Zanaga District
Zanaga | |
|---|---|
Zanaga District in the region | |
Zanaga | |
| Coordinates: 2°51′00″S 13°49′24″E / 2.85°S 13.8233°E | |
| Country | Republic of the Congo |
| Region | Lékoumou Region |
| Area | |
• Total | 2,290 sq mi (5,931 km2) |
| Population (2023 census)[1] | |
• Total | 16,581 |
| • Density | 7.2/sq mi (2.8/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (GMT +1) |
Zanaga is a district in the Lékoumou Region of the Republic of the Congo. The capital lies at Zanaga. The district is well-known for its substantial iron ore deposits, and the Zanaga Iron Ore Project is a significant potential economic driver for the area.
History
During the European colonial race for Africa in the late 19th century, the town of Zanaga rose to prominence. The French occupation further influenced and shaped the growth of the region by establishing trade routes and introduced Christianity.[2] The discovery of mineral resources, especially iron ore, in the middle of the 20th century brought about a change by attracting investment and promoting industrial growth.[2]
Geography
Zanaga is a district in the Lékoumou Region of the Republic of the Congo. The capital and seat of the district is at Zanaga. It lies close to the Ogooué River, which empties into Gabon to the north.[3] The district is situated in the southwest of the Republic of Congo, approximately 300 km (190 mi) northeast of the port city of Pointe Noire and 250 km (160 mi) northwest of the capital Brazzaville.[4] The topography of Zanaga District includes several mountains, the highest and most prominent of which is Ballouni at an elevation of 762 m (2,500 ft).[5]
Demographics and economy
As per a pre-independence administrative census, the estimated population of the district was 11,316 people.[6] A 2007 census estimated the population to be 16,649.[7] The district is well-known for its substantial iron ore deposits, and the Zanaga Iron Ore Project is a significant potential economic driver for the area. [4] While further development on the project was halted in 2015,[8] it has since secured Chinese investment for further mining and production.[9]
References
- ^ "Congo (Rep.): Administrative Division". Retrieved 1 June 2024.
- ^ a b "Visit Zanaga". Take your Backpack. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Zanaga, Lékoumou Department, Republic of the Congo". Mindat. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ a b "Zanaga Iron Ore Company". Financial Times. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Zanaga Mountains". PeakVisor. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
- ^ "Population Size In African Countries: An Evaluation Vol. 2" (PDF). Paris: Groupe De Demographie Africaine. 1988.
- ^ "The Republic of the Congo". GeoHive. Archived from the original on 22 May 2012.
- ^ "Zanaga iron ore mine". Wood Mackenzie. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Investor Presentation" (PDF). Zanaga Iron Ore. Retrieved 17 June 2025.