Cost of Living in DRC (Congo) 2021

Since 2021, the Congolese have become accustomed to a sluggish economy. Shop owners struggle to survive while citizens rely on their government jobs for income. Over the past 7 years, DRC has been plagued with corrupt leaders and a fragile political state that led to civil war.

This instability forced many would-be entrepreneurs to abandon their endeavours and seek employment in the government or in the private sector. However, out of necessity, shop owners have resorted to unconventional means of making a profit. These include selling handmade trinkets instead of genuine products, and buying goods from sellers on the street in order to sell them at an inflated price

Despite these measures by local business owners, prices continue to climb leaving people unable to meet even their most basic needs. However, the average daily wage in 2021 is estimated to be $1.25, barely enough to purchase a loaf of bread.

Moreover, the current minimum wage in Kinshasa is just above $0.70 because the government cannot afford to pay more money. Without further ado, below is a detailed analysis on the cost of living in DRC as of 2021.

Public Holidays in Congo 2021

Congo has all kinds of public holidays, some that are unique to Congo and others that happen in many other countries. Let’s take a closer look at the public holidays in Congo 2021.

New Year’s Day: January 1st

This is the start of each year. It is one of the biggest holidays celebrated in Congo. As a result, it is a great time to spend with family and make resolutions. It is also a holiday on which many people will be traveling for this reason there are lots of traffic jams on the road. Congolese youth celebrate New Year’s Eve by going out on the streets to dance, meet new friends or love ones, and drink alcohol.

Easter Monday: April 24th

This day is the Monday after Easter. The holiday is celebrated by doing something with family or friends. It can be anything from going to eat out or having a barbeque at home with your neighbours. People also take the opportunity to reconnect with relatives they haven’t seen in a while.

May 1st Labour Day: May 1st

This holiday is on May 1st. It celebrates the contributions of the labour class to the economy. People go out on the streets with their families, friends, or co-workers and eat pancakes while hanging out downtown. When it gets dark people have fireworks displays.

June 30th Independence Day: June 30th

This is the day that Congo declared independence from Belgium. It is a big holiday in Congo. People spend most of their time outdoors visiting parks, celebrating with family or friends, or just strolling around downtown. Because this is one of the biggest holidays celebrated in Congo, it can be difficult to find flights, hotel rooms, or buses at this time.

Official Holiday Summary in Congo 2021

• January 1^st
• New Year’s Day January 2^nd
• Epiphany February 18^th
• National Unity March 25^th
• Easter April 24^th
• Easter Monday May 1^st
• Labour Day June 30^th
• Independence Day July 14^th
• Martyr’s Day September 24^th
• Eid al-Fitr December 25^th
• Christmas March 18^th
• Anniversary of the death of Thomas Sankara April 4^th
• Good Friday May 1^st
• International Labour Day

Getting a Work Permit in Congo as an Expat

Getting a work permit might seem easy but you will need the following things: an employment contract, a letter from your embassy stating that you are not a spy and actually have reasons for working there (and if possible a few stamps on it) and lastly some character references.

Normally, the first two of those listed above should be provided by your employer but you can give yourself a head start by asking them for the information. This will allow you to have it ready when your visa is due to be renewed.

Moreover, your embassy should also provide character references after they have done a full background check on you. If you use the same employer for all of this, then that should speed things up. Or, if they have vouched for you previously then you will not need to provide the employment contract again (although they should ask for this anyways).

The process can be done entirely at the immigration office or after some people have gone through it this way, you are allowed to spread it out over several trips. You’ll need at least two working days before your visa expires (a week might bej safer) so you should leave at least three weeks to get your work permit sorted.

How to Get a Residence Permit

If you are working in the public sector then this is not necessary. On the other hand, if you are working for a company that has more than 10 local employees or is running medical services then it will be expected. The requirements are similar to the work permit, but this time you will need to provide proof of payment of taxes and a criminal background check.

