Cultural Elements
More Online Resources:
http://www.our-africa.org/democratic-republic-of-congo: This website provides a general idea of many different aspects of culture in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This includes information about music, sports, food, education, and the economy of the country. The website, Our Africa, was created by the SOS Children, a charity for orphaned/abandoned children in Africa.
http://www.friendsofthecongo.org/resource-center/congolese-culture.html: This is an article that talks about Congolese culture, especially the Arts/Aesthetic Cultural Universal Element. There is a extensive section dedicated to the music of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including a video interview with Kanda Bongo Man, a famous Congolese soukous musician.
http://www.our-africa.org/democratic-republic-of-congo: This website provides a general idea of many different aspects of culture in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This includes information about music, sports, food, education, and the economy of the country. The website, Our Africa, was created by the SOS Children, a charity for orphaned/abandoned children in Africa.
http://www.friendsofthecongo.org/resource-center/congolese-culture.html: This is an article that talks about Congolese culture, especially the Arts/Aesthetic Cultural Universal Element. There is a extensive section dedicated to the music of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including a video interview with Kanda Bongo Man, a famous Congolese soukous musician.
This is a map of the waterways used as transportation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The landscape of the country is not always suitable for roads and railways, so water transportation remains the most often used method of travel and transportation. This map illustrates the Cultural Universal Element of Economics, specifically the transportation in a country.
Source: Democratic Republic of the Congo: Waterways and main ports used for humanitarian transport (as of 7 Jan 2013). (n.d.). Retrieved July 21, 2015, from http://reliefweb.int/map/democratic-republic-congo/democratic-republic-congo-waterways-and-main-ports-used-humanitarian |
Demographic Overview
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The Democratic Republic of the
Congo has a long history of turmoil, dealing with oppression, war and
corruption, causing the DRC to be one of the poorest countries in the world. During
the 1800s, the Democratic Republic of the Congo was actually one of the faster
growing economies in Africa. It wasn't until the late 1960s that the economy
started experiencing troubles. Throughout the late 1900s, from 1970 to late
1990s, the GDP per capita increasingly worsened due to war and corruption.
Although life expectancy was steadily increasing over the years, it stagnated
during the 90s and at one point even started decreasing slightly (Figure 1). In the early 2000s, the
economy started improving, mainly due to help from various international banks
and organizations. This in turn has effected other aspects of life for the
people. The life expectancy increased to 58 years (Figure 1). Crude birth rates dropped significantly after 2002, from
49 births to 42 births per 1000 population (Figure
2). The ratio of literacy in young women to young men had an increase from
81% to 85% (Figure 3). Lastly, the
percentage of children under the age of five who were suffering from
malnutrition also declined, from 18% in 2001 to 13% in 2007 (Figure 4). With these four graphs, we
can see how health, education, and population have been affected by the changes
in GDP/capita in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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Religion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a mix of Christian, Muslim, and Indigenous religions. Although there is no official religion, approximately 80% of the population are Christians. Christianity first reached the Congo area when Portuguese explorers arrived in the Kongo Kingdom in the late 1400s. The Portuguese sought to bring Christianity to the rulers of the African kingdoms, believing that “if the rulers converted, their people would follow the example set by the ruling class” (“Christianity in Africa”, n.d.). Christianity soon spread throughout the Kongo kingdom, with much of the Kongolese population converting. Only 10% of the Congolese population is Muslim, with most of them residing in the East. Islam was first introduced to the Congolese people during the 18th century. Arab traders brought about the spread of Islam in their search for ivory and slaves.
The most impact on societal development in the DRC was caused by the spread of Christianity in the country. Missionaries seeking to spread Christianity to the natives often translated the Bible into the native languages. However, since most of the native population couldn’t read, “education and schooling became important additional goals of Christian missionaries” (“Christianity in Africa”, n.d.). When the Congo became a colony of Belgium, Roman Catholic missions set out to establish numerous schools and hospitals throughout the country. At the time, people believed in the “civilizing mission”, wherein European nations brought about civilization and westernization to the native people.
Christianity has many holy places, many of which are in the Middle East. The Vatican is another sacred place for the Roman Catholics. None of these sacred places are located inside the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Instead, there have been numerous churches and cathedrals throughout the country for Congolese Christians to worship in. However, the Congo has a large demographic of Kimbanguist Christians. They are the largest independent African church and promote a more puritanical lifestyle. The church has gained popularity throughout the country. Nkamba, a town in the Bas-Congo province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the birth place and burial site of founder Simon Kimbangu, and is often called the New Jerusalem.
When the Congo became an independent country, there were conflicts between the Church and then President, Joseph Mobutu. Mobutu sought to remove all colonial traces, including renaming the country and cities. He reduced the power the churches had on the people and “barred religious instruction in schools” (“Congo”, 2013). However, with the topple of Mobutu’s reign, and the establishment of a new Constitution, the Congolese have regained a number of basic rights. According to the July-December, 2010 International Religious Freedom Report by the Department of State, “the constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom, and…the government generally enforced these protections” (“Congo, Democratic Republic”, 2011).
Religion plays a large role in the society of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has a lasting presence in the history of the country. The people have taken religion and injected their own indigenous rituals and beliefs into them. Today, while the Church no longer has as much power over the people as it once had, it still has a large presence in society, and religion permeates into many aspects of Congolese life.
Sources:
Boddy-Evans, A. (n.d.). Civilizing Mission. Retrieved July 26, 2015, from http://africanhistory.about.com/od/glossaryc/fl/def-Civilizing-Mission.htm
Christianity in Africa. (n.d.). Retrieved July 26, 2015, from http://exploringafrica.matrix.msu.edu/students/curriculum/m14/activity4.php
Congo, Democratic Republic of the. (2013). Retrieved July 27, 2015, from http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0198161.html
Davis, L., & Chainani, S. (2008, May 1). The Poisonwood Bible An Historical Overview of the Effect of Christian Missions in the Congo. Retrieved July 26, 2015, from http://www.gradesaver.com/the-poisonwood-bible/study-guide/an-historical-overview-of-the-effect-of-christian-missions-in-the-congo
Kimbanguist Church | African religion. (2015). Retrieved July 26, 2015, from http://www.britannica.com/topic/Kimbanguist-Church
People & Culture. (n.d.). Retrieved July 26, 2015, from http://www.our-africa.org/democratic-republic-of-congo/people-culture
The World Factbook: Democratic Republic of the Congo. (2015). Retrieved July 26, 2015, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cg.html
The most impact on societal development in the DRC was caused by the spread of Christianity in the country. Missionaries seeking to spread Christianity to the natives often translated the Bible into the native languages. However, since most of the native population couldn’t read, “education and schooling became important additional goals of Christian missionaries” (“Christianity in Africa”, n.d.). When the Congo became a colony of Belgium, Roman Catholic missions set out to establish numerous schools and hospitals throughout the country. At the time, people believed in the “civilizing mission”, wherein European nations brought about civilization and westernization to the native people.
Christianity has many holy places, many of which are in the Middle East. The Vatican is another sacred place for the Roman Catholics. None of these sacred places are located inside the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Instead, there have been numerous churches and cathedrals throughout the country for Congolese Christians to worship in. However, the Congo has a large demographic of Kimbanguist Christians. They are the largest independent African church and promote a more puritanical lifestyle. The church has gained popularity throughout the country. Nkamba, a town in the Bas-Congo province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the birth place and burial site of founder Simon Kimbangu, and is often called the New Jerusalem.
