MbanzaKongo

Mbanza-Kongo is the capital city of the Republic of the Congo, located in the western part of the country. It is situated on the Congo River, approximately 150 kilometers upstream from the Atlantic Ocean. The city serves as the administrative, economic, and cultural center of the country. Mbanza-Kongo was founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese as a trading post and later became the capital of the Kingdom of Kongo. The city is known for its colonial architecture, including the Cathedral of Saint Michael the Archangel, which was built in the 19th century. Mbanza-Kongo is also home to several museums, such as the National Museum of the Congo, which houses artifacts from the country's history. The city is connected to other parts of the country by the Trans-Congo Railway, which was completed in 1989. Mbanza-Kongo has a population of over 1 million people and is an important center for commerce, education, and tourism in the Republic of the Congo.