A former French colony, the Republic of the Congo is a western African nation bordering the South Atlantic Ocean between Angola and Gabon. Slightly smaller than Montana, the Congo is comprised of nine regions and one commune: Bouenza, Cuvette, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pool, Sangha and the commune of Brazzaville.
A republic, the Congo is led by a popularly elected President who serves a limit of two seven-year terms. He is both head of state and government. He appoints the members of his cabinet, the Council of Ministers, which as a body manages the administration of the country. Legislation is the jurisdiction of a bicameral parliament consisting of the Senate and National Assembly.
