Culture and history

The territory of modern DR Congo was formed at the intersection of the trade routes of Central Africa.

Influential pre-European entities arose here - Luba, Lunda, Cuba, as well as the spheres of influence of the Kngó (Congo) people in the west; metallurgy, wood carving, weaving and political kinship systems developed.

At the end of the 19th century, the country experienced the traumatic period of the Free State of the Congo and then became the Belgian Congo; independence was declared in 1960.

Post-colonial history went through the figures of Patrice Lumumba and Joseph Mobutu (the era of Zaire), the conflicts of the 1990s-2000s and the subsequent state restoration.

The cultural fabric of the country is multi-layered: official French coexists with Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo and Tshiluba.

Classic masks and woven patterns of Cuba have become iconic examples of African art.

Music is one of the main markers of identity: Congolese rumba and sukýs came out of Kinshasa, influencing the sound of the continent; dance bands and street scenes are alive.

In everyday life, Christianity and traditional beliefs are combined, initiation rites, collective holidays and the oral tradition of storytellers are important.

The cuisine relies on cassava, plantane bananas and river fish.

Despite urbanization and modern challenges, communal mutual aid practices and rich artistic heritage remain the foundation of DR Congo's cultural identity.