Republic of Congo

Congo-Brazzaville, Congo, Republic of Congo

a republic in W Central Africa: formerly the French colony of Middle Congo, part of French Equatorial Africa, it became independent in 1960; consists mostly of equatorial forest, with savanna and extensive swamps; drained chiefly by the Rivers Congo and Ubangi. Official language: French. Religion: Christian majority. Currency: franc. Capital: Brazzaville. Pop.: 3 818 000 (2004 est.). Area: 342 000 sq. km (132 018 sq. miles)

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Congo, Republic of

Official name: Republic of the Congo

Capital city: Brazzaville

Internet country code: .cg

Flag description: Divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a yellow band; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

National anthem: “La Congolaise”

Geographical description: Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon

Total area: 132,000 sq. mi. (342,000 sq. km.)

Climate: Tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator

Nationality: noun: Congolese (singular and plural); adjective: Congolese or Congo

Population: 3,800,610 (July 2007 CIA est.)

Ethnic groups: Kongo 48%, Sangha 20%, M’Bochi 12%, Teke 17%, Europeans and others 3%

Languages spoken: French (official), Lingala, Monokutuba, and Kikongo and other local languages and dialects

Religions: Christian 50%, indigenous religions 48%, Mus­lim 2%

Legal Holidays:

All Saints' Day	Nov 1
Christmas	Dec 25
Independence Day	Aug 15
Labor Day	May 1
New Year's Day	Jan 1
Reconciliation Day	Jun 10
Whit Monday	Jun 13, 2011; May 28, 2012; May 20, 2013; Jun 9, 2014; May 25, 2015