The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or Congo-Kinshasa is a state in Africa located in the center of the African continent. In 1885-1908 - the Independent State of Congo (personal possession of the Belgian King Leopold II), in 1908-1960 - the Belgian Congo (a colony of Belgium), from October 1971 to May 1997 it was called the Republic of Zaire, from May 1997 - the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The capital of the republic is the city of Kinshasa (formerly Leopoldville). The area of ​​the state, according to CIA, is 2345 thousand km2. Thus, the country ranks third in Africa and twelfth in the world in terms of territory. The state borders in the west and northwest with the Republic of the Congo, in the north with the Central African Republic, in the northeast with Sudan, in the east with Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania, in the south with Zambia and in the southwest with Angola.

Congo-Kinshasa faces the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth and lower reaches of the Congo River. Most of the territory of the Congo is the Congo Basin and the plateaus that frame it (altitude up to 1300 meters). In the east there are mountains: the Rwenzori massif (height up to 5109 meters, Margherita Peak is the highest point in the DRC), the volcanic Virunga Mountains (height up to 4507 m), including active volcanoes: Nyamlaghira and Nyiragongo (there are about 100 volcanoes in the country in total) ). According to the Around the World encyclopedia, the entire territory of the DRC is located in the basin of the Congo River (the second longest in Africa) and its numerous tributaries. The most important among them - Ubangi, Lualaba, Aruvimi and Kasai create their own extensive river network, which forms a unified system of navigable routes. The country has many swamps, and the Congo River widens in several places and forms lakes, in particular Malebo (Stanley Pool). The largest lakes are located in a chain along the eastern border: Albert, Edward, Kivu, Tanganyika (the natural border with Tanzania) and Mweru.

The largest lakes inland are Mai Ndombe and Tumba. The most famous waterfalls are the seven-stage Stanley (Boyoma) in the upper reaches of the Congo, Inga in its middle reaches, and the cascade of Livingston Falls in the lower reaches of the Congo.

The climate in the Congo Basin is tropical, with little temperature difference between the coolest month, July, and the hottest, February. The average temperatures of the warmest month are from 25° to 29°, the coldest from 20° to 23°. The average precipitation is about 1000-2500 mm per year. The northern part of the country lies in the equatorial zone. The humid climate supports dense jungles, the world's last extensive rainforests, inhabited by a variety of wildlife. In the mountains of the Kivu and Shaba (formerly Katanga) regions the climate is cooler and drier. North of the Equator, the rainy season lasts from April to October, the dry season from December to February; south of the Equator - rainy season from November to March, dry season from April to October.

The best soils are found in the floodplains of the middle reaches of the Congo River, where silt accumulates. Approximately 64.7 thousand km2 in the equatorial part of the Congo River Basin is occupied by tropical rain forest with tall trees and closed canopy. To the north and south it gives way to park-like savanna woodlands, and in the Kivu region in the east of the country pure grasslands are found in places. Vast areas of the DRC have been converted into national parks, where wildlife is protected. The most famous reserves of the Congo: Virunga, Salonge, Garamba, Kahuzi-Biega, etc. Due to the fact that the main area of ​​the DRC is occupied by national parks, only 3% of the country's total land is arable and suitable for farming.

The natural vegetation of the country is very diverse. The forests contain many valuable tree species, in particular redwood and ebony, as well as palm trees and rubber trees. Bananas, cotton and coffee trees grow wild. In the southeast of the Shaba (Katanga) region there is a vast belt of open forests. One of the most important sources of industrial timber is the Mayumbe forest with an area of ​​5.2 thousand km2 off the Atlantic coast, but in principle it is believed that almost half of the country’s territory is covered with suitable plantations.

The fauna of the DRC is rich and diverse. Elephants, chimpanzees and other primates, lions, leopards, jackals and many different snakes are found in forests and woodlands. The rivers abound with crocodiles and hippopotamuses, and the savanna is rich in African buffalos, antelopes and other herbivorous ungulates. Birds include endemic storks, parrots, ibises, terns and herons. Among insects, pathogens that cause diseases in humans and livestock are abundant - malaria mosquitoes and tsetse flies. The lakes are rich in many types of fish.

Deposits of uranium and gold are hidden in the depths of the mountains. According to the BBC, the country is a world leader in the production of copper, cobalt and industrial diamonds, but the majority of Congolese are farmers. In addition, the subsoil of the DRC is extremely rich in minerals: zinc and rare earth metals. There are reserves of bauxite, cassiterite, wolframite, manganese and iron ores, cadmium, gold, silver, uranium, coal, oil and gas.

Due to the climatic characteristics of the country, the risks of natural disasters, such as floods, are quite high, in addition, periodic droughts in the south and volcanic activity are the main threats to the local population.

The climate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is equatorial, in the southern and northern regions of the country it is subequatorial. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the largest African countries in terms of territory. It is located in the very center of the African continent and is crossed from west to east by the equator. There is a lot of water here and it is very humid all year round. The humid equatorial climate gives this territory abundant rainfall throughout the year, and the extensive and densest river network in Africa, numerous lakes and huge wetlands only strengthen the title of a humid and “wet” country. One of the main natural resources of the country is the energy of rivers. About 3/4 of the territory is covered with moist equatorial forests (the second largest in the world after the Amazon).

Most of the country is located at an altitude of several hundred meters (from 300 to 800 meters, and in some areas even from 800 to 1300 meters, as in the southeast), such altitudes are quite enough to moderate the hot equatorial climate. In the DRC Congo, you can observe the changing seasons of the year. Only this is not autumn, winter, spring and summer, but dry and rainy seasons. In general, there are 4 seasons in a year: a “small” dry season (January - March), a “small” rainy season (April - May), a large dry season (June - August), a large rainy season (September - December). These seasons differ in duration and amount of precipitation - more heavy rains fall in the central part of the country (at the very equator), in the north and south of the country the rains are not so frequent and heavy. In general, the rule here is: the further from the equator, the less heavy precipitation and the shorter the rainy seasons.

Precipitation is the only thing that happens in the DRC Congo on a strict schedule; it usually occurs late in the evening, at night or early in the morning. Rains in the DRC Congo are, as a rule, just a wall of water falling from the sky, where several dozen (!) liters of water pour out in a minute. Very often this natural event is accompanied by thunder and lightning (DRC Congo is the country that receives the largest number of lightning strikes in the world), so the sensations, as you know, are not pleasant. The rains are called "Mbulya Makasi" in the local language "Lingala". Much, almost everything in the country depends on Mbuli Makasi: these are deep rivers full of fish, small agricultural lands with their productivity, and endless savannas with wild animals. Local residents are, of course, accustomed to Mbuli Makasi, but try, if possible, not to get caught in the local downpours. For example, mbulya makasi is an absolutely normal reason not to go to work. Just like that. And there's nothing you can do about it.

Winter in DRC Congo (Little Dry Season)

In December, the big wet season still continues in the central part of the country. But in the northern and southern regions of the country, December is already a dry season, with very little precipitation. But in January and February, the amount of precipitation decreases everywhere, but the concept of a “dry” season is very arbitrary, since at this time, periodically, it rains throughout the DRC Congo, just not so strong and not so often.

In winter, the climate in the capital of the DRC Congo, Kinshasa, is very favorable. There is no stifling heat here at this time. The air temperature at this time of year does not fall below +23°C (at night) and does not rise above +35°C (daytime). The average daily air temperature in Kinshasa in winter is +28 - +30°C. Congolese are cold, put on jackets, hats and even get acute respiratory infections (!!!).

Spring in DRC Congo (Little rainy season)

March is a transition month in most of the country. It is transitional from a dry climate to a rainy one. In March, April and the first half of May, the DRC Congo is flooded with downpours, but from the second half of May the amount of precipitation decreases quite sharply - after all, there is a long dry season ahead. At the same time, despite the large amount of precipitation, the air temperature practically does not change compared to the winter temperature, and in Kinshasa averages +28 - +31°C, dropping to +23°C at night. It will be a little cooler in the north and south of the country, as well as at higher elevations.

