The Democratic Republic of Congo is the second largest country in Africa by area and the most populous French-speaking country on the continent.
History
The DRC, formerly known as Zaire, has a rich history spanning millennia. The country gained independence on June 30, 1960. Since January 24, 2019, the country has been led by President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo — the first peaceful transfer of power in the country’s history.
Geography
- Area: 2,344,858 km² (2nd largest country in Africa)
- Population: Over 100 million inhabitants
- Capital: Kinshasa — one of Africa’s largest cities
- River: The Congo River — 2nd most powerful river in the world
- Forest: 2nd largest tropical rainforest in the world
Tourism
The DRC is home to extraordinary natural and cultural wonders:
- Virunga National Park — UNESCO World Heritage Site, habitat of mountain gorillas
- Garamba National Park — one of Africa’s oldest protected parks
- The Congo River — unique cruises and discoveries
- Kinshasa — vibrant capital and cultural hub of Central Africa
For more information: DRC National Tourism Office
Invest in the DRC
The DRC holds some of the world’s most significant natural resources. For investment opportunities: Invest in DRC
Moving to the DRC
Interested in establishing yourself in the Democratic Republic of Congo? Contact the Embassy for all the information you need.