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Year 8 - Geography

Colonial history and legacy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo: What are its opportunities and challenges?

Unit Summary

This unit teaches pupils about the physical and human geography of the DRC and how natural resources bring both opportunities and challenges. Pupils will also learn about the Congo rainforest and how conservation efforts are trying to protect this important biome.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe the impact of colonial rule on the DRC and its lasting effects.

Key Notes

  • The DRC was a former Belgian colony and has had multiple names over time including the Belgian Congo and Zaire.
  • King Leopold II exploited the country's natural resources and people, causing millions of deaths.
  • After independence in 1960, the DRC faced political instability and conflict.
  • Colonial borders and exploitation still affect the DRC today.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • colony: a country or area that is controlled by another country and has people living there from the controlling country
  • legacy: something handed down or passed on from an earlier generation
  • natural resources: resources that come from Earth without human influence and can be used for human needs
  • border: the dividing lines between two countries
  • to exploit: to use something for personal benefit

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • That countries are always the same shape and size, with the same borders and the same name throughout their history and that these aspects will never change.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.

The DRC was a former Belgian colony and has had multiple names over time including the Belgian Congo and Zaire. King Leopold II exploited the country's natural resources and people, causing millions of deaths.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'colony'

a country or area that is controlled by another country and has people living there from the controlling country.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: That countries are always the same shape and size, with the same borders and the same name throughout their history and that these aspects will never change. Correction: History has shown that in many countries borders move, countries expand or shrink and the name of any given country is not fixed and permanent. These things are often the result of conflict or warfare which causes significant political change.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 Geography guide library.