As a rule, residence permits cannot be done at the immigration office but must be arranged at your local police station. This can take up to three months so make sure you give yourself enough time. Do not attempt to renew your visa while you are waiting for your residence permit to be sorted out.

That’s why, before you start making plans to move to Congo, check the website of the embassy in your country. Take a look at other websites about living there for advice on what to expect from the process. After this process, you can proceed to whatever you’d like to do in Congo as an expat.

Top 7 Jobs for Expat in Congo

Have you ever wondered how your life would look like if you were born and raised in Congo? You might not be able to answer this question yet. But, once you get a taste of the African culture and lifestyle, it is highly unlikely that you will want to go anywhere else.

Nowadays there are several opportunities for expats in Congo; no matter what your experience level is, there are jobs suitable for you. We will share with you some of the most rewarding positions that can be found on this African country. These positions include everything from well-paid jobs to volunteer positions, and they include the following.

Teacher

In Congo, there are thousands of people who have no access to education. Many school-aged children do not attend class because their parents feel that they cannot afford the monthly fee. However, if you want to give back to a community in need and at the same time, make a good living for yourself, then working as a teacher is the best option for you.

If you are passionate about teaching, you should consider working as an English teacher in Congo. The African culture is rich with different cultures, customs and traditions. If an expat was to start writing short stories that are set somewhere in Africa, then it would be quite challenging to describe all these aspects.

To become a teacher in Congo, you have to have a degree from your home country. If you lack experience, you can get a certificate after attending an intensive in-class seminar in Congo.

Computer Technician

Believe it or not, many people living in Congo do not have access to computers. This does not mean that they are not interested in technology; this means that they simply cannot afford it. If you are a computer enthusiast and want to help aspiring young people learn how to use this technology, then you should become a computer technician.

You can offer your service either in Congo or from overseas. This profession is in high demand all over the country, so if you know something about computers and have a little bit of spare time, you can make some extra money by helping others get connected with the world.

Volunteer

There is plethora of opportunities for expats in Congo when it comes to volunteer positions. Even though you might be living on a tight budget, there are still several rewarding opportunities that will not cost you anything. One option is to take up volunteering at an orphanage.

By helping out children who have lost their parents, you can give back to the community while also making a positive impact on the orphans’ lives. There are other options that do not include children, but they can be equally rewarding.

Volunteering at an animal shelter will also allow you to meet different kinds of pets while at the same time giving back to society by helping abandoned animals find new homes. If this is not for you, then consider helping out at a local school.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in DRC (Congo)

Are there lots of bugs?

The insects in DRC Congo are mostly very small, except for the mosquitoes which are plentiful during certain months. Although they can cause discomfort, but not considered dangerous. There are also some ants that can bite, but again the problem is not serious and we do not take into account these insects when considering whether it is dangerous to live in DRC Congo or not.

Is it safe? Can I travel around freely?

Safety in DRC Congo is an illusion for many people who come to live here with the idea that everything is dangerous and that no liberty is allowed here. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. It is true that there are regions which are not completely safe for foreigners, but in general, travelling around DRC Congo (in Kinshasa and Goma at least) does not pose any particular problems.

How much does it cost to live in Congo?

Because of high inflation, the cost of living varies from day today. Generally speaking, rent costs between 1,000 and 2,000 Congolese francs per month for a house or apartment. A loaf of bread generally costs between 500 and 700 Francs. Transportation costs around 10 Francs for a bus ride and 75 for a taxi.

How do I live with locals if I don’t speak French?

Most Congolese people understand Basic English and French words. However, in most areas of the country, you will be hard-pressed to find anyone who speaks English. If you learn some basic phrases in French or Swahili you should do just fine when conversing with local Congolese people.

Conclusion

Living in DRC is one of the things you need to put in your 2022 budget. If you’re just relocating to Africa for the first time, we advise you to research about the weather conditions and everything you need to know. Nonetheless, you’ll never regret moving to this country, as there are friendly locals.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (known as DR Congo, DRC or formerly Zaire) is a country in Central Africa. It borders the Central African Republic and South Sudan to the north; Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania to the east; Zambia to the south; Angola to the southwest; and ex-Katanga Province in the northwest.

