Republic of Congo travel tips & information
The Republic of Congo is located between Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo in western Africa and covers an area roughly the size of Germany. In contrast to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo is a largely safe country - to the delight of all fans of exotic destinations. After all, there are plenty of natural treasures here worth exploring: swamps, savannahs and dense forests. Half of this region is covered with forest islands, the so-called "bais". Numerous small rivers are usually the only connection to the inland, which consists of hilly land up to eight hundred meters high with wet savannah vegetation.
Below you will find helpful travel tips and information about the Republic of Congo. Where exactly is the country located, when is the best time to travel and which sights you should not miss. All this and much more we will answer here on this page.
Where is the Republic of Congo located?
The Republic of Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, is located in Central Africa. It borders Cameroon and the Central African Republic to the north, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the east and southeast, and Angola to the south. To the west, the Republic of Congo is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.
10 quick facts about the Republic of Congo
1# Congo
There are two countries called Congo. Besides the Republic of Congo, there is also the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both are named after the Congo River, which also forms the border between the two states over a long distance.
2# Location
The Republic of Congo is located in Central Africa and borders Gabon, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Atlantic Ocean.
3# Population
About 6 million people live on an area of 342,000 km² with an average age of about 20 years. More than every third inhabitant lives in the capital Brazzaville.
4# Language
Due to the colonial history, the official language is still French. However, the inhabitants mainly use Lingála and Kituba for communication.
5# History
The Republic of Congo gained independence from France in 1960. A turbulent history followed, including political turmoil and conflict. Today, the form of government is a presidential republic, in which the president is both the head of state and the head of government.
6# Economy
The economy of the Republic of Congo is largely dependent on oil. This resource accounts for the majority of exports and state income, but the people do not benefit from it. More than one-third of the population is unemployed, and 37 percent live below the international poverty line.
7# Tourism
The country offers a variety of interesting places and untouched nature. However, only a few tourists currently travel to the Republic of Congo, which is why each trip becomes an individual adventure.
8# Landscape
The landscape of the Republic of Congo is diverse and includes a mix of tropical rainforests, savannahs, rivers and a coastal region on the Atlantic Ocean.
9# Rainforest
Almost 60% of the country is covered by dense tropical rainforests. These forests are home to a rich diversity of plant and animal species, including rare and endangered species such as gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants and various bird species.
10# Nature Conservation
Several protected areas and national parks have been established to protect nature. The Odzala National Park in the northwest was even opened as early as 1935.
Republic of Congo National Parks
The Republic of Congo has several national parks that offer a rich diversity of flora and fauna. They play an important role in protecting the unique nature and endangered species. Here you will learn everything you need to know about the most famous national parks.
Travel tips for your Republic of Congo trips
General information about entry requirements, travel time and vaccinations in the Republic of Congo.
General information for your Republic of Congo trip
Traveling to the Republic of Congo gives you the opportunity to experience the country's diverse wildlife, stunning nature and rich culture. Here you can find some exciting information about traveling to the Republic of Congo.
Our personal travel experiences
Be inspired by our trips to the Republic of the Congo. Find out all the important information and exciting first-hand experiences in our travel reports.