Central African Republic
Africa Bangui
Population
5.75M
Area
622,984 km²
GDP
$2.75B
GDP Per Capita
$1,100
Pop. Density
9/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
FrCentral African CFA franc(XAF)
Calling Code
+236
Timezone
UTC+01:00
Languages
French, Sango
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Central African
Background
The Central African Republic (CAR) is a perennially weak state that sits at the crossroads of ethnic and linguistic groups in the center of the African continent. Among the last areas of Sub-Saharan Africa to be drawn into the world economy, its introduction into trade networks around the early 1700s fostered significant competition among its population. The local population sought to benefit from the lucrative Atlantic, trans-Saharan, and Indian Ocean trade in enslaved people and ivory. Slave raids aided by the local populations fostered animosity between ethnic groups that remains today. The territory was established as a French colony named Ubangui-Shari in 1903, and France modeled its administration of the colony after the Belgian Congo, subcontracting control of the territory to private companies that collected rubber and ivory. Although France banned the domestic slave trade in CAR in the 1910s, the private companies continued to exploit the population through forced labor. The colony of Ubangi-Shari gained independence from France as the Central African Republic in 1960, but the death of independence leader Barthelemy BOGANDA six months prior led to an immediate struggle for power.
CAR’s political history has since been marred by a series of coups, the first of which brought Jean-Bedel BOKASSA to power in 1966. Widespread corruption and intolerance for any political opposition characterized his regime. In an effort to prolong his mandate, BOKASSA named himself emperor in 1976 and changed the country’s name to the Central African Empire. His regime’s economic mismanagement culminated in widespread student protests in 1979 that were violently suppressed by security forces. BOKASSA fell out of favor with the international community and was overthrown in a French-backed coup in 1979. After BOKASSA’s departure, the country’s name once again became the Central African Republic.
CAR’s fifth coup in 2013 unseated President Francois BOZIZE after the Seleka, a mainly Muslim rebel coalition, seized the capital and forced BOZIZE to flee the country. The Seleka's widespread abuses spurred the formation of mainly Christian self-defense groups that called themselves the anti-Balaka, which have also committed human rights abuses against Muslim populations in retaliation. Since the rise of these groups, conflict in CAR has become increasingly ethnoreligious, although focused on identity rather than religious ideology. Elections in 2016 installed independent candidate Faustin-Archange TOUADERA as president; he was reelected in 2020. A peace agreement signed in 2019 between the government and the main armed factions has had little effect, and armed groups remain in control of large swaths of the country's territory. TOUADERA's United Hearts Movement has governed the country since 2016, and a new constitution approved by referendum on 30 July 2023 effectively ended term limits, creating the potential for TOUADERA to extend his rule.
CAR’s political history has since been marred by a series of coups, the first of which brought Jean-Bedel BOKASSA to power in 1966. Widespread corruption and intolerance for any political opposition characterized his regime. In an effort to prolong his mandate, BOKASSA named himself emperor in 1976 and changed the country’s name to the Central African Empire. His regime’s economic mismanagement culminated in widespread student protests in 1979 that were violently suppressed by security forces. BOKASSA fell out of favor with the international community and was overthrown in a French-backed coup in 1979. After BOKASSA’s departure, the country’s name once again became the Central African Republic.
CAR’s fifth coup in 2013 unseated President Francois BOZIZE after the Seleka, a mainly Muslim rebel coalition, seized the capital and forced BOZIZE to flee the country. The Seleka's widespread abuses spurred the formation of mainly Christian self-defense groups that called themselves the anti-Balaka, which have also committed human rights abuses against Muslim populations in retaliation. Since the rise of these groups, conflict in CAR has become increasingly ethnoreligious, although focused on identity rather than religious ideology. Elections in 2016 installed independent candidate Faustin-Archange TOUADERA as president; he was reelected in 2020. A peace agreement signed in 2019 between the government and the main armed factions has had little effect, and armed groups remain in control of large swaths of the country's territory. TOUADERA's United Hearts Movement has governed the country since 2016, and a new constitution approved by referendum on 30 July 2023 effectively ended term limits, creating the potential for TOUADERA to extend his rule.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑88.2% since 2006$1B (2006)$3B (2024)
Population
↑21.8% since 20064.4M (2006)5.3M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 57.4 years2006: 48.7 years2023: 57.4 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography20
Location
Central Africa, north of Democratic Republic of the Congo
Geographic coordinates
7 00 N, 21 00 E
Map references
Africa
Area
total : 622,984 sq km
land: 622,984 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 622,984 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Texas; about four times the size of Georgia
Land boundaries
total: 5,920 km
border countries: Cameroon 901 km; Chad 1556 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,747 km, Republic of the Congo 487 km; South Sudan 1055 km; Sudan 174 km
border countries: Cameroon 901 km; Chad 1556 km; Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,747 km, Republic of the Congo 487 km; South Sudan 1055 km; Sudan 174 km
Coastline
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims
none (landlocked)
Climate
tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summers
Terrain
vast, flat to rolling plateau; scattered hills in northeast and southwest
Elevation
highest point: Mont Ngaoui 1,410 m
lowest point: Oubangui River 335 m
mean elevation: 635 m
lowest point: Oubangui River 335 m
mean elevation: 635 m
Natural resources
diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil, hydropower
Land use
agricultural land
9.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 2.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 1.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 4.8% (2023 est.)