As discussed earlier in our recent post about moving to this country, there are more to explore. The country is extremely rich in natural resources, but these are located almost entirely in the eastern part. If you’re reading this, chances are that you have already agreed to live in the DRC Congo.

However, few people know what it’s really like to be a foreigner living here. To help new residents get started with their lives here, we’ve put together a list of some things you should know before living in the DRC. But before we unleash that, the capital city, Kinshasa, has a lot to offer expats in the country.

And this is because it’s known to have approximate population of 10 million people thus; making it one of the largest cities in Africa. Not only is that, but also a common destination for refugees from other nations. On the flip side, poverty levels are also very high. Besides, it is estimated that 70% of the country’s population lives under $1.25 a day.

Aside from telling you everything you need to before living here, we are keen to explain the cost of living. So, if you’ve been surfing the internet to get the right information about living in the DRC, worry less, as we’ve got you covered here. Would you love to see what we have today? Read further for more!

10 Things to Do in DCR as an Expat

The people of Congo have been known for being giving and smiling from the times when beautiful things were a part of life which is a good starting point if you are an expat. There are plenty of things to do in Congo as an expat.

It is not only about the amazing culture and history, but there are many opportunities for expats like you to make new friends, find community or learn something new. Below are the 10 things to do in DCR as an expat.

1.       Traveling With Pygmy Children in the Rain Forest

Traveling with Pygmy children in the rain forest is one unforgettable experience that expats living in Congo will never forget. Since 1998, the “Pygmy Safaris” have been conducting tours for people who want to experience the life of a Pygmy and interact with them in their environment.

Depending on your Congo itinerary you can go deep into the rain forest on foot, by dugout canoe or on motorcycles. These are remote areas seldom travelled by Westerners and you will see an area that few outsiders have ever seen. During your stay with the Pygmies, you can learn about their way of life, traditions and customs; how they hunt, fish and build shelter.

You may even be able to share a meal together made from forest plants & animals such as crocodile, monkey, antelope or rat that may be caught during your time in the forest. Pygmy children in the rain forest always seem to have a smile on their face especially when they are hunting with you in the jungle.

2.       Visiting Gorillas in the Wild

There are only a handful of areas in the world where you can safely go to visit gorillas in their natural habitat and one of them is the rain forest of Odzala National Park. Gorilla tracking expeditions with a qualified guide will take you deep into this lush, green Congo jungle. 

Gorilla tracking is best done in the early morning when it’s cool and misty with light rain called “mugu” in Lingala. Guides are familiar with gorilla trekking routes since they have logged over 100 hours of experience with this particular group of gorillas, enabling them to predict which areas they will be moving into next.  

Your chances of seeing a gorilla are about 85% since there are only two habituated family groups in Odzala National Park. Meanwhile, you have to consider the 2% chance that you won’t see any gorillas at all. If your Congo itinerary allows it, another option is to do a gorilla trekking adventure to see Mountain Gorillas in neighbouring Rwanda.

3.       Hiking the Ruwenzori Mountains

One of my favorite places to hike is the Ruwenzori Mountains in Rwanda, a mountain range known as Africa’s “Mountains of the Moon”. High altitude hikes are also one of the highlights of living in Eastern Congo where you can hike to over 4000 meters. 

Hiking Ruwenzori has been something I’ve wanted to do since I first read about it over 20 years ago, but it’s also on my wife’s bucket list.    For some reason both expeditions are not allowed during the rainy season. That’s too bad because it would be a totally different experience in the rain forest during that time of year.

In October 2004, my wife and I finally made it there when we were in Uganda for a conference, but were not able to do any hiking in Rwanda due to the rainy season.   The only option was to see the mountain gorillas in Uganda.

