7 June 1905 (Norway declared the union with Sweden dissolved); 26 October 1905 (Sweden agreed to the repeal of the union)
Religions
Muslim (Shia and Sunni) 81.2%, Christian 9%, other 9.8% (2001 census)
Church of Norway 85.7%, Pentecostal 1%, Roman Catholic 1%, other Christian 2.4%, Muslim 1.8%, other 8.1% (2004)
Languages
Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu
Bokmal Norwegian (official), Nynorsk Norwegian (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities; note - Sami is official in six municipalities
Exports
petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, textiles
petroleum and petroleum products, machinery and equipment, metals, chemicals, ships, fish
External Debt
$14,930,000,000 $
$644,500,000,000 US
Exchange Rate
Bahraini dinars (BHD) per US dollar - 0.376 (2008 est.), 0.376 (2007), 0.376 (2006), 0.376 (2005), 0.376 (2004)
Norwegian kroner (NOK) per US dollar - 5.6361 (2008), 5.86 (2007), 6.418 (2006), 6.445 (2005), 6.7327 (2004)
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
4.500%
1.900%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
1
10
Location
Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia
Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden
Area
760 km sq
323,802 km sq
Coastline
161 km
25,148 km
Climate
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers; rainy year-round on west coast
