Decorative pictorial map of the Belgian Congo (now Democratic Republic of Congo), published by the Office of Tourism for the Belgian Congo and Ruanda-Urundi.
The map provides a vibrant portrayal of mid-20th-century Central Africa. Published in Brussels, Belgium, in 1949, it gives a lively illustrated image of the culture and indigenous peoples.
Congo Belge acts as a testament to the complex geopolitics of the post-World War II decolonization period. The map, resplendent with illustrations, unveils the landscape of the Belgian Congo, showcasing major cities, towns, roads, railroads, and airways. Intriguing drawings throughout the map offer insights into the colony's genre scenes, revealing the lives of the people, agricultural products, mines and minerals, flora and fauna, and waterways.