DRC
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Africa Kinshasa
Population
119.04M
Area
2,344,858 km²
GDP
$70.75B
GDP Per Capita
$1,500
Pop. Density
51/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
FCCongolese franc(CDF)
Calling Code
+243
Primary Timezone
UTC+01:00
+1 more
Languages
French, Kikongo, Lingala +2
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Congolese
Background
Bantu, Sudanic, and other migrants from West and Northeastern Africa arrived in the Congo River Basin between 2000 B.C. and A.D. 500. The territory that is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo has more than 200 ethnic groups that trace their histories to many communal organizations and kingdoms. The Kingdom of Kongo, for example, ruled the area around the mouth of the Congo River from the 14th to 19th centuries. Meanwhile, the Kingdoms of Luba and Lunda, located to the south and east, were also notable political groupings in the territory and ruled from the 16th and 17th centuries to the 19th century. European prospectors in the Congo Basin invaded and splintered these kingdoms in the late 1800’s, sponsored by King LEOPOLD II of Belgium, and the kingdoms were eventually forced to grant Leopold the rights to the Congo territory as his private property. During this period, known as the Congo Free State, the king's private colonial military forced the local population to produce rubber. From 1885 to 1908, millions of Congolese people died as a result of disease and inhumane treatment. International condemnation finally forced LEOPOLD to cede the land to the state of Belgium, creating the Belgian Congo.
The Republic of the Congo gained its independence from Belgium in 1960, but its early years were marred by instability. Col. Joseph MOBUTU seized power and declared himself president in a 1965 coup. He subsequently changed his name to MOBUTU Sese Seko and the country's name to Zaire. MOBUTU retained his position for 32 years, using sham elections and brute force. In 1994, a massive inflow of refugees from conflict in neighboring Rwanda and Burundi sparked ethnic strife and civil war. A rebellion backed by Rwanda and Uganda and fronted by Laurent KABILA toppled the MOBUTU regime in 1997. KABILA renamed the country the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In 1998, another insurrection -- again backed by Rwanda and Uganda -- challenged the KABILA regime, but troops from Angola, Chad, Namibia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe helped quell the uprising.
In 2001, KABILA was assassinated, and his son, Joseph KABILA, was named head of state. In 2002, the new president negotiated the withdrawal of Rwandan forces occupying the eastern DRC; the remaining warring parties subsequently signed the Pretoria Accord to end the fighting and establish a government of national unity. KABILA was elected as president in 2006 and 2011. The DRC constitution barred him from running for a third term, so in 2016, the DRC Government delayed national elections for two years. This fueled significant civil and political unrest, with sporadic street protests and exacerbation of tensions in the eastern DRC regions.
The results of the 2018 elections were disputed, but opposition candidate Felix TSHISEKEDI, son of long-time opposition leader Etienne TSHISEKEDI, was announced as the election winner. This was the first transfer of power to an opposition candidate without significant violence or a coup since 1960. In 2023, the DRC held its fourth electoral cycle since independence; TSHISEKEDI was proclaimed the winner despite some allegations of fraud, with his Sacred Union alliance retaining a large parliamentary majority.
The DRC continues to experience violence -- particularly in the East -- perpetrated by more than 100 armed groups active in the region, including the March 23 (M23) rebel group, the ISIS-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF, or ISIS-DRC), the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and assorted local militias known as Mai Mai militias. The UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) has operated in the region since 1999 and is the largest and most expensive UN peacekeeping mission in the world.
The Republic of the Congo gained its independence from Belgium in 1960, but its early years were marred by instability. Col. Joseph MOBUTU seized power and declared himself president in a 1965 coup. He subsequently changed his name to MOBUTU Sese Seko and the country's name to Zaire. MOBUTU retained his position for 32 years, using sham elections and brute force. In 1994, a massive inflow of refugees from conflict in neighboring Rwanda and Burundi sparked ethnic strife and civil war. A rebellion backed by Rwanda and Uganda and fronted by Laurent KABILA toppled the MOBUTU regime in 1997. KABILA renamed the country the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In 1998, another insurrection -- again backed by Rwanda and Uganda -- challenged the KABILA regime, but troops from Angola, Chad, Namibia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe helped quell the uprising.
