Chief river port of the Democratic Republic of Congo on the south bank of the Congo River, 115 km/70 mi from its mouth, linked by rail with the capital Kinshasa; population (2004 est) 245,900. Matadi is the distribution point for all the country's oil products (except fuel oil), which are pumped via a 350 km/217 mi pipeline to Kinshasa.
The Union Jack signifies the islands' wish to preserve links with Britain. The nine stars representing the islands are placed according to their locations. Effective date: 11 April 1997.