Impfondo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Impfondo
Town and Commune
Impfondo Location in Republic of the Congo
Country	Republic of the Congo
Department	Likouala Department
District	Impfondo District
Commune	Impfondo
Elevation	326 m (1,070 ft)
Population  (2018)
• Total	47,719

Impfondo is a town and a commune located in the northeastern part of the Republic of the Congo. It sits right on the Oubangui River, which is a major waterway. The town has its own airport. You can also travel to Impfondo by river barge from cities like Brazzaville and Bangui. Impfondo is an important place because it is the main administrative center for both the Likouala Department and the Impfondo District.

History of Impfondo

Impfondo was once known as Desbordesville. It has often been a stopping point for boats traveling along the river to Bangui. This town feels like a frontier because it's one of the last developed places before you enter vast areas of dense forest swamps and small villages.

Being so far away and close to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) across the river can make things a bit tense. Sometimes, people from the DRC have crossed the river, which can make the local population feel a bit worried.

In the past, the western side of the Congo River in the Likouala region was home to refugee camps. These camps housed people who had to leave their homes due to conflicts in the DRC. As the conflicts have become less severe, many of these refugees have been able to return home.

Because Impfondo is often affected by floods and is very close to the DRC border, it is considered a place where there is a higher risk of diseases like Ebola. Health officials keep a close watch on the area to help keep people safe.

The Wild West of Africa

To the west of Impfondo, you'll find the Lac Tele area. This region is part of a huge tropical jungle. It is one of the least developed parts of Africa. You can find hundreds of kilometers of untouched equatorial rainforest and wetlands here.

Protecting the wilderness and its animals is a top priority in this area. Many people call the north of the Congo the 'last great wilderness of Africa'. It's a place where nature truly takes the lead.

Amazing Wildlife

Large animals still live freely across this vast area. You might find amazing creatures like lowland gorillas and hippopotamus. There are also forest elephants, crocodiles, and many different kinds of monkeys.

The wetlands are also home to hundreds of bird species. Many types of snakes live here too. Scientists are still discovering new plants and animals in this incredible region.

There is a very basic dirt trail that goes north from Impfondo. It follows the river and leads into the Central African Republic.

Climate

Impfondo has a tropical climate. It is generally warm and humid throughout the year, with plenty of rainfall.