Congo

Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. A quarter century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990 and a democratically elected government took office in 1992. A brief civil war in 1997 restored former Marxist President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, and ushered in a period of ethnic and political unrest. Southern-based rebel groups agreed to a final peace accord in March 2003, but the calm is tenuous and refugees continue to present a humanitarian crisis. The Republic of Congo was once one of Africa's largest petroleum producers, but with declining production it will need to hope for new offshore oil finds to sustain its oil earnings over the long term.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 3,800,610 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Congolese (singular and plural)

Nationality (Adjective): Congolese or Congo

Official Language(s): French

Major Languages Spoken: French, Lingala

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of the Congo

Country Name (short form): Congo (Brazzaville)

Country Name (local long form): Republique du Congo

Country Name (local short form): none

Name of Capital: Brazzaville

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+1 (six hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Congo: Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo Dem. Rep. of, Gabon

Land Area: 341500 sq km

Water Area: 500 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Montana

Total Land Boundry: 5,504 km

Coastline: 169 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 15 August (1960)

International Phone Code: 242

Currency Code: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF)

Internet Country Code: .cg

US Embassy Location: none

US Embassy Mailing Address: none

Services In, and Related to Congo

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