Congo

Republic of Congo national flag
Region:Central Africa
Capital:Brazzaville
Population:5,518,087 (117th Rank)
Size:342,000 km² (65th Largest)
Language:French
Density:16 per Km2
Currency:Congolese Franc
National flower:Not Declared
National dish:Moambé

Quick Facts

Congo-Brazzaville, officially known as the Republic of the Congo, is distinct from its much larger neighbor, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The two countries are separated by the Congo River, one of Africa’s major rivers.

The country is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, one of the most important sanctuaries for Western Lowland Gorillas. The park is part of the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world.

Congo-Brazzaville has a diverse musical heritage. It is one of the birthplaces of Soukous music, a genre that blends African rhythms with Cuban influences. The style has gained international popularity and has influenced various other musical forms.

The capital city, Brazzaville, is situated directly across the Congo River from Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These two capitals are the closest pair of capital cities in the world, separated only by the river.

The country has a relatively young population, with a majority of its citizens being under 25 years old. This youthful demographic is contributing to a growing interest in entrepreneurship and digital technology, as the country works to diversify its primarily oil-based economy.

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Credit: Geology.com