4.       Taking a Shopping Trip to Brazzaville

It’s very easy to get to Brazzaville since it’s just a short 30-minute ferry ride across the Congo River from Kinshasa.    The best time to go to this capital city of Congo is on a Saturday, and you should plan your visit for early in the day before the stores close down at 4:00 in the afternoon.

You can find almost anything in Brazzaville since it’s an open market city with several different stores selling items made out of wood, local fabrics and jewellery. You can’t take any suitcases larger than 14″ X 21″, but you are allowed to bring home a few hand-carved souvenirs in your carry-on luggage.

5.       Riding in an African Bush Taxi

If you like nature and want to catch a glimpse of it as you travel, taking an African Bush Taxi is one way to do it. These buses take tourists deep into the Congo jungle where they can see waterfalls, animals, birds and plants.

Bush taxis are very different from bush taxis in other parts of Africa because they are almost as comfortable as a caravan. There is an air conditioner in the back, and the entire inside of this bus has been decorated to look like a big wooden hut with a bed, a couch and even a table for your backpack or suitcase.

The driver will usually stop somewhere along the way for a few hours so you can take a walk into the forest or go on a boat ride in a nearby lake. Moreover, a trip to the Congo rainforest is best made between April and October when it’s dry season in this part of Africa.

6.       Catch a Fish in the Congo River

If you like fishing or catching edible crustaceans, here’s a chance to do both at once while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Congo River. There are several fishing tour companies in Kinshasa that offer trips down the Congo River.   You might even get to keep one of the fish you catch if you are lucky.

Pros and Con of Moving to Congo as an Expat

Many people are afraid to visit or move to Congo. In fact, a lot of them have the wrong idea on what living in this country looks like. But, not to worry, we will walk you through the pros and cons in this section. The following will expose 7 top myths about moving to (DCR) Congo today, and their realities.

1.       Opportunity to Become a Successful Business Man

Opportunities are everywhere to start or increase your business. It is no secret that Congo has many resources to offer, which make it an attractive place for foreign investors. One of the main reasons why Congolese people immigrate to other countries is because they seek to create better lives for their families by providing them with more opportunities than Congo.

2.       Safety

Crime rate here is extremely low compared to other African countries. People are friendly, welcoming, and very non-violent here, especially compared to other African countries. There are no robberies or murders or burglaries, but there are some muggings of tourists outside the cities. Traveling around on your own is perfectly safe as long as you don’t flash money in front of people who look poor.

3.       It Is Welcoming To Tourists

Another reason why living in Congo is good is because of the atmosphere, and friendly locals. Although DRC has experienced thousands of deaths in its past conflict with Uganda and Rwanda (over the Congo territory), but foreign businesses are now starting to visit the country for eco-tourism activities like rafting, hiking or exploration.

4.       Abundant Supply of Natural Resources

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is ranked as one of world’s richest countries in terms which include: cobalt, copper, gold and coltan. In addition to this, Cobalt and coltan are metals used to make cell phones; and these two minerals account for 58% of DRC’s export revenue.

5.       Electricity

The electricity stays on everywhere, the entire time. Besides, there aren’t any power outages like in (CUG), and no intermittent electricity like other African countries. The only time the electricity goes out is during a storm, or if everyone needs to save money at once. It’s easy to use appliances here, since they are so cheap. You can even buy a laptop for $20 or a refrigerator for $10. And that’s cheaper than in America!

6.       No Expensive Restaurants

There are no expensive restaurants in (DCR), and very few middle-priced restaurants. All the food here is extremely cheap and extremely easy to make, due to there being no electricity and very few appliances. If you want a steak tonight, just go buy some meat and light a fire! That’s it, you’re done! So why would you ever need to spend $50 at an expensive restaurant?

7.       The sun

Here the sun shines nearly every day of the year. And it usually rains or snows during certain months, but rarely does it ever rain for more than a few hours at a time. If people live indoors, they can avoid the rain all together! Also, if you’re out of the sun for too long, you get sick. The sun is very important here, so be sure to get out of the house every day.

