Population and Demographics

The population was estimated at 63.6 million in 2007, growing quickly from 46.7 million in 1997. As many as 250 ethnic groups have been distinguished and named, including the Kongo, Luba and Mongo. About 80% of the Congolese population are Christian, predominantly Roman Catholic. Among the largest Protestant churches are: Anglican Church of Congo, Église des Frères mennonites, Église du Christ au Congo.

Most of the non-Christians adhere to either traditional religions or syncretic sects. Traditional religions embody such concepts as monotheism, animism, vitalism, spirit and ancestor worship, witchcraft and sorcery and vary widely among ethnic groups. The syncretic sects often merge Christianity with traditional beliefs and rituals. The most popular of these sects, Kimbanguism, was seen as a threat to the colonial regime and was banned by the Belgians. Kimbanguism, officially 'the church of Christ on Earth by the prophet Simon Kimbangu', now has about three million members, primarily among the Bakongo of Bas-Congo and Kinshasa.