A complete description of the Republic of the Congo. What is Congo? Congo Country

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CONGO, Republic of the Congo, a state in Central Africa. A former colony of France, which gained independence in 1960. In the southwest it is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, bordered in the south by Angola (Cabinda exclave), in the east by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in the north by Cameroon and the Central African Republic, in the west - with Gabon.

During the colonial period, called Middle Congo, the country was part of French Equatorial Africa. After receiving autonomous status within the French Community in 1958, the former colony chose the name Republic of the Congo. It retained this name until 1970. In 1970–1991 - People's Republic of the Congo. The name Congo (Brazzaville) is often used to distinguish it from Congo (Kinshasa), Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The area of ​​the country is 342 thousand square meters. km, population 4.5 million people (2013). The main cities are Brazzaville (1611 thousand inhabitants, 2010), the capital of the country and a major port on the Congo River, Pointe Noire (576 thousand), a port on the Atlantic coast.

NATURE

The coastline is leveled, its length is approx. 170 km. Most of the country is occupied by the accumulative plains of the Congo Basin. This is a region of vast swamps and rivers - tributaries of the Congo and Ubangi. On the periphery of the depression in the northern, western and partly central regions, stratified plains and stepped plateaus are developed. A typical example is the Bateke plateau, 650–850 m high, where there are no rivers and many large suffusion-subsidence craters. To the southwest of it is the Niari-Nyanga depression, where a hilly landscape with a dense river network is developed. The largest valley of the Niari River is famous for its fertility. Further to the southwest rise the folded-block Mayombe Mountains, composed of granites, quartzites and shales, with average heights of 700–800 m. These mountains drop steeply to a coastal lowland 50–60 km wide, which is crossed by river valleys. The largest of them is the Kuimu River, a continuation of the Niari River.

The climate of the country is equatorial. In the south, the dry season lasts from June to the end of September, and the wet season from March to April. This is when the maximum precipitation occurs. Average annual precipitation is 1200 mm. The dry season is characterized by the lowest average monthly temperatures (21°C). The average temperature of the hottest month, March, reaches 30° C. The cold Benguela Current, passing near the coast, has a softening effect on the climate here. In the central part of the country, the hottest month is January, and the wettest month is July. The average annual precipitation is 1600–2000 mm. The average temperature in Jambara of the coldest month, July, is 22° C, and the warmest month, April, is 24° C. In the north of the country, there are two seasons of heavy tropical rains - in October and April. Almost none of the months are truly dry or cool. The average annual precipitation reaches 2500 mm. The average temperature of the hottest month, April, at Veso station is 27°C, and the coldest month, August, is 25°C.

Most of the rivers belong to the Congo River basin. The exception is the Niari-Kuilou river. The length of shipping routes in the country is 3,200 km, including some sections of the Ubangi and Congo rivers. In some places, rapids and waterfalls obstruct navigation.

The northern and mountainous regions of the Congo are inhabited by tropical rainforests, largely swampy and periodically flooded. The total forested area is approx. 50% of the country's territory. Tall grass savannas are widespread in the south. The tree layer there can be dense or sparse, and sometimes completely absent, but this has little effect on the character of the grass stand.

POPULATION

More than half the population lives in cities. The urban population is concentrated mainly in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire and Loubomeau. These cities have high unemployment rates. Congo has a high proportion of wage workers, and trade unions are the most organized and influential in Equatorial Africa. The adult literacy rate reaches 63%.

Almost 30% of the Congolese population is made up of the Bakongo people, who maintain close ties with their fellow tribesmen living in neighboring countries. The main occupations are agriculture and trade. In the 16th century The Bakongo were subjects of the Christian kingdom of Kongo, which established diplomatic relations with Portugal. The kingdom fell due to internal strife and the machinations of Europeans, including slave traders. The Mboshi, who make up 12% of the country's population, live in the northern regions on the border of savannas and forests. Previously, they were mainly engaged in fishing, but now many of them have moved to cities, where, thanks to the patronage of fellow countrymen holding leadership positions, they join the ranks of employees. To the south is the area of ​​settlement of the Bateke (13% of the country's population), who have preserved their traditional way of life to the greatest extent. The main occupation is farming, with secondary occupations being hunting and fishing. The far north of the Congo is an area of ​​dispersed settlement of the Sanga and many other peoples. Some of them maintain contact with the pygmies who live in the forests and supply game in exchange for agricultural products. Wooden sculptures of the few peoples of the Congo, in particular the Bateke and Babembe, had a great influence on world art. The famous wooden sculptures of a mother and child, created by craftsmen of the Bakongo people, played the same role. Congolese artists associated with the Poto-Poto school of painting in Brazzaville have created original works that are in great demand throughout the world.

Bantu languages ​​are widely spoken in Congo. For interethnic communication in the middle reaches of the Congo River, the Lingala language is used. The official language of the country is French.

Public education.

By the mid-1980s, most school-age children were attending school. In 1990, there were 503 thousand students in primary schools, 237 thousand in secondary schools and 32 thousand in vocational schools. In 1991, 12 thousand students studied at the National University of Brazzaville, which opened in 1972. Due to the economic crisis and civil wars in the 1990s, the number of schoolchildren and students declined sharply.

The literacy rate in 2005 was 86%, one of the highest in Africa.

POLITICAL SYSTEM

According to the 2002 constitution, a president is elected in general elections for a term of 7 years. The President forms the Cabinet of Ministers. The legislative bodies are the National Assembly of 137 deputies and the Senate of 66 senators.

Foreign policy.

Even after gaining independence, Congo maintained close ties with France, although relations between them deteriorated during the period of the country's orientation toward the socialist path of development. Since the mid-1960s, Congo cooperated first with China and then with the USSR and until the end of the 1980s received significant assistance from these states. Taking advantage of the contradictions between these socialist countries, as well as between them and France, the Congo sought to expand the volume of foreign aid.

France also had a significant influence on the internal politics of the Congo throughout the post-colonial period. During the 1997 civil war, certain forces in the French government and in the Elf-Akiten oil company advocated the return of Sassou Nguesso to power. The United States actively supported the Lissouba regime in words, but their real assistance was insignificant. France feared that the Lissouba government might undermine Elf-Akiten's influence in the Congo. With the return to power of Sassou Nguesso, Franco-Congolese relations received a new impetus. The bulk of aid, including most of the imported goods, came from France to the Congo. Congolese exports, mainly oil, went to Western Europe and the United States.

Congo is a member of the UN and the Organization of African Unity, as well as the Customs and Economic Union of Central Africa (UDEAC). From 1958 to 1975 the country was an associated member of the EEC.