To summarize, there are many pros to living in (DCR) Congo today. With your imagination and initiative, combined with the country’s superior infrastructure and resources, you can find success in (DCR) Congo that you can never find in your home country.

Cons

Poor Healthcare System

(DRC) Congo has a poor health care system. According to World Health Organization (WHO), (DCR) Congo has less than 2 doctors per 10,000 people and less than 1 hospital bed per 4,000 people. This is bad when compared to other countries.

Congo also has a weak public health system, and high maternal as well as well as child mortality rates. In addition to that, the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is 5.0 percent. And this is one of the highest death rates from HIV / AIDS in the world today.

Poor Infrastructure

The Congolese have made some progress in building roads, but the country still has the worst infrastructure on the continent. Traveling from one city to another can take days, as many times you need to travel by bike or foot.

Congo is one of the last places on earth where you will find an absence of most modern amenities such as cell phones, computers and air conditioning. And with the exception of a few luxury hotels in   Brazzaville and Kinshasa, there are no 5 star hotels or restaurants here.

Corruption

Corruption is widespread throughout the country and not only affects business owners but also everyday citizens. The World Bank ranks the country as 169 out of 176 countries on their Corruptions Perception Index. Moreover, it is estimated that more than 50% of the Congo’s GDP is lost to corruption.

Militia and Rebels Groups

In Congo, militia and rebels groups still control much of the land and people. On a daily basis, it is common to be stopped at a road block and asked for money. Engaging in such activity will not result in you being shot, but instead give your person and car an opportunity be beaten. In fact, national elections were postponed over 7 months due to security reasons as armed militias were blocking voting stations and threatening voters. Again, it is also common for people to be kidnapped.

People Are Not Friendly To Americans

As a general rule most people do not like Americans and they often assume that you have come with all the wrong motives: to build a personal diamond mine or go on safari. You must be prepared when meeting Congolese for them to be very direct in their comments.

That being said, it’s also very difficult to gain the trust of people in Congo. They are always watching you and will require proof before they can begin to open up. Try not to take it personally, but instead view this as an opportunity for cultural exchange with one another.

7 Cities for Expats to Reside In Congo

There are many places suitable for expats to reside in Congo. As Africa’s second-largest country, it boasts an area greater than France, Norway, Sweden, Spain, and Germany. But, to know the right place for expats to reside, we have compiled some of the safest expat destination. Without further ado, check it out now!

1.       Goma (North Kivu Province, East of the Country)

Goma is a major city of the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, located on Lake Kivu. It has a population estimated at 713,000. The city is an administrative center in North Kivu Province and one of the fastest-growing cities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Goma lies only a few miles south of the borders with Rwanda and Uganda, and its port handles both commercial and passenger boats, including ferries departing to Nyunzu in Burundi. Goma may be accessed by train from Kigali (capital city of Rwanda) via the Gisakura Bridge over the Ruzizi River.

2.       Kisangani (Tshopo Province, Center)

Kisangani is a city in the North-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on the River Congo with a population of about 1 million people. The capital of Tshopo province, it is the third-largest urbanized city in the country and the largest of the towns that are distant from the capital Kinshasa.

Kisangani is an administrative and economic center of Tshopo Province with a population of 704,049. The city has a large number of Kisongo migrants which have been attracted by government programs to settle in this area. It was formerly known as Stanleyville until 1966 and served as the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo from July 4, 1880 until May 17, 1962. Aside from this fact, it is home to several major universities and a large airport.

3.       Lubumbashi (Haut-Katanga Province, South-East)

Lubumbashi is the second-largest city in DR Congo and a leading African copper-mining center. Its home to the large mining company Gécamines , one of the main sources of income for the country which was discovered during Belgian colonization. The population of Lubumbashi stands at 823,354.

Katanga, for which the city serves as the provincial capital, is the area of DR Congo rich in copper and cobalt. It is also home to a number of newer businesses including hotels and restaurants catering mainly to a business clientele.

