The Democratic Republic of the Congo is located in central Africa and encompasses an area of approximately 2,345,410 square miles. DR Congo shares borders with nine other nations. South Sudan and the Central African Republic border it on the north, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda on the east, the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) on the west, and Zambia and Angola on the south. It is Africa's second-largest country, after Algeria. Kinshasa, its capital, is the largest city in central Africa. It is distinguished by a variety of water features, valleys, woods, rivers, and a coastline. Although it is landlocked, DR Congo borders with Atlantic Ocean, besides the aforementioned countries. Many authors have hailed the size of DR Congo as Loso who says "On the Congo which borders on nine African countries". Although DR Congo has such topographical features that include three mountain ranges, its land mass is dominated by the central Congo basin. The country is traversed with several rivers. The mighty River Congo stands out as global scenery. Lake Mai-Ndome is the lowest point lying in the West-central part of the country. DR Congo also features Plateaus to the north. It has several other Plateaus that include Katanga, Manika, and the Marunga plains. The soil along the Congo basin is alluvial which changes to light sandy towards the Savanna grassland. The Congo basin is a source of biodiversity that has helped the country generate revenue from the tourism. In fact, Scholvin asserts "economic opportunities provided by geography sufficiently explain South Africa's political and military role in DR Congo". Besides, vast mineral endowment in its highlands and the rainforests has attracted the interest of such countries as the U. S., China among other developed economies. However, the vast rain forests have provided a hideout for rebels that invade neighboring countries such Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Central Africa Republic, and South Sudan. As such the highlands and the forests in Eastern Congo are considered hideout for rebels and have severed its relationship with Rwanda among other neighbors.
South Korea is a relatively small country that is approximately 100,210 km2. However, it has a dominant mountainous area. Its capital is Seoul which is a highly developed city which is surrounded by large water mass that forms the Korea Peninsular in the South East Asia. To the south, Korea borders China Sea, Sea of Japan, and Yellow Sea. It borders North Korea with a 150-mile-long, demilitarized zone that has appeared during the Korean War of 1953. South Korea is characterized by several mountains that include The T'aebaek which provide the country's drainage divide. Other mountains are Sobaek and Chiri. The Precambrian nature of South Korea is dominant as noted in its soil and existence of two volcanic islands, Cheju and Ullŭng. South Korea also has extensive lowlands towards its coastline. Rivers Han, Kŭm, and Naktong are the major inland drainage that flows down the lowlands. The Soil in this country is mostly sandy as it's derived from granite. The country's mountainous terrain has necessitated significant population concentration in urban centers. The demilitarized zone that runs along 38th parallel is a key feature meant to prevent war outbreak with the pro-communist North. Most scholars support the significance of geography in history of the country, for instance, Savada emphasizes that "Korea's geography was a major factor in shaping its history".The terrain has led to increased industrialized economy to compensate for its limited food productivity. Cohen and Saul think "The South Korean economy is fully integrated into the world economy". Its extensive coastline and inclination towards the West has made it a strategic military base for the United States.
Cultural, Economic, Historical Aspects of Each Country
Cultural Aspects
The history of Congo has significant contribution towards its contemporary socio-economic performance. Being traditionally ruled by King Kongo, Belgium King Leopold colonized the country in 1870s before it got its independence in the 1960s. Mobutu Seseko took over power after the death of Patrice Lumumba. The widespread plunder of public property and imposition of one party state suppressed political freedom during the reign of Mobutu until he was ousted in 1997. Congo is culturally diverse as the population majorly speaks French, Lingala, Kiswahili, Kikongo, and Tshiluba. Although it has over 200 ethnicities, the Kongo ethnic group is dominant. It also has an ethnic community of short people that live in the rainforests and are called Pygmies.
South Korea broke away from the communist North under the intervention of UN and the U. S. in 1948 Korean War. Despite partitioning of the country, it was embroiled in war over the next five decades before a spell of political dictatorship. While the cultural identity of the South Koreans is the same as their Northern brothers, pro-democracy and capitalist political ideology has been important in shaping its progress. According to Kim, the country initially belonged to "the Kingdom of Korea and share cultural practices with the North". After the failed unification of Cairo declaration, Syngman Rhee took power to steer South Korea towards democracy.
