Democratic Republic of The Congo (DR Congo) | Kinshasa

DR Congo Information

The country was known as “Zaire” from 1971 to 1997 and is bordered to The Republic of Congo towards the west, Zambia towards the south, Angola towards the southwest, Central African Republic and South Sudan towards the south; and Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda, and Rwanda towards the east.

The country has extensive mineral resources, large irrigable lands, and other natural resources but due to political instability and constant failures of government, the Congo failed to utilize them and make proper economic progress.

Much of its resources were also extracted by colonial people and neglected the development of local people. The country is ranked as one of the lowest in terms of human development, infrastructure, health, and education.

It is believed that the area of modern “DRC” is inhabited as early as 90,000 years ago. One of the earliest known “Bantu” people migrated from the north to central Africa as the ecological and environmental conditions got suitable for human living.

Earlier people of that period were mostly hunter-gathers but as the time passed, the dependency on hunting was lifted and farming and cattle were introduced. Middle ages of the region were marked by the reign of different local kings and empires most notably the “Kingdom of Kongo” which ruled from 14th to 19th centuries.

The area was discovered before the famous “Scramble of Africa” by the Belgian explorers and the region of modern Congo was inherited by the Belgian empire.

Similar to other colonial periods of other regions, the colonial period in Congo was one of the worst times in its history as local population was forced into slavery, forced labor, or killed.

Half of the population of Congo died due to these harsh circumstances. The country gained its independence from Belgium on 30 June 1960 and was named as “Republic of Congo”.

Since independence, the country is haunted by civil wars, political instability, and military coups. If governed properly the country can be one of the best performing economies in the world and trade hub of the African region.

Due to its location and environment, DRC has one of the highest rainfall rates in the world. This is the reason the country has one of the largest tropical rainforests in the world after the Amazon. Also, most of the coverage area of the country is fertile and rich in natural resources.

Some of these unique minerals include Uranium, diamonds, cobalt, gold, manganese, etc. The country has also rich biodiversity and wildlife.

There is a number of species found in the wildlife parks of the country and some of these natural parks are declared world heritage sites like “Virunga” and Okapi Wildlife reserve.

But due to constant wars in the country the natural parks and even wildlife is in danger. The animal populating which once accounted for millions are now only a few thousand and dwindling at alarming rates.

At the time of independence, the country had one of the best industrial bases, growing economy and stable economic sectors, but due to civil wars, political crisis, and other issues, the further growth stopped and the country is facing crisis since. The main economic sectors are agriculture, mining, fishing, and forestry.

Agriculture is the most dominant sector of the economy and employs a large number of its workforce. Also, the country has plenty of lands and water resources. Some of the agricultural products are coffee, rubber, cotton, tea, cocoa, maize, groundnuts, and rice. Mining is also one of the sectors that contribute much to the economy.

The country is one of the largest producers of cobalt in the world and major producer of copper and diamonds. If the mining sector is utilized properly, it alone can boost up the economy and will end all the crisis in the country.

There are over 200 ethical groups living in the country. The majority of which are Bantu, Mongo, Luba, and Kongo. Christianity is the mainstay religion of the country and is followed by approx. 95% of the total population.

French is the official language of the country and it founds its roots in the colonial era. Also, the French is used as lingua franca among the local communities due to the diversity of ethical groups.

• Country The Democratic Republic of Congo
• Capital City Kinshasa
• Area: 2.345 million km²
• Population: 78.74 million (2016)
• Currency: Congolese franc
• Official languages: French
• Demonym: Congolese
• Government Unitary semi-presidential republic legislature Parliament
• Religions: Christians, Islam, Others
• Time Zone: WAT and CAT (UTC+1 to +2)
• Drives on the right
• Dialing / Calling Code: +243
• Internet TLD .cd
• Congolese National Bird Congo peafowl
• Congolese National Flower Not Designated
• Important Cities: Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Bukavu, Kananga, Goma, Kolwezi, Matadi
• Famous Rivers Congo River, Ubangi River, Kasai River, Uele River, Lulonga River, Sankuru River, Lomami River, Aruwimi River, Luvua River, Luapula River, Kwango River, Lukuga River, Mbomou River, Lufira River, Kwilu River
• Border Countries The Republic of Congo, Zambia, Angola, Central African Republic, Sudan, Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda
• Spiritual Places Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple, Bira Seventh Day Adventist, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kolwezi Ville, Cathedral St Pierre et Paul, Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Nundu Methodist Church, New Life Church, Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul in Basankusu, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Boma, Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Bondo, Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace in Bukavu, Cathedral of St. Andrew in Butembo, Cathedral of St. Joseph in Goma, Cathédrale Saint Kizito in Idiofa, Cathedral of St. Albert in Inongo, Cathedral of Mary the Mediatrix in Isangi, Cathedral of Christ the King in Kalemie
• Tourist Attractions: Virunga National Park, Lake Kivu, Lake Tanganyika, Mount-Biega National Park, Garamba National Park, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Lola ya Bonobo, Rusizi National Park, Maiko National Park, National Museum of Congo, Mount Sabyinyo, Biega, Mount Mikeno, Mount Kahuzi, Boyoma Falls, Upemba National Park, Kundelungu National Park, Inga Falls,

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