ISO code: BRL
Currency rate: 1·8104
Dial code: 55 (61)
Population: 155,356,000
Area: 8,506,663 km2
Religion: Catholic
Language: Portugese
Car code: BR
Mains voltage: 110/220v (dc in some areas)
World Service frews: 15190, 15260, 11750
Visa Requirements: Yes - except UK (up to 3 months)
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Treatment expensive
Notes: Largest city: São Paulo (11), Former capital, Rio de Janeiro (21). Independence (Portugal) 1822
Capital: Road Town
GMT-offset: -4:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 US Dollar
ISO code: USD
Currency rate: 1·6744
Dial code: 1 809 49
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: No - return ticket required
Driving license: Temp licence issued on presentation of foreign licence
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Good in parts
Notes:
Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan
GMT-offset: +8:00
Currency: Dollar
ISO code: BRD
Currency rate: 2·4560
Dial code: 673 (2)
Population: 398,000
Area: 5,765 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: BRU
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15070, 15590, 1413
Visa Requirements: Yes - except CAN 14 days and UK indefinite
Driving license: Local Licence required on presentation of own national licence
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected country
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Good facilities
Notes: Independence (Britain): 1984
Capital: Sofia
GMT-offset: +2:00
Currency: 100 stitink = 1 lev
ISO code: BGL
Currency rate: 2,985·45
Dial code: 359 (2)
Population: 8,911,000
Area: 110,912 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: BG
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 12095, 15070, 9410
Visa Requirements: Yes - Package holiday may be exempt
Driving license: Some recognized, otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Fairly Safe
Health care: Reciprocal treatment with UK
Notes: Independence (Turkey): 1908
Capital: Ouagadougou
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 CFA Franc
ISO code: XOF
Currency rate: 1,013·10 = 0·01 Fr Franc
Dial code: 226 (3)
Population: 9,360,000
Area: 274,200 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 17885, 15400, 9410
Visa Requirements: Yes - except UK tourists, can be obtained on arrival (up to 8 days)
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Independence (France): 1960. Formerly Upper Volta
Capital: Bujumbura
GMT-offset: +2:00
Currency: Francs
ISO code:
Currency rate: 570·468
Dial code: 257 (2)
Population: 5,831,000
Area: 27,835
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 17885, 21470, 9630
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Independence: 1962
Capital: Minsk
GMT-offset: +3:00
Currency: Roubles
ISO code: RUR
Currency rate: 20,877·20
Dial code: 375 (17)
Population: 10,200,000
Area: 207,600 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Good
Notes:
Capital: Yaounde
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 CFA Franc
ISO code: XAF
Currency rate: 1,013·10 = 0·01 Fr Franc
Dial code: 237
Population: 11,390,000
Area: 175,441
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Competent but expensive, as are medicines
Notes: Largest city: Doula. Independence (France): 1960
Capital: Ottowa
GMT-offset: -5:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 dollar
ISO code: CAD
Currency rate: 2·3024
Dial code: 1 (613)
Population: 26,835,331
Area: 9,976,139
Religion:
Language:
Car code: CDN
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP preferred validity period varies according to province
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Very good but expensive
Notes: Largest city: Toronto (905/416)
Capital: Praia
GMT-offset: -1:00
Currency: Escudo
ISO code:
Currency rate: 160·165
Dial code: 238
Population: 387,000
Area: 4,033 km2
Religion:
Language: Portugese
Car code:
Mains voltage:
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements:
Driving license:
Cholera:
Yellow fever:
Typhoid:
Malaria:
Polio: Independence (Portugal): 1975
Water Quality:
Health care:
Notes:
Capital: Georgetown
GMT-offset: -5:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 dollar
ISO code: KYD
Currency rate: 1·3868
Dial code: 1 809
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110v
World Service frews: 15220, 15205, 9915
Visa Requirements: Check
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Usually safe
Health care: Good - but difficult cases must goto USA
Notes:
Capital: Bangui
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 CFA franc
ISO code: XAF
Currency rate: 1,013·10 = 0·01 Fr Franc
Dial code: 236
Population: 2,952,000
Area: 626,780 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: RCA
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15400, 17790, 9410
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Very limited outside major centres
Notes: Independence (France): 1960. Formerly French Equatorial Africa
Capital: N'Djamena
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 CFA franc
ISO code: XAF
Currency rate: 1,013·10 = 0·01 Fr Franc
Dial code: 235
Population: 5,122,000
Area: 1,283,998 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15400, 15105, 9410
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Facilities poor
Notes: Independence (France): 1960
Capital: Santiago
GMT-offset: -4:00
Currency: Pesos
ISO code: CLP
Currency rate: 697·806
Dial code: 56 (2)
Population: 13,287,000
Area: 756,946 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: RCH
Mains voltage: 220v (dc in some areas)
World Service frews: 15190, 15260, 11750
Visa Requirements: No - except NZ
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Good in cities, poor elsewhere - none in Patagonia
Notes: Independence (Spain): 1818
Capital: Beijing
GMT-offset: +8:00
Currency: 100 fen = 1 yuan
ISO code: CNY
Currency rate: 13·8633
Dial code: 86 (10)
Population: 1,151,487,000
Area: 9,599,690 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 17830, 21715, 11820
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Unclear
Cholera: Recommended
Yellow fever: Yes- Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Good in major centres and cheap
Notes: Largest city, Shanghai (21)
Capital: Bogota
GMT-offset: -5:00
Currency: 100 centavos = 1 peso
ISO code: COP
Currency rate: 1,851·34
Dial code: 57 (1)
Population: 33,778,000
Area: 1,138,339 km2
Religion:
Language: Spanish
Car code: CO
Mains voltage: 110v
World Service frews: 11220, 15205, 9915
Visa Requirements: Yes - except UK tourists
Driving license: National licence accepted accopanied by local licence
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: Recommended
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Good facilities in main centres
Notes: Independence (Spain): 1886
Capital: Moroni
GMT-offset: +3:00
Currency: Francs
ISO code: KMF
Currency rate: 763·325
Dial code: 269 (73)
Population: 477,000
Area: 1,862 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Check
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Independence (France): 1975
Capital: Brazzaville
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 CFA franc
ISO code: XAF
Currency rate: 1,013·10 = 0·01 Fr Franc
Dial code: 242
Population: 2,309,000
Area: 342,000 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: RCB
