Page Type: countryCongo | Ethnologue

CG

Republic of the Congo

Congo

Summary

Republic of the Congo
ACHPR (1982), CDE (1968), CPPDCE (2008), CSICH (2012), ICCPR (1983), UNCRPD (2014), UNDRIP (2007)
5,518,000
French
80% (2018 UNESCO)
Bendor-Samuel and Hartell 1989, Jacquot 1971
The number of established languages listed for Congo is 62. All are living languages. Of these, 55 are indigenous and 7 are non-indigenous. Furthermore, 3 are institutional, 16 are developing, 24 are vigorous, and 19 are in trouble. Also listed are 2 unestablished languages.
Cuvette, Likouala, and Sangha departments. Users: 15,000 in Congo (Cavalli-Sforza 1986). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Beka, Mòáka, Yaka, Yaâkâ, “Babinga” (pej.), “Binga” (pej.) Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Ngondi (C.104)
Cuvette department: Makoua district; Cuvette-Ouest department: east. Users: 42,000 (2018). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Mboshi (C.22)
Scattered. Users: 27,000 in Congo (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 16,000–32,000, based on 0.3%–0.6% of total population. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: ASL, Langue des signes américaine, Langue des signes congolaise, Langue des signes du Congo Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Bouenza department: Mabgombo and Mouyondzi districts, Kingoué and Sibiti; Pool department: northwest of Brazzaville. Users: 100,000 (2007 census). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bembe Autonym: Kibeembe Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Kikongo (H.11)
Sangha department: on Cameroon border, near Gabon border, almost to Ouesso. Users: 14,000 in Congo (2018). Total users in all countries: 19,700. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bakwele, Bakwil, Bekwil Autonym: Bɛkwyel Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Makaa-Njem (A.85)
Cuvette department: Mossaka district, on Congo river; Likouala department: Epena district. Users: 106,000 in Congo (2018). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Bangi, Bubangi, Bungi, Dzamba, Lobobangi, Rebu, Zamba Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Bangi-Ntomba (C.32)
Likouala department: Epena district, along Likouala-aux-Herbes river. Users: 16,500 in Congo (2018). Total users in all countries: 16,720. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Bamitaba, Leke, Mbomitaba, Mbomotaba Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Ngondi (C.14)
Sangha department: Ouesso district. Users: 49,000 in Congo (2018). Total users in all countries: 55,100. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bomali, Boumoali, Bumali, Lino, Sangasanga, Sanghasangha Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Makaa-Njem (A.87)
Cuvette and Likouala departments; Sangha department: Sangha river area, southeast of Ouesso, to Pikounda area; Liouesso district. Users: 11,600 (2018). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Bokiba, Bongiri, Bonguili, Bungili, Bungiri Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Ngondi (C.15)
Likouala department: Dongou and Impfondo districts, Ibenga, Oubangui, and Motaba river areas. Users: 3,000. Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Impfondo, Mbonzo Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Ngondi (C.143)
Niari department: Kibangou district, Banda area on Gabon border. Users: 3,020 in Congo (2000). Total users in all countries: 4,250. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ibwisi, Mbwisi Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Shira-Punu (B.401)
Cuvette department; Likouala department: south Epena district; 16 villages. Users: 4,000 (Leitch 2004). 800 monolinguals (Leitch 2004). Ethnic population: 4,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Babole, Southern Bomitaba Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Ngondi (C.101)
Bouenza department: Boko-Songho, Madingou, and Mfouati districts; Pool department, southwest Mindouli district. Users: 30,000 (2007 census). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Dondo, Kidoondo Autonym: Doondo Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Kikongo (H.112)
Sangha department. Users: 11,800 in Congo (2018). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Pahouin, Pamue Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Ewondo-Fang (A.75)
Users: 3,181,100 in Congo, all users. L1 users: 11,100 in Congo (2020). L2 users: 3,170,000 (Beck et al 2018). Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (2002, Constitution, Article 6). Alternate Names: Français Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Gallo-Romance, Gallo-Rhaetian, Oïl, French
