Brazzaville, Capital city on Congo River, Republic of the Congo
The capital sits on the western bank of the Congo River and stretches across hilly terrain with residential neighborhoods, government buildings, and parks extending from the waterfront inland. Wide streets pass through different districts where trees provide shade and markets gather in open squares.
The settlement began in 1880 through a treaty between French delegates and local ruler Makoko. It later became the capital of French Equatorial Africa and kept this role after independence in 1960 for the new Republic of the Congo.
The city's name honors French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, who built peaceful relations with local leaders. Residents commonly speak French and Lingala, and markets display textiles, carvings, and fresh produce from the region.
The best visiting period falls during the dry season from May to September when temperatures are slightly cooler and rain is less frequent. Taxis and motorcycle taxis offer rides within the city, while ferries cross the river to neighboring towns.
The capital faces Kinshasa directly and forms the only pair of neighboring capitals worldwide separated by a river. On clear days you can see the skyline of the other city distinctly from the riverbanks on the opposite shore.
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