Overview of Congo-Brazzaville

Profile

The Republic of the Congo, with capital Brazzaville as its political and cultural center, features diverse natural environments from northern pristine forests to southwestern savannas. As a former French colony, French is the official language, and the country has experienced socialist regimes and multiple civil wars since independence. Currently rebuilding as a presidential republic, the economy is centered on offshore oil fields and forestry. Gorillas, elephants, and rare birds in protected areas such as Odzala-Kokoua and Nouabalé-Ndoki are globally valuable, and ecotourism potential has attracted recent attention.

Official name: Republic of the Congo
Common name: Congo-Brazzaville
Numeric code: 178
Alpha-3 code: COG
Alpha-2 code: CG
Population: Approx. 6 million (2023)
Population density: Approx. 17 people/km2
Primary languages: French, Kituba (Munukutuba), Lingala
Major religions: Christianity (mainly Catholic and Protestant), Traditional religions, Islam
National anthem: La Congolaise
Calling code: +242
Internet TLD: .cg

History

Gained independence from France in 1960, went through socialist transformation and civil war, now adopts multi-party system.

The region, which belonged to the Kingdom of Kongo until the 15th century, became French Congo after the Berlin Conference in the 19th century. It gained independence in 1960 and was renamed the People's Republic of the Congo in 1969, espousing Marxism-Leninism, but returned to a multi-party system and the current name at the 1991 National Conference. In the mid-1990s, ethnic and party conflicts escalated into civil war, and since Denis Sassou Nguesso seized power in 1997, ceasefire and reconstruction have progressed while challenges of long-term rule and democracy remain.

Geography & climate

Diverse terrain characterized by low wetlands facing Atlantic Ocean to Mayombe Mountains hills, southern savanna plateaus, and vast northern Congo Basin tropical rainforest.

Mixed tropical rainforest and savanna climates

Area: Africa / 342000 km²
Capital: Brazzaville
Largest city: Brazzaville
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Malebo, Lake Télé
Bordering countries: Gabon, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola (Cabinda Province)

Natural resources

Crude oil, Natural gas, Timber, Potash, Iron ore, Lead, Zinc, Gold, Diamonds, Manganese, Hydropower, Fertile alluvial soil

Politics

Government: Presidential republic (multi-party system)

Economy

Currency: Central African CFA Franc (XAF)

GDP (nominal): 156 Billion US Dollars (2022)

GDP (PPP): 402 Billion US Dollars (2022)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: French, Kituba (Munukutuba), Lingala

Time zone: West Africa Time (WAT)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Kongo (Bakongo), Teke, M'Bochi, Sangha, Lari, Punu, Bateke, Pygmy (Baka, etc.)

Life expectancy

64.0

Literacy rate

81.8

National sports

Soccer, Basketball, Handball, Wrestling, Athletics