Congo, Republic of the

Overview

The country is much safer than its neighbour with a similar name. the capital Brazzaville has exciting markets and can be used as a base for the Malebo Pool, the Basilique Sante Anne, the Temple Mosque, Municipal Gardens, the Congo Rapids and the Loufoulakari falls.

If the visitor wants clean beaches and warm waters to swim in then the best base is probably Pointe Noire.

History

Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. A quarter century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990 and a democratically elected government installed in 1992. A brief civil war in 1997 restored former Marxist President SASSOU-NGUESSO, but ushered in a period of ethnic unrest. Southern-based rebel groups agreed to a final peace accord in March 2003, but the calm is tenuous and refugees continue to present a humanitarian crisis. The Republic of Congo is one of Africa's largest petroleum producers with significant potential for offshore development.