Congo climatic conditions. Geography of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire)

The climate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Equatorial, in the southern and northern regions of the country is a subequatorial. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the largest countries in African countries. It is located in the very center of the African continent and from the west to East the equator crosses it. There is a lot of water and very wet all year round. The wet equatorial climate gives this territory numerous precipitation during the whole year, and the branched and the most thick in Africa river network, numerous lakes and huge wetlands only increase the title of wet and wet countries. One of the main natural wealth of the country is the energy of rivers. About 3/4 areas are covered with wet equatorial forests (second place in the world after the Amazon).

Most of the country is located at a height of several hundred meters (from 300 to 800 meters, and in some areas even 800 to 1300 meters, as in the south-east), such heights are quite enough to soften the hot equatorial climate. In the DRC Congo, you can observe the change of seasons of the year. Only it is not autumn, winter, spring and summer, and dry and rainy seasons. In general, the year 4 seasons are distinguished: "Small" dry season (January - March), "Small" rainy season (April - May), a big dry season (June - August), a large rainy season (September - December). These seasons differ in duration and abundance of precipitation - more abundant rains fall out in the central part of the country (at the equator), in the north and south of the country the rains are not so frequent and strong. In general, the rule is true here: the farther from the equator, the less abundant precipitation and shorter the rains seasons.

The precipitation is the only thing that happens in the Congo DRC is strictly according to the schedule, they are usually late in the evening, at night or early in the morning. It rains in the DRC Congo is, as a rule, just a wall of water falling from the sky, where several dozen (!) Liters are poured in a minute. Very often this natural event is accompanied by thunder and lightning (DRC Congo is a country that gets the greatest number of lightning strikes in the world), so that feelings, you yourself understand, not pleasant. Rain in the local language "Lingala" is called "Mbulya Makashi." Magli Makasi depends on the country a lot, almost everything: it is a complete river rivers, rich in fish, and small agricultural land with their yield, and endless savanna with wild animals. Locals to Mbouli Makashi, they are accustomed to, but try, if possible, to fall under local livne. For example, Mbulya Makashi is an absolutely normal reason not to go to work. That's how. And you can not do anything about it.

Winter in the DRC Congo (Small Dry Season)

In December, a large wet season continues in the central part of the country. But in the northern and southern regions of the country - December is already a dry season, there is very little precipitated. But in January and February, the amount of precipitation is everywhere decreases, but the concept of "dry" season is very conditional, since at this time, periodically, it rains throughout the territory of the DRC Congo, simply not so strong and not so often.

In winter, the climate in the capital of the Kongsa Congo - the city of Kinshasas is very favorable. At this time there is no suffocating heat. The air temperature at this time of the year does not fall below + 23 ° C (at night) and does not rise above + 35 ° C (day). The average day air temperature in Kinshasa in winter - +28 - + 30 ° C. Congolesers are murdered, jackets, caps and even sick Orz (!!!).

Spring in the DRC Congo (Small Rainy Season)

March - transition month for the most part of the country. Transient it from dry climate to rainy. In March, April and the first half of May, the DRC Congo concretely poured shower, from the second half of May the amount of precipitation decreases quite sharply - after all, there is a large dry season ahead. At the same time, despite the large amount of precipitation, the air temperature, practically, does not change, compared with the winter temperature, and is in Kinshas, \u200b\u200bon average, +28 - + 31 ° C, dropping at night to + 23 ° C. Slightly cool will be in the north and south of the country, as well as on the elevation.

Summer in the DRK Congo (Big Dry Season)

Summer months - June, July and August - Perhaps the most dry and hot. Especially pleased weather in the capital - Kinshasa, here for three months old There is no rain, the climate is dry and comfortable, and the level of moisture is, total, 54%, therefore, it can be safely excluded the likelihood that you will find the rupture of pouring rain. At the same time, the average daily air temperature in summer in Kinshasa is already noticeably higher, and is +32 - + 35 ° C. It is hot and dry - exactly these words can be determined by the weather in the capital. Approximately, similar weather can be found in the north and south of the country.

But, such weather in the summer months is not at all throughout the territory of DRC Congo. Cities and regions located at the equator or near him, and at this time of the year receive precipitation into abundance, although less than in the spring. For example, the major city of Kisangani in the summer months attend rain daily, albeit in the afternoon, let the sunshine and then shine again, nevertheless there are here. The average daily air temperature in the summer in Kisangani is +29 - + 31 ° C, but the humidity in these months is very high - more than 80%, therefore, the heat is heavier than in the capital.

In the mountains of Kiviv and Katanya, the climate is cooler and land. On the elevations of the eastern and southeastern plateau and the mountains, climatic conditions are significantly softened. Here, the average daily air temperatures reaches only + 24 ° C, but it is significantly reduced at night - up to +12 - + 15 ° C.

Autumn in the DRC Congo (big rainy season)

A large rainy season in the Congo drk lasts from September to mid-December (in the northern and southern regions - until the end of November) and, in general, is characterized by constant abundant precipitation, atmospheric pressure drops and high humidity.

Despite the fact that it is autumn - no decrease in temperature can be speech. Well, if only for a couple of degrees, which in the cycle of insane humidity, are practically not tangible. The average daily air temperature in Kinshasa in autumn is +27 - + 30 ° C, at night, everything is also, to + 23 ° C. The maximum amount of precipitation is observed in November - here 10 days in a month the weather stands frowning and not sunny. In the remaining autumn months, it also pours good, and air humidity reaches 80%. But at the equator of the country, air humidity in the autumn months reaches 90 - 100%, and the most rainy here is October. At the same time, the Equator of the DRC of the Congo falls in 2-3 times more precipitation than in other regions of the country.

Equatorial showers are very strong and abundant, but usually short-term. Usually they pass in the afternoon, and often their companion is a thunderstorm. Thunderstorms here occur more often than in any other world of the world (!). In the subtropical belt DRC Congo, the rain is not so abundant.

The territory of the DRC Congo in excess is supplied with precipitation. In the equatorial zone of precipitation drops 1,700 - 2,200 mm of precipitation per year, especially strong rains come from April to May and from September to November. The farther from the equator (south and north), the more expressly expressed dry periods: it drops to 1,200 mM precipitation per year. In the mountains is cooled, and the precipitation falls more - up to 2,500 mm of precipitation per year.

When to go to DRK Congo. It is very difficult to determine the best time for a trip to the DRC Congo, as the country area is huge, many sites with their microclimate, in addition, there are extensive mountainous areas. You can only say one thing: if your trip to the DRC Congo is not limited to visiting only Kinshasa - then you will definitely fall under the rain at any time of the year!

The best time to visit the DRC Congo is the dry summer months - June, July and August, since this time is less suspended. In the capital will be very hot, but it is dry. In the dry season it will be interesting to visit and national reserves of the country, because many animals are going to rivers and streams on water, which means there is probability to see the maximum of representatives of local flora and fauna. A visit to the mountainous areas of the country will be pleasant - although it is worth capturing warm things here - in the evening and at night is very cool.

You can visit the DRC Congo and in the Small Dry Season - in the months January and February, but avoiding the precipitation completely at this time will not succeed - the equatorial climate will definitely remind you of themselves. Although in general, a small dry season is quite suitable for visiting tourists.

But in the rainy season in the DRC of the Congo, it is better not to show the nose. An unpleasant weather conditions are distinguished by a small rainy season - months March, April and the first half of May, characterized by very strong rains and high humidity, and the large wet season - months from September to mid-December, will take so much water on you that you are hardly, It will forget. At this time of year, the weather will constantly experience you for strength, and if you want an extreme rest, you can come to the DRC Congo in the fall.

The main rule for all travelers is the following: Remember, severe heat and increased air humidity give the effect of a steam bath when it is recommended to avoid large physical exertion and more drinking water, since the body at this point is experiencing not the best times. The effect of the steam bath gives a bad influx of oxygen into the blood, it becomes harder to breathe, and people who are not accustomed to such climate may experience oxygen starvation, therefore, people with light diseases, as well as, with cardiovascular diseases, you should avoid visiting the DRC of the Congo to the rains seasons! You just risk your life and health! The climate is very heavy!

Egypt occupies the northeast outskirts of the African continent and the Sinai Peninsula in Asia. Almost all the territory of the country (about 1 million km. Sq.) Lies in the zone, tropical deserts that make up 97% of its surface. Through this, dead, lifeless desert flows the Nile River with its blooming valley, where about 99% of the population of Egypt lives. Ancient historians said that Egypt is the child of the Nile.
In the north, the territory of Egypt is washes the Mediterranean Sea, in the east-red.
Most of Egypt in the south and west occupies the sandy desert of sugar.
Most of the local population lives along the Nile, on the shores of which a narrow strip of arable land stretches. On the irrigation canals from Nile, water enters the fields. Suitable for farming areas occupy only 6% of the total area of \u200b\u200bthe country.
Egyptian peasants grow rice, corn, wheat, long-fiber cotton, sugar, beans, oranges, dates, olives, bananas, grapes, tomatoes, sugar cane.
The villages in which the peasants live, consist of houses with a flat roof and the only room. Half the room takes the oven, it is drowned in winter, when the air temperature at night falls below 0 degrees. Smoke from the furnace goes straight at the door. Food is cooked in the yard near the house.
The capital of Egypt - Cairo. The ancient name of the city means "city winner", or "city-fortress".
Cairo-large modern city, loaded by transport and many people. It is located on the shore of Nile, along which the quarters of high-rise buildings were built. There are hotels, expensive shops, offices of various firms. In the old part of Cairo, narrow streets and dilapidated houses are preserved. In the noisy bazaars, the peasants are bullshit traded vegetables and fruits.
The largest seaport of Egypt - Alexandria. It is located on the Mediterranean Sea. This is the second after Cairo industrial center of the country.
The city employs metallurgical and tire plants, food and light industry enterprises.
In Egypt, a dry climate. The hot season falls in July- October. From December to the March-cold season, but the air temperature is rarely lowered below 10 degrees of heat. Due to this, the resorts of Egypt are known throughout the world. The most popular of them are located on the coast of the Red and Mediterranean Seas.
Egypt- cradle one of ancient civilizations. For many centuries BC, Egyptians learned to make paper, glass, created a calendar, laid the foundations of mathematics.
In Egypt, many ancient cultural monuments have been preserved. These are the famous Egyptian pyramids and sphinxes. Thousands of tourists from all over the world visit the fake-ancient capital of Egypt, the Pharaoh Valley, where the pyramids are. Pyramid-disposal of pharaohs. Pharaohs are the rulers of ancient Egypt.
Hoeop's pyramid is the largest of the Egyptian pyramids the only of the "Seven Wonders of the World", which remained to the present day. It is assumed that construction continued twenty years. Large Sphinx - the oldest sculpture preserved on Earth. Carved from a monolithic limestone rock in the lion lying on the sand.
Egypt - amazing, full of secrets and riddles Country.

