Why visit
The Democratic Republic of the Congo contains Virunga, Africa's oldest national park, mountain gorillas, and Nyiragongo's lava-lake volcano. Security in the east fluctuates sharply and access opens and closes accordingly.
Country - Africa
Democratic Republic of the Congo
culturenatureadventure
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Democratic Republic of the Congo works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Kinshasa as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
At a glance
Location
0.0°, 25.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
2,344,858 km²
905,354 mi²
Subregion
Middle Africa
Currency
Congolese franc (FC)
CDF
Dial
+243
Languages
French, Kikongo, Lingala
Demonym
Congolese
Internet
.cd
UN
Member state
ISO code
CD / COD
Where in the world
0.0° - 25.0°
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) contains the world's second-largest rainforest after the Amazon.
- The Congo River is the second-longest in Africa (after the Nile) and the deepest river in the world (over 220 m in places).
- DRC has more active volcanoes than any other country in Africa, including Mount Nyiragongo with its permanent lava lake.
Bordering Democratic Republic of the Congo
Traveler notes
- Virunga gorilla treks operate when conditions allow; check current park status
- The Congo River is the deepest river in the world
- Kinshasa's music scene shaped soukous and Congolese rumba, now UNESCO-listed
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Kinshasa, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Democratic Republic of the Congo
What is the capital of Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Kinshasa is the capital of Democratic Republic of the Congo.
What currency does Democratic Republic of the Congo use?
Democratic Republic of the Congo uses the Congolese franc (FC), ISO code CDF.
What languages are spoken in Democratic Republic of the Congo?
The primary languages are French, Kikongo and Lingala.
Is Democratic Republic of the Congo landlocked?
No, Democratic Republic of the Congo has a coastline.
What countries border Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Democratic Republic of the Congo borders Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia.
What is the international calling code for Democratic Republic of the Congo?
The calling code is +243.
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