West coast of Central Africa.

GMT + 1.

342,000 sq km (132,046 sq miles).

3 million (UN estimate 2005).

11 per sq km.

Brazzaville. Population: 600,000 (2005).

Congo is situated in Africa, bordered to the north by Cameroon and the Central African Republic, to the south and east by the Democratic Republic of Congo, to the southwest by the Atlantic, and to the west by Gabon. The Cabinda Enclave, belonging to Angola, lies to the southwest, on the Atlantic coast. Vast areas are swamps, grassland or thick forests with rivers being virtually the only means of internal travel. The vast River Congo and its major tributaries form most of the country’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, drawing much of its water from the swamplands in the north of the country. The narrow sandy coastal plain is broken by lagoons, behind which rise the Mayombe Mountains. Most of the population lives in the south of the country.

Republic. Gained independence from France in 1960.

President Denis Sassou-Nguesso since 1997.

In 1992, the Union Panafricaine pour la Démocratie Sociale (UPADS) was brought to power as the major party in both the National Assembly and the Senate, while its leader, Pascal Lissouba, won the presidential poll. Over the next few years, there were occasional outbreaks of fighting between the army and militias loyal to Sassou-Nguesso. These intensified from 1997 onwards when, with some support from allies in Angola, Sassou-Nguesso launched a full-scale military campaign against the Lissouba government.

In October 1997, Sassou-Nguesso’s troops took the capital and installed their leader as president. A National Transitional Council was established in January 1998 to plot a course towards national elections and a return to civilian rule. However, over the next four years, the military government came under sustained military assault, first from supporters of Lissouba and then from ex-government troops loyal to ex-premier Bernard Kolelas who had been dismissed by Sassou-Nguesso.

Repeated attempts at mediation by outside parties failed until, in April 2001, a formula devised by President Omar Bongo of Gabon and backed by the Organisation of African Unity secured the agreement of both sides. Under the banner of United Democratic Forces, Sassou-Ngessou stood at the March 2002 presidential election, defeating four other token candidates and securing 90% of the vote. Kignomba Mbougou, standing for UPADS (Lissouba’s party) gained just 3%. By mid 2003, the country was largely at peace, although there has been fighting in the Pool region, adjacent to the capital, Brazzaville, between the army and a rebel group known as the Ninjas: although this has been sporadic, it has caused a serious refugee problem.

The official language is French. Other major languages are Lingala, Munukutuba and Kikongo. English is spoken very little.

The majority follow Christian beliefs (mainly Roman Catholic: 50%), with most of the remainder following animist belief systems (48%). There are small Protestant and Muslim minorities.

220/230 volts AC, 50Hz.

Normal courtesies should be observed when visiting people’s homes. Gifts are acceptable as a token of thanks, especially if invited for a meal. Dress should be casual, and informal wear is acceptable in most places. Mini-skirts and shorts should not be worn in most public places. Artistic carving, both traditional and modern dance, as well as folk songs, play an important part in Congolese culture, which is strongly based on tradition. Do not smoke or drink alcohol in public places during Ramadan.

Photography: It is forbidden to photograph public buildings.