"In a way an honorary consul is more difficult to get rid of than a career man," wrote Graham Greene in his novel "The Honorary Consul", charting the misadventures of an alcoholic Englishman of minor diplomatic rank in Argentina. Honorary consuls are recognised in international law and theoretically enjoy the same privileges as career diplomats. Often they are locals appointed in cities too insignificant for professional consulates. Most work without pay. Their numbers have been growing steadily in recent years, to more than 20,000 worldwide. Many represent small or fast-growing countries. Estonia has 165, up from 100 only a few years ago. Iceland has 250. Among large countries, Australia, Canada and Russia are enthusiastic employers of honorary consuls.
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