republic; authoritarian presidential rule, with little power outside the executive branch
Independence date
23 January 1579 (the northern provinces of the Low Countries conclude the Union of Utrecht breaking with Spain; on 26 July 1581 they formally declared their independence with an Act of Abjuration; however, it was not until 30 January 1648 and the Peace of Westphalia that Spain recognized this independence)
16 December 1991 (from Soviet Union)
Religions
Roman Catholic 30%, Dutch Reformed 11%, Calvinist 6%, other Protestant 3%, Muslim 5.8%, other 2.2%, none 42% (2006)
Muslim 47%, Russian Orthodox 44%, Protestant 2%, other 7%
Languages
Dutch (official), Frisian (official)
Kazakh (Qazaq, state language) 64.4%, Russian (official, used in everyday business, designated the "language of interethnic communication") 95% (2001 est.)
Exports
machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels; foodstuffs
