Congo Free State

Embryo state of Central Africa, comprising a large part of the drainage area of the Congo River. Settlements have been made in this region under the auspices of the King of Belgium; the government, organized 1885, has been recognized by the leading powers of Europe and by the U. S. Area ab. 900,000 sq. m. Its native pop. is estimated at 14,000,000. Its European pop. is small.