The Republic of the Congo is a country of Central Africa. The nation shares its border with Gabon to the west, Cameroon and the Central African Republic to the north, and the Angolan exclave province of Cabinda to the southwest. The nation is bounded by the South Atlantic Ocean in the southwest. The capital city is Brazzaville (4 15 S, 15 17 E). Congolese Armed Forces is formed of Army, Navy, Congolese Air Force, Gendarmerie, and Special Presidential Security Guard.
HISTORY:- The earliest dwellers of the region were the Pygmies followed by the Bantu people. Three Bantu Empires- the Kongo, the Loango, and the Teke were flourished centering on the Congo River basin. First European contact was made for trading purposes when the Portuguese landed in the region in 1482. The most notable trade was the slave trade with the tribal communities. In 1880, a treaty between Frenchman Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza and Bateke king Makoko prompted the French rule in the country. In 1905, the region was renamed into Middle Congo. In 1910, it became a part of French Equatorial Africa. In World War II, Congo allied with Chad. On 15th August 1960, Congo declared its independence and turned into the Republic of Congo with Fulbert Youlou as the first President. Massamba-Débat became the second President but was overthrown in a coup. Capt. Marien Ngouabi, a leader of the coup became the President in 1968. With Ngouabi the country became the first people's republic of Africa. After Ngouabi’s assassination in 1977, Joachim Yhombi-Opango became the President. In the following years, one-party system (Marxism) was replaced by multiparty democracy. In 1992, Congo’ first ever free elections were held. Pascal Lissouba became the first elected President.
GEOGRAPHY:- The Republic of Congo is located at 1 00 S, 15 00 E in the Western Africa. The total land area of the country is 341,500 sq km and water area is 500 sq km. The coastline is 169 km long along with the South Atlantic Ocean. The lowest point is Atlantic Ocean (0 m) and the highest point is Mount Berongou (903 m). The land consists of the plain land along the coasts, basin in the south and north, and plateaus in the central.
CLIMATE:- The climate of the country is tropical with a rainy season from March to June, and a dry season from June to October. The country is hot and humid. Enervating climate can be seen in the Equator.
GOVERNMENT:- The Republic of Congo gained independence from France on 15th August 1960. The constitution was adopted on 20th January 2002 by a referendum. The legal system is based on the French civil law system and customary law. The three-tier government system is based on:
Executive branch: It comprises the President (chief of state), the Prime minister (head of government), cabinet. Cabinet ministers are appointed by the President.
Legislative branch: It comprises the bicameral Parliament which consists of the Senate (66 seats) and the National Assembly (137 seats).
Judicial branch: It comprises the Supreme Court.
Largest political parties are the Pan-African Union for Social Democracy (UPADS), Congolese Labor Party (PCT), Congolese Movement for Democracy and Integral Development (MCDDI), Coalition for Democracy and Social Progress (RDPS), Coalition for Democracy and Development (RDD). Suffrage is universal over 18.
Executive branch: It comprises the President (chief of state), the Prime minister (head of government), cabinet. Cabinet ministers are appointed by the President.
Legislative branch: It comprises the bicameral Parliament which consists of the Senate (66 seats) and the National Assembly (137 seats).
Judicial branch: It comprises the Supreme Court.
Largest political parties are the Pan-African Union for Social Democracy (UPADS), Congolese Labor Party (PCT), Congolese Movement for Democracy and Integral Development (MCDDI), Coalition for Democracy and Social Progress (RDPS), Coalition for Democracy and Development (RDD). Suffrage is universal over 18.
President Denis Sassou Nguesso
Prime Minister Isidore Mvouba
Prime Minister Isidore Mvouba
ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS:- The nation is divided into 10 regions (Bouenza, Cuvette, Cuvette-Ouest, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pool, Sangha) and a commune (Brazzaville). These regions are further subdivided into 46 districts.
CULTURE:- Noëlle Bizi Bazouma, Silvie Bokoko, Adèle Caby-Livannah, Cucile-Ivelyse Diamoneka, Emmanuel Dongala, Mambou Aimée Gnali are notable writers of the country. The democratic Republic of Congo’s soukous music is very popular in this country. Xylophone and mvet are the two widely used folk instruments.