forest
72.5% (2023 est.)
other
18.4% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
10 sq km (2012)
Major rivers (by length in km)
Oubangui (Ubangi) river [s] (shared with Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Congo [m]) - 2,270 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Atlantic Ocean drainage: Congo (3,730,881 sq km), (Mediterranean Sea) Nile (3,254,853 sq km)
Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Chad (2,497,738 sq km)
Internal (endorheic basin) drainage: Lake Chad (2,497,738 sq km)
Major aquifers
Congo Basin, Lake Chad Basin
Population distribution
majority of residents live in the western and central areas of the country, especially in and around the capital of Bangui, as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards
hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas; floods are common
Geography - note
landlocked; almost the precise center of Africa
People & Society32
Population
total: 5,750,570 (2025 est.)
male: 2,864,870
female: 2,885,700
male: 2,864,870
female: 2,885,700
Nationality
noun: Central African(s)
adjective: Central African
adjective: Central African
Ethnic groups
Baya 28.8%, Banda 22.9%, Mandjia 9.9%, Sara 7.9%, M'Baka-Bantu 7.9%, Arab-Fulani (Peuhl) 6%, Mbum 6%, Ngbanki 5.5%, Zande-Nzakara 3%, other Central African Republic ethnic groups 2%, non-Central African Republic ethnic groups .1% (2003 est.)
Languages
French (official), Sangho (lingua franca and national language), tribal languages
Religions
Roman Catholic 34.6%, Protestant 15.7%, other Christian 22.9%, Muslim 13.8%, ethnic religionist 12%, Baha'i 0.2%, agnostic/atheist 0.7% (2020 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years: 38.5% (male 1,113,795/female 1,063,971)
15-64 years: 58% (male 1,613,770/female 1,662,522)
65 years and over: 3.5% (2024 est.) (male 86,932/female 109,967)
15-64 years: 58% (male 1,613,770/female 1,662,522)
65 years and over: 3.5% (2024 est.) (male 86,932/female 109,967)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 71.7 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 65.7 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 6 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 16.6 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 65.7 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 6 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 16.6 (2025 est.)
Median age
total: 20.6 years (2025 est.)
male: 19.7 years
female: 21.2 years
male: 19.7 years
female: 21.2 years
Population growth rate
1.74% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
31.49 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
11.04 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-3.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
majority of residents live in the western and central areas of the country, especially in and around the capital of Bangui, as shown in this population distribution map
Urbanization
urban population: 43.6% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 3.32% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 3.32% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
958,000 BANGUI (capital) (2023)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
692 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 79.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 86.4 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 74.5 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 86.4 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 74.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 56.4 years (2024 est.)
male: 55.1 years
female: 57.7 years
male: 55.1 years
female: 57.7 years
Total fertility rate
3.89 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.92 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: urban
urban: 48.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 27.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 36.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 51.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 72.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 63.7% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9.1% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 9% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.07 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban
urban: 53.5% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 12.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 30.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 46.5% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 87.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 69.8% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
7.5% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 0.94 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.55 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.33 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.55 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.04 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.33 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
18.4% (2022 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
65.4% (2019 est.)
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 25.8% (2019)
women married by age 18: 61% (2019)
men married by age 18: 17.1% (2019)
women married by age 18: 61% (2019)
men married by age 18: 17.1% (2019)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 1.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 10% national budget (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 10% national budget (2023 est.)
Literacy
total population: 42.4% (2019 est.)
male: 59.8% (2019 est.)
female: 27.1% (2019 est.)
male: 59.8% (2019 est.)
female: 27.1% (2019 est.)
