Democratic Republic of the Congo: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a huge country in Central Africa that straddles the equator. Much of it is covered by the rainforest of the Congo Basin, with mountains and volcanoes in the east. It is known for gorillas, okapis and one of the world's mightiest rivers.

About Kinshasa

Kinshasa lies on the south bank of the Congo River, across from Brazzaville. Once called Léopoldville, it is one of Africa's largest cities and is famous for its music.

Fun facts about Democratic Republic of the Congo

1. The DRC is the second-largest country in Africa, after Algeria.
2. The Congo River is considered the deepest river in the world, with depths of over 220 metres.
3. The okapi, a forest relative of the giraffe with zebra-like stripes on its legs, lives only in the DRC.
4. Bonobos, close cousins of chimpanzees, are found in the wild only in the DRC.
5. Virunga National Park, protected since 1925, has mountain gorillas and two of Africa's most active volcanoes.
6. The Congo River crosses the equator twice on its long journey to the Atlantic Ocean.