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The Republic of the Congo is in Central Africa. The country is also known as Congo-Brazzaville to distinguish it from its giant eastern neighbor, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa). It is bordered by Gabon, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Angolan exclave province of Cabinda, and the Gulf of Guinea.

Weather: Because the country is situated on the Equator, the climate is constant year-round, with the average day temperature being a wet 24 °C (75 °F) and nights generally between 16-21 °C (60-70 °F). The average annual rainfall ranges from 1,100 millimeters (43 in) in south in the Niari valley to over 2,000 millimeters (79 in) in central parts of the county. The dry season is from June to August while in the majority of the country the wet season has two rainfall maxima: one in March–May and another in September–November. Flora and fauna: In 2006-07, researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society studied gorillas in heavily forested regions centered on the Ouesso district of the Sangha Region. They suggest a population on the order of 125000 Western Lowland Gorillas, whose seclusion from humans has been mainly conserved by unfriendly swamps.

Buy: There is an artisan mart, as well as boutiques in the market near the BDEAC. Truly attractive jewelry, masks, paintings, and other artwork. Currency: The Republic of Congo CFA Franc (CFA) is the authorized local currency. The U.S. dollar is not broadly accepted. Currently, the exchange rate is 420 CFA to the U.S. dollar, but fluctuates daily. All business is conducted in cash. Sleep: It's simple to stagger into a brothel, if you don't know any better. In Brazzaville, people seem to like Hippocampe and The Meridian (tennis courts). The Olympic is the nicest place in town, and though it has a lovely pool, it's still not 4 stars.

Food: There is high-quality and healthy Chinese food at Osaka Restaurant, in Pointe Noire. The average cost for a snack was US$12-18. All meals were served in nice clean dishes; the restaurant is indoors and has AC, with a back-up generator, just in case. Some of the workers speak English and French. Drink: Palm wine is a local preference. There is a big price range on beer (650 to 5000 CFA) depending on what neighborhood and type of bar/restaurant you're at. N'Gok (Congo), Mutsik (German?), Heinekin Guiness (really sweet), Turbo King (the darkest).