Democratic Republic of Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo flag

The Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire, emerged from a rebel coup in 1997 with a new name and new leadership, but prospects for real change after decades of corruption remain uncertain.

Rebel leader Laurent Kabila's troops rolled over the feeble resistance put up by the government troops of dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, who died shortly after being forced into exile.

Kabila renamed the country and proclaimed himself president in May 1997.

The immediate prospects of many people remain bleak in a society plundered for more than 30 years under Mobutu. The basics of a functioning society are still far from the norm, with high inflation, widespread poverty and an unstable currency.

The political situation appears similarly unreliable. Kabila has promised elections for 1999, but some observers are skeptical.

He has suppressed political opposition, eliminated subordinate positions and resisted U.N. investigations of alleged human rights abuses involving an unknown number of refugees.

Land and People | History |
| Financial | Weather

DEMOGRAPHICS

Population:
47,440,362
Average life span:
45.2 male, 49 female
GDP per capita (US$):
$400
Literacy rate:
77%

THE LAND AND ITS PEOPLE

Capital:
Kinshasa
Size:
905,365 sq. mi. (2,344,885 sq. km.)
Government type:
Republic (In transition)
Political leaders:
Laurent Kabila, president; Likulia Bolongo, prime minister
Religions:
Christianity, Kimbanguist, Islam, traditional
Languages:
French (official), English, numerous dialects

HISTORY

FINANCIAL

Monetary unit:
Zaire; Congolese franc pending
CNN Travel Guide Currency Converter

CNN WEATHER INFORMATION

Forecast and satellite maps:
Africa forecast map
Africa satellite image