Economic aspects
Despite economic potential from its vast natural resource endowment, geographical size, and favorable climate, Congo has not done much in terms of growth and development. As Baker puts "Congolese leaders and western personnel have ravaged both the human and natural richness of the Congo for centuries". The country's GNI is 140 in U. S. dollars. It has GDP (PPP) of $66.014 billion. The primary exports of DR Congo are minerals such as cobalt that accounts for its 70% of revenue. Mining is the backbone of Congo economy. However, constant wars in different parts of the country have been a hindrance to notable economic growth. Widespread internal displacement of population affects the nation. The country has also been on the global news over human rights violation, frustrated freedom of media, and general oppression of the opposition. Congo has bilateral trade relations with its neighbors and the U. S.
South Korea has been doing well in terms of economic productivity and social prosperity. With a GDP of $1.8 trillion, estimated 3.7% unemployment, South Korea is an emerging economic hub in Asia .According to International symposium proceedings, "Service industry is on the upward trend". Its digital revolution is topnotch, characterized by wireless and high-speed Internet. The country has a vibrant media that is promoted by freedom of press. The recent impeachment of President Park Geun-hye is a sign of democratic and transparent governance. South Korea is economically competitive in the world and exercises democracy in political decision-making. North Korea is a high-tech country that exports electronic products such as Samsung, among other technology products. It is a member of G20.
Historical aspects
Congo is endowed with mineral resources that include Gold, Diamong, Platinum, among others. Besides, the country lies in a fertile tropical climate with productive soil. However, the country has been involved in long civil war that was provoked by skewed distribution of mineral resources. Between 1997 and 2003, the country was absorbed into a renewed civil war that attracted the attention of several neighboring states. Endless rebellion among several armed groups sustained the conflict to 2016 in the Eastern parts. Although Joseph Kabila won the first free election, the observed electoral irregularities and strong opposition still leave the country in political limbo
South Korea broke away from the communist North under the intervention of UN and the U. S. in 1948 Korean War. Despite partitioning of the country, it was embroiled in war over the next five decades, before a spell of political dictatorship. While the cultural identity of the South Koreans is the same as their Northern brothers, pro-democracy and capitalist political ideology has been important in shaping its progress. At the end of Korean War in 1953, the ensuing political climate emphasized family owned enterprises that were responsible for the formation of such companies as Samsung and Hyundai. The government sponsored business conglomerates led to the economic improvement of South Korea to its current economic growth. It is worth noting that South Korea population majorly professes Buddhist religion with a few Christians. The economy is robust with significant technological advancement. From 1960, the country embarked on a major industrialization program that put it on the economic development track. However, it was until 1988 when the country carried out free parliamentary elections. In 2002, South Korea got into a contentious border dispute that threatened to flare up war.
Government Policies
Governmental System
South Korean political structure is a unitary presidential constitutional republic. The President have executive powers but under the scrutiny of the parliament. Democratic Republic of Congo is a unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic. The President is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and head of executive arm of government. The other arms of government are judiciary and legislature
Head of State
The head of state in South Korea and Congo is the President. The current President of Congo is Laurent Kabila, and South Korea is temporarily led by the Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn after impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. The legislature makes laws and oversees the presidential appointments. The parliament is headed by the Speaker.
While Congo is overshadowed with political turmoil that is motivated by war, South Korea has impeached the President on allegations of corruption in a free and fair processes that exhibit political maturity. As Congo lag behind in any meaningful economic progress, South Korea is an emerging middle world economy. Social patterns of DR Congo exhibit wide income gap as opposed to a near homogeneous household disposable income among the South Korea people. Cultural heritage of South Korea is a media export in form of television Soaps all over Asia. Besides, the country exports cars and electronic goods.
The current President of DR Congo, Laurent Kabila, is facing stiff opposition over the suspected plan to extend election date and rig election. There has been lacking democracy in Congo since the time of Mobutu Seseko. The country has never had an internationally acclaimed free and fair electoral process. The President has significant power to influence key decision through appointments and dismissal of various government officials in DR Congo.
Human Rights Record
Congo has high number of human rights abuses. The dissenting voices of the opposition are met with ruthless security response and unwarranted arrests. Media freedom is suppressed. South Korea is a supportive government when it comes to free media. The people have a say in the actions of the government and opposition has their way.
Foreign Policy
Congo has a good international relationship with several countries. However, some of its African neighbors as Rwanda blame it for harboring rebel groups which has strained its relationship with such countries. Democratic Republic of Congo has poor institutional policies. The government has failed to restore peace and reinstate political stability. The widespread political protests are a manifestation of malfunctioning institutional policies
South Korea has a friendly international relationship with the United States. Although it has a strained diplomatic relationship with North Korea, its inclusion in several multilateral trade deals has elevated to become Asian economic giant. South Korea support democracy and exercise mixed economy.
