Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Brazzaville is the capital and largest city of the Republic of the Congo, located on the Congo River directly across from Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.8 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 10-20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 650 CFA Francs; major banks include Banque Commerciale du Congo and Ecobank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers like Airtel, MTN, and Canal +. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Standard Visa and Mastercard accepted widely, mobile banking is popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to serviced apartments; popular areas include downtown and the Plateau district. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred, but card acceptance is growing. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate websites like Jumia House for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Genesis and Hotel Mikhael offer budget-friendly options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Plateau district, close to attractions like Place de la République. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Gamboma Avenue area, known for cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Avenue Digital provides a good environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Boulangerie Le Bon Pain is a popular spot with good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech and entrepreneurship meetups are organized through social media platforms. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Brazzaville Expat Group on Facebook facilitates community meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxi services; rides can also be booked through WhatsApp. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited; recommendations for nearby rental shops should be checked locally. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The riverbank areas, though not traditional beaches, offer recreational activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ECAir operates flights within the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines have routes to major destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the N1 highway connecting to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Brazzaville Railway Station, though rail service is limited. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal pass system; public transit mainly consists of minibuses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are common for intercity travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Brazzaville for major medical needs. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes may be found at local gyms; check social media for schedules. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Stade de la Réunification has facilities for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at various hotels and private laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food offers various delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Saka-saka (cassava leaves) is a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Le Petit Restaurant offers vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie Le Versailles is popular for pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Marché Total offer a variety of food items. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia for general online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; local stores usually do not offer delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Congo River waterfront is known for vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brazzaville Beer Company produces local brews. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Le Rêve offers a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around the central market offer local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Le Golf offer a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Basilique Sainte-Anne is a notable historical site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of Contemporary Art presents local artists' works. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Folk Art Museum showcases Congolese heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Basilique de Sainte-Anne is a significant site for worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival International de Jazz is a popular cultural event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Plateau district is rich in cultural heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Centre Culturel Français hosts theatrical performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marché Total is a great place for local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at various bars along the riverside. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals around the city showcase local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes may be available; inquire at cultural centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie Galerie showcases contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Several colonial-era buildings can be found in the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Local folklore and traditions are integral to the community. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lola Ya Bonobo sanctuary is a short trip away for wildlife enthusiasts. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park is accessible for those interested in nature. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | People often walk along the Congo River for exercise. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints along Avenue Denis Sassou Nguesso provide great views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Congo River offers opportunities to see various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public parks may have designated areas for bonfires; check locally. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx services are available in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local repair shops offer services for phones and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis is popular; local gyms may have facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | French language classes can be found at local institutes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Centre de Documentation offers study space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centre Culturel Français provides cultural and community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; check local social media for venues. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Few options exist; inquire locally for entertainment venues. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,500 USD per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio for around 60,000 USD). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,200 USD per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio for around 48,000 USD). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,800 USD per m² (e.g., a 60 m² one-bedroom for around 108,000 USD). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500 USD per m² (e.g., a 60 m² one-bedroom for around 90,000 USD). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,200 USD per m² (e.g., an 80 m² two-bedroom for around 176,000 USD). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,800 USD per m² (e.g., an 80 m² two-bedroom for around 144,000 USD). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations are in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property tax applies based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 5% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific incentives; general income tax applies. |