Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo

Beach in Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Palm_Beach_Hotel_Pointe_Noire.JPG
Author: David Stanley


Pointe-Noire is the second biggest city as well as main commercial hub of the Republic of the Congo. Located on a headland between Pointe-Noire Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, it covers 1,144 sq km (442 sq mi) and has a population of around 750,000 people (2012 estimate), within a metropolitan area of over a million people.

Pointe-Noire was established by the Portuguese when they arrived here in 1484. The name, which means black rock, was given by the Portuguese who saw the black boulders on the headlannd. Pointe-Noire developed in the early 20th century, when a railway line was built connecting it with Brazzaville. The city grew as a seaport for the then French Equatorial Africa, precursor to present-day Republic of the Congo.

Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Pointe-Noire
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:NotreDamePointeNoire.jpg
Author: LorisRomito


Pointe-Noire was quite a modern city when Congo gained its independence in 1960. The discovery of oil in 1980 further fueled its growth. Today it is the center of the oil industry of the country.

Visiting Pointe-Noire

Pointe-Noire is served by the Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport. It receives passenger flights from Abidjan, Addis Ababa, Bamako, Brazzaville, Casablanca, Cotonou, Douala, Frankfurt, Johannesburg, Libreville, Malabo and Port-Gentil.

Places of Interest in Pointe-Noire

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