DR Congo
Central Africa
DR Congo is a country in Central Africa, home to 105.6 million people, with an area of 2,344,858 km². Its capital is Kinshasa.
- Capital
- Kinshasa
- Population
- 105.6 million
- Area
- 2,344,858 km²
- Region
- Central Africa
- Density
- 45.0 / km²
- Status
- Sovereign state
Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.
What DR Congo is known for
DR Congo is best known for Virunga National Park, Nyiragongo Volcano and Congo River.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, also known as DR Congo, is a country located in central Africa. It is the second-largest country in Africa by land area and the fourth most populous country on the continent.
DR Congo at a glance
- Language
- French is the official language, but there are more than 200 recognized languages and dialects spoken in the country, including Lingala, Swahili, and Tshiluba
- Currency
- Congolese franc
- Religion
- Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by Islam and traditional indigenous beliefs
- National dish
- Fufu (a starchy dish made from cassava or other tubers) and goat stew
- Climate
- DR Congo has a tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout much of the country. The east of the country is home to some of the world's largest rainforests, while the south is drier and more savannah-like
- Main industries
- Mining (cobalt, copper, diamonds, gold, and tin), agriculture (coffee, palm oil, rubber, and cocoa), and forestry
- GDP
- $51.6 billion (2020 estimate)
- Development
- DR Congo is considered one of the least developed countries in the world, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 175 out of 189 countries (2020)
Things to do in DR Congo
Some of the main tourist attractions in DR Congo include:
- Virunga National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Africa's oldest national park, home to mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and other wildlife.
- Nyiragongo Volcano an active volcano located in Virunga National Park that offers stunning views of its lava lake.
- Congo River the world's deepest river and the second longest river in Africa, flowing through the heart of the country.
- Lola Ya Bonobo a sanctuary for orphaned bonobos, one of the closest relatives of humans.
- Kisantu Botanical Gardens a 19th-century botanical garden located near Kinshasa that is home to a wide variety of plant species.
- Boyoma Falls a series of seven waterfalls located on the Lualaba River, one of the Congo River's main tributaries.
However, travel to some parts of DR Congo is not recommended due to ongoing conflicts and security concerns. It is important to check the latest travel advisories before planning a trip to the country.
DR Congo in pictures
DR Congo on video
The player loads when you press play — nothing is requested from the video host before that.
DR Congo compared with its neighbours
How it sits against the other countries of Central Africa.
| Country | Population | Area | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | 105.6 million | 2,344,858 km² | Kinshasa |
 Angola | 37.2 million | 1,246,700 km² | Luanda |
 Cameroon | 28.6 million | 475,442 km² | Yaoundé |
 Chad | 18.3 million | 1,284,000 km² | N'Djamena |
Ranked 15th of 195 countries by population and 11th by area.
Questions about DR Congo
What is the capital of DR Congo?
The capital of DR Congo is Kinshasa.
How many people live in DR Congo?
About 105.6 million people. Ranked 15th of 195 countries by population and 11th by area.
How big is DR Congo?
DR Congo covers 2,344,858 km², in Central Africa.
What is DR Congo known for?
DR Congo is best known for Virunga National Park, Nyiragongo Volcano and Congo River.
What language is spoken in DR Congo?
French is the official language, but there are more than 200 recognized languages and dialects spoken in the country, including Lingala, Swahili, and Tshiluba.
What currency is used in DR Congo?
Congolese franc.
Is DR Congo a country?
Yes. DR Congo is a sovereign state and is counted among the 195 countries this generator draws from.