Republic of the Congo Brazzaville (Congolese Republic)
Capital city: Brazzaville, largest city main river port and international airport.
Area: 342000 square km
National day: 15th August.
Independence: 15th August 1960. Former French colony.
Population: 3 million as of 2000
Leader: Gen Denis Sassou-Nguesso, born 1943, military head of state as at October 1997.
Language: French (official), Lingala, Kituba.
Currency: CFA francs.