1] (202) 234-7690, 7691
FAX: [1] (202) 234-2609

Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Roger MEECE
embassy: 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa
mailing address: Unit 31550, APO AE 09828
telephone: [243] (88) 43608
FAX: [243] (88) 43467

Flag description:
sky blue field divided diagonally from the lower hoist corner to
upper fly corner by a red stripe bordered by two narrow yellow
stripes; a yellow, five-pointed star appears in the upper hoist
corner

Economy Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Economy - overview:
The economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo - a nation
endowed with vast potential wealth - has declined drastically since
the mid-1980s. The war, which began in August 1998, dramatically
reduced national output and government revenue, increased external
debt, and resulted in the deaths of perhaps 3.5 million people from
violence, famine, and disease. Foreign businesses curtailed
operations due to uncertainty about the outcome of the conflict,
lack of infrastructure, and the difficult operating environment.
Conditions improved in late 2002 with the withdrawal of a large
portion of the invading foreign troops. The transitional government
has reopened relations with international financial institutions and
international donors, and President KABILA has begun implementing
reforms. Much economic activity lies outside the GDP data. Economic
stability improved in 2003-06, although an uncertain legal
framework, corruption, and a lack of openness in government policy
continues to hamper growth. In 2005-06, renewed activity in the
mining sector, the source of most exports, boosted Kinshasa's fiscal
position and GDP growth. Business and economic prospects are
expected to improve once a new government is installed after
elections.

GDP (purchasing power parity):
$44.6 billion (2006 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):
$8.061 billion (2006 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:
7.5% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):
$700 (2006 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 55%
industry: 11%
services: 34% (2000 est.)

Labor force:
14.51 million (1993 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: NA%
industry: NA%
services: NA%

Unemployment rate:
NA%

Population below poverty line:
NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest