But it is also a country in constant political and economic turmoil, and it has been overrun by dictators, armies and militias for much of the last 40 years. The entire eastern part, bordering with Rwanda, continues to be enmeshed in the bloody Tutsi-Hutu conflict. It is a land slipping backwards in time. Less gold, diamonds, and cobalt are exported. More are smuggled.
Less money goes into the central bank.
More is stolen. Less food is grown. More people starve. More people are getting killed. Fewer people plan families.