Bibliographica: General atlas of the Congo

Summary

This bibliographic review assesses five maps published in the General Atlas of the Congo by the Belgian Royal Colonial Institute between 1951 and 1953. Drawing on the maps and their accompanying notes, it summarizes their sources, scope, and limitations. The population-density map uses official administrative data but may contain errors in reallocating non-customary residents. Other maps document the distribution of tsetse species, anti-slavery campaigns and related revolts, plant production, and historical border changes. The review highlights the demographic value of the first map and the broad historical and geographic utility of the collection. It also identifies incomplete exploration of tsetse areas, inaccuracies and omissions concerning oil mills, refineries, coffee plantations, and palm groves, and the absence of the important place-name Panta. Overall, the atlas is informative but requires local corrections and fuller documentation.