Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (especially Quechua)
French (official), Lingala and Monokutuba (lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread)
Exports
petroleum, bananas, cut flowers, shrimp, cacao, coffee, hemp, wood, fish
External Debt
$10,050,000,000 $
Exchange Rate
the US dollar is used; the sucre was eliminated in 2000
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
0.900%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
1
0
Location
Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru
Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon
Area
283,561 km sq
342,000 km sq
Coastline
2,237 km
169 km
Climate
tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands
tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator
