Country exposure · CG
Congo, Republic of the Congo
Africa · Brazzaville · presidential republic
What Congo, Republic of the Congo means for your money — the prices you pay, the tariffs in motion, and where U.S. policy could change both.
$104M
U.S. imports, 2025
+159.4%
change in one year
$170M
U.S. exports, 2025
6M
Population
$15.7B
GDP
In your house
What you buy that Congo, Republic of the Congo makes
America bought $104M in goods from Congo, Republic of the Congo in 2025 — up 159.4% in a single year. Of every $100 of it, here's where the money went.
Fuel oil
fuel oil
$41M39.7%
Copper
copper for wiring
$37M35%
Lumber
lumber for homebuilding
$20M18.8%
Tin
$3M2.9%
U.s. goods returned, and reimports
$2M2%
Tobacco, waxes, etc.
$393K0.4%
Cell phones and other household goods, n.e.c.
cell phones and home electronics
$345K0.3%
Green coffee
green coffee for roasters
$187K0.2%
Minimum value shipments
$91K0.1%
Telecommunications equipment
phones, routers, networking gear
$65K0.1%
2026 so far (through April): $15M in imports. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, International Trade in Goods (customs basis).
The other direction
What America sells to Congo, Republic of the Congo
$170M in 2025 — a trade rupture cuts both ways, for American producers as well as American prices.
Meat, poultry, etc.
$48MLaboratory testing instruments
$10MDrilling & oilfield equipment
$9MIndustrial machines, other
$9MMeasuring, testing, control instruments
$9MIndustrial engines
$8MChemicals-other
$8MPlastic materials
$7Mplastics for packaging and goods
Electric apparatus
$6MWhere you stand
U.S. tariff posture toward Congo, Republic of the Congo
No U.S. tariff action singles this country out. Its goods face the universal 10% temporary import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act (which replaced the IEEPA reciprocal baseline in February 2026) plus the sectoral Section 232 duties — steel and aluminum at 50% — that apply to all countries. The Section 122 surcharge is statutorily temporary — scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 (a 150-day cap) unless extended or replaced.
Reciprocal tariff (universal baseline)
10%
The universal 10% floor — a Section 122 import surcharge since February 2026, previously the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — applies to nearly all U.S. imports. This country has no higher assigned rate of its own.
Policy in motion
Tariff status: a moving target
No U.S. tariff action names Congo, Republic of the Congo. These are the universal measures — applied to every country without a country-specific arrangement — that set its treatment.
2026-04-06
Section 232 metals coverage expanded
In effectThe April 2026 proclamation strengthening Section 232 actions on aluminum, steel, and copper expanded derivative-product coverage for all countries, keeping the general metals rate at 50%.
91 FR 18201 →2026-02-24
IEEPA reciprocal tariffs terminated — replaced by 10% Section 122 surcharge
In effectExecutive Order 14389 (Ending Certain Tariff Actions) terminated the IEEPA tariff duties — including the EO 14257 reciprocal baseline — effective February 24, 2026. A flat 10% Section 122 temporary import surcharge (Proclamation 11012 of February 20, 2026) replaced them, leaving the universal rate unchanged at 10% on a different statutory basis. Section 122 caps such surcharges at 150 days, so this 10% surcharge is scheduled to lapse on or about July 23, 2026 absent further action (the administration has signaled it could raise the rate toward the 15% statutory maximum).
91 FR 9437 →2025-11-13
Agricultural products exempted from reciprocal tariffs
In effectExecutive Order 14360 of November 14, 2025 removed reciprocal duties from certain agricultural products listed in its annexes (coffee, cocoa, bananas, and other goods the U.S. does not produce in sufficient quantity), retroactive to November 13, 2025 — for all countries subject to the reciprocal tariff.
90 FR 54091 →2025-06-04
Section 232 steel and aluminum duties doubled to 50%
In effectThe June 3, 2025 proclamation raised Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum articles and derivatives from 25% to 50% for all countries, effective June 4, 2025.
90 FR 24199 →2025-04-05
Universal 10% reciprocal baseline takes effect
In effectExecutive Order 14257 (signed April 2, 2025) imposed a 10% ad valorem reciprocal duty on imports from all trading partners, effective April 5, 2025. Countries without a higher Annex I rate remain at this baseline.
Federal Register · 2025-06063 →2025-03-12
Section 232 steel and aluminum duties set at 25% for all countries
In effectProclamations of February 10, 2025 terminated all country exemptions and quota arrangements and applied 25% Section 232 duties to steel and aluminum imports from every country, effective March 12, 2025.
90 FR 9817 →
Made for America
What Congo, Republic of the Congo makes for America
Congo, Republic of the Congo is a direct U.S. source of 2 essential goods Americans rely on — the items themselves, shipped finished off the line.
Reference
The country itself
Africa · Geography, people, economy, and government — public-domain data from the CIA World Factbook.
Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. From 1968 to 1992, the country was named the People’s Republic of the Congo. A quarter-century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990, and a democratically elected government took office in 1992, at which time the country reverted to "the Republic of the Congo" name. A two-year civil war that ended in 1999 restored to power former President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso, who had ruled from 1979 to 1992. A new constitution adopted three years later provided for a multi-party system and a seven-year presidential term, and the next elections retained SASSOU-Nguesso. After a year of renewed fighting, SASSOU-Nguesso and southern-based rebel groups agreed to a final peace accord in 2003. SASSOU-Nguesso was reelected in 2009 and, after passing a constitutional referendum allowing him to run for additional terms, was reelected again in 2016 and 2021. The Republic of the Congo is one of Africa's largest petroleum producers.
Geography
- Location
- Central Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon
- Area
- 342,000 sq km
- Climate
- tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator
- Terrain
- coastal plain, southern basin, central plateau, northern basin
- Natural resources
- petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, gold, magnesium, natural gas, hydropower
- Coastline
- 169 km
- Natural hazards
- seasonal flooding
People & society
- Population
- 6,097,665 (2024 est.)
- Nationality
- Congolese (singular and plural)
- Ethnic groups
- Kongo (Bakongo) 40.5%, Teke 16.9%, Mbochi 13.1%, foreigner 8.2%, Sangha 5.6%, Mbere/Mbeti/Kele 4.4%, Punu 4.3%, Pygmy 1.6%, Oubanguiens 1.6%, Duma 1.5%, Makaa 1.3%, other and unspecified 1% (2014-15 est.)
- Languages
- French (official), French Lingala and Monokutuba (trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread)
- Religions
- Roman Catholic 33.1%, Awakening Churches/Christian Revival 22.3%, Protestant 19.9%, Salutiste 2.2%, Muslim 1.6%, Kimbanguist 1.5%, other 8.1%, none 11.3% (2007 est.)
- Median age
- 20.9 years (2025 est.)
- Life expectancy at birth
- 72.9 years (2024 est.)
Economy
- Economic overview
- primarily an oil- and natural resources-based economy; recovery from mid-2010s oil devaluation has been slow and curtailed by COVID-19; extreme poverty increasing, particularly in southern rural regions; attempting to implement recommended CEMAC reforms; increasing likelihood of debt default
- Industries
- petroleum extraction, cement, lumber, brewing, sugar, palm oil, soap, flour, cigarettes
- Agricultural products
- cassava, sugarcane, oil palm fruit, bananas, plantains, root vegetables, game meat, vegetables, mangoes/guavas, fruits (2023)
- Exports - partners
- China 46%, UAE 23%, India 6%, Saudi Arabia 5%, Portugal 3% (2023)
- Imports - partners
- China 24%, Angola 20%, Gabon 9%, France 6%, UAE 5% (2023)
Government
- Government type
- presidential republic
- Capital
- Brazzaville
- Independence
- 15 August 1960 (from France)
- Constitution
- several previous; latest approved by referendum 25 October 2015
- Executive branch
- President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso (since 1997)
- Legislative branch
- Parliament (Parlement)
Full reference data
Every field, by section — CIA World Factbook. Open a topic to expand it.
Introduction
Background
Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. From 1968 to 1992, the country was named the People’s Republic of the Congo. A quarter-century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990, and a democratically elected government took office in 1992, at which time the country reverted to "the Republic of the Congo" name. A two-year civil war that ended in 1999 restored to power former President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso, who had ruled from 1979 to 1992. A new constitution adopted three years later provided for a multi-party system and a seven-year presidential term, and the next elections retained SASSOU-Nguesso. After a year of renewed fighting, SASSOU-Nguesso and southern-based rebel groups agreed to a final peace accord in 2003. SASSOU-Nguesso was reelected in 2009 and, after passing a constitutional referendum allowing him to run for additional terms, was reelected again in 2016 and 2021. The Republic of the Congo is one of Africa's largest petroleum producers.
Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in the Republic of the Congo due to crime. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
[242] 06 612-2000 (dial ”0? to reach the switchboard operator); US Embassy in Brazzaville, 70-83 Section D, MAYA-MAYA Boulevard, Brazzaville, Congo; BrazzavilleACS@state.gov; https://cg.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code
242
Local Emergency Phone
Local numbers only
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for all travelers. See WHO recommendations. On 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; the Republic of the Congo is currently considered a high risk to travelers for polio; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine. http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator
Currency (Code)
Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Central francs (Central African CFA franc, XAF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E
Major Languages
French, French Lingala, Monokutuba, many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread)
Major Religions
Roman Catholic 33.1%, Awakening Churches/Christian Revival 22.3%, Protestant 19.9%, Salutiste 2.2%, Muslim 1.6%, Kimbanguist 1.5%
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Brazzaville (includes St. Anne Basilica, National Museum of Congo); Lesio-Louna-Lefini Gorilla Reserve; Gorges of Diosso
Major Sports
Soccer, rugby, basketball
Cultural Practices
Beginning conversations by inquiring about health and family indicates respect, and precedes many conversations.
Tipping Guidelines
Tip 10% in restaurants. Guides and resort staff usually expect tips, but taxi drivers do not need to be tipped.
Souvenirs
Handmade beaded bracelets and precious metal jewelry, handwoven cloth, ebony tribal wood carvings, pottery and ceramic sculptures, woven baskets
Traditional Cuisine
Poulet à la moambe — a savory chicken dish made by combining chicken, spices, and palm butter to create a stew-like consistency
CIA source last updated
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Travel resources
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs: American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency? Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers: from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Geography
Location
Central Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon
Geographic coordinates
1 00 S, 15 00 E
Map references
Africa
Area - total
342,000 sq km
Area - land
341,500 sq km
Area - water
500 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Montana; about twice the size of Florida
Land boundaries - total
5,554 km
Land boundaries - border countries
Angola 231 km; Cameroon 494 km; Central African Republic 487 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,775 km; Gabon 2,567 km
Coastline
169 km
Maritime claims - territorial sea
12 nm
Maritime claims - contiguous zone
24 nm
Maritime claims - exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Climate
tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator
Terrain
coastal plain, southern basin, central plateau, northern basin
Elevation - highest point
Mont Nabeba 1,020 m
Elevation - lowest point
Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Elevation - mean elevation
430 m
Natural resources
petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, gold, magnesium, natural gas, hydropower
Land use - agricultural land
31.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 1.6% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 29.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
63.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
4.9% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
20 sq km (2012)
Major rivers (by length in km)
Oubangui (Ubangi) (shared with Central African Republic [s] and Democratic Republic of Congo [m]) - 2,270 km note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km) - Atlantic Ocean drainage
Congo (3,730,881 sq km)
Major aquifers
Congo Basin
Population distribution
the population is primarily located in the south, in and around the capital of Brazzaville, as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards
seasonal flooding
Geography - note
about 70% of the population lives in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or along the railroad between them
People and Society
Population - total
6,097,665 (2024 est.)
Population - male
3,045,973
Population - female
3,051,692
Nationality - noun
Congolese (singular and plural)
Nationality - adjective
Congolese or Congo
Ethnic groups
Kongo (Bakongo) 40.5%, Teke 16.9%, Mbochi 13.1%, foreigner 8.2%, Sangha 5.6%, Mbere/Mbeti/Kele 4.4%, Punu 4.3%, Pygmy 1.6%, Oubanguiens 1.6%, Duma 1.5%, Makaa 1.3%, other and unspecified 1% (2014-15 est.)
Languages - Languages
French (official), French Lingala and Monokutuba (trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread)
Languages - major-language sample(s)
Buku oyo ya bosembo ya Mokili Mobimba Ezali na Makanisi ya Liboso Mpenza. (Lingala) The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Roman Catholic 33.1%, Awakening Churches/Christian Revival 22.3%, Protestant 19.9%, Salutiste 2.2%, Muslim 1.6%, Kimbanguist 1.5%, other 8.1%, none 11.3% (2007 est.)
