The State Department web site below is a permanent electronic archive of information released prior to January 20, 2001.  Please see www.state.gov for material released since President George W. Bush took office on that date.  This site is not updated so external links may no longer function.  Contact us with any questions about finding information. NOTE: External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.

"The end of the Cold War has given us an unprecedented opportunity to shape a more secure world of open societies and open markets--a world in which American interests and ideals can thrive. . . . In this time of accelerated change, American leadership must be constant. We must remain clear-eyed and vigilant in pursuit of our interests. Above all we must recognize that only the United States has the vision and the strength to consolidate the gains of the last few years, and to build an even better world."

--Secretary of State Warren Christopher, January 18, 1996

The Department of State is the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency. It advances U.S. objectives and interests in shaping a freer, more secure, and more prosperous world through formulating, representing, and implementing the President's foreign policy. The Secretary of State, the ranking member of the Cabinet and fourth in line of presidential succession, is the President's principal adviser on foreign policy and the person chiefly responsible for U.S. representation abroad.

There are 190 countries in the world; the United States maintains diplomatic relations with about 180 of them and also maintains relations with many international organizations. We have more than 250 diplomatic and consular posts around the world, including embassies, consulates, and delegations and missions to international organizations.

Diplomacy at Work

U.S. leadership promotes and protects the interests of Americans by:

• Managing diplomatic relations especially with the world's great powers and international institutions;
• Promoting peace and stability in regions of vital interest;
• Creating jobs at home by opening markets abroad;
• Facing an array of global challenges that no nation can meet on its own; and
• Providing services to Americans traveling or living overseas.

Managing Diplomatic Relations. The peace and security of the American people require constructive relations with other great powers and with international institutions.

• With Europe, our common actions in Bosnia, NATO's Partnership for Peace, the U.S.-EU New Transatlantic Agenda, and other initiatives have improved European stability and strengthened U.S.-European economic ties and security cooperation.
• With Japan, our relationship is on a sound basis. We have signed a security declaration and reached 21 market-opening agreements. U.S. exports to Japan are rising five times as fast as imports.
• With Russia, our constructive relations during its transition period of reform advances our strategic interest in dismantling nuclear weapons, bolsters the vital elements of democratic reforms, supports a privatization process that has put more than half of Russia's economy into private hands, and opens new opportunities for U.S. exporters and investors.
• With China, we have restored positive momentum. We have a new understanding on nuclear exports, an agreement on intellectual property rights, and an improved bilateral dialogue. We continue to pursue our strong interest in the peaceful resolution of issues between the P.R.C. and Taiwan and in a smooth transition in Hong Kong.

International Institutions. To achieve common goals and leverage on resources by sharing financial and diplomatic burdens, the U.S. is working to reform and revitalize the United Nations, and to advance cooperation with institutions, such as NATO, the OSCE, the World Bank, and the IMF.

Promoting Peace. U.S. diplomacy prevents local conflicts from becoming wider wars that could threaten our allies, embroil American troops, and create instability in key regions. And in the best tradition of America, our efforts help avert humanitarian crises and save lives. That is why we have worked so hard to develop common action with our allies and friends to:

• Create the conditions that ended the killing in Bosnia and led to the upcoming elections;
• Pursue a comprehensive peace in the Middle East; and
• Strengthen our role in the Asia-Pacific, where we fought three wars in the past half-century by maintaining 100,000 troops there, freezing North Korea's nuclear program, and opening markets among the world's fastest-growing economies.

Creating Jobs Through Open Markets. Our diplomacy aims to create jobs for Americans at home by opening markets abroad. We have achieved extraordinary success by putting the bottom lines of American business on the front lines of American diplomacy. More than 200 trade agreements over the last three years have helped our exports grow by 34% since 1993 and created 16 million new jobs. By passing the North American Free Trade Agreement, concluding the Uruguay Round, and forging the Miami summit commitment to achieve free and open trade in our hemisphere by 2005--and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation commitment to do the same in the Asia-Pacific by 2020--we have positioned the United States to become an even more dynamic hub of the global economy in the 21st century.

Facing Global Challenges. Finally, we are intensifying our efforts to confront the transnational security challenges of terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, international crime and narcotics, and environmental degradation. These threats to the security and prosperity of Americans respect no border and must be fought at home and abroad. American leadership:

• Forged an international consensus to adopt the UN Declaration on International Crime and Public Security, which combats threats to citizens' security from terrorism, international crime, narcotics trafficking, and the trafficking of illegal arms and of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons;
• Helped secure the unconditional and indefinite extension of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. We have concluded a comprehensive Test Ban Treaty to ban nuclear explosions for all time and signed a Nuclear Safety Convention;
• Increased international drug cooperation from Mexico to Australia through training programs, extradition treaties, and assistance. We work to step up our crop substitution and aerial eradication programs in Latin America and efforts against heroin traffickers in South and Southeast Asia; and
• Increased efforts on international environmental issues by forging international agreements to address global problems such as climate change, and to confront pollution and lack of resources in key areas where they dramatically increase tensions within and among nations, such as water in the Middle East or deforestation in Africa.

Providing Services to American Travelers. In addition to issuing passports to U.S. citizens and visas to foreigners wishing to enter the U.S., we provide a wide variety of services to U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad, such as:

• Finding medical assistance;
• Getting emergency funds;
• Locating travelers;
• Making arrangements in the event of death;
• Assisting in the event of arrest;
• Coordinating with other agencies and notifying families during international crises or emergencies; and
• Assisting in international child custody disputes.

Among the many other services that we provide to U.S. citizens abroad are distributing federal benefits payments, assisting with absentee voting and Selective Service registration, and advising on property claims.

Work of the Foreign and Civil Services

The Foreign Service and the Civil Service in the Department of State and U.S. missions abroad represent the American people. They work together to achieve the goals and to implement the initiatives of American foreign policy.

The Foreign Service is a corps of working professionals dedicated to representing America and responding to the needs of American citizens in other countries. They are America's first line of defense in a complex and often dangerous world.

A Foreign Service career is a way of life that requires uncommon commitment and offers unique rewards, opportunities, and sometimes hardships. Foreign Service officers (FSOs) can be sent anywhere in the world, at any time, to service the diplomatic needs of the United States. They staff all U.S. embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic missions.

Historically, FSOs have been generalists who could expect to be assigned to various jobs in different parts of the world during their careers. An FSO assigned one year as a consular officer in Europe may later become an economic officer in Africa. Overseas, FSOs may work in administrative, economic, political, consular, or public information and cultural affairs.

In addition to Foreign Service officers, a dedicated corps of about 5,000 Civil Service employees are headquartered in Washington, DC. They work in a variety of professional, technical, and administrative capacities and provide continuity and expertise in accomplishing all aspects of the Department's mission. Civil Service officers are involved in virtually every area of the Department--from human rights to narcotics control to environmental issues. They also are the domestic counterpart to consular officers abroad, issuing passports and assisting U.S. citizens in trouble overseas.

Both the Foreign and Civil Services offer a variety of career opportunities. For information on careers at the State Department on the Internet, see: http:/www.state.gov/www/careers.

For further information on the Foreign Service, which offers an exam once each year, contact:

U.S. Department of State
Recruitment Division
P.O. Box 9317
Arlington, VA 22219
Tel: (703) 875-7490

Civil Service job vacancy line: Tel: (202) 647-7284

The Foreign Affairs Budget and Assistance

All foreign affairs activities and personnel costs are paid for by the foreign affairs budget. That budget is a real bargain for the American people. In fact, we spend just a little more than 1% of the total federal budget on foreign affairs--about 12 cents a day for each American citizen, in contrast to the approximately 18% still spent on defense. Moreover, the entire international affairs budget has fallen 51% in real terms since 1984, while the State Department's responsibilities have expanded enormously to include combating threats like terrorism, nuclear smuggling, and international crime and narcotics trafficking. The amount spent for foreign affairs activities and personnel actually represents a tiny fraction of the amount our nation earns from exports or of the amount it is forced to spend when foreign crises erupt into war. This small investment protects the interests of the American people and allows the United States to maintain its position of leadership.

The Department of State conducts all of its responsibilities with a relatively small work force. The Department is smaller than 10 of the 14 U.S. Cabinet departments. In fact, the State Department employs fewer people than do local governments in Memphis, Baltimore, or Alchua County, Florida.

Foreign assistance programs have ultimately put more dollars into the pockets of American taxpayers than they have ever taken out. For one thing, most foreign assistance dollars stay right here at home. Nearly 80% of USAID contracts and grants go to U.S. firms. Ninety-five percent of all food assistance purchases are made in the U.S., and virtually all military assistance is spent on U.S. goods and services.

Promoting Jobs and Business

By helping other countries to develop, we help ourselves. Developing countries currently account for well over one-third--nearly $200 billion worth--of U.S. exports, and now represent the fastest-growing markets for American goods and services. The Commerce Department estimates that every $1 billion worth of these exports generates about 20,000 American jobs. More than one-half of America's farm exports go to the developing world. U.S. assistance programs also help get U.S. business in the door, much as our competitors' aid programs leverage opportunities for their business communities.

The success of American business in international markets is a vital national interest. Eleven million American jobs depend on exports--jobs that pay 13 to 17% more than non-trade related jobs. America's economic well-being, global leadership, and national security are all reinforced when American companies successfully compete in the global economy.

