DR Congo
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DR Congo
Flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo
The national flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, adopted on February 18, 2006, features a sky blue background with a yellow star in the upper left canton. Diagonally cutting across the flag is a red stripe bordered by a yellow fimbriation. This design was inspired by the flag flown between 1963 and 1971, with a shift from royal blue to sky blue as mandated by a new constitution…
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Kinshasa
Kinshasa, the largest city and capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is situated approximately 320 miles (515 km) from the Atlantic Ocean on the southern bank of the Congo River. As one of sub-Saharan Africa’s major urban centres, it holds a unique political status comparable to a Congolese region, governed independently by its governor. The residents of the city are commonly referred to as Kinois. Beyond its role…
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National Anthems
Debout Congolais
“Debout Congolais” (Kongo: Telama besi Kongo) serves as the national anthem of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Originally adopted in 1960 upon gaining independence from Belgium, it was temporarily replaced by “La Zaïroise” in 1971 when the country changed its name to Zaire. However, “Arise, Congolese” was reinstated in 1997 following the reorganization of the Congo. Historian and professor Joseph Lutumba authored the lyrics, while the music was composed…