republic; authoritarian presidential rule, with little power outside the executive branch
Independence date
11 November 1918 (republic proclaimed)
27 October 1991 (from Soviet Union)
Religions
Roman Catholic 89.8% (about 75% practicing), Eastern Orthodox 1.3%, Protestant 0.3%, other 0.3%, unspecified 8.3% (2002)
Muslim 89%, Eastern Orthodox 9%, unknown 2%
Languages
Polish 97.8%, other and unspecified 2.2% (2002 census)
Turkmen 72%, Russian 12%, Uzbek 9%, other 7%
Exports
machinery and transport equipment 37.8%, intermediate manufactured goods 23.7%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 17.1%, food and live animals 7.6% (2003)
