Straddling the equator in west central Africa, Congo achieved independence from France in 1960, soon falling under a Marxist–Leninist form of government which discouraged much foreign investment. Multiparty democracy was achieved in 1991, but was soon overshadowed by years of feuding and violence.

Congo is one of the most tribally conscious countries in Africa. The main tensions are between the Bakongo, who live in the north, and the Mbochi, who are concentrated in the more prosperous south. Since the 1950s, women have achieved considerable freedom.

Strengths

Increase in importance of oil, now providing 95% of export revenues. Significant timber supplies. Skilled and well-trained workforce helps sustain substantial industrial base in the capital and Pointe-Noire.

Weaknesses

Massive debt burden. Top-heavy bureaucracy. Overdependence on oil. Political instability. Large refugee population.

Former Marxist dictator Sassou-Nguesso seized power in 1997 amid intense fighting which left thousands dead. Relative peace was secured in 1999. A new constitution giving greater power to the presidency was approved in 2002 and Sassou-Nguesso easily won election. Although fighting broke out again later that year, legislative elections were finally held, and won by Sassou-Nguesso's supporters.

Carefully balancing relations with France and the USA is a priority, since both seek to extend their stakes in the oil industry; nevertheless relations with old Eastern bloc allies remain strong. Congo has been susceptible in recent years to political instability and wars in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola.

The militias of the various political forces were being integrated into the 8000-strong army, until fighting broke out again between them in mid-1997. The air force numbers 1200, and is equipped with 12 MiG-21s.

Oil is by far the Congo's most important resource. Natural gas reserves have yet to be exploited. There are some deposits of diamonds and potash. Bauxite and iron ore reserves are not large enough to be profitably mined and phosphate production was abandoned in 1977. Chinese aid has helped build two hydroelectric dams, on the Bouenza and Djoué rivers. A third is currently being built on the Léfini at Imboulou.

The Yaoundé Declaration should help control exploitation of tropical timber. Congo has been used in the past as a dumping ground for dangerous toxic waste from the West.

Pointe-Noire is a major port, used by the Central African Republic, Chad, and Cameroon. The Congo Ocean Railroad (to Brazzaville) reopened in 2000. There are plans for a second, and larger, international airport near Ewo.

The health service, set up by French military doctors at the start of the 20th century, has been devastated by civil war.

Originally pioneered by French Roman Catholic missions, schools are still subject to inspection from Paris.

Armed robbery and smuggling are widespread. Years of conflict and instability in neighboring countries mean that guns are easily available.

The oil industry in Congo has sustained an active and confident middle class. French-label products are considered to be status symbols.

The Marxist–Leninist regime did not seek to develop tourism, and visitors, mostly on safaris and business-related trips, are still rare, though increasing.

The kingdoms of Teke and Loango were incorporated as the Middle Congo (part of French Equatorial Africa) between 1880 and 1883.

• 1960 Independence.
• 1964 Marxist–Leninist National Revolution Movement (MNR) becomes sole legal party.
• 1977 Yhompi-Opango head of state after President Ngoumbi's murder.
• 1979 Col. Denis Sassou-Nguesso president.
• 1992 Pascal Lissouba elected president.
• 1993 Elections: Lissouba's UPADS party gains majority.
• 1997 Lissouba ousted by Sassou-Nguesso.
• 1999 December, cease-fire signed.
• 2001 IMF starts clearing $4 billion debt.
• 2002 Referendum approves new constitution. Sassou-Nguesso wins presidential elections.