Not to be confused with the “Democratic Republic of Congo”, Congo has its capital city as Brazzaville. It is one of the most stunning countries in Central Africa. These interesting facts about Congo will help you better understand this lovely nation and all it has to offer.
Common Facts About Congo
Congo is formally known as the “Republic of Congo”, this country shares its river, border, and name with one of its neighbors, the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo). It has a population of around 5.54 million people.
Congo is known for its rainforest, music, and stunning landscapes. Apart from its music and national parks, there are many facts about Congo that make it a popular travel destination.
Several countries in Africa are prone to armed conflicts and civil/social unrest. Always double check the latest situations from both your government and the local government advisories.
Historical Facts On Congo
Pre-Colonial
Before the arrival of the Europeans, the present-day Republic of Congo was inhabited by several kingdoms. There were three major kingdoms in the region.
The earliest recorded kingdom was the Kongo from around 1000; the Loango Kingdom dominated the area in the 17th Century, and the Tio kingdom came after them.
Europeans (Portuguese) first landed in the area in 1482, and they forged a commercial relationship with the people of the different tribes within the country. The major trade was the slave trade.
Colonization
France was once the colonizer of the Republic of Congo. In 1880, the French took total control of Congo when Pierre Savorgan de Brazza, a Frenchman, and their colonial master, signed a treaty with the ruler of the Bateke tribe, Makoko.
After gaining control of the region, it was called French Congo; After 1905, it was called Middle Congo. In 1910, it became the colony of French Equatorial Africa after being merged with Ubangi-Shari and Gabon.
During their rule, the French abused the laborers leading to public outcry against them. This resulted in certain Congolese uprisings, but the French did not stop exploiting the workers until 1930.
During WW II, the colony allied with Chad, supporting the Free French cause against their colonial masters and fighting for their independence in the process.
Independence In Congo
After many years of back and forth with their colonial masters, the country became a republic on the 28th of November, 1958. But it only gained independence from France in 1960.
The national holiday in the Republic of Congo is the 30th of June.
Geographical Facts About Congo
Brazzaville
Brazzaville is one of the largest cities in the Republic of Congo. It is also the country’s capital city. Therefore, the Republic of Congo is often also referred to as Congo-Brazzaville.
Brazzaville is an urban city with bustling life, colorful arts, big markets, and cultural diversity. It is relatively safe compared to other African cities, but crime is still prevalent and you should practice common sense caution.
While strolling on the La Corniche (an 11km promenade), you may have a great view of the Congo River. Brazzaville have a total land area of 100 square km and house over a million of the country’s population.
Congo Basin Rainforest
Here is a cool fact about the Congo rainforest. It is the world’s second-largest rainforest in the world and covers at least 70% of the country’s land area.
Interestingly, the Congo rain forest extends beyond the country’s borders through to other neighboring countries like Cameroon, Gabon, CAR (Central African Republic), and Equatorial Guinea.
The Congo rainforest hosts rich and diverse flora and fauna. There are over 10,000 species of plants and animals inhabiting this rainforest. Some of the most popular animals include Elephants, Zebras, and mountain gorillas.
Last Eden On Earth
There are many interesting facts about Congo, and this one certainly stands out. It is no cliché to say the Republic of Congo houses the Last Eden on earth.
Nouabale-Ndoki National Park in Congo is one of a kind. It is the only natural habitat on earth without any traces of human interference. Interestingly, global changes have not affected it as drastically.
Here you can witness majestic animals like hippos in their natural habitats. Because there is no human interference in Nouabale-Ndoki, it earned the title “last Eden on earth.”
Bonobo
If you are a fan of wildlife, this is another exciting Congo fact. It is the only country on earth with the unique Bonobo (specie of Chimpanzee).
The bonobos are rare and majestic. These beautiful creatures are viewed as the nearest relatives to human beings.
Mount Nabemba
Mount Nabemba, in the Sangha Department, about 40km from Souanke (a town in Congo), is the highest point in the republic of Congo. It has an elevation of about 120 meters above sea level and is a popular hiking destination in the country.
There is a well-known fun fact about Congo and Mount Nabemba. This mountain is actually the inspiration behind the highest tower in Congo, which also happens to be the highest tower in Central Africa. Nabemba tower was named after Mount Nabemba, the tower has about 30 floors and it has an elevation of 106 meters.
Cultural Fun Facts Of Congo
Food In Congo
It is safe to say fish is the most popular food in Congo. Congolese eat their fish in different forms, fried with olive oil, roasted, stewed, and baked.
Here is an insightful fact about Congo and its food scene, only Gabon (another central African country) consumes more fish than Congo in Africa.
Congolese have a special way of enjoying their fish. They bake it wrapped in banana leaves, lace it with citrus, and call it “liboke.” Be sure to try out some of the delicious foods in Congo if you visit.
UNESCO Creative City Of Music
One of the coolest facts about Congo-Brazzaville is that it was the first African country to be named a UNESCO creative city of music. Music is evidently a very important part of Congolese culture.
The Bakongo people are talented musicians and gifted the world with musical instruments like the Marimba (a tabletop wooden xylophone) and the Ngoma drums. They also developed music styles like rumba and soukous.
The Pygmy Tribe
The country has a tribe who are known to be people of small stature. Amid all the tribes and civilizations in Congo, the Pygmy people are quite different. This is one of the facts about Congo that many will find interesting.