In 2001, KABILA was assassinated, and his son, Joseph KABILA, was named head of state. In 2002, the new president negotiated the withdrawal of Rwandan forces occupying the eastern DRC; the remaining warring parties subsequently signed the Pretoria Accord to end the fighting and establish a government of national unity. KABILA was elected as president in 2006 and 2011. The DRC constitution barred him from running for a third term, so in 2016, the DRC Government delayed national elections for two years. This fueled significant civil and political unrest, with sporadic street protests and exacerbation of tensions in the eastern DRC regions.
The results of the 2018 elections were disputed, but opposition candidate Felix TSHISEKEDI, son of long-time opposition leader Etienne TSHISEKEDI, was announced as the election winner. This was the first transfer of power to an opposition candidate without significant violence or a coup since 1960. In 2023, the DRC held its fourth electoral cycle since independence; TSHISEKEDI was proclaimed the winner despite some allegations of fraud, with his Sacred Union alliance retaining a large parliamentary majority.
The DRC continues to experience violence -- particularly in the East -- perpetrated by more than 100 armed groups active in the region, including the March 23 (M23) rebel group, the ISIS-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF, or ISIS-DRC), the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and assorted local militias known as Mai Mai militias. The UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) has operated in the region since 1999 and is the largest and most expensive UN peacekeeping mission in the world.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑358.3% since 2006$15B (2006)$71B (2024)
Population
↑80.3% since 200660.6M (2006)109.3M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 61.9 years2006: 54.5 years2023: 61.9 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography21
Location
Central Africa, northeast of Angola
Geographic coordinates
0 00 N, 25 00 E
Map references
Africa
Area
total : 2,344,858 sq km
land: 2,267,048 sq km
water: 77,810 sq km
land: 2,267,048 sq km
water: 77,810 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly less than one-fourth the size of the US
Land boundaries
total: 11,027 km
border countries: Angola 2,646 km (of which 225 km is the boundary of Angola's discontiguous Cabinda Province); Burundi 236 km; Central African Republic 1,747 km; Republic of the Congo 1,775 km; Rwanda 221 km; South Sudan 714 km; Tanzania 479 km; Uganda 877 km; Zambia 2,332 km
border countries: Angola 2,646 km (of which 225 km is the boundary of Angola's discontiguous Cabinda Province); Burundi 236 km; Central African Republic 1,747 km; Republic of the Congo 1,775 km; Rwanda 221 km; South Sudan 714 km; Tanzania 479 km; Uganda 877 km; Zambia 2,332 km
Coastline
37 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: since 2011, the DRC has had a Common Interest Zone agreement with Angola for the mutual development of off-shore resources
exclusive economic zone: since 2011, the DRC has had a Common Interest Zone agreement with Angola for the mutual development of off-shore resources
Climate
tropical; hot and humid in equatorial river basin; cooler and drier in southern highlands; cooler and wetter in eastern highlands; north of Equator - wet season (April to October), dry season (December to February); south of Equator - wet season (November to March), dry season (April to October)
Terrain
vast central basin is a low-lying plateau; mountains in east
Elevation
highest point: Pic Marguerite on Mont Ngaliema (Mount Stanley) 5,110 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 726 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 726 m
Natural resources
cobalt, copper, niobium, tantalum, petroleum, industrial and gem diamonds, gold, silver, zinc, manganese, tin, uranium, coal, hydropower, timber
Land use
agricultural land
15.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 6.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 8% (2023 est.)
forest
61.6% (2023 est.)
