Facts, Background and History
| Geographical Size | 342,000 sq km |
| Population Size | 3,903,318 |
| Composition of Population | Kongo 48%, Sangha 20%, M'Bochi 12%, Teke 17%, Europeans and other 3% |
| Official Languages | French |
| Other Languages | Lingala and Monokutuba (lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread) |
| Main Religions | Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2% |
| Climate | Tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator |
| Form of Government | Republic |
| Last Democratic Elections | 2009 |
| Global Peace Index | No// 117- 2.417 |
| Main Economic Activities | Agriculture and industry (mainly Oil Extraction |
| Main Trading Partners | South Korea, Taiwan, Brazil, France, China, Italy, India, US and Belgium |
| Capital | Brazzaville |
| Other Cities | Pointe-Noire, Dolisie, Kayes, Owando and Ouésso |
| Currency | CFA Franc BEAC |
| Total GDP | $12.86 billion (2007 est.) |
| Per Capita Income | $3,400 (2007 est.) |
| Human Development Index | No// 170- (0.388) |
| Ibrahim Index | No//41- 42.79% |
| FIFA Rating | |
| Main Creative Industries | Film, Theatre, Dance, Music, Poetry , Crafts and Visual Arts |
Background and History
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 new offshore oil finds to sustain its oil earnings over the long term
