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Country ranking for field: environment current issues 1995
Other rankings:
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age structure 0-14 years
age structure 15-64 years
age structure 65 years and over
airports
airports with paved runways 1524 to 2437 m
airports with paved runways 2438 to 3047 m
airports with paved runways 914 to 1523 m
airports with paved runways over 3047 m
airports with paved runways total
airports with paved runways under 914 m
airports with unpaved runways 1524 to 2437 m
airports with unpaved runways 2438 to 3047 m
airports with unpaved runways 914 to 1523 m
airports with unpaved runways over 3047 m
airports with unpaved runways total
airports with unpaved runways under 914 m
area land
area total
area water
birth rate
broadband fixed subscriptions subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
broadband fixed subscriptions total
budget expenditures
budget revenues
budget surplus or deficit
carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy
children under the age of 5 years underweight
coastline
contraceptive prevalence rate
credit ratings Fitch rating
credit ratings Moodys rating
credit ratings Standard & Poors rating
crude oil exports
crude oil imports
crude oil production
crude oil proved reserves
current account balance
current health expenditure
death rate
debt external
dependency ratios elderly dependency ratio
dependency ratios potential support ratio
dependency ratios total dependency ratio
dependency ratios youth dependency ratio
drinking water source improved rural
drinking water source improved total
drinking water source improved urban
drinking water source unimproved rural
drinking water source unimproved total
drinking water source unimproved urban
ease of doing business index scores
education expenditures
electricity consumption
electricity exports
electricity from fossil fuels
electricity from hydroelectric plants
electricity from nuclear fuels
electricity from other renewable sources
electricity imports
electricity installed generating capacity
electricity production
elevation mean elevation
exports
gdp composition by end use exports of goods and services
gdp composition by end use government consumption
gdp composition by end use imports of goods and services
gdp composition by end use investment in fixed capital
gdp composition by end use investment in inventories
gdp composition by sector of origin agriculture
gdp composition by sector of origin industry
gdp composition by sector of origin services
gdp official exchange rate
gdp per capita ppp
gross national saving
heliports
hivaids adult prevalence rate
hivaids deaths
hivaids people living with hivaids
household income or consumption by percentage share highest 10
imports
industrial production growth rate
infant mortality rate female
infant mortality rate male
infant mortality rate total
inflation rate consumer prices
internet users percent of population
irrigated land
labor force
labor force by occupation farming forestry and fishing
labor force by occupation industry
labor force by occupation industry and services
labor force by occupation managerial professional and technical
labor force by occupation manufacturing
labor force by occupation manufacturing extraction transportation and crafts
labor force by occupation other services
labor force by occupation sales and office
labor force by occupation services
land boundaries total
land use agricultural land
land use arable land
land use forest
land use other
land use permanent crops
land use permanent pasture
life expectancy at birth female
life expectancy at birth male
life expectancy at birth total population
maritime claims contiguous zone
maritime claims exclusive economic zone
maritime claims territorial sea
maternal mortality rate
median age female
median age male
median age total
merchant marine total
military expenditures
mothers mean age at first birth
national air transport system annual freight traffic on registered air carriers
national air transport system inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers
national air transport system number of registered air carriers
nationality
nationality adjective
nationality noun
natural gas consumption
natural gas exports
natural gas imports
natural gas production
natural gas proved reserves
obesity adult prevalence rate
ousehold income or consumption by percentage share lowest 10
physicians density
population
population below poverty line
population growth rate
public debt
purchasing power parity real
railways standard gauge
railways total
real gdp growth rate
refined petroleum products consumption
refined petroleum products exports
refined petroleum products imports
refined petroleum products production
reserves of foreign exchange and gold
roadways paved
roadways total
roadways unpaved
sanitation facility access improved rural
sanitation facility access improved total
sanitation facility access improved urban
sanitation facility access unimproved rural
sanitation facility access unimproved total
sanitation facility access unimproved urban
school life expectancy primary to tertiary education female
school life expectancy primary to tertiary education male
school life expectancy primary to tertiary education total
sex ratio 0-14 years
sex ratio 15-24 years
sex ratio 25-54 years
sex ratio 55-64 years
sex ratio 65 years and over
sex ratio at birth
taxes and other revenues