ECONOMY

Approximately 60% of the working population is employed in agriculture, focused on the domestic market. The majority of wage earners work in the civil service, forestry, oil and gas industries, plantations producing export crops, and the service sector. After the abolition of French Equatorial Africa in 1957, the Congo lost a significant part of the income that it received as the administrative center of this association of French colonial possessions, where the military base of the metropolis was located. In 1996, the country's GDP was approx. $2.12 billion, or approximately $770 per capita. The combined share of agricultural, livestock, forestry and fishing products in GDP is approx. 15%. Congo has an important role as a trading and transit state in Central Africa. A significant source of income is the provision of transport, trade and other services. 35% of GDP comes from the oil industry. In 1973–1985, when world oil prices were quite high, Congo's GDP grew rapidly, but after the fall in prices in 1986 it fell sharply. Despite increased oil production in the 1990s, there was no real economic recovery.

Most of the population is engaged in growing cassava and bananas (the main food crops), as well as yams and, to a small extent, some other crops for their own consumption and sale on the domestic market. Export crops (sugar cane, oil palm, coffee and cocoa trees, tobacco and peanuts) are cultivated mainly on plantations owned by Europeans. Livestock farming is limited due to the widespread presence of the tsetse fly, which carries a form of sleeping sickness that is fatal to cattle. Congo meets most of its meat needs through imports from Chad. Only 2% of the land is cultivated, and as the urban population grows, food imports increase.

The largest source of government revenue is oil, the fields of which were explored in 1957. The Emeraude, Loango, and Likuala offshore fields are currently being developed. Since 1973, Congo has exported a significant portion of its oil production. From 1985 to 1997, annual oil production in the country increased from 6.3 million tons to 13 million. Timber from valuable tropical species, mainly okume, limba and acaju, is also a profitable export item. From 1969 to 1977, potash reserves were developed in the Pointe-Noire area, but due to flooding, the mine failed and production was stopped. Reserves of high-quality iron ore have been explored.

At the first stage, the process of industrialization of the Congo was facilitated by the presence of first-class ports in the country - sea in Pointe-Noire and river in Brazzaville - and the fact that for a long time the country was the administrative center of the former French Equatorial Africa. In the early 1980s, the share of manufacturing in GDP increased noticeably, while at the same time the imperfection of the state planning system began to appear. Currently, the country has established the production of beer and soft drinks, canned vegetables and fruits, sugar, flour and fish products. There are enterprises producing tobacco and cigarettes, wood products, including timber and plywood, cement, soap and shoes. In the early 1970s, a shipyard built with Chinese assistance was put into operation. In 1976, an oil refinery in Pointe-Noire came into operation with a capacity of 1 million tons of crude oil per year. In the period from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s, the state nationalized existing industrial enterprises and built new ones. Since then, successive governments have sought to privatize most government and parastatal enterprises. Among those recently privatized is Hydro-Congo, a former state-owned refined products distribution company. Electricity for enterprises and residential buildings comes from thermal power plants in Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville and hydroelectric power plants in Jue and Imboulou.

The key transport artery of the entire Central African region is the waterway from the capital of the Central African Republic, Bangui, to the port of Brazzaville on the Congo River, and from there by rail to the seaport of Pointe Noire.

Since the 1970s, oil exports to the Congo have generated a positive trade balance. However, in 1996 and 1997, the values ​​of exports and imports were almost equal. Moreover, Congo is forced to service a huge external debt and import many goods, which has led to significant annual current account deficits. In 1996, this deficit exceeded $1 billion. Congo's external debt grew from less than $1 billion in 1980 to more than $6 billion in 1996. More than half of imports come from France; the largest consumer of Congolese exports is the United States. Other important trading partners are Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Italy. If in 1987 the export of crude oil brought the country 700 million dollars, then in 1996 it was already 1.36 billion dollars (92% of the total value of exports). The next most important export item is timber, primarily round timber (sold for $85 million in 1996). They import machinery and equipment, mainly for the oil industry, food and consumer goods. As a rule, Congo has a trade surplus with member countries of the Customs and Economic Union of Central Africa (UDEAC), which, in addition to Congo, includes the Central African Republic, Cameroon and Gabon. Congo supplies the EUDEAC countries with sugar, tobacco, drinks and crude oil. The balance of payments deficit is partially offset by income from transport services, as well as foreign subsidies and investments in oil, logging and other industries.

Congo is part of the French franc zone. Together with Gabon, Chad, the Central African Republic and Cameroon, it is a member of the Monetary Union of Central Africa. The common central bank of these countries is the Bank of Central African States, which issues a single currency - the CFA franc.

STORY

When Europeans appeared on the territory of the Congo, several states already existed there, for example Loango, Teke and others. In 1482, the Portuguese navigator Diogo Can landed at the mouth of the Congo River. Throughout the 16th century. The Portuguese, often working in conjunction with coastal residents, established a lucrative slave trade. They sent the inhabitants of the interior captured into slavery to Portuguese-owned plantations in Brazil and on the island of Sao Tome. Soon after the Portuguese, the Dutch, British and French appeared in this part of the Congolese coast, and they also took up the slave trade. Then Catholic missionaries began to arrive, gradually growing into a small flock. Throughout the 18th century. French trading companies showed great interest in the Gabon coast. However, by the end of the 19th century. The French began to actively develop the territory of modern Congo. The commander of the French expedition, Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, sought to establish French control over the African interior located east of Gabon. His explorations in 1875–1883 ​​helped France substantiate its claims to territory stretching from the Atlantic coast to the confluence of the Oubangui and Congo rivers. In 1880, P. Savorgnan de Brazza managed to convince the Makoko (king) of the Bateke to agree to the establishment of a French protectorate on the right bank of the Congo River. In 1885, French claims to the territory of the Congo were recognized by other colonial powers.

In 1889, the French government decided to exploit the Congo's natural resources by granting concessions to private companies. They were also given broad powers in management; the role of the metropolitan authorities was limited to the collection of taxes and rents. The facts of brutal exploitation of the Congolese, which became public in 1905–1906, led to a number of international scandals, and in 1907 the French government was forced to limit the activities of the companies. True, by that time the population of the Congo had decreased significantly, which negatively affected the extraction of ivory and rubber. During the interwar period, mistreatment of Congolese was common when they were used to build the railway between Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire on the Atlantic coast. An estimated 17,000 Africans died during this period, with thousands fleeing for their lives.

One of the forms of anti-colonial protest was the creation of various religious sects of a messianic nature. Such Afro-Christian sects arose among the African flock of European religious missions, predominantly Catholic or Protestant. The greatest influence among the Bakongo living in Brazzaville and its environs was Quimbangism, which arose in 1921 in the Belgian Congo. In the 1920s, Andre Matsua created a religious-political movement among the Bakongo (Matsuanism), which opposed the unjust actions of the colonial administration and forced labor.

