Central African Republic
Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 5
Currency
💱 Central African CFA franc
Languages
🗣️ French, Sango
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 35 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Central African Republic
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Central African
Independence
August 13, 1960 (from France)
Top-Level Domain
.cf
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+236
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+01:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Bangui
ISO Alpha-2
CF
ISO Alpha-3
CAF
UN Code
140
Geographic Coordinates
7,21
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
622,984#43 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
5,513,282#121 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
8.27
Highest Point (m)
Mont Ngaoui, 1,450 meters
Lowest Point (m)
Ubangi River, 335 meters
Land Use
Agricultural land: 33.6%; forest: 67.5%
Irrigated Land
20 square kilometers (2012)
Coastline Length
This landlocked country has no coastline.
Climate
Tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (May to October); dry season (November to April)
Natural Resources
Diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil, hydropower
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Cameroon, Chad, DRC, Congo, South Sudan, Sudan
Major Rivers
Ubangi River, Sangha River
Major Lakes
None
Government Type
Republic
Administrative Divisions
16 prefectures and 2 economic prefectures
Legal System
Based on French civil law system
Chief of State
President Faustin-Archange Touadéra
Head of Government
Prime Minister Félix Moloua
Cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the President
Elections
President elected by popular vote for a five-year term; National Assembly members elected by popular vote.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court; Constitutional Court
Legislative Branch
National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale)
Major Political Parties
Rassemblement pour la République (RPR); Mouvement Coeur Uni (MCU)
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Central African CFA franc
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.07#180 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
7.24#168 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
556.13#209 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
27.61
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
21.22
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
41.38
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1#150 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2,076,374
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6.25#72 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
The Central African Republic's public debt is a significant concern, with figures varying due to instability.
Budget
The national budget is constrained by economic challenges and political instability.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.59#173 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.03#175 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Foreign reserves are limited due to the country's economic situation.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found online or at local banks.
GDP by Sector
The economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with forestry and diamond mining also playing a role.
Major Industries
Major industries include diamond mining, logging, brewing, and textiles.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners include Belgium, Italy, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners include France, Cameroon, and the United States.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
42.44#161 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
46.2
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
9.4
Net Migration Rate
The net migration rate is negative, with more people emigrating than immigrating.
Median Age
The median age is very low, reflecting a young population.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
44.55#161 of 214
Urbanization Rate
The urbanization rate is relatively low and slow.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
57.7#211 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence is significant.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
10.66
Ethnic Groups
Ethnic groups include the Banda, Gbaya, Mandja, Sara, Mbum, and others.
Religions
Religions practiced include Christianity, Islam, and indigenous beliefs.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
French, Sango
Education
Education System
The education system faces significant challenges, including low enrollment rates, lack of resources, and teacher shortages. Primary education is nominally compulsory.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2012)Checked September 29, 2026
6.8
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education is very low due to limited resources and competing priorities.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Bangui University is the primary higher education institution.
Culture
Cultural Overview
The culture reflects a mix of influences from various ethnic groups. Traditional music, dance, and storytelling are important.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Barthelemy Boganda Day (2026-03-29)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Labour Day (2026-05-01)
- Ascension Day (2026-05-14)
- Whit Monday (2026-05-25)
- General Prayer Day (2026-06-30)
- Independence Day (2026-08-13)
- Assumption Day (2026-08-15)
- All Saints Day (2026-11-01)
- National Day (2026-12-01)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
Popular Music
Popular music includes local genres with influences from various traditions.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods often include cassava, rice, and various sauces with meat or fish.
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport.
Major Festivals
Festivals celebrate cultural traditions and religious events.
Famous People
Notable figures include politicians, artists, and athletes.
Cultural Heritage Sites
There are no UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
UNESCO Sites
There are no UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Annual Tourist Visits
—
Tourism Overview
—
Top Tourist Attractions
—
Famous Cities
—
National Parks
—
Protected Areas
—
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
—
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
—
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality is generally poor.
Medical Cost
Medical costs are relatively low compared to developed countries but can still be prohibitive for many.
Number of Hospitals
There is a limited number of hospitals, primarily in urban areas.
Universal Healthcare
Healthcare is underdeveloped, with limited access to services and infrastructure. Significant challenges exist due to poverty, instability, and lack of resources.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are limited, especially outside of major urban areas, and access is restricted by conflict.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical access is very limited, particularly in rural regions.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
—
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
—
Emergency Number (Fire)
—
Crime Rate
—
Safety Index
—
Military Expenditure
—
Emergency Services Overview
—
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
—
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
—
Water Access
—
Sanitation Access
—
Railways
There are no railways.
Roadways
—
Transportation System
Transportation is poorly developed. Road infrastructure is limited, and air travel is more common for longer distances.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Bangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF), Berbérati Airport (BBT)
Ports
—
Public Transit
—
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
13.78#203 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
—
Tech Startups
—
Innovation Index
—
ICT Development Index
—
TV Broadcast Stations
—
Radio Broadcast Stations
—
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.06#191 of 202
Air Quality Index
—
Water Pollution Level
—
Renewable Energy Usage
—
Environmental Issues
—
Natural Hazards
—
Waste Management
—
Environmental Agreements
—
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
—