Likouala department: Epena district; Sangha department: scattered on Cameroon border. Users: 2,000 in Congo (Johnstone 1993). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Baya, Northwest Gbaya Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, Northwest
Users: 10,700 in Congo (2018). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Afro-Asiatic, Chadic, West, A, A.1
Bouenza department: Madingou and Nkayi districts; Lékoumou department: Sibiti district. Users: 1,500 (2007 census). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kamba, Kikaamba Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Kikongo (H.112)
Likouala department: Ibenga and Motaba rivers, scattered. Users: 13,000 in Congo (2018). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Kaka, Nkoxo, Yaka Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Kaka (A.93)
Mainly between Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. Users: 1,750,000 (2018). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Statutory language of national identity (2002, Constitution, Article 6), recognized as lingua franca. Used throughout the south in churches, the market and the media. Established itself in large towns during colonial period between 1885 and 1960. Lingua franca in Bas-Congo, Kwango, Kwilu, Kinshasa, Mai-Ndombe and Kasai-Occidental. Alternate Names: Kikongo-Kituba, Kikoongo, Monokutuba, Munukutuba Autonym: Kituba Classification: Creole, Kongo based
Pool department: Boko district, west and northwest of Brazzaville. Users: 16,500 in Congo (2007 census). Status: 5* (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Congo, Kikongo, Kikoongo, Kongo, Kongo-Nseke Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Kikongo (H.16)
Cuvette-Ouest department: west of Mbomo; Sangha department: Liouesso district. Users: 16,500 in Congo (2018). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ikota, Ikuta Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Kele (B.25)
Cuvette department: Owando district; Cuvette-Ouest department: Ewo district. Users: 1,000. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ekoyo, Kouyou Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Mboshi (C.24)
Bouenza, Kouilou, and Niari regions, south and southeast from Makabana to Democratic Republic of the Congo border. Users: 137,000 (2018). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kikuni, Kikunyi, Kugni, Kuni Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Kikongo (H.13)
Bouenza department: Mouyondzi district; Pool department: west and northwest of Brazzaville. Users: 159,000 in Congo (2018). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kilari, Laadi, Ladi, Lali, Lari Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Kikongo (H.16)
Cuvette department: on Congo river above Sangha river mouth; Plateaux department: Alima river south bank. Users: 53,000 (2018). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kuba Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Mboshi (C.27)
Cuvette department: lower reaches of Likouala-aux-Herbes, Likouala-Mossaka, and Sangha rivers. Users: 79,000 (2018). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Ekwala, Kwala, Likouala Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Mboshi (C.26)
Mainly Brazzaville and surrounding areas in Pool department. Users: 213,000 in Congo (2018). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Statutory language of national identity (2002, Constitution, Article 6), generally northern. Lingala is used throughout the area north of Brazzaville in the churches, the market and the media (2014 SIL). Alternate Names: Ngala Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Bangi-Ntomba (C.30)
Bouenza and Kouilou departments; Niari department: Kibangou district, between Kibangou and Gabon border. Users: 3,020 in Congo (2000). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ilumbu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Shira-Punu (B.44)
Likouala department: Oubangui river area. Users: 14,000 in Congo (2018). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Banja, Mbanja, Mbanza Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Banda, Southern
Lékoumou department: Bambama district. Users: 1,510 in Congo (2000). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: M’bahouin Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Kele (B.23)
Cuvette-Ouest department: north Ewo and Kelle districts. Users: 106,000 in Congo (2018). Total users in all countries: 151,500. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Limbede, Mbédé, Mbété Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Mbete (B.61)
Cuvette department: west Makoua district; Sangha department. Users: 47,000 (2018). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Mboxo, Mbuku Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Mboshi (C.21)
