Republic of Congo
Capital: Brazzaville 1.292 million (2009)
Population: 4,366,266 (July 2012 est.)
People Groups: Kongo 48%, Sangha 20%, Teke 17%, M’Bochi 12%, Europeans and other 3%
Languages: French (official), Lingala and Monokutuba (lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread)
Religions: Christian 50% (35% RC, 15% other), animist 48%, Muslim 2%
Government: Type Republic
Executive— chief of state: President Denis SASSOU-Nguesso); note – the president is both the chief of state and head of government. The position of prime minister was abolished in September 2009.
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 12 July 2009 (next to be held in 2016)
Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (72 seats; members elected by indirect vote to serve five-year terms) and the National Assembly (137 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)
Judicial branch: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme, Court of Accounts and Budgetary Discipline, Courts of Appeal, and the Constitutional Court
Living Conditions: Median age: 17 years Infant mortality rate: 80deaths/1,000 live births. Life expectancy at birth: 55.27 years.
Congo’s sparse population is concentrated in the southwestern portion of the country, leaving the vast areas of tropical jungle in the north virtually uninhabited. Thus, Congo is one of the most urbanized countries in Africa, with 70% of its total population living in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or along the 332-mile railway that connects them. Oil is a major source of income but much is already mortgaged to debt repayment. Unemployment is 40% among the 20 – 35 year olds.
History: The Republic of Congo is a different country from the Democratic Republic of Congo and was formally known as Middle Congo. The whole Congo basin was divided between Belgian and French rule during the 19th and early 20th centuries after being a major slaving nation. After becoming independent in 1960 when it became a one party socialist state, the nation has gone through many upheavals including civil was in 1998. The current president has great powers being head of state and head of government and appointing the Cabinet.
Pray for:
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The president as one in authority 1 Tim 2:1,2
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The deliverance of the large proportion of the population from the bondage of animism.
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The recognition of the men of peace and CPM conference delegates.
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The Christians in the nation to stand firm against syncretism.
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The thousands displaced after the March explosion in an ammunition dump in Brazzaville and the growing cholera epidemic.