Africa > Congo, Democratic Republic of the > Economy

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Agriculture > products coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber, tea, quinine, cassava, palm oil, bananas, root crops, corn, fruits; wood products
Aid as % of GDP	1%		[89th of 129]
Current account balance	-$402,000,000.00		[107th of 181]
Debt > External	$10,000,000,000.00		[75th of 136]
Economy > Overview The economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo - a nation endowed with vast potential wealth - is slowly recovering from two decades of decline. Conflict, which began in August 1998, dramatically reduced national output and government revenue, increased external debt, and resulted in the deaths of more than 3.5 million people from violence, famine, and disease. Foreign businesses curtailed operations due to uncertainty about the outcome of the conflict, lack of infrastructure, and the difficult operating environment. Conditions began to improve in late 2002 with the withdrawal of a large portion of the invading foreign troops. The transitional government reopened relations with international financial institutions and international donors, and President KABILA has begun implementing reforms, although progress is slow and the International Monetary Fund curtailed their program for the DRC at the end of March 2006 because of fiscal overruns. Much economic activity still occurs in the informal sector, and is not reflected in GDP data. Renewed activity in the mining sector, the source of most export income, boosted Kinshasa's fiscal position and GDP growth. Government reforms and improved security may lead to increased government revenues, outside budget assistance, and foreign direct investment, although an uncertain legal framework, corruption, and a lack of transparency in government policy are continuing long-term problems.
Exchange rates Congolese francs per US dollar - 401.04 (2004), 405.34 (2003), 346.49 (2002), 206.62 (2001), 21.82 (2000)
Exports	$1,587,000,000.00		[127th of 189]
Exports to US	$131,100,000.00		[80th of 224]
GDP	$8,543,323,000.00		[105th of 203]
GDP (purchasing power parity)	$19,030,000,000.00		[121st of 187]
GDP > PPP	$38,493,000,000.00		[76th of 163]
GDP > Real growth rate	7%		[48th of 198]
GDP growth > annual %	6.5 annual %		[41st of 187]
GDP per capita in 1950	$636.00		[47th of 52]
GDP per capita in 1973	$757.00		[51st of 52]
GDP per capita, PPP > current international $	714.16 PPP $		[157th of 169]
Gross national income > constant LCU	2.32
Human Development Index	0.385		[168th of 178]
Inflation rate (consumer prices)	16.7%		[9th of 192]
Tourist arrivals	42,000		[136th of 152]

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