Republic of the Congo
Republic of the Congo
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
Republic of the Congo is a Middle Africa country of around 6.14 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 342,000 km², translating to a density of 18 people per km². Its capital is Brazzaville, and official languages include French, Kikongo, and Lingala, while the Central African CFA franc serves as the national currency.
Population
6,142,180
Area
342,000 km²
Density
18/km²
World Rank
#112
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 30.6 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 6.3 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 40.5% of the population is under 15, while only 3% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Brazzaville
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Middle Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- French, Kikongo, Lingala
- Currencies
- Central African CFA franc (Fr)
- Calling Code
- +242
- Top-Level Domain
- .cg
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 6,142,180
- Land Area
- 342,000 km²
- Population Density
- 18 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +54,051 people
- Daily Growth
- +148 people
- World Population Share
- 0.08%
- Coordinates
- -1.00°, 15.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $2.5k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. Unemployment is a pressing concern at 19.9%, far exceeding the global benchmark of 5.8%. A Gini index of 48.9 signals substantial income inequality, suggesting that economic gains are concentrated among a smaller share of the population.
Life Expectancy
65.8 years
GDP per Capita
$2,482
Birth Rate
30.6 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.3 per 1,000
Urban Population
63.9%
Fertility Rate
4.16 births/woman
Infant Mortality
27.6 per 1,000
Unemployment
19.9%
Literacy Rate
76.1%
Internet Users
38.4%
Under 15
40.5%
Over 65
3.0%
Health Spending
3.3% GDP
Gini Index
48.9
Age Distribution
0-14 years
2.5M
15-64 years
3.5M
65+ years
184K
Urbanization
About 63.9% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. The capital, Brazzaville, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net emigration of 2999.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
3.9M
63.9%
2.2M
36.1%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 65.8 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 27.6 per thousand live births, roughly in line with the global average. The literacy rate of 76.1% is roughly in line with 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 Republic of the Congo
Republic of the Congo has 4 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Republic of the Congo is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Republic of the Congo participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 6,142,180 |
| 2030 | 6,359,787 |
| 2035 | 6,639,548 |
| 2040 | 6,928,476 |
| 2045 | 7,227,165 |
| 2050 | 7,536,211 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Republic of the Congo.
Largest Cities in Republic of the Congo
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Republic of the Congo by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Republic of the Congo?
The population of Republic of the Congo is approximately 6.1 million as of 2026, making it #112 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Republic of the Congo?
The capital of Republic of the Congo is Brazzaville.
What languages are spoken in Republic of the Congo?
The main languages spoken in Republic of the Congo are French, Kikongo, Lingala.
How big is Republic of the Congo?
Republic of the Congo covers an area of 342,000 km² with a population density of 18 people per km².
Is Republic of the Congo growing or shrinking?
Republic of the Congo is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 54,051 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Republic of the Congo?
The average life expectancy in Republic of the Congo is 65.8 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Republic of the Congo?
The GDP per capita of Republic of the Congo is $2,482.