Brazzaville (938 thousand inhabitants, 1992), the capital of the country and large port on R. Kongo
Difference in time: Loading from Moscow for 2 hours.
Ethnic groups
Population K. make up nations language family Bantu. The most numerous Barkongs (along with the relatives of Bangvili and Bayombe - over 52% of the total population; 1970, evaluation); Live in the seaside districts and between the port of Pointe Noir and Brazzaville. Internal areas along the r. Congo inhabit Bobangs and Baboshi. On the border with Cameroon - the small peoples of Ngiri, Ngundi, Bamitaba. In tropical forests there are remnants of the ancient population K. - Tribes of Pygmeys of Baka, Babiga, etc. (less than 20 thousand people).
Language
Official language is French.
National currency: Frank CFA (100 Santimov).
Religion
More than half of the population adheres to local traditional beliefs, over a third of Christians, about 10 thousand people (mainly in Brazavil and Pointe Nuare) - Muslims.
Geographical position
Republic of the Congo, the state in Central Africa. The former colony of France, which gained independence in 1960. In the south-west, washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, it borders in the south with Angola (exclave Cabinda), in the East - with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in the north with Cameroon and Central African Republic, in the West - With Gabon.
In the colonial period called the middle Congo, the country was part of French Equatorial Africa. After receiving the status of autonomy in 1958, the former colony elected the name of the Republic of the Congo as part of the French community. It preserved this name until 1970. In 1970-1991 - the People's Republic of Congo. It is often used by the name of the Congo (Brazazavil), unlike the Congo (Kinshas), the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The area of \u200b\u200bthe country is 342 thousand square meters. km, population 2.56 million people (1996). The main cities are Brazzaville (938 thousand inhabitants, 1992), the capital of the country and a large port on R. Kongo, Pointe-Noir (576 thousand), the port on the Atlantic coast.
Relief and minerals
The coastline is aligned, its length is approx. 170 km. The main part of the country occupy the accumulative plains of the depressions of the Congo. This is the edge of extensive swamps and rivers - the tributaries of the Congo and Ubanga. On the periphery of the depressions in the northern, western and partly central regions The reservoir plains and stepped plateau are developed. A typical example is a batete plateau with a height of 650-850 m, where there are no rivers and many major suposic-correid funnel. To the southwest of it is located Wpadina Niari-Nyang, where a hilly landscape with a thick river network is developed. The largest valley of R.Niari is famous for its fertility. Next to the southwest, the folded-block mountains of Maiombe folded with granites, quartzites and slates, with medium heights of 700-800 m. These mountains are cool open to the coastal lowland 50-60 km wide, which the valleys of the rivers are crossed.
Climate
The climate of the country is equatorial. In the south, the dry season lasts from June to the end of September, and the wet - from March to April. It is at this time that there is a maximum of precipitation. The average annual precipitation is 1200 mm. The dry season is characterized by the lowest average temperatures (21 ° C). The average temperature of the hottest month, of March, reaches 30 ° C. Mitigating effect on the climate here has a cold Bengelege flow passing near the coast. In the central part of the country the hottest month is January, and the most wet-July. The average annual precipitation is 1600-2000 mm. The average temperature in Jambar of the coldest month, July, 22 ° C, and the warmest, April, 24 ° C. In the north of the country distinguish two seasons of strong tropical rains - in October and April. Almost no one of the months is truly dry or cool. The average annual precipitation reaches 2500 mm. The average temperature of the hottest month, April, at the station weighing 27 ° C, and the coldest, August, 25 ° C.
Inland waters
The river network is thick and multi-water. Eastern (big) part of the country belongs to the pool r. Congo, flowing along its eastern border, Western - mainly to the pool r. Quila (in the upper course - Niari). The Congo River and its right tributaries of the Ubanga, Sanga, Likvala, Alima shipping; Other rivers of the thresholds and mostly are unsuitable for shipping.
Soil and vegetable world
In vegetation, wet evergative equatorial and leaf pupils, everganal subequatorial forests with valuable rocks of trees (Lymba, Okuma, etc.) on red-yellow ferallotic soils are dominated; In the depressure of the Congo - periodically flooded and wetlands in the latic-glying soils. In the south of the forest, it is largely reduced and substituted by highly harvested savannas on red ferrollic soils.
Animal world
The animal world is rich, although under time in the 20th century. Very significant extermination. Numerous monkeys, there are elephants (in the north), hippos, leopards; The fauna of birds is abundantly represented (mainly forest species), reptiles (crocodiles, snakes), insects (including Tsetse fly). For the protection of fauna in 1940, the National Park was created.
Economy
The most part of the population is engaged in cultivation for their own consumption and sales in the domestic market of manique and bananas (main food crops), as well as Yams and in a small amount of some other cultures. Export crops (sugar reeds, oilseed palm, coffee and cocoa trees, tobacco and peanuts) culture mainly on plantations belonging to Europeans. Livestock is limited due to the widespread of the flies of the tse-tse, the carrier of the shape of a sleepy disease, deadly for cattle. The main part of the Congo meat needs satisfies due to imports from Chad. Only 2% of the lands are treated, and as the number of urban population increases, the imports of food products increase.
The largest source of state revenues is oil, the deposit of which was divorced in 1957. Currently, the shelf deposits Emerod, Loango, Likuala. Since 1973, Congo exports a significant part of oil produced. From 1985 to 1997, the annual production of oil in the country increased from 6.3 million tons to 13 million. The income export item is also the wood of valuable tropical breeds, mainly ocum, limb and ACAU. From 1969 to 1977, the development of potash salts in the Pointe Noura region was carried out, but due to the flood of the mine, it was out of order, and the mining was discontinued. Invited stocks high quality iron Ore.
At the first stage, the process of industrialization of the Congo contributed to the presence of first-class ports - maritime in Pointe Noura and River in Brazavil - and the fact that for a long time the country was an administrative center of the former French Equatorial Africa. In the early 1980s, the proportion of the manufacturing industry in GDP marked noticeably, at the same time, the imperfection of the state planning system began to manifest. Currently, the production of beer and soft drinks, canned vegetables and fruits, sugars, flour and fish products has been established in the country. There are enterprises for the production of tobacco and cigarettes, wood products, including timber and plywood, cement, soap and shoes. In the early 1970s, a shipbuilding plant was commissioned, built with the help of China. In 1976, an oil refining plant in Pointe Noura increased with a capacity of 1 million tons of crude oil per year. In the period from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s, the state nationalized the current and built new industrial enterprises. Since then, replacing each other government sought to privatize most of state and semi-state enterprises. Among the recently privatized - "Hydro-Congo", a former state-owned company for the distribution of oil refining products. Electricity to enterprises and in residential buildings comes with TPPs in Pointe Noura and Brazaville and HPP - in Jae and Imbellu.
The key transport artery of the entire Central African region is a water report from the capital of the Central African Republic of Bangui to Port Brazaville on R. Kongo, and from the railway to the seaport of Pointe Nouire.
Since the 1970s, thanks to the export of oil in the Congo, there was a positive trade balance. However, in 1996 and 1997, the cost of exports and imports was practically equal. Moreover, the Congo is forced to serve a huge external debt and import many products, which led to a significant annual deficit of current payments. In 1996, this deficit exceeded $ 1 billion. The Congo external debt increased from less than $ 1 billion in 1980 to more than $ 6 billion. In 1996. Over half of the import comes from France, the largest consumer of the Congolese exports are US. Other important trading partners - Germany, Spain, Netherlands and Italy. If in 1987, the export of crude oil brought $ 700 million, then in 1996 already 1.36 billion dollars (92% of the total export cost). The following is the following in the importance of the export items are timber, primarily a round forest (in 1996 sold in the amount of $ 85 million). Import machines and equipment, mainly for the oil industry, food and consumer goods. As a rule, Congo has a positive balance in trade with member countries of the Customs and Economic Union of Central Africa (Yudeak), where, in addition to the Congo, the Central African Republic, Cameroon and Gabon. Congo delivers Sugar, tobacco, beverages and crude oil to the countries of Yudeak. The balance of payments deficit is partially offset by income from transport services, as well as foreign subsidies and investments in oil, logging and other industries.

