constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 3 November 1986 and the Amended Compact entered into force May 2004
Independence date
4 October 1966 (from UK)
Religions
Christian 80%, indigenous beliefs 20%
Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 47%, other 3%
Languages
Sesotho (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa
English (official and common language), Chuukese, Kosrean, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleaian, Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi
Exports
manufactures 75% (clothing, footwear, road vehicles), wool and mohair, food and live animals (2000)
External Debt
$715,400,000 $
Exchange Rate
maloti (LSL) per US dollar - 7.75 (2008 est.), 7.25 (2007), 6.85 (2006), 6.3593 (2005), 6.4597 (2004)
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
1.900%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
Location
Southern Africa, an enclave of South Africa
Oceania, island group in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Indonesia
Area
30,355 km sq
702 km sq
Coastline
0 km
6,112 km
Climate
temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers
tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasionally severe damage
