Published December 31, 2011 | By Kristen Blandford

The Republic of the Congo is still recovering from a civil war that devastated the country in the late 1990s. The country has made significant improvements and most militia groups have disbanded. While the government has made attempts at reconciliation, the peace remains extremely fragile. Many parts of the country remain extremely underdeveloped, and the inhabitants of those regions often lack adequate public services. Consistent economic growth from the expansion of the oil sector is encouraging. If the government is able to maintain peace within the country and maintain economic expansion, the country will be able to address its infrastructure and health concerns. A continuing area for concern rests in the government’s commitment to free and fair elections. Given the discontent following elections in 2009, a test of stability will come following elections in 2012.