sights
Because of the climate's heavy climate, the country is almost unknown from the point of view of tourism, and the armed conflicts on political and ethnic soil for many years have been in terms of political and ethnic and ethnic soil and have reduced the country to this country. The capital of the country is Brazzaville, is located on the West Bank of the reservoir of the Malebo pool (once stanley pool) formed by the sleeves of the Congo River. The sights of the city include the beautiful Basilica of St. Anne, the Tempent Mosque, the Presidential Palace and the picturesque municipal gardens. Also are always attractive in Brazaville small shops selling subjects of national applied creativity, markets and the center of crafts in Pototo-Poto, which exhibits and sells, among other things, many local paintings and carved wooden masks and figures. In the capital, two large markets - Mungali and Owenze. Foc Avenue is overcrowded by street merchants. Wicker products and original clay dishes It is better to buy in the villages of Makan and M "Saw 3 km away. From Brazaville. South of the capital there is a whole cascade of waterfalls at the Congra River - Waterfalls of Livingston, Congo Rapids (9 km from the capital) and Lufulakari . Diverse and very beautiful places for water sports on the Rivers Congo, Niare, Juse and Kuilu always (in peacetime) were popular with foreign tourists, along with numerous French Forts of the XIX century. Along the coast and national parks of the country. Main coastal The city - Pointe Nuar, is famous for its live evening market, a zoo, the Museum of Georges Brousso and the Majestic Cathedral of Notre Dam. Quite interesting national parks Countries Smeal, Lefini and Legali-Pandaka, located in the zone of wet equatorial forests crossed by numerous rivers, they have a fairly large variety of animal and vegetable worldAnd are one of the latest islands survived on earth untouched "Gevei." Antelopes, giraffes, cheetahs, crocodiles, many species of birds and snakes are protected here. These are the latest habitats of the forest leopard and black gorillas.
Holidays
1st of January - New Year
May 1 - day of solidarity of workers
August 15 - Assumption (Independence Day (1960)
November 1 - the day of all saints
December 25 - Christmas

When drawing up a description of the country, materials from sites were used:
http://www.krugosvet.ru/amenu/1.htm.
http://www.gold-pelican.spb.ru/countrys.php.
http://tours.belti.ru/all_maps.php.
http://www.oval.ru/encycl.shtml.

Weather, climate

The Republic of Congo (not to be confused with the Democratic Republic of the Congo) covers an area of \u200b\u200b342,000 km². It has land borders with five countries: Gabon in the West, Cameroon and Central African Republic in the North, the Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire) in the East and Angola in the south. The extreme southwestern borders are washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Capital - Brazzaville.

The relief of the country is diverse, from the plains and depressions to the alpine plateau. The average height of the mountain ranges: 700-800 meters above sea level. The largest rivers: Qille and Congo. In the north of the country, wet tropical forests are running, which make up 50% of territories. In the south, highly harvested savannahs spread.

Congo runs in two climatic belts: Equatorial (in the north) and subequatorial (in the south). Seasons are divided into two seasons: dry and wet, which alternate throughout the year. July is one of the coldest months of the year, with average temperatures + 22 ° C. January, on the contrary, hot, the air warms up to + 26 ° C. From May to September and from January to February there are no precipitation or they are very scarce, this period is called a dry season. Tropical showers pour from March to April and from October to December. These seasons are called wet. Air humidity high throughout the year.

The best time to visit the country is a dry season. To decide on the departure date, read the weather by months.

Weather in the Republic of Congo in January

From January to February in the country lasts a short dry season. This time is great for travel. The average temperature of the air is kept at + 26 ° C. In the capital, Brazzaville indicators vary from + 23 ° C to + 17 ° C. The average wind speed is 6 km / h. The precipitation falls a little up to 45 mm in the capital. Humidity level is 80%. Water warms up to + 26 ° C ... + 28 ° C.

Weather in the Republic of Congo in February

In February, there is a relatively dry season, the level of precipitation in the capital reaches 55 mm. In the rest of the regions, up to 120 mm of precipitation falls. On average, the air in the country is heated to + 28 ° C heat. In the capital, brazavil indicators range from + 22 ° C to + 32 ° C, humidity reaches 79%. The wind is weak, up to 6 km / h.

Weather in the Republic of Congo in March

In March, the dry season is replaced by a short rainy, which will last two months. The precipitate falls often and abundantly. In the capital, the indicators reach 77 mm, in the rest of the territories - up to 170 mm. The first month of spring is the warmest per year. In Brazavil, medium temperatures range from + 23 ° C at night to + 32 ° F. Humidity above 80%. The air throughout the country is heated to + 28 ° C. The water on the coast reaches the maximum temperature + 29 ° C.

Weather in the Republic of Congo in April

Rain and thunderstorm continue in April. In the capital this month, up to 83 mm of precipitation falls, throughout the country, these indicators reach 183 mm. In the capital day + 33 ° C, at night + 23 ° С. The water temperature is kept at + 29 ° C. The wind blows at a speed of 6 km / h. The average temperatures in the country range from + 27 ° afternoon to + 22 ° C at night. Air humidity 79%.

Weather in the Republic of Congo in May

In May, the average daily temperatures continue to fall. There is a long dry season, which will end in October. The average temperature in the country varies from + 22 ° C at night to + 27 ° F. The maximum indicators this month was + 32 ° C. In the capital, medium temperatures range from + 23 ° C to + 31 ° C. The water temperature on the coast is down to + 28 ° C. The wind is weak, up to 6 km / h. Air humidity 81%.

Weather in the Republic of Congo in June

In the central regions of the Congo, the dry season is clearly indicated. Here from June to July there are no precipitation or they are minimal. In the capital drops to 0.1 mm dew. The air temperature drops to + 26 ° C ... + 21 ° C. In the brazavil, during the day + 29 ° C, at night the air is cooled to + 25 ° C. The humidity level is 80%, the average wind speed is 6 km / h. The coast water is lowered to a temperature of + 22 ° C ... + 23 ° C.

Weather in the Republic of Congo in July

This month there is a decrease in daily temperatures throughout the country, as July is one of the coldest per year. The average indicators are kept at + 25 ° C ... + 29 ° C. In Brazavil, the air temperature ranges from + 19 ° at night to + 28 ° F. The minimum indicators dropped to + 20 ° C. Air humidity 77%. In the capital this month there is no precipitation. Wind speed is 7 km / h. The water on the coast is cooled to + 20 ° C ... + 22 ° C.

Weather in the Republic of Congo in August

In August, the air is gradually warming up, reaching the average + 25.5 ° C. This month drops 160 mm precipitation, which bring moisture to 75%. In the capital, the average temperature at night lowers up to + 20 ° C, during the day the air heats up to + 29 ° C. The precipitation is extremely scant - up to 0.3 mm. Water temperature + 21 ° C. In the most windy days, wind gusts reach 8 km / h.

Weather in the Republic of Congo in September

September is the last dry and the most windy month before the start of the rainy season. Wind gusts reach 9 km / h. The average temperatures in the country range from + 21 ° Happy day to + 27 ° C at night. The maximum indicators this month reached + 30 ° C. In the capital, Brazaville day + 22 ° C, at night + 31 ° C. Water warms up to + 22 ° C ... + 24 ° C. At the end of the month, up to 200 mm of precipitation falls.

Weather in the Republic of Congo in October

In October, the long season of rains begins, which will last until December. The average temperatures in the country range from + 26 ° afternoon to + 22 ° C at night. In the capital, the air warms up to + 31 ° C, cooling up to + 22 ° C at night. It drops down 60 mm of precipitation, humidity rises to 82%. Sea temperature on the coast + 25 ° C. Humidity 67%. The wind blows at a speed of 6-7 km / h.

Weather in the Republic of Congo in November

November - the most rainy month of the year. In the capital drops to 135 mm of precipitation. Humidity rises to 85%. The average temperatures in Brazzaville ranges from + 22 ° afternoon to + 31 ° C at night. Water on the coast warms up to + 26 ° C. The wind blows at a speed of 6 km / h.

Weather in the Republic of Congo in December

In December, the amount of rainy days is significantly reduced. This month in the capital drops to 90 mm of precipitation. Average countries vary from + 21 ° C to + 27 ° C. In Brazaville, the air is cooled at night to + 22 ° C, the day is heated to + 31 ° C. The wind blows at a speed of 6 km / h, air humidity is 82%. Water on the coast is not lower than + 26 ° C.

The population is 48.9 million people (1998). In the capital Kinshas there is approx. 5 million inhabitants.

Colony of Belgian Congo gained independence on June 30, 1960 and became the Republic of Congo. In August 1964, the country was named the Democratic Republic of the Congo. President Joseph-Desire Mobutu on October 27, 1971 renamed it to the Republic of Zaire. On May 17, 1997, after the overthrow of the Laurer-Dezir of the Cabille of Mobuta regime, the country has regained the previous name - the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

NATURE

Relief and water resources.

The central part of the DRC is an allyuvial plateau of the average height of OK. 910 m above U.M. In the south-east of the country and along its eastern border, the ridges of Mount Mountains with a height of 1520-4880 m above U.M., the highest point of which, Peak Margherita (5109 m), is located on the ruvenezori massif. The entire territory of the DRC is located in the R. Kongo pool (second in length in Africa) and its numerous tributaries. The most important among them are Ubanga, Lualaby, Aruvimi and Kasia, forming their own extensive river system. There are many swamps in the country, and R. Kongo in several places expands and forms lakes, in particular, Males (Stanley Pool). The largest lakes are located chain along the Eastern Border: Albert, Edward, Kivu, Tanganica (Natural Border with Tanzania) and MVERU. The largest of the lakes inside the country - Mai Nombe and Tumba.

