Country Profile: Congo, Republic of the

The Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, is a Central African nation bordered by the South Atlantic Ocean, Angola, and Gabon. With a population of approximately 6.1 million, the country has a diverse ethnic makeup and a predominantly urban population centered around the capital, Brazzaville. The economy is heavily reliant on oil and natural resources, but it faces challenges such as increasing poverty and a high unemployment rate. Governed as a presidential republic, the current president, Denis Sassou-Nguesso, has been in power since 1997, following a series of elections since the end of a civil war in 1999.

Geography

The Republic of the Congo covers an area of 342,000 sq km, featuring a tropical climate with a rainy season from March to June and a dry season from June to October. The terrain includes a coastal plain, central plateau, and various basins, with about 70% of the population residing in urban zones such as Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. The country is rich in natural resources including petroleum, timber, and various minerals.

• 5,554 km - total land boundaries with Angola, Cameroon, CAR, DRC, and Gabon
• 169 km - coastline along the South Atlantic Ocean
• 430 m - mean elevation above sea level
• 79.4% of total installed electricity generation capacity from fossil fuels
• 63.9% of land covered by forests (2023)

People and Society

The population is estimated at 6,097,665 in 2024, with a youthful median age of 20.9 years. The country has a diverse ethnic composition, with the Kongo forming the largest group. French is the official language, supplemented by various local dialects. Roman Catholicism is the most widely practiced religion, followed by various Protestant denominations.

• 37.8% - population aged 0-14 years
• 69.2% - urban population as of 2023
• 72.9 - total dependency ratio (2024 est.)
• 2.36% - projected population growth rate (2025 est.)
• 28.34 - birth rate per 1,000 people (2025 est.)
• 72.9 years - life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)

Economy

The economy of the Republic of the Congo is primarily driven by oil production, accounting for a significant portion of GDP. The country has been recovering from economic downturns linked to fluctuating oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges include food insecurity and rising debts.

• $39.147 billion - projected real GDP (PPP) for 2024
• 40.1% - industrial sector contribution to GDP (2024)
• 19.7% - unemployment rate (2024 est.)
• $6,200 - GDP per capita (PPP) (2024 est.)
• 47.4% - household consumption's share of GDP (2024)
• 9.4% - agriculture's contribution to GDP (2024)

Government

The Republic of the Congo operates as a presidential republic, with a bicameral legislature. Denis Sassou-Nguesso has served as President since 1997, and elections are held every five years. The legal framework combines civil and customary law.

• 15 August 1960 - independence from France
• 151 - members in the National Assembly
• 72 - seats in the Senate
• 18 years - minimum voting age
• 3.5% - health expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2021)

Military and Security

The Congolese Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and are tasked primarily with internal security. Military expenditure is subject to fluctuations based on economic conditions.

• 1.2% - military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024)
• 12-14,000 - active military personnel (2025)
• 175 - personnel deployed to international missions (2025)
• 18-25 years - age range for voluntary military service

Energy

Energy generation in the Republic of the Congo relies largely on fossil fuels, with hydropower also contributing significantly. Access to electricity remains limited, particularly in rural areas.

• 50.6% - electrification rate of the total population (2022)
• 267,000 bbl/day - total petroleum production (2023)
• 425 million cubic meters - natural gas production (2023)
• 842,000 kW - installed electricity generating capacity (2023)

Environment

Environmental issues in the Republic of the Congo include deforestation, water pollution, and challenges related to waste management. The government is a party to various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.

• 832 billion cubic meters - total renewable water resources (2022)
• 2.66 million metric tonnes - total CO2 emissions (2023)
• 451,200 tons - municipal solid waste generated annually (2024)

Transportation

The Republic of the Congo has a modest transportation infrastructure, including several airports, railways, and a merchant marine fleet.

• 56 - total airports (2025)
• 5 - total ports (2024)
• 510 km - total railway length (2014)

Communications

Telecommunication services show growth, with a significant increase in mobile subscriptions. Internet usage, however, remains relatively low.

• 5,875,800 - mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
• 38% - internet user penetration (2023)
• 17,000 - fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2020)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	6,097,665 (2024 est.)
Area	342,000 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$39.147 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	19.7% (2024 est.)
Birth rate	28.34 per 1,000 (2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth	72.9 years (2024 est.)
Electricity access	50.6% (2022 est.)
Total energy consumption per capita	7.351 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Military expenditure	1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Urban population	69.2% (2023)