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Democratic Republic of the Congo flag

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Capital:Kinshasa
Population:102.3M
Currency:Congolese francs (CDF)
Language:French (official), Lingala (a lingua franca trade language), Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba
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Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

There exists a general politeness and concern for the welfare of others. This politeness sometimes manifests itself as a gentle disposition and shyness with strangers, which outsiders occasionally interpret as reticence. Although they may seem shy, Zairians reciprocate open and sincere friendliness.

In general, Zairians are careful not to offend. Individualism is acceptable only if it does not conflict with a group's needs. Because schedules are not as important as people, appointments may run 30 to 60 minutes late.

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6 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation · Student Life

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Holidays

  • Independence Day

    6/30

    Independence Day

Dates of Interest

  • June 30th

How do people greet each other in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Handshakes are common between men, but in rural areas men usually do not shake hands with women. Though people may seem shy with strangers, they respond warmly to sincere friendliness.

Do

  • Shake hands with other men when greeting
  • Return open, sincere friendliness

Don’t

  • Expect men to shake hands with women in rural areas

Good to know

  • Politeness and concern for others' welfare are highly valued
  • Initial shyness may be mistaken for reticence

What are the dining customs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Meals are usually eaten with the fingers of the right hand only, with men and women eating from separate communal bowls. Hands are washed before and after each meal.

Do

  • Eat with the fingers of your right hand only
  • Wash your hands before and after meals
  • Use continental style if utensils are provided

Good to know

  • Staple foods include cassava, rice, potatoes, bananas, yams, beans, corn, fish and peanuts
  • Common fruits include mangoes, oranges, pawpaws and coconuts
  • Men and women eat from separate communal bowls

What should I know about etiquette and punctuality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

People place great value on relationships and the welfare of the group, and are generally careful not to offend. Schedules matter less than people, so appointments may run 30 to 60 minutes late.

Do

  • Be patient with timing
  • Consider group needs over individualism

Good to know

  • Appointments may run 30 to 60 minutes late
  • Individualism is acceptable only if it doesn't conflict with group needs

How should I dress in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Western-style clothing is common in most urban areas, while many Congolese women wear a "pagne," a long dress made from a five-yard length of fabric.

Don’t

  • Wear shorts or immodest attire as an adult

Good to know

  • Western-style clothing is common in urban areas

What gestures are appropriate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Pass objects with the right hand or both hands, never the left. Point and beckon with care to avoid rudeness.

Do

  • Pass objects with the right hand or both hands
  • Beckon by waving all fingers

Don’t

  • Pass objects with the left hand
  • Point with the index finger

How important is family in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

The family is the most important focus in Congolese life, with emphasis on group goals and overall family welfare. Large extended families are the norm.

Good to know

  • Family structure varies between ethnic groups
  • Marriage is traditionally a family affair, at least partly arranged by parents
  • Dating typically requires the boy's family to seek permission from the girl's family

What do people do for recreation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Soccer is the national sport, and people also enjoy cards, chess, checkers and board games. Young people go out on Saturday nights to socialize and listen to music at outdoor pubs and clubs.

Good to know

  • Mangual, a pit and stone game, is played by men in rural areas
  • Saturday nights are popular for socializing and music

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Currency
971.6
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Time zone note: the DRC has two time zones
Climate
The Democratic Republic of the Congo straddles the equator in the heart of central Africa and shares a border with nine other countries: the Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Angola. Congo has access to the Atlantic Ocean on the west through a strip of territory that narrows to 13 miles wide at the coast. Its area includes the greater part of the Congo River Basin and covers 1,465,553 square miles. The Congo River is 2,900 miles long and is the second largest in the world in terms of area drained, flow, and navigable length. With its tributaries, the river provides Congo with about 9,000 miles of navigable waterways, and its force affords Congo 13% of the world's hydroelectric power potential. With the country's abundance of natural resources--which include: copper, cobalt, zinc, industrial and gem-quality diamonds, manganese, tin, crude oil, and gold--Congo is potentially one of the richest countries in the world. The geographical features of this giant African nation are handsome and varied. The huge Congo Basin, a low-lying, bowl-shaped plateau sloping toward the west, is covered by lush, tropical rain forests. Surrounding the basin are mountainous terraces on the west, plateaus merging into savannas to the south and southeast, and dense grasslands toward the northwest. The high picturesque Ruwenzori Mountains bound the basin to the east.
Airports
203
Recommended Vaccinations
How important is it to do your research about vaccinations? It might just save your life! Make yourself aware of the different types of vaccinations and which ones you may need to travel to your destination. Schedule an appointment with your doctor at least four to six weeks before you travel to ensure you receive all important shots. Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations. Which vaccinations you need will depend on a number of factors including your destination, whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season of the year you are traveling, your age, health status, and previous immunizations.
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Liboké de Viande (Meat in Banana-Leaf)