From 1910 to 1957, the territory of Middle Congo (as the country was called at that time) was part of French Equatorial Africa. During the Second World War, Brazzaville became one of the bastions of the French anti-fascist resistance. At the Brazzaville Conference held in 1944, the leadership of the Free French movement formulated the basic principles of colonial policy in the post-war period. In 1947, Middle Congo received the status of an "overseas territory" of France, and a Territorial Assembly was established there. From 1946–1958, the Congo was represented in the French parliament. In 1957 the Government Council was created. In 1958, the Middle Congo colony became the autonomous Republic of the Congo within the French Community. On August 15, 1960, the independence of the Republic of the Congo was proclaimed.

The political movements that formed in the Congo after World War II were created on a regional and ethnic basis. Until 1962, the political struggle in the country took place between three parties: the African Socialist Movement (ASM), based on the Mboshi of the northern regions, the Progressive Party of the Congo (PPC), which was supported by the Vili living on the coast, and the Democratic Union for the Defense of African Interests (UDDIA), which enjoyed support of some Bakongo groups. After the declaration of independence, YUDDIA leader Fulber Yulu was elected as the country's first president.

In 1963, the country was shocked by powerful mass protests organized by trade unions and supported by the army, students and the unemployed. As a result, President F. Yulu was dismissed. In accordance with the provisions of the new constitution, Alphonse Massamba-Deba, an associate of the former head of state in the UDDIA, became the President of the Congo. The new constitution provided for the election of the legislative body, the National Assembly, by universal suffrage and the division of executive power between the president, elected by an electoral college from members of the National Assembly and members of regional and municipal councils, and the prime minister, appointed by the president. All political parties were dissolved, and the only legal political party was the trade union-formed National Revolutionary Movement (NRM).

In 1968, a group of army officers led by Marian Ngouabi seized power, dispersed the National Assembly and created a new party-state body - the National Council of the Revolution. Soon the country's constitution was adopted, and President A. Massamba-Deba was forced to resign. In 1970, after the NRM congress, a new constitution was promulgated. She abolished the National Assembly and established the leadership role in government of the Congolese Labor Party (CPT). In accordance with this constitution, the country received a new name - the People's Republic of the Congo. The leader of the CPT became the head of state and government, and people's councils at various levels were formed. The government officially declared its commitment to the ideas of Marxism-Leninism.

In 1973, another constitution came into force. It provided for the creation of a People's National Assembly, to which only candidates approved by various authorities of the CPT could be elected, as well as the restoration of the post of an appointed prime minister. After the assassination of M. Ngouabi in 1977, the new President of the Congo, Colonel Joachim Yombi-Opango, abolished this constitution. Until 1979, when under Yombi-Opango's successor, Colonel Denis Sassou Nguesso, a new constitution was adopted, largely similar to the 1973 constitution, the country remained in a state of emergency. Single-party parliamentary elections were held in 1979, 1984 and 1989. Sassou Nguesso remained president of the country until 1991, until the one-party system of governing the country was abolished.

As a result of the deep economic crisis that gripped the country, the CPT lost its authority by the end of the 1980s. Under public pressure, an emergency congress of the CPT was held at the end of 1990, at which constitutional amendments aimed at legalizing the multi-party system were prepared and adopted in January. Following this, a National Conference on Constitutional and Political Change was convened in February and lasted three months. A decision was made to create a transitional government and a draft constitution was developed, which was approved in a referendum in March 1992. According to this constitution, the president and legislative bodies - the Senate of 60 senators and the National Assembly of 125 deputies - are elected in general elections. Elections of the President and deputies of the National Assembly are held every five years, and the Senate - every six years. Parliamentary elections were held in June-July 1992, and in August former Prime Minister Pascal Lissouba was elected president.

During the period of multi-party politics in the country, there were three main political movements that emerged in 1991–1992, created on an ethno-regional basis. One of the groups, led by President Lissouba, brought together representatives of various ethnic groups from the areas of Niari, Buenza and Lekumu. The dominant role in this association was played by the president's party, the Pan-African Union for Social Democracy (PASD). The second political movement relied on the support of the Bakongo people living in the Pul region in the extreme southeast of the country. The leader of this group is Bernard Kolela from the Congolese Movement for Democracy and Integral Development (MCDIR), which came second in the parliamentary elections of 1992 and 1993. The basis of the third political movement was the reformed CPT led by Sassou Nguesso, which was still supported by the Mboshi and some other peoples of the north of the country. In 1991–1992, all three leaders formed their own militias from their supporters.

Throughout the entire five-year period of its reign, the Lissouba government did not emerge from crises. When Lissouba's parliamentary coalition collapsed in October 1992, he dissolved the National Assembly and announced the need for new elections. This step caused discontent on the part of the opposition represented by the KDDIR and the CPT, to which the ruling regime responded with repression. In May 1993, the repeatedly postponed parliamentary elections were held. They were won by the Lissouba party (PASSD), which received the majority of seats in the National Assembly. The opposition did not recognize the election results, and in June-July armed clashes began between the Lissouba and Kolela police forces. After a temporary lull, clashes resumed in November 1993 - January 1994. Peace, barely achieved in 1994, was maintained until mid-1997, but the country's economic situation did not improve, since oil sales did not bring large profits. The Lissouba regime was struck by nepotism and played on interethnic contradictions.

In May 1997, during the presidential election campaign, a civil war broke out. The elections were scheduled for the end of July 1997. At the end of May, armed clashes began in the northern city of Ovando between supporters of former President Yombi-Opango, who served as prime minister in the Lissouba government from 1993–1996, and supporters of former President Sassou Nguesso. Despite the mediation of a UNESCO representative, attempts to normalize the situation were unsuccessful, as the opposition suspected the president of intending to postpone or cancel the elections. On June 5, 1997, Lissouba ordered the arrest of several supporters of Sassou Nguesso who participated in the clashes in Ovando. In response, Sassou Nguesso's militia, known as Cobra, resisted and launched a counter-operation to remove President Lissouba. The war between pro-government military units and the Lissouba police, on the one hand, and Cobra, on the other, became widespread. At first, Kolela took a neutral position and even tried to mediate in the conflict, but in August he ordered his militia, the Niñas, to support the president. Military operations proceeded with varying success until a significant detachment of the Angolan army intervened in the war on the side of Sassou Nguesso in October. With the support of the Angolans, within a few days, the armed units of Sassou Nguesso captured the presidential palace and other strategically important objects.

Having seized power into his own hands, Sassou Nguesso sought to strengthen his own positions without formally banning the activities of opposition parties. In January 1998, he held a national reconciliation conference to expand his political influence. At the conference, an agreement was reached to hold presidential elections in 2000 or 2001. Throughout 1998, militias from Lissouba and Colela continued to conduct armed operations in the southern part of the country, using every opportunity to pose another challenge to the government of Sassou Nguesso. There were repeated power outages in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, and rail connections between them were interrupted. Units of the Angolan army at the end of 1998 still remained in the Congo to provide support to the government of Sassou Nguesso.

Congo in the 21st century

In January 2001, a national referendum was held to approve the new Constitution. In March 2002, presidential elections were held, in which Sassou Nguesso won and was re-elected for another seven-year term; Parliamentary elections took place in May-June. The election results once again became the cause of anti-government activity by the opposition and destabilization of the situation in the country.

In the 2007 parliamentary elections, the Congolese Workers' Party won, receiving 124 of the 137 seats in the National Assembly. The opposition party PASSD, led by Lissouba, who emigrated to England, received only 10 seats.

Republic of the Congo on a map of Africa
(all pictures are clickable)

Geographical position

The state of Congo is located in western central Africa, south and north of the equator.

Borders:

• in the north with Cameroon and the Central African Republic;
• to the west with Gabon;
• in the east with DR Congo;
• in the south with Angola;
• in the southwest - the Atlantic coast.

The climate is equatorial. The average annual temperature is +21–26 °C. The average annual precipitation is from 1400 to 2000 mm.

Flora and fauna

About half of the country's territory is covered with tropical deciduous and evergreen forests, in which valuable tree species are common - raffia palm, copal tree, limba, mahogany, etc. The southeast is occupied by savannas, where truly amazing plants are found, for example, any touch of purple mimosa turns it into a withered bush.

The fauna is rich, although over many years of uncontrolled hunting the number of certain species has decreased significantly. There are cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, monkeys, hippos, and leopards. The fauna of birds is very diverse, the world of reptiles is diverse.

State structure

Republic of the Congo Map

According to the political structure of the Congo, it is a republic led by a president. The legislative branch is represented by a bicameral parliament (Senate and National Assembly).

Administratively, the state is divided into 9 regions and an autonomous capital district. The national currency is the CFA franc. The capital is the city of Brazzaville.

Population

The population exceeds 4.5 million people, these are mainly the peoples of the Congo, Teke, Mboshi and others. The remnants of the ancient population of the country live in the tropical forests - the pygmies (there are about 12 thousand of them), a small part are Europeans. The official language is French. Residents of large cities mainly profess Christianity (less than 3% are Muslims); peasants are adherents of traditional local beliefs and religious cults.

Economy

The basis of the state's economy is forestry and mining. Deposits of natural gas, copper, uranium, lead, zinc, and phosphorites have been found on the territory of the country. A significant part of exports is oil; valuable wood is also exported from the country.

Among the industries, the leading role belongs to sugar cane processing enterprises and the production of palm and peanut oils. The agricultural sector employs about 40% of the working population. Peanuts, cassava, sugar cane, corn, tobacco, cocoa, coffee, citrus fruits, pineapples, papaya, and guava are grown in the Congo. Vegetable growing is developed.

The history of the Congo before the colonization of the state by Europeans has been poorly studied.

African pygmies are considered to be aborigines - tribes of gatherers and hunters. In the second half of the 1st millennium AD. e. Agricultural tribes (the ancestors of modern nations) settled here.

In the XIII-XIV centuries. Early class states arose in the territory, the largest of which were Laongo and Bakongo. In 1482, the Portuguese came to the lands of Congo. By engaging in the slave trade, they dragged local rulers into wars and civil strife, which led to the fall of Bakongo and the weakening of the power of Laongo. In the last quarter of the 19th century. the territories passed to the French colonialists: in 1886 the creation of the French Congo was announced, which in 1910 became part of the colonial federation of French Equatorial Africa. In 1958, the French granted the country autonomy within the French Community, and in 1960 - independence.

Attractions

Due to the difficult climate for Europeans, the tourism industry is poorly developed, and armed clashes on political and ethnic grounds that have not stopped for many years have completely reduced the tourist destination to this country to zero.

The country's national parks Odzala, Lefini and Lekoli-Pandaka are located in humid equatorial forests with numerous rivers. There are a large number of species of flora and fauna found there. These parks are one of the last on Earth where islands of untouched “hevea” have been preserved (in other places, hevea are used for rubber extraction), and they are also the only habitat in the world for forest leopards and black leopards.

Center for Cultural and Scientific Life Congo- its capital. There are higher education institutions here (including a university and an African institute). The capital's National Congolese Ballet, whose repertoire features traditional folk dances, is known throughout the world.

Republic of the Congo photo

Brazzaville), Democratic Republic of the Congo (capital Kinshasa). The article will focus on the second state, which is abbreviated as the DRC.

Having unlimited resources in the form of water, forests, and minerals, it has an underdeveloped economy and is one of the extremely unstable states of the world.

Basic data:

1. Area - 2 million 345 thousand km².
2. Population - 75,507,000 people (as of 2013).
3. The official language is French, and four more languages ​​have the status of national (Chiluba, Huahili, Kikongo, Lingala).
4. The form of government is a mixed republic.
5. The monetary unit is the Congolese franc, which is equal to 100 centimes.

History of the country

The name of the state is associated with the empire that existed in the late 14th - early 19th centuries. It was created by a nationality that still exists - the Bakongo, which translated means “people of the Congo”, that is, “people-hunters”.

Not long ago, the DRC was called Zaire, which means “river.” This is due to the largest river system in Africa, the Congo.

The most ancient tribes here were the pygmies. Then came the Bakongo, who brought agriculture. By the 15th century, the Portuguese appeared on the lands, and the period of the slave trade began. Congolese slaves were used on American plantations. For a long time this was the main income of the Congo.

At the end of the 19th century, the Belgians settled in the country, and in 1908 they made the Congo their colony. The country gained independence in 1960. This was connected with the activities of Patrice Lumumba.

From 1960 to 1971, the state was called the Republic of the Congo, from 1971 to 1997 - Zaire, from 1997 to the present - the DRC.

Geographical position

The state is located in the center of the continent, crossed by the equator. There is a small outlet to the Atlantic Ocean. The coastline is 37 km.

The country is rich in water resources in the form of rivers, lakes, and swamps. Its main natural asset is the energy of the rivers. It is located in the following climatic zone: subequatorial. The African Rift borders the territory of the DRC on the eastern side.

Minerals

The country is rich in many mineral resources. First of all, these are copper, cobalt, gold, silver, diamonds, oil, tin, manganese, zinc, uranium. Particular attention today is paid to the large reserves of columbite-tantalite.

In its processed form, tantalite is the main component of capacitors. They, in turn, are an indispensable part of most modern devices.

Tantalite capacitors are used for:

• mobile phones;
• computer processors;
• jet engines;
• night vision devices;
• audio and video equipment.

With the development of mobile technologies, tantalite fever began in the country. Before this, the largest mines were located in Australia, Brazil and Canada. The discovery of significant reserves of tantalite has led to Rwanda and Uganda fighting over these territories. Since the proceeds from its sale are more than from diamonds, military and political clashes between the three countries do not stop.

The extraction of tantalite does not stop. It is illegally transported to Europe, sold on the black market and, after processing, used in modern devices.

Animal world

Thanks to its vast territory, the presence of a large number of rivers and lakes, and having a significant area of ​​forests, the Democratic Republic of the Congo boasts a significant diversity of fauna.

