Geographic Location
- Location in Africa: The DRC is located in Central Africa, bordered by nine countries: Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. It also has a small coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
- Latitude and Longitude: 4°02′S, 21°45′E.
- Size: 2,345,409 square kilometers, making it the second-largest country in Africa
Population
- Current Population (2025): Approximately 106.55 million
Economy
- GDP (2025):
- Projected Real GDP Growth: 5.0%.
- Nominal GDP: $73.76 billion
National Symbols
- Anthem: “Debout Congolais” (Arise, Congolese).
- National Pledge: The DRC does not have an official national pledge.
Culture and Customs
- Ethnic Groups: Over 250 ethnic groups, including Luba, Mongo, and Kongo.
- Languages: French (official), Lingala, Kikongo, Swahili, and Tshiluba (national languages).
- Religion: Predominantly Christianity (95.4%), with small percentages practicing traditional faiths and Islam.
Main Airports
- N’djili International Airport (Kinshasa).
- Lubumbashi International Airport.
- Goma International Airport.
Popular Tourist Destinations
- Virunga National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, home to mountain gorillas.
- Nyiragongo Volcano: Known for its active lava lake.
- Salonga National Park: The largest tropical rainforest reserve in Africa.
- Lake Kivu: A scenic lake shared with Rwanda.
Events and Festivals
- Independence Day (June 30): Celebrating independence from Belgium in 1960.
- Fête Nationale: A national celebration of Congolese culture.
- Cultural Festivals: Showcasing traditional music, dance, and art.
Practical Information
- Calling Code: +243.
- Country Domain: .cd.
- Currency: Congolese Franc (CDF)
