Where is the DRC located?
- Region: situated in Central Africa; it is the second-largest country on the continent.
- Maritime Access: Possesses a very narrow strip of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
- Bordering Nations:
- North: Central African Republic, South Sudan.
- East: Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania.
- West: Republic of the Congo.
Physical Landscape:-
- River System: Dominated by the Congo River, the second longest in Africa.
- Unique Feature: The Congo River basin is notable for crossing the Equator twice.
- Natural Zones: Primarily consists of the Congo Basin (central lowland rainforest) and surrounding savannas.
- Volcanic Activity: Home to Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano located in the Virunga Mountains.
Hydrological Features:
- Great Lakes Region: The eastern border is defined by a chain of major lakes.
- Key Lakes: Lake Tanganyika (world’s second deepest), Lake Albert, Lake Edward, and Lake Kivu.
Economic Resources:-
- Mineral Dominance: The DRC produces approximately three-fourths of the world’s Cobalt.
- Key Region: The Katanga Plateau is the primary hub for mining and mineral extraction.
Where are the conflict zones?
- Volatile Regions: Persistent instability is concentrated in the eastern provinces.
- Specific Areas: North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces face ongoing insurgency and unrest.
Regional Spotlight: Bukavu region
- Administrative Status: Serves as the capital city of the South Kivu province.
- Strategic Location: Situated at the extreme south-western edge of Lake Kivu, separated from Rwanda by the Ruzizi River.
- Ecological Significance: Acts as the primary gateway to the Kahuzi-Biega National Park, home to the endangered Eastern Lowland Gorillas.
Q. With respect to the physical geography and boundaries of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), consider the following statements:
1. The country is landlocked and lacks direct access to the Atlantic Ocean.
2. The Congo River basin is characterized by its unique trajectory crossing the Equator twice.
3. The nation shares its eastern land border with Tanzania and Burundi.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: b
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: The DRC is not landlocked; it possesses a narrow strip of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
Statement 2 is correct: The Congo River, the second longest in Africa, has a basin that crosses the Equator twice.
Statement 3 is correct: The eastern border includes Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania.
