Mbanza-Ngungu | |
---|---|
City and Territory | |
Coordinates: 5°15′S 14°52′E / 5.250°S 14.867°ECoordinates: 5°15′S 14°52′E / 5.250°S 14.867°E | |
Country | DR Congo |
Province | Kongo Central |
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 Kongo Central 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.
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. 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. The city's other main industry is railway engineering.
The city is currently the main site of Kongo University.