telephones fixed lines subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
telephones fixed lines total subscriptions
telephones mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
telephones mobile cellular total subscriptions
total fertility rate
unemployment rate
unemployment youth ages 15-24 female
unemployment youth ages 15-24 male
unemployment youth ages 15-24 total
urbanization rate of urbanization
urbanization urban population
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This entry lists the most pressing and important environmental problems. The following terms and abbreviations are used throughout the entry:
World
large areas subject to overpopulation industrial disasters pollution
1
Afghanistan
0
2
Palau
inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging and illegal fishing practices that involve the use of dynamite
3
New Caledonia
NA
4
New Zealand
deforestation; soil erosion; native flora and fauna hard-hit by species introduced from outside
5
Nicaragua
deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution
6
Niger
overgrazing; soil erosion; deforestation; desertification; wildlife populations
7
Nigeria
soil degradation; rapid deforestation; desertification; recent droughts in north severely affecting marginal agricultural activities
8
Niue
traditional methods of burning brush and trees to clear land for agriculture have threatened soil supplies which naturally are not very abundant
9
Norfolk Island
NA
10
North Korea
localized air pollution attributable to inadequate industrial controls; water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water
11
Northern Mariana Islands
contamination of groundwater on Saipan by raw sewage contributes to disease
12
Norway
water pollution; acid rain damaging forests and adversely affecting lakes threatening fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle emissions
13
Oman
rising soil salinity; beach pollution from oil spills; very limited natural fresh water resources
14
Pacific Ocean
endangered marine species include the dugong sea lion sea otter seals turtles and whales; oil pollution in Philippine Sea and South China Sea
15
Pakistan
water pollution from raw sewage industrial wastes and agricultural runoff; limited natural fresh water resources; a majority of the population does not have access to potable water; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification
16
Palmyra Atoll
NA
17
Nepal
the almost total dependence on wood for fuel and cutting down trees to expand agricultural land without replanting has resulted in widespread deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution
18
Panama
water pollution from agricultural runoff threatens fishery resources; deforestation of tropical rain forest; land degradation
19
Papua New Guinea
rain forest subject to deforestation as a result of growing commercial demand for tropical timber; pollution from mining projects
20
Paracel Islands
NA
21
Paraguay
deforestation
22
Peru
deforestation; overgrazing of the slopes of the costa and sierra leading to soil erosion; desertification; air pollution in Lima; pollution of rivers and coastal waters from municipal and mining wastes
23
Philippines
uncontrolled deforestation in watershed areas; soil erosion; air and water pollution in Manila; increasing pollution of coastal mangrove swamps which are important fish breeding grounds
24
Pitcairn Islands
deforestation
25
Poland
forest damage due to air pollution and resulting acid rain; improper means for disposal of large amounts of hazardous and industrial waste; severe water pollution from industrial and municipal sources; severe air pollution results from emissions of sulfur dioxide from coal-fired power plants which also drifts into Germany and the Netherlands
26
Portugal
soil erosion; air pollution caused by industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution especially in coastal areas
27
Puerto Rico
the recent drought has caused water levels in reservoirs to drop and prompted water rationing for more than one-half of the population
28
Qatar
limited natural fresh water resources are increasing dependence on large-scale desalination facilities
29
Romania
soil erosion and degradation; water pollution; air pollution in south from industrial effluents; contamination of Danube delta wetlands
30
Russia
air pollution from heavy industry emissions of coal-fired electric plants and transportation in major cities; industrial and agricultural pollution of inland waterways and sea coasts; deforestation; soil erosion; soil contamination from improper application of agricultural chemicals; scattered areas of sometimes intense radioactive contamination
31
Rwanda
deforestation results from uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel; overgrazing; soil exhaustion; soil erosion
32
Netherlands Antilles
NA; natural hazards:Curacao and Bonaire are south of Caribbean hurricane belt so rarely threatened; Sint Maarten Saba and Sint Eustatius are subject to hurricanes from July to October; international agreements:party to - Whaling
33
Navassa Island
NA
34
Saint Helena
NA
35
Malta
very limited natural fresh water resources; increasing reliance on desalination
36
Lesotho
population pressure forcing settlement in marginal areas results in overgrazing severe soil erosion soil exhaustion; desertification; Highlands Water Project will control store and redirect water to South Africa
37
Liberia
