Congo-Léopoldville became independent from Belgium in 1960 and later adopted the name Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The territory was known as the Belgian Congo during the colonial period. On 30 June 1960 it became independent, initially using the name Republic of the Congo. Because neighboring Congo-Brazzaville used a similar name, the new state was commonly distinguished as Congo-Léopoldville, after its capital.
The country was renamed the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1964. It was later called Zaire from 1971 until 1997, when the name Democratic Republic of the Congo was restored after the overthrow of Mobutu Sese Seko.
This history explains why references may use several names for the same modern country. The capital itself was renamed Kinshasa in 1966, replacing the colonial-era name Léopoldville.