Summer in DRC Congo (Great Dry Season)

The summer months - June, July and August - are perhaps the driest and hottest. The weather in the capital of the country, Kinshasa, is especially pleasing; there has been no rain here for three months, the climate is dry and comfortable, and the humidity level is only 54%, therefore, you can safely exclude the possibility that you will be caught by surprise by heavy rain. At the same time, the average daily air temperature in summer in Kinshasa is already noticeably higher, amounting to +32 - +35°C. Hot and dry - these are the words that can define the weather in the capital. Approximately similar weather can be found in the north and south of the country.

But such weather in the summer months does not exist throughout the entire territory of the DRC Congo. Cities and regions located at or near the equator also receive abundant rainfall at this time of year, although less than in spring. For example, Big City Kisangani is visited by rains every day in the summer months, even if only in the afternoon, even lightly, and then the sun shines again, nevertheless they are here. The average daily air temperature in summer in Kisangani is +29 - +31°C, but the humidity in these months is very high - more than 80%, therefore, the heat is more difficult to bear than in the capital.

In the mountains of the Kivu and Katanga regions the climate is cooler and drier. At the higher elevations of the eastern and southeastern plateaus and mountains climatic conditions are significantly softened. Here, average daytime air temperatures reach only +24°C, but drop significantly at night - to +12 - +15°C.

Autumn in DRC Congo (Big Rainy Season)

The big rainy season in the DRC Congo lasts from September to mid-December (in northern and southern regions- until the end of November) and, in general, is characterized by constant heavy rainfall, changes atmospheric pressure and high humidity.

Despite the fact that it is autumn, there can be no talk of any drop in temperature. Well, if only by a couple of degrees, which in the cycle of insane humidity are practically not noticeable. The average daytime air temperature in Kinshasa in autumn is +27 - +30°C, at night, the same, up to +23°C. The maximum amount of precipitation is observed in November - here 10 days a month the weather is gloomy and not sunny. In the remaining autumn months it also rains well, and air humidity reaches 80%. But at the very equator of the country, air humidity in the autumn months reaches 90 - 100%, and the rainiest month here is October. At the same time, at the equator of the DRC Congo, 2-3 times more precipitation falls than in other regions of the country.

Equatorial showers are very strong and abundant, but usually short-lived. They usually take place in the afternoon, and are often accompanied by a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms occur here more often than in any other country in the world (!). In the subtropical zone of the DRC Congo, rain is not so heavy.

The territory of the DRC Congo is abundantly supplied with precipitation. In the equatorial zone, precipitation falls between 1,700 and 2,200 mm per year, with particularly heavy rainfall from April to May and from September to November. The further from the equator (to the south and north), the more pronounced the dry periods are: up to 1,200 mm of precipitation falls here per year. In the mountains it is cooler and there is more precipitation - up to 2,500 mm of precipitation per year.

When to go to DRC Congo. It is very difficult to determine the best time to travel to the DRC Congo, since the country's area is huge, there are many areas with its own microclimate, and there are also vast mountainous areas. We can only say one thing: if your trip to the DRC Congo is not limited to visiting only Kinshasa, then you will definitely get caught in the rain at any time of the year!

The best time to visit the DRC Congo is during the dry summer months of June, July and August, as these are the times of least rainfall. It will be very hot in the capital, but dry. During the dry season it will be interesting to visit and National reserves country, because many animals gather near rivers and streams to drink, which means there is a chance to see a maximum of representatives of the local flora and fauna. It will also be pleasant to visit the mountainous regions of the country - although it is worth bringing warm clothes here - it can be very cool in the evening and at night.

You can visit the DRC Congo during the short dry season - in the months of January and February, but you will not be able to completely avoid precipitation at this time - the equatorial climate will definitely remind you of itself. Although in general, the short dry season is quite suitable for visiting by tourists.