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 9610, 21660, 17880
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Independence (France): 1960
Capital: Kinshasa (formerly Leopoldville)
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: Zaire
ISO code: ZRN
Currency rate: 230,229·90
Dial code: 243 (12)
Population: 37,832,000
Area: 2,344,113 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: ZRE
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 21470, 21660, 6190
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Terrible
Notes: n.b. recent outbreak of the Ebola virus. Independence (Belguim): 1960. Formerly Zaire, previously Belgian Congo
Capital: San José
GMT-offset: -6:00
Currency: 100 centisimos = 1 colon
ISO code: CRC
Currency rate: 394·397
Dial code: 506
Population: 2,309,000
Area: 342,000 km2
Religion: Catholic
Language: Spanish
Car code: CR
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15220, 15205, 9915
Visa Requirements: No up to 30/60 days
Driving license: National licence accepted
Cholera: Check
Yellow fever:
Typhoid:
Malaria:
Polio:
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Independence (Spain): 1838
Capital: Zagreb
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: Kuna
ISO code: HRK
Currency rate: 10·6975
Dial code: 385 (1)
Population: 4,601,469
Area: 56,538 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: HR
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 9410, 15070, 6195
Visa Requirements: Check
Driving license: Check
Cholera:
Yellow fever:
Typhoid:
Malaria:
Polio:
Water Quality:
Health care: Uncertain at this time
Notes:
Capital: Havana
GMT-offset: -5:00
Currency: 100 centavos = 1 peso
ISO code: CUP
Currency rate: 35·1624 21 peso = 1 US$
Dial code: 53 (7)
Population: 10,732,000
Area: 114,494 km2
Religion:
Language: Spanish
Car code: C
Mains voltage: 110v
World Service frews: 15220, 6195, 9915
Visa Requirements: Yes - Company letter required for business visa. Return ticket required
Driving license: National licence accepted for 6 months
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Recommended
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Good & free
Notes: Independence (Spain): 1898
Capital: Nicosia
GMT-offset: +2:00
Currency: 1,000 mills = 1 pound
ISO code: CYP
Currency rate: 0·8808
Dial code: 357 (2)
Population: 709,000
Area: 8,995 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: CY
Mains voltage: 220v (dc in some areas)
World Service frews: 9410, 15070, 6180
Visa Requirements: No up to 30/60 days
Driving license: National licence accepted
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Recommended
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Fairly safe
Health care: Good - reciprocal arrangements with UK
Notes: Independence (Britain): 1960
Capital: Prague
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: 100 haleru = 1 koruna
ISO code: CZK
Currency rate: 57·3767
Dial code: 42 (2)
Population: 10,291,927
Area: 78,863 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: CZ
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15575, 15070, 9410
Visa Requirements: No except NZ and AUS
Driving license: National licence accepted
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Fairly safe
Health care: Good, reciprocal arrangement with UK
Notes:
Capital: Copenhagen
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: 100 öre = 1 krone
ISO code: DKK
Currency rate: 11·4199
Dial code: 45
Population: 5,133,000
Area: 43,069
Religion:
Language: Danish
Car code: DK
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 6195, 12095, 3955
Visa Requirements: No up to 3 months
Driving license: National licence accepted
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Excellent
Notes: EEA
Capital: Djibouti
GMT-offset: +3:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 franc
ISO code: DJF
Currency rate: 297·574
Dial code: 253
Population: 346,000
Area: 23,000 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15070, 11760, 1413
Visa Requirements: Yes - return ticket required
Driving license: Check
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from an infected country
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Limited
Notes: Independence (France): 27 June 1977. Formerly Territory of Afars and Isas, previously French Somaliland
Capital: Roseau
GMT-offset: -4:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 EC dollar
ISO code: XCD
Currency rate: 4·5209 2·7 EC$ = 1 US $
Dial code: 1 809 (449)
Population: 86,000
Area: 751 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: WD
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15220, 6195, 9915
Visa Requirements: No - return ticket req'd
Driving license:
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from an infected country
Typhoid: Recommended
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Limited
Notes: Windward Isles. Independence: 1978
Capital: Santo Domingo
GMT-offset: -4:00
Currency: 100 centavos = 1 peso
ISO code: DOP
Currency rate: 23·6007
Dial code: 1 809
Population: 7,385,000
Area: 48,443 km2
Religion:
Language: Spanish
Car code: DOM
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15220, 6195, 9915
Visa Requirements: No up to 60/90 days
Driving license: National licence accepted
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Fair
Notes: Independence (Haiti): 1844
Capital: Quito
GMT-offset: -5:00
Currency: 100 centavos = 1 sucre
ISO code: ECS
Currency rate: 6,731·92
Dial code: 593 (2)
Population: 10,752,000
Area: 109,483 km2
Religion:
Language: Spanish
Car code: EC
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15220, 15205, 9915
Visa Requirements: No up to 3 months, UK up to 6 months
Driving license: National licence accepted for 30 days, otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Private facilities safe, fairly cheap, cities only
Notes: Largest city: Guayaquil (4). Independence (Spain): 1830
Capital: Cairo
GMT-offset: +2:00
Currency: 1,000 milliemes = 1 pound
ISO code: EGP
Currency rate: 5·6783
Dial code: 20 (2)
Population: 54,452,000
Area: 1,001,447 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: ET
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15070, 21470, 9410
Visa Requirements: Yes available on arrival
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: City mains OK
Health care: Fair
Notes: Independence (Britain): 1936
Capital: San Salvador
GMT-offset: -6:00
Currency: 100 centavos = 1 colon
ISO code: SVC
Currency rate: 14·6594
Dial code: 503
Population: 5,419,000
Area: 21,393 km2
Religion:
Language: Spanish
Car code: ES
Mains voltage: 110v
World Service frews: 15220, 15205, 9915
Visa Requirements: Yes - except UK
Driving license: National licence accepted for 30 days with permit from police
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes:
Capital: Malabo
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 CFA franc
ISO code: XAF
Currency rate: 1013·10 = 0·01 Fr Franc
Dial code: 240
Population: 28,052 km2
Area: 379,000
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage:
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements:
Driving license:
Cholera:
Yellow fever:
Typhoid:
Malaria:
Polio:
Water Quality:
Health care:
Notes: Independence (Spain): 1968. Formerly Rio Mundi
Capital: Asmara
GMT-offset: +3:00
Currency: ?
