Democratic Republic of the Congo Facts

Kinshasa Congo, State of Central Africa; 2.3 million km², 84.1 million residents (2019).Congo borders in the east to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania, in the southeast to Zambia, in the southwest to Angola, in the west to Congo (Brazzaville), in the northwest to the Central African Republic and in the north to South Sudan. The country also has a small coastal strip at the mouth of the Congo River in the Atlantic. The capital is Kinshasa (8.9 million residents, 2010).

Country facts

• Republic of the Congo / Democratic Republic of Congo
• Country abbreviation: CD
• Area: 2.3 million km²
• Population (2019): 84.1 million residents
• Capital: Kinshasa
• Main language: French
• State: Republic
• Head of State: Félix Tshisekedi (President)
• Head of Government: Sylvestre Ilunga
• Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 562
• GNI per capita (2018): US $ 490
• Currency unit: 1 CFA franc = 100 centimes
• Currency code: CDF
• Country number (telephony): 243
• Internet domain name: cd
• Time difference compared to Sweden: 0 to +1
• National Day: June 30 (Independence Day, 1960)

Nature

• Land use: forest (78%), agricultural land (4%), other (18%)
• Highest mountain: Margherita (5 119 m above sea level)
• Longest river: Congo (4,670 km)

Population

• Population density (2019): 36 residents per km²
• Natural population growth (2019): 3.2%; birth rate 42 ‰, death rate 10 ‰
• Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (46%), 15-64 (45%), 65- (9%)
• Life expectancy (2019): men 59 years, women 62 years
• Infant mortality (2019): 66 per 1,000 live births
• Population forecast 2050: 194 million residents
• HDI (2017): 0.457 (place 176 of 189)
• Urbanization rate (2019): 45%
• Most populous cities (2010): Kinshasa (8.9 million residents), Lubumbashi (1.6 million), Mbuji-Mayi (1.6 million)

Business

• Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (20%), industry (44%), service (36%)
• Exports (2017): US $ 10 980 million
• Main export products: diamonds, copper, gold
• Main exporting countries: China, Zambia, South Korea
• Imports (2017): US $ 10 820 million
• Main import products: food, machinery, transport
• Main importing countries: China, South Africa, Zambia
• Railway network (2014): 4,000 km

Geography

Location and Borders

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is located in Central Africa and is the second-largest country in Africa by land area, covering approximately 2.34 million square kilometers (905,000 square miles). The DRC is bordered by nine countries: Angola to the southwest, Zambia to the southeast, Tanzania to the east, Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda to the northeast, South Sudan to the north, the Central African Republic to the northwest, and the Republic of the Congo to the west. Additionally, it has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean through its small section on the Congo River mouth.

The country is strategically positioned at the heart of sub-Saharan Africa, with a vast expanse that includes mountains, savannas, rainforests, and river systems, which have had significant effects on its ecological diversity, economy, and human settlement patterns. The DRC’s borders stretch across a wide range of terrains, including fertile agricultural regions and dense tropical forests, contributing to the country’s resource wealth and challenges.

Topography and Natural Features

The topography of the DRC is varied and rich in natural features, from the towering mountains in the east to vast, low-lying plains in the west. The eastern part of the country is dominated by the Albertine Rift, part of the East African Rift Valley, which forms part of the Great Rift Valley system. This region is characterized by dramatic mountain ranges, such as the Rwenzori Mountains, which are sometimes referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon,” and they rise to over 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) above sea level.

The central part of the DRC is marked by a massive plateau, which extends from the northeast to the southwest and is covered by dense tropical rainforest. This area includes the Congo Basin, one of the world’s largest rainforests, and it has been crucial to the biodiversity of the region, providing habitats for countless species of plants and animals. The DRC is home to various protected areas such as Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which harbors critically endangered species like the mountain gorilla.

The Congo River, one of the longest rivers in the world, flows through the central part of the country. This river system serves as a major waterway for transport and is the lifeblood of the region, providing access to goods and resources both within the country and internationally. The DRC also contains several other river systems, including the Kasai and Lualaba rivers, which are important for both transportation and agriculture.

Climate and Seasonal Variation

The climate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is predominantly tropical, with significant variation depending on the region’s proximity to the equator, altitude, and seasonal weather patterns. In the central and western parts of the country, including the capital, Kinshasa, the climate is humid and hot, with temperatures typically ranging from 24°C (75°F) to 30°C (86°F). These regions experience a relatively uniform climate, with significant rainfall throughout the year, especially in the wet season from March to May and September to November.

The DRC’s rainforest climate is particularly dense, with frequent rain showers and high humidity. The interior of the country, especially the Congo Basin, experiences more rainfall and humidity compared to other parts of Africa. These conditions are ideal for the tropical vegetation that covers the majority of the country.

In contrast, the eastern highlands and plateaus, including the Rwenzori Mountains and the surrounding regions, have a cooler climate due to their higher altitude. In these areas, temperatures are lower, and the climate is less humid, making them suitable for different types of agriculture and settlement. This variation in climate supports the DRC’s diverse ecosystems, which range from tropical rainforests to savannahs, and allows the country to produce a wide range of crops and resources.

