DR Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +3.24%
With a population of roughly 109 million, DR Congo ranks among the world’s 20 most populous countries. The country extends across 2.34 million km², translating to a density of 47 people per km². Its capital is Kinshasa, and official languages include French, Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba, and Swahili, while the Congolese franc serves as the national currency.
Population
109,276,265
Area
2,344,858 km²
Density
47/km²
World Rank
#15
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 40.9 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 8.4 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 46% of the population is under 15, while only 3.1% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Kinshasa
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Middle Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- French, Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba, Swahili
- Currencies
- Congolese franc (FC)
- Calling Code
- +243
- Top-Level Domain
- .cd
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00, UTC+02:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 109,276,265
- Land Area
- 2,344,858 km²
- Population Density
- 47 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +3.24%
- Annual Growth
- +3,540,551 people
- Daily Growth
- +9,700 people
- World Population Share
- 1.35%
- Coordinates
- 0.00°, 25.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $649 classifies DR Congo as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 4.4%, below the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 44.7 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
62.1 years
GDP per Capita
$649
Birth Rate
40.9 per 1,000
Death Rate
8.4 per 1,000
Urban Population
44.8%
Fertility Rate
5.98 births/woman
Infant Mortality
56.4 per 1,000
Unemployment
4.4%
Literacy Rate
68.5%
Internet Users
19.7%
Under 15
46.0%
Over 65
3.1%
Health Spending
3.7% GDP
Gini Index
44.7
Age Distribution
0-14 years
50.3M
15-64 years
55.6M
65+ years
3.4M
Urbanization
About 44.8% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Kinshasa, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. Net emigration of 27309.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
48.9M
44.8%
60.4M
55.3%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 62.1 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. An infant mortality rate of 56.4 per thousand live births remains a critical concern, markedly lower than the world average of 27.5. The literacy rate of 68.5% is below the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in DR Congo
DR Congo has 39 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that DR Congo is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, DR Congo participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 109,276,265 |
| 2030 | 123,289,616 |
| 2035 | 141,360,291 |
| 2040 | 159,893,449 |
| 2045 | 178,754,311 |
| 2050 | 197,839,381 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for DR Congo.
Largest Cities in DR Congo
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in DR Congo by population.
DR Congo Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety information for DR Congo.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of DR Congo?
The population of DR Congo is approximately 109.3 million as of 2026, making it #15 in the world by population.
What is the capital of DR Congo?
The capital of DR Congo is Kinshasa.
What languages are spoken in DR Congo?
The main languages spoken in DR Congo are French, Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba, Swahili.
How big is DR Congo?
DR Congo covers an area of 2,344,858 km² with a population density of 47 people per km².
Is DR Congo growing or shrinking?
DR Congo is growing at a rate of 3.24% per year, adding approximately 3,540,551 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in DR Congo?
The average life expectancy in DR Congo is 62.1 years.
What is the GDP per capita of DR Congo?
The GDP per capita of DR Congo is $649.