Arabic (official and national), Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof (all national languages), French, Hassaniya
French (official), Lingala and Monokutuba (lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread)
Exports
iron ore, fish and fish products, gold, copper, petroleum
External Debt
$2,816,000,000 $
Exchange Rate
ouguiyas (MRO) per US dollar - NA (2007), 271.3 (2006), 267.04 (2005), 265.8 (2004), 263.03 (2003)
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
5.500%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
Location
Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Senegal and Western Sahara
Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon
Area
1,030,700 km sq
342,000 km sq
Coastline
754 km
169 km
Climate
desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty
tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator
