BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Area: 455 sq.km
Climate: Tropical wet; rains throughout the year, peaking in October-May
Population: 73 000 (1996 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 6 210 (1994)
Specific characteristics of the country: Consists of about 100 islands scattered over more than 1 million sq.km. Tourism provides 50 percent of G.D.P.
Logistics: -
Major foodcrops: Coconuts, fruit, vegetables
Marketing year: January/December
Share of cereals in total calorie intake: 49 percent
CURRENT SITUATION
The cultivated area of only some 10 000 hectares is used mainly for coconuts, fruit, vegetables and livestock. The cereal needs for human consumption and feed are all imported commercially. For 1996, the cereal import requirement is estimated at 13 000 tons.
| Wheat | Rice | Coarse grains | Total | |
| Normal production | - | - | - | - |
| Normal imports (incl. re-exports) | 2 | 5 | 5 | 12 |
| of which: Structural food aid | - | - | - | - |
| 1995 Production | - | - | - | - |
| 1996 Utilization | 2 | 5 | 6 | 13 |
| Food use | 2 | 5 | 1 | 8 |
| Non-food use | - | - | 5 | 5 |
| 1996 Import Requirement | 2 | 5 | 6 | 13 |
| Anticipated commercial imports | 2 | 5 | 6 | 13 |
| Food aid needs | - | - | - | - |
| Current Aid Position | ||||
| Food aid pledges | - | - | - | - |
| of which: Delivered | - | - | - | - |
| Estimated per caput consumption (kg/year) | 27 | 69 | 14 | 110 |
| Indexes | ||||
| 1995 production as % of normal: | - | |||
| 1996 import requirement as % of normal: | 108 | |||
| 1996 food aid requirement as % of normal: | - | |||