euro currency area.

Macau:
Colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Macau was
the first European settlement in the Far East. Pursuant to an
agreement signed by China and Portugal on 13 April 1987, Macau
became the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China on 20
December 1999. China has promised that, under its "one country, two
systems" formula, China's socialist economic system will not be
practiced in Macau and that Macau will enjoy a high degree of
autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs.

Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of:
International
recognition of The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM)
independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 was delayed by Greece's
objection to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic
name and symbols. Greece finally lifted its trade blockade in 1995,
and the two countries agreed to normalize relations, despite
continued disagreement over FYROM's use of "Macedonia." FYROM's
large Albanian minority and the de facto independence of neighboring
Kosovo continue to be sources of ethnic tension.

Madagascar:
Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a
French colony in 1886, but regained its independence in 1960. During
1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were
held, ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997 in the second
presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and
1980s, was returned to the presidency.

Malawi:
Established in 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland
became the independent nation of Malawi in 1964. After three decades
of one-party rule, the country held multiparty elections in 1994
under a provisional constitution, which took full effect the
following year. National multiparty elections were held again in
1999.

Malaysia:
Malaysia was created in 1963 through the merging of Malaya
(independent in 1957) and the former British Singapore, both of
which formed West Malaysia, and Sabah and Sarawak in north Borneo,
which composed East Malaysia. The first three years of independence
were marred by hostilities with Indonesia. Singapore separated from
the union in 1965.

Maldives:
The Maldives were long a sultanate, first under Dutch and
then under British protection. They became a republic in 1968, three
years after independence. Tourism and fishing are being developed on
th