Republic of the Congo

Overview

The Republic of Congo, a vast forested country some 342,000 km² in size in the Congo basin, is rich in natural resources and biodiversity. The Congo’s indigenous population is estimated at approximately 10% of the total population, i.e. around 300,000 people out of a total of 3,900,000 inhabitants. The indigenous population is divided into several groups, unequally distributed throughout the country and known by different names: Babenga, Babongo, Batwa, Bambenzelé, Baka, Baluma, Bangombé, Bagyeli, Bakola, Mbendjele and Mikaya and Bali.

Although found throughout the whole national territory, the indigenous population lives primarily in the departments of Niari, Lekoumou, Likouala, Plateaux and Sangha. Some have now settled on the land but most still live a semi-nomadic life based on hunting and gathering.

 
Indigenous Peoples and Minority Populations
Baka

The Baka Peoples don’t want to be sacrificed for conservation

We're fighting for our lives

Indigenous Peoples are putting their bodies on the line and it's our responsibility to make sure you know why. That takes time, expertise and resources - and we're up against a constant tide of misinformation and distorted coverage. By supporting IC you're empowering the kind of journalism we need, at the moment we need it most.

Support us Become a Patron
independent uncompromising indigenous
Except where otherwise noted, articles on this website are licensed under a Creative Commons License
Hosting by May First / People Link