tropical rain forest subject to deforestation; soil erosion; loss of biodiversity; pollution of rivers from the dumping of iron ore tailings and of coastal waters from oil residue and raw sewage
38
Libya
desertification; very limited natural fresh water resources; the Great Manmade River Project the largest water development scheme in the world is being built to bring water from large aquifers under the Sahara to coastal cities
39
Liechtenstein
NA
40
Lithuania
contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products and chemicals at military bases
41
Luxembourg
deforestation; air and water pollution in urban areas
42
Macau
NA
43
Macedonia
air pollution from metallurgical plants; natural hazards:high seismic risks; international agreements:party to - Law of the Sea Ozone Layer Protection
44
Madagascar
soil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing; desertification; surface water contaminated with raw sewage and other organic wastes; several species of flora and fauna unique to the island are endangered
45
Malawi
deforestation; land degradation; water pollution from agricultural runoff sewage industrial wastes; siltation of spawning grounds endangers fish population
46
Malaysia
air pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation
47
Maldives
depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water supplies
48
Mali
deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching
49
Marshall Islands
inadequate supplies of potable water
50
Nauru
limited natural fresh water resources roof storage tanks collect rainwater; phosphate mining threatens limited remaining land resources
51
Martinique
NA
52
Mauritania
overgrazing deforestation and soil erosion aggravated by drought are contributing to desertification; very limited natural fresh water resources away from the Senegal which is the only perennial river
53
Mauritius
water pollution
54
Mayotte
NA
55
Mexico
natural fresh water resources scarce and polluted in north inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme southeast; raw sewage and industrial effluents polluting rivers in urban areas; deforestation; widespread erosion; desertification; serious air pollution in the national capital and urban centers along US-Mexico border
56
Midway Islands
NA
57
Moldova
heavy use of agricultural chemicals including banned pesticides such as DDT has contaminated soil and groundwater; extensive soil erosion from poor farming methods
58
Monaco
NA
59
Mongolia
limited natural fresh water resources; policies of the former communist regime promoting rapid urbanization and industrial growth have raised concerns about their negative effects on the environment; the burning of soft coal and the concentration of factories in Ulaanbaatar have severely polluted the air; deforestation overgrazing the converting of virgin land to agricultural production have increased soil erosion from wind and rain; desertification
60
Montserrat
land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for cultivation
61
Morocco
land degradation/desertification
62
Mozambique
civil strife and recurrent drought in the hinterlands have resulted in increased migration to urban and coastal areas with adverse environmental consequences; desertification; pollution of surface and coastal waters
63
Myanmar
deforestation; industrial pollution of air soil and water; inadequate sanitation and water treatment contribute to disease
64
Namibia
very limited natural fresh water resources; desertification
65
Réunion
NA; natural hazards:periodic devastating cyclones
66
Saint Kitts and Nevis
NA
67
Latvia
air and water pollution because of a lack of waste conversion equipment; Gulf of Riga and Daugava River heavily polluted; contamination of soil and groundwater with chemicals and petroleum products at military bases
68
United Arab Emirates
lack of natural freshwater resources being overcome by desalination plants; desertification; beach pollution from oil spills
69
Togo
deforestation attributable to slash-and-burn agriculture and the use of wood for fuel; recent droughts affecting agriculture
70
Tokelau
very limited natural resources and overcrowding are contributing to emigration to New Zealand
71
Tonga
deforestation results as more and more land is being cleared for agriculture and settlement; some damage to coral reefs from starfish and indiscriminate coral and shell collectors; overhunting threatens native sea turtle populations
72
Trinidad and Tobago
water pollution from agricultural chemicals industrial wastes and raw sewage; oil pollution of beaches; deforestation; soil erosion
73
Tromelin Island
NA
74
Tunisia
toxic and hazardous waste disposal is ineffective and presents human health risks; water pollution from raw sewage; limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification
75
Turkey
water pollution from dumping of chemicals and detergents; air pollution particularly in urban areas; deforestation
76
Turkmenistan
contamination of soil and groundwater with agricultural chemicals pesticides; salinization water-logging of soil due to poor irrigation methods; Caspian Sea pollution; diversion of a large share of the flow of the Amu Darya into irrigation contributes to that river's inability to replenish the Aral Sea; desertification
77
Turks and Caicos Islands
limited natural fresh water resources private cisterns collect rainwater
78
Tuvalu