Climate.

Climate in the pool R. Kongo Tropical with a small difference in the temperatures of the cool month, July, and the hottest, February. The average annual temperature is approx. 26 ° C, precipitation falls from 1100 to 1700 m per year, mainly in the rainy season from October to March. In the mountains of Kivu and Shaba (previously - Katany), the climate is cooler and land.

Soil and natural vegetation.

The best soils are in the floodplains of the average flow of R. Kongo, where IL accumulate. Approximately 64.7 thousand square meters. km in the Equatorial part of the pool R. Konggo occupies a rain tropical forest with high trees and closed canopy. To the north and south, it is replaced by park savannate palpathics, and in the field of Kivu in the east of the country there are pure grasses.

The natural vegetation of the country is very diverse. In the forests there are many valuable wood species, in particular, red and ebony, as well as palm trees, rubberos. In a wild form, bananas, cotton and coffee tree grow. In the south-east of the area of \u200b\u200bthe Schab (Katanga) extends the extensive belt of the edded. One of the most important sources of businesswood - Forest Maumbe with an area of \u200b\u200b5.2 thousand square meters. km from the Atlantic coast, but in principle, it is believed that there are almost half the territory of the country, suitable for exploitation.

Animal world.

The animal world of the DRC is rich and diverse. Elephants, chimpanzees and other primates, lions, leopards, jackals and many different snakes are found in forests and gentlemen. Rivers are replete with crocodiles and hippopots, and Savannah - African buffaloes, antilopes and other herbivore hoofs. In DRC, several national parks, of which are the most important - Virung around Oz. Edward. From the birds are found endemic storks, parrots, ibis, crags and herons. Among the insects are abundant pathogens of diseases of people and cattle - Malari mosquitoes and fly Tsetz. Lakes are rich in many kinds of fish.

POPULATION

Demography.

Estimates of the population, like most available statistical data on Congo, are unreliable. It is difficult to carry out accurate calculations, because within the country, rural residents migrate to cities, and from a number of neighboring countries - Angola, Burundi, Rwanda and Sudan - periodically migrate refugees who sooner or later return back. According to official censuses, the population in 1970 was 21,638 thousand people, in 1974 - 24,227 thousand, and in 1984 - 29,671 thousand in 1992 the Ministry of Internal Affairs estimated the number of residents of the country in 40 million. According to the most accurate independent estimates, in 2003, 56.6 million people lived in the country.

Annual population growth was approximately 2.9% in 2003 and was mainly due to natural growth, since the birth rate significantly exceeds mortality. In 2003, the birth rate was 45.12 per 1000 people, and mortality - 14.87 per 1000. Most experts believe that the real mortality was higher due to the decline of the economy and the field of medical care, but its true scales are unknown. The highest rates of population growth were observed in the south of the country and in the cities. In rural areas of the North, the demographic situation was relatively stable. Despite the fast urbanization, in the mid-1990s, approximately 55% of the Congolese remained rural residents. The average life expectancy in 2003 was estimated at 46.83 years in men and 51.09 years in women.

Ethnic composition, language and religion.

The indigenous population of the territory of modern DRC was Pygmeni, inhabitants of Central Africa. Currently, they remained little and live only in the deaf forest areas. The ancestors of the peoples that constitute the main part of the DRC population, settled here in II-I thousand BC. During numerous migrations. There are approximately 250 peoples in the country and ethnic groups, the overwhelming majority of which speaks Languages. Among the most numerous and better studied ethnic groups - Bagonthogo in the west of the country, Mongo in the center of the pool R. Kongo, Babuba in the south and in the center of the eastern part of the country, Lund in the south, Bashi about the lake. Kivu and Azand in the northeast.

Regional languages \u200b\u200bof inter-ethnic communication are the Kikongo in the West, Chilub in the south of the central part of the country, Swahili in the east and lingala in the north and in the center of the R. Kongo basin. The most common African language in the Lingala. They are spoken in Kinshasas and Brazaville, the capital of the neighboring Republic of the Congo. It was the lingala that was the only African language, which from colonial times and to overthrow the mobuta was used as a means of communication in the armed forces. The lingala shows most folk songs. The official language is French, which is used in state and educational institutions, in the armed forces and in business life.

About 90% of the population is Christians. Approximately 60% of them Catholics, the rest are Protestants, kinchangists (supporters of the Christian African Church) and a small number of Orthodox Christians. The number of Muslims inhabiting the mostly eastern and northeastern part of the country is approx. 2 million people.

Cities.

Since the 1950s, an impressive pace occurs urbanization of the DRC. In the capital of the country, Kinshasa in 1940 lived only 47 thousand people, by 1957 - 380 thousand, and by 1991 - approximately 4 million in the last estimates, the population of the capital ranges from 5 to 6 million people. Economic and political crises significantly affected the demographic situation in other major cities. The population of the population in areas where ethnic cleansing was passed, for example, in three important centers of the mining belt of the copper belt - Lubumbashi, Kolvelisia and Likasi. The population of Mbuji-Mayi, Kanangani, Kisangani, Goma and Bukavu, where they found the refuge. Despite the process of reducing jobs in cities that began in 1991, their population continues to grow. In the absence of reliable statistical data, the approximate population of regional centers of the country in the late 1990s was assessed as follows: Lubumbashi, Mbuji Maye and Kisangani - approx. 1 million people each, Kananga, Goma and Bukavu - 0.5 million people, colvessia and Likasi - a quarter of a million people. Other major administrative and business centers with a population of at least 100 thousand people - Mbandaka, Bandundu, Matadi and Boma. Mbuji Maya - Diamond Mining Center in the field of East Kasia, Kivita - Palm oil processing. The main seaport - Matadi, located upstream not far from the mouth of R. Kongo. Minor freight volumes are processed in the Boma port located above the Congo. It is planned to build a deep-sea port in the town of Banana located on the Atlantic coast.

In the colonial period, the Belgian administration controlled internal migration, limiting the inflow of the population in the city. After the proclamation of independence, these restrictions were removed, and the mass of people, mostly rural youth, rushed to the city. The spontaneous growth of cities led to the fact that the center of each major city, where administrative buildings, shopping centers and capital houses built by the state or private companies appeared, there were huge regions of slums. One of the most serious problems of the Congolese cities is unemployment.

State system and politics

From 1965 to 1990, the regime of a strong centralized presidential power existed in the Congo. President Mobutu focused in his hands a huge authority. Mobutu came to power after the 1960-1985 period, when the country was covered by chaos and separatism, and the weak federal government was unable to restore order. The corruption of the state apparatus and the long Board of Mobutu led to a violation of domestic political stability in the late 1980s and the mass requirements of political reforms. In 1990-1996, the political leaders of the country led long and difficult negotiations on the democratization of the political system. In October 1996, war broke out, the dictatorship of Mobutu fell out, and in May 1997, a new regime headed by Laurent Cabille came to power. In August 1997, another grouping of rebels, behind which they stood Rwanda and Uganda, resumed military actions. The armed opposition announced that she intends to dismiss the President of the Cabil and establish a democratic regime in the country.

The traditions of strong centralized power in the Congo developed in the colonial period, but after the announcement of independence, the authoritarian regime could no longer provide the high rates of socio-economic development of the country. Under the conditions of the one-party system, when the power relations were built on the principle of "Cartridge - Customer", most of the state resources became the personal property of the autocrat ruler and its closest entourage.

Federal authorities.

In 1965-1990, Congo managed authoritarian regime, and the entire executive was in the hands of the president. On the presidential election held every seven years, Mobutu was elected on a non-alternative basis. A unopalaptional parliament, consisting of loyal members of the ruling party, argued the budget and took the necessary laws.

In 1990, attempts were activated to reform the political system from above, to create a more efficient and corruption authorities in the transition period. It was assumed that the presidential powers would be limited, and the executive activity would be under the control of parliament, an independent judicial system and a free press. Mobutu and his surroundings hosted in every way the process of democratization, which at all stalled after the office coming to power, which prohibited the activities of political parties.

Regional and local authorities.

The 1967 Constitution abolished the Federal Device of the Congolese State, declared in the Constitutions of 1960 and 1964, and restored the centralized structure of regional and local governance. According to the Constitution 1967, the governors of the regions, the heads of the administration of districts and smaller territorial units were appointed by the Central Government. The number of areas was reduced from 21 to 8, and later increased to 10. In addition, the capital of Kinshasa received the status of the region. Currently, the country is divided into the following areas: Bandundu (Administrative Center Bandundu), Lower Congo (Matadi), Equatorial (Mbandaka), Upper Congo (Kisangani), West Kasia (Kananga), East Kasai (Mbuji Maya ), Katanga (Lubumbashi), Moneya (Kindu), Northern Kivu (Goma) and South Kivu (Bukavu). Further, the territory of the regions was divided into 24 districts and 134 rural districts or territory. At the grassroots level, the power functions carried out leaders and elders, which were appointed by the government, taking into account their traditional status in the local community.

In 1992, the meeting on political and constitutional reforms, known as the Supreme National Conference, approved the course to the federalization of the state device.

Major political organizations.

In 1967-1990 the ruling and the only legal political organization was the part of the World Revolution, the People's Movement of the Revolution (NDR). Trade unions, women's and youth organizations were built on a national basis and worked within the framework of the NDR. With the introduction in the 1990 multi-party system, the mobuto party monopoly was put in the political life of the country, which was the culmination of a ten-year-old opposition struggle for a multi-party democracy. The opposition stated itself in 1980, and in 1982 he created a party to the Union for democracy and social progress (SDSP). After 1990, hundreds of political parties and public organizations have emerged, which have become an integral part of the democratic movement.