other
22.9% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
110 sq km (2012)
Major lakes (area sq km)
fresh water lake(s): Lake Tanganyika (shared with Burundi, Tanzania, and Zambia) - 32,000 sq km; Lake Albert (shared with Uganda) - 5,590 sq km; Lake Mweru (shared with Zambia) - 4,350 sq km; Lac Mai-Ndombe - 2,300 sq km; Lake Kivu (shared with Rwanda) - 2,220 sq km; Lake Edward (shared with Uganda) - 2,150 sq km; Lac Tumba - 500 sq km; Lac Upemba - 530 sq km
Major rivers (by length in km)
Zaïre (Congo) river mouth (shared with Zambia [s], Angola, and Republic of Congo) - 2,920 km; Ubangi river mouth (shared with Central African Republic [s] and Republic of Congo) - 2,270 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouthMajor watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km)
Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km)
Indian Ocean drainage: Zambezi (1,332,412 sq km)
Major aquifers
Congo Basin
Population distribution
urban clusters are spread throughout the country, particularly in the northeast along the border with Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi; the largest city is the capital, Kinshasha, located in the west along the Congo River; the south is least densely populated, as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards
periodic droughts in south; Congo River floods (seasonal); active volcanoes in the east along the Great Rift Valley
volcanism: the active volcano Nyiragongo (3,470 m) poses a major threat to the city of Goma, home to a quarter of a million people; it produces unusually fast-moving lava, known to travel up to 100 km/hr; Nyiragongo has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; its neighbor Nyamuragira is Africa's most active volcano; Visoke is the only other historically active volcano
volcanism: the active volcano Nyiragongo (3,470 m) poses a major threat to the city of Goma, home to a quarter of a million people; it produces unusually fast-moving lava, known to travel up to 100 km/hr; Nyiragongo has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; its neighbor Nyamuragira is Africa's most active volcano; Visoke is the only other historically active volcano
Geography - note
note 1: second-largest country in Africa (after Algeria) and largest country in sub-Saharan Africa; straddles the equator; dense tropical rainforest in central river basin and eastern highlands; the narrow strip of land that controls the lower Congo River is the DRC's only outlet to the South Atlantic Ocean
note 2: the Congo River, most of which flows through the DRC, has never been accurately measured along much of its length because of its speed, cataracts, rapids, and turbulence; nonetheless, it is conceded to be the deepest river in the world, with estimates of the point of greatest depth varying between 220 and 250 meters
note 2: the Congo River, most of which flows through the DRC, has never been accurately measured along much of its length because of its speed, cataracts, rapids, and turbulence; nonetheless, it is conceded to be the deepest river in the world, with estimates of the point of greatest depth varying between 220 and 250 meters
People & Society34
Population
total: 119,038,825 (2025 est.)
male: 59,509,076
female: 59,529,749
male: 59,509,076
female: 59,529,749
Nationality
noun: Congolese (singular and plural)
adjective: Congolese or Congo
adjective: Congolese or Congo
Ethnic groups
more than 200 African ethnic groups of which the majority are Bantu; the four largest groups - Mongo, Luba, Kongo (all Bantu), and the Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic) - make up about 45% of the population
Languages
Languages: French (official), Lingala (a trade language), Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba
major-language sample(s):
Buku oyo ya bosembo ya Mokili Mobimba Ezali na Makanisi ya Liboso Mpenza. (Lingala)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s):
Buku oyo ya bosembo ya Mokili Mobimba Ezali na Makanisi ya Liboso Mpenza. (Lingala)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Christian 93/1% (Roman Catholic 29.9%, Protestant 26.7%, other Christian 36.5%), Kimbanguist 2.8%, Muslim 1.3%, other (includes syncretic sects and indigenous beliefs) 1.2%, none 1.3%, unspecified 0.2% (2014 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years: 45.7% (male 26,584,268/female 26,208,891)
15-64 years: 51.8% (male 29,845,450/female 29,884,958)
65 years and over: 2.5% (2024 est.) (male 1,258,442/female 1,621,018)
15-64 years: 51.8% (male 29,845,450/female 29,884,958)
65 years and over: 2.5% (2024 est.) (male 1,258,442/female 1,621,018)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 92.1 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 87.3 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 4.8 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 20.8 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 87.3 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 4.8 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 20.8 (2025 est.)
Median age
total: 16.9 years (2025 est.)
male: 16.7 years
female: 17 years
male: 16.7 years
female: 17 years
Population growth rate
3.09% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
38.8 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
7.37 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-0.5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
urban clusters are spread throughout the country, particularly in the northeast along the border with Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi; the largest city is the capital, Kinshasha, located in the west along the Congo River; the south is least densely populated, as shown in this population distribution map
Urbanization
urban population: 47.4% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 4.33% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 4.33% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
16.316 million KINSHASA (capital), 2.892 million Mbuji-Mayi, 2.812 million Lubumbashi, 1.664 million Kananga, 1.423 million Kisangani, 1.249 million Bukavu (2023)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
19.9 years (2013/14 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
427 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 55.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 62.9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 51.9 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 62.9 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 51.9 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 62.6 years (2024 est.)
male: 60.7 years
female: 64.6 years
male: 60.7 years
female: 64.6 years
Total fertility rate
5.42 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
2.67 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: urban
urban: 59.3% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 13.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 35.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 40.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 86.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 64.9% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 3.8% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 4% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.21 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban
urban: 48.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 20.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 33.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 51.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 79.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 66.3% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
6.7% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 0.56 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.5 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.05 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.5 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.05 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 10.4% (2025 est.)
male: 18.8% (2025 est.)
female: 2.3% (2025 est.)
male: 18.8% (2025 est.)
female: 2.3% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
25% (2023 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
58.2% (2018 est.)
