Democratic Republic of the Congo Civil Registration

Civil registration
Research use: A primary source for family linking information.

Time period: 1900 to present.

Offices to Contact
National Archives in Kinshasa

Some also in regional archives, and in Belgium.

Coverage and Compliance
From 1900 to 1930, civil registration covers:


 * Approximately 50% of the Belgians
 * 20% of Zairians

After 1930, civil registration covers:
 * ca. 75% of the Belgians
 * 50% of the Zairians

These percentages are estimates only.

Birth

 * name
 * birth date and place
 * parents’ names
 * father’s occupation and residence
 * sometimes age of mother

Marriage

 * name of bride
 * name of groom
 * date and place of marriage
 * father's name for both bride and groom
 * mother’s name for both bride and groom
 * age
 * place of birth
 * residence
 * occupation
 * names of witnesses

Death

 * name of deceased
 * death date
 * burial date
 * age
 * residence at time of death
 * occupation
 * cause of death

Reliability: Excellent.