Some "W's" of the Congo

Who

Population: approximately 71.71 million

• 44% of this population is less than fifteen years of age
• There are over 200 ethnic groups 
• The 4 largest ethnic groups
• Mongo
• Luba
• Kongo
• Mangbetu-Azande
• In general these ethnic groups do live in peace. However, when political (both national and international) opposition occurs, these differences are sometimes exploited

Children walking from a camp for displaced persons, Eastern Congo

Traditional Congolese Hairstyle in village of Bangadi

Woman with umbrella in Minova

What

The Democratic Republic of the Congo may also be referred to as:

• DRC
• Congo
• Congo-Kinshasha
• DR Congo

Flag of the DRC

In terms of size, the DRC is the eleventh largest country in the world. Although the Congo is relatively settled now as a presidential democratic republic, the journey to this point has been filled with political turmoil, guerilla groups and violence, and social unrest. There is, from a humanitarian standpoint, still much work to be done to provide the Congolese people with a government that protects and takes care of them.

The President - Joseph Kabila

Currency - Congolese Franc

Where

Where is the Democratic Republic of the Congo located? 

Right in the middle of the beautiful continent of Africa! 

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is bordered by nine other countries:

• Central African Republic
• Republic of Congo 
• Angola 
• Zambia
• Tanzania
• Burundi
• Rwanda
• Uganda
• Sudan

DR Congo up close

The capital of the DRC is Kinshasa, the most populous city in the country.

Africa consists of a variety of different climates and vegetation, as well as varying topography. The DRC houses the second largest rainforest area in the world - the land is mostly covered by tropical rainforest with some deciduous forest, the "woodland savanna," as well. The Congo River is the deepest river in the world and flows through the rainforest into neighboring Republic of Congo.

Along the Congo River, Minkebe Reserve

The river is important to trade of goods and hydroelectric energy, as well as transportation: waterways serve as roads deep in the rain forest. 

Congo Basin

The Congo Basin is home to beautiful wildlife and many different species, including the Chimpanzee, Bonobo, Hippos, Forest Elephant, and Moutain Gorilla.

Mountain Gorilla, Virunga National Park, Eastern Congo

When

Depending on what kind of conditions you are comfortable with, you will want to pay attention to the seasons in the DR Congo. The climate is tropical, but varies with location:

• Equatorial river basin - hot and humid
• Southern highlands - cool and dry 
• Eastern highlands - cool and wet

If you are traveling north of the equator...

• Wet season - April to October 
• Dry season - December to February

If you are traveling south of the equator...

• Wet season - November to March
• Dry season - April to October

--> Remember to bring your sunscreen - you may be in regions of the country that are close to the equator and the last thing you will need is a sunburn! 

This is a tropical climate, which means there will be mosquitoes. Many children and even adults contract malaria through mosquito bites, so be sure to bring mosquito nets or purchase them as soon as possible when you arrive.

It is recommended that you follow these general healthcare guidelines from the U.S. Department of State to prepare yourself!



Now that we've covered some of the basics, we can move on to the how's ...

KEEP IN MIND 
As we go through various facets of the culture of the DRC that we cannot generalize every single individual that lives there. Be conscientious of this in all your interactions, maintaining an open mind and willingness to learn and adapt to different situations!