Republic of the Congo: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Republic of the Congo

The Republic of the Congo is in Central Africa, with a short Atlantic coast between Gabon and Angola's Cabinda province. Much of it is covered by thick rainforest, and the Congo and Ubangi rivers form much of its eastern border. It is known for gorillas, rainforest parks and lively music.

About Brazzaville

Brazzaville lies on the north bank of the Congo River, directly across from Kinshasa. It was founded in 1880 and named after the explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza.

Fun facts about Republic of the Congo

1. Brazzaville and Kinshasa face each other across the Congo River, among the closest pairs of capital cities.
2. Odzala-Kokoua National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to western lowland gorillas.
3. The Sangha Trinational Forest, shared with Cameroon and the Central African Republic, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. The country's flag is split diagonally into green and red by a wide yellow band.
5. Pointe-Noire, on the Atlantic coast, is the country's main seaport.
6. Lingala and Monokutuba are widely used trade languages alongside French, the official language.