But during the rainy season in the DRC Congo, it’s better not to show your nose. Unpleasant weather conditions are distinguished by the small rainy season - the months of March, April and the first half of May, characterized by very heavy downpours and high humidity, and the large wet season - the months from September to mid-December, will pour so much water on you that you are unlikely to you will forget it. At this time of year, the weather will constantly test your strength, and if you want an extreme holiday, you can come to the DRC Congo in the fall.

The main rule for all travelers is the following: remember, extreme heat and high air humidity give the effect of a steam bath, when it is recommended to avoid heavy physical exertion and drink more water, since the body at this moment is already experiencing stress. better times. The effect of a steam bath gives a poor flow of oxygen into the blood, it becomes more difficult to breathe, and people who are not accustomed to such a climate may experience oxygen starvation, Therefore, people with lung diseases, as well as cardiovascular diseases, should avoid visiting the DRC Congo during the rainy seasons! You are simply risking your life and health! The climate is very difficult!

Capital: Kinshasa

Total area: 2.34 million sq. km

Population: 55.85 million people

State system: republic

Head of State: the president

Religion: Christians - 50%, adherents of local beliefs - 40%, Muslims - 3%.

Official language: French

Currency unit: Congolese franc

Geography

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the largest country by area in central Africa and the third largest country on the continent. Total area - 2.3 million square meters. km. Most of the country's territory lies in the Congo River Basin. It borders on Congo in the northwest, Sudan and the Central African Republic in the north, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania in the east, Zambia in the south, and Angola in the south and west.

In the far west, DR Congo has access to the Atlantic Ocean on a very short stretch of coastline (40 km) between Angola and Congo. In the east of the country, mountainous terrain predominates - the Rwenzori massif and the volcanic Virunga mountains (height up to 4507 m), with active volcanoes. Highest point- Margherita peak (5,109 m). The west and south are predominantly plains, covered with moist equatorial forests and secondary savannas in the west, and dry tropical woodlands in the south and southeast.

Climate

Mostly equatorial, constantly humid. In the southern half and on the northern outskirts - subequatorial. Average air temperatures range from +25 C to +28 C, daily differences reach 10-15 C. Two rainy and two dry seasons: “small” dry season - January-March, “small” rainy season - April-May, winter dry season - June-August, rainy season - September-December.

Precipitation in the equatorial zone is 1700-2200 mm. per year, especially heavy rains occur from April to May and from September to November. Equatorial showers during these months are strong, but short-lived (usually in the afternoon). Further from the equator (to the south and north), dry periods are more pronounced: in the north - from March to November, in the south - from October–November to March–April. There is less precipitation - up to 1200 mm. In the mountains it is cooler and there is more precipitation - up to 2500 mm. in year.

Currency

The monetary unit since 1993 is the new zaire (exchange rate: 1 US dollar is equal to approximately 115 thousand new zaires). A new national currency, the Congolese franc, comes into circulation. Currency exchange for local money is possible freely both in banks, specialized exchange offices and hotels, and on the “black” market (rate difference is 1-2%).

Banks are open from 10.00 to 16.00 from Monday to Friday, from 8.30 to 11.00 on Saturday. Credit cards Visa, MasterCard, Access, American Express, Diners Club and traveler's checks are accepted for payment in most hotels, shops and restaurants in the capital, but using them in other cities causes a lot of difficulties. Tips are 10% in restaurants (in cafes and street bars they are practically not used, but rewarding staff other than the bill is not prohibited).

Attractions

Almost 15% of the territory is occupied by nature reserves and national parks - Virunga, Upemba, Garamba, Kahuzi-Biega, Northern Salonge and South Salonge, etc. The country's humid climate supports the life of dense jungles - the last vast tropical forests in the world, inhabited by a variety of wild animals. Only in Zaire, for example, are there okapi - small forest animals of the giraffe family, which have become the national symbol of the country. The savannas of the south of the country are home to lions, leopards and antelopes.

