Democratic Republic of Congo (The Land of Dense Forests) Chapter Notes | Be an Explorer 5: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets - Class 5 PDF Download

Location and Size

• Located in Central Africa, DRC is one of the largest countries in Africa, covering an area of 23.5 lakh sq. km.
• Nearly landlocked with only a 40 km coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
• Surrounded by nine countries: Angola, Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Central African Republic, and Congo.
• Capital city: Kinshasa, situated on the Congo River.

Geography and Relief

• Three mountain ranges, coastal plains, plateaus, a major valley, and the vast Congo River basin.
• Congo River: Second longest in Africa, called the "Highway of Central Africa."
• Rainforest covers the low-lying Congo River basin.
• Lakes in the eastern boundary: Albert, Edward, Kivu, Tanganyika.
• Highest peak: Mt. Margherita.

Climate

• Equatorial climate with hot and wet conditions.
• Convectional rain occurs throughout the year.
• Rainfall usually in the afternoon after midday heat.
• High humidity and heat lead to heavy rains, making evenings cool.

Vegetation

• Thick evergreen forests with tall, hard-wooded trees forming a dense canopy.
• Ebony, mahogany, and rubber are common trees.
• Grasslands known as the Savannah surround the forests.

Wildlife

• Rich wildlife in forests: monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees, baboons, insects, pythons, and various birds.
• Marshy areas home to hippopotamus, elephants, rhinoceros.
• Rivers and lakes filled with crocodiles and fish.
• Grasslands host lions, cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, and buffaloes.

People and Culture

• Bantu people make up the majority, with traditional lifestyles, curly hair, and Bantu group languages.
• Pygmies, original inhabitants, live in Congo Basin forests, practicing hunting and gathering.
• Pygmies live in huts on trees or poles due to marshy grounds.

Economic Sources

• Abundant in natural resources: cobalt, bauxite, cadmium, copper, petroleum, diamond, gold, zinc, iron, manganese, uranium, silver, radium, and coal.
• Leading producer of hydroelectricity globally.
• Farming, forestry, fishing, and cattle rearing are primary occupations.
• Major crops: rice, maize, sugarcane, cassava, and cash crops like cocoa, coffee, tobacco, cotton, rubber, and oil palm.

Transport

• Underdeveloped road and railway infrastructure due to dense forests and marshy lands.
• Water transport crucial; air transport gaining popularity.

Cities and Towns

• About 30% of the population lives in towns and cities.
• Largest city: Kinshasa; other major cities include Lubumbashi, Katanga, Kisangani, and Matadi (main seaport).
• Improving infrastructure and progress in the country.

Conclusion

DRC, with its diverse geography, rich resources, and unique wildlife, presents a vibrant and challenging environment for its people. The country's progress is reflected in its growing cities and improving infrastructure.