Congo, Dem. Rep. Population 2026

Overview

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing one of the fastest population growth rates in Sub-Saharan Africa. With a 1-year growth rate of 3.30% and a 10-year average growth of 3.38%, the country's population is expanding at a pace that significantly outpaces the global average. This sustained growth reflects high birth rates, declining mortality, and a median age well below 20 years. As the largest country in Sub-Saharan Africa by land area, the DRC’s population density remains relatively low, but urban centers like Kinshasa are experiencing rapid expansion. The country’s low-income status underscores challenges in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, which are further strained by the demographic surge. The 10-year average growth rate of 3.38% indicates that this trend is not a short-term spike but a consistent pattern, likely to continue if fertility rates remain elevated. In the regional context, the DRC’s population is a major driver of overall population increase in Central Africa, and its global rank of 15th places it ahead of nations like Turkey and Iran. Despite its immense natural resources, the DRC faces the dual challenge of harnessing its demographic dividend while mitigating pressures on public services. The 2025 figure of over 109 million people represents a more than doubling of the population since the early 2000s, a trajectory shared by few other countries in the world.

Key Facts

• The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s estimated population in 2025 is 109,276,265.
• The country holds the 15th global rank in population size.
• The 1-year population growth rate for 2025 is 3.30%.
• Over the past 10 years, the average annual growth rate has been 3.38%.
• The DRC is located in Sub-Saharan Africa and is classified as a low-income country.
• With a growth rate exceeding 3%, the country is among the fastest-growing populations globally.