Democratic Republic of Congo

Democratic Republic of Congo: (DRC)

 

Did you know?

-The DRC is second-largest country in Africa (after Algeria) and largest country in sub-Saharan Africa.

-It has an estimated population of 103.5 million, making it the fourth most populous country in Africa after Nigeria (225.8 million), Ethiopia (127.7 million), and Egypt (113.3 million).

-The capital city, Kinshasa is the largest city in the DRC.

-French is the official language of the DRC. But

there are four other national languages: Kituba, Lingala, Swahili, and Tshiluba.

-The DRC borders nine countries:

Central African Republic and South Sudan, to the north.

Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania to the east.

Zambia and Angola in the south.

Republic of Congo. In the west. The Republic of Congo ROC is a separate nation across the Congo river and its capital is  Brazzavile.

–The Congo River, most of which flows through the DRC, has never been accurately measured along much of its length because of its speed, cataracts, rapids, and turbulence. However it is said to be the deepest river in the world, with estimates of the point of greatest depth varying between 220 and 250 meters.

– The country was colonised in the 1880s.

In 1885, Belgian King Leopold II claimed private ownership of the region, establishing the Congo Free State. His reign was marked by nationwide exploitation and abuses of human rights. After public pressure, King Leopold II was forced to pass ownership to the country of Belgium in 1906, naming it the Belgian Congo.

–The country gained independence in 1960.

In 1965 President Mobutu Sese Seko affected a coup and seized power.  His reign has often been referred to as a kleptocracy. He ruled for 25 years and re named the country Zaire, and left the country in billions of debt.

-Currently, there are 5.8 million internally displaced persons.

According to the United Nations, the DRC has the largest internally displaced population in Africa. More than 5.8 million people are displaced within their own country, while over a million people have fled to nearby countries.

Families are forced to flee their homes to escape armed conflict and insecurity, and face problems such as lack of nutritious food, safe drinking water, and healthcare. All of which increase children’s vulnerability to exploitation.