For decades this beautiful and mineral rich country has had political conflict which has discouraged tourism. It continues to this day. For the adventurer, the country offers a variety of experiences from pygmies to gorillas as well as a fascinating population which is made up of a variety of cultures and people.
Capital: Kinshasa
Population: 50,481,305 (July 1999 est.)
Area: 2,345,410 sq km
Language: French (official), Lingala (a lingua franca trade language), Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba
Time: There are two time zones in the country. One is +1 from Greenwich Mean Time and the other +2.
Electricity: 240 vvolts AC
Geography: Vast central basin is a low-lying plateau; mountains in east . The country straddles Equator; very narrow strip of land that controls the lower Congo river and is only outlet to South Atlantic Ocean; dense tropical rain forest in
central river basin and eastern highlands
Tipping: This is not part of the culture.
Shopping: The main shopping town is Kinshasa. Shopping hours are usually from 9 in the morning until about 6 in the evening. Many shops close at lunch for up to two hours. Larger establishments remain open. Saturdays many shops close by 2 PM. Sundays most store are closed.
Food and Drink: Tap water is potentially dangerous. Always use bottled water or boil water if bottled is not available.
Social: The country has been in severe economic and social turmoil for years. Any visitor must be extremely careful. Although the locals my be friendly, be aware that daylight robberies are commonplace.
Business: Business appointments are necessary. A light suite, conservative and not flashy is recommended. English is not widely spoken. Best to be prepared to converse in French.
Money and Banks
Banking: Banks are open by 10 am and close at 1 PM on weekdays. A few banks are open at 9 AM and have late hours on Thursdays or Fridays. Very few banks are open on Saturdays and no banks are open on Sunday.
Currency: The Congolese franc (CF)
Money Exchange: You must change all currency at banks and get a receipt. Note that inflation is very high (147%), so it would be best to exchange small amounts.
Credit cards: Visa, American Express and Master Cards are accepted in some places. Do not rely on this form of payment as many shops do not take credit cards. Hotels and major restaurants usually accept credit cards.
Climate
Tropical; hot and humid in equatorial river basin; cooler and drier in southern highlands; cooler and wetter in eastern highlands; north of Equator—wet season April to October, dry season December to February; south of Equator—wet season November to March, dry season April to October . Periodic droughts in south; volcanic activity. | 