Congo’s economy is a mixture of subsistence farming and hunting; an industrial sector based largely on oil and support services; and government spending. Oil has supplanted forestry as the mainstay of the economy, providing a major share of government revenues and exports. Natural gas is increasingly being converted to electricity rather than being flared, greatly improving energy prospects.

Name Republic of the Congo

Capital Brazzaville

Frequency of elections Every seven years

Name of parliament National Assembly of Congo

Parliament website www.assemblee-nationale.cg

Languages French, Lingala, Monokutuba, indigenous languages

Area 342 000 km²

Population 4 662 446 (July 2014 est)

Imports Capital equipment, construction materials, foodstuffs

Exports Petroleum, lumber, plywood, sugar, cocoa, coffee, diamonds

Currency Coopération Financière en Afrique Centrale franc

Source: CIA World Factbook
Image: Gallo/GettyImages