Key Facts

GDP (ppp) per CAPITA

$3900 (2008 est.)

Inflation Rate

6.6% (2008 est.)

Population

4012809 (July 2009 est.)

Country Risk Ratings

C

Ease of Doing Business

178/181

Global Competitiveness

-/134

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Congo, Republic of : Introduction

Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. A quarter century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990 and a democratically elected government took office in 1992. A brief civil war in 1997 restored former Marxist President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, and ushered in a period of ethnic and political unrest. Southern-based rebel groups agreed to a final peace accord in March 2003, but the calm is tenuous and refugees continue to present a humanitarian crisis. The Republic of Congo was once one of Africa's largest petroleum producers, but with declining production it will need new offshore oil finds to sustain its oil earnings over the long term.
 

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Sources:
CIA World Factbook (September 2009)
U.S. Dept. of State Country Background Notes (August 2009)