The Congo River begins in the Democratic Republic of Congo and flows through several central African countries before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. It is the second longest river in Africa and has the second largest drainage basin in the world. From 1998-2004, the Congo experienced its deadliest war since World War II, which killed millions and displaced many refugees.

1. The Congo (Zaire) River

2. Location of the Congo River Begins in the southern most part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Flows to Boyoma/Stanley Falls just north of the equator Turns counterclockwise, flows to the northeast, then to the west and south before it enters the Atlantic Ocean. Broken into category of Lower Congo, Middle Congo, and Upper Congo

3. Quick Facts Formerly called the Zaire River Africa’s most powerful river Second most voluminous river in the world Second longest river in Africa, fifth longest in the world Over 4,000 islands More than 50 of these are at least 10 miles (16 km) in length 1.6 million square mile river basin Flows through the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Congo, the Central African Republic, Zambia, Angola, Cameroon, and Tanzania Ranges in width from 0.5 to 10 miles (0.8 to 16 km) depending on location and season

4. Climate Average Annual Rainfall of 67 inches Even driest month has around 3 inches of rain Average Annual Temperature of 76°F

5. Wildlife—Animals

6. Wildlife—Plant Life

7. The Congo River as it Relates to People The Bantu-speaking people have lived in the area for over 2,000 years Biggest transportation source in Central Africa The Congo River and its tributaries together have over 9,000 miles (14,500 km) of navigable waterways Within the Congo, there are 650 miles of waterways accessible to barges year-round Waterways have helped economic development One of largest reserves of drinking water in the world Sought by desert countries in Africa and Asia

8. Civil War (1998-2004) Cause: Many ethnic groups Troops from both sides of the genocide in Rwanda Result: Deadliest war since WWII People died of starvation, disease, murder by different groups, and due to fighting Estimated death toll is between 3.8 and 3.9 million people Many refugees, including orphans and children who did not know where their parents were

9. People Affected by the Civil War

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