When the Congo became an independent country, there were conflicts between the Church and then President, Joseph Mobutu. Mobutu sought to remove all colonial traces, including renaming the country and cities. He reduced the power the churches had on the people and “barred religious instruction in schools” (“Congo”, 2013). However, with the topple of Mobutu’s reign, and the establishment of a new Constitution, the Congolese have regained a number of basic rights. According to the July-December, 2010 International Religious Freedom Report by the Department of State, “the constitution and other laws and policies protect religious freedom, and…the government generally enforced these protections” (“Congo, Democratic Republic”, 2011).
Religion plays a large role in the society of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has a lasting presence in the history of the country. The people have taken religion and injected their own indigenous rituals and beliefs into them. Today, while the Church no longer has as much power over the people as it once had, it still has a large presence in society, and religion permeates into many aspects of Congolese life.
Sources:
Boddy-Evans, A. (n.d.). Civilizing Mission. Retrieved July 26, 2015, from http://africanhistory.about.com/od/glossaryc/fl/def-Civilizing-Mission.htm
Christianity in Africa. (n.d.). Retrieved July 26, 2015, from http://exploringafrica.matrix.msu.edu/students/curriculum/m14/activity4.php
Congo, Democratic Republic of the. (2013). Retrieved July 27, 2015, from http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0198161.html
Davis, L., & Chainani, S. (2008, May 1). The Poisonwood Bible An Historical Overview of the Effect of Christian Missions in the Congo. Retrieved July 26, 2015, from http://www.gradesaver.com/the-poisonwood-bible/study-guide/an-historical-overview-of-the-effect-of-christian-missions-in-the-congo
Kimbanguist Church | African religion. (2015). Retrieved July 26, 2015, from http://www.britannica.com/topic/Kimbanguist-Church
People & Culture. (n.d.). Retrieved July 26, 2015, from http://www.our-africa.org/democratic-republic-of-congo/people-culture
The World Factbook: Democratic Republic of the Congo. (2015). Retrieved July 26, 2015, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cg.html
The Pygmy People: Threats against Cultural Diversity in the DRC
Cultural Diversity in DRC | |
File Size: | 476 kb |
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Congolese Cuisine
Food is an important aspect of Congolese life. Their diet consists primarily of a lot of starchy foods such as cassava root and sweet potatoes. Rice has also become a staple part of Congolese diet. Meat is a luxury commodity that families save for special occasions, or when they can afford it. Most protein comes from fish or bush-meat (wild game such as reptiles, amphibians, and non-domesticated mammals and birds), although occasionally grubs and other bugs are eaten as a source of protein. Other non-meat sources of protein come from nuts or beans that can be made into soups and stews.
One of the most common dishes eaten in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is called fufu. Fufu is cassava root boiled then ground into a paste, and is usually served communally and eaten with a soup or stew. It is usually served with a spicy peanut soup.
Palm wine is a popular drink in the Congo. It is made from tapping the base of the palm, harvesting the sap, and fermenting the sap into an alcoholic beverage. Wine can also be made from the juice of the sugarcane, which is popular in the Bas-Congo province.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a large agricultural sector, which is split between the farming of cash crops and subsistence farming for food and personal use. Congolese people farm cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, rice, and maize which make up a large part of their diet. Protein sources are mainly fished or hunted, although the DRC does import a percentage of their meat and other animal products.
Congolese cuisine has also been influenced by other countries, during the country’s days as a colony of Belgium, as well as from trade influences from other countries. Kinshasa has a thriving restaurant scene offering a variety of different cuisines ranging from French to Greek to even Chinese.
Although there is not a lot of connections between religion and food in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, food still plays a large role in society. Oftentimes, a family will slaughter and serve their only goat or chicken for special occasions: holidays, weddings, births, and funerals. Traditionally, Congolese people are very generous, and will often provide large meals for visitors – whether they are strangers or family – regardless of how much food they actually have.
