Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African country in the Congo Basin
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a central African nation in the Congo Basin that covers more than two million square kilometers and includes dense rainforest, mountain ranges, savannas, and the Congo River system. The landscape ranges from coastal lowlands in the west through extensive central forests to the Virunga Mountains in the east.
The territory gained independence from Belgium in 1960 after decades of colonial rule that started in 1885 with King Leopold II's personal control. Political instability and armed conflicts followed independence and led to major social and economic disruption during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
More than two hundred ethnic communities live here and each maintains its own rituals, crafts, and clothing styles that visitors can experience at local markets or village gatherings. Soukous and rumba music shape daily life in many towns, where rhythms spill from open windows and small bars and dance events continue late into the night.
Visitors need a visa from an embassy before entering, current vaccinations, and malaria prevention and should only travel with registered tour operators in stable regions. The dry seasons from May through September and December through February offer better travel conditions, though security situations should be checked before any trip.
The country holds eighty percent of the world's coltan reserves, essential for manufacturing electronic devices, along with major cobalt and copper deposits. Salonga National Park forms the largest protected rainforest area in Africa and shelters endangered bonobos found in the wild only here.
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