since there are no streams or rivers and groundwater is not potable all water needs must be met by catchment systems with storage facilities; beachhead erosion because of the use of sand for building materials; excessive clearance of forest undergrowth for use as fuel; damage to coral reefs from the spread of the crown of thorns starfish
79
U.S. Virgin Islands
lack of natural freshwater resources
80
Uganda
draining of wetlands for agricultural use; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching is widespread
81
Ukraine
inadequate supplies of potable water; air and water pollution; deforestation; radiation contamination in the northeast from 1986 accident at Chornobyl' Nuclear Power Plant
82
United Kingdom
sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants contribute to air pollution; some rivers polluted by agricultural wastes and coastal waters polluted because of large-scale disposal of sewage at sea
83
The Gambia
deforestation; desertification; water-borne diseases prevalent
84
United States
air pollution resulting in acid rain in both the US and Canada; the US is the largest single emitter of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels; water pollution from runoff of pesticides and fertilizers; very limited natural fresh water resources in much of the western part of the country require careful management; desertification
85
Uruguay
substantial pollution from Brazilian industry along border; one-fifth of country affected by acid rain generated by Brazil; water pollution from meat packing/tannery industry; inadequate solid/hazardous waste disposal
86
Uzbekistan
drying up of the Aral Sea is resulting in growing concentrations of chemical pesticides and natural salts; these substances are then blown from the increasingly exposed lake bed and contribute to desertification; water pollution from industrial wastes and the heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides is the cause of many human health disorders; increasing soil salinization; soil contamination from agricultural chemicals including DDT
87
Vanuatu
a majority of the population does not have access to a potable and reliable supply of water
88
Venezuela
sewage pollution of Lago de Valencia; oil and urban pollution of Lago de Maracaibo; deforestation; soil degradation; urban and industrial pollution especially along the Caribbean coast
89
Vietnam
logging and slash-and-burn agricultural practices are contributing to deforestation; soil degradation; water pollution and overfishing threatening marine life populations; inadequate supplies of potable water because of groundwater contamination
90
Wake Island
NA
91
Wallis and Futuna
deforestation
92
West Bank
NA
93
Western Sahara
sparse water and arable land
94
Western Samoa
soil erosion; natural hazards:occasional typhoons; active volcanism; international agreements:party to - Biodiversity Climate Change Nuclear Test Ban Ozone Layer Protection; signed but not ratified - Law of the Sea
95
Yemen
very limited natural fresh water resources; inadequate supplies of potable water; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification
96
Zaire
0
97
Zambia
air pollution and resulting acid rain in the mineral extraction and refining region; poaching seriously threatens rhinoceros and elephant populations; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; lack of adequate water treatment presents human health risks
98
The Netherlands
water pollution in the form of heavy metals organic compounds and nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates; air pollution from vehicles and refining activities; acid rain
99
The Bahamas
coral reef decay
100
Saint Lucia
deforestation; soil erosion particularly in the northern region
101
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
NA; natural hazards:the South Sandwich Islands have prevailing weather conditions that generally make them difficult to approach by ship; they are also subject to active volcanism; international agreements:NA
102
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
pollution of coastal waters and shorelines from discharges by pleasure yachts and other effluents; in some areas pollution is severe enough to make swimming prohibitive
103
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon
NA; natural hazards:persistent fog throughout the year can be a maritime hazard; international agreements:NA
104
Saudi Arabia
desertification; depletion of underground water resources; the lack of perennial rivers or permanent water bodies has prompted the development of extensive seawater desalination facilities; coastal pollution from oil spills
105
Senegal
wildlife populations threatened by poaching; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; overfishing
106
Serbia and Montenegro
pollution of coastal waters from sewage outlets especially in tourist-related areas such as Kotor; air pollution around Belgrade and other industrial cities; water pollution from industrial wastes dumped into the Sava which flows into the Danube
107
Seychelles
no natural fresh water resources catchments collect rain water
108
Sierra Leone
rapid population growth pressuring the environment; overharvesting of timber expansion of cattle grazing and slash-and-burn agriculture have resulted in deforestation and soil exhaustion; civil war depleting natural resources; overfishing
109
Singapore
industrial pollution; limited natural fresh water resources; limited land availability presents waste disposal problems
110
Slovakia
air pollution from metallurgical plants presents human health risks; acid rain damaging forests
