Why is Congo considered a third-world country? 

When you search for the term “third-world country”, you might picture a place with poverty, conflict, and few modern amenities. For many people, Congo often comes up in this context. But is Congo really a third-world country in 2025? In order to answer that question properly, we need to understand what “third world” means, explore Congo’s socio-economic context, and compare the two main Congos — the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo.

What Does “Third-World Country” Really Mean?

The term “third world” is often misunderstood. Originally, it referred to countries that were not aligned with either the Western capitalist bloc (the “first world”) or the communist bloc (the “second world”) during the Cold War. Over time, it became a synonym for developing nations with lower income, weaker infrastructure, and fewer social services.

However, the term is outdated and not typically used in modern economic classification. Today, institutions like the United Nations (UN), World Bank, and International Monetary Fund (IMF) use a mix of economic and social indicators — such as GDP per capita, Human Development Index (HDI), poverty rates, and access to health and education — to classify countries.

Congo Isn’t One Country — It’s Two

Before discussing development status, it’s crucial to clarify that “Congo” refers to two distinct sovereign countries in Central Africa:

1. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

• Often simply called Congo or DR Congo.

• Largest country in Sub-Saharan Africa by land area.

• Huge population (over 100 million).

• Extremely rich in natural resources like cobalt, copper, and gold.

2. Republic of the Congo

• Smaller and less populous.

• Often referred to as Congo-Brazzaville to distinguish it from the DRC.

Each country has its own economic conditions, political dynamics, and development indicators — and both are at different stages of progress.

Is the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) a Third-World Country in 2025?

1. Economic Challenges and Poverty

The DRC faces immense economic challenges despite its vast natural wealth. The paradox of resource abundance with widespread poverty is sometimes called the resource curse — where valuable resources fail to translate into widespread prosperity.

Here are some key facts about the DRC’s human development:

• The DRC has one of the lowest Human Development Index (HDI) rankings in the world, indicating severe challenges in health, education, and standard of living.

• Most of the population lives on less than a few dollars a day.

• Poverty, food insecurity, and limited access to essential services remain widespread.

These conditions are typical of countries often labeled — fairly or not — as “third world” in popular discussions.

2. Conflict and Instability

Armed conflict has been a persistent issue in eastern parts of the DRC. Rebel groups like M23 continue to influence territory, disrupt civilian life, and displace millions. These ongoing security challenges have deep impacts on development, agriculture, education, and health services.

Conflict intensifies humanitarian needs, limits government services, and deters investment, making development even harder.

3. Development Indicators

Although the DRC holds vast deposits of minerals critical for modern technology (like cobalt for batteries), most mining operations do not benefit local communities. Infrastructure such as roads, schools, electricity, and clean water access remains underdeveloped.

These combined factors make the DRC one of the least developed countries globally, sharing many of the features people associate with the outdated term third world.

However, using current development frameworks, the DRC is best described as a low-income, least developed country rather than merely “third world.”

Is the Republic of the Congo a Third-World Country in 2025?

Unlike its larger neighbor, the Republic of the Congo has a substantially different profile:

1. Economic Classification and Growth

The Republic of the Congo has a mixed economic picture:

• It is often classified as a lower-middle-income country by economic agencies.

• Its economy relies heavily on oil and natural resources, which provide export revenues but also create vulnerabilities when oil prices fluctuate.

• Modest GDP growth has been recorded, though it has not yet substantially raised living standards for most people.

2. Social Indicators and HDI

The country’s Human Development Index — while higher than that of the DRC — remains below the average for comparable income group countries.

Poverty affects a large portion of the population, and access to basic services like healthcare, clean water, and electricity is uneven.

3. Development Progress

Despite moderate economic progress and institutional reforms, many Congolese still struggle with limited opportunities, unemployment, and inequality. Around 47% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Thus, the Republic of the Congo’s situation is better than the DRC’s in many respects, but it still faces significant development challenges.

Human Development: DRC vs. Republic of the Congo

“Answering whether Congo should be considered a third-world country in 2025 requires a deeper look at its current conditions.”

From this comparison:

• DR Congo fits most traditional descriptions of a country with severe development challenges.

• Republic of the Congo is comparatively better off but still far from being a “high development” nation.

So while both countries face significant development hurdles in 2025, their situations are not identical. Labeling them both simply as third world is too simplistic.

Why “Third-World Country” Is Not a Precise Label

Today’s development discourse avoids rigid terms like “third world” for several reasons:

1. It’s Outdated

The term originated during the Cold War era and does not reflect modern economic and social realities.

2. Development Status Is Multi-Dimensional

Countries are evaluated on:

• Human Development Index (HDI)

• GDP per capita (income levels)

• Access to education and healthcare

• Infrastructure and governance

• Poverty rates and inequality

This approach gives a far more precise picture of a country’s development than the older “first/second/third-world” categorization.

What Affects Congo’s Development in 2025?

1. Conflict and Security

For the DRC, internal instability remains a key impediment. Continued fighting displaces millions, limits economic activity, and strains public services.

2. Resource Dependence

Both Congos rely heavily on resource extraction — from minerals in the DRC to oil in the Republic of the Congo. Without diversification, economic growth remains vulnerable to commodity price swings.

3. Governance and Infrastructure

Weak institutional frameworks — such as limited access to electricity, clean water, roads, and education — continue to restrict development.

4. International Aid and Investment

Foreign aid and international partnerships play significant roles in supporting health, education, and infrastructure development, especially in the DRC.

5. Human Capital and Population Growth

Rapid population growth — particularly in the DRC — creates both opportunities and challenges. With the right investments in education and health, a young population could become a dynamic workforce. Without such investments, it adds pressure on limited resources.

How Congo Could Move Beyond “Third-World” Status

Even though Congo (especially the DRC) faces steep development challenges, the future is not predetermined. Here are key areas that could drive progress:

1. Peace and Stability

Resolving ongoing conflicts and strengthening security would allow for expanded economic activity and better delivery of public services.

2. Economic Diversification

Reducing dependence on single commodities (like oil or raw minerals) by developing manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and services could generate broader employment and income growth.

3. Investment in People

Improving access to education, healthcare, and vocational training would help develop human capital and reduce poverty.

4. Infrastructure Development

Public investment (or public-private partnerships) in roads, electricity, water, and internet connectivity would expand opportunities for business and improve living conditions.

5. Institutions and Governance

More effective governance, transparency, and reduction in corruption can attract investment, strengthen public services, and improve public trust.

Concluding Answer: Is Congo a Third-World Country in 2025?

In 2025, both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo face significant development challenges:

• The DRC remains one of the world’s least developed countries with deep poverty, high conflict, and weak infrastructure.

• The Republic of the Congo is comparatively better but still classified as a lower-middle-income developing nation.

While the outdated term third world might be used in casual conversation, the more accurate description in modern development terminology is that both countries are developing nations, with the DRC especially categorized among the least developed globally.