Republic of Congo

Official name: Republic of the Congo

Capital city: Brazzaville

Internet country code: .cg

Flag description: Divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a yellow band; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

National anthem: “La Congolaise”

Geographical description: Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon

Total area: 132,000 sq. mi. (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

Nationality: noun: Congolese (singular and plural); adjective: Congolese or Congo

Population: 3,800,610 (July 2007 CIA est.)

Ethnic groups: Kongo 48%, Sangha 20%, M’Bochi 12%, Teke 17%, Europeans and others 3%

Languages spoken: French (official), Lingala, Monokutuba, and Kikongo and other local languages and dialects

Religions: Christian 50%, indigenous religions 48%, Mus­lim 2%