Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)

Overview of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)

What distinguishes Congo-Brazzaville from Congo-Kinshasa?

Although Congo-Brazzaville and Congo-Kinshasa may share near-identical names and quite similar cultures, both countries can be distinguished by a variety of factors.The name ‘Congo’ stems from the Bakongo, a Bantu tribe that populates both countries.Congo-Kinshasa is the third-biggest country in Africa.By contrast Congo-Brazzaville is very small both geographically speaking and with a population of only five million people.Congo-Kinshasa exceeds with a population of more than 10 million habitants.

Why go?

Despite some of the political and social problems, Congo (both countries) still holds a powerful allure for travellers to Africa searching for something a little different, on the road less travelled.Whether you venture into the Republic of Congo, with its unique parks and lowland gorillas, or delve into the DRC in search of mountain gorillas in Virunga, visiting these forests is a life-changing experience, and a true voyage into the heart of untouched Africa.

What do locals call their country?

It may be the case that each country is referred to in a multitude of ways, but at the end of the day the most important name is the one given by locals.In the Republic of Congo, locals refer to their country as Congo-Brazzaville and, likewise, in the D.R.C.locals call their home Congo-Kinshasa.Don’t worry though, people will always know which country you’re talking about regardless of the name you use, even if said in broken French.Just make sure that you do too.

Can Africa salvage its digital sovereignty?

By opening up the telecommunications and internet sectors to private investors, African governments have given them the upper hand in the lucrative …data market.If the continent is to regain control of its digital economy, countries need to rethink tax and regulatory policies, analysts argue.

South Africa: Container shortages and congestion spook citrus industry as season nears?

South Africa’s citrus industry is preparing for another bumper export season in 2021, but the threat of Asian citrus greening disease looms …large locally and for the rest of the continent.Added to this are a potential shortage of reefer – refrigerated –containers and the likelihood of congestion at key ports.

Who is the incumbent president?

Sassou Nguesso, a former paratrooper, first rose to power in the Republic of Congo in 1979.

IS THE CONGO SAFE?

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In a word, yes.– The Congo’s capitals, tourist sites, and accessible regions are actually safer than the most popular African destinations.Brazzaville and Kinshasa are safer than Johanessburg and Nairobi, where the crime rates and murder and rape rates are astronomically higher.Travel in the Congo for all places tourists are concerned is safer than travel in South Africa or Kenya, despite the heavy reliance of those 2 nations on tourism.Popular vigilance is required, however the bad reputation of the Congo has not kept up with the times and today it is a very rewarding destination for tourism.The national parks accessible from Brazzaville or Pointe Noire are some of the best and most untouched and rich with wildlife in Africa.Although there are nuisances with police bribery and corruption, Brazzaville is one of the more tame, friendly, and relaxed of all the African capitals, and Kinshasa has plenty of 5 star hotels and recreation opportunities.Like Lagos, Johannesburg, even Cape Town, there are some parts you should not walk at night.In Brazzaville it is generally OK to be out at night, but you should never walk out in the night alone in Kinshasa aside from a few areas (where you’ll most likely be, so don’t be afraid to go out, however always in a taxi and never alone.) None of this should not dissuade you from going, however, the Congo is in somewhat of a renaissance with a bonanza of construction and investment going on, and this is one of the most culturally rich, raw, and real parts of Africa.Statistically and practically, the Congo (excluding of course the ferocious border with Rwanda) is safer and easier and cheaper than many of the most visited places in Africa.

Why register for an account?

Oil contributed to civil war in the Republic of Congo, but this conflict would never have arisen in the first place had democratization not generated substantial political instability.Once the fighting began, moreover, petroleum’s overall effect was ambiguous.Oil tempted elites to fight, but the oil fields’ remote location also limited most combat to the capital city.Later, oil money helped underwrite a 1999 peace settlement.Despite polarization among Congo’s three main ethnoregional groups, the country did not fracture into ethnic, secessionist, or warlord zones.Thus, Congo qualifies prevailing theories linking natural primary commodities and civil war.

History of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)