The narrow sandy coastal plain is broken by lagoons behind which rise the Mayombe Mountains. The capital, Brazzaville, lies on the west side of Malebo Pool on the River Congo. Sights include the beautiful Basilique Ste Anne, the Temple Mosque and the Municipal Gardens. Waterskiing on the Congo and Kouillou rivers is a popular sporting activity in peacetime. Some restaurants specialise in African dishes such as piri piri chicken and Mouambe chicken in palm oil.
Local musicians are popular in the main towns.
Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire have several nightclubs.