During the transition period 1990-1997, almost all political organizations of the country were divided into two main camps. The first supported President Mobutu and advocated saving the status quo. It was submitted by the organization of the Political Forces of the Conclave, named as in connection with the Assembly, which the properrement forces conducted in March 1993 to remove democratic elements. Supporters of the second camp united around the organization called the Holy Union of the Radical Opposition and its allies, who advocated fundamental transformations and declared adherence to the decisions of the National Conference. In May 1997, the President of the Cabil banned the activities of these political groups and in general of all parties. The Alliance of the Democratic Forces for the liberation of Congo, the coalition of the four opposition groups, established in October 1996 to combat Mobutu regime, became the only legal political organization of the country.

Judicial and legal system.

Justice in the DRC is nearing the standards of both the general law, "writing law" and the usual law. The state judicial system where the norms of common law are applied, built on the same principles as Belgian. At the grassroots level, mainly in rural areas, the courts of leaders act, which are guided by the norms of customary law. Their jurisdiction is limited by the resolution of local controversial situations.

Foreign policy.

DRC - UN member, African Unity Organization (OAU), African Development Bank, Southern African Development Community and other international organizations, supports diplomatic relations with most states of the world.

Armed forces.

Since mobuta seized power as a result of a military coup in 1965, the main support of his regime was the Congolese armed forces. According to the statistical data leaked in 1993, OK. 90% of the officer was the fellow president, the natives of the Equatorial region, about half of the generals belonged to the same small ethnic group as Mobutu, Ngbadi. Countrymen president prevailed in elite military units that made up about a quarter of the number of armed forces, the 15-thousand presidential guard, military intelligence service, security authorities, immigration service, semi-Russian police forces. In general, 60 thousand men and women who served as part of the regular parts of gendarmerie, land forces, landing and mechanized units, in small and poorly equipped aviation, as well as in the parts of the coast guard, were poorly prepared, lived on unimportant conditions and Received a scanty salary. The army existed due to extortion and banditry, the soldiers often terrorized and robbed civilians. As a result of massive robberies and the earliecies committed by military personnel in Kinshas and other cities in 1991 and in 1993, many modern shopping centers were destroyed. All this contributed to the decay of the national armed forces as a combat force and tool for maintaining the law and order. The Congolese army failed to resist the armed rebels who overthrew the mobutu and led to power the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the liberation of the Congo.

The Alliance did not have his own army, except for 4-5 thousand Congolese who served in the auxiliary parts of the Angolan army, who returned to their homeland to help the Cabil, and thousands of adolescents (Kadogo), which the Cabile put under the gun during the seven-month march from Roma to Kinshasa. It is part of the National Angolass Army who served in them the Congolese won three decisive battles: they broke the Serbian and Croatian mercenaries during Kisangani, defeated the presidential guard with Lubumbashi and the detachments of the Angolan rebel of Jonas Savimby under Kenge. Under the command of Rwandan officers, other military operations were carried out: the destruction of the Hutu refugee camps, which were used by the Huti extremists to continue in Rwanda Tutsi Genocide, and the seizure of the main cities and administrative centers of the Congo. Until July 1998, the post of headquarters of the Congolese Armed Forces held a citizen of Rwanda James Cabaret.

By the end of 1998, DRC remained without a national army. The so-called official army, the Congolese Armed Forces (KVC) were somehow formed from the remnants of the Mobutov army, the soldiers of the auxiliary parts of the Angolan army, known as Katangian gendarmes or "Tigers", as well as Kadogo. It is not surprising that this separated, poorly prepared and undisciplined army could not resist the resistance of the army of the Congolese association for democracy formed from the FCCs, including military personnel of the former mobutov army, and the Congolese Tutsi, who received military training in Uganda and Rwanda. In addition to the two army mentioned, several other divisions of militia acted in the northeastern regions of the country.

ECONOMY

DRC, whose subsoil is rich in minerals, has the most powerful economic potential among tropical Africa countries. The country has significant energy resources - hydropower, oil and natural gas, which began to be developed only in recent years. DRC ranks first in the world in the production of industrial diamonds and cobalt and is one of the world's leading manufacturers. Economy DRC diversified, although the products of the mining industry prevails in exports. Agriculture continues to provide means to the existence of an overwhelming part of the population, but the role of industry is steadily increasing. Main Industrial Centers - Kinshasa Corridor - Matadi, Copper Mining Area Katanga and East Kasia, Diamond Mining Center. In the colonial period, the companies owned by the Belgians were monopolized by the mining industry, as well as the most important branches of agricultural and industrial production. The authorities of the independent Congo restricted the activities of foreign corporations. In 1974, the government expropriated small and medium-sized foreign enterprises and plantation farms.

The collapsing of the organs of the authorities and internal civil workers who followed the proclamation of independence also undermined the economy. Strongly from the country left the most qualified civil servants, managers and technical experts (mainly Belgians). The cost of combating separatists, the impossibility of collecting taxes in many parts of the country, and the Katangi branch put the central government to the line of bankruptcy. The volume of production in most sectors of the economy has sharply decreased. Since 1966, the process of improving the economy has begun. The army was able to restore order on the territory of most rural areas. In 1967, the government conducted a number of economic reforms that contributed to the development of trade and investment influx. In addition to the introduction of a new and more stable currency, Zaire, the authorities of the country have weakened control over import operations and canceled the restrictions introduced in 1960 by foreign companies in the border.

In the mid-1970s, the country again entered the lane of the economic crisis, which continued in the 1990s. Since export receipts only partially covered considerable import costs, the government made large foreign loans. The growth of export receipts was held back by low world prices for major export products - copper, cobalt, coffee and diamonds. Financial assistance was required by foreign banks and international organizations to serve foreign debt. By 1997, his amount was $ 13.8 billion. Since agricultural production did not provide the needs of the population, the government was forced to spend foreign currency reserves for food imports. Economic difficulties were aggravated by the deplorable state of infrastructure, especially vehicles. Annual budgets were reduced to a significant deficit that there was a high level of inflation with other economic issues.

The protracted political crisis of the 1990s is the interrupted transition to democracy and war 1996 and 1998 - led to a further deterioration of the economic situation, the disintegration of the mining industry, trade, banking and service sector.

Gross domestic product.

In 1991, Congo's GDP was estimated at 133 trillion. Zairov, which approximately equal to $ 8.5 billion, or $ 233 per capita. The share of agricultural production focused on the domestic market amounted to approximately 30% of GDP, industry - 30%. The rest of the GDP was produced in the field of trade and services. In 1995, GDP was estimated at $ 16.5 billion, or approx. 400 dollars per capita. The structure of GDP was as follows: Agriculture - 59%, industry - 15%, the scope of services - 26%.

Agriculture.

The processed lands are approx. 3%, meadows and pastures - 6% of the country area. In agriculture coexist two types of agricultural production. Small peasant farms in which OK. 60% of the economically active population, produce products for their own needs and sales in the domestic market. Until now, such farms are used by the traditional system of trapped farming. Chemical fertilizers and modern techniques are almost not used. Main food crops - maniacs, bananas, corn, rice, legumes, butt and peanuts. The peasants are grown for sale cotton, coffee and sugar cane, surplus food crops are implemented in local markets.

The production of export agricultural products is focused mainly in plantation farms. Large companies specialize in the production of oils of oil palm, rubber, coffee and cocoa. Most of palm oil and nuts are made on plantations located in the R. Kongo pool in the south-west of the country. Arabica varieties are grown on high mountain plantations in the east, robust grade coffee - in the R. Kongo pool. On plantations, most tea, rubber, sugar cane and cocoa are produced.

Because of the tsets fly, the carrier of the pathogen of a sleepy disease in humans and disease "Nagan" in pets, livestock zone is limited. Cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and poultry growing.

Forestry and fishing.

About 75% of the territory of the Congo is covered with forests. Wood valuable breeds (tick and ebony) is exported, the rest is used as a fastener material in mines and as fuel. Fish is an important source of protein in the diet of the population.

Mining industry and metallurgy.

The mining of minerals in Katanga was still 10 V. The Europeans began to develop a subsoil of the Congo in the first decade of the 20th century. By the end of the colonial period, European companies controlled almost the entire extractive industry. The most powerful of them was the Belgian "Suck of the General", which, through his subsidiary, Union Miner Du O "Katanya" (Yumok) owned the territory of the area of \u200b\u200b33.7 thousand square meters by the Rights of the Concession with an area of \u200b\u200b33.7 thousand square meters. Km, where the richest mineral deposits were concentrated Fossils. December 31, 1966 The government nationalized the property of the governance. To control the extraction, smelting and selling copper and other minerals, the State Mining Corporation Zhekamin was created. The contradictions arising in the "Suck" contradictions were resolved in early 1967, when the government handed over part of the production of copper in Maintaining her subsidiary.

After gaining independence, the Congo economy has become increasingly dependent on the mining industry. The main source of export proceeds is copper, then cobalt, diamonds, cassiteritis (tin ore) and zinc. The production of copper, which is the basis of the country's economy, is conducted in the region of Katanga. Lead, coal, manganese, zinc and cobalt are also mined. DRC is the largest supplier of cobalt to the global market. In the area that occupies the territory from the northern border of the Katangi to the northern part of Kivu, the gold, tungsten and tantalum deposits are being developed. Casais ranks first in the world for the extraction of industrial diamonds, jewelry diamonds are mined there. Women's large-scale illegal mining of diamonds, which are exported from the country abroad. Gold is mined in the northwest of the country. In 1975, the development of oil deposits on the coastal shelf began.