Main Dish

Browse all 7 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Pre-Colonial Era

    8000 BCE – 1885

    The Congo basin was inhabited as early as 10,000 years ago, with Bantu-speaking peoples migrating from present-day Nigeria in the 7th and 8th centuries AD, establishing sophisticated societies including the Kingdom of Kongo. Portuguese navigator Diogo Cão made first European contact in 1482, initiating centuries of trade and devastating slave trafficking through Kongo intermediaries. Henry Morton Stanley's navigation of the Congo River in 1874–1877 opened the region to intensified European imperial ambitions.

  2. Congo Free State

    1885 – 1908

    At the Berlin Conference of 1885, Belgian King Leopold II secured personal ownership of the Congo basin, establishing the Congo Free State as his private colonial venture. Leopold's regime enforced brutal rubber and ivory extraction quotas, using systematic violence, mutilation, and forced labor that resulted in millions of deaths. International outcry led by humanitarians such as E.D. Morel and Roger Casement ultimately compelled Leopold to relinquish control to the Belgian state.

  3. Belgian Congo

    1908 – 1960

    The Belgian government annexed the Congo in 1908, introducing paternalistic colonial policies that prioritized economic extraction of copper, rubber, and diamonds while severely restricting Congolese political participation and education. Infrastructure and mission schools were developed, yet Africans were systematically excluded from higher administration and self-governance. Growing nationalist sentiment following World War II, combined with a series of riots beginning in 1959, pressured Belgium into granting independence on June 30, 1960.

  4. Independence & Crisis

    1960 – 1965

    Independence immediately plunged the new Democratic Republic of the Congo into crisis: the army mutinied, Katanga province under Moïse Tshombe declared secession, and Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba was deposed, handed to Katangan authorities, and assassinated in 1961. UN peacekeeping forces intervened to contain the violence while Cold War powers competed for influence over the strategically vital country. Colonel Joseph-Désiré Mobutu seized power briefly in 1960 and definitively in 1965, ending the parliamentary period amid persistent rebellion.

  5. Mobutu / Zaire

    1965 – 1997

    Lieutenant General Mobutu declared himself president in 1965, rapidly centralizing authority into a single-party kleptocratic state and renaming the country Zaire in 1971 as part of his 'authenticité' cultural nationalism campaign. Mobutu nationalized foreign-owned enterprises in 1973–1974, devastating the economy, and sustained his rule through patronage, repression, and Cold War support from Western powers. By the early 1990s, economic collapse and domestic protest forced nominal democratic reforms, but Rwanda's 1994 genocide destabilized eastern Zaire and enabled Laurent-Désiré Kabila's rebel coalition to topple Mobutu in 1997.

  6. Congo Wars & Modern DRC

    1997 – present

    Laurent-Désiré Kabila renamed the country the Democratic Republic of the Congo and was himself assassinated in 2001, succeeded by his son Joseph Kabila who negotiated the 2003 Global and Inclusive Agreement ending the devastating Second Congo War, a conflict that drew in nine African nations and caused an estimated five million deaths. Subsequent decades were marked by persistent armed conflict in the eastern provinces, landmark elections in 2006 and 2018, and the historic peaceful transfer of power to Félix Tshisekedi. The DRC remains a major regional power burdened by vast mineral wealth, institutional fragility, and ongoing humanitarian crises.

Overview

The area known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo was populated as early as 10,000 years ago and settled in the 7th and 8th centuries A.D. by Bantus from present-day Nigeria. Discovered in 1482 by Portuguese navigator Diego Cao and later explored by English journalist Henry Morton Stanley, the area was officially colonized in 1885 as a personal possession of Belgian King Leopold II as the Congo Free State.

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1482

    Portuguese navigator Diogo Cao becomes the first European to visit the Congo.

    Portuguese navigator Diogo Cao becomes the first European to visit the Congo. Portuguese set up ties with the king of Kongo.

  2. 1501 – 1700

    Merchants engage in slave trade through Kongo intermediaries.

    British, Dutch, Portuguese and French merchants engage in slave trade through Kongo intermediaries during the 16th and 17th centuries.

  3. 1501 – 1700

    Slave trade through Kongo .

    British, Dutch, Portuguese and French merchants engage in slave trade through Kongo intermediaries.

  4. 1870

    Belgian King Leopold II sets up a private venture to colonize Kongo.

    Belgian King Leopold II sets up a private venture to colonize Kongo.

  5. 1874 – 1877

    British explorer Henry Stanley navigates Congo river to the Atlantic Ocean.

    British explorer Henry Stanley navigates Congo river to the Atlantic Ocean.

  6. 1879 – 1887

    Leopold commissions Stanley to establish the king’s authority in the Congo basin.

    Leopold commissions Stanley to establish the king’s authority in the Congo basin.

  7. 1885

    Congo Free State established under Leopold.

    Congo Free State established under Leopold after being formally recognized by European powers at Conference of Berlin.

View full timeline (29 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • Formerly the Belgian Congo, this territory was inhabited by ancient Negrito peoples (Pygmies), who were pushed into the mountains by Bantu and Nilotic invaders.

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Geography and Environment

Although the country’s capital, Kinshasa, is only four degrees south of the equator, temperatures are generally moderate. In January, the average daily high is 100 ºF and the low is 80 ºF. In July, the range is from 95 ºF to 75 ºF. The rainy season for Kinshasa and for the two-thirds of the country below the equator lasts from October to May. Despite its dreary sound, the rainy season is not unpleasant.
Terrain
vast central basin is a low-lying plateau; mountains in east
Climate
The Democratic Republic of the Congo straddles the equator in the heart of central Africa and shares a border with nine other countries: the Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Angola. Congo has access to the Atlantic Ocean on the west through a strip of territory that narrows to 13 miles wide at the coast. Its area includes the greater part of the Congo River Basin and covers 1,465,553 square miles. The Congo River is 2,900 miles long and is the second largest in the world in terms of area drained, flow, and navigable length. With its tributaries, the river provides Congo with about 9,000 miles of navigable waterways, and its force affords Congo 13% of the world’s hydroelectric power potential. With the country’s abundance of natural resources—which include copper, cobalt, zinc, industrial—and gem-quality diamonds, manganese, tin, crude oil, and gold—Congo is potentially one of the richest countries in the world. The geographical features of this giant African nation are handsome and varied. The huge Congo Basin, a low-lying, bowl-shaped plateau sloping toward the west, is covered by lush, tropical rain forests. Surrounding the basin are mountainous terraces on the west, plateaus merging into savannas to the south and southeast, and dense grasslands toward the northwest. The high picturesque Ruwenzori Mountains bound the basin to the east.
Natural Hazards
periodic droughts in south; Congo River floods (seasonal); in the east, in the Great Rift Valley, there are active volcanoes
Current Environmental Issues
poaching threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; deforestation; refugees responsible for significant deforestation, soil erosion, and wildlife poaching; mining of minerals (coltan - a mineral used in creating capacitors, diamonds, and gold) causing environmental damage
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

French (official), Lingala (a lingua franca trade language), Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba

  • French

Population

Population
102,262,808
Population in Major Urban Areas
KINSHASA (capital) 8.798 million; Lubumbashi 1.556 million; Mbuji-Mayi 1.504 million; Kananga 888,000; Kisangani 820,000
Nationality Noun
Congolese (singular and plural)
Ethnic Groups
Over 200 African ethnic groups of which the majority are Bantu; the four largest tribes - Mongo, Luba, Kongo (all Bantu), and the Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic) make up about 45% of the population
Language Note
Although French is the official language and is used in larger businesses and government, it is spoken by only about 10 percent of the population. Lingala is increasingly used as the national language. Regional languages are: Lingala, Kikongo, Tshiluba, and Swahili.