Climate, Global Climate Change, and Environmental Issues
Congo is located in the tropical region and has better climate prospects. However, the widespread mining has led to derelictions and pollution that threaten its climate. The increased logging is also a threat to its environment. Despite government efforts to rehabilitate mining regions, the extensive network of careless rebels groups has not protected the environment. Congo is less industrialized, and the issue of carbon emission is still not much of its problem. On the other hand, South Korea is an emerging industrial hub with significant carbon emission. However, South Korea is a signatory to most of the global climate change conventions that include Kyoto protocol and partner with private sector to address the same. The country is working on its technological advancement to manufacture and shift to electric cars as a way of reducing pollution.
Population, Migratory Patterns
South Korea has a population of 50.8 people with a limited migration patterns. Urbanization is on the upward trend, and rural areas are dominated by Agriculture. Considering the relative political stability and economic progress of South Korea, migration outside the country is more of for education to the west. The longstanding enmity with North Korea limits immigration across the country. South Korean demographic distribution shows lower birth rate with a high aging population.
According to Sharma, "Democratic Republic of Congo has a population of 82,243,000 with a lower literacy level, high mortality rate". Due to the consistent warring among rebels and the government forces, immigration data has not been reported clearly. However, mass internal displacement due to violence, war and diseases has seen immigration to other neighboring countries rise.
Overall development in DR Congo is low and income inequality gap wide. On the other hand, South Korea is a middle income economy with quality infrastructure.
Education
The literacy rate of South Korea is 97.9% with female recording 96.6%, and male 99.2%. According to Teichman, "The government spends about 7% of its GDP on education sector hence the high literacy level". Transition to higher education is over 70%.UNESCO records show that literacy rate of DR Congo is 77.2% with few female accessing higher education. The rate of Transition College and university is low.
Poverty
Bashir confirms that "despite vast resources endowment, Congo is ranked 176 out of 187 in human development index" . The rate of poverty is high at an estimated HDI of 0.435
South Korea has 15% of its population, mostly from rural areas living below the poverty line. However, it has exhibited a positive human development index of 0.901 which is very high. With the rising industrialization, South Korea is slowly closing the income gap.
Hunger
The frequent displacement of people by war in Congo has ravaged its Agricultural productivity. Bashir argues that "UN data shows that 23% of children in the country suffer from acute malnutrition" which is attributed to an estimated 1.8 million people displaced from their homes and farmlands. More than 70% of the population lives in rural areas.
South Korea has a malnutrition death rate of 0.10%. Hunger prevalence is relatively high among the elderly. About 92% of South Korean live in urban centers leading to insufficient agricultural productivity in the depopulated rural areas.
Gender Equity
Congo has the worst record as far as gender parity is concerned. Out of its 67.8 million people, 51% is women. However, the political representation of women is just 4.6% out of the available 108 parliamentary seats. Education among women is low due to a prevalent conflict, high rape cases, and gender-based violence. According to the findings of Sharma, "The higher percentage of women is in subsistence farming in rural areas".
South Korea has a narrow gender parity gap as literacy level between men and women is almost equal. The political seats held by women account for 17.0% which equals to 51 places out of the total 300. Even the President, who was recently impeached, Park Geun-hye, was a woman. Most women in Korea still do not have equal job opportunity as men and quit their positions after marriage.
Bibliography
Baker, Andy. Shaping the Developing World: The West, the South, and the Natural World. New York: CQ Press, 2013.
Bashir, Sajitha. Education in the Democratic Republic of Congo Priorities and Options for Regeneration. Washington, DC: World Bank, 2005.
Cohen, Saul Bernard. Geopolitics: The Geography of International Relations. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2009.
Jinwung, Kim. A History Of Korea: From "Land Of The Morning Calm" to States in Conflict. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2009.
Loso, Kiteti Boya. Congo: The Darkness of the Heart: How the Congolese Have Survived 500 Years of History. New York: Xlibris Corporation, 2012.
Savada, Andrea Matles. South Korea, a Country Study. Washington, D.C.: For Sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. G.P.O., 2014).
Scholvin, Sören. The Geopolitics of Regional Power: Geography, Economics, and Politics in Southern Africa. Farnham [u.a.]: Ashgate, 2014.
Sharma, Sachin Kumar. The WTO and Food Security: Implications for Developing Countries. New York: Routledge, 2016.
Teichman, Judith. Social Forces and States: Poverty and Distributional Outcomes in South Korea, Chile, and Mexico. Palo Alto: Stanford University Press, 2013.
Zhou, Mark. International Symposium, ISAEBD 2011. Dalian, China, August 6-7, 2011: Proceedings. Berlin: Springer, 2011.
