Zaire Is Now the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Location and Borders

Zaire was the official name of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from 1971 to 1997 under dictator Mobutu Sese Seko. The name reverted after his overthrow.

Location

The DRC sits in Central Africa, straddling the Equator. It is the second-largest African country by area (2.34M km²) and fourth by population (~105M).

Bordering Countries (9)

• North: Central African Republic, South Sudan
• East: Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania (across Lake Tanganyika)
• South: Zambia
• Southwest: Angola
• West: Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)
• West-northwest: Atlantic Ocean (37 km coastline at Muanda)

Key Features

• Capital: Kinshasa (largest city, ~17M) — directly across river from Brazzaville (world's closest capitals).
• Congo River: Second-largest discharge globally; navigable for 1,600 km inland.
• Rainforest: Congo Basin = second-largest tropical forest (after Amazon).
• Resources: Cobalt (70% world), copper, diamonds, coltan, hydro potential.

Despite immense wealth, DRC faces chronic instability, poverty, and governance challenges—legacy of colonialism, dictatorship, and resource wars.