Formerly part of the French Equatorial Africa, the Republic of Congo is West Central Africa became autonomous within the French Community in 1958 and fully independent in Aug. 1960. In 1963, the country adopted a Marxist-Leninist stance. In 1969, a new constitution was promulgated. Marxism was renounced in 1990. A democratically elected government came into office in 1992.

In June '97, fighting broke out between armed forces backing President Lissouba and his once Marxist predecessor Denis Sassou Nguesso. Troops loyal to the latter took control or Brazaville in October.

Agriculture: Palm oil and kernels, cassava, cocoa, coffee, tobacco.

Industry: Processed foods, textiles, cement, metal industries. Main exports: Timber, diamonds, palm oil, crude petroleum, sugar and groundnuts.