Central African Republic flag

Central African Republic

Capital

Bangui

Region

Africa

Population

6,470,307

Area (km²)

622,984

💡Quick Summary

The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked nation in Central Africa with a population of about 6.5 million people spread across 622,984 km², making it one of the continent's most sparsely populated countries. Its capital, Bangui, serves as the economic and political hub, though the country faces ongoing challenges like political instability and humanitarian crises despite rich natural resources such as diamonds and timber. With GDP data unavailable, CAR remains one of the world's poorest nations, heavily reliant on agriculture and international aid.

Key Insights

Significant Forest Cover Despite Low Economic Development

CAR maintains a substantial forest area, covering over 35% of its total landmass. This is a positive environmental asset, but also represents a potential future challenge regarding balancing conservation with economic development pressures, given the country's low GDP.

Slow Economic Recovery Amidst Instability

The GDP growth rate is extremely sluggish at only 0.700%. In a country with high fertility and rapid population growth, this near-stagnant economic expansion means that real per capita income is likely falling or barely keeping pace, hindering recovery from conflict and poverty.

Severe Infrastructure Deficit: Low Electricity Access

Only 17.6% of the population has access to electricity, indicating a massive infrastructure deficit. This lack of basic utility access severely hampers economic development, education, and quality of life, particularly in rural areas.

High Infant Mortality Rate: A Public Health Crisis

The infant mortality rate stands at 60.4 per 1,000 live births, which is critically high compared to global averages (typically below 30 in developing nations and single digits in developed ones). This metric is a strong indicator of poor maternal health, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to pediatric care.

Economic Indicators
Latest economic data from World Bank

GDP (Current US$)

$2.56B

Year: 2023

GDP Per Capita

$495.98

GDP Growth (%)

0.7%

Inflation (%)

2.98%

Unemployment (%)

5.88%

Debt to GDP (%)

N/A%

Source: World Bank • Last updated: 12/24/2025

Historical Trends & Data Visualizations

GDP Growth Rate
Annual percentage change in GDP over time
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230.00%2.00%4.00%6.00%8.00%
  • GDP Growth (%)
Population Growth
Total population over time
201420152016201720182019202020212022202301,500,0003,000,0004,500,0006,000,000
  • Population
Life Expectancy
Average life expectancy at birth (years)
20142015201620172018201920202021202220230.0years15.0years30.0years45.0years60.0years
  • Life Expectancy (years)
Renewable Energy Consumption
Percentage of total energy from renewable sources
2014201520162017201820192020202120220.0%25.0%50.0%75.0%100.0%
  • Renewable Energy (%)
GDP Per Capita
Economic output per person (current US$)
2014201520162017201820192020202120222023$0$150$300$450$600
  • GDP Per Capita ($)

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