What Are People From Democratic Republic of the Congo Called?

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

The demonym for people from Democratic Republic of the Congo is:

Congolese

Pronunciation:

/ˌkɒŋɡəˈliːz/

Ends in -ese — see how this suffix works

DRC Ethnic Groups
Image via Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 4.0

About Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the second-largest country in Africa by area, and it is rich in natural resources that have shaped its history and economy. Its capital city, Kinshasa, is a vast and energetic metropolis located on the banks of the Congo River, across from Brazzaville. The country is known for its vast rainforests, which form part of the second-largest tropical forest on Earth, and for its remarkable biodiversity, including mountain gorillas and bonobos. Mineral wealth is extensive, with cobalt, copper, and diamonds among the most significant resources. The nation is linguistically diverse, with French as the official language and more than two hundred indigenous languages spoken across its territory. Music, dance, and fashion are central to Congolese culture, and Kinshasa is particularly celebrated for its rumba and lively arts scene. Travelers exploring Central Africa will find the Democratic Republic of the Congo an extraordinary and complex destination.

Quick Facts about Democratic Republic of the Congo
Population:
109,276,265 (2024 est.)
Country:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Region:
Central Africa

Recommended Geography Resources

Want to explore where Congoleses live? Here's the atlas that does it best:

National Geographic Atlas of the World

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Etymology of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Demonym

Named after the Congo River, from the Kikongo word 'nzadi' meaning 'river'.

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