MrWeb's MR-a-thon

Beijing to London, via... Everywhere!


Welcome To Democratic Republic of Congo
Country number
92
Selected MR Agencies

An Introduction to Democratic Republic of Congo

Africa's 'Heart of Darkness', The Democratic Republic of Congo is located in Central Africa (although it is a member of the Southern African Development Community). Established as a Belgian colony in 1908, the then-Republic of'the Congo gained its independence in 1960 and was led by Col. Joseph Mobutu for 30 years after a coup in 1965, becoming Zaire during this time. See full country profile.

Latest Research News from Africa

Feb 6
Ipsos has appointed Ziad Issa as the new Media CEO in the MENA region, succeeding Elie Aoun who has decided to step down after 32 years at the company. Feb 6 2024
Jan 16
Insight and communities firm Verve has announced eighteen promotions across its locations in London, Manchester, Sydney, Iasi (Romania) and Johannesburg, including the appointment of Kim Howard as Semiotics Research Director. Jan 16 2024


1 current African job:

Survey Research Manager, Remote Working - Worldwide, $ Competitive salary - (posted Feb 27 2024)


Fast Facts
Map of Democratic Republic of Congo
CAPITAL: Kinshasa
GOVERNMENT: Republic
AREA: 2,344,858 sq km
POPULATION: 71,712,867 (July 2011 est)
MAJOR LANGUAGE: French
Fishing the Congo River, DRC
Fishing the Congo River, DRC


Handa over your money! A Katanga cross, also called a handa, is a cast copper cross which was once used as a form of currency in parts of what is now the DRC in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Katanga crosses were made in various sizes, typically about 20 cm (8 inches) across, and weighing about 1 kilogram (2 pounds). The name derives from Katanga, a rich copper mining region in the south-east of the DRC. During its period of currency, a Katanga cross would buy about 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of flour, half a dozen chickens or axes, or indeed five chickens and one axe. Two would buy a gun.

A little More Knowledge?
Go to next country



Democratic Republic of Congo in Profile

Africa's 'Heart of Darkness', The Democratic Republic of Congo is located in Central Africa (although it is a member of the Southern African Development Community). Established as a Belgian colony in 1908, the then-Republic of'the Congo gained its independence in 1960 and was led by Col. Joseph Mobutu for 30 years after a coup in 1965, becoming Zaire during this time.

In 1997 the regime was toppled by a rebellion backed by Rwanda and Uganda and fronted by Laurent Kabila who renamed the country as DRC - Kabila was then deposed in another rebellion by his son Joseph during the Second Congo War. The War, beginning in 1998, devastated the country, involved seven foreign armies and is sometimes referred to as the "African World War". Despite the signing of peace accords in 2003, fighting continues in the east of the country along with rape and other sexual violence described as the world's worst. The war is the deadliest conflict since World War II, killing 5.4 million people.Although its citizens are among the very poorest, in terms of natural resources the country is widely considered to be the world's richest: its untapped deposits of raw minerals are estimated to be worth in excess of US$ 24 trillion.

Some Business and General Info

GDP: $23.12 billion (2010 est) - $300 (PPP 2010 est)

Religions Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%, Kimbanguist 10%, Muslim 10%, other (includes syncretic sects and indigenous beliefs) 10%

Currency: Congolese Franc (CDF) - 1 GBP= 1514 CDF

Telephone Code: +243

Research Industry

Democratic Republic of Congo has no MR association. If you know differently, please get in touch! chris@mrweb.com

Overview of Trade and Industry

The economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo - a nation endowed with vast potential wealth - is slowly recovering from decades of decline. Systemic corruption since independence in 1960 and conflict that began in May 1997 has dramatically reduced national output and government revenue. Foreign businesses curtailed operations due to uncertainty about the outcome of the conflict, lack of infrastructure, and the difficult operating environment. Conditions began to improve in late 2002 with the withdrawal of a large portion of the invading foreign troops. A United Nations Human Development Index report shows human development to be one of the worst in decades.

The economy of the third largest country in Africa relies heavily on mining. However, much economic activity occurs in the informal sector and is not reflected in GDP data. The Congo is the world's largest producer of cobalt ore, and a major producer of copper and industrial diamonds. The Congo has 70% of the world's coltan, and more than 30% of the world's diamond reserves, mostly in the form of small, industrial diamonds. The coltan is a major source of tantalum, which is used in the fabrication of electronic components in computers and mobile phones.

My view
from...
Democratic Republic of Congo
Researchers Talk!
Have your say!
If you are a researcher based in Democratic Republic of Congo, in whatever capacity, then we would love to hear from you!

Email me:
laurence@mrweb.com

Views from...

If you are a researcher in Democratic Republic of Congo, in whatever capacity, then we would love to hear from you!