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write French, Lingala, Kingwana, or Tshiluba

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains among the lowest in the world, reflecting the country's ongoing challenges with poverty, conflict, disease, and limited access to healthcare infrastructure. As of the most recent estimates, the average life expectancy at birth stands at approximately 61 years overall, with women living slightly longer than men — roughly 62 to 63 years for females compared to about 59 to 60 years for males. These figures represent a gradual improvement over past decades, yet the DRC continues to face severe public health burdens that constrain further progress. Malaria remains one of the leading causes of death, particularly among children under five years of age. The country also bears one of the world's highest rates of maternal mortality, with many births occurring outside formal medical facilities due to geographic isolation and a severe shortage of trained healthcare workers. Infectious diseases including tuberculosis, cholera, and measles contribute significantly to mortality, while recurring outbreaks of Ebola in eastern regions have periodically disrupted healthcare delivery and drawn sustained international attention. Chronic malnutrition, which affects a substantial portion of the population — especially children — further undermines overall health outcomes and depresses life expectancy figures. Armed conflict in the eastern provinces has displaced millions of people and destroyed health infrastructure, leaving large populations without access to even basic medical care. The combination of displacement, food insecurity, and disrupted vaccination programs creates conditions in which preventable deaths remain widespread. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in North and South Kivu provinces has been particularly severe, compounding long-standing structural health challenges. Healthcare spending per capita in the DRC is extremely low, and the public health system relies heavily on international aid organizations to fill critical gaps in service delivery. The country continues to rank near the bottom globally on key health indicators, including child mortality and maternal health outcomes. Despite these difficulties, gradual improvements in child survival rates, vaccination coverage, and access to antiretroviral therapy for HIV-positive individuals have contributed to a modest upward trend in life expectancy observed over the past two decades. Continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, conflict resolution, and poverty reduction programs will be essential to achieving meaningful and sustained improvements in life expectancy for the Congolese population in the coming years.
Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
Very high
Infant Mortality Rate
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world, reflecting the country's deep-rooted challenges in public health infrastructure, access to medical care, and poverty. As of recent estimates, the infant mortality rate stands at approximately 59 to 65 deaths per 1,000 live births, meaning that roughly 6 out of every 100 infants born in the country do not survive to their first birthday. This figure is significantly higher than the global average of around 27 deaths per 1,000 live births. Several interconnected factors drive this persistently elevated rate. Malaria remains one of the leading killers of infants in the country, along with pneumonia, diarrheal diseases, and malnutrition. The DRC accounts for a disproportionately large share of global malaria deaths each year, and children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable. Neonatal causes — including complications during birth, prematurity, and infections in the first days of life — also contribute substantially to the toll. Access to skilled healthcare workers during delivery remains limited in many regions, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas. A significant portion of births in the country take place outside of formal health facilities, increasing the risk of preventable complications for both mother and infant. Vaccination coverage, while improving in some provinces, remains inconsistent across the country's vast and difficult-to-reach terrain. Ongoing armed conflict in eastern provinces such as North Kivu and Ituri has displaced millions of people, disrupting health services and contributing to acute malnutrition and disease outbreaks, all of which compound infant mortality risks. Despite these challenges, there has been measurable progress over the past two decades. The infant mortality rate has declined from over 100 deaths per 1,000 live births recorded in the early 2000s, reflecting incremental gains through vaccination campaigns, community health worker programs, and international health initiatives. UNICEF and the World Health Organization continue to support programs targeting maternal and newborn health across the country, with the goal of further reducing preventable infant deaths.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains among the lowest in the world, reflecting the country's ongoing challenges with poverty, conflict, disease, and limited access to healthcare infrastructure. As of the most recent estimates, the average life expectancy at birth stands at approximately 61 years overall, with women living slightly longer than men — roughly 62 to 63 years for females compared to about 59 to 60 years for males. These figures represent a gradual improvement over past decades, yet the DRC continues to face severe public health burdens that constrain further progress. Malaria remains one of the leading causes of death, particularly among children under five years of age. The country also bears one of the world's highest rates of maternal mortality, with many births occurring outside formal medical facilities due to geographic isolation and a severe shortage of trained healthcare workers. Infectious diseases including tuberculosis, cholera, and measles contribute significantly to mortality, while recurring outbreaks of Ebola in eastern regions have periodically disrupted healthcare delivery and drawn sustained international attention. Chronic malnutrition, which affects a substantial portion of the population — especially children — further undermines overall health outcomes and depresses life expectancy figures. Armed conflict in the eastern provinces has displaced millions of people and destroyed health infrastructure, leaving large populations without access to even basic medical care. The combination of displacement, food insecurity, and disrupted vaccination programs creates conditions in which preventable deaths remain widespread. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in North and South Kivu provinces has been particularly severe, compounding long-standing structural health challenges. Healthcare spending per capita in the DRC is extremely low, and the public health system relies heavily on international aid organizations to fill critical gaps in service delivery. The country continues to rank near the bottom globally on key health indicators, including child mortality and maternal health outcomes. Despite these difficulties, gradual improvements in child survival rates, vaccination coverage, and access to antiretroviral therapy for HIV-positive individuals have contributed to a modest upward trend in life expectancy observed over the past two decades. Continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, conflict resolution, and poverty reduction programs will be essential to achieving meaningful and sustained improvements in life expectancy for the Congolese population in the coming years.
Infant Mortality Rate
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world, reflecting the country's deep-rooted challenges in public health infrastructure, access to medical care, and poverty. As of recent estimates, the infant mortality rate stands at approximately 59 to 65 deaths per 1,000 live births, meaning that roughly 6 out of every 100 infants born in the country do not survive to their first birthday. This figure is significantly higher than the global average of around 27 deaths per 1,000 live births. Several interconnected factors drive this persistently elevated rate. Malaria remains one of the leading killers of infants in the country, along with pneumonia, diarrheal diseases, and malnutrition. The DRC accounts for a disproportionately large share of global malaria deaths each year, and children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable. Neonatal causes — including complications during birth, prematurity, and infections in the first days of life — also contribute substantially to the toll. Access to skilled healthcare workers during delivery remains limited in many regions, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas. A significant portion of births in the country take place outside of formal health facilities, increasing the risk of preventable complications for both mother and infant. Vaccination coverage, while improving in some provinces, remains inconsistent across the country's vast and difficult-to-reach terrain. Ongoing armed conflict in eastern provinces such as North Kivu and Ituri has displaced millions of people, disrupting health services and contributing to acute malnutrition and disease outbreaks, all of which compound infant mortality risks. Despite these challenges, there has been measurable progress over the past two decades. The infant mortality rate has declined from over 100 deaths per 1,000 live births recorded in the early 2000s, reflecting incremental gains through vaccination campaigns, community health worker programs, and international health initiatives. UNICEF and the World Health Organization continue to support programs targeting maternal and newborn health across the country, with the goal of further reducing preventable infant deaths.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
DemocraticRepublicoftheCongo
Full Country Name
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Local - Long
Republique Democratique du Congo
Former Name
Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Congo/Leopoldville, Congo/Kinshasa, Zaire

