Mbandaka, formerly Coquilhatville, city in western Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC, formerly Zaire), capital of Équateur Region, on the Congo River, at the mouth of the Ruki River. Fishing, boatbuilding, and the manufacture of pharmaceuticals are the chief industries of the city, and trade in copal (resin) is carried on. Mbandaka is the site of medical and business schools, and nearby to the east, at Eala, are extensive botanical gardens and laboratories. The city was named Equateur or Equateurville when founded in 1883 by the Anglo-American explorer Henry Morton Stanley; the name was changed by the Belgians to Coquilhatville. In 1966 the present name was adopted, honoring a prominent local leader. Population (1985) 294,000.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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