Part 1/8:
The Hidden Wealth and Unforgiving Poverty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) stands paradoxically as one of the wealthiest countries on the planet while simultaneously grappling with extreme poverty among its citizens. Home to an estimated $24 trillion in untapped raw minerals, the DRC accounts for 13% of the world’s hydroelectric potential and boasts natural resources critical to global industries, such as cobalt for smartphones and electric vehicles, diamonds, gold, and copper. Despite this wealth, the average Congolese person survives on an income of merely $1.50 a day, amounting to a mere $610 annually. This stark contrast raises the question: How could a nation so rich in resources remain so profoundly impoverished?