What is the Capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo? The capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is Kinshasa.
Democratic Republic of the Congo is the second largest country in Africa, one of the two countries in the middle west of Africa called Congo. Kinshasa separates Brazaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo, from Congo River, Africa’s second largest river.
When did Kinshasa Become the Capital?
The Kingdom of Congo, founded in the 14th century on these lands where the Pygmies lived centuries ago, attracted the attention of Europeans in the 15th century. The Portuguese, who established a diplomatic relationship with the Kingdom of Congo, spread Christianity, but later brought the Kingdom of Congo to the extinction, increasingly colonial and slave trade with the Dutch, and the British, who tried to dominate the region. When it came to 1885, it was a first experience and Congo was given as a private property to Leopold II of Belgium with a conference in Berlin. This decision, which is contrary to International Law, and the subsequent reaction to oppressive and oppressive policies which followed, resulted in the transfer of private property to the Belgian State.
In June 1960 the independent Democratic Republic of the Congo was formed and Kinshasa became the capital city. After that, it has long been known for its civil war. Dictator Mobutu Sese Seko seized power in 1965 and changed the name of the country to the Republic of Zaire in 1971. In 1997, Laurent overthrew Kabila Mobutu and changed the name to the Democratic Republic of the Congo as his first job.
Features of Kinshasa
As of 2018, Kinshasa has an estimated population of more than 10 million. The surface area is 9,965 square kilometers. The city is located in the tropical climate zone. The annual average temperature of the city is 25.3 ° C. The hottest months are March and April, while the coldest month is July. The rainy season occurs during the October-May period.
The population consists of different tribes called Bantu, Bakongo, Baluba, Mongo, Banjauranda. There is also diversity in terms of religious belief. The official language of the country where 70% of the population is Christian and 30% is Muslim is French. Also, there are many languages and dialects, including Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba, and Swahili.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country rich in natural and wildlife, has four national parks and a natural habitat, one of Africa’s largest rainforests and the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List. The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s national parks are home to three monkeys (Bonobo, gorilla, and chimpanzee) most resembling human beings on Earth.
Important Places to See in Kinshasa
The US Department of Foreign Affairs describes Kinshasa as “relatively safe during daylight hours”. Unfortunately, Kinshasa is a very dangerous city. At least for beginners, it is not an easy city to visit. The buses are not in very good condition, the taxis work like buses.
Like Marce de Valeurs, bazaars are the main attractions. But unfortunately, thefts are so common that it is hard to recommend. You can leave the city to see the Zongo Waterfall in Lac and Ma Valle and the Bonobo in Lola or Bonobo. It is safer than the city.