Age structure - 0-14 years
37.8% (male 1,162,298/female 1,143,668)
Age structure - 15-64 years
57.8% (male 1,770,337/female 1,756,925)
Age structure - 65 years and over
4.3% (2024 est.) (male 113,338/female 151,099)
Dependency ratios - total dependency ratio
72.9 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - youth dependency ratio
65.4 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - elderly dependency ratio
7.5 (2024 est.)
Dependency ratios - potential support ratio
13.3 (2024 est.)
Median age - total
20.9 years (2025 est.)
Median age - male
20.5 years
Median age - female
20.9 years
Population growth rate
2.36% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
28.34 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
4.64 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-0.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
the population is primarily located in the south, in and around the capital of Brazzaville, as shown in this population distribution map
Urbanization - urban population
69.2% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
3.19% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
2.638 million BRAZZAVILLE (capital), 1.336 million Pointe-Noire (2023)
Sex ratio - at birth
1.03 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 0-14 years
1.02 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 15-64 years
1.01 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - 65 years and over
0.75 male(s)/female
Sex ratio - total population
1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
19.6 years (2011/12 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth - note
note: data represents median age at first birth among women 20-49
Maternal mortality ratio
241 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate - total
29.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate - male
33.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Infant mortality rate - female
27.7 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth - total population
72.9 years (2024 est.)
Life expectancy at birth - male
71.5 years
Life expectancy at birth - female
74.3 years
Total fertility rate
3.72 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.83 (2025 est.)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
3.9% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure - Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
3.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.17 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
9.6% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita - total
5.74 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - beer
5.11 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - wine
0.1 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - spirits
0.52 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita - other alcohols
0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use - total
15.8% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - male
30% (2025 est.)
Tobacco use - female
1.7% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
51.8% (2023 est.)
Child marriage - women married by age 15
6.9% (2015)
Child marriage - women married by age 18
27.3% (2015)
Child marriage - men married by age 18
5.6% (2018 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% GDP)
3.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure - Education expenditure (% national budget)
14.7% national budget (2023 est.)
Government
Country name - conventional long form
Republic of the Congo
Country name - conventional short form
Congo (Brazzaville)
Country name - local long form
République du Congo
Country name - local short form
Congo
Country name - former
French Congo, Middle Congo, People's Republic of the Congo, Congo/Brazzaville
Country name - etymology
named for the Congo River, which makes up much of the country's eastern border; the river name derives from Kongo, a Bantu kingdom in the area
Government type
presidential republic
Capital - name
Brazzaville
Capital - geographic coordinates
4 15 S, 15 17 E
Capital - time difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Capital - etymology
named after the Italian-born French explorer and humanitarian, Pierre Savorgnan de BRAZZA (1852-1905), who founded the town in 1883
Administrative divisions
15 departments; Bouenza, Brazzaville, Congo-Oubangui, Cuvette, Cuvette-Ouest, Djoue-Lefini, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Nkeni-Alima, Plateaux, Pointe-Noire, Pool, Sangha
Legal system
mixed system of French civil law and customary law
Constitution - history
several previous; latest approved by referendum 25 October 2015
Constitution - amendment process
proposed by the president of the republic or by Parliament; passage of presidential proposals requires Supreme Court review followed by approval in a referendum; such proposals may also be submitted directly to Parliament, in which case passage requires at least three-quarters majority vote of both houses in joint session; proposals by Parliament require three-fourths majority vote of both houses in joint session; constitutional articles including those affecting the country’s territory, republican form of government, and secularity of the state are not amendable
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship - citizenship by birth
no
Citizenship - citizenship by descent only
at least one parent must be a citizen of the Republic of the Congo
Citizenship - dual citizenship recognized
no
Citizenship - residency requirement for naturalization
10 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch - chief of state
President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso (since 1997)
Executive branch - head of government
Prime Minister Anatole Collinet MAKOSSO (since 12 May 2021)
Executive branch - cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the president
Executive branch - election/appointment process
president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a 5-year term (eligible for 2 additional terms)
Executive branch - most recent election date
21 March 2021
Executive branch - election results
2021: Denis SASSOU-Nguesso reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Denis SASSOU-Nguesso (PCT) 88.4%, Guy Price Parfait KOLELAS (MCDDI) 8.0%, other 3.6% 2016: Denis SASSOU-Nguesso reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Denis SASSOU-Nguesso (PCT) 60.4%, Guy Price Parfait KOLELAS (MCDDI) 15.1%, Jean-Marie MOKOKO (independent) 13.9%, Pascal Tsaty MABIALA (UPADS) 4.4%, other 6.2%
Executive branch - expected date of next election
21 March 2026
Legislative branch - legislature name
Parliament (Parlement)
Legislative branch - legislative structure
bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber - chamber name
National Assembly (Assemblée nationale)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - number of seats
151 (all directly elected)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - electoral system
plurality/majority
Legislative branch - lower chamber - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - lower chamber - term in office
5 years
Legislative branch - lower chamber - most recent election date
8/20/2023
Legislative branch - lower chamber - parties elected and seats per party
Congolese Workers Party (PCT) (112); Other (39)
Legislative branch - lower chamber - percentage of women in chamber
14.6%
Legislative branch - lower chamber - expected date of next election
July 2026
Legislative branch - upper chamber - chamber name
Senate (Sénat)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - number of seats
72 (all indirectly elected)
Legislative branch - upper chamber - scope of elections
full renewal
Legislative branch - upper chamber - term in office
6 years
Legislative branch - upper chamber - most recent election date
7/10/2022 to 7/31/2022
Legislative branch - upper chamber - percentage of women in chamber
31.9%
Legislative branch - upper chamber - expected date of next election
August 2029
Judicial branch - highest court(s)
Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (consists of NA judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 members)
Judicial branch - judge selection and term of office
Supreme Court judges elected by Parliament and serve until age 65; Constitutional Court members appointed by the president of the republic - 3 directly by the president and 6 nominated by Parliament; members appointed for renewable 9-year terms with one third of the membership renewed every 3 years
Judicial branch - subordinate courts
Court of Audit and Budgetary Discipline; courts of appeal; regional and district courts; employment tribunals; juvenile courts
Judicial branch - note
note: a High Court of Justice, outside the judicial authority, tries cases involving treason by the President of the Republic
Political parties
Alliance of the Presidential Majority or AMP Action Movement for Renewal or MAR Citizen's Rally or RC Congolese Labour Party or PCT Congolese Movement for Democracy and Integral Development or MCDDI Congo on the Move or LCEM Movement for Unity, Solidarity, and Work or MUST Pan-African Union for Social Development or UPADS Club 2002-Party for the Unity and the Republic or Club 2002 Patriotic Union for Democracy and Progress or UPDP Perspectives and Realities Club or CPR Rally for Democracy and Social Progress or RDPS Republican and Liberal Party or PRL Union of Democratic Forces or UDF Union for Democracy and Republic or UDR Union of Humanist Democrats or UDH-YUKI Union for the Republic or UR
Diplomatic representation in the US - chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Firmine BOUITY (since 6 September 2025)
Diplomatic representation in the US - chancery
1720 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
Diplomatic representation in the US - telephone
[1] (202) 726-5500
Diplomatic representation in the US - FAX
[1] (202) 726-1860
Diplomatic representation in the US - email address and website
Diplomatic representation from the US - chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Amanda S. JACOBSEN (since 18 July 2025)
Diplomatic representation from the US - embassy
70-83 Section D, Boulevard Denis Sassou N'Guesso, Brazzaville
Diplomatic representation from the US - mailing address
2090 Brazzaville Place, Washington DC 20521-2090
Diplomatic representation from the US - telephone
[242] 06 612-2000, [242] 05 387-9700
Diplomatic representation from the US - email address and website
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, EITI (compliant country), FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LCBC (observer), MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
15 August 1960 (from France)
National holiday
Independence Day, 15 August (1960)
Flag
description: divided diagonally from the lower-left side by a wide yellow band; the upper triangle (left side) is green, and the lower triangle is red meaning: green stands for agriculture and forests, and yellow for the people's friendship and nobility; the meaning of the red color is not noted but has been associated with the struggle for independence
Flag - note
history: uses the colors of the Pan-African movement
National symbol(s)
lion, elephant
National color(s)
green, yellow, red
National anthem(s) - title
"La Congolaise" (The Congolese)
National anthem(s) - lyrics/music
Jacques TONDRA and Georges KIBANGHI/Jean ROYER and Joseph SPADILIERE
National anthem(s) - history
originally adopted 1959, restored 1991
National heritage - total World Heritage Sites
2 (natural)
National heritage - selected World Heritage Site locales
Sangha Trinational Forest; Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua
Economy
Economic overview
primarily an oil- and natural resources-based economy; recovery from mid-2010s oil devaluation has been slow and curtailed by COVID-19; extreme poverty increasing, particularly in southern rural regions; attempting to implement recommended CEMAC reforms; increasing likelihood of debt default
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024
$39.147 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$38.163 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$37.448 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2024
2.6% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2023
1.9% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - Real GDP growth rate 2022
1.5% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate - note
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2024
$6,200 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2023
$6,200 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita - Real GDP per capita 2022
$6,200 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita - note
note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP (official exchange rate)
$15.72 billion (2024 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate) - note
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
3.1% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
4.3% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
3% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) - note
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - agriculture
9.4% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - industry
40.1% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - services
45% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use - household consumption
47.4% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - government consumption
13.4% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in fixed capital
26.5% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - investment in inventories
0.3% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - exports of goods and services
52.8% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - imports of goods and services
-40.4% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use - note
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
cassava, sugarcane, oil palm fruit, bananas, plantains, root vegetables, game meat, vegetables, mangoes/guavas, fruits (2023)
Agricultural products - note
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
petroleum extraction, cement, lumber, brewing, sugar, palm oil, soap, flour, cigarettes
Industrial production growth rate
0.3% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate - note
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
2.563 million (2024 est.)
Labor force - note
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2024
19.7% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2023
19.9% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate 2022
20.2% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate - note
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - total
40% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - male
41% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - female
39% (2024 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24) - note
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Remittances - Remittances 2023
0.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2022
0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances - Remittances 2021
0.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances - note
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget - revenues
$2.393 billion (2020 est.)
Budget - expenditures
$3.231 billion (2020 est.)
Budget - note
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt - Public debt 2016
128.7% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
6.5% (of GDP) (2021 est.)
Taxes and other revenues - note
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance - Current account balance 2021
$1.716 billion (2021 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2020
$1.441 billion (2020 est.)
Current account balance - Current account balance 2019
$1.632 billion (2019 est.)
Current account balance - note
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports - Exports 2021
$7.752 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - Exports 2020
$4.67 billion (2020 est.)
Exports - Exports 2019
$7.855 billion (2019 est.)
Exports - note
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
China 46%, UAE 23%, India 6%, Saudi Arabia 5%, Portugal 3% (2023)
Exports - partners - note
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined copper, gold, wood, refined petroleum (2023)
Exports - commodities - note
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports - Imports 2021
$4.487 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - Imports 2020
$3.279 billion (2020 est.)
Imports - Imports 2019
$4.945 billion (2019 est.)
Imports - note
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 24%, Angola 20%, Gabon 9%, France 6%, UAE 5% (2023)
Imports - partners - note
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
ships, poultry, garments, iron pipes, refined petroleum (2023)
Imports - commodities - note
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$715.391 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$835.649 million (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021
$828.56 million (2021 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold - note
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external - Debt - external 2023
$6.36 billion (2023 est.)
Debt - external - note
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates - Currency
Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs (XAF) per US dollar -
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2024
606.345 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2023
606.57 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2022
623.76 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2021
554.531 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates - Exchange rates 2020
575.586 (2020 est.)
Energy
Electricity access - electrification - total population
50.6% (2022 est.)
Electricity access - electrification - urban areas
67.5%
Electricity access - electrification - rural areas
12.4%
Electricity - installed generating capacity
842,000 kW (2023 est.)
Electricity - consumption
2.832 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - exports
31 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - imports
30.588 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity - transmission/distribution losses
2.335 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - fossil fuels
79.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - solar
0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - hydroelectricity
20.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources - biomass and waste
0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal - imports
65 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum - total petroleum production
267,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - refined petroleum consumption
13,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Petroleum - crude oil estimated reserves
2.882 billion barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas - production
425 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - consumption
425 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Natural gas - proven reserves
283.99 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita - Total energy consumption per capita 2023
7.351 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications
Telephones - fixed lines - total subscriptions
17,000 (2020 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
(2022 est.) less than 1
Telephones - mobile cellular - total subscriptions
5,875,800 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
96 (2024 est.)
