One of Africa's largest, most populated, and generously endowed countries, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has both dominated the surrounding region and been greatly affected by it as well. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has undergone a long period of war, and it appears that political renewal and economic recovery are bleak. Human security is likely to remain a distant dream for many years to come due to the prevalence and intensity of rape and other sexual violence, which is described as theworst in the world. The third edition of the Historical Dictionary of the Democratic Republic of the Congo looks back at the nearly 48 years of independence, over a century of colonial rule, and even earlier kingdoms and groups that shared the territory. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over 800 cross-referenced dictionary entries on civil wars, mutinies, notable people, places, events, and cultural practices.