Congo (Dem Rep) has many beautiful landscapes, with lakes and forests, waterfalls and wildlife. However, this is a vast country, with an almost non-existent transport infrastructure. It is mired in conflict and a long and intricate history.
A five-year civil war from 1998 to 2003 resulted in the deaths of around 3 million people, not only through the fighting itself, but also through hunger
and disease.
Joseph Kabila, son of assassinated former president Laurent Kabila, was installed as president in 2001 and elected by the people in a historic presidential election in 2006. He now faces the formidable job of bringing
back some level of normality to this scarred country, where the threat of civil war has not disappeared.
eneral Information
Area
2,345,410 sq km (905,563 sq miles).
Population
60.1 million (UN estimate 2005).
Population Density
26 per sq km.
Capital
Kinshasa. Population: 6.5 million (UN estimate 2005).
Government
Republic. Gained independence from Belgium in 1960.
Language
The official language is French. There are many local languages, the most widely spoken being Lingala, Swahili, Tshiluba and
Kikongo.
Religion
Roman Catholic 50%, Islam 10%, Protestant 20%, indigenous beliefs 10% and Kimbanguist 10%.
Time
Social Conventions
Casual clothes are widely suitable, although scanty beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside.
Photography: A permit is required. Even then, local authorities are likely to be sensitive. Avoid official areas, airports and riverbanks.
Overview 