In areas of mineral mining, large mining and metallurgical complexes have been created. The largest centers of metallurgy - Likasi and Kolweis in Katang. Copper ore is converted to a concentrate from which copper is paid. Most of the zinc ore is processed in zinc sheet, and a part of the cassiterite is integrated into tin bars.

The political crisis of the 1990s was adversely affected the development of the mining and metallurgical industry. The volume of the annual production of copper has decreased by 90%, and the oldest part of gold and diamonds were mined by handicraft methods who preferred to work with a black market.

Manufacturing industry.

Although the first manufacturing enterprises were created in the Congo during the First World War, its development was artificially restrained before the beginning of World War II. The shortage of consumer goods in the war period stimulated the growth of the local light industry, which continued after independence. However, since the mid-1970s, the release of many types of manufacturing products is reduced annually or did not increase. Moreover, in the early 1980s, the production facilities of many enterprises acted in just 30%. Such a situation was due to limitations on currency transactions, which prevented the purchase of imported spare parts for worn out equipment, insufficient volumes of industrial raw materials and unwillingness of investors to load industrial enterprises at full capacity against the background of an indefinite economic situation.

After the wave of robberies from the military personnel, riding around the country in 1991 and 1993, there was a further decline in production, the state of the manufacturing industry has deteriorated after each political crisis. During the period of independence, the highest pace of consumer goods, in particular clothing and food, which was explained by the revolving needs of the ever-increased urban population and the lack of similar imported products. Consumer goods manufacturing enterprises are concentrated mainly in the Kinshasa region, the main industrial center of the country. Mining, chemical and metallurgical enterprises are concentrated in the mining areas of Katanga. Davils for palm oil and small food industry enterprises are found throughout the country.

Transport and energy.

The main obstacle to the development of mining and other industries is the underdevelopment of the transport system and the lack of energy facilities. The basis of the Transport network DRC is the routes of export product export products on rivers and railways. The length of almost all cars and railways Nearby; As a rule, they associate waterways with export production areas. In the early 1990s, most of the roads needed repairs. Transport plugs - the usual phenomenon on the r. Congo between Kinshasa and the Marine Port Matadi. Since this segment of the river is uncomfortable due to the thresholds, considerable costs of forces and means for transshipment of goods from the bargain in railway cars are required. The railway links to Katanu with foreign seaports Lobitu and Bengeloy (Angola), Bejoy (Mozambique), Dar Es Salam (Tanzania) and East London, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town (South Africa). In 1990, the length of the operating railways was approx. 5.1 thousand km. Due to the poor state of the railway canvase in the 1990s, accidents became more frequent.

The length of waterways is approx. 14.5 thousand km, roads (mainly ground) - approx. 145 thousand km. An important role is played by internal air transportation. International airports are located in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Kisangani. The DRC has a powerful hydropower potential estimated at 1 billion kW. However, in 1990, only 4.9 million kW / h of electricity were produced.

International trade.

DRC - exporter of production of mining and agricultural products. The main article of exports is copper, the sale of which brought the country in 1990 almost half of export revenues. An important place in the list of export goods is occupied by cobalt, diamonds, zinc and cassiteritis. As a rule, the share of minerals in exports is approx. 80%. The remaining export articles are coffee, oilseeds, rubber and wood products. Machinery, vehicles, food, textile and chemical industries, metal and metal products are imported.

The cost of exports is usually much higher than the value of imports. In 1990, for example, exports brought $ 2.14 billion, and import costs amounted to $ 1.54 billion. However, the considerable costs of maintaining the management apparatus and the service of debt in the period after the economic crisis of the mid-1970s led to a significant annual Deficiency of the balance of payments. Belgium remains the main foreign trade partner, which accounts for over a third of exports. Other major foreign trade partners - USA, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.

Finance and banking.

In order to issue a local currency, the regulation of cash flows and the implementation of credit policies in 1964 was created by the Central Bank. In the 1960s, Frank was repeatedly devalued, and in 1967 a new monetary unit was introduced into appeal - Zaire. In 1992, the financial system of the country collapsed, and in 1998 Zaire was replaced with a new Congolese Franc.

The state budget.

In the period 1960-1990, the state budget comes down with a deficit. Since 1967, the budget deficit accepted a threatening scale. Typically, annual deficits were covered at the expense of the central bank loans, which was one of the factors of strong inflation. The main source of state revenue was taxes on foreign trade operations, as well as export duties on the products of the mining industry, import duties, taxes on personal income and corporate income.

Under President Mobutu and Prime Minister Leone Kengo Va Dondo (1982-1986, 1988-1990 and 1994-1997) there was a practice of concealing the true situation in government finances, when real expenses differed significantly from declared indicators. Thus, published data on some articles of the expenditure part of the budget 1989 looked as follows: Service of public debt - approx. 29%, education - 7%, National defense - 8% and the cost of maintaining the president and its apparatus - 15%. In fact, almost half of the expenditure part of the budget was spent on the needs of the president. Most of the development programs were funded by foreign loans and subsidies. In 1989, the development budget was approx. 10% of the amount of all government spending. After termination in 1990 foreign economic assistance, this cost of expenses disappeared from state budget.

Society and culture

General characteristics.

People live in the country 250 linguistic groups. For many centuries, the peoples of the North Zone of Savannon Congo supported links with the population of state formations of the inland regions of West Africa and the Nile region. Located in the West, the Kingdom of Congo is still at the end of the 15th - early 16th centuries. Established relationships with Portugal and the Vatican. For the 19th century The attitudes of the peoples of the eastern part of the country with the population of the coast of East Africa, and shortly before the coming of Europeans in the field of Martya to the west of Oz. Tanganic began to arise Arab-Suakhili trade public entities. At 19 in. The peoples of the southern regions were tested by the military pressure of the South African NGONA people.

Social structure.

Although the migration processes between the city and the village continue, the social structure of the rural society is significantly different from the city. In the colonial period, the Congolese middle class was almost entirely from white. Africans had little opportunities to get higher or secondary special educationTherefore, the most part of the leading positions in the state apparatus and companies occupied Europeans. After the independence of Independence, the Africans occupied the highest administrative posts, and companies that continued to be under the control of foreigners were prescribed to recruit managerial personnel from Africans. Since 1960, the African middle class began to form in the Congo. There are quite a lot of African entrepreneurs in the country, however, the process of becoming an African bourgeoisie is at a slower pace.

A significant detachment of employees has developed in the mining industry, on plantations, transport and light industry enterprises. After independence, a numerous group of partially occupied or fully unemployed people appeared in the country, consisting mainly of young people. They live with random earnings, street trade or thanks to help who have a permanent job of relatives. The overwhelming majority of the Congolese farmers owns small metals, where they grow food cultures, as well as commodity cultures, if there is an opportunity to sell them profitable.

In some areas, located mainly in the eastern part of the country, the influence of traditional social structures remains.

Religion and religious institutions.

In the colonial period, Christian missionaries were active among the local population; By 1960, their number in the Congo reached 10 thousand people. Special patrons of the colonial administration used the Catholic missions, which were led by the Belgians. Churches and Mission Steel educational centers For Africans, where they began to put forward on senior posts long before this practice had taken root in administrative bodies and foreign companies. Thanks to the religious and educational activities of the missions, the overwhelming majority of Congolese have been drawn to Christianity.

An important role was played by the third in the number of Christian community - an independent African Church, the chapter of which in 1921 was Simon Cymbang. In his teaching, S.Kombang joined the ideas of Protestantism and African traditional beliefs. The Belgian authorities considered that the preaching of the Cymbang on Africans's God's viability pose a threat to European domination in the Congo. S.Kombanga, like many of his followers, was put in prison, where he died after 30 years of imprisonment. Nevertheless, Kimbangism supporters became more and more, and in 1959, Cymbangism was recognized as an official religion. In 1969, the Church of Jesus Christ on Earth, founded by Simon Kimbang, became a member of the World Council of Churches with headquarters in Geneva.

The fourth and small Christian community in the Congo are supporters of the Orthodox Church, which make up less than 1% of the Congolese Christians. Although the Orthodox faith was brought to Congo Greek merchants, whose churches remained exclusively Greek even after independence, a significant number of Congolese adopted Orthodoxy, as a result of which another influential religious community arose in the country.

One of the fastest growing religious communities in the Congo - Muslims. From the places of their traditional influence in the east and northeastern countries, Islam applies throughout its territory. Islam penetrated the Congo in the middle of 19 century. With Arab-Suakhili traders, slaves and ivory from Zanzibar and from the coast of East Africa. Muslim Congolesees are easily distinguished by white long robes common among the Islamized population of the coast of East Africa.

Organizations and social movements.

After World War II, a variety of Africans organizations emerged in the Congolese cities; College graduates Associations, Intellectual Leisure Clubs, Ethnic Associations and Trade Unions.

Until 1967, the trade union movement was split into three major organizations, which was a consequence of conflicts between the Catholic and socialist unions of Belgium, as well as personal ambitions of trade union leaders. In 1967, within the framework of the one-party regime, all trade unions were combined into one. Independent trade unions have been revived after the cancellation in the 1990 union-party system.

Students had the most stubborn resistance to the establishment of the control of the ruling party over its organization. After a number of serious conflicts with the regime, the student movement was incorporated into the youth organization of the ruling party. After 1990, students, like other social groups, have received the right to participate in any legitimate social and political activities.

Education.

