Congo Elevation Facts
| Average elevation | 430 m (1,411 ft) |
|---|---|
| Highest point | Mont Nabemba: 1,020 m (3,346 ft) |
| Lowest point | Atlantic Ocean: 0 m (0 ft) |
| Elevation range | 1,020 m (3,346 ft) from the lowest point to the highest |
| Highest-elevation city | Djambala: 796 m (2,612 ft) |
| Lowest-elevation city | Pointe-Noire: 13 m (43 ft) |
The terrain of Congo is dominated by a vast central plateau which gradually slopes towards the Atlantic Ocean. Dense rainforests cover much of the country, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. The Congo River, one of the world's great rivers, cuts through the country from east to west. The river basin and its tributaries create a system of interconnected lakes and wetlands.
The elevation varies greatly in Congo, from the highest peaks reaching over 1000m to the lowest point at sea level. The relief of the country is a product of the region's geological history and the powerful forces that shaped its landscape over hundreds of millions of years.
Congo's mountains lie in the eastern part of the country, where the Mayombe massif and the Bambou Massif form the western edge of the Congo Basin. The highest summit is Mont Nabemba at 1,020 meters, in the Sangha region; the Rwenzori and Mitumba ranges of the East African Rift belong to the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
The country's coastal plain along the Atlantic is low and sandy, sitting at roughly sea level, and is prone to flooding during the rainy season. Rivers flow gently through these plains, creating a unique ecosystem of swamps and wetlands that are home to many plant and animal species.
Highest Point in Congo
The highest point in the Republic of the Congo is Mont Nabemba, at 1,020 meters (3,346 feet) above sea level, in the Chaillu Massif.
Lowest Point in Congo
The lowest point in Congo is at sea level, where the Congo River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The river is one of the largest in the world and is a vital lifeline for the people of Congo.