Government23
Country name
conventional long form
Central African Republic
conventional short form
none
local long form
République centrafricaine
local short form
none
former
Ubangi-Shari, Central African Empire
abbreviation
CAR
etymology
self-descriptive name specifying the country's location on the continent; "Africa" is derived from the Roman designation of the area corresponding to present-day Tunisia, "Africa terra," which meant "Land of the Afri" (the tribe resident in that area), but which eventually came to mean the entire continent
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: Bangui
geographic coordinates: 4 22 N, 18 35 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: established as a French military post in 1889; the name means "rapids" in the local Bobangui language, because of the city's location above the first great rapid on the Ubangi River
geographic coordinates: 4 22 N, 18 35 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: established as a French military post in 1889; the name means "rapids" in the local Bobangui language, because of the city's location above the first great rapid on the Ubangi River
Administrative divisions
14 prefectures (préfectures, singular - préfecture), 2 economic prefectures* (préfectures économiques, singular - préfecture économique), and 1 commune**; Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui**, Basse-Kotto, Haute-Kotto, Haut-Mbomou, Kemo, Lobaye, Mambere-Kadei, Mbomou, Nana-Grebizi*, Nana-Mambere, Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha-Mbaere*, Vakaga
Legal system
civil law system based on the French model
Constitution
history: several previous; latest constitution passed by a national referendum on 30 July 2023 and validated by the Constitutional Court on 30 August 2023
amendment process: proposals require support of the government, two thirds of the National Council of Transition, and assent by the "Mediator of the Central African" crisis; passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote by the National Council membership; non-amendable constitutional provisions include those on the secular and republican form of government, fundamental rights and freedoms, amendment procedures, or changes to the authorities of various high-level executive, parliamentary, and judicial officials
amendment process: proposals require support of the government, two thirds of the National Council of Transition, and assent by the "Mediator of the Central African" crisis; passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote by the National Council membership; non-amendable constitutional provisions include those on the secular and republican form of government, fundamental rights and freedoms, amendment procedures, or changes to the authorities of various high-level executive, parliamentary, and judicial officials
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: least one parent must be a citizen of the Central African Republic
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 35 years
citizenship by descent only: least one parent must be a citizen of the Central African Republic
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 35 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state
President Faustin-Archange TOUADÉRA (since 30 March 2016)
head of government
Prime Minister Félix MOLOUA (since 7 February 2022)
cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the president
election/appointment process
current president was directly elected for 5-year term; constitutional referendum in July 2023 removed term limits and instituted 7-year terms
most recent election date
28 December 2025
election results
2025: Faustin-Archange TOUADÉRA reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Faustin-Archange TOUADÉRA (independent) 76.2%, Anicet Georges DOLOGUELE (URCA) 14.7%, other 9.1%
expected date of next election
December 2032
Legislative branch
legislature name
National Assembly (Assemblée nationale)
legislative structure
unicameral
number of seats
140 (all directly elected)
electoral system
plurality/majority
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
5 years
most recent election date
12/27/2020 to 7/25/2021
parties elected and seats per party
United Hearts Movement (MCU) (63); National Movement of Independents (MOUNI) (9); Union for Central African Renewal (URCA) (7); Movement for the Liberation of the Central African People (MLPC) (7); Other (34); Independents (20)
percentage of women in chamber
11.4%
expected date of next election
28 December 2025
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (number of judges unknown); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 judges, at least 3 of whom are women)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president; Constitutional Court judge appointments - 2 by the president, 1 by the speaker of the National Assembly, 2 elected by their peers, 2 are advocates elected by their peers, and 2 are law professors elected by their peers; judges serve 7-year non-renewable terms
subordinate courts: high courts; magistrates' courts
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president; Constitutional Court judge appointments - 2 by the president, 1 by the speaker of the National Assembly, 2 elected by their peers, 2 are advocates elected by their peers, and 2 are law professors elected by their peers; judges serve 7-year non-renewable terms
subordinate courts: high courts; magistrates' courts
Political parties
Action Party for Development or PAD
African Party for Radical Transformation and Integration of States or PATRIE
Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP
Be Africa ti e Kwe (also known as Central Africa for Us All or BTK)
Central African Democratic Rally or RDC
Central African Party for Integrated Development or PCDI
Democratic Movement for the Renewal and Evolution of Central Africa or MDREC
Kodro Ti Mo Kozo Si Movement or MKMKS
Movement for Democracy and Development or MDD
Movement for the Liberation of the Central African People or MLPC
National Convergence (also known as Kwa Na Kwa or KNK)
National Movement of Independents or MOUNI
National Union for Democracy and Progress or UNDP
National Union of Republican Democrats or UNADER
New Impetus for Central Africa or CANE
Party for Democracy and Solidarity - Kélémba or KPDS
