Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Kinshasa is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and one of the world's largest French-speaking cities — already larger than Paris and projected to become the world's biggest French-speaking city by mid-century. It sits on the Congo River, directly across from Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of the Congo.
Highlights
- Largest French-speaking city by population (and rising)
- Vibrant Congolese music scene (rumba, soukous, ndombolo)
- Lola ya Bonobo sanctuary nearby
- Pair-of-capitals — across the Congo River from Brazzaville
History
Founded by Henry Morton Stanley in 1881 as 'Léopoldville' for King Leopold II's brutal Congo Free State, the city served as capital of the Belgian Congo and, after independence in 1960, of the DR Congo (renamed Kinshasa in 1966). The city has lived through coups, the Mobutu era, two Congo wars and ongoing instability.
Economy
Kinshasa generates a large share of formal-sector DRC GDP through trade, telecoms, beer (Bralima/Bracongo), banking and government. The vast informal economy is even larger. The Congo River and its hydroelectric potential are key strategic resources.
Neighborhoods
Gombe is the upscale government and embassy district; Kintambo holds historic Léopoldville buildings; Matete and Masina are vast populous townships; Limete has industrial zones.
Distances from Kinshasa
Calculate distance and flight time from Kinshasa to other major African cities: