New
New
Year 8

Physical landscapes of the Democratic Republic of Congo

I can identify and explain the importance of the DRC's key physical features.

New
New
Year 8

Physical landscapes of the Democratic Republic of Congo

I can identify and explain the importance of the DRC's key physical features.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The DRC's physical geography includes mountains, lakes, rivers, and the Congo Basin.
  2. The Congo River is the second longest river in Africa and is important for transport and hydroelectric power.
  3. The Great Rift Valley runs through the eastern DRC, forming mountains and volcanoes.
  4. Natural landscapes affect where people live and how they use resources.

Keywords

  • Hydroelectric power (HEP) - hydroelectric power generates electricity by using water

  • Volcanic - volcanic describes something that is created by a volcano

  • Valley - a valley is a long, low-lying area of land surrounded by hills or mountains

  • Natural resources - natural resources are those that come from Earth without human influence and can be used for human needs

Common misconception

That the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring country, the Republic of Congo, are the same country. Students can inadvertently shorten DRC to 'Congo' in verbal or written work.

The DRC and the Republic of Congo are two separate countries in central Africa. The Congo River forms part of the border between the countries; their capital cities Kinshasa and Brazzaville are located on oppposite banks of the river from each other.


To help you plan your year 8 geography lesson on: Physical landscapes of the Democratic Republic of Congo, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Give students a blank outline map of the DRC and ask them to annotate it or shade it to show key features of the physical landscape such as the Great Rift Valley and the Congo River.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Where is the Democratic Republic of the Congo located?

Northern Africa
West Africa
Correct answer: Central Africa
Southern Africa

Q2.
What is a major river that flows through the DRC?

Nile
Correct answer: Congo
Amazon
Zambezi

Q3.
Which of the following best describes the DRC’s climate?

Desert
Correct answer: Equatorial
Mediterranean
Temperate

Q4.
What is a biome found in much of the DRC?

Tundra
Correct answer: Rainforest
Polar

Q5.
What is a key feature of the DRC's population?

It’s very small
Most people live in deserts
Correct answer: It is one of the most populous countries in Africa
Everyone lives in rural villages

Q6.
What is a legacy of colonialism in the DRC?

Unchanged borders
Strong infrastructure
A high-tech economy
Correct answer: Ongoing exploitation of natural resources

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What natural feature is used to generate hydroelectric power in the DRC?

Volcanoes
Forests
Correct answer: Rivers
Mountains

Q2.
Part of the DRC lies within which major geographical feature that includes deep valleys and volcanoes?

Andes Mountains
Correct answer: Great Rift Valley
Sahara Desert
Amazon Basin

Q3.
Which statement about the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is correct?

The DRC and the Republic of the Congo are the same country.
The DRC is in North Africa.
Correct answer: The DRC and the Republic of the Congo are two different countries.
The DRC is an island nation.

Q4.
Which of these is not a feature of the DRC’s landscape?

Correct answer: Deserts
Rainforests
Volcanoes
Rivers