Broadcast media
1 state-owned TV and 3 state-owned radio stations; several privately owned TV and radio stations; satellite TV service is available; rebroadcasts of several international broadcasters are available
Internet country code
.cg
Internet users - percent of population
38% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - total
78,000 (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions - subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
1 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
TN
Airports
56 (2025)
Railways - total
510 km (2014)
Railways - narrow gauge
510 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge
Merchant marine - total
11 (2023)
Merchant marine - by type
oil tanker 1, other 10
Ports - total ports
5 (2024)
Ports - large
0
Ports - medium
0
Ports - small
1
Ports - very small
4
Ports - ports with oil terminals
4
Ports - key ports
Djeno Terminal, Dussafu Terminal, N'kossa Terminal, Pointe Noire, Yombo Terminal
Military and Security
Military and security forces
Congolese Armed Forces (Forces Armees Congolaises, FAC): Army, Navy, Congolese Air Force, National Gendarmerie Ministry of Interior: National Police (2025)
Military and security forces - note
note: the National Gendarmerie (GN) is a paramilitary force with domestic law enforcement and security responsibilities; it is under the Ministry of Defense, but also reports to the Ministry of Interior; the GN nominally includes the Republican Guard (GR), which is responsible for presidential security and has a separate command structure
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2024
1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2023
2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2022
1.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2021
2.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military expenditures - Military Expenditures 2020
2.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 12-14,000 active FAC, including Gendarmerie (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the FAC has a mixed inventory of Chinese, French, Italian, Russian/Soviet, and South African armaments (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-25 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women (2025)
Military deployments
has about 175 mostly police personnel deployed to the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) (2025)
Military - note
the FAC's primary focuses are internal and maritime security; since its creation in 1961, the FAC has had a turbulent history; it has been sidelined by some national leaders in favor of personal militias, endured an internal rebellion (1996), and clashed with various rebel groups and political or ethnic militias (1993-1996, 2002-2005, 2017); during the 1997-1999 civil war, the military generally split along ethnic lines, with most northern officers supporting eventual winner SASSOU-Nguesso, and most southerners backing the rebels; others joined ethnic-based factions loyal to regional warlords; forces backing SASSOU-Nguesso were supported by Angolan troops and received some French assistance; the FAC also has undergone at least three reorganizations that included the incorporation of former rebel combatants and various ethnic and political militias; in recent years, France has provided some advice and training, and a military cooperation agreement was signed with Russia in 2019 (2025)
Transnational Issues
Refugees and internally displaced persons - refugees
69,766 (2024 est.)
Trafficking in persons - tier rating
Tier 2 Watch List — the Republic of the Congo does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, but the government has devoted sufficient resources to a written plan that, if implemented, would constitute significant efforts to meet the minimum standards; therefore, the Republic of the Congo was granted a waiver per the Trafficking Victims Protection Act from an otherwise required downgrade to Tier 3 and remained on Tier 2 Watch List for the third consecutive year; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/republic-of-the-congo/
Environment
Environmental issues
air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; tap water not potable; deforestation; wildlife protection
International environmental agreements - party to
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands
International environmental agreements - signed, but not ratified
none of the selected agreements
Climate
tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); persistent high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator
Land use - agricultural land
31.2% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 1.6% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 29.3% (2023 est.)
Land use - forest
63.9% (2023 est.)
Land use - other
4.9% (2023 est.)
Urbanization - urban population
69.2% of total population (2023)
Urbanization - rate of urbanization
3.19% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - total emissions
2.66 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from petroleum and other liquids
1.826 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions - from consumed natural gas
834,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
36.5 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Methane emissions - energy
308.8 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Methane emissions - agriculture
19.7 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - waste
25.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Methane emissions - other
11.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling - municipal solid waste generated annually
451,200 tons (2024 est.)
Waste and recycling - percent of municipal solid waste recycled
17.2% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - municipal
63.7 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - industrial
24 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal - agricultural
4 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
832 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)