List of rivers of the Republic of the Congo facts for kids

The Republic of the Congo is a country in Central Africa. It has many important rivers that flow through its forests and plains. These rivers are like natural highways, helping people travel and transport goods. They also provide water for animals and plants, making the country's nature very rich. This article lists the main rivers in the Republic of the Congo, showing how they connect to larger water systems like the Atlantic Ocean and the mighty Congo River.

Rivers of the Republic of the Congo

A "drainage basin" is like a giant bowl where all the rain and smaller streams collect and flow into one larger river, and eventually, into an ocean or a big lake. The rivers in the Republic of the Congo mostly flow into the Atlantic Ocean, either directly or through the huge Congo River.

Rivers Flowing to the Atlantic Ocean

Map of the Republic of the Congo showing the main rivers and their smaller branches.

Many rivers in the Republic of the Congo eventually reach the Atlantic Ocean. Some flow directly into the ocean, while others join larger rivers that then flow into the ocean.

• Ogooué River: This is a major river in Central Africa. While much of it is in Gabon, some of its important branches start in the Republic of the Congo.
  • Ngounie River: A branch of the Ogooué.
  • Ivindo River: Another important branch of the Ogooué.
    • Djadie River: A smaller stream that joins the Ivindo.
    • Djoua River: Another stream flowing into the Ivindo.
    • Aïna River: A river that also joins the Ivindo.
  • Letili River: A smaller river connected to the Ogooué system.

• Nyanga River: This river flows directly into the Atlantic Ocean.

• Kouilou-Niari River: This is one of the most important rivers that flows directly into the Atlantic Ocean from the Republic of the Congo. It's known by two names depending on the section.
  • Louésse River: A branch that joins the Kouilou-Niari.

• Chiloango River: This river also flows directly into the Atlantic Ocean.

• Congo River: The Congo River is the second-longest river in Africa and one of the deepest rivers in the world. It forms a large part of the border of the Republic of the Congo and has many important branches within the country.
  • Djoué River: A branch that flows into the Congo River.
  • Lefini River: Another river that joins the Congo.
  • Nkéni River: A smaller river flowing into the Congo.
  • Alima River: An important branch of the Congo River.
    • Lékéti River: A stream that flows into the Alima.
  • Likouala-Mossaka: This river system is a major branch of the Congo.
    • Kouyou River: A river that joins the Likouala-Mossaka.
    • Lengoué River: Another stream in the Likouala-Mossaka system.
    • Mambili River: A river that also flows into the Likouala-Mossaka.
  • Sangha River: A very large and important branch of the Congo River.
    • Dja River (Ngoko River): A major river that flows into the Sangha.
  • Likouala-aux-Herbes: Another significant branch of the Congo River.
  • Ubangi River: This is the largest right-bank branch of the Congo River and forms part of the border between the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
    • Motaba River: A branch that joins the Ubangi.
    • Ibenga River: Another river flowing into the Ubangi.