The Basics
Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
Where is it?: Democratic Republic lies in central Africa, northeast of Angola.
Why do people go here?: To fight wars! Although the DRC has huge potential for travelers, because of an ongoing civil war, it’s harzardous to travel throughout the region.
What are the main entry points?: You can fly into Kinshasa.
Currency used: Congolese franc
Country Code for Phones: 243
Area codes for Major Cities: Kinshasa 1; Katanga 2; Bas-Congo and Bandundu 3; Kasai-Oriental and Kasai-Occidental 4; Province Orientale (Kisanga; Mbandaka) 5; Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu and Maniema 6
Religion: Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%, Kimbanguist 10%
Population: 66 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Kongo, Luba, Mongo, Mangbetu-Azande,
Government: Semi-presidential Republic
Languages: French, Kikongo, Lingala, Swahili, Tshiluba, Kingwana
Travel Information
Major Cities: Kinshasa, Kananga
Attractions: Kisangani
Tourism Office locations: Office Nationale du Tourisme, Kinshasa Tel No. +243 12 30070.
Tips for Visiting
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Kisangani
Health Issues: Malaria, Yellow Fever
When to go: November through March are the driests months
Common Phrases: Hello = Hujambo, How are you? = Habari Yako?, Good = Nzuri, Yes = Ndiyo, Okay = Sawa, No Problem = Hakuna Matata
Specific Events/Holidays: NONE
Getting Around: Getting around can be difficult and dangerous. Consult locals before traveling anywhere.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The main airport serving cheaper flights to Democratic Republic of Congo is the Kinshasa’s N’djili Airport
Need more information?: Check out the Democratic Republic of Congo travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