Typically, a Pygmy man has a maximum height of 4ft’10”, while a pygmy woman has a maximum height of 4 ft 1″. In many countries with such height, many may call you a dwarf, but that is the typical genetics of the Pygmy tribe.
The Pygmy tribe considers themselves forest people, as most of them inhabit the Congo rainforest. They also engage in hunting and gathering to make ends meet.
Economy In Congo
It is fair to say the agricultural sector in Congo-Brazzaville is developing. In 2021, agriculture contributed merely 4% of the country’s GDP. However, the country still has some major export cash products.
Congo ranks among the top 5 producers of oil and timber in Africa. The timber production can be credited to the country’s large rainforest. Sugarcane, tobacco, rice, and cotton are other modest cash crops produced in Congo.
Language And Religion
Because of their colonial masters, the official language in Congo-Brazzaville is French. However, other languages like Lingala and Kituba are widely spoken in the country.
The most dominant religion in the country is Christianity, with 87.1% of Congolese being Christians. 8% have no religion, 2.7% practice traditional beliefs, 1.2% practice Islam, and 1.0% have other religions.
Simple Congo Facts For Kids
Congo Land Area
Congo is not one of the biggest countries on the African continent. However, it is also not the smallest country in Africa. With a total area of 342,000 square km, Congo ranks 27th in Africa when it comes to land area.
Not many people have visited Africa, so to put things into perspective on a global scale, here is an interesting fact about Congo. Even though it is not one of Africa’s top 5 largest countries, it is still bigger than England (243,610 square Km) and Scotland (77,910 square km) combined.
Pointe Noire
This is the second largest city in Congo. It is also the Country’s economic hub. Pointe Noire is a coastal city; it houses some of the best beaches in Congo. Popular ones around the city include Côte Sauvage, Côte Mondaine, and La Baie de Loango.
The Republic Of Congo Is Not DRC
Here is a commonly mistaken fact about DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) and the Republic of Congo. Many assume they are the same country because they share the same name.
That is another unique fact about Congo. We’ve heard of countries sharing similar flags and colors, but how often do you see countries sharing a name?
These two African countries are often distinguished by attaching their capital cities to them. As we mentioned, the Republic of Congo is also called Congo-Brazzaville. On the other hand, the Democratic Republic of Congo is known more as Congo-Kinshasa.
Congolese
Just like citizens of the United States of America are called American, citizens of Congo are referred to as Congolese.
Climate In Congo
Here is another fact about the Republic of Congo that is worth knowing. The weather in the country is typically warm and humid throughout the year. This is ironic, considering Congo has a rainforest and a decent coastline.
Interesting Facts About River Congo
Deepest River In The World
River Congo is considered the deepest river in the world, with a depth of about 220 meters. In addition, it ranks as the second-largest river in the world by water discharge. It has a discharge rate of 41,000 cubic meters per second. It is one of the impressive facts about River Congo that many do not know.
The river flows between two countries, the Republic of Congo and the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo).
Named After A River
One of the fun facts about River Congo is how this natural feature has been named and involved in names historically. Although it is probably not surprising considering how prominent it is as a geographical landmark.
The Congo river makes up over 50% of the eastern border of the Republic of Congo, and the country was named after this river.
But where did the river get its name then?
The Bantu people named the river; they called it Kongo. Kongo was an ancient Bantu Kingdom that made the riverbank their dwelling. The people were known as Bakongo; in English, it means” hunters,” and their language was Kikongo. The River Congo was named after them.
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Other Interesting Facts About Congo
Big Country Small Population
Here is a republic of Congo fact that may seem surprising. The country’s population doesn’t reflect the size of the country.
The country’s population is relatively small compared to the total land area. About 5.54 million people are living within the boundaries of the Republic of Congo. Based on the population, it is the 36th most populated country in Africa.
Closest Capitals In The World
Did you know Congo-Brazzaville and Congo-Kinshasa share the record of having the closest capitals in the world?
The two capitals sit on opposite sides of the Congo River. The distance between the two cities is estimated to be around 1 km. Kinshasa sits on the southern bank, while Brazzaville sits on the northern bank.
First African AI Research Center
The first African AI (artificial intelligence) center was launched in Congo-Brazzaville in 2022. Another related and interesting fact about Congo, it was the first African country to launch the first African-designed smartphones. This country is on its toes keeping up with technological developments.
The Republic Of Congo Flag
The Flag of Congo is a tricolor flag with green, yellow, and red. The three colors are divided diagonally. Here is an interesting fact about the Congo flag, although it has three colors, at the time of design, only two colors were given symbolic value.
The green represents the large and diverse rainforest in the country. The yellow symbolizes the people of Congo and their warmth. However, the red color has no significant meaning.
The three colors, though, are symbols of the Pan-African movement, and with them, the country can show its solidarity and stand with other African countries.
Discovering More Fun Facts About Congo
Although this is not the most popular travel destination, there are many interesting facts about Congo that provides a glimpse of what this country has to offer. From the deepest river in the world to being one of the first African countries to launch its own AI research center – there’s always something new to learn about this great nation.
Whether it be learning about its people or culture, discovering new inventions created by Congolese innovators, or simply appreciating its natural beauty from afar, delving into all that makes up the Republic of Congo will surely give a deeper understanding of what life looks like beyond our own borders.
