The+Congo+River

=__ **The Congo River by George & Josh** __= ==

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**The Congo River is the 9th longest river in the world. It is 4700km long. It is also the deepest river in the world with depths of 230 metres.****The Congo is the second largest river in the world by volume just after the Amazon river. The River runs through eight different countries on its course including: The African Republic, The Republic of Congo, Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, Barundi, Rwanda and Congo. It also has 32 rapids and some of the biggest waterfalls in the world. It is a unique and magnificent river and we should strive to sustain its beauty.** ======

__ **[|Our Wildlife video youtube]** __ __ **[|Our linoit]** __ **__ The Congo River Information Report __**

**__ By Josh Turner and George Head __**


 * The Congo River is a finite and vulnerable resource. It flows through many African countries and it helps provide life for a variety of different plants and animals. The Congo has three major issues that affect the lifestyle of many different people, fauna and flora. The river has many uses that help people maintain an easy and balanced life. It has a rich and diverse history full of many myths and legends and it provides a huge religious culture for the people of Africa. Without the Congo many people, plants and animals would die. **


 * The Congo River flows through many African Countries. It starts at Lake Mweru then empties into the Atlantic Ocean. It has a unique and interesting course. The River is the ninth longest river in the world with a length of 4700km. It is also the second biggest river by volume and deepest river in the world with a depth of 230m. It also has 32 rapids. The Congo River flows through seven countries The African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda. The Congo also has some of the biggest water falls in the world. **


 * The Congo River has an incredible climate which provides life for a many different plants and animals that live in and around it. The river is a very hot and dry place even though it is surrounded by one of the biggest tropical rainforests in the world the Congo Rainforest. Only 94 inches of rain fall into the Congo River every year, which is unusual because the Congo Rainforest is right next to the river (The Congo Rainforest is a tropical rainforest, requiring substantial amounts of rain each year.) This unique combination provides life for a huge amount of flora and fauna. Some animals in the Congo River and Rainforest include: Hippos, water snakes, crocodiles, turtles, pigs, elephants and it holds more than 700 species of fish. Some of the plants and animals in and around the Congo River include: Pine trees, ferns, mosses and blue gums. The Congo River provides and sustains life for many different types of flora and fauna. Without it, many plants and animals would cease to exist. **


 * The Congo River has three major issues have a negative impact on flora, fauna, the environment and humans. The river is the main source of transport for people who live near it. Boats that travel along the river let out lots of oil and pollution that harm and kill the Congo and its animals. Factories that work along the river pollute it because of all the waste and toxic gas that is being dumped in to the Congo destroying habitats. Another major issue is soil erosion. This is when soil from the land falls into the river. It results in dirtier drinking water for humans, plants and animals which can make them very sick or even kill them. **


 * The Congo River is used for a variety of different purposes that help people maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The main use of the river is to transport humans and trade goods (e.g. cloth, wool and wood etc) to people all over Africa. More than 200 tonnes of food and other essential items were delivered from the Congo River to places all over Africa each year. The Congo River also is a source of clean water to people living in poor areas near the river. Food from the Congo is caught or grown by fisherman or farmers and delivered fresh to some people fortunate enough to be able to pay for this food. The river is also a drinking source for people living near it. Unfortunately they pollution it so bad that the water is black, so it gives humans stomach cramps and make them very sick. **


 * The Congo River has a rich and diverse history that has changed and shaped what the river is like. In 1482, the Congo River was discovered by Diego Cao. When Cao first discovered it, he was looking for a location for his king to live and build a kingdom. Diego came across the Congo and though that it was the perfect place for his king. Cao never scouted the whole river though because he could not get past the dangerous rapids the river held. He never mapped the river, so the Congo was later mapped in 1875 by several European explorers. Most of the Europeans did not survive the journey though, as they were killed by the native Congolese people. Later in the 1800’s though, the Europeans came back to Congo and enslaved the native people. These events have shaped the Congo River’s history for ever. **


 * The Congo River has many different myths and legends which are unique in many different ways. They shape the cultural beliefs that the people of Africa have today. Most of the myths and legends relating to the Congo River are related to the gods of Africa. For example, some people in Africa believe that the first human rose out of the Congo River and lived on its banks for many years. Other people believe that the goddess Yemaya created all of the marine animals in the Congo River. There are many other myths and legends that have a huge significance to the people of Africa. **


 * The Congo River is a finite and vulnerable resource that we have to preserve to save the lives of many people in the world. It is incredibly important to flora, fauna and the environment. **