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 8.4% (2018)
women married by age 18: 29.1% (2018)
men married by age 18: 5.6% (2018)
women married by age 18: 29.1% (2018)
men married by age 18: 5.6% (2018)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 2.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 13.5% national budget (2017 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 13.5% national budget (2017 est.)
Literacy
total population: 73.6% (2018 est.)
male: 87.5% (2018 est.)
female: 61.6% (2018 est.)
male: 87.5% (2018 est.)
female: 61.6% (2018 est.)
Government25
Country name
conventional long form
Democratic Republic of the Congo
conventional short form
DRC
local long form
République démocratique du Congo
local short form
RDC
former
Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Congo/Leopoldville, Congo/Kinshasa, Zaire
abbreviation
DRC (or DROC)
etymology
named for the Congo River, most of which lies within the DRC; the river name derives from Kongo, a Bantu kingdom in the area
Government type
semi-presidential republic
Capital
name: Kinshasa
geographic coordinates: 4 19 S, 15 18 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
time zone note: the DRC has two time zones
etymology: founded as a trading post in 1881 and named Leopoldville in honor of King LEOPOLD II of the Belgians; in 1966, Leopoldville was renamed Kinshasa, a Bantu name of unknown meaning
geographic coordinates: 4 19 S, 15 18 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
time zone note: the DRC has two time zones
etymology: founded as a trading post in 1881 and named Leopoldville in honor of King LEOPOLD II of the Belgians; in 1966, Leopoldville was renamed Kinshasa, a Bantu name of unknown meaning
Administrative divisions
26 provinces; Bas-Uele (Lower Uele), Equateur, Haut-Katanga (Upper Katanga), Haut-Lomami (Upper Lomami), Haut-Uele (Upper Uele), Ituri, Kasai, Kasai-Central, Kasai-Oriental (East Kasai), Kinshasa, Kongo Central, Kwango, Kwilu, Lomami, Lualaba, Mai-Ndombe, Maniema, Mongala, Nord-Kivu (North Kivu), Nord-Ubangi (North Ubangi), Sankuru, Sud-Kivu (South Kivu), Sud-Ubangi (South Ubangi), Tanganyika, Tshopo, Tshuapa
Legal system
civil law system primarily based on Belgian law, but also customary and tribal law
Constitution
history: several previous; latest adopted 13 May 2005, approved by referendum 18-19 December 2005, promulgated 18 February 2006
amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic, by the government, by either house of Parliament, or by public petition; agreement on the substance of a proposed bill requires absolute majority vote in both houses; passage requires a referendum only if both houses in joint meeting fail to achieve three-fifths majority vote; constitutional articles, including the form of government, universal suffrage, judicial independence, political pluralism, and personal freedoms, cannot be amended
amendment process: proposed by the president of the republic, by the government, by either house of Parliament, or by public petition; agreement on the substance of a proposed bill requires absolute majority vote in both houses; passage requires a referendum only if both houses in joint meeting fail to achieve three-fifths majority vote; constitutional articles, including the form of government, universal suffrage, judicial independence, political pluralism, and personal freedoms, cannot be amended
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch
chief of state
President Felix TSHISEKEDI (since 20 January 2024)
head of government
Prime Minister Judith SUMINWA Tuluka (since 29 May 2024)
cabinet
Ministers of State appointed by the president
election/appointment process
president directly elected by simple majority vote for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president
most recent election date
20 December 2023
election results
2023: Felix TSHISEKEDI reelected president; percent of vote - Felix TSHISEKEDI (UDPS) 73.3%, Moise KATUMBI (Ensemble) 18.8%, Martin FAYULU (ECIDE) 5.3%, other 2.6%
2018: Felix TSHISEKEDI elected president; percent of vote - Felix TSHISEKEDI (UDPS) 38.6%, Martin FAYULU (Lamuka coalition) 34.8%, Emmanuel Ramazani SHADARY (PPRD) 23.9%, other 2.7%
expected date of next election
20 December 2028
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parlement (Parliament)
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name
National Assembly (Assemblée nationale)
number of seats
500 (all directly elected)
electoral system
mixed system
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
5 years
most recent election date
4/29/2024 to 5/26/2024
parties elected and seats per party
Union for Democracy and Social Progress/TSHISEKEDI (UDPS/TSHISEKEDI) (69); Action of Allies and Union for the Congolese Nation (A/A-UNC) (35); Alliance of Democratic Forces of Congo and Allies (AFDC-A) (35); Act and Build (AB) (26); Action of Allies/All for the Development of the Congo (2A/TDC) (21); Alliance of Stakeholders for the People (AAAP) (21); Alliance Bloc 50 (A/B50) (20); Congo Liberation Movement (MLC) (19); Other (131)
percentage of women in chamber
12.8%
expected date of next election
December 2028
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name
Senate (Sénat)
number of seats
109 (all indirectly elected)
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
5 years
most recent election date
12/20/2023
percentage of women in chamber
15.8%
expected date of next election
April 2029
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Cassation or Cour de Cassation (consists of 26 justices and organized into legislative and judiciary sections); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Court of Cassation judges nominated by the Judicial Service Council, an independent body of public prosecutors and selected judges of the lower courts; judge tenure NA; Constitutional Court judges - 3 nominated by the president, 3 by the Judicial Service Council, and 3 by the legislature; judges appointed by the president to serve 9-year non-renewable terms with one third of the membership renewed every 3 years
subordinate courts: State Security Court; Court of Appeals (organized into administrative and judiciary sections); Tribunal de Grande Instance; magistrates' courts; customary courts
judge selection and term of office: Court of Cassation judges nominated by the Judicial Service Council, an independent body of public prosecutors and selected judges of the lower courts; judge tenure NA; Constitutional Court judges - 3 nominated by the president, 3 by the Judicial Service Council, and 3 by the legislature; judges appointed by the president to serve 9-year non-renewable terms with one third of the membership renewed every 3 years
subordinate courts: State Security Court; Court of Appeals (organized into administrative and judiciary sections); Tribunal de Grande Instance; magistrates' courts; customary courts
Political parties
Christian Democrat Party or PDC
Congolese Rally for Democracy or RCD
Convention of Christian Democrats or CDC
Engagement for Citizenship and Development or ECIDE
Forces of Renewal or FR
Movement for the Liberation of the Congo or MLC
Nouvel Elan
Our Congo or CNB ("Congo Na Biso")
People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy or PPRD
Social Movement for Renewal or MSR
Together for Change ("Ensemble")
Unified Lumumbist Party or PALU
Union for the Congolese Nation or UNC
Union for Democracy and Social Progress or UDPS
Congolese Rally for Democracy or RCD
Convention of Christian Democrats or CDC
Engagement for Citizenship and Development or ECIDE
Forces of Renewal or FR
Movement for the Liberation of the Congo or MLC
Nouvel Elan
Our Congo or CNB ("Congo Na Biso")
People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy or PPRD
Social Movement for Renewal or MSR
Together for Change ("Ensemble")
Unified Lumumbist Party or PALU
Union for the Congolese Nation or UNC
Union for Democracy and Social Progress or UDPS
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Michael SHAKU YUMI (since 1 August 2024)
chancery
1100 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 725, Washington DC 20036
telephone
[1] (202) 234-7690
FAX
[1] (202) 234-2609
email address and website
representative office
New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Susan TULLER (since January 2026)
embassy
310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa, Gombe
mailing address
2220 Kinshasa Place, Washington DC 20521-2220
telephone
[243] 081 556-0151
FAX
[243] 81 556-0175
email address and website
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, CEMAC, CEPGL, COMESA, EAC, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (NGOs), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LCBC (observer), MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
30 June 1960 (from Belgium)
National holiday
Independence Day, 30 June (1960)
Flag
description: sky-blue field divided diagonally from the lower-left corner to the upper-right corner by a red stripe bordered with two narrow yellow stripes; a five-pointed yellow star is in the upper-left corner
meaning: blue stands for peace and hope, red for the blood of the country's martyrs, and yellow for the country's wealth and prosperity; the star symbolizes unity and a brilliant future for the country
meaning: blue stands for peace and hope, red for the blood of the country's martyrs, and yellow for the country's wealth and prosperity; the star symbolizes unity and a brilliant future for the country
National symbol(s)
leopard
National color(s)
sky blue, red, yellow
National anthem(s)
title: "Debout Congolaise" (Arise, Congolese)
lyrics/music: Joseph LUTUMBA/Simon-Pierre BOKA di Mpasi Londi
history: adopted 1960; replaced when the country was known as Zaire, but readopted in 1997
lyrics/music: Joseph LUTUMBA/Simon-Pierre BOKA di Mpasi Londi
history: adopted 1960; replaced when the country was known as Zaire, but readopted in 1997
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 5 (all natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Garamba National Park; Kahuzi-Biega National Park; Okapi Wildlife Reserve; Salonga National Park; Virunga National Park
selected World Heritage Site locales: Garamba National Park; Kahuzi-Biega National Park; Okapi Wildlife Reserve; Salonga National Park; Virunga National Park
Economy31
Economic overview
very poor, large, natural resource-rich sub-Saharan country; possesses the world’s second largest rainforest; increasing Chinese extractive sector trade; massive decrease in government investments; increasing current account deficit and public debts