111
Slovenia
Sava River polluted with domestic and industrial waste; pollution of coastal waters with heavy metals and toxic chemicals; forest damage near Koper from air pollution
112
Solomon Islands
deforestation; soil erosion; much of the surrounding coral reefs are dead or dying
113
Somalia
famine; use of contaminated water contributes to human health problems; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification
114
South Africa
lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water conservation and control measures; growth in water usage threatens to outpace supply; pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff and urban discharge; air pollution resulting in acid rain; soil erosion; desertification
115
South Korea
air pollution in large cities; water pollution from the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents; driftnet fishing
116
Thailand
air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from organic and factory wastes; deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by illegal hunting
117
Spain
pollution of the Mediterranean Sea from raw sewage and effluents from the offshore production of oil and gas; air pollution; deforestation; desertification
118
Spratly Islands
NA
119
Sri Lanka
deforestation; soil erosion; wildlife populations threatened by poaching; coastal degradation from mining activities and increased pollution; freshwater resources being polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff
120
Sudan
inadequate supplies of potable water; wildlife populations threatened by excessive hunting; soil erosion; desertification
121
Suriname
deforestation as foreign producers obtain timber concessions
122
Svalbard
NA
123
Swaziland
limited access to potable water; wildlife populations being depleted because of excessive hunting; overgrazing; soil degradation; soil erosion
124
Sweden
acid rain damaging soils and lakes; pollution of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea
125
Switzerland
air pollution from vehicle emissions and open air burning; acid rain; water pollution from increased use of agricultural fertilizers; loss of biodiversity
126
Syria
deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution from dumping of raw sewage and wastes from petroleum refining; inadequate supplies of potable water
127
São Tomé and PrÃncipe
deforestation; soil erosion and exhaustion; natural hazards:NA; international agreements:party to - Environmental Modification Law of the Sea; signed but not ratified - Biodiversity Climate Change
128
Taiwan
water pollution from industrial emissions raw sewage; air pollution; contamination of drinking water supplies; trade in endangered species
129
Tajikistan
inadequate sanitation facilities; increasing levels of soil salinity; industrial pollution; excessive pesticides; part of the basin of the shrinking Aral Sea which suffers from severe overutilization of available water for irrigation and associated pollution
130
Tanzania
soil degradation; deforestation; desertification; destruction of coral reefs threatens marine habitats; recent droughts affected marginal agriculture
131
Lebanon
deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; air pollution in Beirut from vehicular traffic and the burning of industrial wastes; pollution of coastal waters from raw sewage and oil spills
132
Laos
deforestation; soil erosion; a majority of the population does not have access to potable water
133
Albania
deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution from industrial and domestic effluents
134
China
air pollution from the overwhelming use of high-sulfur coal as a fuel produces acid rain which is damaging forests; water shortages experienced throughout the country particularly in urban areas; future growth in water usage threatens to outpace supplies; water pollution from industrial effluents; much of the population does not have access to potable water; less than 10% of sewage receives treatment; deforestation; estimated loss of one-fifth of agricultural land since 1957 to soil erosion and economic development; desertification; trade in endangered species
135
British Virgin Islands
limited natural fresh water resources
136
Brunei
NA
137
Bulgaria
air pollution from industrial emissions; rivers polluted from raw sewage heavy metals detergents; deforestation; forest damage from air pollution and resulting acid rain; soil contamination from heavy metals from metallurgical plants and industrial wastes
138
Burkina Faso
recent droughts and desertification severely affecting agricultural activities population distribution and the economy; overgrazing; soil degradation; deforestation
139
Burundi
soil erosion as a result of overgrazing and the expansion of agriculture into marginal lands; deforestation
140
Cabo Verde
overgrazing of livestock and improper land use such as the cultivation of crops on steep slopes has led to soil erosion; demand for wood used as fuel has resulted in deforestation; desertification; environmental damage has threatened several indigenous species of birds and reptiles; overfishing
141
Cambodia
logging activities throughout the country and strip mining for gems in the western region along the border with Thailand are resulting in habitat loss and declining biodiversity
142
Cameroon
water-borne diseases are prevalent; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; poaching; overfishing
143
