Orthodox Christian 83.9%, Muslim 9.9%, Armenian-Gregorian 3.9%, Catholic 0.8%, other 0.8%, none 0.7% (2002 census)
Languages
French (official), Lingala and Monokutuba (lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread)
Georgian 71% (official), Russian 9%, Armenian 7%, Azeri 6%, other 7% note: Abkhaz is the official language in Abkhazia
Exports
scrap metal, wine, mineral water, ores, vehicles, fruits and nuts
External Debt
$11,080,000,000 US
Exchange Rate
laris (GEL) per US dollar - 1.47 (2008 est.), 1.7 (2007), 1.78 (2006), 1.8127 (2005), 1.9167 (2004)
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
1.900%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
0
6
Location
Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon
Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and Russia
Area
342,000 km sq
69,700 km sq
Coastline
169 km
310 km
Climate
tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator
warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast
