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Republic of the Congo
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Congo (Brazzaville) 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 Teke mask Republic of the Congo: Age breakdown
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Also known as: Congo-Brazzaville, People’s Republic of the Congo, RĂ©publique Populaire du Congo, RĂ©publique 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
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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....
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History

The most common health problems are respiratory diseases, malaria, tuberculosis, and intestinal parasites—all preventable maladies. Other diseases include trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), yellow fever, leprosy, yaws, and HIV/AIDS. Although the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Congo is below the average for sub-Saharan Africa, it nevertheless remains substantially higher than the global average.

Disease control is difficult because most water sources are polluted and sanitation is poor, even in the cities. Two of the largest hospitals are in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. Other health facilities include regional health centres, infirmaries, dispensaries, maternal and child-care centres, and private clinics. Mobile health units combat communicable diseases in remote areas.