The Republic of the Congo has been historically full of Bantu tribespeople. French is spoken, as well as Kongo and Lingala. The last 40 years have seen communism, democracy, and civil war. Congo is highly urbanized, but the country also contains coastal plains, forests, and swamps. Some of these environments are better for gorillas than people. The political situation isn’t the only thing that can get hot; there are also occasionally active volcanoes. Petroleum has been the focus of industry, and handicrafts and agriculture are also important to the economy. Crafty items are on view at Brazzaville’s March├® Touristique. If you prefer to get wet, there’s the beach in Pointe-Noire or the rapids of the Congo River.

FIsh is great in the Republic of Congo. Chicken is also popular, whether it’s served with piri piri Portuguese-style chili sauce or cooked in palm oil. Cassava is an important crop, and you can order ground cassava leaves cooked with palm oil and peanut paste, known as saka saka.