Cuvette department: Boundiji, Mossaka, and Owando districts; Cuvette-Ouest department: Ewo district; Plateaux department: Abala district. Users: 190,000 (2018). Ethnic population: 707,000 (2019). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Embosi, Mbochi, Mboshe, Mboshi Autonym: Embɔ́sí Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Mboshi (C.25)
Cuvette and Plateaux regions: Oubangui river west bank, Alima river mouth, south of Mossaka. Users: 3,020 (2000). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Lemoi, Mahican, Rebu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Bangi-Ntomba (C.32)
Likouala department: on Oubangui river. Users: 14,000 in Congo (2018). Total users in all countries: 20,600. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Mondjembo, Monjombo, Munzombo Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka, Western, Monzombo
Sangha department: on Cameroon border. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bimu, Mbimou, Mbimu, Mbyemo, Mpo, Mpyemɔ Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Makaa-Njem (A.86)
Lékoumou department: west of Zanaga. Users: 4,530 in Congo (2000). Total users in all countries: 5,530. Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Andasa Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Kele (B.201)
Likouala department: Oubangui river west bank, between Impfondo and Congo river confluence. Users: 3,650 in Congo (2000). Status: 5 (Developing). Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Gbaya-Manza-Ngbaka, East
Likouala department: possibly from nearby large language areas in Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo. Users: 159,000 in Congo (2018). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Bouaka, Bwaka, Gbala, Ma’bo, Mbacca, Mbaka, Nbwaka, Ngbaka Limba Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, North, Adamawa-Ubangi, Ubangi, Sere-Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka-Mba, Ngbaka, Western, Bwaka
Cuvette-Ouest department: northwest of Mbomo. Users: 4,530 in Congo (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Angom, Bangom, Bangomo, Ongom, Ungom, Ungomo Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Kele (B.22)
Sangha department: east of Ouesso. Users: 3,000 in Congo (2004). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ingundi, Ngondi Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, C, Ngondi (C.11)
Plateaux department: Gamboma district. Users: 45,000 (1988 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Gangoulou, Gangulu, Ngangoulou, Ngangulu, Ngungulu, Northeastern Teke Autonym: Engungwel Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Teke (B.72)
Niari department: Mayoko district. Users: 23,000 in Congo (2018). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Binzabi, Injebi, Ndjabi, Njabi, Njevi, Nzebi, Yinjebi, Yinzebi Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Nzebi (B.52)
Sangha department: Souanke district, north into Cameroon. Users: 3,500 in Congo. 2,980 monolinguals. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Djem, Dzem, Ndjem, Ndjeme, Ndzem, Ngyeme, Njem, Nyem, Zimu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Makaa-Njem (A.84)
Lékoumou department: Bambama district. Users: 23,000 (2018). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Lembaamba, Mbaama, Mbama, Mbamba Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Mbete (B.62)
Sangha department: north of Ouesso, on Cameroon and Central African Republic borders. Users: 5,430 in Congo (2000). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Congo Pol, Pol, Pori, Pul Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, A, Kaka (A.92)
Niari department: toward Gabon border. Users: 16,500 in Congo (2018). Status: 5* (Developing). Alternate Names: Ipounou, Ipunu, Pouno, Puno, Yipunu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Shira-Punu (B.43)
Users: 117,000 in Congo (2018). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Creole, Ngbandi based
Pool department: Boko, Kindamba, Kinkala, and Mayama districts; Bouenza and Niari departments: border areas. Users: 216,000 (2018). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kissoundi, Kisuundi, Soundi, Suundi de Kifouma, Suundi de Kimongo Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Kikongo (H.131)
Plateaux department: Lefini river east to Congo river, north to Engankou and west to Allion. Users: 20,400 in Congo (2000). 900,000 all Teke languages in Congo (2019 World Factbook). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Aboo, Bamboma, Boma, Boo, Boõ, Central Teke, Eboo Teke, Eboom, Iboo, Teke-Boma Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Teke (B.74)
Pool department: Brazzaville area, on Congo river. Users: 36,200 in Congo (2000). 900,000 all Teke languages in Congo (2019 World Factbook). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Bali, Eastern Teke, Ibali, Kiteke Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Teke (B.75)