The main attraction of the country is the Congo River. Although the river has been officially called the Zaire since 1971, its wild appearance is inextricably linked to a mysterious history during which it was known as the Congo, a Portuguese-corrupted West African word meaning "the river that swallowed all rivers." On the banks of this fantastic river, you really feel awe at the power of nature: more than 4370 km. in length, with a pool area of ​​3.9 million square meters. km., it is second only to the Amazon in water consumption, pouring almost 42.5 thousand cubic meters into the Atlantic Ocean. m of water per second.

The equatorial tropical rainforest contains some of the densest and most impenetrable thickets in the world: oak, mahogany, hevea and ebony exceed 60 m in height and eternal twilight reigns under the interlacing of their crowns. Beneath this colossal canopy is a veritable hell with extremely dense thickets, stifling humid heat, dangerous animals - crocodiles, pythons, cobras, hairy forest pigs and poisonous spiders - and debilitating, including even fatal diseases - malaria, schistosamosis and others.

And finally, the most mysterious labyrinth lies between the river and the fabulous Mountains of the Moon - the Rwenzori Range, which serves as the eastern watershed of Zaire. At the northeastern end of the grand river arc lies Stanley Falls, a series of waterfalls and rapids that carry the river for about 100 km. descends to a height of 457 m.

This is followed by a 1,609 km long navigable section that passes into Malebo Pool (once Stanley Pool) - an area over 20 km wide that separates Kinshasa, the capital of Zaire, and Brazzaville, the capital of Congo. Beyond Malebo Pool are Livingstone Falls, a 354-kilometer stretch of river that includes a series of rapids and 32 spectacular waterfalls, the last of which (the Devil's Cauldron) the river bursts out of the Crystal Mountains and drops to sea level.

Large lakes - Mobutu-Sese-Seko, Eduard, Kivu, Tanganyika, Mweru and numerous rivers of the country - Aruvimi, Ubangi, Lomami, Kasai, etc. are excellent fishing regions, and with the appropriate experience and equipment they can provide an unforgettable experience for lovers of rafting or historical travels - the route in the footsteps of Henry Morton Stanley, which was previously in great demand among foreign tourists, is again available for passage, although it is considered an extremely risky undertaking.

Entry rules

Visa regime. A visa can be obtained from the country's embassy or at a border checkpoint. The minimum period for obtaining a visa at the embassy is 15 days. Required documents: 3 forms for French, 3 photographs, passport, invitation and certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. The entry visa is valid for 30 days. Consular fee - USD 50. Visa-free transit is not permitted. Children under 16 years old are included in the visa of their parents (mother). Visas are issued locally with great difficulty upon special application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Customs regulations

The export of local currency is prohibited; the import and export of foreign currency is not limited. You can import duty-free cigarettes - up to 100 pcs., or cigars - 50 pcs., or tobacco - up to 0.5 kg., alcoholic beverages - 1 bottle, perfumes and cosmetics - within the limits of personal needs, camera. Radio equipment is subject to duty.

Currently, due to the absence of a new customs law and customs duty rates, there are no clear rules.

Customs officers during inspection are guided by the principle of “reasonable quantity”. The import of mercury, radioactive materials, narcotic drugs, the import of weapons and military uniforms is prohibited - only with a special permit. The export of gold bullion, rough diamonds, rough Ivory, rare animals.