Sources:
Congolese Cuisine. (2015). Retrieved August 11, 2015, from http://www.travelingeast.com/africa/democratic-republic-of-congo/congolese-cuisine/
Democratic Republic of the Congo. (n.d.). Retrieved August 11, 2015, from https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/cod/
Food & Daily life. (n.d.). Retrieved August 11, 2015, from http://www.our-africa.org/democratic-republic-of-congo/food-daily-life
Ziemke, J. (n.d.). Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved August 11, 2015, from http://www.everyculture.com/Bo-Co/Democratic-Republic-of-the-Congo.html
One of the most common dishes eaten in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is called fufu. Fufu is cassava root boiled then ground into a paste, and is usually served communally and eaten with a soup or stew. It is usually served with a spicy peanut soup.
Palm wine is a popular drink in the Congo. It is made from tapping the base of the palm, harvesting the sap, and fermenting the sap into an alcoholic beverage. Wine can also be made from the juice of the sugarcane, which is popular in the Bas-Congo province.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a large agricultural sector, which is split between the farming of cash crops and subsistence farming for food and personal use. Congolese people farm cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, rice, and maize which make up a large part of their diet. Protein sources are mainly fished or hunted, although the DRC does import a percentage of their meat and other animal products.
Congolese cuisine has also been influenced by other countries, during the country’s days as a colony of Belgium, as well as from trade influences from other countries. Kinshasa has a thriving restaurant scene offering a variety of different cuisines ranging from French to Greek to even Chinese.
Although there is not a lot of connections between religion and food in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, food still plays a large role in society. Oftentimes, a family will slaughter and serve their only goat or chicken for special occasions: holidays, weddings, births, and funerals. Traditionally, Congolese people are very generous, and will often provide large meals for visitors – whether they are strangers or family – regardless of how much food they actually have.
Sources:
Congolese Cuisine. (2015). Retrieved August 11, 2015, from http://www.travelingeast.com/africa/democratic-republic-of-congo/congolese-cuisine/
Democratic Republic of the Congo. (n.d.). Retrieved August 11, 2015, from https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/cod/
Food & Daily life. (n.d.). Retrieved August 11, 2015, from http://www.our-africa.org/democratic-republic-of-congo/food-daily-life
Ziemke, J. (n.d.). Democratic Republic of the Congo. Retrieved August 11, 2015, from http://www.everyculture.com/Bo-Co/Democratic-Republic-of-the-Congo.html
Poulet Moambé
Another very popular dish is Poulet à la Moambé, or Chicken with Moambe sauce. It is often considered the national dish of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Moambe is a type of sauce made from the palm nuts of the African oil palm.
Another very popular dish is Poulet à la Moambé, or Chicken with Moambe sauce. It is often considered the national dish of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Moambe is a type of sauce made from the palm nuts of the African oil palm.
Recipe
What you need
What you do
Recipe from: http://www.congocookbook.com/chicken_recipes/poulet_moambe_poulet_nyembwe.html
What you need
- a very small amount of oil for frying, preferably palm oil
- one chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- one onion, finely chopped (optional)
- one ripe tomato, chopped; or canned tomato, drained, (optional)
- one to two dozen okra, chopped (optional)
- two cloves garlic, finely chopped -- or -- one small bunch of sorrel leaves or parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- chile pepper, chopped (optional)
- salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper or red pepper (to taste)
- moambé or nyembwe sauce (also called palm butter) (below); or canned Palm Soup Base (also called "Sauce Graine" or "Noix de Palme"), available in African and International grocery stores
What you do
- Fry the chicken and any optional ingredients in hot oil in a large skillet or dutch oven until the chicken is browned but not done.
- Reduce heat and add the spices. Add two cups of the moambé / nyembwe sauce or canned palm soup base and one cup water. Simmer over low heat until everything is cooked and tender (maybe an hour), stirring often. Stir before serving. The red palm oil tends to separate from the sauce; some people remove some or most of this red oil before serving.
- Serve with Baton de Manioc (also called Chikwangue), or Fufu, or Rice.
Recipe from: http://www.congocookbook.com/chicken_recipes/poulet_moambe_poulet_nyembwe.html