Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Political Geography
- Location: Central Africa (Capital: Kinshasa).
- Boundaries: Bordered by nine nations—Angola, Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and Zambia. It possesses a narrow coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
- Conflict Zones: The regions of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri are the primary hotspots of insurgency.
Geographical Features
- Congo River: The second longest river in Africa; notable for being the only major river to cross the Equator twice.
- Topography: Dominated by the Congo Basin (rainforest) and the Katanga Plateau.
- Key Lakes: Includes Lake Tanganyika, Lake Albert, Lake Edward, and Lake Kivu (part of the African Great Lakes system).
- Volcanism: Home to Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano in the Virunga Mountains.
Economic Significance
- Cobalt Production: The DRC produces approximately 75% of the world’s cobalt, a critical mineral for batteries and electronics.
2. Senkaku Islands
About: The Senkaku Islands are a group of uninhabited islands located in the East China Sea. They are the subject of a long-standing territorial dispute involving Japan, the People’s Republic of China, and Taiwan.
Nomenclature
- Japan: Senkaku Islands
- China: Diaoyu Islands
- Taiwan: Diaoyutai Islands
- International: Pinnacle Islands
Geography and Location:
- Position: Located approximately 90 nautical miles north of the Yaeyama Islands (Okinawa, Japan) and 120 nautical miles northeast of Taiwan.
- Composition: The group consists of five islands (largest: Uotsuri Island) and three barren rocks, covering a total area of roughly 6.3 sq km.
- Geology: Composed primarily of sandstone, andesite, and coral outcroppings. The region is geologically active, featuring faults associated with volcanic activity.
Administrative Status
- Control: The islands are currently administered by Japan as part of Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture.
- History: Japan incorporated the islands in 1895. China and Taiwan contest this, claiming historical rights.