People

Population and Demographics

The population of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is estimated to be over 90 million people, making it the fourth-most populous country in Africa. The population is spread across a vast geographical area, with high population densities in the western and central parts of the country, particularly in cities like Kinshasa, the capital, which is one of the largest cities in Africa. Kinshasa is a bustling metropolis with over 10 million residents, and it serves as the political, cultural, and economic hub of the DRC.

Rural areas in the DRC are sparsely populated, with large swaths of land in the east and south being relatively uninhabited. These regions are often difficult to access due to a lack of infrastructure, and many people live in isolated villages scattered across the landscape. The DRC’s population is relatively young, with over 40% of the population under the age of 15, which presents both opportunities and challenges for the country in terms of education, employment, and healthcare.

The DRC is home to over 200 ethnic groups, each with its own language, traditions, and customs. The largest ethnic groups in the country include the Kongo, Luba, Mongo, and Tutsi, but the DRC’s ethnic diversity is reflected in the numerous smaller groups spread throughout the country. This ethnic diversity is often associated with linguistic diversity, with over 240 languages spoken, including Bantu languages, which are predominant, as well as other African and indigenous languages.

Languages

French is the official language of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a legacy of its colonial past as a Belgian colony. It is used in government, education, business, and media, and serves as a unifying language among the country’s ethnically and linguistically diverse population. However, while French is the language of official communication, the majority of the population speaks one of the country’s many indigenous languages as their primary language.

Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo, and Tshiluba are four major national languages spoken by large segments of the population. Lingala, spoken in the western part of the country, is the most widely used lingua franca in urban areas. Swahili, which is commonly spoken in the eastern regions, is also widely used in trade and communication across neighboring countries such as Uganda and Kenya. Kikongo and Tshiluba are spoken by people in the central and southern parts of the DRC, and these languages serve as important tools for local communication.

In addition to these languages, there are hundreds of smaller languages spoken by various ethnic groups. This linguistic diversity is a testament to the DRC’s rich cultural heritage and the importance of oral traditions in the country’s history.

Religion

Christianity is the dominant religion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with approximately 95% of the population identifying as Christian. The majority of Christians in the country adhere to Roman Catholicism, which was introduced during the colonial period. Protestantism, particularly Evangelical and Pentecostal Christianity, is also widespread, particularly in the southern and eastern regions of the DRC.

Islam is practiced by a small percentage of the population, primarily in the eastern and northern regions of the country, where there are historical ties to trade routes and Muslim communities in neighboring countries like Uganda and Sudan. The Muslim population in the DRC is mainly composed of people of Arab, Swahili, and other East African origins.

Traditional African religions also persist in the DRC, especially in rural areas and among indigenous groups. These religious practices are deeply rooted in the cultures of various ethnic groups, and they often involve ancestor worship, animism, and spiritual beliefs related to nature and the environment. In some cases, traditional beliefs are practiced alongside Christianity, creating a syncretic form of religious observance.

Economy

Overview

The economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the richest in sub-Saharan Africa in terms of natural resources, yet it remains one of the poorest in the world. The DRC’s vast mineral wealth, including copper, cobalt, diamonds, gold, and coltan, has long been a source of economic potential. However, political instability, corruption, and a lack of infrastructure have hindered the country’s ability to effectively utilize these resources for broad economic development. The economy is heavily reliant on the mining industry, but agriculture and services also play crucial roles in the national economy.

The DRC is undergoing a process of economic growth, with improvements in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Despite challenges like conflict, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure, the country is attracting increasing foreign investment, especially in the mining and energy sectors. However, much of the population still lives in poverty, and access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and electricity remains limited in many regions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture plays a key role in the DRC’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population. The country’s fertile land supports the cultivation of a variety of crops, including cassava, maize, rice, plantains, and beans. The DRC is also one of the largest producers of cocoa, coffee, and palm oil in Africa, and these products are important exports. However, despite its agricultural potential, the DRC’s farming sector faces significant challenges due to a lack of infrastructure, poor access to markets, and the impact of political instability on rural areas.

The DRC is one of the richest countries in Africa in terms of natural resources, with vast reserves of minerals like copper, cobalt, coltan, and diamonds. The country’s mining sector is a major contributor to the economy, and the DRC is the world’s leading producer of cobalt, a key mineral used in electronics and batteries. However, the exploitation of these resources has often been marred by poor governance, corruption, and the involvement of armed groups in the extraction process, which has created challenges for sustainable development and human rights.

In addition to minerals, the DRC has substantial forests that are home to a wide range of biodiversity, and its rivers provide important sources of water and transportation. The forestry and fisheries industries also contribute to the economy, though these sectors remain underdeveloped due to environmental concerns and logistical challenges.

Services and Industry

The services sector in the DRC is relatively underdeveloped, but it is growing, especially in urban areas. Telecommunications, banking, and retail are expanding rapidly, with major cities like Kinshasa and Lubumbashi becoming increasingly connected to global markets. The country’s banking sector is growing, with both domestic and international banks operating in the country, though access to banking services remains limited in rural regions.

The industrial sector in the DRC is focused on processing raw materials from agriculture, mining, and forestry, but the country’s industrial base remains limited compared to other African nations. There is some local manufacturing, particularly in cement, textiles, and food processing, but the DRC imports much of its finished goods. The government has recognized the need to diversify the economy and has been seeking to promote local manufacturing, energy production, and infrastructure development.

Government

Political System

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a semi-presidential republic with a political system characterized by a mix of presidential and parliamentary elements. The president is the head of state and the head of government, and the country also has a prime minister who is appointed by the president. The DRC has a multi-party system, with elections held every five years to elect the president and the national assembly.

The president holds significant powers, including control over the military and foreign policy. The prime minister and the cabinet, appointed by the president, are responsible for implementing government policies and managing day-to-day affairs. The country’s political system is based on a constitution, which was adopted in 2006, but political instability, corruption, and the influence of armed groups have undermined the effectiveness of the state.

The DRC has experienced considerable political turmoil in recent decades, with civil wars, armed conflicts, and disputed elections. These challenges have hindered the country’s ability to achieve political stability and sustainable development. The country is also marked by strong regional divisions, with different ethnic groups and political factions vying for influence over the national government.

Legal System

The DRC has a legal system that combines elements of French civil law, customary law, and the influence of traditional African practices. The judiciary is theoretically independent, but in practice, it faces significant challenges, including corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of resources. The country’s legal system is heavily influenced by the constitution, which guarantees human rights and individual freedoms, but the enforcement of these rights is often weak due to the instability and political challenges facing the country.

Access to justice is limited in rural areas, where customary law is often applied. This creates a dual legal system, where people in different parts of the country may be subject to different legal principles depending on their location and cultural practices.

Foreign Relations

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a complex foreign relations policy, influenced by its geography, resources, and political challenges. The country has strong ties with neighboring countries such as Angola, Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi, and it has played an important role in regional security and peacekeeping efforts, particularly in relation to the conflicts in the Great Lakes region.

The DRC’s foreign policy has focused on rebuilding its international relationships, attracting foreign investment, and improving its position in regional organizations such as the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). The country has also been an active participant in international peacekeeping missions and has received assistance from organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank to support its reconstruction and development efforts.

Culture

Arts and Music

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a rich cultural heritage, shaped by the diversity of its ethnic groups and its history of colonization and conflict. Music is one of the most significant aspects of Congolese culture, with various genres such as soukous and rumba being internationally recognized. Congolese rumba, in particular, blends traditional African rhythms with European influences, and it has had a major impact on the music of Central Africa and beyond.

The DRC is also known for its vibrant dance traditions, which are an integral part of social life and celebrations. Traditional Congolese dance involves intricate movements, often performed to the rhythm of drums and other percussion instruments. These dances play a key role in ceremonies, festivals, and other cultural events.

In the visual arts, the DRC is known for its vibrant art scene, which reflects both traditional and contemporary influences. Artists in the DRC often draw inspiration from the country’s rich cultural diversity, as well as its political and social challenges. The DRC is also home to a strong tradition of storytelling, particularly through oral literature, with tales and songs passed down through generations.

Cuisine

Congolese cuisine is diverse, with various regions offering distinct dishes based on local ingredients and traditions. Common ingredients include cassava, plantains, rice, maize, beans, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Meat, particularly goat, chicken, and fish, is often served in stews or grilled.

One of the most well-known dishes in the DRC is “moambe”, a chicken or beef stew made with palm oil, peanuts, and spices, often served with rice or plantains. Another popular dish is “pondu”, a stew made from cassava leaves, which is typically served with rice or fufu (a starchy dough-like food made from cassava or plantains). The DRC’s rivers and lakes provide abundant fish, which is often prepared in stews or fried and served with accompaniments like fried plantains.

Festivals and Traditions

The DRC celebrates a variety of cultural and religious festivals throughout the year. These festivals often include music, dance, and traditional rituals, with celebrations centered around family, community, and faith. Kanda and Badenya festivals are important in certain ethnic groups, celebrating harvests and ancestral traditions.

Congolese national holidays include Independence Day (June 30), which marks the country’s independence from Belgium in 1960, and Labour Day (May 1), which celebrates workers’ rights. Festivals and religious observances, particularly around Christmas, Easter, and Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr, play significant roles in bringing together communities and reinforcing cultural identity.

Religion

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is predominantly Christian, with a majority of the population identifying as Roman Catholic or Protestant. Christianity was introduced by European missionaries during the colonial era and has become deeply ingrained in Congolese culture and society. Many churches play a central role in community life, offering not only religious services but also social programs and community support.

Islam is practiced by a smaller portion of the population, primarily in the eastern parts of the country, where there are long-standing ties to East Africa and the Middle East. Traditional African religions are still practiced by some indigenous groups, particularly in rural areas, and these religions often involve ancestor worship, animism, and rituals that connect people to nature and the spiritual world.

Democratic Republic of the Congo Map