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $164.367 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $154.081 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $141.867 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $154.081 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $141.867 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 6.7% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 8.6% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 8.9% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 8.6% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 8.9% (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $1,500 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $1,500 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $1,400 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $1,500 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $1,400 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$70.749 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2017: 41.5% (2017 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2016: 2.9% (2016 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2015: 0.7% (2015 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2016: 2.9% (2016 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2015: 0.7% (2015 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 17.1% (2024 est.)
industry: 46.6% (2024 est.)
services: 33% (2024 est.)
industry: 46.6% (2024 est.)
services: 33% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
62.7% (2024 est.)
government consumption
8.1% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
32.9% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
0.5% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
46.6% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-50.9% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
cassava, plantains, sugarcane, maize, oil palm fruit, rice, root vegetables, bananas, sweet potatoes, groundnuts (2023)
Industries
mining (copper, cobalt, gold, diamonds, coltan, zinc, tin, tungsten), mineral processing, consumer products (textiles, plastics, footwear, cigarettes), metal products, processed foods and beverages, timber, cement, commercial ship repair
Industrial production growth rate
10.1% (2024 est.)
Labor force
38.546 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 4.6% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 4.5% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 4.6% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 4.5% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 4.6% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 8.5% (2024 est.)
male: 10.8% (2024 est.)
female: 6.6% (2024 est.)
male: 10.8% (2024 est.)
female: 6.6% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
56.2% (2020 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2020: 44.7 (2020 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 2.1% (2020 est.)
highest 10%: 35.7% (2020 est.)
highest 10%: 35.7% (2020 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 4.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 2.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances 2022: 5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 2.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Budget
revenues: $11.568 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures: $13.026 billion (2022 est.)
expenditures: $13.026 billion (2022 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2022: 16% of GDP (2022 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
11.4% (of GDP) (2022 est.)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: -$3.883 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$3.148 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$587.407 million (2021 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$3.148 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$587.407 million (2021 est.)
Exports
Exports 2023: $29.65 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $28.753 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $22.354 billion (2021 est.)
Exports 2022: $28.753 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $22.354 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - partners
China 69%, UAE 7%, India 3%, Spain 3%, Egypt 3% (2023)
Exports - commodities
refined copper, cobalt, copper ore, raw copper, crude petroleum (2023)
Imports
Imports 2023: $33.68 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $31.699 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $22.193 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2022: $31.699 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $22.193 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - partners
China 35%, Zambia 12%, South Africa 12%, India 5%, Belgium 4% (2023)
Imports - commodities
trucks, refined petroleum, stone processing machines, plastic products, sulphur (2023)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $5.104 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.378 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $3.467 billion (2021 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.378 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $3.467 billion (2021 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $7.926 billion (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
Congolese francs (CDF) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2023
2,340.036 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
2,006.708 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
1,989.391 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
1,851.122 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2019
1,647.76 (2019 est.)
