Congolese

Congolese is the demonym for people associated with the Congo region of Central Africa. It most commonly denotes citizens of the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC, formerly Zaire), but can also refer to individuals of Congolese ancestry or culture regardless of where they live.

Two sovereign states are linked to the term: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with Kinshasa as its capital, and the Republic of the Congo, with Brazzaville as its capital. They are neighbors along the Congo Basin and share historical ties to the broader Congo region. Both countries gained independence in 1960 from colonial powers—Belgian Congo for the DRC and French Equatorial Africa for the Republic of the Congo.

Ethnicity and language in Congolese communities are highly diverse, with hundreds of ethnic groups across the region. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, major groups include the Mongo, Kongo, Luba, and Tshiluba-speaking communities. In the Republic of the Congo, prominent groups include the Kongo, Teke, and Mbochi. French is the official language in both nations; in the DRC, four national languages—Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo, and Tshiluba—are widely used. In the Republic of the Congo, French remains official with Lingala and Kituba serving as common linguae francae in various regions.

Cultural life in Congolese communities is notable for its artistic contributions, particularly in music. Congolese genres such as soukous and rumba have influenced African and global popular music. Diaspora communities extend across Europe, Africa, and the Americas, contributing to the arts, sports, and politics while maintaining connections to Congolese heritage.