map of the congo and congo map and information page

Description

The land we now call the Republic of the Congo was first settled by the illusive and mysterious Pygmies. They were followed by the Bakongo, Bateke and Sanga peoples in the mid-15th century.

Once the coastal areas were discovered and explored by the Portuguese, the natives (making friends quickly) began to cooperate with the Europeans, and soon, the slave trade flourished.

Over many decades, an assortment of European traders searched for additional economic opportunities here, and then, in 1891, this resource-rich land was colonized by the French, and named the French Congo - later the Middle Congo.

Subsequently, the Congo's population suffered through forced labor, and the country's valuable rubber and ivory resources were exploited.

Independence from French control was achieved in 1960, however, over the decades that followed, the Republic of the Congo suffered through Marxism, a bloody civil war, on-going political instability, and ethnic unrest. Travelers are still warned that journeying to the Congo can be quite dangerous.

Today this land of vast natural resources is one of Africa's largest petroleum producers, and has significant underdeveloped economic potential. Major weaknesses include a generally poor infrastructure and inadequate health care.

The vast percentage of population live in the south, between the capital city of Brazzaville and the coastal city of Point Noire.

Read more about Congo here!

Facts and Figures

Official Name Republic of the Congo

Population 3,702,314

Capital City Brazzaville (1.3 million)

Largest Cities Brazzaville, Pointe Noire, Loubomo, Nkayi, Mossendjo

Currency Africaine Franc (XAF)

Currency Converter here

Latitude/Longitude 4º25' S, 15º26' E

Languages French (official), and tribal dialects

Flag here

National Day 15 August; Independence Day

Religions Christain, Animist,, others

Land

Land Area 341,500 sq km (131,853 sq miles)

Landforms From the grasslands of the narrow coastal plain, the land rise into a south-central plateau, and the elevated regions along its border with Gabon. Further inland and north, the land flattens, and is covered by a dense equatorial rainforest.

The Congo River, and its major tributaries (the Ubangui and Sangha), nourish the land. The entire river basin is swampy, and often flooded in the rainy season.

Highest Pt. Mt. Leketi (1,040 m) (3,410 ft)

Lowest Pt. Atlantic Ocean (0 m) (0 ft)

Land Divisions 9 regions and 1 commune*; including Bouenza, Brazzaville*, Cuvette, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pool and Sangha

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We make no copyright claim on any statistical data on this page, nor on any non-original graphics, and/or pictures not produced by us. Certain statistical data is gathered from the CIA World Factbook, as well as numerous public domain reference materials.

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Maps

Large (color) map here

Congo Outline Map here

Congo Map CIA version here

Congo Maps at UT here

African Continent (printable) here

African Continent here

Africa Landforms Map here

African Outline Map here

Suggested Links

Congo (Complete) information on the (GDP) overall economy, imports and exports, resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here

Congo Travel Info and Warnings here

Climate With its position on the Equator, the Congo is hot and humid throughout the year, with daily high temperatures near 90º.

The rainy season runs from October through May, with the heaviest amounts falling March through May. The equatorial rain forest of the north is often inundated with rain.