Population (2025 est.): 112.8 million
GDP (Nominal 2024): $73.8 billion ($714 per capita)
GDP (PPP 2024): $160.2 billion (~$1,552 per capita)
Official Language: French
National Languages: Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo, Tshiluba
Area: 2.35 million km² (2nd largest in Africa, right behind Algeria)
Natural Resources:
- Cobalt (world’s leading producer, ~70% of global output)
- Copper
- Coltan (tantalum)
- Diamonds
- Gold
- Tin
- Lithium
- Uranium
- Timber
- Hydropower potential (Congo River)
Main Industries:
- Mining and mineral processing (cobalt, copper, diamonds, gold, coltan)
- Agriculture (coffee, palm oil, rubber, cassava, maize)
- Forestry
- Cement and basic construction materials
- Consumer goods and chemicals
- Hydroelectric power
The DRC is rich in resources but historically underleveraged due to infrastructure gaps and governance challenges. With rising U.S. engagement, especially around critical minerals and energy, American businesses have a unique window to build long-term, responsible, and profitable ventures—especially in mining, energy, agri-processing, and infrastructure.
