Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo

A republic full of biodiversity, wealth, minerals, fertile lands, pastures, and an abundant amount of diamonds. However, while we are writing about it, we have only seen in its history a bitter conflict since 2003 after the end of the two largest civil wars in the Republic of the Congo. However, the conflict has not ended to this day, so you will find (dear reader) some general features of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a general framework in which we proceed with all countries, except that here it has a special character of the conflict that has not ended yet...

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), also known as the DR Congo, Congo-Kinshasa, or simply the Congo, is a country in Central Africa. By land area, the country is the second-largest country in Africa and the 11th-largest in the world.

The   Capital

 Kinshasa

Its size

With an area roughly the size of Western Europe, it is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa. With an area roughly the size of Western Europe, it is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa.

Congo is located in

Central Africa

Does the Democratic Republic of the Congo a poor country? The Democratic Republic of the Congo is among the five poorest countries in the world. An estimated 73.5% of the Congolese people live on less than $2.15 a day in 2024. About one in six people living in extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The population

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to a diverse group of indigenous peoples who have faced a range of challenges, including forced displacement from their ancestral lands, discrimination, and lack of access to basic services such as health care and education. Despite these challenges, indigenous peoples in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to play an important role in preserving the country’s cultural diversity and promoting sustainable resource management practices. While efforts are being made to recognize and protect the rights of indigenous peoples, much remains to be done to ensure their full participation in society and protect their traditional ways of life.

The ethnic groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Alur people (12 P)

Banda people (5 P)

Banyarwanda (3 C, 2 P)

Bemba (2 C, 7 P)

Bwile (2 P)

Chokwe (5 P)

Democratic Republic of the Congo Jews (3 P)

Democratic Republic of the Congo people by descent (29

European diaspora in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1 C, 2 P)

Gbaya people (4 P)

Hemba (2 P)

Holoholo (3 P)

Hutu (1 C, 9 P)

Dengese people

Dondo people

Eastern Lunda

Efé people

Fuliru people

Garanganze people

Gbaya people

Great Lakes Twa

Havu language

Hema people

Hemba people

Holoholo people

Hunde language

Hunde people

Iyaelima people

Kakwa people

Kango people

Kele people (Congo)

Keliko people

Kongo people

Konjo people

Lamba people (Zambia)

Lega people

Lele people

The official language

French

The four national languages of the Democratic Republic of Congo (EN) While French is the official language and widely used in education and government, there are four national languages: Kituba (Kikongo), Lingala, Swahili, and Tshiluba.

The official religion

Roman Catholic

The population is approximately 50 percent Roman Catholic, 20 percent mainline Protestant, 9 percent Kimbanguist, and 9 percent Muslim. Other religious groups represented in much smaller numbers include Jehovah's Witnesses, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), and Orthodox Christians.

The clothing

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, men and women enjoy wearing beautiful clothes in very bold colors. Congolese dress in a style known as “Leputa”, which means wearing colorful materials. Dressing beautifully in this country is very important because the more beautiful the clothes, the more respect one gets. Ladies wear a shirt and a skirt with a head covering as well, which is a very popular style in the country. The colors are usually bright on these shirts, head coverings and skirts. Women always wear dresses, never pants. Fashion is very important to Congolese men. In the 1970s, men started wearing a style known as “Les Sapeurs”, where they dress beautifully like suits, wearing multiple bright colors. They often clash with their colors intentionally to stand out and wear very beautiful shoes. Once the dictatorship of President Mobutu began, these clothes were banned and people were forced to dress in the old African style.

After the difficult years ended, this trend was revived and wearing colorful suits became popular again. These men believe that being a Sapor is not just about wearing clothes, but being a gentleman, following the law, keeping your hair clean, and smelling good. Even though most of these Sapors can't afford these clothes, they will buy them anyway because clothes are so important to the culture.

