drc

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a country in Central Africa. It is Africa’s second-largest nation by area (about 2.3 million square kilometers) and has a short Atlantic coastline. Its capital and largest city is Kinshasa. The official language is French, with major national languages including Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo, and Tshiluba. The Congo River is a central geographic feature.

DRC is a unitary semi-presidential republic with a multiparty system. Executive power is shared between the president and the prime minister, and a parliament exercises legislative authority. The 2006 constitution, amended since, provides the framework for elections and transitions, though political transitions have faced delays and disputes, particularly in the eastern regions.

Historically, the area was a Belgian colony known as the Congo Free State, then Belgian Congo, gaining independence in 1960. It endured political upheaval, the long rule of Mobutu Sese Seko (1965–1997), and two regional wars (late 1990s–2003) that drew in neighboring states. A 2003 peace process led to a transitional government and a 2006 constitution. Since 2019, Félix Tshisekedi has been president.

The DRC is rich in natural resources, especially cobalt, copper, diamonds, tin, and other minerals, with vast forests and hydropower potential. Mining dominates exports, but governance, infrastructure, and conflict-related insecurity limit development. The economy remains vulnerable to commodity cycles and regional instability, though growth prospects are linked to mining, power projects, and diversification.

The population is estimated at about 110–120 million, reflecting great ethnic and linguistic diversity. Urban areas are expanding, while poverty remains widespread. The humanitarian situation has been affected by armed conflict, population displacement, disease outbreaks, and governance challenges, with international aid playing a key role in relief and development.