Nkayi
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Nkayi | |
  Nkayi
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| Coordinates: | |
|---|---|
| Country |  Republic of the Congo |
| Region | Bouenza Region |
| District | Nkayi District |
| Population (2005) | |
| - Total | 56,700 |
Nkayi is a town and seat of Nkayi District of the Bouenza Region of the Republic of the Congo. It is the country's fourth largest city with a population of 56,700 (2005 census).
Nkayi is a major sugar production centre in the country.
[edit] Transport
The city is served by a station on the national railway network, the Congo-Ocean Railway. It is home to the Nkayi Airport (NKY).
[edit] History
Situated in the fertile Niari valley, the town was named Jacob in 1887. That was the name of the French engineer who lead the first mission to select the best route for the Congo-Ocean Railway. Then the city began growing thanks to the thriving sugar cane plantations led by important agroindustries. In 1975, Jacob had a population of 25,000, and its name was changed to the native one of Nkayi.
The city is the fourth largest town in the Republic of the Congo since 1980.
[edit] References
- Decalo S., Thompson V. & Adloff R. 1984. Historical dictionary of Congo Pg 218-219. USA: The Scarecrow Press, Inc