General information about Congo.

Republic of the Congo(French: République du Congo, Kituba Repubilika ya Kongo, Lingala Republiki ya Kongó) is a state in Africa, a former colonial possession of France.

The capital is the city of Brazzaville.

Geographical data

State in central Africa. It borders Gabon, Cameroon, the Central African Republic and Angola, and has access to the Atlantic Ocean.

Main rivers: rivers of the Kwilu and Congo basins.
Highest point: in the southwest of the country, 1040 m

Minerals

The country's subsoil contains reserves of oil, natural gas, ores of lead, zinc, uranium, copper, iron, phosphorites, gold, diamonds, and small deposits of tin, tungsten, tantalum, and niobium.

Climate

The climate is equatorial, constant humidity in the north, and subequatorial in the south.

Average temperature:
April - +26 °C
July - +22 °C

Precipitation: 1200-2000 mm per year.

Population

Population: 4 million (estimated as of July 2009).
Annual growth - 2.8%.
Birth rate - 41 per 1000 (fertility - 5.8 births per woman, 10th in the world).
Mortality rate is 12 per 1000.
Emigration - 2 per 1000.
Infant mortality is 80 per 1000.
Average life expectancy is 53 years for men, 55 years for women.
75% of the population is hungry (1st place in the world)
Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection rate is 3.5% (2007 estimate).
Urban population - 61%.
Literacy - 84% (2003 estimate).
Ethnic composition: Congo 48%, Sanga 20%, Mboshi 12%, Teke 17%, Europeans and others 3%.
Languages: French (official), Lingala and Monokutuba (languages ​​of interethnic communication), many local languages, of which Kikongo is the most widespread.

Religions: Christians 50%, aboriginal cults 48%, Muslims 2%.

Resorts in Congo

Republic of Congo's global popularity could be boosted by newly discovered lowland gorilla population
The flora and fauna have suffered greatly from human development. In the impenetrable areas, only a rich population of elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, leopards and forest birds remain. The climate in the country differs significantly; the further from the equator, the more pronounced the dry season is. The equatorial part is very hot and humid.

Armed and political conflicts have reduced the already small flow of tourists to zero. For a visit, the capital Brazzaville will be interesting. The beautiful wide streets of the city are decorated with rows of coconut and oil palms, mangoes, acacias, completely strewn with bright red flowers. Government buildings alternate with beautiful villas scattered among lush tropical vegetation.

Small shops and markets attract tourists with their goods: wooden masks and figurines, wickerwork and pottery. Wonderful waterfalls on the Congo River and river rafting will be unforgettable.

The capital of Congo is very dirty and has a record-breaking number of yellow fever cases. Vaccinations are required before visiting. All bottled water is considered dirty.
While Congo is not on tourist maps, interest in the country is growing. The nature is rich and varied - gorges, rocks, waterfalls, caves. Museums and temples are unique. The fauna is represented in 8 reserves.

The main cities visited by tourists are Mbandaka, North Kivu, Brazzaville, Kisangani, Kinshasa.

Local authorities built a small cathedral in the town, where they practice the Catholic religion. There is also an Orthodox Church. Bikoro is recognized as a spiritual province.

Useful phone numbers in Congo.

Embassy of the Russian Federation Phone: +242055503014

Russian Embassy in Congo

Website: http://congo.mid.ru/

Address: Republic of the Congo, Brazzaville,
Avenue Felix Eboue, P.O. 2132

Phone: +242055503014.
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You must have JavaScript enabled to view it. ,
This email address is being protected from spambots. You must have JavaScript enabled to view it.

Embassy opening hours:
Monday Wednesday Friday
from 8:00 to 14:00
Tuesday, Thursday from 8:00 to 18:00
break from 14:00 to 15:00

Opening hours of the consular section:
Monday, Friday from 10:00 to 11:00
Tuesday, Thursday from 15:00 to 16:00

Useful information for tourists

1. Entry, stay and transit requirements

Validity of passport

A valid passport is required to enter the country.

Possible routes of entry into the country

Entry and exit into the country is carried out through the international capital airport "Maya Maya", the seaport of Pointe Noire and the river port on the Congo River of Brazzaville.

Transport links with Russia

There are no direct flights. There are three flights per week with Air France (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). The cost of a flight from Moscow to Brazzaville with a transfer in Paris varies depending on the season and averages $2,500.

Requirements for passing passport control

When crossing the border, you must present a passport with a valid visa and a completed immigration card, which indicates: full name, gender, date and place of birth, citizenship, occupation, address of permanent residence, address of residence in the host country, passport number , its type, date of issue and expiration date, number and validity of the visa, purpose of the trip, points of departure and border crossing of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Holders of general civil international passports, depending on the situation, must also present a return ticket, an employment contract certified by the Ministry of Labor and Employment of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a document confirming the availability of funds for return, a certificate of accommodation signed by municipal authorities with a Ministry of Internal Affairs visa or a document on booking a place in hotel.

Customs control, incl. procedure for import/export of alcohol and cigarettes

Duty-free import is allowed: cigarettes - 100 pcs., cigars - 25 pcs. or 250 gr. tobacco, alcoholic beverages - 1 liter, perfumes, clothing - within the limits of personal needs, cameras, video cameras, televisions, tape recorders, radios - one item of each name.

If a “laptop” is imported into the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, it should be declared at customs, specifying that it is intended for personal use at work. Declaration will allow you to avoid paying tax.

Due to the lack of sufficient electronic equipment at the airport to check luggage, inspection by customs officers is usually carried out manually.

Import/export of currency

The import of foreign currency is not limited, but it must be declared when crossing the border. It is allowed to export foreign currency within the amount specified in the declaration upon entry into the country or, if the declaration was not drawn up, in an amount equivalent to 1.5 million CFA francs (about 3 thousand US dollars). In case of export of foreign currency in large quantities, it is required to present a document confirming the legality of its origin.

Removal of jewelry and treasures

The export of jewelry and treasures is not regulated.

Export of artistic and cultural-historical valuables

To export artistic and cultural values, it is necessary to obtain a special permit from the Ministry of Culture.

Import of weapons (cold weapons, gas weapons, traumatic weapons, hunting firearms) and ammunition

The import of hunting weapons is permitted with a temporary permit. To do this, you must have a hunting license and a permit to carry a weapon. Permission to import weapons is strictly controlled by Congolese security services.

Import of cars and gasoline

Temporary import of a vehicle is possible if the tourist has permission from the customs service to travel.

Items prohibited for import and export

The export of rare species of animals, parrots, as well as products made from crocodile leather, ivory and valuable wood species (ebony, red, gray) without the appropriate permit is prohibited.

Sanitary control, phytosanitary control, veterinary control, incl. Peculiarities of import and export of main types of domestic animals

To enter the Republic of Kazakhstan, you must issue an international medical certificate with a note on vaccination against yellow fever (done more than 10 days before entry and for a period of no more than 10 years), smallpox (less than three years old. Exceptions are children (less than 6 months old) and cholera (valid for 6 months) When importing pets, you must have a veterinary certificate confirming vaccination against rabies.

