Democratic Republic of the Congo
A vast Central African state, the former Belgian Congo, independent in 1960 and Mobutu's Zaire from 1971 to 1997. Extraordinarily rich in cobalt, copper and coltan yet repeatedly torn by conflict (the Congo Wars killed millions), it holds Africa's largest French-speaking population.
- Existed: 1960 CE – present
- Type: Country
- Government: Semi-presidential republic
- Capital: Kinshasa