Muslim 77.5%, Christian 8.5%, other 14% (2004 census)
Languages
French (official), Lingala and Monokutuba (lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread)
Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language
Exports
liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products, fertilizers, steel
External Debt
$125,300,000,000 US
Exchange Rate
Qatari rials (QAR) per US dollar - 3.64 (2008 est.), 3.64 (2007), 3.64 (2006), 3.64 (2005), 3.64 (2004)
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
10.000%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
Location
Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon
Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia
Area
342,000 km sq
11,586 km sq
Coastline
169 km
563 km
Climate
tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