2. Traveler safety issues

Terrorist threats

No terrorist or provocative actions against Russian citizens have been recorded. At the same time, the lack of practical experience among local law enforcement agencies in countering terrorist actions does not provide grounds to discount the terrorist threat.

Crime Congo

The crime situation does not cause serious concern, however, according to law enforcement agencies,
The country has a significant amount of small arms illegally stored since the civil war, and cases of their use have been recorded. There were no armed attacks on foreigners for the purpose of robbery.

Visiting different parts of the country

The movement of foreigners throughout the Congo is practically unrestricted. To leave Brazzaville outside the 15-kilometer zone, embassy employees are formally required to obtain permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, but this rule does not apply. In such cases, in addition to an identity card, it is recommended to have a document issued by the consular department of the embassy (ordredemission (devoyage)) indicating the names of those traveling, personal document numbers, purpose of travel, route, etc.

You should refrain from visiting the territory of the Poole department south of Brazzaville, due to the presence of remnants of anti-government armed groups in these areas. The peace process there has not been fully completed. The situation is complicated by the presence of a significant number of displaced people and, as a consequence, a high crime rate. When traveling around the country, you must take into account the ban on photo and video filming of government and military facilities.

3. Traffic

Peculiarities

The ease of obtaining a driver's license and the specific mentality of local drivers have a strong influence on the situation on the road. Traffic rules are practically not observed, road signs and indicators are rare, road markings are absent everywhere, traffic lights often do not work due to rolling power outages. The asphalt pavement is of poor quality, is not repaired and is found mainly within the city, which significantly complicates driving. There are few traffic police officers, and there are no stationary posts outside the city.

Main types of fuel, their average cost

Gasoline “Super” (analogue of gasoline AI-92) -595 CFA francs per 1 liter.

Diesel fuel - 550 CFA francs per 1 liter.

Availability of parking spaces, average cost for 1 hour and 1 day

The cost of parking a car in a guarded parking lot is 1,000 CFA francs (USD 2) per day.

The need to pay road tax and its cost, payment of travel on major highways and its cost

Tolls for vehicles are charged on some sections of the road in the amount of 1,000 CFA francs (equivalent to 2 US dollars). There are no asphalt roads that meet the definition of a highway.

The procedure for purchasing a compulsory insurance policy and its cost

The issue of purchasing a compulsory insurance policy remains unresolved.

Possibility of using a national Russian driver's license

It is possible to use a Russian driver's license, but it is advisable to have an international driver's license.

Car insurance

Car insurance is required. The amount of insurance depends on its form, term and insurance company.

Vehicle rental

It is possible to rent a car with or without a driver. To drive a vehicle in the Congo, you must have an international driver's license.

Your actions in case of an accident

Do not leave the scene of the accident, report the incident to the embassy, ​​call the consul and police officers to the scene of the accident, and, if there are victims, provide first aid.

4. Local laws and customs

Established norms of behavior

Basically correspond to the norms and rules of behavior adopted in other states.

Punishments for various types of crimes

The severity of punishment for various types of crimes varies from administrative fines and expulsion from the country to criminal penalties in accordance with local legislation.

Family legislation of the country regarding the rights of former spouses in relation to minor children after divorce

In accordance with the Family Code, in the event of divorce, the father has the priority right to the child.

Local legislation on the acquisition of property by foreigners in the territory of the visited country (land plots, houses, companies, etc., the possibility of obtaining a residence permit and citizenship for real estate or investment).

Congolese legislation does not exclude the possibility of foreigners acquiring property on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. However, the preparation of relevant regulations is associated with great difficulties and manifestations of elements of corruption and bureaucracy.

5. Healthcare

Health hazards, common diseases

Features of medical care in the country

Qualified medical personnel and modern equipment are practically absent. The quality of medical care is extremely low.

Vaccinations

When entering the country, you are required to have a vaccination (confirmed by a certificate) against yellow fever (done at least 10 days before entry and valid for up to 10 years). It is advisable to have vaccinations against smallpox (less than three years old), typhoid fever, hepatitis A and cholera (valid for 6 months). The exception is children under 6 months of age.

Health insurance

Issues of health insurance and emergency medical care remain unresolved.

Urgent medical care (for adults, children, dental, emergency pharmacies)

There are emergency departments at private clinics. It is possible to perform simple surgical operations. Dental care is provided at an extremely low level in conditions of poor compliance with basic sanitary standards.

Urgent veterinary care

There are private veterinary clinics and animal pharmacies.

6. Additional information

Cost of travel by public transport and taxi

There is no state public transport (metro, buses, trolleybuses, trams). Taxi fares within the city range from 1,000 to 3,000 CFA francs (2-6 US dollars). The cost of travel by minibus is 150 CFA francs per stop.

Lunch at a mid-range restaurant

The cost of lunch in a middle-class restaurant is from 20,000 to 25,000 CFA francs (40-50 US dollars).

Mid-range hotel rooms

The cost of living in a standard mid-class hotel room ranges from $110 to $170 per night. The hotel business is poorly developed and the quality of services is low.

Opening hours of grocery and department store stores

Grocery and manufactured goods state and private stores are open from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 18.30. Lunch break (including supermarkets) from 13.00 to 15.00. Most shops are closed on Sundays.

Availability of mobile communications, including G3 and G4, procedure for using a pay phone

There are several mobile phone operators. The connection quality is low. There are no pay phones.

Availability of ATMs and distribution of credit cards, tax free practice

ATMs are available on the premises of some major banks and are available 24 hours a day. Credit cards are not widely used.

Electrical voltage in the network

220-230 volts.

Availability of public toilets

There are no public toilets.

Distance from the city center to the railway, bus stations and airport, transport links with them

Maya Maya International Airport is 4 km away. from the center of Brazzaville. The cost of travel to the airport by taxi is negotiable, from 1,500 to 3,000 CFA francs (3 - 6 US dollars). History

information taken from the website of the Russian Embassy.

Initially, the territory of the Congo was inhabited by pygmies who were engaged in hunting and gathering. Later, around the 6th-9th centuries, the Bantu tribes arrived, now making up about 98% of the population.

The Bantu tribes (Congo, Vili, Yombe, Teke, etc.) were engaged in hoe, slash-and-burn agriculture (the main crops were sorghum, legumes, yams). By the time the Europeans arrived, the Bantu lived mainly in a primitive communal system, but some tribes had already developed slavery.


In 1482, the first expedition of Europeans, the Portuguese captain Diogo Can, visited the mouth of the Congo River. From the end of the 15th century, the Portuguese began to export slaves purchased from coastal tribes from the Congo to Brazil.

