Vast areas are swamps, grassland or thick forests with rivers.
The vast River Congo draws much of its water from swamp lands in the north. 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.