1,500 years ago: Several well-organized states flourish along the Congo River.

16th century A.D.: The Portuguese slave trade weakens the Congo peoples.

1910: The French combine the Congo, Gabon, Central African Republic, and Chad to form a new French state.

1959: The French state breaks up and a year later the Republic of the Congo gains independence.

1969: Marien Ngouabi creates a new government. The USSR tries to influence the Congo into Communism, but is unsuccessful.

1991: Major reforms take place to improve the quality of life for workers.

CONGO
People's Republic of the Congo

Location
The Congo is located in Western Africa, between Angola and Gabon.
Size
slightly smaller than Montana
Coastline
The Congo's western side borders the South Atlantic Ocean.
Terrain
The Congo has a coastal plain with a southern and northern basin, and a central plateau.
Land use
2% of the Congo is fertile and can be used to grow crops.
None of the land is used for permanent crops.
29% is taken up by pastures and meadows.
62% of the land is made up of forests.
7% is left over for other uses.
Capital
Brazzaville, which is home to roughly 500,000 people, is the Congo's capital.
Independence
On August 15, 1960 the Congo gained independence from France.
National holiday
Congolese National Day, August 15
Languages
French is the official language, but the African languages Linglala and Kikongo are the most widely used.
Population
2.5 million (1995 est.)
Age
44% of all Congolese are between 0-14 years of age.
53% of the population is between 15-64 years old.
The remaining 3% are 65 years and over.
Life expectancy at birth
Male Congolese are expected to live to be 45.
Female Congolese are expected to live to be 49.
Total fertility rate
Women have an average of 5 children each.
Ethnic divisions
48% of the population is Kongo and live mostly in the south. 20% is Sangha and 12% is M'Bochi, both of which live in the north. The central area is home to the Teke who make up 17% and then there are about 8,500 Europeans (mostly French).
Religions
50% of Congolese are Christian, 48% are animist, and 2% are Muslim.
Literacy
60% of all Congolese are literate.
71% of males can read and write.
49% of females can read and write.