# Republic of the Congo

> country in Central Africa, capital Brazzaville

**Wikidata**: [Q971](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q971)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_the_Congo)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/republic-of-the-congo

## Summary
The Republic of the Congo is a sovereign state and country located in Central Africa, bordered by Gabon, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Atlantic Ocean, with Brazzaville as its capital. Established in 1960 from the predecessor Middle Congo, the nation operates as a parliamentary republic and is a member of international organizations including the United Nations and OPEC. It has a population of over 6 million people, uses the Central African CFA franc as currency, and covers a total area of 342,000 square kilometers.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** Instance of a sovereign state and country; distinct from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
*   **Capital:** Brazzaville.
*   **Geography:** Located in Central Africa and on the Atlantic Ocean; total area is 342,000 square kilometers.
*   **Borders:** Shares boundaries with Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Gabon.
*   **Inception:** Gained independence in 1960, succeeding Middle Congo.
*   **Government:** Basic form of government is a parliamentary republic.
*   **Leadership:** Head of state is Denis Sassou-Nguesso (since October 25, 1997); head of government is Anatole Collinet Makosso (since May 12, 2021).
*   **Legislature:** The Parliament of the Republic of the Congo serves as the legislative body.
*   **Population:** 6,142,180 (2023 estimate).
*   **Currency:** Central African CFA franc.
*   **Language:** Official language is French; over 40 languages are used including Kituba, Lingala, and various Teke dialects.
*   **Economy:** Nominal GDP was $14,615,532,210 in 2022; standard VAT rate is 18%.
*   **International Memberships:** United Nations (joined September 20, 1960), African Union, World Trade Organization, and OPEC (joined June 2018).
*   **Time Zone:** UTC+01:00.
*   **ISO Codes:** Alpha-2 code CG, Alpha-3 code COG, numeric code 178.
*   **Internet Domain:** .cg
*   **Calling Code:** +242
*   **Driving:** Drives on the right side.
*   **Electricity:** Mains voltage is 230 volts at 50 Hz using Europlug and Type E plugs.
*   **Emergency Numbers:** Police (117), Fire Department (118).
*   **Symbols:** National anthem is "La Congolaise"; motto is "Unité, Travail, Progrès" (Unity, Work, Progress).
*   **Geography:** Highest point is Mont Nabemba; coordinates are approximately -0.75 latitude and 15.383 longitude.
*   **Development:** Human Development Index was 0.571 in 2021; Life expectancy at birth was 64.625 years in 2016.

## FAQs
**Where is the Republic of the Congo located?**
It is situated in Central Africa, geographically positioned on the continent of Africa and bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The country shares land borders with Gabon, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Angola (specifically the Cabinda exclave).

**What languages are spoken in the Republic of the Congo?**
The official language is French, but the population utilizes a diverse array of languages including Kituba (Congo), Lingala, and indigenous languages such as Central Teke, Ngom, Vili, Mboshi, and Punu. Native labels for the country include "République du Congo," "Repubilika ya Kongo," and "Republíki ya Kongó."

**What is the political structure and leadership of the country?**
The nation functions as a parliamentary republic. Denis Sassou-Nguesso has served as the head of state since 1997, holding the office of the President, while Anatole Collinet Makosso has been the head of government and Prime Minister since 2021.

**What are the key economic indicators and currency?**
The country uses the Central African CFA franc and is served by the Bank of Central African States. In 2022, the nominal GDP was approximately $14.6 billion, and the economy includes a standard VAT rate of 18%.

**What international organizations is the Republic of the Congo a member of?**
The state is a member of the United Nations (since 1960), the African Union, the World Trade Organization, and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). It also participates in the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa and the International Organisation of la Francophonie.

## Why It Matters
The Republic of the Congo plays a significant role in Central African geopolitics and economics as a member of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), having joined the latter in 2018. Its strategic location along the Atlantic Ocean provides it with essential maritime access, influencing trade routes with neighbors like Gabon and Angola. As a member of the United Nations since 1960, the country contributes to international discourse on peace and development. The nation is distinct from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a distinction crucial for accurate political and geographic understanding in the region.

## Notable For
*   **Independence History:** The country was established in 1960, succeeding the Middle Congo and replacing the People's Republic of the Congo.
*   **Geography:** Features Mont Nabemba as its highest point and encompasses the administrative departments of Bouenza, Brazzaville, Cuvette, and others, including the maritime city of Pointe-Noire.
*   **Demographics:** Exhibits a total fertility rate of approximately 4.869 (2014) and a high birth rate of 30.175 per 1,000 people (2022).
*   **International Relations:** Maintains diplomatic ties with major global powers including the United States, China, Russia, and France, as well as regional neighbors.
*   **Infrastructure:** Utilizes specific technical standards including a mains voltage of 230V/50Hz, Type E electrical plugs, and the RCB license plate code since 1962.

