16 Facts About Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)

The Republic of Congo, or Congo Republic, is also commonly referred to as Congo-Brazzaville.

It is bordered by Cameroon and Central African Republic to the north, Democratic Republic of the Congo to the east, Angola to the south and Gabon to the west. 

Historically, the Republic of Congo has been ruled by indigenous tribes, French people, and Congolese people.

Congo has a coastline that stretches along the South Atlantic Ocean.

The Republic of Congo is a truly amazing place to see and visit, with an uninhibited jungle and a plethora of wildlife.

The Congo River is the world's deepest river (220 metres). It is also the world's second largest river by discharge (41,000 cubic metres per second!). The Congo River flows between the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Bonobo can only be found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This chimp species is thought to be the most closely related to humans.

The Congo basin rainforest is the world's second largest rainforest. The rainforest covers roughly 70% of the country. The forest reaches Gaboo, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic.

It is abundant in flora and fauna, just like any other rainforest. It is home to over 10,000 plant species and several endangered species such as forest elephants and mountain gorillas.

The famous Pygmy Tribe lives in the Republic of Congo. The Congo rainforest is home to this indigenous tribe. This tribe's members are diminutive in stature. The average Pygmy man stands about 4ft 10in tall, while the average Pygmy woman stands about 4ft 1in tall! They are mostly forest dwellers who rely on hunting and gathering for a living.

The country's Nouabale-Ndoki National Park is the last natural habitat on the planet where no type of human intervention can be identified, and it has remained unaffected by global changes. This has made the park earn the title of Last Eden on Earth.

The country is rich in cultural diversity. Food habits differ from tribe to tribe as well. The tribe is usually said to be guarded by a spirit known as a totem (usually an animal). A totem animal cannot be eaten by a family.

Sugar, cacao, plywood, lumber, and petroleum are all major exports from the country.

Odzala National Park: One of the country's oldest parks, it aids in the conservation of forest elephants and western gorillas. The park covers 13,600 square kilometres and currently has three excellent camps operating within its vast expanse.

Brazzaville is a bustling capital city with colourful markets and a thriving arts and culture scene. Take a stroll along La Corniche for spectacular views of the Congo River. You should also pay a visit to The Basilica of St. Anne, one of the county's most religious monuments known for its architecture.

Diosso Gorge: Diosse Gorge is characterised by red rock ridges and cliffs that rise steeply from the lush green jungle. You can also hike down to the bottom to see the "Grand Canyon of the Congo" up close.