Congo is abode to a unique range of ecosystems in which bird, plant and animal life reside in abundance. It is a country worth visiting where travellers can enjoy truly amazing and diverse experiences in pristine environments. Nestling in the central-western part of the African continent, Congo captured the imagination of foreigners from time unknown and evoked noble ideals of an era of exploration and discovery. In pre-colonial times, three Bantu kingdoms of Kongo, Loango and Tio dominated the region now recognised as Congo or the Republic of Congo. After the Portuguese located the Congo River in 1482, French established its reign in 1880. In following decades Congo became part of French Equatorial Africa. Congo proclaimed its independence on August 15, 1960.
Geographically, Congo belongs to the sub-Saharan Africa and possesses a short opening to the Atlantic Ocean. The Kouilou-Niari and Congo River are the primary source of fresh water in the country and create fertile basins to support agriculture. There are also some tabletop lands in the central part of the country but not with any significant heights. Moreover, as the landscape of Congo is lapped up by the Equator, it constantly experiences high temperatures and humidity. Petroleum is the mainstay of the Congo economy.