Canada
air pollution and resulting acid rain severely affecting lakes and damaging forests; metal smelting coal-burning utilities and vehicle emissions impacting on agricultural and forest productivity; ocean waters becoming contaminated due to agricultural industrial mining and forestry activities
144
Cayman Islands
no natural fresh water resources drinking water supplies must be met by rainwater catchment
145
Central African Republic
tap water is not potable; poaching has diminished reputation as one of last great wildlife refuges; desertification
146
Chad
inadequate supplies of potable water; improper waste disposal in rural areas contributes to soil and water pollution; desertification
147
Chile
air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation contributing to loss of biodiversity; soil erosion; desertification
148
Christmas Island
NA
149
Brazil
deforestation in Amazon Basin destroys the habitat and endangers the existence of a multitude of plant and animal species indigenous to the area; air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro Sao Paulo and several other large cities; land degradation and water pollution caused by improper mining activities
150
Clipperton Island
NA
151
Cocos Islands
there are no natural fresh water resources on the island groundwater does accumulate in natural underground reservoirs
152
Colombia
deforestation; soil damage from overuse of pesticides; air pollution especially in Bogota from vehicle emissions
153
Comoros
soil degradation and erosion results from crop cultivation on slopes without proper terracing; deforestation
154
Congo
air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from the dumping of raw sewage; tap water is not potable; deforestation
155
Cook Islands
NA
156
Coral Sea Islands
no permanent fresh water resources; natural hazards:occasional tropical cyclones; international agreements:NA
157
Costa Rica
deforestation largely a result of the clearing of land for cattle ranching; soil erosion
158
Croatia
air pollution
159
Cuba
pollution of Havana Bay; overhunting threatens wildlife populations; deforestation
160
Cyprus
water resource problems
161
Czech Republic
air and water pollution in areas of northwest Bohemia centered around Zeplica and in northern Moravia around Ostrava present health risks; acid rain damaging forests
162
Côte d'Ivoire
deforestation
163
Denmark
air pollution principally from vehicle emissions; nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea; drinking and surface water becoming polluted from animal wastes
164
British Indian Ocean Territory
NA
165
Bouvet Island
NA
166
Dominica
NA
167
Australia
soil erosion from overgrazing industrial development urbanization and poor farming practices; soil salinity rising due to the use of poor quality water; desertification; clearing for agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique animal and plant species; the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast the largest coral reef in the world is threatened by increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site; limited natural fresh water resources
168
Algeria
soil erosion from overgrazing and other poor farming practices; desertification; dumping of raw sewage petroleum refining wastes and other industrial effluents is leading to the pollution of rivers and coastal waters; Mediterranean Sea in particular becoming polluted from oil wastes soil erosion and fertilizer runoff; inadequate supplies of potable water
169
American Samoa
limited natural fresh water resources; in many areas of the island water supplies come from roof catchments
170
Andorra
deforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes to soil erosion
171
Angola
population pressures contributing to overuse of pastures and subsequent soil erosion; desertification; deforestation of tropical rain forest attributable to the international demand for tropical timber and domestic use as a fuel; deforestation contributing to loss of biodiversity; soil erosion contributing to water pollution and siltation of rivers and dams; inadequate supplies of potable water
172
Anguilla
supplies of potable water sometimes cannot meet increasing demand largely because of poor distribution system
173
Antarctica
in October 1991 it was reported that the ozone shield which protects the Earth's surface from harmful ultraviolet radiation had dwindled to the lowest level recorded over Antarctica since 1975 when measurements were first taken
174
Antigua and Barbuda
water management - a major concern because of limited natural fresh water resources - is further hampered by the clearing of trees to increase crop production causing rainfall to run off quickly
175
Arctic Ocean
endangered marine species include walruses and whales; fragile ecosystem slow to change and slow to recover from disruptions or damage
176
Argentina
erosion results from inadequate flood controls and improper land use practices; irrigated soil degradation; desertification; air pollution in Buenos Aires and other major cites; water pollution in urban areas; rivers becoming polluted due to increased pesticide and fertilizer use
177
Armenia
soil pollution from toxic chemicals such as DDT; energy blockade the result of conflict with Azerbaijan has led to deforestation as citizens scavenge for firewood; pollution of Hrazdan
178
Aruba
NA
179
Ashmore and Cartier Islands
NA
180
Atlantic Ocean
