Republic of the Congo

At a Glance

The Republic of the Congo is a Central African country of equatorial rainforest, the Congo River basin, and a coastal strip on the Atlantic, with a Congolese culture that shares deep musical and artistic traditions with its larger neighbour across the river. Brazzaville has a lively music scene and a distinctive Creole urban culture. It suits travellers with specific interests in the Congo Basin ecosystem or those making a wider journey through Central Africa.

• Brazzaville and Kinshasa are the world's only pair of capital cities separated by a river — visible from each other's banks.
• Smaller and less known than its neighbour DR Congo, despite having 'Congo' in its name first.