Capital: Kinshasa
Population: Over 100,000,000 people
Government: Semi-presidential
Religions: Christianity (Catholic, Protestant), Kimbanguism, Islam
Languages: French (Official language), Lingala, Kikongo, Swahili, Tshiluba (National languages)
Calling Code:+243
Nationality: Congolese
WILDLIFE
A mosaic of rivers, forests, savannas, swamps and flooded forests, the Congo Basin is teeming with life. Gorillas, elephants and buffalo all call the region home. The Congo Basin spans across six countries—Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
There are approximately 10, 000 species of tropical plants in the Congo Basin and 30 percent are unique to the region. Endangered wildlife, including forest elephants, chimpanzees, bonobos, and lowland and mountain gorillas inhabit the lush forests. 400 other species of mammals, 1,000 species of birds and 700 species of fish can also be found here.
The Congo Basin has been inhabited by humans for more than 50,000 years and it provides food, fresh water and shelter to more than 75 million people. Nearly 150 distinct ethnic groups exist and the region’s Ba’Aka people are among the most well known representatives of an ancient hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Their lives and well-being are linked intimately with the forest.
Source: https://www.worldwildlife.org/
CULTURE
The Congolese is often labeled a “geological scandal” due to its immense mineral wealth, but it’s also a hotspot for exceptionally talented creative artists. Beyond its rich natural resources, the country boasts a vibrant artistic scene that has even influenced renowned figures like Picasso. From diverse ethnic groups, languages, and religions to literature, theater, sculptures, masks, music, and fashion, Congo stands out as one of Africa’s most remarkable and exceptional artistic hubs.
Picasso came in contact with the work of African artists at around 1905. This new form of art stimulated a great interest in him since it was different from what he was exposed to in the West. He was particularly fascinated with African Masks. After the great discovery he wrote:
“I have experienced my greatest artistic emotions, when I suddenly discovered the sublime beauty of sculptures executed by the anonymous artists from Africa. These passionate and rigorously logical religious works are what the human imagination has produced as most potent and most beautiful…”
At that moment, I realized what painting was all about!
Picasso was above all taken by the elements and principles of design applied on the masks in addition to the emotions that they transmitted. Captured by the power of these new forms, he begins to apply them into the preliminary sketches for Les Desmoiselles d’Avignon, from which originated Modern Art and the Cubist Movement.
Source: https://friendsofthecongo.org
VISA
U.S. Citizen must obtain a visa through the Embassy in order to travel to the DRC.
The visa validity is 3 always months, meaning, once it is issued, it must be used within 90 days from date of issue.
Once you enter the country, the allowed time stay will depend on the type of visa you paid for.
For instance, if you purchase a multiple-entry, 90-day stay visa: you will be able to visit the country multiple times within 90 days of your visa’s issue date. Each visit will allow you to stay for up to 90 days.
| ENTRY OPTIONS | VISA VALIDITY | DURATION OF STAY | CONSULAR FEE |
| Single or Multiple | 3 months from date of issue | 30 days from day of entry |
$100 (single) $120 (multiple) |
| Single or Multiple | 3 months from date of issue | 60 days from day of entry |
$135 (single) $150 (multiple) |
| Multiple only | 3 months from date of issue | 90 days from day of entry | $160 (multiple) |
| Single or Multiple | 3 months from date of issue | 180 days from day of entry |
$400 (single) $450 (multiple) |
CONFLICT
Being one of the largest countries in African continent, some parts of the DRC can have ongoing conflicts, especially around its borders. The eastern part of the country, particularly provinces like North Kivu and South Kivu, has been plagued by armed conflict for decades. Various rebel groups, as well as interference from neighboring countries, have contributed to the violence and instability in the region.
In our most recent experience processing the DRC visas, people who were visiting areas in Goma and Bukavu experienced heavy delays for approvals were required. We recommend visiting Travel.State.Gov to find the latest travel advisory about the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Overall, the DRC is a country with immense potential, yet it continues to grapple with significant challenges on its path to stability, development, and prosperity.