How rapidly did Kinshasa’s population grow during the 20th century?

During the 20th century, the population of Kinshasa experienced a transition from slow, steady growth to rapid expansion.1

• Early 20th Century: Growth was initially gradual, with the population rising from 5,000 in 1889 to 23,000 by 1923.1
• Post-1940: The city began to see a significant increase in its population.1
• Post-1950: The growth rate accelerated dramatically, with the population doubling approximately every five years.1

This population growth was driven by several factors, including government expansion, the widening of city boundaries, and a massive rural exodus following independence as colonial restrictions were relaxed. By the turn of the 21st century, the population was approaching 5,000,000.1