Bordering Countries of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), located in Central Africa, shares land borders with nine neighboring countries, making it one of the most geographically connected countries on the continent.
Angola
- Religion: Predominantly Christianity (Roman Catholicism, Protestantism)
- Official Language: Portuguese
- Currency: Angolan Kwanza (AOA)
Country Overview:
Angola, located to the southwest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a country with a rich cultural heritage, diverse natural landscapes, and significant mineral resources. It has experienced political instability and conflict in the past, but in recent years has seen economic growth driven by oil production and infrastructure development. Angola and the DRC share historical ties and cultural exchange, with significant trade flows between the two countries.
Major Landmarks:
- Luanda, the capital city
- Tunda Vala Fissure
- Kissama National Park
- Benguela Railway
Transportation Infrastructure:
- Roads: The DRC and Angola are connected by the Trans-African Highway network, including the Route Nationale 1 (RN1) highway, which links Kinshasa with Luanda.
- Railways: There are plans for railway connections between the DRC and Angola, including the Benguela Railway, which connects the Angolan port city of Lobito with the DRC’s Kasai
- Airports: The nearest major airport to the DRC-Angola border is Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda. In the DRC, travelers can access airports such as N’djili Airport in Kinshasa.
Visa Requirement:
Visa requirements vary depending on the nationality of the traveler. Angolan citizens may require a visa to enter the DRC, and vice versa.
Burundi
- Religion: Predominantly Christianity (Roman Catholicism, Protestantism)
- Official Language: Kirundi, French
- Currency: Burundian Franc (BIF)
Country Overview:
Burundi, located to the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a small landlocked country known for its scenic landscapes, wildlife, and cultural diversity. It has experienced political instability and ethnic tensions in the past, but has made progress towards peace and stability in recent years. Burundi and the DRC share cultural and historical ties, with significant population movements and trade activities between the two countries.
Major Landmarks:
- Bujumbura, the capital city
- Lake Tanganyika
- Rusizi National Park
- Kibira National Park
Transportation Infrastructure:
- Roads: The DRC and Burundi are connected by the RN5 highway, which links Goma in the DRC’s North Kivu province with Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi.
- Railways: There are no direct railway connections between the DRC and Burundi.
- Airports: The nearest major airport to the DRC-Burundi border is Bujumbura International Airport. In the DRC, travelers can access airports such as Goma International Airport.
Visa Requirement:
Visa requirements vary depending on the nationality of the traveler. Burundian citizens may require a visa to enter the DRC, and vice versa.
Central African Republic
- Religion: Predominantly Christianity (Roman Catholicism, Protestantism), Islam
- Official Language: French, Sango
- Currency: Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
Country Overview:
The Central African Republic (CAR), located to the north of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a landlocked country known for its rich biodiversity, natural resources, and ethnic diversity. It has experienced political instability and armed conflict, with challenges related to governance, security, and development. The DRC and the CAR share historical and cultural ties, with population movements and trade activities occurring between the two countries.
Major Landmarks:
- Bangui, the capital city
- Dzanga-Sangha National Park
- Boali Falls
- Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park
Transportation Infrastructure:
- Roads: The DRC and the CAR are connected by the RN4 highway, which links Kisangani in the DRC’s Tshopo province with Bangui, the capital of the CAR.
- Railways: There are no direct railway connections between the DRC and the CAR.
- Airports: The nearest major airport to the DRC-CAR border is Bangui M’Poko International Airport. In the DRC, travelers can access airports such as Kisangani Bangoka International Airport.
Visa Requirement:
Visa requirements vary depending on the nationality of the traveler. Citizens of the Central African Republic may require a visa to enter the DRC, and vice versa.
Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville)
- Religion: Predominantly Christianity (Roman Catholicism, Protestantism)
- Official Language: French
- Currency: Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
Country Overview:
The Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, is located to the west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a country with diverse ecosystems, including tropical forests, savannas, and wetlands. Despite facing challenges such as political instability and economic inequality, Congo-Brazzaville has significant natural resources and potential for development. The DRC and Congo-Brazzaville share historical and cultural ties, with population movements and trade activities occurring between the two countries.
Major Landmarks:
- Brazzaville, the capital city
- Odzala-Kokoua National Park
- Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
- Pointe-Noire, the economic hub
Transportation Infrastructure:
- Roads: The DRC and Congo-Brazzaville are connected by the RN1 highway, which links Kinshasa with Brazzaville, the capital of Congo-Brazzaville.
- Railways: There are no direct railway connections between the DRC and Congo-Brazzaville.
- Airports: The nearest major airport to the DRC-Congo-Brazzaville border is Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville. In the DRC, travelers can access airports such as N’djili Airport in Kinshasa.
Visa Requirement:
Visa requirements vary depending on the nationality of the traveler. Citizens of the Republic of the Congo may require a visa to enter the DRC, and vice versa.