Colonial period

At the end of the 19th century, the French appeared in the Congo River basin. In 1880, French naval officer Pierre de Brazza founded the post of Nkuna (now Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo). By 1883, the French had concluded protectorate treaties with all the leaders of the coastal tribes.

In 1885-1947, the territory of the modern Republic of the Congo was a colony France part of French Equatorial Africa.

In 1903, the French began mining copper ore, and in 1911 they built the first railway line. By 1934, the colonialists connected Brazzaville with the port of Pointe Noire by rail.

In 1947, the colonial possession of the Congo was granted the status of an overseas territory of France, and since 1958 - the status of an autonomous Republic within the French Community.

By that time in Several political parties were formed, the largest of them being the Democratic Union and the African Socialist Movement. After receiving the status of an autonomous republic, bloody clashes broke out between supporters of these parties, accompanied by interethnic clashes (especially between the Mboshi and Lali tribes). As a result, the Democratic Union won, effectively defeating the socialists.

Independence period

In August 1963, the country's leadership was overthrown as a result of a powerful union-inspired protest against corruption in the administrative apparatus against the backdrop of a worsening economic situation. A Provisional Government led by Massamba-Deba came to power and became president in December 1963. The National Revolutionary Movement (NRM) party was organized, which since 1964 has become the only permitted party in the country. A course was announced to build a socialist society (following the example of the USSR), a five-year plan was introduced, and the property of foreign companies was requisitioned.

In August 1968, Massamba-Deba was overthrown in a coup led by Captain Ngouabi, a former member of the Central Committee of the former ruling NRM party. Ngouabi appointed himself president of the country, chairman of the State Council, minister of defense and minister of state security. Ngouabi announced the continuation of the course of building socialism along the Soviet model. In 1969, he created the Congolese Labor Party (CPT) - the ruling and only one in the country. The country's parliament was abolished, its functions were taken over by the Central Committee of the CPT.

In March 1977, Ngouabi was killed by supporters of the country's former ruler, Massamba-Deba. The Military Committee of the CPT, led by Yombi-Opango, took power. He ordered the shooting of Massambu-Deba and his supporters.

In March 1979, an emergency congress of the CPT was held, condemning the anti-party activities of Yombi-Opango (deviation from Marxism). Instead, Colonel Denis Sassou Nguesso began to rule the country, as President of the Congo, chairman of the party, head of government, and concurrently he also became Minister of Defense, Minister of State Security and Minister of Internal Affairs. Sassou Nguesso, like his predecessors, announced a continuation of the course of building Soviet-style socialism.

In 1990-1991, a significant democratization of political life took place in the country, as well as on the continent as a whole. The ruling party, the CPT, lost the first multi-party elections and went into opposition.

Between 1992 and 1997, the country was ruled by weak coalition governments, and the continuing deterioration of Congo's economic situation resulted in renewed political instability.

In 1997, on the eve of the elections, mass clashes began between supporters of the main candidates, which then escalated into a civil war. Neighboring countries took a significant part in the civil strife; The Angolan army played a decisive role in the final victory of Sassou Nguesso. Small-scale insurgency continues to this day.

In 2001–2002, Sassou Nguesso led a process of restoration of political liberalization, and in 2002 he was elected to a seven-year term as President of the Republic.

On July 12, 2009, the next presidential elections took place. In addition to the current president, 12 more candidates took part in them. However, according to many observers, some of them were people specially nominated by the president with the aim of fragmenting the opposition, while others represented dwarf parties that initially had no chance of winning.

State structure

Executive branch
The head of state is the President of the Republic. Elected by the population for a 7-year term, with the possibility of a second consecutive term.

Legislature
The highest legislative body is the bicameral parliament. Senate - 72 members (elected by provincial councils), National Assembly - 137 deputies elected by the population for a 5-year term.

Main political parties (based on election results in August 2007):
Congolese Labor Party - 47 deputies
Movement for Democracy and Integral Development - 11 deputies
Pan-African Union for Social Democracy - 11 deputies

There are 15 more parties (from 5 to 1 deputy) and 34 independent deputies represented in the National Assembly.

Administrative division

The Republic of the Congo is divided into 10 regions and the capital city of Brazzaville.

Economy

The basis of the economy is the production and export of oil. GDP per capita in 2009 was $4.1 thousand (152nd place in the world, 8th place in Sub-Saharan Africa).

Industry (57% of GDP) - oil production, cement production, timber production, brewing, sugar production, palm oil, soap, cigarettes.

Agriculture (6% of GDP) - cassava (tapioca), sugar cane, rice, corn, peanuts, vegetables, coffee, cocoa.

International trade

Exports in 2008 - $10.85 billion - oil, timber, sugar, cocoa, coffee, diamonds.

The main buyers are the USA 42.1%, China 30.1%, France 5.6%.

Imports in 2008 - $3.1 billion - industrial products, building materials, food.

The main suppliers are France 22.2%, China 18.7%, India 6%, USA 5.6%, Italy 5.2%, Belgium 4.4%.

Culture

The local population of the Congo has long had a rich and original folklore, but written literature appeared only after the Second World War (1939-45). Literary languages ​​are French and Lingala.

The first Congolese poet to appear in 1948 was J. F. Chikaya (b. 1931, lives in Paris). The prose of the Congo is represented by the novelist J. Malonga (b. 1907)

Fine art is dominated by carved wood sculpture and masks. Carving serves as the main type of artistic craft. It is used to cover various wooden objects, gourd vessels, and pottery.

In modern art, the most significant works are the painting school-workshop Poto-Poto (founded in 1951 by the French painter and ethnographer P. Lods), which received its name from one of the districts of Brazzaville. Focusing on local traditions, the Poto-Poto masters created an original style of images of folk life (gouache, watercolor), in which graphic and clear drawings, sharp expression of movements, dynamic silhouettes of elongated figures are combined with decorative color saturation.

The genre and style features of the musical culture of the numerous peoples inhabiting the Congo originated in ancient times and developed in the pre-colonial period. The musical creativity of the Bakongo, Bawili, Bayombe, Bobangi, Baboshi and other peoples was limited to the area of ​​folklore.

In 1966, the National Congolese Ballet was created, performing traditional folk dances.

Congo... This word is usually associated with Africa. But what is the Congo - a river, a country, or perhaps a people? It turns out that everything is together.

What is Congo?

There are many concepts associated with the name "Congo". Initially, it designated one of the African peoples and was translated as “hunters.” What is Congo now? Over time, the name was transferred to the language of the population of the same name and to the river flowing near its place of residence.

In addition, the word served as the name for two modern states - the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The river of the same name and its tributary Ubanti flow along the border of the countries, separating them from each other. The capitals of the states are located on opposite banks and are major ports. There is not a single bridge between them, but they are connected by a ferry crossing and regular boat transportation.

Where is Congo? All geographical objects with this name are located in Central Africa, on both sides of the equator. Unlike other regions of the continent, the nature here is rich and varied. Most of the area has a hot and humid climate. Throughout the year, the temperature remains virtually unchanged and ranges from 25 to 28 degrees.

