As a country located in Africa according to usprivateschoolsfinder, Congo borders in the north on Cameroon and the Central African Republic, in the east on the Dem. Rep. Congo, in the southwest on the Atlantic Ocean and the Angolan enclave Cabinda and in the west on Gabon. Large areas of the country consist of swamps, savannahs and dense forests. The rivers are the only connections inland. The huge Congo River and its tributaries form most of the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and at the same time drain the swamps in the northern part of the country. The narrow, sandy coastal plain is loosened up by lagoons, behind which the Mayombe Mountains rise. The majority of the population lives in the south of the country.
Government
Republic since 1992. Constitution of 2002. Transitional parliament with 75 appointed members. Independent since 1960 (former French colony). Due to the political reorientation from military rule to a democratic multi-party system, there are repeated unrest.
Head of state
Denis Sassou-Nguesso, since 1997.
Head of government
Clément Mouamba, since April 2016.
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz; Adapter recommended.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into the Republic of the Congo duty-free (people over 18 years):
200 cigarettes or a box of cigars or a box of tobacco;
1 bottle of alcoholic beverages;
Perfume for personal use (opened bottle).
When importing expensive items (cameras, watches), it is advisable to carry the invoice with you and fill out a customs declaration. A laptop should be declared as a necessary tool for work.
Prohibited imports
Arms are not allowed to be imported.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is French. Lingala and Monokutuba are business languages. Many regional dialects such as Sanga, Téké, Ubangi and Kikongo are also in use.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
A suit and tie or costume is usually only used in negotiations with government officials, but not in business meetings. Knowledge of French is required as translation and interpreting services are not available. Business trips are best placed in the months of January to March and June to September. Business hours: Mo-Fr 07.00-14.00, Sa 07.00-12.00.
COMMUNICATION
Phone
Dial-up remote service.
Cellphone
GSM 900. The network operator is CelTel Congo SA (Internet: www.cg.celtel.com/fr/index.html or www.msi-cellular.com) and Libertis Telecom. Cell phones can be rented. Network coverage is limited to Brazzaville, Point Noire and the larger cities in the south and in the center of the country. Roaming contracts exist with Germany, Austria and Switzerland, among others.
Internet
The main providers are CelTel Congo SA. Internet access is possible in larger hotels.
Post Office
The post is rather unreliable. Post office opening hours: Mon-Fri 7.30am / 8.00am-12.00pm and 2.30pm-5.30pm; for selling stamps and sending telegrams Mon-Sat 8 am-8pm; Sundays and public holidays 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
The two largest markets are in Moungali and Ouendze. The open-air markets in the villages of Makana and M’Pila (3 km from Brazzaville) sell pottery and basketry. Shop opening times: i. A. Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Some shops close on Monday afternoons and some are open on Sunday mornings.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Local music bands perform in the larger cities. There are night clubs in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.
CULTURE
Religion
50% followers of natural religions, 40% Catholics, 10% Protestant and Islamic minorities.
Social rules of conduct
The usual forms of courtesy should be observed with invitations, small gifts are welcome. Casual wear is widely accepted, but mini-skirts and shorts should not be worn in all public places. Taking pictures: It is forbidden to take pictures of public buildings and facilities. Tip: 10% in hotels and restaurants. Porters do not expect tips.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Tropical climate with short rainy seasons between October and December and long rainy seasons from mid-January to mid-May. Main dry season between June and October.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +242 Area (sqkm) 342,000 Population 4,755,097 Population density (per sqkm) 14 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No major emergency number 112 area code +242 Area (square kilometers) 342,000 Population 4,662,446 Population density (per sq km) 14 Population in 2014 Member of the EU No Main emergency number 112
