Both countries gained independence in 1960, but they were colonized by different countries. Congo-Brazzaville was colonized by France while Congo-Kinshasa was colonized by Belgium.
Why does Africa have two Congos?
The name Congo stems from the Bakongo, a Bantu tribe that populate the area. The two countries are separated not only by different colonial roots, but by the Congo River (or Zaire River), the second-longest river in Africa.
What is the difference between the two Congos?
The name Congo stems from the Bakongo, a Bantu tribe that populates the area. The larger of the two countries, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is located to the southeast, while the smaller nation, the Republic of the Congo, is situated to the northwest.
Are there two Congos in Africa?
There are two Congos. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC or Congo-Kinshasa), formerly a Belgian colony and the Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), formerly a French colony – both celebrated independence in 1960.
How did Congo split?
Constituting a series of civil wars, the Congo Crisis was also a proxy conflict in the Cold War, in which the Soviet Union and the United States supported opposing factions. … The involvement of the Soviets split the Congolese government and led to an impasse between Lumumba and President Joseph Kasa-Vubu.
Why Congo is so poor?
Instability. Instability from years of wars and political upheaval is one of the most significant causes of poverty in the DRC, while poverty and youth unemployment has ignited conflicts. … The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was very poor before the most recent outbreak of civil war in the 1990s.
What was Congo called before?
A constitutional referendum the year before Mobutu’s coup of 1965 resulted in the country’s official name being changed to the “Democratic Republic of the Congo.” In 1971 Mobutu changed the name again, this time to “Republic of Zaire”.
What was Zaire called before 1971?
Renamed from “Democratic Republic of the Congo” (République démocratique du Congo) on 27 October 1971. b. Changed from “Léopoldville” in 1966.
Is Congo safe for tourists?
Country Summary: While not common, violent crime, such as armed robbery and assault, remains a concern throughout the Republic of the Congo. Political demonstrations can be unpredictable and violent. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside Brazzaville.
What is the Belgian Congo called today?
The Belgian Congo (French: Congo belge, pronounced [kɔ̃ɡo bɛlʒ]; Dutch: Belgisch-Congo) was a Belgian colony in Central Africa from 1908 until independence in 1960. The former colony adopted its present name, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in 1964.
What language do the Congo speak?
French
What is the difference between Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Congo?
The Belgian government took hold of the land in 1908, naming it “Belgian Congo”, and by 1960, the country gained its independence under the name “Democratic Republic of the Congo” with the Capital of Kinshasa. … Congo Brazzaville (Republic of Congo) and Congo Kinshasa (DRC).
Where is Zaire located in Africa?
Africa
Is Congo the richest country in the world?
The Democratic Republic of Congo is widely considered to be the richest country in the world regarding natural resources; its untapped deposits of raw minerals are estimated to be worth in excess of U.S. $24 trillion.
Who controls the mines in Congo?
| Mining in the Republic of the Congo | |
|---|---|
| Country | Republic of the Congo |
| Regulatory authority | |
| Authority | Ministry of Mines and Geology |
| Website | Congo Portal |
Was Congo ever one country?
The Democratic Republic of Congo gained its independence under the Belgium rulers in 1960. After its independence it became known as the Republic of Zaire between 1960 until 1997. Today this country is known as the Democratic Republic of Congo, or Congo-Kinshasa.