The Congo refers to a region in Central Africa, primarily associated with the Congo River, one of the longest rivers in the world. The area is home to two countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of the Congo. The DRC is the larger of the two and is rich in natural resources, including minerals like copper and diamonds. The Congo Basin, which includes the river and surrounding forests, is the second-largest rainforest in the world, after the Amazon. This region is vital for biodiversity, housing numerous species of plants and animals, some of which are endangered. The Congo also plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate.