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This mid-20th century pictorial map, titled Belgian Congo and Ruanda-Urundi, was produced by the Tourist Bureau for the Belgian Congo and Ruanda-Urundi, based in Bukavu.

The map serves as a tourism promotional tool, highlighting the region’s geography, culture, and resources during the colonial era.

The map vividly illustrates the territories of the Belgian Congo (modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo) and Ruanda-Urundi (present-day Rwanda and Burundi). Major cities, such as Leopoldville (Kinshasa), Stanleyville (Kisangani), Elisabethville (Lubumbashi), and Bukavu, are marked prominently. The geographical boundaries are outlined in red, emphasizing the colonial borders.

The map is populated with illustrations of local people, wildlife, and cultural scenes, showcasing various aspects of indigenous life as interpreted by the colonial lens. Traditional dances, local crafts, and depictions of native fauna—such as elephants, antelopes, and lions—are featured across the map. These colorful illustrations are interspersed with depictions of key colonial infrastructure, such as railways, plantations, and administrative buildings, highlighting the region’s economic activities and resources.

The prominent presence of tribal figures in traditional attire, performing rituals or working in fields, reflects a romanticized and stereotypical portrayal common in colonial-era marketing materials. Additionally, the poster features a striking portrait of an Indigenous person at the bottom, further reinforcing the exoticized view that was marketed to European audiences at the time.

The Belgian Congo gained independence on June 30, 1960. This marked the end of colonial rule by Belgium, which had controlled the territory since the late 19th century. The newly independent country was renamed the Republic of the Congo (later known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo).