The Democratic Republic of the Congo is located in Central Africa and borders 9 countries. It is the second largest country in Africa by area and has a population of over 90 million people. The Congo River runs through the country and is an important transport route.
The capital and largest city is Kinshasa. French is commonly used throughout much of the country and there are over 200 African languages spoken in the DRC. The country has a tropical climate and terrain ranging from the Atlantic coast to mountains and tropical rainforests.
In this article we have compiled 39 riddles about the Democratic Republic of the Congo along with the answers. Test your knowledge of this interesting African country by trying to solve these brain teasers. The answers are provided below each riddle.
Geography Riddles
Riddle: What is the world’s deepest lake that sits on the border of the DRC?
Answer:
Lake Tanganyika
Riddle: This mountain is the highest point in the DRC at 5,109 meters:
Answer:
Mount Stanley
Riddle: Name the world’s second largest rainforest that covers much of northern Congo.
Answer:
The Congo Rainforest
Riddle: This desert covers part of northeastern Congo near the Sudan border.
Answer:
The Sahara Desert
Riddle: The Congo River has this second longest tributary that joins it northeast of Kinshasa.
Answer:
Ubangi River
History & Politics Riddles
Riddle: What was the Congo called during 1885-1908 when King Leopold II of Belgium made it his private property?
Answer:
Congo Free State
Riddle: This revolt took place in 1964 against the government shortly after independence.
Answer:
Simba Rebellion
Riddle: Which country invaded Congo amidst the chaos after independence in 1960-65?
Answer:
Belgium
Riddle: This agreement in 2003 formally ended the Second Congo War that killed millions.
Answer:
Pretoria Accord
Riddle: Under this leader’s regime from 1965-1997, Zaire had a one party system.
Answer:
Mobutu Sese Seko
Society & Culture Riddles
Riddle: French may be an official language but this Bantu language has the most native speakers.
Answer:
Kikongo
Riddle: Played by over 20 million Congolese, this musical style involving Cuban & electronic music is hugely popular.
Answer:
Soukous
Riddle: Primarily found in Congo, this is a spiritual belief system incorporating Christian ideas with healing practices.
Answer:
Kimbanguism
Riddle: Used since the 13th century Kingdom of Kongo, this writing system uses symbols representing concepts.
Answer:
Nsibidi
Riddle: In rural Congo, this ethnic group makes up 15% of the population and practices animist beliefs.
Answer:
Luba people
Economics Riddles
Riddle: This mineral mined in Congo’s southeast is used in electronics & comprises over 50% of export revenue.
Answer:
Copper
Riddle: Oil was recently discovered under Lake ______ in Congo prompting hopes of an economic boom.
Answer:
Lake Albert
Riddle: France’s billion dollar state backed nuclear energy deal with Congo involves mining this metal.
Answer:
Uranium
Riddle: Classified as a low income economy, what percentage of Congo’s citizens live below the poverty line?
Answer:
Over 60%
Riddle: Name the currency used in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Answer:
Congolese Franc
Food & Drink Riddles
Riddle: Made from smoked fish, this Congolese snack’s name translates to “breakfast”?
Answer:
Mbika
Riddle: A popular Congolese vegetable dish, this translates to “relish” or “sauce” in Lingala.
Answer:
Pondu
Riddle: This cassava flour dish is cooked and then pounded into paste to make fufu which soaks up sauces and stews when eaten.
Answer:
Chikwangue
Riddle: Derived from local brews, this clear spirit made from corn has been produced in Congo since 1880.
Answer:
Kwilu brandy
Riddle: The name of this popular Congolese lager beer translates to “makes strong”?
Answer:
Skol
Landmarks & Cities Riddles
Riddle: This national park located in Congo’s far northwest draws visitors to see mountain gorillas.
Answer:
Virunga National Park
Riddle: Regarded as the Congolese center of music, this Kinshasa commune plays host to many musicians.
Answer:
Matongé
Riddle: Located near Kisangani, these are among Africa’s most powerful waterfalls with spray rising 300 meters.
Answer:
Boyoma Falls
Riddle: This coastal city hosts Congo’s main seaport making it an important trading center.
Answer:
Boma
Riddle: Formerly named Leopoldville, Brazzaville is the capital of this neighboring country across the Congo River.
Answer:
Republic of the Congo
Wildlife Riddles
Riddle: This tiny antelope living in Congo’s forests holds the title for world’s smallest hoofed animal.
Answer:
Royal antelope
Riddle: Only a few hundred remain in the wild, this ape subspecies is Critically Endangered.
Answer:
Eastern lowland gorilla
Riddle: This rare semi-aquatic ungulate living in the Congo Rainforest has vampire-like fangs.
Answer:
Water chevrotain
Riddle: Named for its dark coat and prehensile tail, identify this small nocturnal primate.
Answer:
Angwantibo
Riddle: This venomous snake’s name refers to a line running down its body.
Answer:
African twig snake
Conclusion
How did you do with these riddles? The Democratic Republic of the Congo is filled with geographic wonders, compelling history, diverse culture, abundant wildlife and much more beyond these lighthearted brain teasers. Learning about different places through fun puzzles is a great way to expand our knowledge. Put your thinking cap on and explore more riddles about countries around the globe!
