Young Life Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo was established as a Belgian colony in 1908 and gained its independence in 1960. It became the official “Democratic Republic of the Congo” in 1997 and is still full of significant political tension and strife. From 1994 to 2003, more than five million people died as a result of civil war, and many eastern areas are still plagued by violence as various rebel groups continue to operate there. DRC is the poorest country in the world and is still experiencing the effects of constant militant-led conflicts, widespread rape, exploitation and corrupt government. DRC is made up of almost 90 million people and over 200 African ethnic groups. 48% of the population is under 18 years of age. The main language is French, yet Lingala is a commonly used trade language as well. Nearly 80-90% of the population is Christian--split up between Catholicism, Protestantism and other Christian denominations.