Facts About Congo – Fun Facts About Congo Africa

The most interesting facts about Congo Africa you should know! Democratic Republic of Congo can also be called DR Congo, Congo Zaire, Congo Kinshasa, or just Congo. DR Congo is a vast country found in Central Africa.

By size, Congo is the second largest country in Africa after Algeria and it’s the eleventh biggest country in the world. DR Congo borders 9 countries (neighboring countries) including; the Central African Republic, Uganda, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania- across Lake Tanganyika, Zambia, the Republic of the Congo, and the Cabinda exclave of Angola.

Democratic Republic of Congo holds over 105 million people and it’s one of the most famous Francophone countries in the world! The largest capital city of Congo is Kinshasa (Congo capital city) and it’s the largest city in Central Africa.

Note that, this country is usually called by the acronym DRC or Congo Kinshasa to differentiate it from the Congo Republic which is often called Congo Brazzaville.

In terms of natural resources, DR Congo is extremely rich however, the country is listed among the least developed countries in the world. Probably, this has been due to political instabilities by rebel groups, corruption, and even colonial exploitation.

The most important unique facts about the Congo to know are discussed below:

1. Location of Congo- Where is Congo in African Region?

Covering around 2.345 million km² of land, the Democratic Republic of Congo is an enormous country bounded by the Central African Republic and South Sudan in the north. Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and Tanzania borders it in the east, to the southeast is Zambia, and on the southwest is Angola.

The west of DRC holds a 40km short Atlantic Ocean coastline, the Angolan exclave of Cabinda, and even Congo Brazzaville.

This country is almost a landlocked country.

2. History of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Democratic Republic of Congo gained its independence in 1960 from Belgium. From 1971-97, (after independence), the name of this country was changed to Zaire by President Mobutu Sese Seko with a view that it sounded more like an authentic African name.

The dialect “Zaire” means a great river in local African languages. For example, the county’s present name refers to the Congo River, a gigantic river that drains in the republic. Unlike Zaire, the name Congo originates from the colonial era, when the Europeans identified the river within the kingdom of the Kongo People, who live nearby its mouth.

Following the overthrow of Mobutu Sese Seko in 1997, the prior name of this country in 1971- the Democratic Republic of the Congo was restored. Belgian Congo afterward was plunged into an overwhelming civil war conflict. This conflict (holding various rebel groups) officially ended in 2003 but, fighting continued in the eastern part of the nation between the government & rebel groups.

3. Relief in Congo

Democratic Republic of the Congo relief mainly features a large Congo River basin, a major valley, three mountain ranges, high plateaus, as well as the low coastal plain.

The biggest part of Congo is the central Congo basin which holds rolling prairies with an average altitude of 520m above sea level.  Congo’s lowest point is 338m at Lake Mai- Ndombe while the highest point is around 700m in Mobayi-Mbongo and Zongo hills in the north.

In the eastern DRC is the Western Rift Valley and the western arm of the East African Rift Valley System, which includes, Edward, Lakes Albert, Kivu, Mweru, and Tanganyika. This region is the most rugged and the highest in DRC.

The snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains between Lakes Albert and Edward lie along Uganda’s border and mark the country’s highest point- 5,109m at Margherita Peak.

In the north of Kivu, there lies the Virunga volcanic range.

4. Climate of Democratic Republic of Congo

The biggest expanse of the Congo basin lies within the inner equatorial or humid tropical climatic region which extends 50C north and south of the Equator line. Only parts of far north and southern Congo are somehow drier and experiencing subequatorial climates.

The tropical rain forest of Congo mostly those in the Congo River basin receives rainfall almost any time of the year but, temperatures remain warm. The average annual temperature in Congo is about 25.50C.

5. Wildlife and Animals in Congo

Within the Congo rain forest, over 400 mammal species have been recorded. It’s alleged that the tropical rain forests of this country are the most biologically diverse forests in Africa, home to various rare and many species that are endemic.

The most popular animal species in Dr Congo include; Bonobos, Chimpanzees, African Forest Elephants, Okapi, Mountain gorillas, Lowland Eastern gorillas, Forest Buffalos, Bushbucks, and even Leopards, etc.

In the south of this nation, you can spot the white Rhinoceros.

Numerous wildlife in Congo are spotted in national parks such as Garamba National Park even Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park in the eastern Congo basin.

Note that, Congo is the only country in the world to spot Bonobos in the wild.

6. Local People of Congo

Congo holds around 105 million people according to World Bank 2023 statistics.  This vast stunning county in West Africa holds roughly 200 ethnic groups and the Bantu constitute the biggest population of people in the Congo basin. These people entered DRC around the 10th and the 14th Centuries coming from the west & north and setting kingdoms that flourished during the time of European penetration after the 16th century.

Some of the major kingdoms include; the Kongo people, Luba, Yaka, Tetela, and the Kuba people.

