Congo, Republic of the
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 installed in 1992. A brief civil war in 1997 restored former Marxist President SASSOU-NGUESSO.
While there are no specific threats against visitors or expatriate residents in the Republic of Congo, travel outside the capital, Brazzaville and the oil producing city of Pointe-Noire should be avoided. Travel between Brazzaville and Pointe Noire should be by air as armed criminal gangs and former Ninja rebels frequently prey on those traveling by road and rail. Road travel in the Pool region requires a permit from the Congolese army, and should be avoided in any case due to ongoing insecurity.