Services to Business

Secretary Christopher's "America Desk" initiative has made support for business a core function of the modern Department of State, both at home and abroad. The Office of the Coordinator for Business (CBA) is a good initial point of contact for firms seeking State Department support and assistance. CBA works directly with American companies to help them tap the worldwide resources of the Department when they need advocacy or help in solving problems.

Department officers overseas play an important role in negotiating a myriad of global, regional, and bilateral international economic agreements and making sure that agreements are honored. They also help U.S. businesses resolve trade and investment disputes with foreign governments and help them overcome business problems. They also work with the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service to identify opportunities for U.S. companies and advocate on their behalf.

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A Brief History of the Department and the Conduct of Foreign Relations

Congress created the Department of State in 1789 to assist the President in carrying out foreign policy responsibilities under the Constitution to conclude treaties and appoint diplomatic and consular officials, receive foreign emissaries, and exercise other authority provided by legislation. As head of the new Department, the Secretary of State was made the President's principal adviser on foreign affairs and the person chiefly responsible for U.S. representation abroad. The first Secretary was Thomas Jefferson.

After World War II, U.S. global responsibilities expanded greatly. The Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and the Treasury acquired new duties in world economic affairs. The Department of Defense, established in 1947, assumed duties for military aid and cooperation. These--and other U.S. Government departments--operate out of embassies overseas.

The 1947 National Security Act created the National Security Council, which assists the President on foreign policy and coordinates the work of the many agencies involved in foreign relations.

During the Cold War, new foreign affairs agencies were placed under the general policy direction of the Secretary of State: the United States Information Agency, the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Congress, too, has constitutional responsibilities for U.S. foreign policy. In addition to providing advice and consent to treaties and diplomatic appointments, other major congressional powers include providing for the common defense and general welfare of the United States, regulating international commerce, and declaring war. Congressional influence on U.S. foreign policy also rests on its control over the federal budget.

Congressional committees most directly involved in the conduct of foreign relations include the House International Relations and Senate Foreign Relations Committees, the House National Security and Senate Armed Services Committees, and the Appropriations Committees of both Houses.

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Profile: U.S. Missions Abroad

Country missions and missions to international organizations are headed by Chiefs of Mission. Chiefs of Mission are considered the President's personal representatives and, with the Secretary of State, assist in implementing the President's constitutional responsibilities for the conduct of U.S. foreign relations.

The Chief of Mission--with the title Ambassador, Minister, or Charge d'Affaires--and the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) are responsible for and head the mission's "country team" of U.S. Government personnel. The Country Team includes diplomatic officers representing consular, administrative, political, economic, cultural, and legal affairs, as well as all the representatives from agencies other than the Department of State, such as the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, and Justice. These are the people responsible for the day to day work of the mission. Department of State employees at missions comprise U.S.-based political appointees and career diplomats and Foreign Service nationals. The last are local residents, who provide continuity for the transient American staff and have language and cultural expertise.

In most countries with which it has diplomatic relations, the U.S. maintains an embassy, which usually is located in the host country capital. The U.S. may also have consulates in other large commercial centers or in dependencies of the country. Several countries have U.S. ambassadors accredited to them who are not resident in the country. In a few special cases--such as when it does not have full diplomatic relations with a country--the U.S. may be represented by only a U.S. Liaison Office or U.S. Interests Section, as in Cuba.

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Travel Abroad

About 5 million U.S. passports are issued each year at 13 passport agencies and one processing center in the United States, and more than 255 diplomatic and consular posts around the world.

To help American travelers avoid dangers, the Department of State issues Travel Warnings recommending that they avoid travel to a certain country. Consular Information Sheets exist for all countries and include information on immigration practices, currency regulations, health conditions, areas of instability, crime and security information, political disturbances, and the addresses of U.S. embassies and consulates in the country.

Free copies of this information are available from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs--

tel: (202) 647-5225; auto fax: (202) 647-3000. Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, as well as other travel-related publications, are available on the Consular Affairs Bulletin Board (CABB) via computer modem at (202) 647-9225 or on the Department of State Foreign Affairs Network (DOSFAN) on the Internet:

http://travel.state.gov

State Department Online

The Department of State Foreign Affairs Network (DOSFAN) provides a non-stop World Wide Web site for a wide variety of foreign policy and other information from the U.S. State Department at:

http://www.state.gov/

The user-friendly web home page guides you to information on foreign policy, including today's "hot topics" internationally, State Department organization and services, travel and consular information, support for U.S. businesses, procurement, careers, the counter-terrorism rewards program, and much more.

For Technical Help. DOSFAN is a cooperative arrangement between the State Department and the federal depository library at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Please e-mail your technical questions to: doswork@uic.edu.

For More Information. For information on the material released on DOSFAN and for other State Department services such as fax-on-demand, please contact the Bureau of Public Affairs at:

Public Information Service
PA/PC, Rm. 6808
Washington, DC 20520-6810
(202) 647-6575

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