You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in French. (April 2024) Click [show] for important translation instructions.
|
Boma | |
---|---|
Ville de Boma | |
Coordinates: 5°51′S 13°03′E / 5.850°S 13.050°E | |
Country | DR Congo |
Province | Kongo Central |
Founded | 16th century |
City status | 1963 |
Communes | Kabondo, Kalamu, Nzadi |
Government | |
• Mayor | Senghor Mbutiyibi |
Area | |
• Total | 65 km2 (25 sq mi) |
Elevation | 61 m (200 ft) |
Population (2012)[2] | |
• Total | 162,521 |
• Density | 2,500/km2 (6,500/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC+1 (West Africa Time) |
Climate | Aw |
Boma is a port town on the Congo River, some 100 kilometres (62 mi) upstream from the Atlantic Ocean, in the Kongo Central Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), adjacent to the border with Angola. It had an estimated population of 162,521 in 2012.[2]
Boma was the capital city of the Congo Free State and Belgian Congo (the modern Democratic Republic of the Congo) from 1 May 1886 to 1923, when the capital was moved to Léopoldville (since renamed Kinshasa). The port handles exports of tropical timber, bananas, cocoa, and palm products.