Country Overview

Located in Central Africa, the DR Congo is the second largest country on the continent and rich in natural resources. It boasts vast deposits of industrial diamonds, cobalt, and copper; one of the largest forest reserves in Africa; and about half of the hydroelectric potential of the continent.

Challenges

Despite its wealth of natural resources, decades of civil war, conflict and poverty have posed many challenges for the DR Congo. Over the last 15 years, it is estimated that 5 million people have died as a result of war, preventable diseases, and malnutrition.