Energy7
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 21.5% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas: 45.3%
electrification - rural areas: 1%
electrification - urban areas: 45.3%
electrification - rural areas: 1%
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 3.229 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 16.069 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 62 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 1.473 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.242 billion kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 16.069 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 62 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 1.473 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.242 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
solar: 13.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 86% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 86% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 304,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 304,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 987.999 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 304,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 987.999 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 19,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 35,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 180 million barrels (2021 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 35,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 180 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 380,000 cubic meters (2019 est.)
consumption: 380,000 cubic meters (2019 est.)
proven reserves: 991.09 million cubic meters (2021 est.)
consumption: 380,000 cubic meters (2019 est.)
proven reserves: 991.09 million cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 1.305 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: (2023 est.) Currently, operators holding fixed-line telephone licenses do not have an operational distribution network, which explains the low number of customers.
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2023 est.) less than 1
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 56.3 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 53 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 53 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
state-owned TV station with near-national coverage; more than a dozen privately owned TV stations, including 2 with near-national coverage; 2 state-owned radio stations and over 100 private radio stations; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available
Internet country code
.cd
Internet users
percent of population: 31% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 33,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Transportation6
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
9Q
Airports
273 (2025)
Heliports
1 (2025)
Railways
total: 4,007 km (2014)
narrow gauge: 3,882 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge (858 km electrified)
narrow gauge: 3,882 km (2014) 1.067-m gauge (858 km electrified)
Merchant marine
total: 24 (2023)
by type: general cargo 5, oil tanker 2, other 17
by type: general cargo 5, oil tanker 2, other 17
Ports
total ports
3 (2024)
large
0
medium
0
small
2
very small
1
ports with oil terminals
2
key ports
Banana, Boma, Matadi
Military & Security6
Military and security forces
Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Forces d'Armees de la Republique Democratique du Congo, FARDC): Land Forces (Forces Terrestres), National Navy (La Marine Nationale), Congolese Air Force (Force Aerienne Congolaise, FAC); Republican Guard (Garde Républicaine, GR)
Ministry of Interior: Congolese National Police (Police Nationale Congolaise, PNC) (2025)
Ministry of Interior: Congolese National Police (Police Nationale Congolaise, PNC) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.7% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.7% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 100-150,000 active FARDC (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the FARDC is equipped mostly with Soviet-era and older French armaments; in recent years, it has received some more modern equipment, such as armored vehicles and armed drones, from China, South Africa, Turkey, and the UAE (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-35 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; 18-45 years of age for compulsory military service for men; it is unclear how much conscription is used (2025)
Military - note
the FARDC’s primary focus is internal security and conducting operations against rebels and other illegal armed groups (IOGs) operating in the DRC, particularly in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, where more than 15 significant and cohesive IOGs operate; there is also IOG-related violence in Maniema, Kasai, Kasai Central, and Tanganyika provinces; some estimates place over 100 IOGs operating in the country, including organized militias, such as the Nduma Defense of Congo-Renewal (NDC-R), which controls a large portion of North Kivu; Mai Mai groups (local militias that operate variously as self-defense networks and criminal rackets); and foreign-origin groups seeking safe haven and resources, such as the Ugandan-origin Allied Democratic Forces (ADF; aka Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham in the DRC), the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), multiple groups originating from Burundi, the Lords Resistance Army (LRA), and the March 23 Movement (aka M23 or Congolese Revolutionary Army), which Rwanda has been accused of supporting militarily; the FARDC incorporates some non-state armed groups and has been accused of collaborating with some IOGs, such as the NDC-R
the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has operated in the central and eastern parts of the country since 1999; its mandate had been extended to the end of 2026; MONUSCO includes a Force Intervention Brigade (FIB), the first ever UN peacekeeping force specifically tasked to carry out targeted offensive operations to neutralize and disarm groups considered a threat to state authority and civilian security (2025)
the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has operated in the central and eastern parts of the country since 1999; its mandate had been extended to the end of 2026; MONUSCO includes a Force Intervention Brigade (FIB), the first ever UN peacekeeping force specifically tasked to carry out targeted offensive operations to neutralize and disarm groups considered a threat to state authority and civilian security (2025)
Transnational Issues2
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 518,445 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 6,895,648 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 6,895,648 (2024 est.)
Trafficking in persons
tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List — the Democratic Republic of the Congo did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking compared with the previous reporting period and was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/