25 May 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)
Religions
Muslim (Shia and Sunni) 81.2%, Christian 9%, other 9.8% (2001 census)
Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 6% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), other 2% (several small Shia Muslim and Druze populations) (2001 est.)
Languages
Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu
Arabic (official), English widely understood among upper and middle classes
Exports
petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, textiles
