Map of Congo – DR Congo, Republic of Congo & Cities
Explore this map of Congo to locate the two neighbouring Central African countries commonly called Congo: the Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo or Congo-Kinshasa). The interactive map shows their capitals, international borders, major cities, rivers, forests and roads. Zoom in for local detail or out to see both countries in the wider Congo Basin.
There are two independent countries named Congo. The Republic of the Congo has its capital at Brazzaville and 15 departments. The much larger Democratic Republic of the Congo has its capital at Kinshasa and 26 provinces, including Kinshasa. Their capitals face each other across the Congo River.
Interactive Map of Congo â Both Countries
The map covers both countries in one view. Look for Brazzaville west of the Congo River and Kinshasa immediately across it. Zoom toward the Atlantic coast, the central rainforest or the eastern lakes to explore different landscapes. Administrative boundaries can take time to reflect recent changes.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Republic of the Congo vs Democratic Republic of the Congo
| Feature | Republic of the Congo | DR Congo |
|---|---|---|
| Also known as | Congo-Brazzaville | Congo-Kinshasa / DRC |
| Capital | Brazzaville | Kinshasa |
| Administration | 15 departments | 26 provinces |
| Relative location | Mainly west of DR Congo | Mainly east and south of Republic of the Congo |
| Major cities | Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, Dolisie | Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Kisangani, Goma |
Map of the Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)
The Republic of the Congo stretches from a short Atlantic coastline into northern rainforest and wetland regions. Brazzaville is its capital on the Congo River, and Pointe-Noire is its principal coastal port. Other places to find include Dolisie, Ouesso, Owando and Impfondo. Its neighbours are Gabon, Cameroon, Central African Republic, DR Congo and Angolaâs Cabinda exclave.
Its 15 Departments
The departments are Bouenza, Brazzaville, Congo-Oubangui, Cuvette, Cuvette-Ouest, Djoué-Léfini, Kouilou, Lékoumou, Likouala, Niari, Nkéni-Alima, Plateaux, Pointe-Noire, Pool and Sangha. Three departments were added in 2024: Congo-Oubangui, Djoué-Léfini and Nkéni-Alima. Older maps may still show only 12.
The RN1 road corridor links the Brazzaville area with Dolisie and Pointe-Noire. The CongoâOcean Railway also connects the capital region with the coast. Farther north, rivers remain important routes where roads are fewer.
Map of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo)
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the larger country, stretching across the central Congo Basin to the highlands and Great Lakes of eastern Africa. Its capital, Kinshasa, is opposite Brazzaville. Other significant cities include Lubumbashi and Kolwezi in the southeast, Mbuji-Mayi and Kananga in the south-central interior, Kisangani on the Congo River, and Goma and Bukavu in the east.
Its 26 Provinces
The provinces are Bas-Uele, Ãquateur, Haut-Katanga, Haut-Lomami, Haut-Uele, Ituri, Kasaï, Kasaï-Central, Kasaï-Oriental, Kinshasa, Kongo Central, Kwango, Kwilu, Lomami, Lualaba, Mai-Ndombe, Maniema, Mongala, Nord-Kivu, Nord-Ubangi, Sankuru, Sud-Kivu, Sud-Ubangi, Tanganyika, Tshopo and Tshuapa. Kinshasa is both the national capital and a city-province.
DR Congo borders Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia and Angola. It also has a short Atlantic coastline in the far west. Roads, rail, river transport and domestic flights link different regions, but long distances and changing conditions can complicate journeys.
The Congo River, Rainforest and Great Lakes
The Congo River is a defining feature of both countries. It forms part of their shared boundary and drains a vast area of Central Africa. Major tributaries include the Ubangi and Kasaï. Much of the basin contains tropical rainforest, wetlands and floodplains, while the western country also has coastal lowlands and the Niari Valley.
Eastern DR Congo has a markedly different landscape, including Lakes Albert, Edward, Kivu and Tanganyika, the Ruwenzori Mountains and the Virunga volcanic region. On a national-scale map these features appear small; zoom in to identify their locations and nearby settlements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there two countries called Congo?
Yes. The Republic of the Congo and Democratic Republic of the Congo are separate sovereign countries, each with its own government and capital.
What is the capital of Congo?
It depends which country you mean: Brazzaville for the Republic of the Congo, or Kinshasa for DR Congo.
Which Congo is bigger?
DR Congo is much larger in area than the Republic of the Congo.
Why are Brazzaville and Kinshasa so close?
Both capitals developed on opposite banks of the Congo River. They are near one another geographically, but travel between them involves an international border crossing.
How many provinces or departments are there?
DR Congo has 26 provinces; the Republic of the Congo has 15 departments.
Can this map be used for travel planning?
It is useful for orientation and identifying places. For current road access, border procedures and safety conditions, check official advice and local sources.
About This Map
This combined Congo map is intended for readers searching for either country or trying to understand the differences between them. Use the zoom controls to explore cities, borders and waterways; map labels and administrative boundaries can vary between sources.
Disclaimer: This page is for general educational and geographic reference. Boundaries, place names, transport access and map data may change or be incomplete. Verify important details with official sources. External websites are independent; links do not imply affiliation or endorsement.