The Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the world’s deepest river, reaching depths of up to 220 meters (720 feet). Compared to other water bodies, like Lake Victoria with a depth of 82 meters, the Congo River is much deeper, about 2.7 times.
Even the Nile River, which is about 11 meters deep at its deepest point, doesn’t come close to the Congo River, being nearly 20 times shallower.
The Congo River also acts as a boundary between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon in some parts, shaping the region’s geography and politics. Its deepest part lies in the Lower Congo region, between Pool Malebo, east of Brazzaville, and an area called Pioka.
The river’s depth is due to its steep descent towards the Atlantic Ocean. As it nears the ocean, it drops about 6 meters in elevation per kilometer, and in the last 100 kilometers, it descends 200 meters. This fast flow carves deep gorges along its path.
The Congo River’s exceptional depth is a result of nature’s powerful forces. It not only separates countries but also showcases the remarkable processes that shape our world.
