DR Congo: flag, capital, currency and history
DR Congo, officially the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a country in Middle Africa, Africa. Its capital is Kinshasa. The currency is the Congolese franc. Languages spoken include French, Kikongo, Lingala and Tshiluba.
Quick facts about DR Congo
- Official name
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Capital
- Kinshasa
- Region
- Africa, Middle Africa
- Currency
- Congolese franc (CDF, FC)
- Languages
- French, Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba, Swahili
- Calling code
- +243
- Internet domain
- .cd
- Area
- 2,344,858 km² (905,354 sq mi)
- Land borders
- Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
- Demonym
- Congolese
- National day
- Independence Day, June 30
Flag of DR Congo
Download the flag of DR Congo as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇨🇩.
History of DR Congo
The Congo basin was home to many societies and kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Kongo, the Luba and the Lunda. In the 1880s King Leopold II of Belgium gained international recognition for the Congo Free State, a private possession notorious for forced labour and violence. Belgium took over the territory in 1908 as the Belgian Congo. The country became independent on 30 June 1960 and was soon shaken by secession and political crisis. Mobutu Sese Seko ruled from 1965 until 1997, and wars between 1996 and 2003 followed. It is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa by area.
Key dates
- 1885The Congo Free State is recognised under the personal rule of Leopold II.
- 1908Belgium annexes the territory, creating the Belgian Congo.
- 1960The Congo gains independence from Belgium.
- 1965Mobutu Sese Seko takes power in a coup.
- 1971The country is renamed Zaire.
- 1997Mobutu is overthrown and the country is renamed the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of DR Congo
DR Congo uses the Congolese franc (CDF, FC). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of DR Congo?
The capital of DR Congo is Kinshasa.
What currency does DR Congo use?
DR Congo uses the Congolese franc (CDF, symbol FC).
What languages are spoken in DR Congo?
Languages used in DR Congo include French, Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba and Swahili.
What is the calling code of DR Congo?
The international calling code of DR Congo is +243. Its internet domain is .cd.
Which countries border DR Congo?
DR Congo shares land borders with Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
On which continent is DR Congo?
DR Congo is in Africa, in the region of Middle Africa.
What is the national day of DR Congo?
DR Congo marks Independence Day on June 30.
Neighbours of DR Congo
More countries in Middle Africa
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).