Democratic Republic of Congo at a glance

Size:

Slightly less than a quarter of the size of the United States, bordering Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Population:

51,964,999 (July 2000 estimate), made up of more than 200 African ethnic groups. The four largest tribes - Mongo, Luba, Kongo (all Bantu), and the Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic) make up about 45 percent of the population

Brief history:

Kongo Kingdom established in late 14th century; Portuguese discover Congo River in late 16th century, began relationship with Kongo that eventually includes slave trade

Congo River basin exploration by David Livingstone, 1840-1872

Belgian colony from late 19th century until 1960

Mobutu Sese Seko seizes power of Belgian Congo in 1965, changes name to Zaire in 1971

Mobutu deposed by Laurent Kabila in 1997, named changed to Democratic Republic of Congo

Former Kabila allies back rebellion against his government beginning in 1998; peace deal signed in 1999, but not implemented

Sources: CIA World Factbook and Library of Congress Country Studies

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