Central African Republic Population 2026
As of 2025, the population of the Central African Republic is estimated at 5,330,690, making it the 121st most populous country in the world. The nation is located in Sub-Saharan Africa and is classified as a low-income economy. Its population has grown at a 1-year rate of 3.46% in 2025, reflecting a significant recent increase.
Population Trend (Central African Republic)
Population by Decade
Population milestones
How Central African Republic's population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).
Overview
The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked country in Sub-Saharan Africa with a relatively small population compared to its neighbors. With a 2025 population of 5,330,690, it ranks 121st globally, placing it among the less populous nations on the continent. The country's demographic profile is shaped by high fertility rates, limited healthcare infrastructure, and periodic instability, which influence its growth patterns.
In 2025, the population experienced a 1-year growth rate of 3.46%, a notable acceleration compared to the 10-year average growth rate of 1.43%. This discrepancy suggests a recent surge in growth, possibly due to improved birth rates or reduced mortality, though the long-term average indicates more moderate expansion over the past decade. As a low-income country, CAR faces challenges such as poverty and limited access to education and healthcare, which impact demographic trends.
Regionally, the Central African Republic is part of Sub-Saharan Africa, a region characterized by high population growth rates and young age structures. CAR's growth rate of 3.46% in 2025 is above the regional average for many Sub-Saharan countries, but its low income level means it may struggle to support rapid population increase. The 10-year average of 1.43% suggests that growth has been uneven, possibly reflecting periods of conflict or economic hardship.
Overall, the Central African Republic's population dynamics highlight a country at a demographic crossroads. The recent high growth rate could lead to a younger population, but without corresponding economic development, it may strain resources. The data provided offers a snapshot of a nation with a small but quickly growing population in a challenging regional context.
Key Facts
- The population of the Central African Republic in 2025 is 5,330,690.
- The country has a 1-year population growth rate of 3.46% as of 2025.
- The 10-year average population growth rate is 1.43%.
- The Central African Republic ranks 121st in global population size.
- It is classified as a low-income country in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- The 2025 growth rate of 3.46% is more than double the 10-year average of 1.43%.