Two similar and different countries

Since the 19th century, the Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have developed separately. But they still have quite a lot in common. The states are located along the banks of the same river and even have a common neighbor - the Central African Republic. In the 14th century, their lands were partially covered by the Kingdom of Kongo. The geography of this state also included the northern part of modern Angola.

In the 15th century, the Portuguese landed on the shores of Central Africa. They traded with local leaders, exchanging weapons for slaves, who were taken to work in Brazil. The Europeans gradually gained the trust of the rulers of the kingdom and each time increased their influence over the Africans. When the number of exported slaves became too large, the locals rebelled. Long conflicts between the parties followed, and eventually the kingdom disintegrated.

In the 19th century, the colonial period began in the history of states. The lands of the Republic of the Congo were occupied by the French, incorporating them into French Equatorial Africa. The territory of the Democratic Republic became the personal possession of the Belgian King Leopold and was called the “Free State”. This was a terrible period in the life of the Congolese, during which they were forced to work backbreakingly, and disobedience was punished by cutting off limbs, beatings and murders. In 1908, the king sold the Congo to the government, and the country officially became a colony of Belgium.

In 1960, both states freed themselves from their colonialists. In those years, the question of what Congo was could cause considerable confusion, because after becoming independent, the countries chose the same names. To avoid confusion, one of them had to be renamed the Democratic Republic. Before this decision, countries were called by their capitals - Congo-Brazzaville and Congo-Leopoldville.

Indigenous peoples

The region where the Congo is located was originally inhabited by pygmies. These are short people from 130 to 150 cm in height, living in forests. They still lead a nomadic lifestyle, hunting and gathering. Now in both republics they make up no more than 10% of the total population.

Even before our era, the Bantus came to the territory of the Republic of the Congo, who later settled in the DRC. With them they brought metallurgy, slash-and-burn agriculture and the slave system; it was the Bantu tribes who created the kingdom in the 14th century.

These peoples include many ethnic groups (Luba, Teke, Mongo, Mboshi, etc.). Today in the DRC they make up about 45% of the population, in the Republic of the Congo even more - about 98%. One of the most numerous ethnic groups is the Congo. The language of this people is considered national in both states. In all of Africa, about 7 million people own it.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

This state is located mainly on the right side of the river of the same name. It borders Angola, Zambia, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda. In the southwest it has a small outlet to the ocean. The length of the coast is only 37 kilometers.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the largest countries in Africa and the world (11th place). Its area is 2,345,410 km2. About 83 million people live here, representing about 200 different nationalities. Approximately 7.4 million people belong to the Congo ethnic group. The official language is French, although Bantu languages ​​are more common among residents.

The country is not deprived of natural resources. In it you can find all the typical inhabitants of Africa: buffalos, elephants, giraffes, lions, gorillas, leopards, crocodiles, hippos. There were also dangerous “residents”. The poisonous mamba snake, malarial mosquitoes and tsetse flies are common in the Congo. In the 15th century, their presence greatly prevented the Portuguese from developing the local jungle.

The country has a huge amount of mineral resources, yet it regularly appears on lists of the poorest countries in the world. The DRC has deposits of diamonds, gold, copper, zinc, oil, coal, uranium, silver, and tin. However, high levels of corruption and crime do not allow the country to develop. But the shadow economy is developing successfully. From time to time, wars arise in the country over resources and illegal trade in them, in particular, over deposits of the mineral columbite, from which tantalum metal is obtained.

Kinshasa

In terms of population, the capital of Congo, Kinshasa, is the second city in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is home to about 10 million people, although 20 years ago this figure was half that. In terms of the number of French-speaking residents in the world, it is surpassed only by Paris.

It is not always clear that Kinshasa is the main city of the country. It is full of contrasts: very close to elite high-rise buildings and excellent roads there are unlit slums. Urban transport is usually represented by trucks with hand-cut windows and inserted seats. In poor areas there may be no roads, but in the center there are absolutely well-equipped stops.

The city was founded by British journalist and traveler Henry Morton Stanley in 1881. In honor of the Belgian king, it was called Leopoldville. It became the first shipping port on the river, which significantly contributed to its development. It was renamed Kinshasa only in 1966, when the country was implementing a policy of Africanization.

Republic of the Congo

Western Congo in Africa is much smaller than its eastern neighbor. The country covers only 342,000 km 2 and borders Cameroon, Gabon, Central African Republic, DRC and Angola. In the southwest it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean.

The republic is inhabited by 4.9 million people, of which approximately 1.6 million are Congolese. They are mainly engaged in trade and agriculture. It is one of the least populated countries on the continent with a density of only 14 h/km 2 . The population is concentrated mainly in the south and in the coastal strip; in the north, the density is about 2 h/km 2 .

The official language is French, and Bantu languages ​​are considered national. More than half of the residents adhere to animism, 47% are Christians, mostly Catholics and Protestants. A small percentage adheres to Islam.

If we talk about nature and climate, the description of Congo coincides with its neighbor DRC. More than 50% of the territory is occupied by humid equatorial forests, which are home to many exotic animals. But in terms of economy, the country is superior to the DRC. Business here is more organized and the political situation is more stable. As a result, the republic is the fourth country in the Gulf of Guinea in terms of the amount of oil supplied. The second source of income is the supply of valuable tree species: acaju, limba, okume, etc.

Brazzaville

More than half the population of the Republic of Congo lives in cities. The largest of them are: Brazzaville, Pointe Noire, Kinkala, Madingou, Loubomo and Jambala with a population of more than 150,000 people. The city of Brazzaville is the capital of Congo and is home to more than 1.4 million people.

It was founded in 1880 as a French military post. It soon turned into an important trading point on the river, and with the country's independence it became its administrative center.

Now the city is also the financial and industrial center of the Congo, in which the textile, engineering and leather industries are developing. As the country's main port, it supplies rubber, agricultural products and timber.

From Brazzaville's main airport you can reach cities such as Pointe Noire, as well as several cities in Europe and the Middle East. There are also flights to Kinshasa, although the flight from one point to another lasts about five minutes.

The deepest river on the continent

The Congo is the second most important river in Africa. It originates in the region of Zambia and flows into the Atlantic Ocean, stretching for about 4,700 kilometers. The Congo River is the second deepest in the world after the Amazon.

Winding throughout Central Africa, it crosses the equator twice. In some vast areas it flows through flat, low-lying areas, in others it passes through rapids, forming many waterfalls. About four sections of it are navigable, and the Congo River's hydroelectric power would be enough to power half the continent.

Finally

So, we found out: there cannot be a single answer to the question of what the Congo is. One name spread to several objects at once, denoting a river, two African states, a language and a people. All of them did not appear separately, but are closely interconnected. And this began with the Kongo people, who came to this region of Central Africa from the north even before our era.