The architecture

Housing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is very simple and there aren’t many different styles. Houses made of mud and sticks, tin houses, whatever is available. The house style on the right is usually just one big room with a thatched roof. Small dwellings like this are found in rural areas, where many people live together in a compound-like environment known as a farm. They usually have multiple self-built homes for families and places to put things like food and seeds. Farms are usually located near farming sites, so it’s a short walk to fields. Some farms are built over old fields, so the fields have time to fertilize. After a few years, the field is used again to grow crops. Beautifully structured, multi-room futuristic houses are also common, but only the rich can afford them. The area in the lower half is almost entirely surrounded by huts. Huts, also known as shanties, are common in areas outside of urban areas. Most of the people who moved into shanties moved to the city in search of a better life. But they couldn’t afford to buy a house in the city, so they had to live in shanties outside the city. This is also because there is a lack of housing for all these people, so they are forced to live in these terrible environments instead of nice suburban homes. All the shanties are very close to each other and the population density in the area is very high. In the end, the DRC still desperately needs housing for its growing population, but good housing for everyone is not affordable because of the very poor and the government

The Congolese Festivals

1. Festival of Masks – Kifwebe

The Festival of Masks, or Kifwebe, is a special celebration that comes from the traditions of the Songye people. This festival is like a beautiful show, with dancers wearing amazing masks made of wood. These masks have cool patterns and mean things like power, spirituality, and who’s important in the community.

During Kifwebe, the streets get loud with drum beats, and the air is full of bright colors when the masked dancers do their dances. These dances tell stories about the community’s past and what’s important to them now. The Festival of Masks isn’t just about showing off art; it’s also a deep look into the cultural history of the Songye people.

2. Fête de l’Indépendance (Independence Day)

On June 30th, Fête de l’Indépendance is a big day in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It’s when the country became independent from Belgian rule in 1960. This festival is like a national party, a time for everyone to feel proud and united. The streets are full of the national flag, and there are parades with traditional music and dancing.

Families get together for picnics and big meals. Communities plan events to remember what the country has achieved. It’s a day to celebrate being independent and proud to be Congolese. Fête de l’Indépendance is not just about history; it’s a way for the people of Congo to show how strong and determined they are, all together.

3. Carnival of Lubumbashi

The Carnival of Lubumbashi is a big, lively celebration in the second-largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It’s a clear sign of how much the Congolese people love music, dancing, and being artistic. The streets of Lubumbashi get really exciting with bright costumes, big floats, and lots of beats during the carnival.s

People from the city and even from other places join in, including artists from Congo and around the world. They show off the different cultural styles that make up Congolese music and dance. The Carnival of Lubumbashi is a real party for the country’s creative side, giving artists a chance to express themselves and bringing the community together for a happy celebration. It’s a time when the city is full of energy and creativity, showing how lively and exciting Congolese culture is.

4. Yam Festival – Lelo Bwame

In the Equateur Province, there’s a special celebration called the Yam Festival, known as Lelo Bwame. It’s all about saying thanks for yams, which are not just important for eating but also have a big meaning in the local culture.

During Lelo Bwame, people in the community get together to celebrate the yam harvest. They do rituals, dances, and have big meals. The festival is a time to be thankful for the land and the spirits that are believed to help make sure there’s enough food. It’s also a chance for older folks to share what they know about farming with the younger generation, making sure that the way of farming stays strong in the region

5. Okapi Wildlife Reserve Festival

The Okapi Wildlife Reserve Festival is a special celebration that mixes cultural fun with a focus on taking care of nature. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is a special place where many different animals live, including the rare and endangered okapi that’s only found in Congo.

This festival wants to make people understand why it’s so important to keep the animals and the natural beauty of the region safe. There are traditional dances and music, and you can also learn about how to take care of wildlife. It’s a complete and interesting experience for both the people who live there and the ones who come to visit.

The festival reminds everyone that we need to be careful with the environment and take care of Congo’s special plants and animals.

6. Congo International Film Festival

If you love movies, the Congo International Film Festival is the place to be. Every year, this festival shows all kinds of films – ones made by people from Congo and movies from all around the world. It’s a big event for telling stories, showing off creativity, and sharing different cultures.