Government Structure

Executive Branch
chief of state: President Felix TSHISEKEDI (since 24 January 2019); the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Felix TSHISEKEDI (since 24 January 2019); Prime Minister Jean-Michel SAMA LUKONDE resigned in May 2024 and was succeeded by Sylvestre ILUNGA ILUNKAMBA; note - the president appoints the prime minister cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections: the president is elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 20 December 2023 (next to be held in December 2028); the prime minister is appointed by the president election results: Felix TSHISEKEDI reelected president in December 2023 with approximately 73% of the vote, defeating Martin FAYULU and other candidates in a broadly contested election; TSHISEKEDI had previously won the January 2019 election following the departure of Joseph KABILA, who had held the presidency since 2001 following the assassination of his father Laurent Desire KABILA note: Felix TSHISEKEDI, leader of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), took office in January 2019 in what was considered the Democratic Republic of the Congo's first peaceful transfer of power since independence; his reelection in 2023 was disputed by opposition candidates who cited irregularities, though he was inaugurated for a second term in January 2024
Legislative Branch
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a bicameral Parliament (Parlement) consisting of two chambers. The upper chamber, the Senate, has 109 seats, with members indirectly elected by provincial assemblies to serve five-year terms. The lower chamber, the National Assembly, has 500 seats, with members elected by a combination of direct popular vote through party-list proportional representation and single-member constituencies, also serving five-year terms. Elections for the National Assembly are held on a regular cycle. The most recent general elections took place in December 2023, in which members were chosen by popular vote. The Senate was most recently constituted through indirect elections conducted by provincial assemblies in 2024. The transitional appointment system established in June 2003, under which National Assembly members were designated by factional leaders following the Inter-Congolese Dialogue, has long since been replaced by competitive multiparty elections held under the framework of the 2006 constitution, which formally established the current legislative structure.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Capital City

