Fast Facts:
1. It’s located on the western coast of Central Africa.
2. It is the 27th largest country in Africa and the 64th largest in the world.
3. The capital and largest city is Brazzaville.
4. The people are called Congolese. The major ethnic groups are: Kongo (41%), Teke (17%), M’Bochi (13%).
5. Major languages: French (official), Kituba, Lingala, Kikongo
6. Major religions: Christianity (75%), traditional African religions (10%), Islam (2%), none (11%)
7. It was colonized by France in 1880 and became known as French Congo, then later Middle Congo. In 1908, France organized French Equatorial Africa, comprising Middle Congo, Gabon, Chad, and Oubangui-Chari (the modern Central African Republic), with Brazzaville as the federal capital.
8. It gained independence from France in August 1960.
9. It is the 8th highest oil producing country in Africa and 36th largest in the world. It also has large untapped base metal, gold, iron and phosphate deposits.
10. It is one of Africa’s most urbanized countries, with 85% of the population living in the urban areas of Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or one of the small cities or villages lining the railway which connects the two cities.
11. The Congo rainforest covers 80% of the country. It is part of the Congo Basin, the world’s second largest rainforest, which spans 6 countries.
12. Tourism is a small industry in Congo-Brazzaville, but it’s poised to become one of Africa’s finest eco-tourism destinations. It boasts beautiful landscapes, with rainforest, waterfalls, lagoons, river rapids, and swamps. These places are home to interesting flora and fauna, and rare primates, like mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.
13. Brazzaville city boasts historical architecture, African markets, art galleries, vibrant street culture, and beaches. Popular attractions include the Basilique Sainte-Anne church, Les Dépêche de Brazzaville Gallery, Le Marché de Poto Poto, L’Institut Français du Congo, Nabemba Tower, Marche Plateau Ville, and the Djoue Rapides of the Congo River.
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