Mbanza-Ngungu

Mbanza-Ngungu
City and Territory
Mbanza-Ngungu
Coordinates: 5°15′S 14°52′E / 5.250°S 14.867°E / -5.250; 14.867Coordinates: 5°15′S 14°52′E / 5.250°S 14.867°E / -5.250; 14.867
Country  DR Congo
Province Bas-Congo
District Cataractes
Area
  Total 8,190 km2 (3,160 sq mi)
Population (2004)
  Total 100,000
  Density 12/km2 (32/sq mi)
Time zone WAT (UTC+1)

Mbanza-Ngungu, formerly known as Thysville or Thysstad, named after Albert Thys, is a city and territory in Bas-Congo 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, known for their blind, colourless fish. It is home to a major FARDC garrison: the 1st Armoured Brigade was based here during the early '90s 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.

See also

References

  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
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