The first schools appeared in the Congo at the end of the 19th century. After graduation, the Africans had the opportunity to continue education only in Catholic seminary.

After the war, the colonial administration began to assist Christian missions in the expansion of the system. school Education. In 1948, government subsidies were first allocated to Protestant missions. The focus was paid to an increase in the number of elementary schools. After 1960, this problem was in the center of attention of all governments. In the early 1970s, the cost of education exceeded 25% of the state budget. The economic crisis of the 1980-1990s has fallen into a detrimental effect on the entire education system. To survive in the conditions of lack of funds to pay for the work of teachers, the purchase of everything necessary for the educational process and repairing school buildings, employees of education are forced to seek help to parents of students. High School End diplomas are issued to graduates from government after successful government exams. Students of schools in remote areas are poorly prepared for these exams, which lack teachers and textbooks. Due to the difficulties of rural life, teachers with a university diploma prefer to work in urban schools.

In 1954, the Belgians created a Catholic University in Leopoldville (Sovr. Kinshasa), and in 1955 - State University in Elizabtville (Sovr. Lubumbashi). After 1960, a number of new higher educational institutions appeared in the Congo. So, in 1963 Protestant University was opened in Stanlyville (Sovr. Kisangani), in different cities of the country opened doors of medical, agricultural, technical, commercial and other universities. In 1971, all three universities were merged into one - the National University of Zaire, but in 1981 each of them was returned by the status of an independent educational institution.

HISTORY

Prior to the establishment of colonial rule in the south, west and east of the modern DRC there was a number of state entities, some of them were quite large on the territory and population. With the exception of the Northern and Northeastern Occaras, the entire population of the country spoke to the Languages. The greatest trace in history was left the kingdom of Congo, Cuba, Luba and Lund.

In 1484, when Portuguese navigators reached the mouth of R. Kongo, the first contacts between Europeans and the local population were established. Due to the thresholds, the Portuguese could not climb up the river more than 160 km. True Europe found out about Congo thanks geographic Studies Henry Stanley and other European travelers of the late 19th century. Attempt by G. Stanley Interested in the results of its discoveries of the Great Britain's power, and then he turned to the King of Belgium Leopold II, which was found in the person who found an ally. The Belgian monarch conducted a subtle diplomatic game and managed to achieve the participants of the Berlin Conference of European powers of 1885 consent to transfer to his personal ownership of the "independent state of the Congo", the territory of which was 80 times more than the territory of Belgium. Leopold II Board was noted by cruelty in relation to the local population, and the first human rights movement appeared on the wave of mass protests - the organization "For reforms in the Congo". In 1908, the Belgian king signed a decree on the transformation of the "independent state of the Congo" to the Colon of Belgium, called the Belgian Congo.

In the next 40 years, Congo managed a peculiar triumvirate from the colonial administration, a Catholic church and mining and agricultural companies. Until the mid-1950s, Belgium managed to isolate the Congo from the rest of Africa, but since the second half of the 1950s, the Congolese began to receive more and more information about liberation movements In neighboring countries. Despite the persecution of the colonial authorities, in the Congo one after another began to be created political parties and organization. Belgians made the creation of elected municipal councils in several cities, but political parties were permitted only after mass riots in January 1959 in Leopoldville (Sovr. Kinshasa).

January events undermine the confidence in the Belgians, and the colonial administration began to pass one position after another. However, concessions were late, and to establish relations with the Congolese political organizations managed only after the promise of official Brussels to provide Congo complete independence on June 30, 1960.

The most influential party was the national movement of the Congo (NDK), which was created in October 1958 with young educated conglase, which represented various ethnic groups and areas. The Lumumba NDK headed by Patris sought to become a nationwide organization. Although the largest support for NDK was the population of the Eastern province and regions, where the language of the Congo was distributed, until the declaration of independence, he managed to spread his influence on a number of other areas. The dynamic and radical party of Lumumba especially impressed the Congolese youth. In 1959, the party turned out to be weakened when some of the most educated party leaders came out of it, in particular Syril Adula and Joseph Ileo, in the future of the country's prime ministers. Another consequence of the split was the creation of Albert Calonia, the leader of the Karia rival with the NDC of the same name of the National Movement of the Congo - Congori (NDK - K). Unlike the party, the National Movement of the Congo - Lumumba (NDK - L), which was supported by different ethnic groups, NDK - K relied on the Babba living in the province of Kasaia.

The other political organization, the National Progress Party (PNP), the coalition of conservative politicians and leaders, was used by national support, which was created with the support of the Belgians. This party was distinguished by the moderation and the gleam taught, its leader was Paul. Cooling Congolese has deciphered the French Abbreviation of the Party Name (PNP) as follows: "Parti Des Négres Payés", i.e. "Party of bribed blacks."

Other influential political parties were expressive to local or ethnic interests. The Union of the People of Barkong (Abaco) was created in 1950 as a cultural and educational organization Barkong. In 1956-1959, he transformed into a political party headed by Joseph Casavubu. Having a solid support in the province of Lower Congo and Leopoldville, Abaco led political work mainly among the Bagonthgo and repeatedly advocated the creation of an independent state of the people of Barkong in the borders of the medieval state education Congo. Nevertheless, the leaders of the party agreed to enter into the first government of the Independent Republic of the Congo. Created in 1958 of the African Solidarity Party (PAS) united in its ranks various ethnic groups of the people of Queila and Quango province Leopoldville and led the active work among the workers of Leopolville, immigrants from these areas. The leaders of PAC Antoine Gizenga and Cleafas Kamitat managed to create a party, which was distinguished by radicalism and a good organization. In order to defend the interests of Katanga, with the support of European settlers in 1958, a confederation of the Katanga Associations (Konakat) was created. Initially, this party united in its ranks of representatives of all the main ethnic groups of Katani, however, in November 1959, the Babube of the Northern regions came out of its composition, which then formed their own political organization on an ethnic basis - the Association of Babuba Katanga (Babbakat). Konakat was not a massive party, her supporters united the common interests of the African elite of Katanga and those who lived there. Managed Moise Combe and Godfruha Munongo.

At the 1960 parliamentary elections, the Lumumba parliamentary elections won 33 out of 137 deputy mandates in the House of Representatives, 8 more places went to its allies. Representatives of the five provinces of the country entered the NDK faction. PNP in parliament was represented by 14 deputies from three provinces. 13 seats won candidates from Paz and 12 - from Abaco, all in the constituencies of Leopolville. NDK - K received 8 deputy mandates from the province of Kasia. Candidates of Konakat and Babbakat won 8 seats from the province of Katanga. The remaining places in the House of Representatives shared small parties and independent candidates.

In a situation, when none of the parties or coalitions provided themselves, the only logical step was the formation of a government led by representatives of the NDK - L and its allies. A coalition government was formed, P. Lumumba became the Prime Minister. The temporary constitution was largely written off from the Constitution of Belgium, provided for the separation of the executive power between the president and the prime minister: the first was mostly given ceremonial functions. The President and Prime Minister were elected by Parliament. In accordance with the compromise achieved, the post of head of state took the leader of the ABACO G. Kasavubu party. Each of the six provinces chosen legislative authorities chose the presidents of provinces and members of provincial governments. The latter in most cases, like the central government, were very fragile coalitions.

Already five days after independence, the country was plunged into chaos, when the Soldiers-Congolese soldiers raised the rebellion against Belgian officers in the provinces. Riots spread over other provinces, and in the current situation, most of Belgian officials left the country. July 10, 1960 Belgium introduced his troops in the Congo. The next day, Moise Chacombe, with the support of white settlers, declared the province of Katan by an independent state. A month later, Albert Caloni proclaimed the independence of the "mining state South Kasaia".

Faced with the threat of the collapse of the country, J. Kasavuba and P. Luumumba accused Belgium in aggression against an independent state and requested help to the UN Security Council. The UN responded to this request, sending peacekeeping forces to Congo under its own flag, which was mainly from military contingents of African and Asian countries. Their task was to restore order and creating conditions for the withdrawal of the Belgian troops.

At the first stage, the UN operation was successful, but then there were disagreements between the Government of the Congo and UN officials about the nature of the measures against Katanga, where the separatist movement was strengthened with the direct support of Belgium. The Congolese side insisted on the force suppression of separatism, and the UN Secretary General Dag Hammarsheld claimed that the UN had no right to resort to military force. Understanding that the problem of the katanga should be solved at any cost, Patrice Lumumba requested the provision of military assistance to the USSR. The West used this circumstance in order to accuse Lumumba in prommunist sympathies, which led to the fall of his prestige both within the country and beyond.

On September 5, 1960, acting with the support of the West countries, President J. Kasavubu removed from power P. Luumumb and appointed a new prime minister who did not receive the support of most parliamentarians. It even more exacerbated the situation, and a week later, the head of the headquarters of the Congolese Army, Colonel Joseph Mobutu, said that she "neutralizes" all politicians and takes power into his hands. When there were signs that Mobutu's regime strengthened his positions, supporters of P.Lumumba decided to move from Leopolville to the Eastern Province of Stanlyvil (Sovr. Kisangani) and form a different central government there. When, in November 1960, P. Luumumba himself secretly left Lopolville and headed in Stanlyville, he was trampled and grabbed Mobut's soldiers.

