#110 in worldAfrica

Central African Republic

Current Population (Live)

6,470,307

Annual Growth Rate: +1.58%

Central African Republic is a Middle Africa landlocked nation of around 6.47 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. This landlocked territory spans 622,984 km² with a density of 10 people per km². Its capital is Bangui, and official languages include French and Sango, while the Central African CFA franc serves as the national currency.

Population

6,470,307

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Area

622,984 km²

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Density

10/km²

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World Rank

#110

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Population Trend (1960-2050)

Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.

HistoricalProjected

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 46.4 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 9.4 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 49% of the population is under 15, while only 2.1% is over 65.

1960-1965

+1.98%

1965-1970

+2.24%

1970-1975

+1.98%

1975-1980

+1.15%

1980-1985

+1.20%

1985-1990

+2.00%

1990-1995

+3.12%

1995-2000

+2.74%

2000-2005

+2.27%

2005-2010

+0.93%

2010-2015

+0.60%

2015-2020

+1.66%

General Information

Capital: Bangui
Region: Africa
Subregion: Middle Africa
Continent: Africa
Languages: French, Sango
Currencies: Central African CFA franc (Fr)
Calling Code: +236
Top-Level Domain: .cf
Landlocked: Yes
UN Member: Yes
Timezones: UTC+01:00

Population Details

Total Population: 6,470,307
Land Area: 622,984 km²
Population Density: 10 per km²
Annual Growth Rate: +1.58%
Annual Growth: +102,231 people
Daily Growth: +280 people
World Population Share: 0.08%
Coordinates: 7.00°, 21.00°

Global Population Share

Demographics & Economy

A GDP per capita of just $516 classifies Central African Republic as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 6.3%, roughly in line with the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 43.0 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.

Life Expectancy

57.4 years

GDP per Capita

$516

Birth Rate

46.4 per 1,000

Death Rate

9.4 per 1,000

Urban Population

44.1%

Fertility Rate

6.01 births/woman

Infant Mortality

60.4 per 1,000

Unemployment

6.3%

Literacy Rate

42.4%

Internet Users

7.5%

Under 15

49.0%

Over 65

2.1%

Health Spending

10.7% GDP

Gini Index

43.0

Age Distribution

0-14 years

49.0%

15-64 years

48.9%

65+ years

2.1%

0-14 years

3.2M

15-64 years

3.2M

65+ years

139K

Urbanization

About 44.1% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. The capital, Bangui, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 14693.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.

44.1%Urban

Urban

2.9M

44.1%

Rural

3.6M

55.9%

Health & Education Indicators

Life expectancy is 57.4 years, considerably below the world average of 72.8, underscoring urgent public-health challenges. An infant mortality rate of 60.4 per thousand live births remains a critical concern, markedly lower than the world average of 27.5. Literacy stands at 42.4%, well below the global average of 86.7%, highlighting gaps in educational access.

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 Central African Republic

Central African Republic has 5 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.

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Population Projections (2026-2050)

Near-zero growth suggests that Central African Republic is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Central African Republic participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.