Mbanza-Ngungu Explained

Mbanza-Ngungu
Settlement Type:Territory
Pushpin Map:Democratic Republic of the Congo
Coordinates:-5.25°N 66°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Type1:Province
Subdivision Name1:Kongo Central
Seat:Mbanza-Ngungu
Unit Pref:Metric
Area Total Km2:8190
Population Total:100,000
Population As Of:2004
Population Density Km2:auto
Timezone:WAT
Utc Offset:+1

Mbanza-Ngungu, formerly known as Thysville or Thysstad, named after Albert Thys, is a city and territory in Kongo Central Province in the western part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, lying on a short branch off the Matadi-Kinshasa Railway. It has a population of nearly 100,000 people.

Overview

Formerly known as a resort town, it is home to the Thysville Caves, which encompass the entire range of the colourless African blind barb. It is home to a major FARDC garrison: the 1st Armoured Brigade was based here during the early 1990s period.[1] The 1st Armoured Brigade was first listed in the IISS Military Balance in 1982-83 edition, implying that the brigade may have been created during that period.[2] The city's other main industry is railway engineering.

The city is currently the main site of Kongo University.

Notable people

Gallery

Swiss photographer Annemarie Schwarzenbach, took photos from May 1941 until March 1942. They are shown below.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Ed. bySandra W. Meditz and Tim Merrill, Country Study for Zaire, 1993, Library of Congress
  2. IISS Military Balance 82/83, page 71