By early 1961 there were four governments in the Congo: two of the national governments, one in Stanlimville, headed by Mobutu, the second in Kisangani led by Gizeng, Deputy Prime Minister in the Lumumba Government, and two separatist governments, one led by Chacom in Katanga, the second - from the harbor in South Kasia. The situation in the Congo was concerned about the western powers and the UN. Both in the Congo itself, and beyond the opinion that Lumumba is the only Congolese politician who is able to preserve the territorial integrity of the country. The possibility of returning Lumumba to power scared Washington, his western AlliesSo the CIA continued to support the government in Leopoldville. By order, Mobutu, the arrested Lumumba was transferred to the ruler of Katanga Chombe, which January 17, 1961 ordered to eliminate the former leader of the country. In February 1961, the UN Security Council adopted a harsh resolution that required the restoration of the central government and democratic regime in the Congo, as well as the termination of foreign help Katang.

With the support of the UN and Western powers in August 1961, a compromise was made, according to which the authorities in Leopoldville and Stanlimivile had to form one government headed by Prime Minister Siril Adulav. The leaders of Katanga resolutely refused to participate in its creation. In September and December 1961, armed clashes between the UN forces and the Katanga army occurred. Long-term negotiations between S. Addulo and M. Chomba did not bring results, and only the UN military operation against the Army Czuba in January 1963 put an end to the plans of the Katangi branch.

Meanwhile, the government coalition created from Leopolville and Stanlyville representatives was broken down, A.Gizenga was arrested. These events caused mass protest performances. To preserve his unpopular domestically, but the Prime Minister S.Dula, who was supported by the outside of the regime, was forced to resort to tough measures, including the dissolution of parliament. On August 3, 1963, Lumumba supporters have formed in Leopolyville the National Liberation Council (NSO), which for security reasons soon moved to Brazzaville, the capital of the neighboring Republic of the Congo. In mid-1963, in the province of Quille, under the leadership of Lumumba Pierre Mulele, partisan detachments began to form. In January 1964, they committed armed attacks on government agencies, buildings of Christian missions and companies. In April 1964, armed actions began near the Eastern Border. The rebel folk army of liberation (NAO) in the Northeast) in July-August broke government troops and established full control over this area. September 5, 1964, a month after the capture of Stanlyville Nao, Christoph Gbenia announced the creation of a revolutionary government there.

The humiliating defeat of the Congolese army from poorly armed partisan detachments was predetermined by the fate of the government of S.Dululy. In July 1964, a new government was formed, the head of which was Mox Czymba. To strengthen the Congolese army, he called on several hundred white mercenaries and received military assistance from Belgium and the United States. In August, when trying to capture the city of Bukavu, the partisans suffered the first serious defeat. By the beginning of September, the rebels began to crowded the rebels headed by mercenaries.

November 24, 1964 A Belgian landing was reset from the US Air Force on Stanlyville. His task was the liberation of hostages from the United States and Belgium and supporting the detachment of government troops under the command of mercenaries who had to free the city from the rebels. During the operation, more than a thousand civilian conglase and many hostages were killed. Over the next few weeks, partisan detachments in the east of the country were defeated. Separate partisans groups continued to resistance for many months, and in some areas - for several more years.

A wave of indignation, which rolled around the world in connection with the Belgian-American armed promotion in the Stanlivil region, led to an increase in military assistance to partisans. Throughout 1965, the significant supply of weapons through the territory of Tanzania was carried out by China. Cuban revolutionary Ernesto Che Guevara has been engaged in combat training of the Army of Laurent-Desire Cabil in the mountainous area near Oz. Tanganica. But the help came too late and could no longer influence the outcome of the confrontation between the government in Leopoldville and Lumumb Supporters.

When the victory over the rebels no longer caused doubts, Chombe created a national political unit Congolese National Agreement (CNS) and held in May 1965 parliamentary elections. Despite the complex situation, parliamentary elections were well organized, and their results almost no one challenged. In the new parliament, two warring blocks were formed. The result of an acute struggle between President J. Kasavubu and Prime Minister M. Chomba was the decision of Casavuba to appoint Kimuba's Prime Minister. Two times the candidate of Kimba was exhibited for the approval of parliament deputies, and both times he did not gain the necessary number of votes.

This situation was used by the Commander-in-Chief of the Congolese Army, General Mobutu, which on November 24, 1965 seized power in the country. Mobutu has abolished the parliamentary republic and transformed the Congo to the unitary state. Most of the Congolese support these reforms. In 1967, a new constitution was adopted, in accordance with which the Presidential Board was established in the country. In 1974, the text of the Constitution were amended, and in 1978 it was replaced by a new constitution, which provided for a significant expansion of presidential powers. Created in the 1967 Ruling Political Party People's Movement of the Revolution (NDR) was announced by the "Supreme Institute" of the country, which turned the Congo to a typical African state with a union-party system and an authoritarian regime.

In the first years of the reign of Mobutu, its regime enjoyed a certain support of the population, which is tired of chaos of the early 1960s. The president banned political parties, restored the power of the central government throughout the country and reorganized the system of government. Keeping close relations with the countries of the West, the government of Mobutu began in 1967 to the implementation of the program on the Africanization of the economy and nationalized the Giant Company "Union Miner Du Oh" Katanya " Elected by the president on a non-alternative basis. In 1971, the african campaign was spread to the sphere of culture. The country was renamed the Republic of Zaire (distorted in the 15th century. Portugal is one of the local names R. Kongo, N "Zadi). Within the framework of the same campaign, a replacement of Christian personal names for African (in particular, Joseph Desire Mobutu became Mobutu seed seed), and the official ideological doctrine was adopted, which received the name of the "genuine Zairo nationalism".

Throughout the 1970s, Mobutu, preserving a generally pro-Western course, began to strengthen relations with China, which provided the Zairu economic and military assistance. In the course of the independence of the civil war in Angola, Zair, together with the United States and South Africa, rendered assistance to FNLA and UNITA, who fought against (MPLA), who was fighting supported by the USSR. The civil war in Angola turned to Zaire to the closure of rail links with the port city of Benghel, through which copper from Katanga was exported. In March 1977 and in May 1978, Katangtsy and other oppositionists invaded Angola in Katanga to overthrow the mobutu. Having obtained significant assistance from a number of Western powers, first of all from France, government troops barely overcame opponents to Mobutu.

DR Congo at the end of the 20th century

The process of weakening the Mobutu regime began in the late 1970s. His precursor was the economic crisis of 1975, and then a number of humiliating defeats of the government army at the initial stage of hostilities in Katanga in 1977 and 1978. Attempts by the international community, primarily the United States, to convince the Government of Mobutu in the need to democratize the political system and the stabilization of the economy ended in failure. Partially this could be explained by poorly thought-out recommendations, partially - the unwillingness of mobutu and his marked surroundings in corruption to go to any reforms.

Faced with the consequences of the "privatization" of the state by the President and its closest surroundings, the healthy forces of the Congolese society have formed a new democratic movement aimed at restoring legality in the country and state institutions. The main purpose of the democratic movement created in the 1980 democratic movement was the elimination of the deep reasons for the economic crisis and social degradation, the solution of a moral problem known as Le Mal Zaïrois (FR. "Zaire disease"). In 1990, democratic forces managed to make the abolition of a one-party system. At the head of the democratic movement was a group of 13 parliament deputies who demanded political reforms aimed at establishing multiparty democracy. In 1982, this group has created an opposition party of the Union for democracy and social progress (SDSP), which was an open challenge to the one-party state system. The first major action of the SDSP, which was headed by Etienne Thissecture, was a demonstration on January 17, 1989 in Kinshasi, dedicated to the anniversary of the murder of Lumumba.

Democratic forces also achieved the convocation of the Supreme National Conference. The historical Assembly of 2842 delegates who represented all the layers of the Congolese society, which represented all the layers of the Congolese society, was an epochable event in the history of the independent Congo. This forum was adopted a clear legal and organizational scheme of a two-year transitional period to democracy, which provided for the introduction of the parliamentary form of government, the creation of a temporary legislative body, the presidential post, with mainly representative functions and the Prime Minister, which is the head of the transitional government of national unity. The main tasks of the government was to achieve economic recovery and support of specialized institutions created to successfully implement the transitional tasks. The main institution was the independent election commission, which was to prepare for two years, to conduct general elections and control the course of their conduct.

By decision of the conference, the President was deprived of almost all powerful powers, but for the transitional period was left as the nominal head of the state. 71% of the conference delegates who took part in the free elections approved the candidacy of Etienne Thissekdi to the post of Prime Minister. However, in early 1993, seeking to make a split into the ranks of the opposition and to preserve absolute power, Mobutu and his clique, launched a fierce struggle with democratic forces, taking into arms the methods of state terrorism, ethnic cleansing and economic sabotage. In a situation where the armed forces prevented E.Thisseki and his ministers to carry out the country's leadership, the lack of an active government and the collapse of the entire public administration system led to the full collapse of the economy and destabilization of the domestic political situation, which vividly resembled chaos, which was overwhelmed by Congo in the early 1960s.

The failure of the non-violent transition to democracy coincided with the rampant genocide in Rwanda. Many people who have fallen in crimes found asylum in the Congo - in the fields of Northern and South Kivu. Two years later, the headed Tutsi Rwandan government decided to destroy the Baza Hutu on the territory of the Congo, which led to the seven-month war, which ended in May 1997 by the overall of the Mobutu regime and the coming to power of the Government of the Cabil. The country received the official name of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 1998, the relationship between the Cabill and his former Allies of Rwanda and Uganda worsened. No matter how important the external causes of wars 1996 and 1998 and their international consequences, for the Congolese, the most serious results are that the attempt to transition to democracy ended in failure, and the country is still in the deepest political and economic crisis.

History Zaire. in new and newest time. M., 1982.
Republic of Zaire. Directory. M., 1984.