Democratic Republic of the Congo: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to Democratic Republic of the Congo — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Population
84,068,091
#16 of 197 countries
Area
2,344,858 km²
#13 of 248 countries
Density
35.9 / km²
#180 of 245 countries

Democratic Republic of the Congo has a population of 84,068,091 spread across 2,344,858 km², giving it an average density of 35.9 people per km². It ranks among the 20 most populous countries in the world.

Most Populous Cities

Kinshasa
16,000,000
56325 / km²
Lubumbashi
2,221,925
16704 / km²
Mbuji-Mayi
2,101,332
34261 / km²
Kananga
1,247,168
9826 / km²
Kisangani
1,181,788
6064 / km²
Bukavu
816,811
12921 / km²
Likasi
635,768
8670 / km²
Kikwit
509,367
10204 / km²
Masina, Kinshasa
485,167
14340 / km²
Mbandaka
455,011
5512 / km²

Demographics

Median Age
16.9
Life Expectancy
62.6 yrs
Literacy Rate
73.6%
Government
semi-presidential republic
Ethnic Groups
Religions
GDP by Sector

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Democratic Republic of the Congo is classified as a low income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 38% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.

Income Level
Low income
GDP per Capita
$660
Cost of Living
38% of US
Inequality
44.7
High