Do you still refer to two countries as one? Read further let’s educate you about a common misunderstood country called Congo. Africa is a continent, a home to diverse countries, traditions,culture and history as a whole blessed with 54 countries each of rich vegetation and mineral resources.
Regardless of our rich heritage, it is essential to know more about it and most importantly, get our facts right. “Congo” as it is popularly called is of two kinds; The Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of the Congo. As confusing as it may seem, it has a clear history.
We know Congo is divided into two but why? The two countries were discovered across the Great Congo River which was a busy commercial hub by contending colonialists from France and Belgium in the 1880s. During colonialism, the Belgian government put in place its rules and so did the French government in its territory as a result led to different practices and language.
When both countries got their independence in the 1960s, they decided to stay apart and to avoid confusion, chose different names but maintaining their common bond which is “Congo”. Belgian Congo was changed to The Democratic Republic of Congo with its capital: Kinshasa and the French Congo, Republic of the Congo and its capital: Brazzaville.
Till date, Congo represents two countries. The DRC has over 200 ethnic groups with nearly 250 languages and dialects, mineral resources used to produce materials in electronics such as cell phones and laptops. Then, the Republic of the Congo is a home to a totally different tribe which is the famous Pygmy Tribe.
Despite the split due to colonialism, both countries are endowed with the deepest river in the world and thick rainforest, a home to different species of wildlife. Now you know the similarities and differences between Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo, thank us later.
