15. Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has endured significant hardships throughout the 20th century. Under Belgian colonial rule, the Congo Free State (1885-1908) was notorious for its exploitation and atrocities, including forced labor and mass killings. Following independence in 1960, the country faced political instability, including the assassination of Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba and the rise of Mobutu Sese Seko’s dictatorship (britannica.com). The 1990s saw the First and Second Congo Wars, resulting in millions of deaths and widespread displacement. Despite its vast natural resources, the DRC remains one of the world’s poorest nations, grappling with ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises.