Party for Democratic Governance or PGD
Path of Hope or CDE
Renaissance for Sustainable Development or RDD
Socialist Party or PS
Transformation Through Action Initiative or ITA
Union for Central African Renewal or URCA
Union for Renaissance and Development or URD
United Hearts Movement or MCU
African Party for Radical Transformation and Integration of States or PATRIE
Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP
Be Africa ti e Kwe (also known as Central Africa for Us All or BTK)
Central African Democratic Rally or RDC
Central African Party for Integrated Development or PCDI
Democratic Movement for the Renewal and Evolution of Central Africa or MDREC
Kodro Ti Mo Kozo Si Movement or MKMKS
Movement for Democracy and Development or MDD
Movement for the Liberation of the Central African People or MLPC
National Convergence (also known as Kwa Na Kwa or KNK)
National Movement of Independents or MOUNI
National Union for Democracy and Progress or UNDP
National Union of Republican Democrats or UNADER
New Impetus for Central Africa or CANE
Party for Democracy and Solidarity - Kélémba or KPDS
Party for Democratic Governance or PGD
Path of Hope or CDE
Renaissance for Sustainable Development or RDD
Socialist Party or PS
Transformation Through Action Initiative or ITA
Union for Central African Renewal or URCA
Union for Renaissance and Development or URD
United Hearts Movement or MCU
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Martial NDOUBOU (since 17 September 2018)
chancery: 2704 Ontario Road NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 483-7800
FAX: [1] (202) 332-9893
email address and website:
[email protected]
https://www.usrcaembassy.org/
chancery: 2704 Ontario Road NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone: [1] (202) 483-7800
FAX: [1] (202) 332-9893
email address and website:
[email protected]
https://www.usrcaembassy.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Melanie Anne ZIMMERMAN (since July 2025)
embassy
Avenue David Dacko, Bangui
mailing address
2060 Bangui Place, Washington DC 20521-2060
telephone
[236] 2161-0200
FAX
[236] 2161-4494
email address and website
https://cf.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, EITI (compliant country) (suspended), FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LCBC, MIGA, NAM, OIC (observer), OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
13 August 1960 (from France)
National holiday
Republic Day, 1 December (1958)
Flag
description: four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow with a vertical red band in the center; a five-pointed yellow star sits in the top left corner of the flag, on the blue band
meaning: combines the pan-African and French flag colors; red stands for blood spilled in the struggle for independence, blue for the sky and freedom, white for peace and dignity, green for hope and faith, and yellow for tolerance; the star represents aspiring to a vibrant future
meaning: combines the pan-African and French flag colors; red stands for blood spilled in the struggle for independence, blue for the sky and freedom, white for peace and dignity, green for hope and faith, and yellow for tolerance; the star represents aspiring to a vibrant future
National symbol(s)
elephant
National color(s)
blue, white, green, yellow, red
National anthem(s)
title: "La Renaissance" (The Renaissance)
lyrics/music: Barthelemy BOGANDA/Herbert PEPPER
history: adopted 1960; BOGANDA wrote the anthem's lyrics and was the first prime minister of the autonomous French territory
lyrics/music: Barthelemy BOGANDA/Herbert PEPPER
history: adopted 1960; BOGANDA wrote the anthem's lyrics and was the first prime minister of the autonomous French territory
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 2 (natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park; Sangha Trinational Forest
selected World Heritage Site locales: Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park; Sangha Trinational Forest
Economy30
Economic overview
enormous natural resources; extreme poverty; weak public institutions and infrastructure; political and gender-based violence have led to displacement of roughly 25% of population; Bangui-Douala corridor blockade reduced activity and tax collection; strong agricultural performance offset COVID-19 downturn
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $5.926 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $5.836 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $5.795 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $5.836 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $5.795 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 1.5% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 0.7% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 0.5% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 0.7% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 0.5% (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $1,100 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $1,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $1,100 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $1,100 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $1,100 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$2.752 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 3% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 5.6% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2021: 4.3% (2021 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 5.6% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2021: 4.3% (2021 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 32.5% (2024 est.)
industry: 17.8% (2024 est.)
services: 40.5% (2024 est.)
industry: 17.8% (2024 est.)
services: 40.5% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
94.7% (2024 est.)
government consumption
9.7% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
15.4% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
0% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
15.5% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-32.4% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
cassava, groundnuts, yams, coffee, maize, sesame seeds, taro, sugarcane, beef, milk (2023)
Industries
gold and diamond mining, logging, brewing, sugar refining
Industrial production growth rate
9.7% (2024 est.)
