Coquilhatville

Coquilhatville is the colonial-era name of the city now known as Mbandaka, the capital of Équateur Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is located on the north bank of the Congo River in the northwestern part of the country, within a tropical rainforest region. The city has long served as a river port and administrative hub for inland trade.

The settlement developed in the late 19th century under the Congo Free State as a trading post and government center. It was named Coquilhatville in honor of a Belgian colonial administrator and served as the colonial administrative seat. In 1966, as part of a broader move to replace colonial toponyms, the city was renamed Mbandaka.

Today, Mbandaka remains the capital of Équateur Province and a major river port on the Congo River, linking inland communities. It is served by river transport, Bangoka International Airport, and road connections to surrounding towns. The surrounding region features dense tropical rainforest and riverine landscapes.

Population figures vary; the city is the region’s largest urban center and a focal point for commerce and administration. Official language is French, with Lingala and other local languages widely spoken in daily life.