local short form: noneformer: Belgian Congo, Congo/Leopoldville, Congo/Kinshasa, Zaire
abbreviation: DROC
Data code: CG
Government type: dictatorship; presumably undergoing a transition to representative government
Capital: Kinshasa
Administrative divisions: 10 provinces (provinces,
singular—province) and one city* (ville); Bandundu, Bas-Congo,
Equateur, Kasai-Occidental, Kasai-Oriental, Katanga, Kinshasa*,
Maniema, Nord-Kivu, Orientale, Sud-Kivu
Independence: 30 June 1960 (from Belgium)
National holiday: anniversary of independence from Belgium, 30
June (1960)
Constitution: 24 June 1967, amended August 1974, revised 15 February 1978, amended April 1990; transitional constitution promulgated in April 1994; following successful rebellion the new government announced on 29 May 1997 a program of constitutional reform and, in November 1998, a draft constitution was approved by President KABILA and awaits ratification by national referendum
Legal system: based on Belgian civil law system and tribal law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Executive branch:
chief of state: Laurent Desire KABILA (since 17 May 1997); note—the
president is both chief of state and head of government
head of government: Laurent Desire KABILA (since 17 May 1997);
note—the president is both chief of state and head of government
cabinet: National Executive Council, appointed by the president
elections: before Laurent Desire KABILA seized power, the president
was elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; election last
held 29 July 1984 (next was to be held in May 1997); formerly, the
prime minister was elected by the High Council of the Republic;
note—the term of the former government expired in 1991, elections
were not held, and former president MOBUTU continued in office until
his government was militarily defeated by KABILA on 17 May 1997
election results: MOBUTU Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa Za Banga
reelected president in 1984 without opposition
note: Marshal MOBUTU Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa Za Banga was
president from 24 November 1965 until forced into exile on 16 May
1997 when his government was overturned militarily by Laurent Desire
KABILA, who immediately assumed governing authority; in his 29 May
1997 inaugural address, President KABILA announced a two-year time
table for political reform leading to elections by April 1999;
subsequently, in December 1998, President KABILA announced that
elections would be postponed until all foreign military forces
attempting his overthrow had withdrawn from the country
Legislative branch: legislative activity has been suspended
pending the establishment of KABILA's promised constitutional
reforms and the elections to be held by April 1999 (now postponed
indefinitely)
elections: the country's first multi-party presidential and
legislative elections had been scheduled for May 1997 but were not
held; instead KABILA overthrew the MOBUTU government and seized
control of the country
Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)
Political parties and leaders: sole legal party until January
parties include Union for Democracy and Social Progress or UDPS
note: President KABILA, who has banned political party activity
indefinitely, currently leads the Alliance of Democratic Forces for
the Liberation of Congo-Zaire or AFDL
International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC,
CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,
ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol,
IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, OPCW, PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD,
UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO
Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Faida MITIFU chancery: 1800 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador William Lacy SWING embassy: 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa mailing address: Unit 31550, APO AE 09828
Flag description: light blue with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center and a columnar arrangement of six small yellow five-pointed stars along the hoist side
Economy
Economy—overview: The economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo—a nation endowed with vast potential wealth—has declined significantly since the mid-1980s. The new government instituted a tight fiscal policy that initially curbed inflation and currency depreciation, but these small gains were quickly reversed when the foreign-backed rebellion in the eastern part of the country began in August 1998. The war has dramatically reduced government revenue, and increased external debt. Foreign businesses have curtailed operations due to uncertainty about the outcome of the conflict and because of increased government harassment and restrictions. Poor infrastructure, an uncertain legal framework, corruption, and lack of transparency in government economic policy remain a brake on investment and growth. A number of IMF and World Bank missions have met with the new government to help it develop a coherent economic plan but associated reforms are on hold.
GDP: purchasing power parity—$34.9 billion (1998 est.)
GDP—real growth rate: −3.5% (1998 est.)
GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity?$710 (1998 est.)
GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 59% industry: 15% services:
