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Where in the world does HandUp Congo work?
We currently work in Congo’s capitol, Kinshasa, and in the village of Lotumbe in Equatorial Province. To get to Lotumbe you have to take a 2-hour flight from Kinshasa to Mbandaka, the province’s capitol, and then board a dugout canoe for Lotumbe. If you're paddling, like most of the locals do, you would have to plan for a seven-day trip. If you’re lucky enough to afford an outboard motor, it's a snap... about 16 hours with a stop or two along the way.

For a quicker trip, download GoogleEarth, enter your hometown as a starting point, then enter your destination: Lotumbe, Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Fast Facts about Congo

Neighbors: Nine countries border the Democratic Republic of Congo: Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, The Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Angola, Zambia, Burundi

Population: Approximately 60 million inhabitants

Ethnic Groups: More than 200 ethnic groups

Major Languages: Lingala, Kikongo, Tshiluba, Swahili, French

Size/Area: 2,345,410 sq km; approximately the size of Western Europe or slightly less than one fourth the size of the USA.

Income: US $100 per year for an individual Congolese

Key Natural Resources: Diamonds, Gold, Coltan, Uranium, Copper, Tin, Silver, Cobalt, Niobium, Timber, Hydro Power, Manganese, Petroleum

Life Expectancy: 51 years

Religions: Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%, Kimbanguist 10%, Muslim 10%, Other 10%

Capitol: Kinshasa

Provinces: 25, according to the Constitution approved in late 2005. Prior to 2005, there were 11 provinces.

More Information

Impact of Eastern Congo Violence on HandUp Congo Projects
Thankfully, the ongoing violence and tragedy that continue on Congo's Eastern border are still isolated in that region. Lotumbe is still stable, as is the situation in the nation's capitol, Kinshasa, where Université Protestante au Congo (UPC) is located. Thank all of you for your concern and continued support.