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Republic of the Congo

The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.

EmergencyPolice 117Ambulance 118Fire 118

Plug typesC · E230 V · 50 Hz CurrencyXAFCentral African CFA Franc

Drives on theright

TippingRound up, or leave small change

Local time–+242 · Calling code

The country in brief

About 6.48 million people live in the Republic of the Congo, on 342,000 km². The capital is Brazzaville.

Capital: Brazzaville
Population: 6,484,437
Area: 342,000 km²
Official languages: French

Land borders

Angola Cameroon Central African Republic DR Congo Gabon

Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.

Before you go

Which plugs are used in the Republic of the Congo?
Sockets take plug type C/E, at 230 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in the Republic of the Congo?
Call 117 for the police, 118 for an ambulance and 118 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in the Republic of the Congo?
Round up, or leave small change.
Which side of the road do they drive on in the Republic of the Congo?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in the Republic of the Congo?
Prices are in Central African CFA Franc (XAF).
What language do they speak in the Republic of the Congo?
Official languages: French.
How do I call a number in the Republic of the Congo from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +242.