Republic of the Congo

Introduction & Quick Facts
Land
- Relief
- Drainage
- Soils
- Climate
- Plant and animal life
People
- Ethnic groups
- Languages
- Religion
- Settlement patterns
- Demographic trends
Economy
- Agriculture, forestry, and fishing
- Resources and power
- Manufacturing
- Finance and trade
- Services
- Labour and taxation
- Transportation and telecommunications
Government and society
- Constitutional framework
- Local government
- Justice
- Political process
- Security
- Health and welfare
- Education
Cultural life
- Sports and recreation
- Media and publishing
History
- Early history
- The colonial era
- Congo since independence

References & Edit History Facts & Stats

Images

Map of the Republic of the Congo and surrounding region in Central Africa, showing international boundaries, major cities including Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, and Owando, and neighboring countries such as Gabon, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. An inset locator map highlights the country's position on the continent.

Map of Africa highlighting the Republic of the Congo in orange, with surrounding countries labeled and the capital city Brazzaville marked near the country's southwestern border. The map provides geographic context within central Africa.

Physical map of the Republic of the Congo highlighting major rivers, national parks, plateaus, and mountain ranges such as the Chaillu Massif and Mount Berongou. Neighboring countries, including Gabon, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are shown. An inset locator map marks the country's position in west-central Africa.

Physical map of the Congo River basin and its drainage network in Central Africa, showing rivers, major tributaries, elevation gradients, cities, international boundaries, and the approximate boundary of the Ituri Forest. Swamps and flood-prone areas are marked in blue, with symbols indicating waterfalls, rapids, and dams. An inset locator map shows the basin's position within Africa.

Bonobo ape with one arm raised, gazing at the camera.

Republic of the Congo: Ethnic composition

Republic of the Congo: Religious affiliation

At a Glance

Republic of the Congo summary

Quizzes

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The Country Quiz

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Which Country Is Larger By Area? Quiz

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Which Country Is Larger By Population? Quiz

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Which Country Is Larger? Quiz

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Guess the Country by Its Neighbors Quiz

Related Questions

How did French colonial planning shape cities in the Republic of the Congo?
How did French colonial rule affect workers in the Republic of the Congo?
How does Brazzaville differ from Kinshasa?
How does the climate differ between northern and southern parts of the Republic of the Congo?
How is Brazzaville connected to Pointe-Noire on the Atlantic coast?
How many Africans died during construction of the Congo-Ocean Railway?
How were European and African neighbourhoods separated in colonial-era Brazzaville?
What are the main administrative and commercial functions of Brazzaville?
What role does the Congo-Ocean transport system play in Brazzaville's economy?
When did the Republic of the Congo gain complete political independence from France?
When was the Congo-Ocean Railway built between Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire?
When was the national university in Brazzaville established?
When was the teachers' training centre established in Brazzaville?
Where do the Binga Pygmies live in the Republic of the Congo?
Where do the Kongo peoples mainly live in the Republic of the Congo?
Where do the Teke peoples mainly live in the Republic of the Congo?
Where is Brazzaville located in relation to the Congo River?
Where is Kituba commonly spoken in the Republic of the Congo?
Where is Lingala commonly spoken in the Republic of the Congo?
Which airport serves Brazzaville?
Which capital city lies across the Congo River from Brazzaville?
Which districts developed as African sections of Brazzaville during French rule?
Which ethnic groups make up about half of the Republic of the Congo's population?
Which international health organization has regional headquarters in Brazzaville?
Which language is the official language of the Republic of the Congo?
Which peoples are included among the Ubangi groups in the Republic of the Congo?
Which village was developed into the city of Brazzaville?
Who founded Brazzaville in 1883?
Why are Brazzaville and Kinshasa important neighboring capital cities?
Why does transit trade make up a large share of shipping through Brazzaville?
Why has the Republic of the Congo become highly urbanized?
Why is Brazzaville an important river port in Central Africa?
Why is French used as the language of education in the Republic of the Congo?
Why is the population of the Republic of the Congo concentrated in the southwest?
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Who was Hannibal in Tunisia?
What was the outcome of the Arab Spring in Tunisia?
How has Tunisia’s political system evolved since independence?
Where is Zambia located?
What is the capital city of Zambia?
What languages are spoken in Zambia?
What natural resources is Zambia known for?
When did Zambia gain independence?
Why is Ghana called a republic?

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External Websites

South African History Online - Republic of Congo
CRW Flags - Flag of the Republic of the Congo
globalEDGE - Republic of Congo

Britannica Websites

Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.

Republic of the Congo - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
Congo - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

Government and society

Republic of the Congo

Also known as: Congo-Brazzaville, People’s Republic of the Congo, République Populaire du Congo, République du Congo(Show More)

Written by

Dennis D. Cordell

Associate Vice Provost for General Education and Professor of History, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas. Adjunct Professor of Demography, University of Montreal. Coauthor of Hoe and Wage:...

Dennis D. Cordell

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....

Britannica Editors

History

Constitutional framework

Under the constitution of 2002, Congo is a republic. The executive branch of the government is headed by the president, who is popularly elected to a maximum of two seven-year terms and serves as both chief of state and head of government. The president appoints the Council of Ministers. The legislative branch is bicameral and consists of the Senate and the National Assembly; members are elected to serve six-year and five-year terms, respectively.

News •

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Local government

For administrative purposes, Congo is divided into regions and districts. Brazzaville has the status of a capital district.