Area: 905,000 sq miles, about a quarter the size of the U.S., larger than western Europe

Population: 52 million (July 2000 est.)

Ethnic groups: over 200 African ethnic groups of which the majority are Bantu

Religions: Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%, Kimbanguist 10%, Muslim 10%, other indigenous beliefs 10%

Languages: French (official), Lingala, Swahili, Tshiluba and Kikongo

Government type: transition

Capital: Kinshasa

Independence and National holiday: June 30, 1960 (from Belgium)

Currency: US$1 = 300 Congolese Francs