• Also known as Congo-Brazzaville or simply the Congo, the Republic of Congo is a west central African country that borders the South Atlantic Ocean between Angola and Gabon. It achieved independence from France in 1960.

• 1. Bisected by the equator
  2. One of the Sub-Saharan region's largest oil-producing nations
  3. Capital: Brazzaville
  4. Population: 3,800,610 (July 2007 estimate)
  5. Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF)
  6. Exchange rate: 443.67
  7. Official language: French
  8. Government: Republic as of 1992
  9. Formerly Marxist and current president Denis Sassou Nguesso was reinstated after holding the presidency during the Marxist era
  10. Enjoys the world's largest chimpanzee population

• More Political Unrest

  The Republic of the Congo is one of many African countries experiencing continued political unrest and uncertainty. President Denis Sassou-Nguesso led the country from the first time he took over during a 1979 coup to 1992 elections, which he lost. He was back in power in 1997, however, after a violent civil war broke out and his attempt to recover the presidency was bolstered by Angolan troops.

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