KATANGA

katanga, a district of belgian congo, forming the south-eastern part of the colony. area, approximately, 180,000 sq. m.; estimated population 1,000,000. the natives are members of the luba-lunda group of bantus. it is a highly mineralized region, being specially rich in copper ore. gold, iron and tin are also mined. katanga is bounded s. and s.e. by northern rhodesia, and british capital is largely interested in the development of its resources, the administration of the territory being entrusted to a committee on which british members have seats. direct railway communication with cape town and beira was established in 1909. there is also a rail and river service via the congo to the west coast. (see congo free state.)