4.       Boma (Bas-Congo province, west of the Country)

Boma is a coastal port city in Bas-Congo Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It has an estimated population of 224,830 people. This beautiful city lies on the northern bank of the Congo River estuary where the river meets its deep Atlantic waters.

The city developed in colonial times when Belgian colonists used it as an important port to transport goods from central Africa. The Belgians have built beautiful villas, a hospital and a Cathedral. All these buildings are located close to each other in neighborhoods popularly called “Mamu”, after the Belgian businessman Arthur Mamu who was in charge of much of Congolese economy then.

5.       Lubao (Katanga province, South-South)

Lubao is a town in the Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The community has approximately 10,000 inhabitants. More so, the people here are mainly farmers and they grow cassava, maize, peanuts, sorghum, beans and sweet potatoes for subsistence farming.

They also farm palm nuts to produce palm oil. On the flip side, there are no health facilities in Lubao, but there is one Health Centre located in Kabobwe. There is a small network of roads covering the area that provide access to the towns and villages around Lubao, including Kasonga, Lisingi and Kajiji.

6.       Mbuji Mayi (Kasai Oriental province, East)

Mbuji Mayi is the largest city in Kasaï-Oriental province in the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is located on the Lualaba River, near where it joins with the Ingamba River to form a major tributary of Lake Tanganyika. The population stands at 953,934 people as of the recent population.

It was formerly known as Bakwanga. Also, it is an important city in the diamond trade, and its economic activity is mainly the commerce of these gemstones. Mbuji Mayi Airport serves the town with regular flights to Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Kisangani, Kalemie , Kasongo Lunda National Park & Lodja.

The city has been named after a local ruler, Mbuji Mayi, who lived in the 1860s. The Belgian administration renamed it Bakwanga in 1914 following the assassination of the first white administrator sent to Katanga. In 1971, President Mobutu Sese Seko renamed it Mbuji Mayi . And again, Mbuji-Mayi is known for its beautiful scenery around the city.

7.       Kalemie (Tanganyika province, West)

The population of Kalemie stands at 183,426 people. It is an important port on Lake Tanganyika, and is the end of a railway line from Kindu. It is linked by ferry to Mpulungu, Zambia and to Isiro in DR Congo, and can be reached by air.

Kalemie was formerly known as Albertville under Belgian rule until 1975. It was renamed Kalemie after it acquired its new port facilities. The town is home to a university, (Université du Katanga), with 3 faculties, over 4,000 students and 200 professors.

What is the cost of living like in Congo?

The most frequently asked question by far. There’s no way to give a definite answer really, because it depends on what you’re used to back home and how frugal or extravagant you are with your spending habits. But, food costs between $25-$50 per week and will depend on whether you eat local or western food.

Is Congo safe?

Our personal experience of Congo is that it’s by far one of the safest countries we’ve ever been to! We regularly visit Kinshasa as well as spending time in other parts of the country and we’ve never once felt threatened or unsafe.

Conclusion

Moving to DCR Congo in today’s digital world should be a decision to enjoy. On the other hand, it would be better to go through this ultimate guide to know more about moving to Congo as an expat. If you want to know more about the cost of living, best tourist attractions and the likes, follow this platform for more update.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

In recent years, numerous expats have moved to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DCR) for a wide range of reasons. Working as a volunteer in a Congolese school or medical center is one path toward life in the DCR. Likewise, taking a job at an NGO or international organization can often lead to a long stay.

The Republic of Congo is located in Central Africa. More so, the capital city of the Congo, Brazzaville, lies on the country’s Atlantic coast about 75 miles upriver from its conurbation with Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire). Not only is that, but it’s a former French colony and it maintains close relations with France.

Besides, it is also an active member of the African Union, and was formerly known as Middle Congo. Meanwhile, the official languages are French and Lingala, but many other languages are spoken in the country. And about 79% of Congolese are Christian, 16% are Muslim, 5% practice local religions (animism), and 1% are of other religions.

Today the Republic of Congo has abundant water resources with large navigable rivers like the Congo River, the Congo-Océan, and the Sangha River. And we can even tell you that Congo is home to the third-largest river in Africa. Have you been mesmerizing around to get the right information about moving to Congo?

If that sounds like a yes, look no further as we’ve compiled this article to meet your expectations. Here, we will walk you through a brief history about DCR (Congo), the interesting facts about this country, the pros, and cons and many others to mention a few. Would you like to know what we’ve unleashed? Continue reading!

Understanding a Brief History of the DCR (Congo)

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DCR) gained its independence from Belgium in 1960, and therefore some of the events described in this guide may seem familiar to some readers. However, Congolese history has included periods of both prosperity and strife.

Throughout the early half of the 20th century, for instance, Congo was one of the wealthiest countries on Earth due to its vast reserves of raw minerals such as copper, gold, uranium, and diamonds. However, this wealth was never equally distributed among the population, and in 1960 in particular many citizens were living in deep poverty.

A military dictatorship took control of the government from 1971 to 1991, during which time a civil war broke out. In 1997 a new war began when rebels backed by Rwanda and Uganda invaded from their respective countries. After more than six years, the rebels took power and installed a new government.

The president of this government, Joseph Kabila, retained his position after winning elections in 2006 and 2011. The Congolese population is estimated to be about 80 million. French is the official language; however, other languages spoken include Kikongo (or simply Kongo), Lingala, Tshiluba, Swahili, Kongo (a local language), and English. The greater region is also home to several relatively small indigenous groups that maintain their own cultural traditions.

As of 2015 the World Bank estimated the annual GDP per capita at US$141.45; however, this figure is misleading due to the large income gap between the labor force and the wealthy elite. The poverty rate is approximately 80%.

Life in the DCR (Congo)

The climate of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DCR) varies by location, with tropical weather in the equatorial south contrasted by semi-desert conditions in other parts. Brazzaville, for instance, which lies about 150 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, has a climate similar to that of southern Nigeria or northern Cameroon.

In terms of religion, Christianity is practiced by three-quarters of the population with Catholicism being prominent in cities and Protestantism present in more rural areas. Many traditional indigenous religions remain strong throughout the DCR as well. In fact, Joseph Kabila was raised as a traditionalist and considers himself to be a spiritual leader as well as president.

Professional opportunities in the DCR include working at a local NGO, international organization, or government agency. A wide range of jobs is available within these organizations, some being full-time while others are internships. Other possibilities include working in agriculture, industry, or construction; volunteering with NGOs; teaching English; and/or starting a business.

10 Fun Facts about Moving To DCR (Congo) In 2021

Back in the United States (and other Western countries), you’re used to doing things a certain way, and it’s hard to change that. Congolese culture is very different from Western cultures. However, there are certain things that will take time getting used to. The following section goes over the ten interesting facts to know before making the decision of moving to Congo.

1. The first settlers were farmers and stone-tool makers who emigrated from Eurasia more than 10,000 years ago.
2. The name “the Democratic Republic of the Congo” was adopted in 1964; before that it was known as, and is still referred to as the Belgian Congo.
3. It is believed that Pygmies, today numbering some 29,000 living in the north of the country, were hunter-gatherers in this area. Bantu speakers originating in central Africa migrated to the region and introduced agriculture around 1000 BC which allowed farming and larger societies to develop.
4. Congo was formerly part of the French colony of Equatorial Africa.
5. It borders on former colonies English speaking “Zaire” (now known as The Democratic Republic of the Congo), Gabon, Central African Republic, Cameroon and South Sudan, while being separated from its western neighbor by only a short stretch of river across which lie the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo.
6. The largest cities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are Kinshasa (approx 9 million inhabitants), Lubumbashi, Kisangani, Mbuji-Mayi, Goma, Kalemie.
7. Famed for its wildlife, including primates, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been called “the most biodiverse African nation”.
8. The country is home to some 80 different ethnic groups.
9. Despite its name, residents have never been offered a democratic form of governance.
10. The first written records of the Congo date back to 1850, during which time Belgium had established colonial control over the entire region.