ISO code: ?
Currency rate: ?
Dial code: 251 (4)
Population: 2,614,700
Area: 117,600 km
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP
Cholera:
Yellow fever:
Typhoid:
Malaria:
Polio:
Water Quality:
Health care: Check
Notes:
Capital: Tallinn
GMT-offset: +3:00
Currency: Kroon
ISO code: EEK
Currency rate: 23·9841
Dial code: 372 (2)
Population: 1,573,000
Area: 45,100 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: EW
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 9410, 17640, 15070
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Fairly safe
Health care: Fairly good
Notes:
Capital: Addis Ababa
GMT-offset: +3:00
Currency: Birr
ISO code: ETB
Currency rate: 10·9338
Dial code: 251 (1)
Population: 50,576,300
Area: 1,104,300 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: ETH
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 21470, 15420, 6005
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: National licence accepted in exchange fore local in Asmara Rd, Addis. No test
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Expensive and not very good
Notes:
Capital: Stanley
GMT-offset: -3:00
Currency: 100 pence = 1 pound
ISO code: FKP
Currency rate: 1·00
Dial code: 500
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language: English
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v (square pin plug in places)
World Service frews: 15190, 9915, 15260
Visa Requirements: Yes - except UK
Driving license: National licence accepted
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Treatment good, free but limited.
Notes:
Capital: Thorshavn
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: Danish Krone
ISO code: DKK
Currency rate: 8·6192
Dial code: 298
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language:
Car code: FR
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements:
Driving license:
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Good
Notes: Independence (Denmark): 1 April 1976
Capital: Suva
GMT-offset: +12:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 dollar
ISO code: FJD
Currency rate: 2·2103
Dial code: 679
Population: 744,000
Area: 18,272 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: FIJ
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: National licence accepted
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Fairly safe
Health care: Adequate - some excellent private care
Notes: Independence: 1969
Capital: Helsinki
GMT-offset: +2:00
Currency: 100 penni = 1 markka
ISO code: FIM
Currency rate: 6·7494
Dial code: 358 (0)
Population: 4,991,000
Area: 337,032 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: FIN
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 7230, 15070, 12095
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: National licence accepted
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Excellent but expensive
Notes: Independence (Russia):6 December 1917, EEA
Capital: Paris
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1ranc
ISO code: FRF
Currency rate: 7·6361
Dial code: 33 (1)
Population: 56,596,000
Area: 543,998 km2
Religion: Catholic
Language: French
Car code: F
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 9410, 12095, 7325
Visa Requirements: No - except AUS & Canada
Driving license: National licence accepted
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Excellent - reciprocal arrangement with UK
Notes: EEA
Capital: Cayenne
GMT-offset: -4:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 Franc
ISO code:
Currency rate: 7·6361 (=1 Fr Franc)
Dial code: 594
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: No - except AUS & NZ, US up to 90 days
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Facilities in Cayenne but not elsewhere
Notes:
Capital: Papeete
GMT-offset: -10:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 CFP franc
ISO code: XPF
Currency rate: 139·178
Dial code: 689
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: No up to 3 months - except AUS & NZ,
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes:
Capital: Libreville
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 CFA Franc
ISO code: XAF
Currency rate: 763·61
Dial code: 241
Population: 1,080,000
Area: 267,666 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: National licence accepted
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Limited, very expensive
Notes: Independence (France): 1960
Capital: Banjul (formerly Bathurst)
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: Dalasi
ISO code: GMD
Currency rate: 15·2399
Dial code: 220
Population: 875,000
Area: 10,689 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: WAG
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: No up to 3 months - except US
Driving license: National licence accepted
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Fairly good, but limited
Notes: Independence (Britain): 1965
Capital: Tbilisi
GMT-offset: +4:00
Currency: ?
ISO code: ?
Currency rate: ?
