The Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly Zaire, was under the control of this European nation from 1908 to 1960.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly Zaire, was under the control of Belgium from 1908 to 1960 as Belgian Congo. The land had previously come under Belgian influence during the 19th Century through an expedition funded by King Leopold II of Belgium. It was known as the Congo Free State from 1885-1908, but was given a colonial charter in 1908. A sizeable nationalist movement did not emerge until 1957, but then rapidly gained momentum. Independence was granted to the Congo on June 30, 1960.
