Kindu

Kindu, formerly Kindu-Port-Empain, city, east-central Democratic Republic of the Congo. It lies along the Lualaba River 390 miles (630 km) above (to the south of) Kisangani. Its location at the head of navigation on the Congo River system has long made it important for commercial transport. At one time it was the Arab-occupied transshipment point for caravans carrying goods between the Congo basin and Zanzibar. Today Kindu is the northern terminus of a railway that connects the city with the copper-mining areas to the south. The transfer of cargo between railway cars and river boats is a major economic activity. Kindu has several sawmills as well as a lively agricultural market. Both coffee and rice are grown nearby. In addition to river traffic north and rail traffic south, Kindu has road and air connections with other parts of Congo. Pop. (2004 est.) 135,534.