Republic of the Congo,
republic in west central Africa, bounded on the north by Cameroon and the
Central African Republic, on the east and south by the Democratic Republic of
the Congo (DRC, formerly Zaire), on the southwest by Angola (Cabinda enclave)
and the Atlantic Ocean, and on the west by Gabon. Formerly called People's
Republic of the Congo,
the republic has an area of 342,000 sq km (132,000 sq mi). Brazzaville is the capital and largest city.
LAND AND RESOURCES
Along the
Atlantic coast is a low, treeless plain, which rises inland to the Mayumbe Mountains, an almost completely forested
region with an average elevation of about 550 m (about 1800 ft). In the south
central region is the fertile valley of the Niari River.
To the north lies the central highlands region, the Plateau Batéké. The plateau
is cut by numerous tributaries of the Congo
and Ubangi rivers. The Congo Basin
occupies the northeastern part of the country. Dense tropical rain forests
cover more than half of the country and constitute a major natural resource.
The principal commercial species are okoumé (a mahogany) and limba
(a hardwood). Savanna vegetation is found in the northeast and the higher
plateau areas. Wildlife is diverse and abundant, including antelope, giraffes,
cheetahs, crocodiles, and numerous birds and snakes.
The climate is tropical, with mostly high
heat and humidity. While the Mayumbe Mountains experience a long dry season,
parts of the Congo Basin receive more than 2500 mm (more than 100 in) of
rainfall annually. Average temperatures in Brazzaville are 26° C (78° F) in
January and 23° C (73° F) in July, with an annual rainfall of about 1500 mm
(about 60 in). Temperatures along the coast are slightly cooler.
Petroleum, found offshore, is the Congo's
principal mineral resource. Other resources include potash, gold, iron ore,
lead, and copper.
Agriculture Cassava,
pineapples, plantains, bananas, peanuts, maize, and avocados are the principal
subsistence crops raised in the Congo.
The main cash crops are sugarcane, palm kernels, cacao, and coffee. The most
successful commercial agricultural operations are in the fertile Niari Valley.
Forestry and Mining Forest
products account for a substantial share of the Congo's
exports. Petroleum is produced from offshore oil fields, and crude oil
typically accounts for about three-quarters of the country's yearly exports.
The output of crude petroleum in 1995 was 64 million barrels and is expected to
increase as a new offshore field is developed. In addition, natural gas, lead,
copper, and gold are mined.
Manufacturing Industry is
oriented mainly toward producing consumer goods. The largest industries process
agricultural products (including tobacco) and forest products. Other
manufactures include textiles, cement, footwear, and soap. A petroleum refinery
began operation at Pointe-Noire in 1976.