It’s believed that the Pygmies arrived in Congo possibly during the Upper Paleolithic Period. However, these people are thought to be the first inhabitants of the Congo basin. The other remaining pygmy groups in Congo- the Twa, Babinga, and Bambuti live in Ituri forest, Kibali forest, and even in Lake Kivu and Tanganyika region. They also inhabit regions around Lualaba, Sankuru, Tshuapa, and Ubangi rivers.

Asians and Europeans constitute a small portion of Congo’s migrant population. These people specifically came to DRC for temporary employment. The other populations are mainly of Africans- non-Congolese nationality.

7. Religion in Democratic Republic of Congo

Traditional African beliefs as well as the power of ancestors as well as spirits in nature have greatly influenced the introduction of Christianity in DR Congo. Within DRC, there is a small population of Christians. The largest percentage is for Roman Catholics and others are Protestants.  Islam can also be found in some regions.

In summary, Christianity constitutes around 93.7% of the Congo’s population. Catholics make up 29.7%, Protestants 26.8%, and other Christians 37.2%. Moslems make only 1%.

8. Languages in  Congo

Over 200 languages are spoken in DRC. This nation has 4 national languages including; Swahili, Lingala, Kongo, and Tshiluba and French is the official language widely used in business, offices, and in most international communications.

Normally, national languages are used in regional trade and even on radio stations. Lingala is mostly used in Kinshasa, along the lower Congo River, and in most songs of Congolese.

9. Tourism in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Though Congo still faces political instability due to various rebel groups in eastern Congo, this nation has a lot to offer for tourists on African safaris.

There are various amazing tourist activities in Congo including Mountain gorilla trekking, and tracking lowland gorillas. A hike to Africa’s most active volcano with a lava-boiling lake at its summit- Mount Nyiragongo is an adventure you’ll live to tell!

Tracking Mountain gorillas in Congo rain forests is best done during the dry season.

10.  Natural Resources & Power in Congo Basin

Congo’s main economic resources are its mineral deposits and these make up 9/10 of the total exports of this country. Most of the minerals in DRC are extracted in Katanga province and these greatly attracted European powers to Congo around the 19th Century.

The common mineral resources in Katanga forests include; copper, zinc, cobalt, silver, coal, manganese, gold, cadmium, uranium, and platinum, among others.

Around Lake Kivu, there are vast reserves of methane, carbonic, as well as nitrogen natural gases. Diamond is mined in the south-central Congo basin. The coastline of DRC contains Gold, Bauxite, and offshore deposits of Petroleum.

Congo’s Limestone deposits that occur all over are considered the richest on the African continent.

Other Quick Facts of Congo

• Congo holds 9 neighbouring countries
• Congo played a big role in World War II. Uranium used during the manufacturing of World War II bombs was obtained from Katanga province
• Congo got its independence from Belgium. Its independence was on June 30th, 1960. The independence hero- Patrice Emery Lumumba was elected as the country’s first Prime Minister
• Felix Tshisekedi is the current president of Congo after President Joseph Kabila
• It’s possible to spot animal species from Equatorial Guinea within Congo including bird species
• The thick tropical rain forests of Congo hold thousands of medicinal plants for example,
• Cinchona, Canellila, and Tawari, plus thousands of tropical plants
• Congo holds the oldest national park on the African continent- Virunga National Park
• The first Congo war which started in October 1997 to May 1997 was nicknamed as the Africa’s world war. It spread to Sudan and Uganda even
• Congo is home to one of the deepest rivers in the world- River Congo which serves the DRC with fresh water and holds various fish species.
• King Leopold II ruled DR Congo as his dominion from 1885-1908. However, in 1908 King Leopold II was pressurised to turn the Congo Free State into the nation of Belgium government.

FAQs about the Congo

1. Is Congo Safe to Visit for African Vacation?

Democratic Republic of the Congo is safe to visit by travellers from all countries of the world including American nationals and even solo women travellers. While planning a vacation in Congo, first find out about the political atmosphere in this country as sometimes armed conflict between the government armed groups occurs.

2. How to Get to Congo?

Several tourists visiting Congo enter this country from Rwanda or Uganda but, most entries are via the Rwanda border. Usually, most travelers access Congo using road travel. For a rewarding adventure in Congo, supplement Rwanda safari or Uganda wildlife tours on your trip to Congo and travel using a tour operator.

3. What is the Congo Famous for? : What is Congo Popular for?

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is famous for its endangered species including Mountain gorillas, Eastern lowland gorillas, Chimpanzees, Bonobos, etc. Though this nation is biologically diverse, the Congo war has greatly affected its tourism potential however, the United Nations agency is doing its best to restore peace in this state and ensure food security.

4. Can Tourists Go to the Congo?

Yes, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is open for tourists however, travelers should be vigilant while on a vacation in Congo. To access Congo, you should book your trip through a tour company as they are familiar with this company. The travel agent will reserve your accommodation, transfers, and the food you’ll have on the trip.

5.  What to Pack for Congo Safari Tour?

Always mind to move light! The key items to have on your vacation in Congo include a camera, jungle boots, a backpack, a rain jacket, and insect repellents.  It’s better to move with cell phones to keep with people at home.

For any inquiries about Congo safari tours, email our friendly team.