Africa’s ‘most densely populated’ megacity with twice the population of London

When someone tries to think of a megacity, a few spring to mind, including London, New York and Paris. 

However, many people don’t realise that Africa is home to some of the world’s most densely populated cities. 

One of those is Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Kinshasa’s population currently stands at 17 million people – more than twice the population of London. 

It is Africa’s most densely populated megacity and one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.

Kinshasa is located on the southern bank of the Congo River and has everything from high-rise apartments and luxury villas to massive neighborhoods where people live in tin-roofed houses. 

Many residents have moved to the city from rural areas, drawn by the hope of a better life. 

But this rapid growth has brought challenges, including food shortages and overcrowding.

Kinshasa is not just the largest city in the DRC; it’s the country’s economic, political, and cultural centre.

It’s known for its industries like telecommunications, banking, and manufacturing, and it’s also the heart of Congolese music. 

The city’s Soukous dance music, influenced by Cuban rhythms, is loved across Africa.

The Congo River also plays a big role in the city’s identity. Just across the water sits Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo. 

The two cities are only two miles apart, making them the world’s closest pair of capital cities, even though there’s no bridge connecting them.

Kinshasa’s tropical climate is hot all year round. It has a rainy season from October to May and a dry season from May to September. 

April is the hottest month, with temperatures reaching 32C, while July, the coolest month, still averages around 27C. Rainstorms are frequent but short.

The city covers a massive area of nearly 10,000 square kilometers, with neighborhoods ranging from wealthy districts like Gombe, home to embassies and government offices, to poorer areas further south. 

For anyone who plans to travel to Kinshasa, the British government has issued some travel advice, which can be found here.