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Population Review

Rank #38 by World Population

🇨🇫Central African Republic

Central African Republic has a population of 5,152,421, ranking #38 in the world. The capital is Bangui. Located in Sub-Saharan Africa .

World Bank: Low income

5,152,421

Population

#38

World Rank

57.4

Life Expectancy

$496

GDP Per Capita

Central African Republic, #38 by world population

Central African Republic Population History (1960-2024)

The country of Central African Republic had a population of 1,702,346 in 1960 and 5,330,690 in 2024, a 3.1× growth over 64 years. The peak was 5,330,690 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.80%.

2024 · 5.3M19602024
Central African Republic population, 1960–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

5,330,690

Population (2024)

1,702,346

Population (1960)

5,330,690

Peak (2024)

1.80%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
19601,702,346
19611,734,580
19621,768,115
19631,803,063
19641,839,583
19651,877,854
19661,918,082
19671,960,444
19682,005,100
19692,051,515
19702,097,505
19712,141,450
19722,183,769
19732,226,008
19742,269,338
19752,313,916
19762,348,566
19772,372,930
19782,397,961
19792,423,794
19802,450,535
19812,478,402
19822,507,375
19832,537,399
19842,568,610
19852,600,932
19862,634,258
19872,669,155
19882,713,965
19892,783,970
19902,871,910
19912,963,191
19923,058,831
19933,157,839
19943,257,954
19953,348,052
19963,435,965
19973,531,700
19983,628,827
19993,729,450
20003,833,416
20013,919,487
20024,006,077
20034,103,086
20044,192,826
20054,288,810
20064,377,579
20074,462,770
20084,558,984
20094,529,047
20104,492,995
20114,565,021
20124,610,848
20134,642,419
20144,623,182
20154,629,320
20164,713,663
20174,793,511
20184,878,657
20194,944,703
20205,026,628
20215,112,100
20225,098,039
20235,152,421
20245,330,690

Demographics

Population5,152,421
Population Growth Rate1.06%
Urban Population43.7%
Fertility Rate6.01 births/woman
Life Expectancy57.4 years
Infant Mortality Rate60.8 per 1,000
Literacy Rate-

Economy & Trade

$496

GDP Per Capita

6.2%

Unemployment Rate

Low income

Income Level

43.5%

Trade (% of GDP)

Health & Education

10.7%

Health Expenditure (% GDP)

0.07

Physicians per 1,000

1.8%

Education Expenditure (% GDP)

60.8

Infant Mortality (per 1,000)

Development & Connectivity

17.6%

Electricity Access

13.8%

Internet Users

36

Mobile Subs per 100

8.3

People per km2

-14,682

Net Migration

Environment

35.7%

Forest Area

Central African Republic Climate

Central African Republic has an average annual temperature of 24.8°C (77°F) and receives about 1476 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is March and the coldest is July. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

24.8°C

Avg Temp

1476

Precip (mm/yr)

Mar

Hottest Month

Jul

Coldest Month

10°20°30°40°212mmJFMAMJJASOND
— Avg temp (°C)▮ Precipitation (mm)
Central African Republic — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January24° / 76°18 mm
February26° / 78°23 mm
March26° / 80°86 mm
April26° / 79°120 mm
May25° / 78°169 mm
June25° / 76°181 mm
July24° / 75°193 mm
August24° / 76°212 mm
September24° / 76°200 mm
October25° / 76°208 mm
November24° / 75°52 mm
December24° / 75°14 mm

1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.

Best time to visit Central African Republic

The most comfortable months to visit Central African Republic are typically December, January and November, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is March (around 34°C high). The coldest is July (near 19°C low). August is usually the wettest month.

DecemberJanuaryNovember

Where to stay near Bangui

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Other Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa

AngolaBeninBotswanaBurkina FasoBurundi

Compare Central African Republic

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Central African Republic in global context

Central African Republic is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.

World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →

Other related entities

Angola (36,749,906)Benin (14,111,034)Botswana (2,480,244)Burkina Faso (23,025,776)Burundi (13,689,450)All countries →

Country rankings

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Frequently Asked Questions

Central African Republic has a population of 5,152,421, ranking #38 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 1.06%.

Life expectancy in Central African Republic is 57.4 years. The infant mortality rate is 60.8 per 1,000 live births.

Central African Republic's GDP per capita is $496. It is classified as a low income country by the World Bank.

43.7% of Central African Republic's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 8.3 people per square kilometer.

Literacy data for Central African Republic is available from the World Bank.

The most comfortable months to visit Central African Republic are typically December, January and November, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.

Central African Republic has an average annual temperature of 24.8°C and about 1476 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically March and the coldest is July.

Sources: World Bank Open Data

International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.

With 5,152,421 residents, Central African Republic is a country in Sub-Saharan Africa . Population growth is modest, around 1.1% a year.

Central African Republic is a lower-income economy, with GDP per capita of about $496. Life expectancy is 57.4 years, below the global average, with a fertility rate of 6.0 births per woman, and 43.7% of the population lives in urban areas.

Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.