16 December 1971 (from West Pakistan); note - 26 March 1971 is the date of independence from West Pakistan, 16 December 1971 is known as Victory Day and commemorates the official creation of the state of Bangladesh
Religions
Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs
Muslim 83%, Hindu 16%, other 1% (1998)
Languages
Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)
Bangla (official, also known as Bengali), English
Exports
coffee, sugar, petroleum, apparel, bananas, fruits and vegetables, cardamom
garments, jute and jute goods, leather, frozen fish and seafood
External Debt
$16,170,000,000 $
$36,210,000,000 US
Exchange Rate
quetzales (GTQ) per US dollar - 7.5895 (2008 est.), 7.6833 (2007), 7.6026 (2006), 7.6339 (2005), 7.9465 (2004)
taka (BDT) per US dollar - 68.554 (2008 est.), 69.893 (2007), 69.031 (2006), 64.328 (2005), 59.513 (2004)
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
0.400%
1.400%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
Location
Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize
Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and India
Area
108,889 km sq
143,998 km sq
Coastline
400 km
580 km
Climate
tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands
tropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October)
