Geografia - Honorárny konzulát Konžskej Republiky

Largest cities

The largest city is the capital. Brazzaville, where 2,138,236 people live. It is followed by the port city of Pointe-Noire with a population of 1,398,812.

Other cities

Dolisie: 178 172
Nkayi: 104 083
Ouesso: 75 095
Kintele: 71 629

Oyo: 63 598
Beta: 59 563
Gamboma: 52 652
Owando: 48 642

* Data from 2023.

These figures indicate that the population is concentrated mainly in cities, at the expense of rural areas. A large part of the country is covered by tropical rainforest, which forms one of the largest ecosystems in the world. The Congo River basin provides a habitat for thousands of species of plants and animals, making the country unique in terms of biodiversity.

Climate

The equator passes north of the city of Owando, dividing the country's climatic conditions into two parts.

North

It has an equatorial climate, meaning high temperatures all year round, high humidity and no dry season. The altitude of a few hundred metres above sea level makes the climate somewhat more bearable. Temperatures range from 20 to 33°C, with an average of 26°C. There are an average of 106 rainy days per year and 5 hours of sunshine per day.

South and Central

Tropical climate with a dry season. Temperatures drop between June and September, with the coast being cooler during the day and the Plateaux area at night. Maximum temperatures here reach 31°C, with an average of 25.9°C. There are an average of 84 rainy days per year.

The best time to visit Congo is between June and August, when it is not too hot or humid. Light clothing is recommended, a sweater or jacket for the evenings and an umbrella or raincoat for the rain. This period is also ideal for wildlife watching, as animals gather at water sources.

Fauna

The wildlife of the Congo is very diverse. There are 400 species of mammals, 1,000 species of birds and 10,000 species of plants, of which 3,000 are unique to the Republic of the Congo. Congo is home to unique species such as lowland gorillas and forest elephants, which are of international concern for the conservation of biodiversity. Odzala-Kokoua National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Africa.

Much of the country is covered in tropical rainforest, although the southern areas have been cleared for logging. The diverse fauna of the Congo River basin has contributed to the region's world-renowned reputation. The rainforests are divided into layers: the upper layer consists of evergreen trees with low-lying branches, the middle layer of smaller trees and shrubs, and the lower layer of ferns and undergrowth.

The soil is saturated with creepers, roots and ferns, which create a dense tangle of vegetation. Approximately 69% of the country's territory is covered by three main subcategories of rainforest. This ecosystem includes 73 species that are specific to the region of sub-Saharan Africa, with an emphasis on the territory of the Congo.

Flora

The diversity of flora in Africa is predominantly tropical and can be divided into three main groups: subtropical deserts, tropical savannas and tropical forests. The Republic of the Congo is characterized by plant species from the latter category, with forests covering approximately 22.4 million hectares of the country's total area. The greatest concentration of forests is found in the Mayombe and Chaillu mountains in the south and in the northern regions of the Congo. This vast area is home to about 10,000 species of flora, a considerable number compared to the approximately 30,000 species in all of tropical Africa.

The flora of the Republic of Congo has also been affected by the global biodiversity threat that is destroying most of the world's forests, but the country's efforts in afforestation and reforestation have managed to restore some of the most affected areas.

The rich biodiversity of flora in Congo has a significant impact on the national economy. Logging, hunting, agriculture and similar activities benefit from the rich forest resources. Common species include coconut palms, nut trees, softwoods, hardwoods such as Limba and various herbal species. Rural areas rely heavily on natural herbs obtained from various plants, which are prepared and sold in Congo's markets. For example, Ongokea gore, the bark of which is considered an effective remedy for an enlarged spleen. The tropical rainforest also has a significant impact on the country's fauna, which it supplies with nutrients through the Congo River basin.

Despite the efforts of various organizations to protect plants and animals, the environment faces serious threats. Over-logging and exploitation of certain plant species, such as the Ongokea gore, which is already considered extinct in the region, pose significant risks.

Geography