ECONOMY:- The economy of the country is a fusion of industry and agriculture. The international organizations as World Bank and the IMF assist the economy of the nation. It has one of the highest GDP among African countries.
GDP/PPP (2006 est.): $5.099 billion; per capita $1400.
GDP/PPP (2006 est.): $5.099 billion; per capita $1400.
Real growth rate: 7.5%.
Inflation: 2.6%.
Unemployment: n.a.
Arable land: 1%.
Agriculture: cassava (tapioca), sugar, rice, corn, peanuts, vegetables, coffee, cocoa and forest products.
Labor force: n.a.
Industries: petroleum extraction, cement, lumber, brewing, sugar, palm oil, soap, flour, and cigarettes.
Natural resources: petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, natural gas, and hydropower.
Budget:
Revenues: $3.522 billion
Expenditures: $2.377 billion (2007 est.)
Revenues: $3.522 billion
Expenditures: $2.377 billion (2007 est.)
Debt – external: $5 billion (2000 est.)
Exports: $5.996 billion f.o.b. (2006 est.): petroleum, lumber, plywood, sugar, cocoa, coffee, and diamonds.
Imports: $1.964 million f.o.b. (2006 est.): capital equipment, construction materials, and foodstuffs.
Major trading partners: China, Taiwan, North Korea, U.S., France, South Korea, Germany, Italy, and Netherlands (2004).
Monetary unit: CFA Franc
LANGUAGE:- French is the official language. Lingala, Monokutuba, Kikongo, many local languages and dialects are also spoken.
CITIES:- The capital Brazzaville is the largest city. Other large cities are Pointe-Noire, Dolisie.
POPULATION:- The population is estimated 3,800,610 with a growth rate of 2.6%.
Density per sq mi: 29
Literacy rate: 84% (2003 est.)
Density per sq mi: 29
Literacy rate: 84% (2003 est.)
RACE:-
Kongo 48%
Sangha 20%
M'Bochi 12%
Teke 17%
Europeans and other 3%
Kongo 48%
Sangha 20%
M'Bochi 12%
Teke 17%
Europeans and other 3%
RELIGION:-
Christian 50%
Animist 48%
Islam 2%
Christian 50%
Animist 48%
Islam 2%
HEALTH:-
Birth rate: 41.76 births/ 1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate: 12.28 deaths/ 1,000 population (2008 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 81.29 deaths/ 1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 53.74 years
Total fertility rate: 5.92 children born/ woman (2008 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: 9,700 (2003 est.)
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2005): 26
Birth rate: 41.76 births/ 1,000 population (2008 est.)
Death rate: 12.28 deaths/ 1,000 population (2008 est.)
Infant mortality rate: total: 81.29 deaths/ 1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 53.74 years
Total fertility rate: 5.92 children born/ woman (2008 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths: 9,700 (2003 est.)
Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2005): 26
UNICEF:- UNICEF and its partners rehabilitate health clinics and centers and provide with vaccines, drugs and required medicines and equipments for pregnant women for safe deliveries. UNICEF with government’s assistance improved sanitation after building 57 wells and 60 latrines. Kindergartens and schools are being established and educational materials and school furniture are being provided. UNICEF also fights against child enrolment in war, violence against children.
TRANSPORTATION:-
Railways: total: 894 km (2004).
Highways: total: 17,289 km; paved: 864 km; unpaved: 16,425 km (2004 est.). Waterways: 4,385 km (on Congo and Oubanqui rivers) (2004).
Ports and harbors: Brazzaville, Djeno, Impfondo, Ouesso, Oyo, Pointe-Noire.
Airports: 32 (2006 est.).
Railways: total: 894 km (2004).
Highways: total: 17,289 km; paved: 864 km; unpaved: 16,425 km (2004 est.). Waterways: 4,385 km (on Congo and Oubanqui rivers) (2004).
Ports and harbors: Brazzaville, Djeno, Impfondo, Ouesso, Oyo, Pointe-Noire.
Airports: 32 (2006 est.).
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