Country Profile · No. 39

Republic of the Congo

Capital / Admin Capital

BrazzavillePopulation: ~6.1MIndependence: 1960 (August 15, formerly French Congo / Congo-Brazzaville)

First President

Fulbert Youlou (1960–1963)Current President: Denis Sassou Nguesso (Serving since 1997; also ruled 1979–1992)

Geography & Borders

Gabon, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola (Cabinda), Atlantic Ocean. Central African equatorial nation defined by dense Congo Basin rainforests and the massive Congo River.

Demographics & Language

Christianity (~85%+). Official: French language. National languages: Lingala, Kituba. Major groups: Kongo (~48%), Sangha (~20%), Mbochi (~12%), Teke (~17%).

Economy & GDP

Crude oil petroleum extraction, timber and tropical hardwood forestry, mining.

Global Diaspora

1. France (~40k), 2. Democratic Republic of the Congo (~30k), 3. Angola (~10k), 4. United States (~8k–12k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): Texas (Houston), Maryland, Washington D.C.

Major Conflicts

Republic of the Congo Civil War (1997–1999, brutal political conflict resulting in Denis Sassou Nguesso's return to power), Pool region insurgencies (early 2000s).

3 Must-See Sites

1. Odzala-Kokoua National Park (UNESCO-listed pristine rainforest reserve boasting extraordinary populations of western lowland gorillas and forest elephants), 2. Diosso Gorge (Striking dramatic red-earth canyon plunging toward the Atlantic coastline), 3. Brazzaville Basilique Sainte-Anne (Architectural landmark featuring distinctive green-tiled roofs and modern African-European design).

Quick Facts

Capital Brazzaville sits directly across the Congo River from Kinshasa (capital of the DRC), making them the two closest capital cities in the world facing each other across a river.