Capital Name
Kinshasa
Capital - geographic coordinate
4 19 S, 15 18 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) Time zone note: the DRC has two time zones

Founded as a trading post in 1881 and named Leopoldville in honor of King LEOPOLD II of the Belgians, who controlled the Congo Free State, the vast central African territory that became the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1960; in 1966, Leopoldville was renamed Kinshasa, after a village of that name that once stood near the site

Military

Branches: Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Forces d'Armees de la Republique Democratique du Congo, FARDC): Army, National Navy (La Marine Nationale), Congolese Air Force (Force Aerienne Congolaise, FAC)

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

310 Avenue de Aviateurs

Kinshasa

Telephone: 243-081-5560151 (dial 243 815 560 151 when calling from abroad)

Consular Section

Avenue Dumi, opposite the Ste. Anne Residence

Kinshasa

Emergency after-hours telephone: 243-081-556-0151 (dial 243 815 560 151 when calling from abroad)

Facsimile: 243-81-556-0169

Email: AEKinshasaConsular@state.gov

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Economy

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, a nation endowed with vast natural resource wealth including cobalt, copper, diamonds, gold, coltan, and significant hydroelectric potential, has an economy that has struggled to translate this abundance into widespread prosperity.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Congolese francs (CDF)
GDP — official exchange rate
$7,328,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
6.6%
GDP by Sector
agriculture: 55% industry: 11% services: 34%
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News & Weather

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Latest News

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Climate Overview

The Democratic Republic of the Congo straddles the equator in the heart of central Africa and shares a border with nine other countries: the Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Angola. Congo has access to the Atlantic Ocean on the west through a strip of territory that narrows to 13 miles wide at the coast. Its area includes the greater part of the Congo River Basin and covers 1,465,553 square miles.