## Body

### Geography and Location
The Republic of the Congo is a Central African nation situated on the continent of Africa. It shares its borders with five countries: Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Gabon. The nation also has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Its total land area is 342,000 square kilometers. The geographic coordinates are approximately -0.75 latitude and 15.383 longitude. The country's lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean (0 meters), while the highest elevation is Mont Nabemba. The Republic of the Congo is distinct from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

### Government and Politics
The capital city is Brazzaville. The government operates as a parliamentary republic. The head of state is Denis Sassou-Nguesso, who has held the position since October 25, 1997. The head of government is Anatole Collinet Makosso, serving as Prime Minister since May 12, 2021. The executive body is known as the Makosso government. The legislative body is the Parliament of the Republic of the Congo. The office held by the head of state is the President of the Republic of the Congo, while the head of government holds the office of Prime Minister. The national motto is "Unité, Travail, Progrès" (Unity, Work, Progress). The national anthem is "La Congolaise."

### History
The country was established in 1960. It follows the historical entity known as the People's Republic of the Congo and replaced it upon inception. It was preceded by Middle Congo. The Republic of the Congo gained membership in the United Nations on September 20, 1960.

### Demographics and Society
The population has grown significantly over the decades, rising from 1,013,581 in 1960 to 6,142,180 in 2023.
*   **1960s:** 1,013,581 (1960) to 1,695,348 (1978)
*   **1980s:** 1,796,412 (1980) to 2,320,488 (1989)
*   **1990s:** 2,383,283 (1990) to 2,878,333 (1997)
*   **2000s:** 2,961,357 (1998) to 3,995,146 (2009)
*   **2010s:** 4,111,715 (2010) to 5,260,750 (2017)
*   **2020s:** 6,142,180 (2023)

The life expectancy at birth was recorded as 64.625 years in 2016. The total fertility rate was estimated at 4.869 in 2014. The age of majority is 18 years old. Marriageable age is set at 21 years for males and 18 years for females.

### Language and Culture
The official language is French. The country utilizes a wide variety of languages including Central Teke, Ngom, East Teke, Vili, Monzombo, Mbandja, Suundi, Kunyi, Beembe, Aka, Bwisi, Bongili, Bomitaba, Dibole, Kota, Kwala, Kuba, Koyo, Ngondi, Mbangwe, Njebi, Mpiemo, Ndasa, Kituba, Lumbu, Mboshi, Ngbaka Gbaya, Mboko, Mbere, Njem, Lingala, North Teke, Fuumu, Kukuya, Punu, Tsaangi, Mbama, Wumbvu, Akwa, Kiyombe, Doondo, Kaamba, Moye, Laari, Kituba (Congo), Teke-Tsaayi, Teke-Nzikou, Yaka, Teke-Tyee, Teke-Laali, Ngungwel, Bonjo, Bekwil, Bomwali, and Bangi.

The demonym for the people is "Congolese." The culture is referred to as the "culture of the Republic of the Congo."

### Economy and Infrastructure
The currency used is the Central African CFA franc. The central bank is the Bank of Central African States. The nominal GDP was $13,366,230,821 in 2021 and rose to $14,615,532,210 in 2022. The standard VAT rate is 18%. The country is a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), having joined in June 2018.

**Infrastructure Standards:**
*   **Driving Side:** Right
*   **Mains Voltage:** 230 V
*   **Frequency:** 50 Hz
*   **Plug Types:** Europlug, Type E
*   **License Plate Code:** RCB (since 1962)
*   **Telephone Country Code:** +242
*   **Top Level Internet Domain:** .cg
*   **Time Zone:** UTC+01:00
*   **Emergency Numbers:** Police (117), Fire Department (118)

### International Relations and Memberships
The Republic of the Congo maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including Germany, France, South Africa, Taiwan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United States, Russia, the People's Republic of China, Georgia, and North Korea.

It is a member of several international organizations:
*   **United Nations** (Member since September 20, 1960)
*   **African Union**
*   **World Trade Organization**
*   **International Bank for Reconstruction and Development** (Member since July 10, 1963)
*   **International Development Association** (Member since November 8, 1963)
*   **International Finance Corporation** (Member since October 1, 1980)
*   **Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency** (Member since October 16, 1991)
*   **International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes** (Member since October 14, 1966)
*   **African Development Bank**
*   **Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States**
*   **Bank of Central African States**
*   **OHADA**
*   **Interpol** (Member since September 4, 1961)
*   **Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons** (Member since November 11, 2005)
*   **UNESCO** (Member since October 24, 1960)
*   **Group on Earth Observations**
*   **AFRISTAT** (Member since September 21, 1993)
*   **Gulf of Guinea Commission**
*   **Organisation internationale de la Francophonie** (Member since 1981)
*   **World Health Organization**
*   **Economic Community of Central African States**
*   **Universal Postal Union** (Member since January 1, 1886)
*   **World Customs Organization** (Member since September 2, 1975)
*   **Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons**
*   **African Continental Free Trade Area**
*   **Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa** (Member since June 25, 1999)

### Identification and Codes
*   **ISO 3166-1 Alpha-2:** CG
*   **ISO 3166-1 Alpha-3:** COG
*   **ISO 3166-1 Numeric:** 178
*   **IOC Country Code:** CGO
*   **ITU Letter Code:** COG
*   **UNDP Country Code:** PRC
*   **M49 Code:** 178
*   **Mains Voltage:** 230 V
*   **GND ID:** 4032097-2
*   **MusicBrainz Area ID:** 185bc3c4-4c5a-3f69-9384-7c280dfdf072
*   **Unicode Character:** 🇨🇬

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