Boma, Kongo Central

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Boma
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pushpin_map_caption =Location in Democratic Republic of the Congo
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subdivision_name1 = Kongo Central
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latd=5 |latm=51|lats= |latNS=S
longd=13 |longm=03 |longs=|longEW=E
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The port town of Boma (1984 pop. 197,617) in Bas-Congo was the capital city of the Belgian Congo (the modern Democratic Republic of the Congo) from 1 May 1886 to 1926, when it was moved to Léopoldville (since renamed Kinshasa). It exports tropical timber, bananas, cacao, and palm products.

History

Boma was founded as a slaving station and "entrepôt" by merchants of several European countries in the 16th century [MW 1935|date=August 2008] .

Transport

Between 1889 and 1984, this port was served by a 610mm gauge railway line from Tshela.

See also

*Tim Butcher: "Blood River - A Journey To Africa's Broken Heart", 2007. ISBN 0-701-17981-3

* Transport in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

External links

* [http://www.congo-pages.org/BOMA/Pics/bomapanorama.jpgBoma Panorama]
* [http://www.friendsofboma.org Friends of Boma]

References