The Congo River is 2,900 miles long and is the second largest in the world in terms of area drained, flow, and navigable length. With its tributaries, the river provides Congo with about 9,000 miles of navigable waterways, and its force affords Congo 13% of the world's hydroelectric power potential. With the country's abundance of natural resources--which include: copper, cobalt, zinc, industrial and gem-quality diamonds, manganese, tin, crude oil, and gold--Congo is potentially one of the richest countries in the world. The geographical features of this giant African nation are handsome and varied. The huge Congo Basin, a low-lying, bowl-shaped plateau sloping toward the west, is covered by lush, tropical rain forests. Surrounding the basin are mountainous terraces on the west, plateaus merging into savannas to the south and southeast, and dense grasslands toward the northwest. The high picturesque Ruwenzori Mountains bound the basin to the east.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Democratic Republic of the Congo?
The population of Democratic Republic of the Congo is approximately 102.3M.
How do people greet each other in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Handshakes are common between men, but in rural areas men usually do not shake hands with women. Though people may seem shy with strangers, they respond warmly to sincere friendliness. Do: Shake hands with other men when greeting Return open, sincere friendliness Don't: Expect men to shake hands with women in rural areas Politeness and concern for others' welfare are highly valued Initial shyness may be mistaken for reticence
What are the dining customs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Meals are usually eaten with the fingers of the right hand only, with men and women eating from separate communal bowls. Hands are washed before and after each meal. Do: Eat with the fingers of your right hand only Wash your hands before and after meals Use continental style if utensils are provided Staple foods include cassava, rice, potatoes, bananas, yams, beans, corn, fish and peanuts Common fruits include mangoes, oranges, pawpaws and coconuts Men and women eat from separate communal bowls
What should I know about etiquette and punctuality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
People place great value on relationships and the welfare of the group, and are generally careful not to offend. Schedules matter less than people, so appointments may run 30 to 60 minutes late. Do: Be patient with timing Consider group needs over individualism Appointments may run 30 to 60 minutes late Individualism is acceptable only if it doesn't conflict with group needs
How should I dress in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Western-style clothing is common in most urban areas, while many Congolese women wear a "pagne," a long dress made from a five-yard length of fabric. Don't: Wear shorts or immodest attire as an adult Western-style clothing is common in urban areas
What gestures are appropriate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Pass objects with the right hand or both hands, never the left. Point and beckon with care to avoid rudeness. Do: Pass objects with the right hand or both hands Beckon by waving all fingers Don't: Pass objects with the left hand Point with the index finger
How important is family in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
The family is the most important focus in Congolese life, with emphasis on group goals and overall family welfare. Large extended families are the norm. Family structure varies between ethnic groups Marriage is traditionally a family affair, at least partly arranged by parents Dating typically requires the boy's family to seek permission from the girl's family
What do people do for recreation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Soccer is the national sport, and people also enjoy cards, chess, checkers and board games. Young people go out on Saturday nights to socialize and listen to music at outdoor pubs and clubs. Mangual, a pit and stone game, is played by men in rural areas Saturday nights are popular for socializing and music
What is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Kinshasa is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural heart. Situated on the southern bank of the Congo River, it sits directly across from Brazzaville, the capital of the neighboring Republic of the Congo — making them one of the closest pairs of capital cities in the world. Kinshasa is one of the largest cities in Africa and a major hub of Francophone African arts, music, and commerce.
Where is the Democratic Republic of the Congo located?
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is located in Central Africa, straddling the equator and occupying much of the Congo River Basin. It is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa by land area and the second largest on the entire continent. The country's vast interior is dominated by dense tropical rainforest, making it one of the most ecologically significant nations on Earth and home to the world's second-largest tropical forest after the Amazon.
What countries border the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
The Democratic Republic of the Congo shares borders with nine countries, one of the highest numbers of any nation in Africa. Its neighbors are the Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic to the north, South Sudan to the northeast, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania to the east, Zambia to the south and southeast, and Angola to the southwest. This broad regional footprint has made the DRC a central player — and at times a flashpoint — in the geopolitics of both Central and East Africa.
What is the predominant religion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Roman Catholicism is the largest religion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, practiced by approximately 50 percent of the population, a legacy of Belgian colonial-era missionary activity. Protestantism accounts for roughly 20 percent of adherents, while the Kimbanguist Church — an indigenous African Christian movement founded in the DRC in the early 20th century — represents about 10 percent, making it one of the most significant homegrown Christian denominations on the continent. Traditional beliefs are also observed, often alongside formal religious practice.
What currency is used in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
The official currency of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the Congolese franc, with the ISO code CDF. The franc has undergone several redenominations throughout the country's turbulent economic history, reflecting periods of hyperinflation and political instability. The US dollar is widely used and accepted alongside the franc in major urban centers, particularly Kinshasa, for larger transactions and business dealings.
What languages are spoken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
French is the official language of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is used in government, education, and formal settings. Alongside French, four national languages hold wide recognition: Lingala, which functions as a major lingua franca especially in the capital and along the Congo River; Kikongo in the southwest; Tshiluba in the Kasai region; and Kingwana, a dialect of Swahili, in the east. With over 200 distinct local languages spoken across the country, the DRC ranks among the most linguistically diverse nations in the world.
What is the Democratic Republic of the Congo known for?
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is known above all for its extraordinary natural wealth, including vast reserves of coltan, cobalt, and diamonds that make it one of the most mineral-rich countries on Earth. Culturally, the DRC is the birthplace of soukous (also called Congolese rumba), a genre of dance music that swept across Africa from the 1950s onward and remains globally influential. The Congo River, the world's deepest river, and the vast Virunga National Park — home to critically endangered mountain gorillas — are among its most iconic natural landmarks. The country's ancient heritage also includes Pygmy (Negrito) peoples, among the earliest inhabitants of the region.

Last reviewed 2026

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