At the festival, you can watch lots of films, talk about them, and see who gets awards. Filmmakers, actors, and people who really like movies all come together. It’s not just about loving films; it’s also about feeling like you’re part of a group that enjoys stories told through cameras. The Congo International Film Festival shows how Congo is becoming a big deal in the world of movies.

7. Ngoma Festival

Music is super important in Congo, and the Ngoma Festival proves just how great Congolese music is. This festival is all about celebrating different kinds of music – from old-school tunes to modern beats that mix it up.

At the Ngoma Festival, local and international musicians join forces to put on a show that’s like a beautiful musical painting of Congo’s awesome music history. It’s not just a regular concert; it’s a big party with lots of dancing, rhythm, and the amazing way music brings people together, no matter where they’re from.

So, whether you’re a huge music fan or just like to listen now and then, the Ngoma Festival is an experience you won’t forget.

The Congo Fashion Week is a fancy celebration of style and creativity. Every year, it brings together fashion designers, models, and people who work in the fashion world to show off the newest trends in Congolese and global fashion.

At the Congo Fashion Week, you can see all kinds of fashion, from traditional clothes to super cool modern designs. It’s a stage for both famous and new talents to show what they can do. The runway is full of bright colors, new designs, and cultural ideas that make Congolese fashion special. But it’s not just about looking good – the festival also makes space for talking about how fashion can shape who we are and how it can be good for the environment.

9. Brazzaville Biennale

The Brazzaville Biennale is a big event that happens every two years in the capital city of the Republic of the Congo, Brazzaville. This festival brings together artists, performers, writers, and smart people from all over Africa and beyond. It’s a place where they can share ideas, show their art, and talk about culture.

At the Brazzaville Biennale, you can see art displays, performances, and events where writers talk about their work. They discuss many things about modern African art and culture. It’s a space where artists can talk about important issues, share their views, and add to the colorful picture of African creativity. This festival shows how Brazzaville is an important center for new and exciting ideas about art and culture in Africa.

10. Makala Festival

The Makala Festival is a party for stories and books in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It’s named after the Lingala word for “charcoal,” showing how words can change things. This festival gathers writers, poets, and people who love stories.

At the Makala Festival, you can listen to books, join talks, and see performances that show how diverse Congolese stories are. It’s a place for both famous and new writers to tell their stories and connect with more people. The festival really cares about making sure people can read and write, and this helps keep Congo’s literary traditions alive and growing.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo

has exceptional natural resources, including deposits of diamonds, coal, gold, copper, cobalt, zinc, uranium, tin, silver, manganese, tungsten and cadmium. Mining plays an important role in the Congolese economy, contributing about 21% of the country's GDP.

The Congolese women

face significant barriers to economic opportunity and empowerment, including high rates of gender-based violence and discrimination. Only 16.8% of women have completed secondary education – nearly half the completion rate for men. Early marriage and high fertility rates are a challenge, with the fertility rate for women and girls without any education being twice that of women with secondary education (7.4 children compared to 2.9. Half of women reported experiencing physical violence, and nearly a third experienced sexual violence, often at the hands of an intimate partner. The labour force participation rate for women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is estimated at 62%, with most working in agriculture. While participation is relatively high, women earn significantly less than men and own fewer assets. The 2021 DRC Gender Diagnostic identifies three main factors contributing to persistent and significant gender gaps: control over land, voice and agency, and risk and uncertainty including exposure to trauma and gender-based violence.

What are the biggest risks beyond civil wars facing the Congo?

Floods and droughts

With agriculture employing over 60% of the DRC’s workforce, the economy’s vulnerability to climate change-related risks (floods and droughts) is significant. Finally, the escalation of war in the east and continued political volatility could undermine the ability to move forward with ambitious structural reform efforts. To mitigate these risks, the immediate challenge facing the DRC is to enhance security and maintain political and macroeconomic stability while building strong institutions to ensure sustainable growth.

2014

The DRC had the world’s second-largest diamond reserves at the end of 2014, at 150 million carats, or 20.5% of global reserves. Large diamond reserves are located primarily in the Kasai Occidental and Kasai Oriental provinces.

