Pointe Noire

Pointe-Noire is the second largest city and main commercial centre of the Republic of the Congo, with a population of 663,400 (2005 census}. It is situated on a headland between Pointe-Noire Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The city has grown as a seaport around the oil industry (Elf Aquitaine) and it is also known for its fishing industry.

It is home to an international airport and the terminus of the Congo-Ocean Railway, the railway station being a notable building. Its main attractions are its beaches, known for surfing.

Pointe=Noire is twinned with the French city of Le Havre.