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==Democratic Republic of the Congo==
'''Democratic Republic of the Congo''' (''pronunciation:'' /ˈkɒŋɡoʊ/), also known as '''DRC''', '''Congo-Kinshasa''' or simply '''the Congo''', is a country located in Central Africa. It is the second largest country in Africa by area and the 11th largest in the world. With a population of over 105 million, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the most populous officially Francophone country, the fourth-most-populous country in Africa, and the 15th-most-populous country in the world.

===Etymology===
The country was known as '''Zaire''' between 1971 and 1997. The name "Congo" refers to the river Congo, also known as the river Zaire, which was named after the Kingdom of Kongo, a Bantu kingdom which occupied its mouth at the time of European discovery.

===Geography===
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is located in Central Africa. It is bordered by [[Central African Republic]] and [[South Sudan]] to the north; [[Uganda]], [[Rwanda]], [[Burundi]] and [[Tanzania]] to the east; [[Zambia]] and [[Angola]] to the south; the [[Republic of the Congo]], the [[Angolan exclave]] of Cabinda, and the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to the west; and is separated from [[Tanzania]] by [[Lake Tanganyika]] to the east.

===Healthcare===
Healthcare in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a major concern due to ongoing conflict and political instability. The country has a high prevalence of [[HIV/AIDS]], [[malaria]], and [[tuberculosis]], among other diseases. The healthcare system is underfunded and understaffed, and many people lack access to basic healthcare services.

===Politics===
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a [[semi-presidential republic]] with a [[multi-party system]]. The President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The political system is characterized by corruption, lack of transparency, and human rights abuses.

[[Category:African countries]]
[[Category:Democratic Republic of the Congo]]
[[Category:French-speaking countries]]

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