Dial code: 7 (32)
Population: 5,449,000
Area: 69,700 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: try 9410
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera:
Yellow fever:
Typhoid:
Malaria:
Polio:
Water Quality:
Health care: Check
Notes:
Capital: Berlin
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: 100 pfennigs = 1 deutschemark
ISO code: DEM
Currency rate: 2·2289
Dial code: 49 (30)
Population: 79,548,000
Area: 356,780 km2
Religion:
Language: German
Car code: D
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15575, 12095, 9410
Visa Requirements: No up to 3 months - except UK unlimited
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Excellent - reciprocal arrangement with UK
Notes: Independence (Austria): 1848. EEA
Capital: Accra
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: 100 pesewa = 1 cedi
ISO code: GHC
Currency rate: 2,251·18
Dial code: 233 (21)
Population: 15,617,000
Area: 238,536 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: GH
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15400, 21660, 17880
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: National licence accepted from Commonwealth up to 90 days or IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Independence (Britain):6 March 1957. Formerly Gold Coast
Capital: Gibraltar
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: Pounds
ISO code: GIP
Currency rate: 1·00
Dial code: 350
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language: English
Car code: GBZ
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15575, 17705, 12095
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: National licence accepted
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Excellent - free in some hospitals for UK citizens.
Notes:
Capital: Athens
GMT-offset: +2:00
Currency: 100 lepta = 1 drachma
ISO code: GRD
Currency rate: 365·785
Dial code: 30 (1)
Population: 10,043,000
Area: 131,945 km2
Religion: Orthadox
Language: Greek
Car code: GR
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 12095, 15070, 9410
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Good but expensive - reciprocal arrangement with UK but poorly implemented
Notes: Independence (Turkey): 25 March 1821. EEA
Capital: Godthaab
GMT-offset: -3:00
Currency: Danish Krone
ISO code: DKK
Currency rate: 8·6192
Dial code: 299
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language: Danish
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Check
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Medical services generally free
Notes:
Capital: St George's
GMT-offset: -4:00
Currency: 100 cents =1 EC Dollar
ISO code: XCD
Currency rate: 4·1775
Dial code: 1 809
Population: 84,000
Area: 344 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: WG
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15220, 15205, 9915
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: National licence accepted
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Fairly safe
Health care: Adequate
Notes: Windward Isles. Commonwealth. Independence (Britain): 1974
Capital: Basse-Terre
GMT-offset: -4:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 franc
ISO code:
Currency rate: 7·6361 (=1 Fr Franc)
Dial code: 590
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Check
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera:
Yellow fever:
Typhoid:
Malaria:
Polio:
Water Quality:
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Leeward Isles
Capital: Agana
GMT-offset: +10:00
Currency: US Dollars
ISO code: USD
Currency rate: 1·5472
Dial code: 671
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Check
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera:
Yellow fever:
Typhoid:
Malaria:
Polio:
Water Quality:
Health care: Uncertain
Notes:
Capital: Guatemala City
GMT-offset: -6:00
Currency: 100 centavos =1 quetzal
ISO code: GTQ
Currency rate: 9·3859
Dial code: 502 (2)
Population: 9,266,000
Area: 108,889 km2
Religion:
Language: Spanish
Car code: GCA
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: No - except NZ & AUS
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Good in Guatemala City
Notes: Independence (Spain): 1838
Capital: Conakry
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 francs
ISO code: GNF
Currency rate: 1,542·56
Dial code: 224
Population: 7,456,000
Area: 245,856 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain and very rudimentary
Notes: Independence (France): 1958
Capital: Bissau
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: Pesos
ISO code: GWP
Currency rate: 27,905·30
Dial code: 245
Population: 943,000
Area: 36,125 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Independence (Portugal): 1974. Formerly Portugese Guinea
Capital: Georgetown
GMT-offset: -3:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 dollar
ISO code: GYD
Currency rate: 215·834
Dial code: 592 (2)
Population: 1,024,000
Area: 214,970 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: GUY
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15220, 15205, 9915
Visa Requirements: Yes - except UK
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Hospital treatment free in Georgetown
Notes: Independence (Britain): 1966. Formerly British Guiana
Capital: Port au Prince
GMT-offset: -5:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 goude
ISO code: HTG
Currency rate: 29·3968
Dial code: 509
Population: 6,287,000
Area: 27,697 km2
Religion:
Language: French
Car code: RH
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15220, 15205, 9915
Visa Requirements: Yes AUS & NZ, US & CAN up to 30 days, UK indefinite
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Fairly Good
Notes: Indepence (France): 1804
Capital: Tegucigalpa
GMT-offset: -6:00
Currency: 100 centavos = 1 lempira
ISO code: HNL
Currency rate: 15·6113
Dial code: 504
Population: 4,949,000
Area: 112,087 km2
Religion:
Language: Spanish
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15220, 15205, 9915
Visa Requirements: Yes - except UK
Driving license: National licence accepted
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Independence (Spain): 1838
Capital: Victoria
GMT-offset: +8:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 dollar
