Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest country by area and one of its most populous, with approximately 112.8 million people (2025), a life expectancy of 62 years, GDP of US$91.03 billion, and GDP per capita of approximately US$807 (2025). Despite its vast natural resources, including producing around three-quarters of the world’s cobalt, the country continues to experience persistent conflict, political instability, poverty, and humanitarian challenges, with resource extraction contributing to social and environmental pressures. The CIVICUS Monitor rates the DRC’s civic space as “Repressed”, citing arbitrary arrests of political actors, threats against political parties and civil society organisations, declining press freedom, violence against journalists, and restrictions on civic and political participation. These conditions highlight significant challenges for inclusive governance, human rights, civil society engagement, and sustainable development in the DRC. Sources: CIVICUS Monitor, World Bank Data, Statista.