Republic of the Congo: flag, capital, currency and history

Republic of the Congo is a country in Middle Africa, Africa. Its capital is Brazzaville. The currency is the Central African CFA franc. Languages spoken include French, Kikongo and Lingala.

Quick facts about Republic of the Congo

Official name: Republic of the Congo
Capital: Brazzaville
Region: Africa, Middle Africa
Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF, Fr)
Languages: French, Kikongo, Lingala
Calling code: +242
Internet domain: .cg
Area: 342,000 km² (132,047 sq mi)
Land borders: Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Gabon
Demonym: Congolese
National day: Independence Day, August 15

Flag of Republic of the Congo

Download the flag of Republic of the Congo as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇨🇬.

SVG (vector)

History of Republic of the Congo

The region north of the Congo River was home to Bantu-speaking peoples and was linked to kingdoms such as Kongo, Loango and the Tio. French interest grew after Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza signed a treaty with the Tio ruler in 1880. The territory became part of French Equatorial Africa and gained independence on 15 August 1960. A Marxist-Leninist one-party state was declared in 1969. A national conference in 1991 opened the way to multiparty politics, and the country suffered civil conflict in the 1990s. Brazzaville is the capital.

Key dates

1880Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza signs a treaty with the Tio ruler, opening French claims.
1910The territory becomes part of French Equatorial Africa.
1960The country gains independence from France on 15 August.
1969A Marxist-Leninist state, the People's Republic of the Congo, is proclaimed.
1991A national conference ends one-party rule and restores the name Republic of the Congo.
1990sCivil conflict breaks out after the introduction of multiparty politics.

A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.