Labor force
2 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 5.9% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 5.9% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 6% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 5.9% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 6% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 9.5% (2024 est.)
male: 8.5% (2024 est.)
female: 10.6% (2024 est.)
male: 8.5% (2024 est.)
female: 10.6% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
68.8% (2021 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2021: 43 (2021 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 2.1% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 33.1% (2021 est.)
highest 10%: 33.1% (2021 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 0% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 0% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 0% of GDP (2021 est.)
Budget
revenues: $360.48 million (2021 est.)
expenditures: $462.104 million (2021 est.)
expenditures: $462.104 million (2021 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 56% of GDP (2016 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
8.2% (of GDP) (2021 est.)
Exports
Exports 2024: $425.306 million (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $369.034 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $293.074 million (2022 est.)
Exports 2023: $369.034 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $293.074 million (2022 est.)
Exports - partners
UAE 54%, China 14%, France 6%, Turkey 5%, Belgium 4% (2023)
Exports - commodities
gold, wood, diamonds, vehicle parts/accessories, cotton (2023)
Imports
Imports 2024: $890.572 million (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $742.108 million (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $784.669 million (2022 est.)
Imports 2023: $742.108 million (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $784.669 million (2022 est.)
Imports - partners
China 16%, Cameroon 14%, France 8%, Belgium 6%, Cote d'Ivoire 5% (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, packaged medicine, vaccines, tanks and armored vehicles (2023)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $479.593 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $374.405 million (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $483.872 million (2021 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $374.405 million (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $483.872 million (2021 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $724.179 million (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs (XAF) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024
606.345 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
606.57 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
623.76 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
554.531 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
575.586 (2020 est.)
Energy6
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 15.7% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas: 34.7%
electrification - rural areas: 1.6%
electrification - urban areas: 34.7%
electrification - rural areas: 1.6%
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 63,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 132.105 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 10 million kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 132.105 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 10 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 0.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 99.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 99.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
imports: 1 metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 3 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 3 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 2,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 954,000 Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 2,090 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 1.98 million (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 39 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 39 (2022 est.)
Broadcast media
government-owned network, Radiodiffusion Télévision Centrafricaine, provides limited TV broadcasting; state-owned radio network is supplemented by a small number of privately owned broadcast stations, as well as a few community radio stations; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available (2017)
Internet country code
.cf
Internet users
percent of population: 8% (2019 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 1,000 (2022 est.) Data available for 2019 only.
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Transportation2
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
TL
Airports
43 (2025)
Military & Security6
Military and security forces
Central African Armed Forces (Forces Armees Centrafricaines, FACA): Army (includes an air squadron, Escadrille Centrafricaine)
Ministry of Interior: National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale), National Police (2025)
Ministry of Interior: National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale), National Police (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 2.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 1.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 10-15,000 active FACA (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
most of the military's heavy weapons and equipment were lost during the 2012–2014 civil war; prior to the war, most of its inventory was of French, Russian, or Soviet origin; in recent years, it has received some donated equipment from China and Russia, including armored vehicles, drones, helicopters, jet trainer aircraft, and some light weapons (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-22 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription although the constitution provides for the possibility of conscription in the event of an imminent threat to the country (2025)
Military - note
the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) are focused on internal security; since the 2013 coup, multiple armed groups have been active in the country, carrying out attacks, controlling territory, and undermining security; the coup resulted in the institutional collapse of the FACA; its forces were overwhelmed and forced to flee to neighboring countries; it has been estimated that only 10% of the FACA returned afterwards; over the past decade, the FACA has sought to rebuild with considerable foreign assistance, including from France, the EU, Russia, Rwanda, Uganda, and the UN; Russian private military contractors and Rwandan military forces have assisted the FACA in its operations against rebel groups
the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) has operated in the country since 2014; its mission includes providing security, protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian assistance, disarming and demobilizing armed groups, and supporting the country’s transitional government (2025)
the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) has operated in the country since 2014; its mission includes providing security, protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian assistance, disarming and demobilizing armed groups, and supporting the country’s transitional government (2025)
Transnational Issues1
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 53,378 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 469,342 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 469,342 (2024 est.)
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