endangered marine species include the manatee seals sea lions turtles and whales; driftnet fishing is exacerbating declining fish stocks and contributing to international disputes; municipal sludge pollution off eastern US southern Brazil and eastern Argentina; oil pollution in Caribbean Sea Gulf of Mexico Lake Maracaibo Mediterranean Sea and North Sea; industrial waste and municipal sewage pollution in Baltic Sea North Sea and Mediterranean Sea
181
Austria
some forest degradation caused by air and soil pollution; soil pollution results from the use of agricultural chemicals; air pollution results from emissions by coal- and oil-fired power stations and industrial plants and from trucks transiting Austria between northern and southern Europe
182
Botswana
overgrazing primarily as a result of the expansion of the cattle population; desertification; limited natural fresh water resources
183
Azerbaijan
local scientists consider the Abseron
184
Bahrain
desertification resulting from the degradation of limited arable land periods of drought and dust storms; coastal degradation
185
Baker Island
no natural fresh water resources
186
Bangladesh
many people are landless and forced to live on and cultivate flood-prone land; limited access to potable water; water-borne diseases prevalent; water pollution especially of fishing areas results from the use of commercial pesticides; intermittent water shortages because of falling water tables in the northern and central parts of the country; soil degradation; deforestation; severe overpopulation
187
Barbados
pollution of coastal waters from waste disposal by ships; soil erosion; illegal solid waste disposal threatens contamination of aquifers
188
Bassas da India
NA
189
Belarus
soil pollution from pesticide use; southern part of the country contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident at Chornobyl'
190
Belgium
Meuse River a major source of drinking water polluted from steel production wastes; other rivers polluted by animal wastes and fertilizers; industrial air pollution contributes to acid rain in neighboring countries
191
Belize
deforestation; water pollution from sewage industrial effluents agricultural runoff
192
Benin
recent droughts have severely affected marginal agriculture in north; inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching threatens wildlife populations; deforestation; desertification
193
Bermuda
NA
194
Bhutan
soil erosion; limited access to potable water
195
Bolivia
the clearing of land for agricultural purposes and the international demand for tropical timber are contributing to deforestation; soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivation methods
196
Bosnia and Herzegovina
air pollution from metallurgical plants; sites for disposing of urban waste are limited; widespread casualties water shortages and destruction of infrastructure because of civil strife
197
Djibouti
inadequate supplies of potable water; desertification
198
Dominican Republic
water shortages; soil eroding into the sea damages coral reefs; deforestation
199
Kyrgyzstan
water pollution; many people get their water directly from contaminated streams and wells as a result water-borne diseases are prevalent; increasing soil salinity from faulty irrigation practices
200
Isle of Man
NA
201
Heard Island and McDonald Islands
NA
202
Holy See
NA
203
Honduras
urban population expanding; deforestation results from logging and the clearing of land for agricultural purposes; further land degradation and soil erosion hastened by uncontrolled development and improper land use practices such as farming of marginal lands; mining activities polluting Lago de Yojoa
204
Hong Kong
air and water pollution from rapid urbanization
205
Howland Island
no natural fresh water resources
206
Hungary
air pollution; industrial and municipal pollution of Lake Balaton
207
Iceland
water pollution from fertilizer runoff; inadequate wastewater treatment
208
India
deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; desertification; air pollution from industrial effluents and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage and runoff of agricultural pesticides; tap water is not potable throughout the country; huge and rapidly growing population is overstraining natural resources
209
Indian Ocean
endangered marine species include the dugong seals turtles and whales; oil pollution in the Arabian Sea Persian Gulf and Red Sea
210
Indonesia
deforestation; water pollution from industrial wastes sewage; air pollution in urban areas
211
Iran
air pollution especially in urban areas from vehicle emissions refinery operations and industrial effluents; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; oil pollution in the Persian Gulf; inadequate supplies of potable water
212
Iraq
government water control projects have drained most of the inhabited marsh areas west of Al Qurnah by drying up or diverting the feeder streams and rivers; a once sizable population of Shi'a Muslims who have inhabited these areas for thousands of years has been displaced; furthermore the destruction of the natural habitat poses serious threats to the area's wildlife populations; inadequate supplies of potable water; development of Tigris-Euphrates Rivers system contingent upon agreements with upstream riparian Turkey; air and water pollution; soil degradation
213
Ireland
water pollution especially of lakes from agricultural runoff
214
Israel