Plateaux department: Lekana district, east of Leketi river. Users: 38,800 (2000). 900,000 all Teke languages in Congo (2019 World Factbook). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Chikuya, Cikuya, Kikuwa, Kikuya, Koukouya, Kukua, Kukuya, Kukwa, Southern Teke Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Teke (B.77)
Lékoumou department: south of Komono. Users: 2,100 (2006). 900,000 all Teke languages in Congo (2019 World Factbook). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Ilaali, Laali, West Teke Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Teke (B.73)
Plateaux department: Djambala area; Pool department. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Central Teke, Ndzindziu, Njiunjiu, Njyunjyu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Teke (B.74)
Cuvette-Ouest department: Ewo and Okoyo districts; Plateaux department: Abala district, west of Mpama river. Users: 49,300 in Congo (2000). 900,000 all Teke languages in Congo (2019 World Factbook). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Iteghe, Keteghe, Northern Teke, Teghe, Teke Alima, Teke Kali Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Teke (B.71)
Lékoumou department: east of Mossendjo; Pool department: Kindema district. Users: 95,900 (2000). 900,000 all Teke languages in Congo (2019 World Factbook). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Getsaayi, Tsaayi, Tsaya, Tsaye, Tsayi, West Teke Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Teke (B.73)
Bouenza, Lékoumou, and Pool departments: between Kitembe and Makaka. Users: 14,400. 900,000 all Teke languages in Congo (2019 World Factbook). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Kwe, Tee, Tyee, West Teke Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Teke (B.73)
Plateaux department: south and west of Lefini river (Wuumu dialect); Pool department: north of Brazzaville (Fuumu dialect). Users: 14,000 (2021 Joshua Project). 900,000 all Teke languages in Congo (2019 World Factbook). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Fumu, Fuumu, Kiteke, South Central Teke, Teke du Pool, Teke-Fuumu Autonym: Ifumu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Teke (B.77)
Lékoumou department; Niari department: north and northwest of Mossendjo. Users: 23,000 in Congo (2018). Total users in all countries: 31,610. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Icaangi, Itsangi, Tcengui, Tchangui, Tsangi, Tsengi Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Nzebi (B.53)
Kouilou and Pointe-Noire departments: coast between Angola and Gabon borders, Yoombe Island; Niari department. Users: 13,000 in Congo (2018). Total users in all countries: 16,690. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bavili, Fiot, Fiote, Tshivili, Tsivili Autonym: Civili Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Kikongo (H.12)
Niari department: north to Gabon border. Users: 10,600 in Congo (2018). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Aka, Baaka, Babinga, Bambendjele, Bambenga, Beka, Biaka, Pygmy, Wumvu Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Kele (B.24)
Lékoumou department: Sibiti district. Users: 36,000 (2018). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Iyaa, Iyaka, West Teke, Yaa Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Northwest, B, Teke (B.73)
Kouilou and Niari departments. Users: 26,000 in Congo (Mabiala 1996). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Bayombe, Kiombi, Kiyombe, Kiyoombi Classification: Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, H, Kikongo (H.16)
    [fra] 1 (National). Statutory national language (2002, Constitution, Article 6). 3,181,100 in Congo, all users. L1 users: 11,100 in Congo (2020). L2 users: 3,170,000 (Beck et al 2018).
    [fan] 5* (Dispersed). 11,800 in Congo (2018).
    [kng] 5* (Dispersed). 16,500 in Congo (2007 census).
    [ase] 5 (Developing). 27,000 in Congo (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 16,000–32,000, based on 0.3%–0.6% of total population.
    [axk] 5* (Developing). 15,000 in Congo (Cavalli-Sforza 1986).
    [beq] 5 (Developing). 100,000 (2007 census).
    [bni] 5* (Developing). 106,000 in Congo (2018).
    [bui] 5* (Developing). 11,600 (2018).
    [gya] 5* (Developing). 2,000 in Congo (Johnstone 1993).
    [kkj] 5* (Developing). 13,000 in Congo (2018).
    [ldi] 5 (Developing). 159,000 in Congo (2018).
    [nbm] 5* (Developing). 159,000 in Congo (2018).
    [nga] 5 (Developing). 3,650 in Congo (2000).
    [njy] 5 (Developing). 3,500 in Congo. 2,980 monolinguals.
    [nzb] 5* (Developing). 23,000 in Congo (2018).
    [puu] 5* (Developing). 16,500 in Congo (2018).