Hydroelectric potential

Arable land

Extensive biodiversity

The world’s second-largest rainforest

Access to education

The number of children enrolled in primary education increased from 11.9 million (10.7 million in public schools) in 2010-11 to 16.1 million (14.2 million in public schools) in 2018-19 and to 20.2 million (17.9 million in public schools) in 2020-21

However, the completion rate at the primary level remains low at 75%. Furthermore, the quality of education is a pressing issue. A child in the DRC is expected to complete 9.1 years of schooling by their 18th birthday, but when adjusted for learning, this time in school translates to only 4.5 years of schooling. The quality of education is so poor that an estimated 97% of 10-year-olds in the DRC suffer from learning poverty, meaning they cannot read and understand simple text.

The health care systems in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been severely impacted by the protracted conflict, as well as long-standing complex humanitarian crises around the world. This has been greatly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and recurrent disease outbreaks such as cholera, measles and Ebola. There has been significant hesitancy to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the DRC, with limited demand, and there is evidence that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on the use of health services since March 2020 with reduced hospital visits, reduced antenatal care visits, reduced access to family planning and contraception, increased food insecurity, and increased incidence of sexual and gender-based violence. Nearly 23 million children missed routine vaccinations in 2020 due to the pandemic, the highest number in more than a decade, according to recent WHO and UNICEF data. This highlights the disruption that COVID-19 has caused to health systems and the concern that the temporary disruption of essential health care delivery is likely to lead to a secondary health crisis, if left unaddressed.

The security situation in North Kivu and Ituri provinces has deteriorated dramatically, with fighting between the army and armed groups forcing hundreds of thousands to flee. Additional pockets of insecurity have emerged across the country, primarily due to inter-communal conflicts.

We begin the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo not far from here, but from the year seventy-one specifically.

In 1977

French and Belgian paratroopers, along with Moroccan troops, helped repel an attack on Katanga by rebels based in Angola.

How many wars has the Democratic Republic of the Congo experienced?

two wars

From 1996 to 2003

The country was at the heart of what some observers call "Africa's world war", with widespread civilian suffering. The war claimed the lives of up to six million people, either as a direct result of the fighting or from disease and malnutrition.

1996-1997 - First Congo War

This was a civil war and international military conflict, culminating in an invasion by rebels who replaced President Mobutu with rebel leader Laurent Kabila. The country was renamed the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

1998-2003 - Second Congo War

The unstable government of Kabila (a rebel against the previous government) came into conflict with his allies, setting the stage for a renewed civil war, drawing in several neighboring countries. Dozens of armed groups continue to fight in the east, requiring a large UN military force to try to maintain order.

General casualty estimates

The number of people killed or dying from disease or famine is estimated at 900,000 to 5,400,000.

What happened after the Second Congo War ended?

2004

The Kivu conflict broke out in eastern DRC. The region's protracted armed conflicts involved more than 120 different armed groups.

2006

First free elections in four decades. Joseph Kabila wins runoff.

2012-2013

March 23 Movement rebellion. The March 23 Movement rebel movement was formed. A UN report concluded that Rwanda created and led the M23 rebel movement, and a 3,000-strong UN intervention brigade was deployed to fight and disarm M23 rebels in eastern Congo.

2016

President Kabila remained in power in violation of the constitution.

2017

M23 rebels resumed their rebellion.

2019December

Officials declare opposition candidate Felix Tshisekedi the winner of the presidential election.

2022

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations, the United States and others have accused Rwanda of sending its soldiers to fight alongside M23 rebels in eastern DRC, who are accused of war crimes. Rwanda denies this.

2023

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) deploys a 2,900-strong peacekeeping force to eastern Congo. The country holds general elections in December 2023, resulting in a second five-year term for incumbent President Tshisekedi, whose party and allies won a majority of seats. On April 1, 2024, after long negotiations, Judith Somoina Toloka was appointed the first female prime minister, and a new government was formed

in June. 2025

After a rapid advance, M23 rebels captured the city of Goma in eastern DRC and threatened to move on Kinshasa

A simple video about DR CONGO