limited arable land: and natural fresh water resources pose serious constraints; desertification; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; groundwater pollution from industrial and domestic waste chemical fertilizers and pesticides
215
Guyana
water pollution from sewage and agricultural and industrial chemicals; deforestation
216
Italy
air pollution from industrial emissions such as sulfur dioxide; coastal and inland rivers polluted from industrial and agricultural effluents; acid rain damaging lakes; inadequate industrial waste treatment and disposal facilities
217
Jamaica
deforestation; coastal waters polluted by industrial waste sewage and oil spills; damage to coral reefs; air pollution in Kingston results from vehicle emissions
218
Jan Mayen
NA
219
Japan
air pollution from power plant emissions results in acid rain; acidification of lakes and reservoirs degrading water quality and threatening aquatic life; Japan's appetite for fish and tropical timber is contributing to the depletion of these resources in Asia and elsewhere
220
Jarvis Island
no natural fresh water resources
221
Jersey
NA
222
Johnston Atoll
no natural fresh water resources
223
Jordan
limited natural fresh water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification
224
Juan de Nova Island
NA
225
Kazakhstan
radioactive or toxic chemical sites associated with its former defense industries and test ranges are found throughout the country and pose health risks for humans and animals; industrial pollution is severe in some cities; because the two main rivers which flowed into the Aral Sea have been diverted for irrigation it is drying up and leaving behind a harmful layer of chemical pesticides and natural salts; these substances are then picked up by the wind and blown into noxious dust storms; pollution in the Caspian Sea; soil pollution from overuse of agricultural chemicals and salinization from faulty irrigation practices
226
Kenya
water pollution from urban and industrial wastes; degradation of water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; poaching
227
Kingman Reef
NA
228
Kiribati
NA
229
Kuwait
limited natural fresh water resources; some of world's largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities provide much of the water; air and water pollution; desertification
230
Haiti
extensive deforestation
231
Guinea
deforestation; inadequate supplies of potable water; desertification; soil contamination and erosion; overfishing
232
Ecuador
deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution
233
French Guiana
NA; natural hazards:high frequency of heavy showers and severe thunderstorms; flooding; international agreements:NA
234
Egypt
agricultural land being lost to urbanization and windblown sands; increasing soil salinization below Aswan High Dam; desertification; oil pollution threatening coral reefs beaches and marine habitats; other water pollution from agricultural pesticides raw sewage and industrial effluents; very limited natural fresh water resources away from the Nile which is the only perennial water source; rapid growth in population overstraining natural resources
235
El Salvador
deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution; contamination of soils from disposal of toxic wastes
236
Equatorial Guinea
tap water is not potable; desertification
237
Eritrea
famine; deforestation; desertification; soil erosion; overgrazing; loss of infrastructure from civil warfare
238
Estonia
air heavily polluted with sulfur dioxide from oil-shale burning power plants in northeast; contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products chemicals at military bases
239
Ethiopia
deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; famine
240
Europa Island
NA
241
Falkland Islands
NA
242
Faroe Islands
NA
243
Federated States of Micronesia
NA
244
Fiji
deforestation; soil erosion
245
Finland
air pollution from manufacturing and power plants contributing to acid rain; water pollution from industrial wastes agricultural chemicals; habitat loss threatens wildlife populations
246
France
some forest damage from acid rain; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from urban wastes agricultural runoff
247
French Polynesia
NA
248
Guinea-Bissau
deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; overfishing
249
French Southern and Antarctic Lands
NA
250
Gabon
deforestation; poaching
251
Gaza Strip
desertification
252
Georgia
air pollution particularly in Rust'avi; heavy pollution of Mtkvari River and the Black Sea; inadequate supplies of potable water; soil pollution from toxic chemicals
253
Germany
emissions from coal-burning utilities and industries and lead emissions from vehicle exhausts
254
Ghana
recent drought in north severely affecting agricultural activities; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching and habitat destruction threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water
255
Gibraltar
limited natural freshwater resources so large concrete or natural rock water catchments collect rain water
256
Glorioso Islands
NA
257
Greece
air pollution; water pollution
258
Grenada
NA
259
Guadeloupe
NA
260
Guam
NA
261
Guatemala
deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution
262
Guernsey
NA
263
Zimbabwe
deforestation; soil erosion; land degradation; air and water pollution; the black rhinoceros herd - once the largest concentration of the species in the world - has been significantly reduced by poaching
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