ISO code: HKD
Currency rate: 11·9629
Dial code: 852
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language:
Car code: HK
Mains voltage: 220v (square pin plugs in some areas)
World Service frews: 675
Visa Requirements: No up to 3 months - except US up to 1 month
Driving license: National licence accepted for 12 months - after must apply for local licence
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Excellent but expensive - limited reciprocal agreement with UK
Notes:
Capital: Budapest
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: 100 fillers = 1 forint
ISO code: HUF
Currency rate: 211·782
Dial code: 36 (1)
Population: 10,558
Area: 93,030 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: H
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 9410, 15070, 6195
Visa Requirements: No - except AUS & NZ
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Fairly safe
Health care: Reciprocal agreement with UK
Notes: Independence (Austria): 1849
Capital: Reykjavik
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: 100 aurar = 1 krona
ISO code: ISK
Currency rate: 101·45
Dial code: 354
Population: 260,000
Area: 103,000 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: IS
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP presented to police for local permit
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Good - reciprocal agreement with UK
Notes: EEA
Capital: New Delhi
GMT-offset: +5:30
Currency: 100 paisa = 1 rupee
ISO code: INR
Currency rate: 55·2720
Dial code: 91 (11)
Population: 869,515,000
Area: 3,287,558 km2
Religion: Hindu
Language:
Car code: IND
Mains voltage: 220v (dc in some areas)
World Service frews: 15310, 17790, 9740
Visa Requirements: Yes - return ticket req'd
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Variable, some excellent private care
Notes: Commonwealth. Independence (Britain): 1947. Largest city: Calcutta (33)
Capital: Jakarta
GMT-offset: +7:00
Currency: 100 sen = 1 rupiah
ISO code: IDR
Currency rate: 3,546·07
Dial code: 62 (21)
Population: 19,560,000
Area: 2,042,034 km2
Religion: Islam
Language:
Car code: RI
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 11955, 17830, 9740
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: OK but expensive in Jakarta, poor in other towns, nothing in rural areas
Notes: Independence (Netherlands): 6 July 1949
Capital: Tehran
GMT-offset: +3:00
Currency: 100 dinars = 1 rial
ISO code: IRR
Currency rate: 4,641·06 (3,000 R = 1 US $)
Dial code: 98 (21)
Population: 59,051,000
Area: 1,648,000 km2
Religion: Islam
Language: Persian
Car code: IR
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 7135, 17640, 15070
Visa Requirements: Yes - check
Driving license: National licence accepted for 6 months. IDP preferred
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Limited outside Tehran
Notes: Formerly Persia
Capital: Baghdad
GMT-offset: +3:00
Currency: 1,000 fils = 1 dinar
ISO code: IQD
Currency rate: 0·4810
Dial code: 964 (1)
Population: 19,525,000
Area: 446,713 km2
Religion: Islam
Language:
Car code: IRQ
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15575, 11760, 9410
Visa Requirements: Yes - Check
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Few facilities, no medical supplies
Notes: Independence (British Mandate): 1932
Capital: Dublin
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: 100 pence = 1 Punt
ISO code: IEP
Currency rate: 0·9669
Dial code: 353 (1)
Population: 4,489,000
Area: 70,282 km2
Religion: Catholic
Language:
Car code: IRL
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 6195, 12095, 9410
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Good, reciprocal arrangements with UK
Notes: Independence (Britain): 1922, EEA
Capital: Jerusalem
GMT-offset: +2:00
Currency: 100 agarot = 1 shekel
ISO code: ILS
Currency rate: 4·8268
Dial code: 972 (2)
Population: 4,558,000
Area: 20,324 km2
Religion: Jewish
Language: Hebrew
Car code: IL
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 9410, 17640, 1323
Visa Requirements: Yes - except UK
Driving license: National licence accepted but IDP preferred
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Fairly safe
Health care: Excellent
Notes: Independence (Britain) 1948. Largest City: Tel Aviv (3)
Capital: Rome
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: 100 centisimi = 1 lire
ISO code: ITL
Currency rate: 2,434·52
Dial code: 39 (6)
Population: 57,772,000
Area: 301,225 km2
Religion: Catholic
Language: Italian
Car code: I
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15575, 12095, 9410
Visa Requirements: Yes - except UK
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP or translation of local licence
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Fairly Safe
Health care: Good, reciprocal arangement with UK
Notes: Independence (Austria): 1848. EEA.
Capital: Yamoussoukro
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 CFA franc
ISO code: XOF
Currency rate: 1,013·1 = 0·01 Fr Franc
Dial code: 225
Population: 12,978,000
Area: 322,465 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: CI
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 9610, 21660, 9410
Visa Requirements: Yes - except UK
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Limited care
Notes: Largest city: Abidjan. Indeoendence (France): 1960
Capital: Kingston
GMT-offset: -5:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 dollar
ISO code: JMD
Currency rate: 57·2464
Dial code: 1 809 92
Population: 2,489,000
Area: 11,424 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: JA
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15220, 15205, 9915
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Fairly safe
Health care: Variable, OK in Kingston and Montego Bay
Notes: Independence (Britain): 1962
Capital: Tokyo
GMT-offset: +9:00
Currency: 100 sen = 1 yen
ISO code: JPY
Currency rate: 162·575
Dial code: 81 (3)
Population: 124,017,00
Area: 377,441 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: J
Mains voltage: 110v
World Service frews: 17830, 21715, 15360
Visa Requirements: Yes - except CAN & NZ up to 3 months, UK up to 6 months
Driving license: IDP, local licence will be given after sight and co-ordination test.
