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Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. A quarter century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990 and a democratically elected government installed in 1992. A brief civil war in 1997 restored former Marxist President SASSOU-NGUESSO, but ushered in a period of ethnic unrest. Southern-based rebel groups agreed to a final peace accord in March 2003. The Republic of Congo is one of Africa's largest petroleum producers with significant potential for offshore development.
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Country
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Surface Area: 342,000 square km
Population: 2,998,040 (July 2004 est.)
Located in: Western Africa
Capital City: Brazzaville
Head of State: Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO
Prime Minister: Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO
Independent since: 15 August 1960 (from France)
Currency: Franc (XAF)
Flag (image): 
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