Democratic Republic of Congo
Subregion: Middle Africa
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a country located in Middle Africa. It is informally called Congo Kinshasa after the Capital City, Kinshasa to differentiate it from the Republic of Congo (which is also called Congo Brazzaville). The government is a Unitary semi-presidential republic. There are multiple languages in use in DR Congo. The official language is French. The recognized languages of the people are Swahili, Tshiluba, Lingala and Kikongo ya leta. The predominant religion is Christianity. Healthcare in DR Congo is severely lacking staff and properly equipped facilities. The facilities that offer the most reasonable care are in the larger cities, Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. In rural areas there aren't any facilities available. If you are in need of more than reasonable care, you may want to look outside of the country. The healthcare system has both public and private options. The private hospitals are in Kinshasa. Health insurance is available and is essential for expats.
Safety:
The DR Congo, including its capital city of Kinshasa, is known to have a number of safety concerns that residents should be aware of. Kinshasa has a high crime rate, including theft, robbery, and pickpocketing. Visitors should take extra care with their personal belongings, particularly in crowded areas such as markets or public transportation. Women should avoid going out alone after dark or traveling alone. The DRC has a history of political instability, and protests and demonstrations can sometimes turn violent. Visitors should avoid political gatherings and stay informed about the current situation. The eastern part of the country, particularly the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, have experienced ongoing conflict between armed groups and government forces. Visitors should avoid travel to these areas. The DRC is also known to have health concerns, including outbreaks of infectious diseases such as Ebola and COVID-19. Visitors should take precautions to protect themselves, including getting vaccinations and practicing good hygiene. Avoid drinking tap water under any circumstances, due to the water borne diseases. Roads in Kinshasa and throughout the country can be poorly maintained, and traffic can be chaotic. The road infrastructure in the DRC is poor, with many roads in disrepair and some not even passable. Travelers should be prepared for bumpy rides and delays. Many roads in the DRC do not have adequate signage, making navigation difficult for drivers. It is recommended to use a GPS system or hire a local driver. Road safety standards are not enforced in the DRC, and many drivers do not follow traffic laws. This can result in hazardous driving conditions, so travelers should exercise caution on the roads. Visitors should exercise caution when driving or using public transportation. There is a rail system in parts of the country but like the roads, the railways are poorly maintained as well. Inside of the cities, keep doors and windows locked, even at checkpoints. It’s against the law to use your cell phone while driving but it's not enforced everywhere.
Cultural Customs:
DR Congo is a culturally diverse country with over 200 ethnic groups. Each group has its own unique customs and traditions, making it difficult to generalize about the country's cultural customs. Greetings are an important part of Congolese culture. It is customary to greet elders and people in authority with a handshake or a bow. In some areas, people may also exchange kisses on the cheek. Traditional dress is still worn in many parts of Congo Kinshasa, especially during festivals and other cultural events. Congolese people culturally believe it is important to dress nice. Respect is directly connected to how nice you are dressed. Many local women in Congo-Kinshasa dress in Liputa style. The outfit is 3 large pieces of brightly colored cotton wrapped like a skirt, blouse and headwrap. Men may wear colorful shirts and trousers. Music and dance are an integral part of Congolese culture. The country is known for its rich musical heritage, with many different styles of music being played throughout the country. Popular dances include the soukous and the kwassa kwassa. Congolese cuisine varies depending on the region. In the west, cassava and plantains are staple foods, while in the east, maize and beans are more commonly eaten. Meat, such as chicken, goat, and beef, is also a popular part of the diet. Family is highly valued in Congolese culture. Everyone is served out of a communal serving bowl. Eating with the right hand is a standard practice, since the left hand is used for bathroom purposes. Culturally the men eat first, then the women and children. Extended families often live together and help each other out in times of need. Respect for elders is also an important part of the culture. Christianity is the dominant religion in Congo Kinshasa, with Catholicism being the largest denomination. Other religions, such as Islam and traditional African religions, are also practiced. Congolese art is known for its bright colors and intricate designs. Artisans create a range of items, including carvings, pottery, and textiles. These items are often used in traditional ceremonies and are also sold as souvenirs.
Geography & Weather:
Since Congo Kinshasa is so large it has 2 different climates, equatorial (hot/humid, no dry season all year round) and tropical (hot/humid with a dry season).
In the capital city of Kinshasa, which is in the southwest of the country, the average temperature ranges from 74 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is July with a median temperature of 74 degrees F and April being the hottest month with a median temperature of 82 degrees F. The dry season in this area is June to September. The sun doesn't shine much here, only about 5 hours a day.
In Lubumbashi, which is in the very southeast of the country, the average temperature ranges from 61 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest months are June & July with a median temperature of 61 degrees F and October is the hottest month with a median temperature of 73 degrees F. The rainy season is December - March. The sunniest time of year is during the dry season from May - September.
In the north of the country, the weather averages 78 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. The dry season is from December - February. The sunshine hours average 6 hours a day year round.
Economy:
DR Congo’s economy has been historically unstable and characterized by high poverty rates and unemployment. According to the World Bank, in 2020, the DRC had a population of over 89 million people, with a GDP of $47.3 billion, and a GDP per capita of $522. However, the country faces significant economic challenges, including a lack of infrastructure, corruption, and political instability. Unemployment rates in the DRC are high, and reliable data on the subject is hard to come by. According to the International Labour Organization, the unemployment rate in the DRC was around 7.8% in 2019. However, this figure likely underestimates the true extent of unemployment, as many people work in informal sectors and are not captured in official statistics. In addition to high unemployment rates, poverty is also a significant problem in the DRC, with around 72% of the population living below the poverty line. The country is rich in natural resources, including copper, cobalt, and diamonds, but many of these resources are exploited by foreign companies, with little benefit to the local population. Overall, the economy and unemployment situation in Congo Kinshasa continue to face significant challenges, and improving the country's economic prospects will require concerted efforts from both domestic and international actors.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Congolese Franc (CDF)
CDF 1.00 = USD .00050
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
89,561,403
Median Age:
17 yrs
Life Expectancy:
61.6 yrs
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? Yes
Cost: Tourist Visa, single entry 60 day $135
Tourist Visa, multiple entry 90 day $160
Work Visa must be obtained prior to arrival through your employer. There are two types, a regular work permit, valid for 1-2 years or a work specific permit, valid for 1 year and is non-renewable.
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination on WHO Yellow Card is required for entry. The card should be carried with you at all times.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - No
Naturalization - Congolese citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in DRC for at least seven consecutive years, is of good morality, no physical or mental disabilities, and have no criminal convictions. The person must also prove competency in one of the countries common languages. The application for citizenship must be approved by the Council of Ministers and the National Assembly before the President grants the citizenship.
Citizenship by investment is available, see link below for more information.
Residency Requirements:
A residency visa is available for people looking to relocate into DR Congo as expats. You must have stayed in the country for the last 15 years, be in good standing with the taxing authority and exercised commercial or industrial activities within the country.
Resources:
U.S. Embassy Kinshasa
310 Avenue des Aviateurs
Kinshasa/Gombe
Telephone: +(243) 081-556-0151 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(243) 081-556-0151
Email: ACSKinshasa@state.gov