Welcome to Republic of the Congo 😊
The Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, is a country located in Central Africa. It is bordered by the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the south and east, Gabon to the west, Cameroon and the Central African Republic to the north and Angola to the southwest. With a population of over 5 million people, the country covers an area of 342,000 square kilometers. The capital city is Brazzaville, located on the Congo River.
Quick Facts About Republic of the Congo
- Currency: Central African CFA franc
- Population: 5,244,400
- Languages: French,Lingala,Kikongo,Swahili
Money and Finances
The official currency of the Republic of the Congo is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). Coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500 francs, while banknotes come in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 francs.
ATM Network
ATMs are available in major cities such as Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, but they may be limited in rural areas. It is advisable to carry cash when traveling outside of major cities.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are not widely accepted in the Republic of the Congo. Visa and Mastercard may be accepted at some upscale hotels and restaurants in major cities, but it is best to carry cash when traveling in this country.
Internet and Phones
The average internet speed in the Republic of the Congo is 1.31 Mbps for downloads and 0.53 Mbps for uploads. There is no government interference in internet use.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
The main telco companies in the Republic of the Congo are Airtel, MTN, and Congo Telecom. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is about 50,000 XAF (90 USD) per month. Sim cards are widely available, but compatibility issues may arise between older phones and newer sim cards.
Dialling to Republic of the Congo
To call the Republic of the Congo from another country, dial +242 followed by the phone number. Within the country, the area codes used are 05 for Brazzaville, 04 for Pointe-Noire, and 06 for other regions.
Transport Around Republic of the Congo
Air Travel
The major airports in the Republic of the Congo are Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire Airport in Pointe Noire.
Train Travel
There is no inter-city train network in the Republic of the Congo.
Metro / Local Trains
There are no local trains within the major cities in the Republic of the Congo.
Buses
There are some local bus networks in the Republic of the Congo, but they are not extensive. Example ticket prices range from 500 to 1500 FCFA (0.90 to 2.70 USD) depending on the distance traveled, and journey times vary.
Rideshare
There are some rideshare companies operating in the Republic of the Congo, such as Uber and Bolt. Average travel prices vary depending on the distance traveled and demand.
Driving by Car
Driving in the Republic of the Congo can be challenging due to poor road conditions and lack of traffic enforcement. The speed limit is 60 km/h (37 mph) in urban areas and 90 km/h (56 mph) on highways. The Republic of the Congo uses right-hand drive.
Local Customs
In Republic of the Congo, tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated for exceptional service. Locals greet each other with a handshake, and it is considered polite to ask about the family or health of the other person. When speaking with strangers, it is important to maintain a respectful tone and avoid discussing sensitive topics. Men and women generally address each other using formal titles, such as Monsieur or Madame, unless they are close friends or family.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
The health system in the Republic of the Congo is underfunded and lacks adequate resources. Medical facilities are limited, especially outside of major cities, and emergency medical services are not widely available. Travelers are advised to have comprehensive medical insurance and medical evacuation coverage. A visit to a doctor can cost around $50-$80.
COVID Situation
The Republic of Congo has reported a moderate number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. The government has implemented various measures to control the spread of the virus, including mandatory wearing of masks and restrictions on large gatherings. Travelers should follow local guidelines and take appropriate precautions.
Common Health Risks
Malaria is endemic in the Republic of Congo and travelers are advised to take preventive measures such as taking anti-malarial medication and using insect repellent. Other common health risks include food poisoning, waterborne diseases, and mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and Zika virus.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption is legal in the Republic of the Congo for adults over the age of 18. However, it is prohibited in some areas, such as schools, public places, and places of worship.
Recreational Drugs
Recreational drug use is illegal in the Republic of the Congo. The possession, use, and sale of all forms of drugs, including cannabis and other party drugs, are strictly prohibited and can result in severe legal consequences.
Pre-Marital Relationships
There are no laws prohibiting pre-marital relationships in the Republic of the Congo. However, the legal age for marriage is 18 years old.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in the Republic of the Congo and can result in imprisonment. LGBTQ individuals also face societal discrimination and harassment.
Firearms / Guns
The Republic of the Congo has strict laws on the use of firearms. Ownership of firearms is heavily regulated and requires a license, and the use of firearms in public places is illegal.