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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