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.

Mbanza-Ngungu
Territory
Mbanza-Ngungu is located in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mbanza-Ngungu
Mbanza-Ngungu
Coordinates: 5°15′S 14°52′E / 5.250°S 14.867°E / -5.250; 14.867
Country DR Congo
ProvinceKongo Central
SeatMbanza-Ngungu
Area
 • Total
8,190 km2 (3,160 sq mi)
Population
 (2004)
 • Total
100,000
 • Density12/km2 (32/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (WAT)

Overview

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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

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

See also

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References

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