Congo River

1. Congo River
Allar Lakson

2. About The River
Congo River (formerly known as Zaire River) is the largest
river in Western Central Africa. Its overall length of 4,374 km
(2,718 mi.) makes it the second longest in Africa (after the Nile)
and fifth longest in the world.
Nearly the entire Congo is readily navigable, and with railways
now bypassing the three major falls, much of the trade of
central Africa passes along it, including copper, palm oil (as
kernels), sugar, coffee, and cotton. The river is also potentially
valuable for hydroelectric power, and the Inga facility below
Pool Malebo is the first to exploit the river.

3. The Origin Of The River’s
Name
The Congo gets its name from the
ancient Kingdom of Kongo which
inhabited the lands at the mouth of the
river. In turn, the
Democratic Republic of the Congo and
the Republic of the Congo, both
countries lying along the river's banks,
are named after it.

4. The Tributaries
Inkisi
Nzadi
Nsele (south side of Pool Malebo)
Bombo
Kasai (between Fimi and Congo, known
as Kwa)
Fimi
Kwango
Sankuru
Likouala
Sangha
Ubangi
Giri
Mbomou
Uele
Sorted in order from the mouth heading
upstream

5. Animals And Plants In The
Rainforest
The Congo Clawless Otter is found in the basin of Africa; it is extremely rare and
nearly close to extinction.
Over 250 different species of birds have been noted. Among these are ducks,
storks, pelicans, parrots that migrate from Europe Mammals in the Congo
include
The popular Black Hippo spends most of its time in the waters of the river. It
likes the deep lakes and rivers that are close to the grassland. The deep water
of the Congo provides enough water for the hippo to be submerged so that it
doesn’t become dehydrated under the harsh hot climate.
Manatee
Water Snake
Various reptiles
Crocodiles
Tortoises
Over 200 fish species
Pigs
Elephants
Damp air and humid temperatures create ideal conditions for mosquitoes and
gnats

6. Animals of the Meadows
In the southern part of the Congo lie high rolling hills of
nothing but grass. Within the tall grass of these parts a
variety of grazing animals can be found.
Buffalos
Antelopes
Zebras
Giraffes

Gazelles