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Good but expensive
Notes:
Capital: Amman
GMT-offset: +2:00
Currency: 1,000 fils = 1 dinar
ISO code: JOD
Currency rate: 1·0969
Dial code: 962 (6)
Population: 3,413,000
Area: 90,650 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: HKJ
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 9410, 17640, 1323
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: National licence accepted foreigners not allowed to drive vehicles with Jordanian plates
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Excellent hospitals in large towns
Notes: Independence (Britain): 1946
Capital: Phnom Penh
GMT-offset: +7:00
Currency: Riel
ISO code: KHR
Currency rate: 4,755·29
Dial code: 855 (23)
Population: 7,146,000
Area: 181,306 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: K
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 11955, 11750, 9740
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Unclear
Cholera: Recommended
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Recommended
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Independence: 1949
Capital: Alma Ata
GMT-offset: +6:00
Currency: Tenge
ISO code:
Currency rate: 99·7480
Dial code: 7 (3272)
Population: 16,538,000
Area: 2,715,100 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: try 9410
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera:
Yellow fever:
Typhoid:
Malaria:
Polio:
Water Quality:
Health care: Uncertain
Notes:
Capital: Nairobi
GMT-offset: +3:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 shilling
ISO code: KES
Currency rate: 86·7206
Dial code: 254 (2)
Population: 25,242,000
Area: 582,626 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: EAK
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 17855, 21470, 9630
Visa Requirements: No - except US and AUS
Driving license: IDP required to drive Kenyan registered vehicle
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Safe only in major towns
Health care: Good in Nairobi, fair in other urban centres
Notes: Commonwealth. Independence (Britain): 1963
Capital: Bairiki (Tarawa island)
GMT-offset: -10:00
Currency: Aus Dollars
ISO code: AUD
Currency rate: 2·0731
Dial code: 86
Population: 71,000
Area: 754 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes - except UK & CAN up to 28 days
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Independence: 1979
Capital: Pyongyang
GMT-offset: +9:00
Currency: 100 chon = 1 won
ISO code: KPW
Currency rate: 3·3265
Dial code: 850 (2)
Population: 21,815,000
Area: 120,539 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 17830, 21715, 15360
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Check
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Independence: 1948
Capital: Seoul
GMT-offset: +9:00
Currency: 100 chon = 1 won
ISO code: KRW
Currency rate: 1,223·10
Dial code: 82 (2)
Population: 43,134,000
Area: 98,873 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: ROK
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 17830, 21715, 15360
Visa Requirements: No up to 15 days - UK up to 90 days
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Fairly safe
Health care: Facilities in business and tourist areas ok - uncertain elsewhere
Notes: Independence: 1948
Capital: Al Kuwayt
GMT-offset: +3:00
Currency: Dinar
ISO code: KWD
Currency rate: 0.4632
Dial code: 965
Population: 2,204,000
Area: 16,918 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: KWT
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15070, 11760, 1413
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Must pass Kuwait vehicle test. National licence accepted if accompanied by local temporary licence
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Fairly safe
Health care: Good and free but limited
Notes: Independence: 1961
Capital: Bishkek (formerly Frunze)
GMT-offset: +6·00
Currency: ?
ISO code: ?
Currency rate: ?
Dial code: 7 (3312)
Population: 4,291,000
Area: 198,500 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera:
Yellow fever:
Typhoid:
Malaria:
Polio:
Water Quality:
Health care: Uncertain
Notes:
Capital: Vientiane
GMT-offset: +7:00
Currency: Kip
ISO code: LAK
Currency rate: 1,423·42
Dial code: 856
Population: 4,113,000
Area: 236,800 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: LAOS
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 11955, 9740, 11750
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP which is preferred
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Independence: 1949
Capital: Riga
GMT-offset: +3:00
Currency: Lats
ISO code: LVL
Currency rate: 0·8375
Dial code: 371 (2)
Population: 1,681,000
Area: 663,700 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: LV
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15575, 12095, 9410
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Fairly safe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes:
Capital: Beirut
GMT-offset: +2:00
Currency: Livres
ISO code: LBP
Currency rate: 2,466·15
Dial code: 961 (1)
Population: 3,385,000
Area: 10,399 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: RL
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 9410, 17640, 1323
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: National licence accepted but must be validated
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Independence (French Mandate): 1946
Capital: Maseru
GMT-offset: +2:00
Currency: Maluti
ISO code: LSL
Currency rate: 5·6204
Dial code: 266
Population: 1,801,000
Area: 30,355 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: LS
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: FM 90, 3255, 1197
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: Certain African licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Safe in towns
Health care: Safe. Several good private doctors. South Africa nearby for serious cases
Notes: Independence (Britain): 1966. Formerly Basutoland
Capital: Monrovia
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 dollar
ISO code: LRL
Currency rate: 1·5472 (=1 US $)
Dial code: 231
Population: 2,730,000
Area: 111,370 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: LB
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: National licence accepted if presented to police for issue of local temporary licence
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Good private doctors
Notes:
Capital: Tripoli
GMT-offset: +2:00
Currency: Dinar
ISO code: LYD
Currency rate: 0·5500
Dial code: 218 (21)
Population: 4,353,000
Area: 1,759,537 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: LAR
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 21470, 17640, 15070
Visa Requirements: Yes - except US on business
Driving license: National licence accepted for three months
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Limited outside cities
Notes: Independence (Italy/UN): 1951
Capital: Vaduz
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: 100 rappen = 1Swiss franc
ISO code: CHF
Currency rate: 1·7960
Dial code: 41 75
Population: 28,000
Area: 158 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: FL
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes - except UK
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Excellent
Notes: EEA
Capital: Vilnius
GMT-offset: +3:00
Currency: Litas
ISO code: LTL
Currency rate: 6·1888
Dial code: 370 (2)
Population: 3,690,000
Area: 65,200 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: LT
