Page 29 - SST Class 05

equatorial region : the area located around the Equator within 5°N and 5°S.
evergreen tree : a tree which remains green throughout the year and does not shed its leaves
all at one time.
timber : tree wood used in building or for making things.
wildlife : wild animals, birds, insects etc., that live in natural environment.
animal husbandry : breeding farm animals.
lumbering : cutting down of trees for commercial purposes.
multipurpose project : a dam which serves many purposes.

Facts

• The areas located close to the Equator are very hot.
• Congo is located in the equatorial region in the heart of Africa.
• The Congo River is Congo’s main relief feature and forms a large basin.
• Congo has a hot and wet climate throughout the year.
• There are found dense forests in Congo.

• There is varied wildlife in Congo; many animals are quite curious.
• The Bantus are the majority ethnic group. The Pygmies are the original inhabitants of Congo.
• Farming, fishing, mining, animal husbandry and lumbering are the main occupations in Congo.
• The plateau region of Congo is rich in minerals, such as cobalt, diamond, gold and manganese.
• Due to unrest in the country, the means of transport and communication have not been developed well.
• The important cities of Congo are Kinshasa, Matadi and Bokavu.

XERCISE

A. Tick (3) the right option :
1. The Torrid Zone lies on both sides of the ____________ .

(a) Equator (b) Tropics (c) Circles
2. Congo is also called ____________ .
(a) Congo-Brazzaville (b) Congo-Kinshasa (c) Congo-Matadi
3. Due to dense forests, Congo is also called the ____________ .
(a) Centre of Dense Forests (b) Heart of Dark Forests (c) Heart of Darkness

4. The main official language of Congo is ____________ .
(a) French (b) Congolese (c) Lingala
5. The capital of Congo is ____________ .
(a) Matadi (b) Kinshasa (c) Bokavu
B. Write TRUE or FALSE :
1. The sun shines direct over the Torrid Zone. _______

Congo : The Land of Forests 29