republic; multiparty presidential regime established 1960 note: the government is currently operating under a power-sharing agreement mandated by international mediators
republic under transition to multiparty democratic rule
Independence date
Religions
Muslim 38.6%, Christian 32.8%, indigenous 11.9%, none 16.7% (2008 est) note: the majority of foreigners (migratory workers) are Muslim (70%) and Christian (20%)
Christian 29%, Muslim 20%, indigenous beliefs 51%
Languages
French (official), 60 native dialects with Dioula the most widely spoken
French (official and the language of commerce), Ewe and Mina (the two major African languages in the south), Kabye (sometimes spelled Kabiye) and Dagomba (the two major African languages in the north)
Exports
External Debt
Exchange Rate
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
0
1
Location
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Ghana and Liberia
Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Benin and Ghana
Area
322,463 km sq
56,785 km sq
Coastline
515 km
56 km
Climate
tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (June to October)
