Geography
The Republic of the Congo is in Western Africa. It is bordered by Gabon, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, and the South Atlantic Ocean.

Brazzaville is the capital. Other cities are Pointe-Noire (the main port) and Dolisie.

The terrain consists of plains, plateau and valleys. The Congo is the principal river.

The climate of the Republic of the Congo is tropical.

Environment
Rainforest covers much of the Republic of Congo. Nouabale-Ndoki National Park encompasses an important area of forest. Other National Parks are Conkouati National Park and Odzala National Park.

The Lake Tele Community Reserve is named after a lake in the centre of swamp forest.

Animals in the Republic of Congo include chimpanzees, elephants and gorillas.

Architecture
The Republic of Congo is an urbanized country with much of the population concentrated in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, and Dolisie.

Many of the buildings in the capital were damaged during the 1997 civil war.

Examples of French Colonial architecture include St. Anne's Basilica in Brazzaville.

Population
The population of the Republic of the Congo was estimated at 3,903,320 in 2008.

Languages
French is the official language. Lingala and Munukutuba are national languages. Kikongo is one of many local languages and dialects.

Religion
Around half of the people are Christians, almost half have animist beliefs and two percent are Muslims.

Food
Cassava is a staple food in the Republic of the Congo. Rice is also eaten.

Palm oil and peanuts are used in recipes. A favourite dish is peanut paste cooked with ground cassava leaves.

Vegetables available include carrots, cabbage, green beans, onions, spinach, squash, potatoes, and tomatoes.

Local fruits are bananas, citrus fruits, guavas, mangoes, papayas and pineapples.

Coffee is grown. Palm wine is produced locally.

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