Democratic Republic of Congo

Independence Day for the Democratic Republic of Congo will be celebrated around the world on June 30, but not so much by those who have to live there.

Formerly known as Zaire, the DRC is notable for two things: it is the only nation called a Democatic Republic that actually is a democratic republic (for the time being anyway) - and recent war-related deaths of 5 million or more, make it the site of the world's bloodiest battles since WWII.

According a recent UN report, violence against women in parts of the nation involves “unimaginable brutality”. A phenomenon of "pendulum displacement" has developed, where people hasten at night to safety. The UN has expressed its concern which, in its defence, is considerably more than many western feminists.

Please stand for the Congolese national anthem.