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Vas

Economic analysis
Of
Republic of Congo



Contents
Introduction 3
Location 3
Demographics 4
Population 4
Age structure 4
Population growth rate 4
Sex ratio 5
Nationality 5
Religions 5
Economy of Republic of Congo 6
Dependency on petroleum 6
Timber Decline 6
Employment 6
Measures for economic reform 6
War of 1997 7
Post 1997 7
Facts and figures 8
National Account 12
External sector (CFAF billions) 12
Financial transactions by the State (CFAF billions) 13
Economic Problems in Republic of Congo 14
Congo's government statement on its poverty reduction strategy 15
Oil depletion and fiscal policy 18
Fiscal indicators 20
Future of Congo: Will oil last long enough? 20
Annual oil production forecast 21
National oil price forecast 21
Primary balance forecast 21
Conclusion 22



Introduction
Location


Capital
Brazzaville (4°14′S, 15°14′E)
Official languages
French
Recognised regional languages
Kongo/Kituba, Lingala
Area
Total - 342,000 km²
Water – 3.3%
GDP
2005 estimate - Total $4.585 billion (154th)
Per capita $1,369 (161st)
Currency
Central African CFA franc (XAF/CFAF)


Demographics
The Republic of the Congo's sparse population is concentrated in the southwestern portion of the country, leaving the vast areas of tropical jungle in the north virtually uninhabited. Thus, Congo is one of the most urbanized countries in Africa, with 85% of its total population living in a few urban areas, namely in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or one of the small cities or villages lining the 332-mile railway which connects the two cities. In rural areas, industrial and commercial activity has declined rapidly in recent years, leaving rural economies dependent on the government for support and subsistence.
Population
Total - 3,702,314

Age structure
0-14 years: 46.4% (male 864,407/female 853,728)
15-64 years: 50.7% (male 930,390/female 945,545)
65 years and over: 2.9% (male 44,430/female 63,814)...