Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (pronunciation: /ˈkɒŋɡoʊ/; French: République démocratique du Congo), also known as DRC, is a country located in Central Africa. It is the second largest country in Africa by area and the eleventh largest in the world. With a population of over 105 million, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the most populous officially Francophone country, the fourth most populous country in Africa, and the 15th most populous country in the world.

Etymology

The country was known as Zaire between 1971 and 1997. The name "Congo" refers to the river Congo, also known as the river Zaire. The river's name comes from Kongo, a Bantu kingdom which occupied its mouth at the time of discovery by the Portuguese in 1484. The Democratic Republic of Congo is named after the Congo River, which flows through the entire country. The Congo River is the world's deepest river and the world's second largest river by discharge.

Health in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The healthcare system in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a mix of public and private providers. The country faces numerous health challenges including high rates of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. The health infrastructure is severely lacking, with shortages of medical supplies and medical personnel.

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Democratic Republic of Congo

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