...virtually anyway...
The Heart of Africa.
Like most of Africa...the Congo is a country of contradictions.
Great beauty and great conflict.
Wealth and poverty.
Spectacular wildlife and relentless poachers.
Until 1997 this was better know as Zaire.
It has been the scene of too many internal conflicts and civil uprisings to list here. Currently it is under French Domain...tomorrow...who knows?
So many bloody uprisings the area is known for its genocide and rapes.
When it was still Zaire the term
"le mal Zairois"
or Zaire Sickness was coined because corruption was so common-place.
The current President and government has been in place since 2008...we are hopeful.
But this is not The Congo we are here to explore...instead we will focus on the people...the beautiful Congo River...the rain-forests and wildlife including the Silverback Gorillas...and more.
The Congo covers 905,567 square miles making it roughly the size of Spain, France, Germany, Sweden and Norway combined!
It is the second largest country in Africa.
It is currently experiencing the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano in its midst.
Video 2021 Eruption
https://youtu.be/JZyi9qm7ry8
Most of the population is Bantu...with quite a few indigenous pygmies which an observer commented
They (The Bantu) keep them almost like pets.
Which I found somewhat shocking.
Most are under 5 feet tall when fully grown. Some are much much smaller.
Christianity is the major religion in The Congo and the people are predominantly Catholics.
French is the country's official language.
When we join again we will check out the Congo River.
Until then...
