Democratic Republic of Congo

Capital: Cities: Capital–Kinshasa (pop. approx. 9 millionPopulation:

Population (2011 est.): 71,712,867.

People Groups: Approximately 250 African ethnic groups; the Luba, Kongo, and Anamongo are some of the larger groups.

Languages: French, Lingala, Kiswahili, Kikongo, Tshiluba.

Religions: Christian 70% (Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%); Kimbanguist 10%; other sects and traditional beliefs 10%; Muslim 10%. About 70% of the Congolese population is Christian, predominantly Roman Catholic. Most of the non-Christians adhere to either traditional religions or syncretic sects. Traditional religions include concepts such as monotheism, animism, vitalism, spirit and ancestor worship, witchcraft and sorcery, and vary widely among ethnic groups; none is formalized. The syncretic sects often merge Christianity with traditional beliefs and rituals. The most popular of these sects, Kimbanguism, was seen as a threat to the colonial regime and was banned by the Belgians. Kimbanguism, officially “the church of Christ on Earth by the prophet Simon Kimbangu,” now claims about 3 million members, primarily among the Bakongo tribe of Bas-Congo Province and Kinshasa. In 1969, it became the first independent African church admitted to the World Council of Churches. It embraces strict legalism and ignores grace.

Government: Type: Republic; highly centralized with executive power vested in the president.
Branches:

Executive–President is head of state. The President nominates the Prime Minister, who is the head of government, and, together with his/her Cabinet, is approved by the parliament.

Legislative–The 500-member National Assembly was elected in July 30, 2006 national elections. Provincial Assemblies elected the Senate in October 29, 2006 elections, and provincial governors in early 2007.

Judicial–Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

Living Conditions: Life expectancy (2011 est.)–55 yrs. Infant mortality rate–92/1,000 live births. According to estimates made in 2007, 21% of the population had no schooling, 46% had primary schooling, 30% had secondary schooling, and 3% had university schooling. At all levels of education, males greatly outnumber females.
Per capita GDP (2010): $189. (in 2010 the Australian GDP per capita was $25,000)
HIV/AIDS infects over a million people and the are over 800,000 orphans. Over 70% live below the poverty line in spite of the rich mineral and other natural resources of the country.

History: After initial discovery by Portuguese in 1400s, Congo later became a Belgian colony in 1908 and gained independence in 1960. Since then political instability, assassinations, coups, violence and inter party struggles have marred its development, the general population suffering accordingly.

Pray for:

• Hearts searching for truth amid the syncretism and paganism.

• Leadership centred on national welfare rather than personal or tribal.

• Men of Peace in strategic parts of the nation.

• Apostolic teams to initiate CPM .

• Victory over demonic principalities and powers holding sway over the nation.