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            ZAIRE
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Situated in west central
Africa, Zaire is a vast
country with a very short
coastline on the Atlantic
Ocean. Mountain ranges and
plateaux surround the Zaire
Basin, drained by the river
Zaire and its main
tributaries. The climate is
equatorial, and rainforests,
containing valuable hardwoods,
cover about half the country.
Agriculture employs 75% of the
population, yet less than 3%
of the country can be
cultivated. Grazing land is
limited by the infestation of
the tsetse fly. Cassava is the
main subsistence crop, and
coffee, tea, cocoa, rubber and
palms are grown for export.
Minerals, mainly copper,
cobalt, zinc and diamonds,
account for 60% of exports.

Area (Sq. Km.): 2,345,400

Population: 35,330,000

Capital: Kinshasa

Language:
French

Religion:
Christian 70%
Moslem 10%

Government Type:
Republic with strong
presidential authority (in
transition).

Currency: Zaire

Embassy:
26 Chesham Place,
London,
SW1X 8HH.
0171-235-6137

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Foreign Office Advice:

In view of the current
political tension, economic
difficulties and the
continuing uncertain security
situation, which could
deteriorate very quickly,
British Nationals should not
visit or transit Zaire.

Areas bordering Rwanda should
be avoided at all costs where
the security situation has
deteriorated through conflict
between refugees, local
populace and Zairean military.
Throughout Zaire, including
Kinshasa, there are acute
shortages of food, drinking
water and medicines.

The assistance the Embassy in
Kinshasa can provide is very
limited.

All British Nationals in Zaire
should register on arrival and
keep in touch with the British
Embassy in Kinshasa (Tel:
34775, 33130 and Satcom 871
1445467).

For more information ring:

 Foreign Office Travel Unit

       0171-270-4129