The Congo

The Congo is a country on the African Continent, today known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1997 - present); formerly known as Republic of Zaire (1971 - 1997); Democratic Republic of the Congo (1965 - 1971); Republic of the Congo, colloquially Congo-Léopoldville (1960 - 1964); Belgian Congo (1908 - 1960); and The Congo Free State, or État Indépendant du Congo (1885 - 1908). The Congo is the third largest African country by geographic area. The Congo gained independence from Belgium in 1964. A map of the Congo is included at the front of the book.

The Congo River

The Congo River (known as the Zaire River from 1971 to 1997) is the largest river in West Central Africa, and, at nearly 3,000 miles in length, the second longest river in Africa. The source and oceanic exit of the river are both south of the equator, though for much of its length the river runs above the equator...