Geography of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The second largest country in Africa.

James Limper

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is extremely diverse with over 200 ethnic groups. Once a colony of Belgium, it gained its independence in 1960.

Geographical Features

Rivers

The Congo River is the fifth longest in the world. The Congo River is 4,380 km long. This makes it the second longest river in Africa and the fifth longest in the world. The Congo River is also the deepest in the world. It reaches depths of around 220 m (720 ft). The Livingstone Falls does not allow ships in from the sea. However, most of the Congo is navigable in parts, between Kinshasa and Kisangani mostly.

Mountains

Mount Stanley is pictured here. It is the tallest mountain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is the third highest mountain in Africa, with an elevation of 5,109 meters.

Lakes

Lake Tanganyika is one of the African Great Lakes. It the second deepest lake in the world. It reaches depths of 4,820 feet. Also, it is the second largest fresh-water lake on Earth. It is estimated to be 9 to 12 million years old.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is extremely diverse with over 200 ethnic groups. Once a colony of Belgium, it gained its independence in 1960.

The Congo River is the fifth longest in the world. The Congo River is 4,380 km long. This makes it the second longest river in Africa and the fifth longest in the world. The Congo River is also the deepest in the world. It reaches depths of around 220 m (720 ft). The Livingstone Falls does not allow ships in from the sea. However, most of the Congo is navigable in parts, between Kinshasa and Kisangani mostly.

Mount Stanley is pictured here. It is the tallest mountain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is the third highest mountain in Africa, with an elevation of 5,109 meters.

Lake Tanganyika is one of the African Great Lakes. It the second deepest lake in the world. It reaches depths of 4,820 feet. Also, it is the second largest fresh-water lake on Earth. It is estimated to be 9 to 12 million years old.