Country Profile: Congo, Democratic Republic of the

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a vast Central African nation characterized by its immense natural resources, including significant deposits of cobalt and copper. With a population exceeding 115 million, it ranks among the most populous countries in Africa. The DRC's governance has been shaped by a turbulent history marked by colonial exploitation and civil strife, but it has made strides towards democratic processes in recent years, culminating in the 2023 elections. However, challenges persist due to ongoing violence from various armed groups, particularly in the eastern regions.

Geography

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is located in Central Africa, bordered by nine countries, and features a vast central basin that is predominantly a low-lying plateau. It covers an area of approximately 2,344,858 square kilometers, making it the second largest country in Africa. The DRC is endowed with significant natural resources, with the Congo River serving as a critical waterway. Its tropical climate varies across the country, with distinct wet and dry seasons.

2,344,858 sq km - Total area, slightly less than one-fourth the size of the US.
11,027 km - Total length of land boundaries with nine neighboring countries.
70% - Estimate of global cobalt production coming from the DRC.
37 km - Length of coastline along the South Atlantic Ocean.

People and Society

The DRC is home to over 200 ethnic groups, the largest being Mongo, Luba, Kongo, and Mangbetu-Azande, with a population exceeding 115 million as of 2024. The country is predominantly Christian, with approximately 93% of the population practicing various denominations. The nation has a youthful demographic, with a median age of just 16.9 years and a significant proportion of the population under 15 years old.

115,403,027 - Estimated total population for 2024.
73.6% - Literacy rate as of 2018.
39.2 births/1,000 - Birth rate for 2024.
62.6 years - Life expectancy at birth for 2024.

Economy

The DRC has a resource-rich economy but struggles with poverty and underdevelopment. It is heavily dependent on mining activities, particularly for cobalt and copper. The GDP in purchasing power parity stood at approximately $164.367 billion in 2024, with a significant portion of the economy comprised of agriculture, industry, and services. The economy continues to face challenges from government debt and a current account deficit.

$164.367 billion - Estimated real GDP (PPP) for 2024.
4.6% - Unemployment rate for 2024.
56.2% - Percentage of the population living below the national poverty line (2020).
38.546 million - Labor force for 2024.

Government

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a semi-presidential republic with a complex political landscape. The constitution, adopted in 2005, establishes a bicameral legislature and outlines the roles of the president and prime minister. Felix Tshisekedi has been the president since January 2024, following a disputed election process that has included significant challenges to governance and stability.

26 - The number of provinces in the DRC.
18 - Minimum voting age.
1.2% - Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP for 2024.
3 - Total number of World Heritage Sites.

Military and Security

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) focus predominantly on internal security, combating numerous armed groups operating throughout the country. The DRC has faced significant military challenges due to ongoing violence, especially in the eastern provinces, and has a military personnel strength estimated at around 100,000-150,000. The government collaborates with international peacekeeping forces, particularly the UN, to stabilize the region.

100-150,000 - Estimated active military personnel in the FARDC (2025).
1.2% - Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP for 2024.
14,000 - Personnel in the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).

Energy

Energy access remains limited in the DRC, with only about 21.5% of the total population electrified as of 2022. The country's electricity generation is heavily reliant on hydroelectricity, which accounts for 86% of its installed capacity. The energy sector faces challenges in infrastructure and investment, impacting overall energy consumption and access.

21.5% - Percentage of the total population with access to electricity (2022).
3.229 million kW - Installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
86% - Percentage of electricity generation from hydroelectric sources (2023).

Transportation

The DRC's transportation infrastructure includes a variety of means, although major improvements are needed. The railway network extends approximately 4,007 km, and the country has around 273 airports. The limited number of ports and the condition of roads pose challenges for transportation within the country.

4,007 km - Total railway length as of 2014.
273 - Number of airports (2025).
3 - Total number of ports (2024).

Communications

The DRC is gradually improving its communications infrastructure, notably in mobile communication where subscriptions have reached nearly 50 million. However, fixed-line infrastructure remains woefully inadequate. The percentage of people using the internet is around 31%, showcasing the potential for growth in this sector.

49.8 million - Total mobile cellular subscriptions (2022).
31% - Percentage of the population with internet access (2023).
33,000 - Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Total Population	115,403,027	Estimated for 2024
Area	2,344,858 sq km	Total area
Real GDP (PPP)	$164.367 billion	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment Rate	4.6%	Estimated for 2024
Birth Rate	39.2 births/1,000	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy at Birth	62.6 years	Estimated for 2024
Literacy Rate	73.6%	As of 2018
Electrification Rate	21.5%	Estimated for 2022
Military Expenditures as % of GDP	1.2%	Estimated for 2024
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	1.305 million Btu	Estimated for 2023