Despite having a fairly large number of schools and other educational and cultural facilities, Kinshasa has a low literacy rate. Schools are generally poor, and few students receive an education beyond the primary level. The city has several large hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. However, most Congolese cannot afford care at these institutions, and the extremely humid climate and poor sanitation of the city foster disease. The city also has an extremely high rate of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Plagued by high rates of violent crime and theft, Kinshasa has been the scene of recurrent riots and looting, including incidents perpetrated by the seldom-paid and undisciplined Congolese army in the 1990s. Environmental problems include the deforestation of a broad green belt around the city and uncontrolled pollution from residences and businesses.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Kinshasa Information info
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