| Republic of the Congo République du Congo
Origin of Name the
country was named for the Congo River, which derived its
name from the Kongo, a Bantu kingdom which occupied its
mouth at the time of its discovery by the Portuguese
Location western
Africa
Bordered By Gabon, Cameroon, Central
African Republic, Democratic
Republic of the Congo, Angola
Area 132,047 sq mi
(342,000 sq km)
Greatest Distance N-S 590 mi (950 km)
Greatest Distance E-W 515 mi (829 km)
Coastline 100 mi (160 km)
Highest Point Mount Berongou; 2,962 ft
(903 m)
Lowest Point Atlantic Ocean; sea level
Natural Resources petroleum, timber,
potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, gold,
magnesium, natural gas, hydropower
Nationality Congolese
Population (July 2017 est) 4,955,000
Largest Cities Brazzaville
Ethnic Groups Kongo, Sangha, M'Bochi,
Teke, Europeans
Religions Christian, animist, Muslim
Languages French (official), Lingala,
Monokutuba, local languages and dialects
Capital Brazzaville
Form of Government republic
Present Constitution Adopted October 25,
2015
Chief of State and Head of Government President
Denis Sassou-Nguesso (since October 25, 1997)
Cabinet Council of Ministers appointed by the
President
Legislature bicameral Parliament
Judiciary Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)
Local Administration 12 departments
Currency franc
Per Capita Income $4,600
Industries petroleum extraction, cement,
lumber, brewing, sugar, palm oil, soap, flour, cigarettes
Agriculture cassava, sugar, rice, corn,
peanuts, vegetables, coffee, cocoa, forest products
Export Commodities petroleum, lumber,
plywood, sugar, cocoa, coffee, diamonds
Import Commodities capital equipment,
construction materials, foodstuffs
Independence from France
Achieved August 15, 1960
National Holiday Independence Day;
August 15
Flag green symbolizes agriculture
and forests, yellow the friendship and nobility of the
people, red is unexplained but has been associated with
the struggle for independence
SEE ALSO
Gabon
Cameroon
Central
African Republic
Democratic
Republic of the Congo
Angola
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