Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment of Republic of the Congo

Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of Republic of the Congo.

Speed

Overview

about 70% of the population lives in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or along the railroad between them

Terrain: coastal plain, southern basin, central plateau, northern basin
Climate: The climate is tropical, with the rainy season lasting from October to April and the dry season from June to September. Humidity is high during the rainy season, and temperatures can climb to 31°C. Humidity and temperatures are lower during the dry season, ranging from 25°C to 28°C.
Highest Point: 903 — Mount Berongou 903 m
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Area (Comparative): slightly smaller than Montana
Border Countries: Angola 201 km, Cameroon 523 km, Central African Republic 467 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,410 km, Gabon 1,903 km

Natural Resources: Petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, gold, magnesium, natural gas, and hydropower. The Republic of the Congo's economy is heavily reliant on petroleum, which accounts for the vast majority of export revenues and government income. Offshore oil production in the Gulf of Guinea remains the dominant extractive industry, while the country's vast equatorial forests represent one of the world's significant timber reserves. Potash deposits, particularly in the Kouilou region, hold considerable long-term development potential, and natural gas resources have attracted growing investment interest as the country seeks to expand energy infrastructure and reduce gas flaring. Hydropower potential along the Congo River basin also offers significant opportunities for future electricity generation and regional energy export.
Natural Hazards: seasonal flooding

Current Environmental Issues: air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from the dumping of raw sewage; tap water is not potable; deforestation
International Agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea