Congo (Kinshasa): general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Congo (Kinshasa) 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Congo (Kinshasa): 139
  • Happiness Score Congo (Kinshasa):3.295

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Congo (Kinshasa). CD.

    Congo (Kinshasa) is a country located in Central Africa. It is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa by area and the most populous Francophone country in the world. It has a semi-presidential representative democratic republic political structure.

  • The country is known for its rich cultural diversity, with over 200 ethnic groups and more than 200 languages spoken.
  • Congo (Kinshasa) is one of the world’s leading producers of cobalt, a key metal used in the production of lithium-ion batteries.
  • The Congo River, the second longest river in Africa, is a significant natural landmark and important for transportation and hydroelectric power generation.

    • Congo (Kinshasa) – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History:

    The area now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been inhabited for thousands of years by various ethnic groups, including the Bantu and Pygmy peoples. The earliest known civilization was the Kingdom of Kongo, which emerged in the 14th century and flourished during the 15th and 16th centuries.

    Colonial Period:

    In the late 19th century, the region became a private colony of King Leopold II of Belgium, who brutally exploited the land and its people for rubber and ivory. After international pressure, the territory was ceded to Belgium in 1908 and became the Belgian Congo.

    Independence and Modern Era:

    The Congo gained independence from Belgium in 1960, but soon descended into political turmoil and civil war, with the secession of Katanga province and the rise of dictator Mobutu Sese Seko. Mobutu’s kleptocratic regime lasted until 1997, when he was overthrown by rebel forces led by Laurent-Désiré Kabila. The country plunged into the Second Congo War, involving numerous neighboring countries and rebel groups. In 2001, Kabila was assassinated and succeeded by his son Joseph Kabila.

    Current Political Situation:

    The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a semi-presidential republic, with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government. Felix Tshisekedi became president in 2019 after contested elections. The country remains plagued by political instability, corruption, and violence from various rebel groups.

    International Relations:

    The DRC has tense relationships with some neighboring countries due to ongoing conflicts and refugee flows. It receives significant aid from the United Nations, the United States, and other international organizations. The country is a member of the African Union and various regional economic communities.

    Human Development and Economy:

    Despite abundant natural resources, the DRC has one of the lowest GDP per capita figures globally. Major industries include mining, agriculture, and forestry. Human development indicators remain poor, with high poverty, malnutrition, and infant mortality rates.

    Cultural Highlights:

    The DRC is culturally diverse, with over 200 ethnic groups and languages. Major religions include Christianity, indigenous beliefs, and Islam. The country is known for its music, art, and sculpture, including the iconic wooden Congolese masks.

    Key challenges facing the DRC include political instability, armed conflicts, corruption, poverty, and infrastructure deficiencies. However, the country’s vast natural resources and strategic location offer opportunities for economic development and regional integration.

Main facts

Location

Congo (Kinshasa) is a country located in central Africa. It straddles the Equator and is bordered by the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville) to the west, the Central African Republic to the north, South Sudan to the northeast, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania to the east, Zambia to the southeast, and Angola to the southwest. The country’s western border is formed by the Congo River, which provides a natural boundary with the Republic of the Congo.

Map References

Congo (Kinshasa) is situated in the central region of Africa.

Area – Comparative

With an area of approximately 2,344,858 square kilometers (905,567 square miles), Congo (Kinshasa) is slightly larger than one-quarter the size of the United States.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Congo (Kinshasa) has a total land boundary length of 10,744 kilometers (6,671 miles). It shares borders with the following countries:

Coastline (if applicable)

Congo (Kinshasa) has a coastline of approximately 37 kilometers (23 miles) along the Atlantic Ocean.

Maritime Claims

Congo (Kinshasa) claims the following maritime zones:

  • Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
  • Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
  • Continental shelf: 200 meters depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate

Congo (Kinshasa) has an equatorial climate characterized by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The country experiences two distinct rainy seasons: one from April to October, and another from November to March. The northern and southern regions have tropical rainforest climates, while the eastern and central regions have a tropical savanna climate.

Terrain

Congo (Kinshasa) is characterized by a vast central basin with a low-lying plateau surrounded by mountains in the east and west. The country is home to extensive rainforests, particularly in the northern and western regions, as well as savannas and grasslands in the central and southern regions. Major river valleys include those of the Congo River and its tributaries, such as the Ubangi, Kasai, and Lualaba rivers.

Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Congo (Kinshasa) is Pic Marguerite on the Rwenzori Mountains, which reaches an elevation of 5,109 meters (16,762 feet). The lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean, at sea level.

Natural Resources

Congo (Kinshasa) is rich in natural resources, including:

  • Mineral resources: cobalt, copper, niobium, tantalum, petroleum, industrial and gem diamonds, gold, silver, zinc, manganese, tin, uranium, coal, hydropower potential, timber
  • Arable land and fertile soils

Major Bodies of Water

The most significant water body in Congo (Kinshasa) is the Congo River, which flows for 4,700 kilometers (2,920 miles) across the country and forms part of the border with the Republic of the Congo. Other major rivers include the Ubangi, Kasai, and Lualaba, all of which are tributaries of the Congo River. Lake Tanganyika and Lake Albert are shared with neighboring countries.

Natural Hazards

Congo (Kinshasa) is prone to several natural hazards, including:

  • Periodic droughts in the southern and eastern regions
  • Volcanic activity in the eastern region along the Great Rift Valley, including the active Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira volcanoes
  • Frequent flooding due to heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers

Geography – Notes

Congo (Kinshasa) is home to the second-largest rainforest in the world, after the Amazon Basin, covering approximately 60% of the country’s land area. The country is also part of the Congo Basin, which is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet and a vital ecosystem for numerous plant and animal species.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 67.20%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 2,021. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 11.60%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  -4.03833321.758664.
  • Capital: The capital of Congo (Kinshasa) is  Kinshasa
  • Major Cities:
    • Kinshasa – Population: 14 million
    • Lubumbashi – Population: 1.8 million
    • Mbuji-Mayi – Population: 1.7 million
    • Kisangani – Population: 1.3 million
    • Kananga – Population: 1 million
  • Population: 86,790,567
  • Area(Km2): 2344858
  • Population Density( P/Km²):40. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:243
  • Official Language(s):Congo (Kinshasa) is Lingala (32%), Kiswahili (18%), and Kikongo (16%).
  • Currency: CDF

Main Economic Indicators

Congo (Kinshasa)’s economy is heavily reliant on the extraction of natural resources, with mining and oil representing a significant portion of the country’s GDP and exports. The economy is marked by persistent political instability, weak institutions, and a lack of diversification, making it vulnerable to external shocks. Key challenges include improving governance, infrastructure, and reducing poverty. The government has implemented policies to attract foreign investment and promote economic diversification.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

Inflation rate (consumer prices) for 2022: 15.5%
Inflation rate (consumer prices) for 2021: 12.2%
Source: IMF World Economic Outlook Database

Credit Ratings

Fitch: Not Rated
Moody’s: Caa1 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: Not Rated

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 19.4%
Industry: 36.8%
Services: 43.8%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber, tea, quinine, cassava, bananas, root crops, corn, fruits, wood products

Industrial Products: Mining (diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt, coltan, zinc), mineral products, consumer products (textiles, plastics, footwear, cigarettes), metal products, processed foods and beverages, timber

Labor Force

Total labor force: 32.71 million (2022 est.)
Labor force ranking: 22nd globally

Current Account Balance

Current account balance for 2022: -$1.91 billion (est.)
Current account balance for 2021: -$1.01 billion
Current account balance ranking: 173rd globally (2022 est.)

Exports and Imports

Exports: $12.2 billion (2022 est.)
Key partners: China, Zambia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Italy
Main commodities: Diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt, wood products, crude oil, refined copper

Imports: $10.9 billion (2022 est.)
Key partners: China, South Africa, Belgium, Zambia, France
Main commodities: Machinery, transportation equipment, foodstuffs, construction materials, textiles, refined petroleum products

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign exchange reserves: $770 million (2022 est.)
Gold reserves: 0.34 million ounces (2022 est.)

  • GDP (Current US$):$47,319,624,204. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 10.70%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 50.70%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.49. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.18. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 4.24%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Nationality (noun): Congolese
Nationality (adjective): Congolese

2. Ethnic Groups

Major ethnic groups:

  • Mongo (16.9%)
  • Luba (16.5%)
  • Kongo (13.5%)
  • Teke (6.5%)
  • Other ethnicities (46.6%)

3. Religions

Religious affiliations:

  • Roman Catholic (29.9%)
  • Protestant (26.7%)
  • Other Christian (36.5%)
  • Muslim (1.3%)
  • Other (3.1%)
  • None (2.5%)

4. Age Structure

Age distribution:

  • 0-14 years: 42.62%
  • 15-64 years: 54.72%
  • 65 years and over: 2.66%

5. Dependency Ratios

  • Total dependency ratio: 83.3%
  • Youth dependency ratio: 77.8%
  • Elderly dependency ratio: 5.5%

6. Median Age

  • Total: 19.7 years
  • Male: 19.1 years
  • Female: 20.3 years

7. Lifestyle Indicators

  • Obesity rate: 7.1%
  • Alcohol consumption: 5.8 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
  • Tobacco use: 15.2% of adults
  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 60.4. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 75%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:41.18. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:10. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 5.92. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 7.3%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 39,095,679. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):37.40%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The Congolese Armed Forces (Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo, FARDC) comprises the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Army is the largest branch, including special forces units like the Republican Guard and Rapid Reaction Force. The National Police (Police Nationale Congolaise, PNC) is responsible for maintaining internal security and law enforcement.

Military Expenditures

Military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2022: 1.2%
  • 2021: 1.1%
  • 2020: 1.1%
  • 2019: 1.2%
  • 2018: 1.1%

The Democratic Republic of the Congo ranks 95th globally in terms of military expenditure.

Personnel Strengths

Total active-duty military personnel: 144,000

  • Army: 120,000
  • Navy: 6,000
  • Air Force: 18,000

National Police (PNC) strength: 115,000

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

The Congolese military primarily uses older Soviet-era and Chinese equipment, including T-55 and T-62 main battle tanks, BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, and MiG-21 and Su-25 aircraft. Recent acquisitions include new infantry weapons and armored personnel carriers from Russia and China.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service is voluntary, with a minimum age of 18 and an obligation of 2 years. There have been efforts to professionalize the military and improve recruitment and training standards.

Military Deployments

The DRC has contributed troops to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), with around 16,000 Congolese troops deployed as part of the mission.

Strategic Military Notes

The DRC’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining territorial integrity and countering internal threats from armed groups, particularly in the eastern regions of the country. The military plays a role in regional security efforts, including contributing to UN peacekeeping missions and collaborating with neighboring countries to address cross-border threats and instability.

  • Armed Forces Size: 134000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.07
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 63.50%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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