Republic of Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville is slightly smaller than Montana and is located in central-western part of sub-saharan Africa. It comprises of one commune, the capital of Brazzaville 10 regions Bouenza, Cuvette, Cuvette-Ouest, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pool, Sangha and one commune Brazzaville. The capital is Brazzaville is the country's largest city and is divided into seven areas or "arrondissements": Makelekele, Bacongo, Poto Poto, Moungali, Ouneze, Talangai and Mfilou. Brazzaville has been described as a sleepy provincial town with colorful markets that serve as a main attraction, although tourism facilities are limited and much of capital has been destroyed by civil conflicts. Pointe Noire is the second largest city and is the country's commercial capital.
Political stability is slowly improving and Brazzaville and Pointe Noire are considered fairly safe. However, petty street crime remains problematic; and travel between the two cities should be by air as roads and road lines remain unsafe.
The Congo is one of sub-Saharan Africa's main oil producers but the oil sector has declined in production over the years to due economic mismanagement, slumps in world oil prices and armed conflicts in 1997, 1998-1999, and 2002. However, the country is becoming increasingly important to global energy markets due to increased interest in offshore interests in West Africa and the development of new offshore oil fields.
Congo's weather is tropical, characterized by hot and humid conditions, year-round. There is little seasonal variation. Rain falls throughout the entire year, but April to late October is the wettest period. The Atlantic coastal plain experiences less rain than does the interior. Average temperatures in Brazzaville are 17-28C (63-82F) in July and 23-33C (72-91F) in April
Between 70-85 percent of the population lives in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or in small cities or villages along the railroad connecting the two cities. The official language is French, but the local languages of Lingala and Munukutuba are widespread. Nearly 50 percent of the population are of Bacongo ethnicity. Christianity and animism are most widely practiced.
Communication services are poor and barely adequate for government use; key exchanges are in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, and Loubomo; intercity lines frequently out of order. Expensive but reliable direct-dial satellite telecommunications are available to Europe and the U.S. Public telephones work on a card-based system; however, telephone service outside of the capital is limited. Main hotels and business centers offer fax service.
Brazzaville's Maya Maya International Airport (BZV) is the main gateway to the Republic of Congo. The national airline, Lina Congo, operates regional services as well as regular services from Brazzaville to Pointe-Noire, with stops in Loubomo (formerly Dolisie) and Ouesso. Train travel is limited, slow and unsafe. The Congo-Ocean Railway Company operates the "Peace Train" between Brazzaville and Point-Noire via Louborno three times a day. The Congo and Ubangi Rivers are navigable and together provide more than 1,120 km (696 miles) of waterways. They are commonly used by locals for travel and transport. Barges, ferries, steamers and other craft run from Brazzaville up and down the two rivers. Brazzaville has a minibus and taxi service. Taxis are also available in Pointe-Noire and Loubomo. Taxis charge a flat rate; agree to the fare before each ride. Request taxis through your hotel or hosts.
The iJET Intelligence Center
The situation in the Congo is very dynamic. Intelligence Officers at iJET are currently monitoring local conditions to provide a level of information that surpasses any available from other public sources, including the U.S. State Department. Free from political constraints or concerns, our data provides vital, unfiltered information created specifically for travelers.
Travelers to the Congo or those considering travel to the Congo are strongly advised to purchase an Intelligence Brief for the most timely and concise information available on the country.
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