Largest Cities in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Facts about Democratic Republic of the Congo

Official languages: French, Lingala, Niger-Congo
Capital: Kinshasa
Area: 2,345,410 km²
Population: 70.9 million residents
Population density: 30.24 residents per km²
Currency: CDF
Internet TLD: .cd
ISO : CD, COD, 180
The prefix for Zaire is +243

Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The current flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, adopted after the approval of a new constitution in 2006, is composed of a blue leaf, a red diagonal stripe and a yellow five-pointed star at the top of the flagpole side. The blue color symbolizes peace, the red blood of the martyrs, the yellow color of the strip’s lining means prosperity, and the star represents hope for a bright future for the country. The country was under Belgian rule until 1960 and was renamed Zaire in 1971. At that time, the flag was flown in the traditional Pan-African colors. However, after the overthrow of the government in 1996, this form was abandoned and until 2006 a blue flag with six small and one large five-pointed star was used.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Belgian Congo until 1960, Zaïre from 1971 to 1997, is located in Central Africa. It is the third largest country in Africa and the fourth largest in terms of population.

Biggest Cities of Democratic Republic of the Congo by Population

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a country located in Central Africa, with a population of over 81 million people. The largest city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is Kinshasa, which serves as the capital and has a population of over 11 million people. This bustling city features some interesting attractions such as Palais du Peuple – a grand palace built by Mobutu Sese Seko in 1974 – or Musée National des Arts et Traditions Populaires – an impressive museum that showcases traditional Congolese culture and art. Visitors to Kinshasa can also explore some fascinating neighborhoods like Gombe or Limete where they can find some great markets and eateries.

The second largest city in Democratic Republic of the Congo is Lubumbashi, which has around 1.5 million inhabitants. This vibrant city contains some interesting attractions such as Musée National de la RDC – an impressive museum that showcases Congolese history and culture – or Monument de l’Indépendance – built by Mobutu Sese Seko in 1960 to commemorate Congo’s independence from Belgium. Lubumbashi also offers visitors some great opportunities for outdoor activities such as trekking or biking along Katanga River or visiting Kalukwe Falls where they can admire lush green landscapes while exploring its many trails. Finally, tourists can also visit Lake Mweru where they can find some unique species of birds and fish while admiring its beautiful scenery.

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Kinshasa

The capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is Kinshasa. Kinshasa is located in the west of the country on the Congo River. At this point it expands to a lake, the Malebo pool. On the opposite bank is the capital of the Republic of the Congo, Brazzaville.

Kinshasa has a population of around eleven million. It is the third largest city in Africa after Cairo (Egypt) and Lagos (Nigeria). Economically, politically and culturally, Kinshasa is the center of the country. It was founded in 1881 as a trading post by Henry Morton Stanley. He named the place Léopoldville after the Belgian King Leopold, on whose behalf he was traveling. From 1923 Léopoldville was the capital of the Belgian Congo. In 1966 the city was named Kinshasa after a village that once existed here.

Countries neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Angola
• Burundi
• Central African Republic
• Republic of the Congo
• Rwanda
• South Sudan
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Zambia