    [zmz] 5* (Developing). 14,000 in Congo (2018).
    [bkw] 6a (Vigorous). 14,000 in Congo (2018). Total users in all countries: 19,700.
    [bmw] 6a* (Vigorous). 49,000 in Congo (2018). Total users in all countries: 55,100.
    [bvx] 6a (Vigorous). 4,000 (Leitch 2004). 800 monolinguals (Leitch 2004). Ethnic population: 4,000.
    [dde] 6a (Vigorous). 30,000 (2007 census).
    [iyx] 6a* (Vigorous). 36,000 (2018).
    [kkw] 6a* (Vigorous). 38,800 (2000). 900,000 all Teke languages in Congo (2019 World Factbook).
    [koq] 6a* (Vigorous). 16,500 in Congo (2018).
    [kwc] 6a* (Vigorous). 79,000 (2018).
    [kxx] 6a* (Vigorous). 53,000 (2018).
    [mbm] 6a* (Vigorous). 23,000 (2018).
    [mcx] 6a* (Vigorous).
    [mdt] 6a* (Vigorous). 106,000 in Congo (2018). Total users in all countries: 151,500.
    [mdu] 6a* (Vigorous). 47,000 (2018).
    [nda] 6a* (Vigorous). 4,530 in Congo (2000). Total users in all countries: 5,530.
    [ngz] 6a (Vigorous). 45,000 (1988 SIL).
    [njx] 6a* (Vigorous). 137,000 (2018).
    [nra] 6a* (Vigorous). 4,530 in Congo (2000).
    [pmm] 6a* (Vigorous). 5,430 in Congo (2000).
    [sdj] 6a* (Vigorous). 216,000 (2018).
    [teg] 6a* (Vigorous). 49,300 in Congo (2000). 900,000 all Teke languages in Congo (2019 World Factbook).
    [tsa] 6a (Vigorous). 23,000 in Congo (2018). Total users in all countries: 31,610.
    [tyx] 6a (Vigorous). 14,400. 900,000 all Teke languages in Congo (2019 World Factbook).
    [vif] 6a (Vigorous). 13,000 in Congo (2018). Total users in all countries: 16,690.
    [wum] 6a* (Vigorous). 10,600 in Congo (2018).
    [akw] 6b* (Threatened). 42,000 (2018).
    [bwz] 6b* (Threatened). 3,020 in Congo (2000). Total users in all countries: 4,250.
    [ebo] 6b (Threatened). 20,400 in Congo (2000). 900,000 all Teke languages in Congo (2019 World Factbook).
    [ifm] 6b* (Threatened). 14,000 (2021 Joshua Project). 900,000 all Teke languages in Congo (2019 World Factbook).
    [koh] 6b (Threatened). 1,000.
    [lli] 6b (Threatened). 2,100 (2006). 900,000 all Teke languages in Congo (2019 World Factbook).
    [lup] 6b* (Threatened). 3,020 in Congo (2000).
    [mdw] 6b (Threatened). 190,000 (2018). Ethnic population: 707,000 (2019).
    [moj] 6b* (Threatened). 14,000 in Congo (2018). Total users in all countries: 20,600.
    [mow] 6b (Threatened). 3,020 (2000).
    [ndn] 6b (Threatened). 3,000 in Congo (2004).
    [nzu] 6b (Threatened).
    [tek] 6b* (Threatened). 36,200 in Congo (2000). 900,000 all Teke languages in Congo (2019 World Factbook).
    [tyi] 6b* (Threatened). 95,900 (2000). 900,000 all Teke languages in Congo (2019 World Factbook).
    [xku] 6b* (Threatened). 1,500 (2007 census).
    [yom] 6b (Threatened). 26,000 in Congo (Mabiala 1996).
    [zmn] 6b (Threatened). 1,510 in Congo (2000).
    [zmx] 6b* (Threatened). 16,500 in Congo (2018). Total users in all countries: 16,720.
    [bok] 7 (Shifting). 3,000.

Congo

Language Vitality Profile

Language Status Profile