4.3.1

The DRC: An Overview

Test yourself

Development in the DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo is a large country in Africa. It is also known as the DRC.

Illustrative background for What is the DRC's population?Illustrative background for What is the DRC's population? ?? "content

What is the DRC's population?

  • In 2017, the DRC's population was 81.3 million.
  • The DRC is the 11th largest country by land area in the world.
Illustrative background for Does the DRC have natural resources?Illustrative background for Does the DRC have natural resources? ?? "content

Does the DRC have natural resources?

  • The Congo has a warm climate, rainforest biome, and fertile soil.
  • The Congo River is one of the largest in the world.
  • There are gold, copper, diamonds, uranium, and oil in the DRC.
  • Bananas, peanuts, coffee, sugar, cotton, and palm oil can all be grown in the DRC.
Illustrative background for What is the DRC's HDI score?Illustrative background for What is the DRC's HDI score? ?? "content

What is the DRC's HDI score?

  • In 2018, the DRC's Human Development Index was 0.459.
  • The Republic of the Niger (or known as Niger) is the country with the lowest HDI score, 0.377.
Illustrative background for Is the DRC landlocked?Illustrative background for Is the DRC landlocked? ?? "content

Is the DRC landlocked?

  • If a country is landlocked, then it doesn't have access to the sea.
  • Most of world trade happens by sea in container ships. If a country cannot physically export its good because it is landlocked, then it is likely to develop more slowly.
  • The DRC is an enormous country, but only has a 25 mile coastline.
  • Unsurprisingly, the capital of the DRC, Kinshasa, is close to this 25 mile strip of coast.

Jump to other topics

1Geography Skills

2Geology of the UK

3Geography of the World

4Development

5Weather & Climate

6The World of Work

7Natural Resources

8Rivers

9Coasts

10Glaciers

11Tectonics

12Climate Change

13Global Population & Inequality

14Urbanisation

15Ecosystems

16Life in an Emerging Country

17Analysis of Africa

18Analysis of India

19Analysis of the Middle East

20Analysis of Bangladesh

21Analysis of Russia

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson