Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Latest News

Kinshasa is one of 38 flood hotspots in the Congo Basin, due to its twin flood sources and urbanisation.

About Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

• Capital: Kinshasa
• 2nd largest country in Africa (after Algeria), and largest in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Borders: Angola, Burundi, CAR, Congo, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
• Coastline: Small boundary along the Atlantic Ocean
• Geography:
  • Major river: Congo River (second longest in Africa)
  • Vegetation: Predominantly tropical forests
  • Unique ecosystems: Congo Basin is home to the world’s largest tropical peatlands
• Mineral Resources: Rich in cobalt, copper, gold, lithium, iron ore, and coal.

Recent Events

• The April 2025 flooding in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was not solely due to rainfall but largely due to urban mismanagement and infrastructure failure.
  • The flooding, triggered by local rains and runoff from the Congo Central Province, overwhelmed urban tributaries like the Ndjili River and Lukaya tributary.
• Current instability in eastern DRC due to the M23 armed group, causing mass displacement.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) FAQs

Q1. Where is the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) located?
Ans. The DRC is located in Central Africa and is the second-largest country on the African continent by area.

Q2. What is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Ans. The capital city of the DRC is Kinshasa.

Q3. Why is the DRC significant for global mineral supply?
Ans. The DRC is one of the world’s largest producers of cobalt, copper, diamonds, and coltan, all of which are critical for electronics and renewable energy sectors.

Source: DTE