7 June 1905 (Norway declared the union with Sweden dissolved); 26 October 1905 (Sweden agreed to the repeal of the union)
Religions
Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2%
Church of Norway 85.7%, Pentecostal 1%, Roman Catholic 1%, other Christian 2.4%, Muslim 1.8%, other 8.1% (2004)
Languages
French (official), Lingala and Monokutuba (lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread)
Bokmal Norwegian (official), Nynorsk Norwegian (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities; note - Sami is official in six municipalities
Exports
petroleum and petroleum products, machinery and equipment, metals, chemicals, ships, fish
External Debt
$720,600,000,000 US
Exchange Rate
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
1.400%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
0
10
Location
Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon
Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden
Area
342,000 km sq
323,802 km sq
Coastline
169 km
25,148 km
Climate
tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator
temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers; rainy year-round on west coast
Rankings + Records