Egypt occupies the northeastern edge African Continent and the Sinai Peninsula in Asia. Almost the entire territory of the country (about 1 million sq. km.) lies in the zone of tropical deserts, constituting 97% of its surface. Through this dead, lifeless desert flows the Nile River with its flowering valley, where about 99% of the population of Egypt lives. Even ancient historians said that Egypt is a child of the Nile.
In the north, the territory of Egypt is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, in the east by the Red Sea.
Most of Egypt in the south and west is occupied by the sandy SAHARA desert.
Most of the local population lives along the Nile, along the banks of which there is a narrow strip of arable land. Irrigation canals from the Nile carry water to the fields. Areas suitable for agriculture occupy only 6% of the country's total area.
Egyptian peasants grow rice, corn, wheat, long-staple cotton, sugar beets, beans, oranges, dates, olives, bananas, grapes, tomatoes, and sugar cane.
The villages where the peasants live consist of houses with a flat roof and a single room. Half of the room is occupied by a stove; it is heated in winter, when the air temperature at night drops below 0 degrees. The smoke from the stove comes right out the door. Food is prepared in the yard near the house.
The capital of Egypt is CAIRO. The ancient name of the city means “victor city” or “fortress city”.
CAIRO - big modern city, loaded with transport and many people. It is located on the banks of the Nile, along which blocks of high-rise buildings are built. There are hotels, expensive shops, and offices of various companies here. The old part of Cairo still has narrow streets and dilapidated houses. At noisy bazaars, peasants briskly sell vegetables and fruits.
The largest seaport in Egypt is ALEXANDRIA. It is located on the Mediterranean Sea. This is the second industrial center of the country after Cairo.
The city has metallurgical and tire factories, food and light industry enterprises.
Egypt has an arid climate. The hot season is between July and October. From December to March is the cold season, but the air temperature rarely drops below 10 degrees Celsius. Thanks to this, the resorts of Egypt are known throughout the world. The most popular of them are located on the coast of the Red and Mediterranean Seas.
Egypt is the cradle of one of the ancient civilizations. Many centuries before our era, the Egyptians learned to make paper and glass, created a calendar, and laid the foundations of mathematics.
Egypt has preserved many ancient cultural monuments. These are the famous Egyptian pyramids and sphinxes. Thousands of tourists from all over the world visit THEVES every day - the ancient capital of Egypt, the Valley of the Pharaohs, where the pyramids are located. PYRAMIDS - burial places of the pharaohs. PHAROAH - rulers of ancient Egypt.
The Pyramid of Cheops is the largest Egyptian pyramids the only one of the “Seven Wonders of the World” that has survived to this day. It is assumed that construction lasted twenty years. The Great Sphinx is the oldest surviving sculpture on Earth. Carved from a monolithic limestone rock into a lion lying on the sand.
Egypt is an amazing country full of secrets and mysteries.

Brazzaville(938 thousand inhabitants, 1992), the capital of the country and a major port on the Congo River
Difference in time: lags behind Moscow by 2 hours.
Ethnic groups
The population of Kazakhstan is made up of peoples language family Bantu. The most numerous of them are the Bakongo (together with the related peoples of the Bawili and Bayombe - over 52% of the total population; 1970, estimate); live in coastal areas and between the port of Pointe Noire and Brazzaville. Inland areas along the river. Congo is inhabited by Bobangs and Baboshis. On the border with Cameroon there are the small peoples of the Ngiri, Ngundi, and Bamitaba. In the tropical forests there are remnants of the ancient population of K. - the pygmy tribes of the Baka, Babinga, and others (less than 20 thousand people).
Language
Official language French.
National currency: CFA franc (100 centimes).
Religion
More than half of the population adheres to local traditional beliefs, over a third are Christians, about 10 thousand people (mainly in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire) are Muslims.
Geographical position
Republic of the Congo, a state in Central Africa. A former colony of France, which gained independence in 1960. In the southwest it is washed by waters Atlantic Ocean, borders on the south with Angola (Cabinda exclave), on the east on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on the north on Cameroon and the Central African Republic, on the west on Gabon.
During the colonial period, called Middle Congo, the country was part of French Equatorial Africa. After receiving autonomous status within the French Community in 1958, the former colony chose the name Republic of the Congo. It retained this name until 1970. In 1970–1991 - People's Republic of the Congo. The name Congo (Brazzaville) is often used to distinguish it from Congo (Kinshasa), Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The area of ​​the country is 342 thousand square meters. km, population 2.56 million people (1996). The main cities are Brazzaville (938 thousand inhabitants, 1992), the capital of the country and a major port on the Congo River, Pointe Noire (576 thousand), a port on the Atlantic coast.
Relief and minerals
Coastline leveled, its length is approx. 170 km. Most of the country is occupied by the accumulative plains of the Congo Basin. This is a region of vast swamps and rivers - tributaries of the Congo and Ubangi. On the periphery of the depression in the northern, western and partly central regions, stratified plains and stepped plateaus are developed. A typical example is the Bateke plateau, 650–850 m high, where there are no rivers and many large suffusion-subsidence craters. To the southwest of it is the Niari-Nyanga depression, where a hilly landscape with a dense river network is developed. The largest valley of the Niari River is famous for its fertility. Further to the southwest rise the folded-block Mayombe Mountains, composed of granites, quartzites and shales, with average heights of 700–800 m. These mountains drop steeply to a coastal lowland 50–60 km wide, which is crossed by river valleys.
Climate
The climate of the country is equatorial. In the south, the dry season lasts from June to the end of September, and the wet season from March to April. This is when the maximum precipitation occurs. Average annual precipitation is 1200 mm. The dry season is characterized by the lowest average monthly temperatures (21°C). The average temperature of the hottest month, March, reaches 30° C. The cold Benguela Current, passing near the coast, has a softening effect on the climate here. In the central part of the country, the hottest month is January, and the wettest month is July. The average annual precipitation is 1600–2000 mm. The average temperature in Jambara of the coldest month, July, is 22° C, and the warmest month, April, is 24° C. In the north of the country, there are two seasons of heavy tropical rains - in October and April. Almost none of the months are truly dry or cool. The average annual precipitation reaches 2500 mm. The average temperature of the hottest month, April, at Veso station is 27°C, and the coldest month, August, is 25°C.
Inland waters
The river network is dense and rich in water. The eastern (most) part of the country belongs to the river basin. Congo, flowing along its eastern border, the western - mainly to the river basin. Kwilu (in the upper reaches - Niari). The Congo River and its right tributaries Ubangi, Sanga, Liquala, Alima are navigable; other rivers have rapids and are mostly unsuitable for navigation.
Soils and flora
The vegetation is dominated by moist evergreen equatorial and deciduous evergreen subequatorial forests with valuable tree species (limba, okume, etc.) on red-yellow ferrallite soils; in the Congo Basin there are periodically flooded and swampy forests on laterite-gley soils. In the South, forests have been largely cleared and replaced by tall grass savannas on red ferrallitic soils.
Animal world
The fauna is rich, although it was subjected to in the 20th century. very significant destruction. Monkeys are numerous, elephants (in the North), hippopotamuses, and leopards are found; The fauna of birds (mainly forest species), reptiles (crocodiles, snakes), and insects (including the tsetse fly) is abundantly represented. To protect the fauna, the Odzala National Park was created in 1940.
Economy
Most of the population is engaged in growing cassava and bananas (the main food crops), as well as yams and, in small quantities, some other crops for their own consumption and sale on the domestic market. Export crops (sugar cane, oil palm, coffee and cocoa trees, tobacco and peanuts) are cultivated mainly on plantations owned by Europeans. Livestock farming is limited due to the widespread presence of the tsetse fly, which carries a form of sleeping sickness that is fatal to cattle. Congo meets most of its meat needs through imports from Chad. Only 2% of the land is cultivated, and as the urban population grows, food imports increase.
The largest source of government revenue is oil, the fields of which were explored in 1957. The Emeraude, Loango, and Likuala offshore fields are currently being developed. Since 1973, Congo has exported a significant portion of its oil production. From 1985 to 1997, annual oil production in the country increased from 6.3 million tons to 13 million. Timber from valuable tropical species, mainly okume, limba and acaju, is also a profitable export item. From 1969 to 1977, potash reserves were developed in the Pointe-Noire area, but due to flooding, the mine failed and production was stopped. Reserves of high-quality iron ore.
At the first stage, the process of industrialization of the Congo was facilitated by the presence of first-class ports in the country - sea in Pointe-Noire and river in Brazzaville - and the fact that for a long time the country was administrative center former French Equatorial Africa. In the early 1980s, the share of manufacturing in GDP increased noticeably, while at the same time the imperfection of the state planning system began to appear. Currently, the country has established the production of beer and soft drinks, canned vegetables and fruits, sugar, flour and fish products. There are enterprises producing tobacco and cigarettes, wood products, including timber and plywood, cement, soap and shoes. In the early 1970s, a shipyard built with Chinese assistance was put into operation. In 1976, an oil refinery in Pointe-Noire came into operation with a capacity of 1 million tons of crude oil per year. In the period from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s, the state nationalized existing industrial enterprises and built new ones. Since then, successive governments have sought to privatize most government and parastatal enterprises. Among those recently privatized is Hydro-Congo, a former state-owned refined products distribution company. Electricity for enterprises and residential buildings comes from thermal power plants in Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville and hydroelectric power plants in Jue and Imboulou.
The key transport artery of the entire Central African region is the waterway from the capital of the Central African Republic, Bangui, to the port of Brazzaville on the Congo River, and from there along railway to the seaport of Pointe Noire.
Since the 1970s, oil exports to the Congo have generated a positive trade balance. However, in 1996 and 1997, the values ​​of exports and imports were almost equal. Moreover, Congo is forced to service a huge external debt and import many goods, which has led to significant annual current account deficits. In 1996, this deficit exceeded $1 billion. Congo's external debt grew from less than $1 billion in 1980 to more than $6 billion in 1996. More than half of imports come from France; the largest consumer of Congolese exports is the United States. Other important trading partners are Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Italy. If in 1987 the export of crude oil brought the country 700 million dollars, then in 1996 it was already 1.36 billion dollars (92% of the total value of exports). The next most important export item is timber, primarily round timber (sold for $85 million in 1996). They import machinery and equipment, mainly for the oil industry, food and consumer goods. As a rule, Congo has a trade surplus with member countries of the Customs and Economic Union Central Africa(UDEAC), which, in addition to Congo, includes the Central African Republic, Cameroon and Gabon. Congo supplies the EUDEAC countries with sugar, tobacco, drinks and crude oil. The balance of payments deficit is partially offset by income from transport services, as well as foreign subsidies and investments in oil, logging and other industries.

