The country moved from one deposed leader to another until deciding to experiment with Marxism in 1968. The isolation meant the French did not intervene with much enthusiasm as they did in their other former African colonies in trying times of military coups. Marxism was abandoned in the 90s and multiparty party democracy adopted. A new government was elected in 1992. This new government was overthrown in 1997 by a military coup backed by the country's former Marxist leader Sassou-Nguesso.
Ethnicity continues to play a divisive role in Congolese politics.
The economy is improving slightly with the development of Congo's oil resources but the country remains one of the poorest in Africa. For visitors, Congo is an area of many fascinations and contrasts, from the tropical rain forests to rural poverty and the splendour and opulence of Brazzaville and Pointe Noire city centres. All rights reserved. This content may only be stored for personal and non-commercial purposes. The republication or reuse of the content without the written prior permission of M-Web is prohibited.