Country Profile: Congo, Democratic Republic of the

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a vast and resource-rich nation located in Central Africa, characterized by a tropical climate and a diverse landscape that includes the world's second-largest rainforest. With a population exceeding 115 million individuals, the DRC is home to more than 200 ethnic groups, primarily Bantu. The country's economy is heavily reliant on its abundant natural resources, including minerals such as cobalt and copper, yet it struggles with poverty and underdevelopment. Governance has been marked by historical instability, but recent elections indicate a move towards a more democratic framework.

Geography

The DRC is situated in Central Africa, northeast of Angola, covering an area of 2,344,858 square kilometers, making it the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa. The landscape features a low-lying central basin, mountainous regions in the east, and a tropical climate dominated by seasonal wet and dry periods. The DRC's major waterways, including the Congo River, are vital for transportation and commerce.

2,344,858 sq km: Total land area.
11,027 km: Length of land borders with nine countries.
61.6%: Proportion of land covered by forests (2023 est.).
70%: Contribution of the DRC to the world’s cobalt supply.
5,110 m: Height of Pic Marguerite, the DRC's highest point.

People and Society

The DRC's population is estimated at 115,403,027 (2024), with a median age of just 16.9 years. The country is remarkably diverse, containing over 200 ethnic groups, with the Mongo, Luba, and Kongo being the most prominent. The primary languages are French, Lingala, and Kikongo, among others. The nation is predominantly Christian, with about 93% of the population identifying as such.

45.7%: Population aged 0-14 years (2024 est.).
39.2 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024 est.).
62.6 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
73.6%: Literacy rate (2018 est.).
47.4%: Urbanization rate (2023).

Economy

The DRC's economy is largely uncharted due to its wealth of natural resources, yet it remains one of the poorest countries globally. The real GDP (PPP) is estimated at $164.367 billion for 2024, with a growth rate of 6.7%. The economic structure is dominated by the mining sector, particularly for precious and strategic minerals. Agriculture, although significant, represents only 17.1% of the GDP.

$1,500: Real GDP per capita (2024 est.).
46.6%: Share of industrial sector in GDP (2024 est.).
56.2%: Population living below the poverty line (2020).
4.6%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
$29.65 billion: Value of exports (2023 est.).

Government

The DRC operates as a semi-presidential republic, with elections recently held in December 2023 that resulted in Felix Tshisekedi retaining the presidency. The country is administratively divided into 26 provinces and follows a civil law legal system based on Belgian law. Governance challenges persist, including corruption and stability issues.

Felix Tshisekedi: Current president (since January 2024).
500: Total seats in the National Assembly.
18 years: Voting age in the DRC.
May 2005: Adoption of the current constitution.
April 2029: Expected date for the next Senate election.

Military and Security

The DRC's armed forces, known as the FARDC, face significant challenges due to ongoing internal conflicts and the presence of armed groups. Security remains a pressing concern, particularly in the eastern regions where numerous factions operate. The government has begun to modernize its military equipment and capabilities.

100-150,000: Estimated active personnel in the FARDC (2025).
1.2%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024).
14,000: Personnel in the UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO).
15: Major armed groups reported operating in eastern DRC.
18-35 years: Age for voluntary military service.

Energy

Energy access remains limited in the DRC, with only 21.5% of the population estimated to have electricity in 2022. The majority of the energy production relies on hydroelectric sources, severely impacting economic growth and quality of life due to inadequate infrastructure.

3.229 million kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.).
16.069 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.).
86%: Share of hydroelectricity in total installed capacity.
1%: Electrification rate in rural areas.
304,000 metric tons: Coal consumption (2023 est.).

Environment

The DRC is rich in biodiversity but faces significant environmental challenges such as deforestation, water pollution, and poaching. Its vast forests and rich wildlife are threatened by agricultural expansion and mining activities, prompting the need for conservation efforts.

5: World Heritage Sites (all natural).
1.283 trillion cubic meters: Total renewable water resources (2022 est.).
6.4%: Proportion of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 est.).
14.385 million tons: Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024 est.).
33.7: Particulate matter emissions (micrograms per cubic meter, 2019 est.).

Transportation

The DRC has an extensive but underdeveloped transportation network, including a vast system of rivers and roads. Major ports serve as critical points for trade, while air travel infrastructure is also expanding to support connectivity.

273: Total airports (2025).
4,007 km: Total length of railways (2014).
24: Total vessels in the merchant marine (2023).
3: Major ports facilitating international trade.
1: Heliport in the country (2025).

Communications

Communication infrastructure in the DRC is still developing, with mobile cellular subscriptions showing growth, yet fixed-line services remain virtually nonexistent. Internet access is limited, with only about 31% of the population using the internet.

49.8 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022 est.).
31%: Percent of population using the internet (2023 est.).
33,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022 est.).
Television: State-owned station coverage, alongside numerous private broadcasters.
Less than 1: Fixed-line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2021 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	115,403,027	2024 estimate
Area	2,344,858 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$164.367 billion	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption per Capita	1.305 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Literacy Rate	73.6%	2018 estimate
Life Expectancy	62.6 years	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	39.2 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	4.6%	2024 estimate
Urban Population	47.4%	Of total population (2023)
Forest Area	61.6%	% of total land area (2023)