After decades of turbulent politics bolstered by Marxist-Leninist rhetoric and the collapse of the Soviet Union the Congolese gradually moderated their economic and political views. Congo completed a transition to multi-party democracy culminating in presidential elections in August of 1992. Sassou-Nguesso conceded defeat and Congo's new president, Prof. Pascal Lissouba, was inaugurated. As ongoing tensions between the Lissouba and Sassou camps continue to mount, it is quietly feared that a civil war is on the horizon. It is rumored that Sassou's Marxist forces are willing to fight in hopes of regaining power. Congo's president will have to maintain a delicate balance as he leads in the years ahead.
The Congo's economy is based primarily on its growing petroleum sector, which is by far the country's major revenue earner. Following recent discoveries and oil fields currently under development, Congo's oil production is expected to continue to rise significantly in the next few years. Between 1994-96, the Congolese economy underwent a difficult transition. By the end of last year, Congo had made a substantial recovery.
Congo's bilateral relations with its former socialist allies have become relatively less important. France is now by far Congo's principal external partner, contributing significant economic assistance, while playing a highly influential role.
Demographic Data
Capital: Brazzaville
Government type: Democracy
Government stability: 84.0%
Government efficiency: 53.1%
Population's support to government: 84.5%
Area: 341,500 square kilometers
Habitable land: 93.0%
Farmable land: 2.0%
Total population: 2,504 thousands
Population's growth: 2.3%
Country's development level: 5,170
Economic Data
GNP: 6,700,000,000
Industralisation: 58.8%
International funding: 16,000,000
Political Data
Secret services efficiency: 1,641
Military Data
Technological generation: 1
Number of rebels: 475
Rebels development: 4,653
Rebels technological access: 3,618