Attractions
Due to the rather difficult climate for Europeans, the country is almost unknown in terms of tourism, and the ongoing armed conflicts on political and ethnic grounds for many years have completely reduced the flow of tourists to this country to zero. The capital of the country, Brazzaville, is located on the western bank of the Malebo Pool reservoir (once Stanley Pool), formed by the branches of the Congo River. The city's attractions include the beautiful St. Anne's Basilica, the Temple Mosque, the Presidential Palace and the picturesque Municipal Gardens. Also always attractive in Brazzaville are the small shops selling arts and crafts, the markets and the crafts center in Poto Poto, which displays and sells, among other things, many local paintings and carved wooden masks and figurines. There are two large markets in the capital - Mungali and Owenze. Avenue Foch is crowded with street vendors. It is better to buy wickerwork and original pottery in the villages of Makana and M'Pila, 3 km from Brazzaville. To the south of the capital there is a whole cascade of waterfalls on the border Congo River - Livingston Falls, Congo Rapids (9 km from the capital) and Lufulakari The varied and very beautiful water sports sites on the Congo, Niare, Jue and Quilu rivers have always (in peacetime) been popular with foreign tourists, along with the numerous 19th century French forts along the coast and the country's national parks. the city of Pointe-Noire is famous for its lively evening market, Zoo, Georges Brousseau Museum and the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral. Quite interesting are the national parks of the country Odzala, Lefini and Lekoli-Pandaka, located in the zone of humid equatorial forests crossed by numerous rivers, they have quite a wide variety of animals and flora, and are one of the last remaining islands of untouched Hevea on Earth. Antelopes, giraffes, cheetahs, crocodiles, many species of birds and snakes are protected here. These are the last habitats of the forest leopard and black gorillas.
Holidays
1st of January - New Year
May 1 - Workers' Solidarity Day
August 15 - Assumption (Independence Day (1960)
November 1 - All Saints Day
December 25 - Christmas

When compiling a description of the country, materials from the following sites were used:
http://www.krugosvet.ru/aMenu/1.htm
http://www.gold-pelican.spb.ru/countrys.php
http://tours.belti.ru/all_maps.php
http://www.oval.ru/encycl.shtml