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: try 9410
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Fair
Notes:
Capital: Luxembourg
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 franc
ISO code: LUF
Currency rate: 45·8135
Dial code: 352
Population: 388,000 km2
Area: 2,587 km2
Religion: Catholic
Language:
Car code: L
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15575, 12095, 9410
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: National licence accepted
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Excellent, reciprocal agreement with UK
Notes: EEA
Capital: Macau
GMT-offset: +8:00
Currency: Pataca
ISO code: MOP
Currency rate: 12·3609
Dial code: 853
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 675
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Good
Notes:
Capital: Skopje
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: denar
ISO code:
Currency rate: 60·8056
Dial code: 389 (91)
Population: 1,909,136
Area: 25,713 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage:
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements:
Driving license:
Cholera:
Yellow fever:
Typhoid:
Malaria:
Polio:
Water Quality:
Health care:
Notes:
Capital: Antananarivo
GMT-offset: +3:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 franc
ISO code: MGF
Currency rate: 6,335·78
Dial code: 261 (2)
Population: 12,185,000
Area: 587,041 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: RM
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Certain National licences accepted
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Doctors and equipment okay in hospitals, but nursing care poor and drugs hard to get
Notes: Independence (France): 1960
Capital: Funchal
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: Portugese Escudos
ISO code: PTE
Currency rate: 231·252
Dial code: 351 91
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v (dc in some areas)
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes - except UK
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Fairly good
Notes:
Capital: Lilongwe
GMT-offset: +2:00
Currency: Kwacha
ISO code: MWK
Currency rate: 23·6722
Dial code: 265
Population: 9,438,000
Area: 118,485 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: MW
Mains voltage: 2209v
World Service frews: 17885, 21660, 6190
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Largest city: Blantyre. Independence (Britain): 1964. Formerly Nyasaland
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
GMT-offset: +8:00
Currency: Ringgit
ISO code: MYR
Currency rate: 3·9646
Dial code: 60 (3)
Population: 17,982,000
Area: 332,318 km2
Religion: Islam
Language:
Car code: MAL
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 11750, 11955, 9740
Visa Requirements: No up to 6 months - except US up to 3 months
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Commonwealth. Independence (Britain): 1957. Formerly Malaya
Capital: Male
GMT-offset: +5:00
Currency: Rufiya
ISO code: MVR
Currency rate: 18·2106
Dial code: 223
Population: 226,000
Area: 298 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: Recommended
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Independence: 1965
Capital: Bamako
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 CFA Franc
ISO code: XOF
Currency rate: 763·610
Dial code: 223
Population: 8,339,000
Area: 1,204,021 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: RMM
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 9410, 15400, 15105
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Independence (France): 1960
Capital: Valletta
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 lira
ISO code: MTL
Currency rate: 0·5478
Dial code: 356
Population: 356,000
Area: 316 km2
Religion: Catholic
Language: English/Maltese
Car code: M
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 9410, 15070, 6180
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: National licence accepted
Cholera: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Fairly safe
Health care: Good
Notes: Largest city: Sliema. Independence (Britain): 21 September 1964
Capital: Majuro
GMT-offset: +12:00
Currency: US Dollars
ISO code:
Currency rate: 1·5472
Dial code: 692
Population: 48,000
Area: 181 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage:
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements:
Driving license:
Cholera:
Yellow fever:
Typhoid:
Malaria:
Polio:
Water Quality:
Health care:
Notes:
Capital: Fort de France
GMT-offset: -4:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 franc
ISO code: FRF
Currency rate: 7·6361 (=1 Fr Franc)
Dial code: 596
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language: Islam
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15220, 6195, 9915
Visa Requirements: Check
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Fair in urban areas
Notes:
Capital: Nouakchott
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: Ouguiya
ISO code: MRO
Currency rate: 208·547
Dial code: 222
Population: 1,996,000
Area: 1,085,803 km2
Religion: Islam
Language:
Car code: RIM
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: National licence accepted for limited period - otherwise IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Very limited
Notes: Independence (France): 1960
Capital: Port Louis
GMT-offset: +4:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 rupee
ISO code: MUR
Currency rate: 28·3834
Dial code: 230
Population: 1,081,000
Area: 2,046 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: MS
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: National licence accepted if endorsed by police
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: No
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Good public paying facilities
Notes: Independence (Britain): 1968
Capital: Mexico City
GMT-offset: -6:00
Currency: 100 centavos = 1 peso
ISO code: MXN
Currency rate: 11·5572
Dial code: 52 (5)
Population: 90,007,000
Area: 1,972,546 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: MEX
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15220, 15205, 9640
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: National licence accepted if driving a non-Mexican registered vehicle - otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Good
Notes: Independence (Spain): 1821
Capital: Kolonia
GMT-offset: +10:00
Currency: US Dollar
ISO code:
Currency rate: 1·5472
Dial code: 691
Population: 108,000
Area: 702 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage:
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements:
Driving license:
Cholera:
Yellow fever:
Typhoid:
Malaria:
Polio:
Water Quality:
Health care:
Notes:
Capital: Kishinev
GMT-offset: +2:00
Currency: leu
ISO code:
Currency rate: 7·0166
Dial code: 373 (2)
Population: 4,341,000
Area: 33,700 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Fair
Notes:
Capital: Monte Carlo
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: French Francs
ISO code: FRF
Currency rate: 7·6361
Dial code: 33 93
Population: 30,000
Area: 149 hectares
Religion:
Language:
Car code: MC
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 9410, 12095, 7325
Visa Requirements: Yes - except UK
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Good
Health care: Excellent
Notes:
Capital: Ulan Bator
GMT-offset: +8:00
Currency: 100 mung = 1 tugrik
ISO code: MNT
Currency rate: 711·990
Dial code: 976
Population: 2,247,000
Area: 1,569,962
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 9410, 15070.12095
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Fair but sparse
Notes: Independence (China): 1946
Capital: Plymouth
GMT-offset: -5:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 EC dollars
ISO code: XCD
Currency rate: 4·1775
Dial code: 1 809
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15220, 6195, 9915
Visa Requirements: Check
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Limited, reciprocal agreement with UK
Notes:
Capital: Rabat
GMT-offset: +0:00
Currency: 100 francs = 1 dirham
ISO code: MAD
Currency rate: 13·1566
Dial code: 212 (7)
Population: 26,182,000
Area: 446,550 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: MA
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15575, 17705, 15070
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: National licence accepted for 3 months. IDP required for hire car
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Safish
Health care: Hospitals okay - pay for drugs only. Use private facilities if possible
Notes: Largest city: Casablanca (2). Independence (France & Spain): 1956
Independence: 1956
Capital: Maputo (Formerly Lourenço Marques)
GMT-offset: +2:00
Currency: Metical
ISO code: MZM
Currency rate: 15,317·3
Dial code: 258 (1)
Population: 115,113,000
Area: 786,762 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 17885, 21660, 6190
Visa Requirements: Yes - Check details
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Virtually non-existent
Notes: Independence (Portugal): 1975
Capital: Rangoon
GMT-offset: +6:30
Currency: 100 pyas = 1 kyat
ISO code: MMK
Currency rate: 10·4230
Dial code: 95 (1)
Population: 42,112,000
Area: 678,034 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: BUR
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 11955, 11750, 9740
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP presented to police for issue of visitor's permit
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Recommended
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Independence (Britain): 1948. Formerly Burma
Capital: Windhoek
GMT-offset: +2:00
Currency: SA Rand
ISO code: ZAR
Currency rate: 5·6204
Dial code: 264 (61
Population: 1,521,000
Area: 823,172 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: SWA
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 6190, 11940, 3255
Visa Requirements: Check
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Safe in towns
Health care: Uncertain
Notes:
Capital: Yaren
GMT-offset: +12:00
Currency: Aus Dollars
ISO code: AUD
Currency rate: 2·0731
Dial code: 674
Population: 9,000
Area: 20 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Safe in towns
Health care: Limited but good
Notes: Independence: 1968
Capital: Kathmandu
GMT-offset: +5:30
Currency: rupee
ISO code: NPR
Currency rate: 83·9356
Dial code: 977 (1)
Population: 19,612,000
Area: 141,557 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15380, 17790, 11750
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP for 15 days then local licence required
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: OK for minor ailments. Leave the country if any major treatment required
Notes:
Capital: Willemstad
GMT-offset: -4:00
Currency: Guilders
ISO code: ANG
Currency rate: 2·7695
Dial code: 599
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language:
Car code: NA
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Good
Notes:
Capital: The Hague
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: 100 cents = 1 guilder
ISO code: NLG
Currency rate: 2·4972
Dial code: 31 (70)
Population: 15,022,000
Area: 41,160 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: NL
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 6195, 12095, 3955
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: National licence accepted
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Good
Health care: Excellent, reciprocal agreement with UK
Notes: Largest city: Amsterdam (20). Independence (Spain) 1606. EEA.
Capital: Noumea
GMT-offset: +11:00
Currency: Pacific Franc
ISO code: CFP
Currency rate: 139·178
Dial code: 687
Population:
Area:
Religion:
Language:
Car code:
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes - except US & CAN up to 3 months and UK up to 1 month
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: No
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes:
Capital: Wellington
GMT-offset: +12:00
Currency: NZ Dollars
ISO code: NZD
Currency rate: 2·3376
Dial code: 64 (4)
Population: 3,309,000
Area: 268,676 km2
Religion:
Language: English
Car code: NZ
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15340, 11955, 17830
Visa Requirements: No AUS, No US & CAN up to 3 months and UK up to 6 months
Driving license: Certain licences accepted otherwise IDP
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Excellent, reciprocal agreement with UK
Notes: Largest city: Auckland (9). Independence (Britain): 1907
Capital: Managua
GMT-offset: -6:00
Currency: 100 centavos = 1 cordoba oro
ISO code: NIO
Currency rate: 12·3389
Dial code: 505 (2)
Population: 3,752,000
Area: 118,358 km2
Religion:
Language: Spanish
Car code: NIC
Mains voltage: 110/220v
World Service frews: 15220, 6195, 9915
Visa Requirements: No up to 90 days - except AUS & NZ
Driving license: National licence or IDP accepted for 1 month for vehicle registered abroad then local licence
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No - Certificate req'd if coming from infected areas
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Uncertain
Notes: Independence (Spain): 1838
Capital: Niamey
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: 100 centimes = 1 CFA Franc
ISO code: XOF
Currency rate: 763·610
Dial code: 227
Population: 8,154,000
Area: 1,267,000 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: RN
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 15400, 17790, 9410
Visa Requirements: Yes - except UK
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Poor
Notes: Independence (France): 1960
Capital: Abuja
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: Naira
ISO code: NGN
Currency rate: 34·0384
Dial code: 234 (9)
Population: 122,471,000
Area: 924,630 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: WAN
Mains voltage: 220v (square pin plugs in some areas)
World Service frews: 15400, 17790, 9410
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: IDP
Cholera: Yes
Yellow fever: Yes - Certificate req'd
Typhoid: Yes
Malaria: Yes
Polio: Recommended
Water Quality: Unsafe
Health care: Private clinics safe and good but limited. State hospitals poor
Notes: Largest city (and former capital): Lagos (1). Independence (Britain): 1960
Capital: Oslo
GMT-offset: +1:00
Currency: 100 öre = 1 krone
ISO code: NOK
Currency rate: 9·7889
Dial code: 47 (22)
Population: 4,273,000
Area: 323,887 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: N
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews: 7230, 15070, 12095
Visa Requirements: No
Driving license: National licence accepted
Cholera: No
Yellow fever: No
Typhoid: No
Malaria: No
Polio: No
Water Quality: Safe
Health care: Excellent
Notes: Independence (Sweden): 17 May 1905. EEA.
Capital: Muscat
GMT-offset: +4:00
Currency: Rial
ISO code: OMR
Currency rate: 0·5957
Dial code: 968
Population: 1,534,000
Area: 310,800 km2
Religion:
Language:
Car code: OMAN
Mains voltage: 220v
World Service frews:
Visa Requirements: Yes
Driving license: National licence accepted for 7 days, then local lice