About CD
Official Name
The official name of the country is the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), or République démocratique du Congo in French.
Location
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is located in Central Africa, bordered by the Central African Republic and South Sudan to the north, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania to the east, Zambia and Angola to the south, and the Republic of the Congo to the west.
Capital
The capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is Kinshasa, located in the western part of the country along the Congo River.
Population
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the fourth most populous country in Africa, with a population of over 90 million people.
Languages
The official language of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is French. Additionally, there are over 200 ethnic languages spoken throughout the country, with Lingala, Swahili, and Kikongo being some of the most widely spoken.
Religion
The population of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is predominantly Christian, with Roman Catholicism being the largest denomination. There are also significant Muslim and indigenous religious communities.
Geography
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes dense rainforests, savannas, and mountains. The Congo River, one of the longest rivers in the world, flows through the country.
Economy
The economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is largely based on natural resources, including minerals such as copper, cobalt, and diamonds. However, the country faces challenges related to infrastructure, governance, and political instability, which have hindered economic development.
Currency
The currency of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the Congolese franc (CDF).
Politics
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a republic with a semi-presidential system of government. The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is both the head of state and the head of government, while the Prime Minister assists in the administration of the country. The country has experienced political instability, conflict, and civil war since gaining independence from Belgium in 1960.
National Items of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Okapi
The Okapi (Okapia johnstoni) is a national symbol of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This rare and unique animal, native to the Congo Basin, symbolizes the country's rich biodiversity and commitment to wildlife conservation.
Congolese Francolin
The Congolese Francolin (Peliperdix lathami schubotzi) is a bird species native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It represents the rich avian diversity and the importance of conservation efforts in the country.
Mount Nyiragongo
Mount Nyiragongo is an active volcano in the Virunga Mountains. It symbolizes the geological significance and natural beauty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Congo River
The Congo River is one of the major rivers in Africa and a significant geographical feature in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It symbolizes the lifeblood of the country's ecosystems, transportation routes, and natural resources.
Congolese Traditional Dress
Traditional dress in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the "pagnes" (colorful wrap skirts) and "liputa" (traditional fabric), symbolizes cultural heritage, identity, and traditional fashion.
Makonde Sculpture
Makonde sculptures are traditional art forms created by the Makonde people. They symbolize the rich artisanal heritage and cultural identity of the country.
Cassava
Cassava is a staple crop and a fundamental part of Congolese cuisine. It symbolizes sustenance, agricultural heritage, and the importance of farming in the country's economy.
Congolese Mask
Traditional Congolese masks, used in ceremonies and dances, symbolize the rich cultural heritage, artistry, and spiritual beliefs of different ethnic groups in the country.
Lingala Language
Lingala is one of the national languages of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It symbolizes cultural identity, unity, and social cohesion.
Bonobos
The Bonobo (Pan paniscus) is a great ape species found only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It symbolizes the country's unique wildlife and conservation efforts.
Palm Wine
Palm wine, made from the sap of palm trees, is a traditional beverage in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It symbolizes cultural heritage, traditional practices, and social gatherings.
Copper
Copper is a significant natural resource in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly from the Katanga region. It symbolizes the country's rich mineral wealth and economic importance.
Rumba Music
Rumba is a popular music genre that originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It symbolizes the rich musical heritage, cultural identity, and artistic expression of the Congolese people.
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It symbolizes the country's commitment to conservation, biodiversity, and natural beauty.
Congolese Franc
The Congolese Franc (CDF) is the currency of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It symbolizes the country's economic heritage and financial system.
The national anthem of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is called "Debout Congolais" in French. Here are the lyrics in French and their English translation:
Refrain:
Debout Congolais,
Unis par le sort,
Unis dans l'effort pour l'indépendance.
Dressons nos fronts longtemps courbés
Et pour de bon prenons le plus bel élan,
Dans la paix, ô peuple ardent,
Par le labeur nous bâtirons un pays plus beau qu'avant,
Dans la paix, ô peuple ardent,
Par le labeur nous bâtirons un pays plus beau qu'avant.
Couplet:
Citoyens, entonnez l'hymne sacré de votre solidarité,
Fièrement, saluez l'emblème d'or de votre souveraineté,
Congo !
Ne répète-t-il pas,
Fidélité, progrès, unité ?
Au travail dans l'ordre et la dignité
Vous accomplirez de grandes choses,
Nous bâtirons un pays plus beau qu'avant.
Refrain
Chorus:
Arise, Congolese,
United by fate,
United in an effort for independence.
Let us hold up our heads, long bowed,
And for good, let us take the most beautiful leap,
In peace, O fervent people,
Through labor, we will build a country more beautiful than before,
In peace, O fervent people,
Through labor, we will build a country more beautiful than before.
Verse:
Citizens, sing the sacred anthem of your solidarity,
Proudly, salute the golden emblem of your sovereignty,
Congo!
Does it not repeat,
Fidelity, progress, unity?
Through work in order and dignity
You will accomplish great things,
We will build a country more beautiful than before.
Chorus
