Known for its wild chimpanzees and gorillas, Congo is characterised by its dense rainforest and jungle strip. It is often confused with the Democratic Republic of Congo (previously Zaïre), on the opposite side of the Congo River.

Congo (officially known as the Republic of Congo or Congo-Brazzaville) is a generally friendlier and safer version of its neighbour. The French-influenced capital Brazzaville offers many attractions including the surf beaches of Pointe-Noire, white-water rapids in the Congo River and the sprawling Odzala National Park – over 13, 600 sq km of an unblemished tropical ecosystem.

Population: 3.7 million
Capital: Brazzaville
Languages: French, Lingala, Munukutuba, Lari
Currency: Central African (CFA); AU$1 = CFA369
Religion: Christian (80 %)
Neighbours: Angolia, Cameron (closed), Central Afrian Republic (closed), Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon
Area: 342, 000 sq km
Time: GMT/UTC + 1
Seasons: Wet – October to May, Dry – June to September
Visas: AU$90 for a 15-day multiple-entry visa bought at border, AU$156 for one-month if bought at embassy