Central African Republic Population 2026: 5.5M People, Vast Empty Land
Central African Republic is one of the most sparsely populated countries on the planet: 5.5M people across 622,984 km², giving a density of 9/km².
GDP per capita stands at $455: among the lower-income economies globally. The capital, Bangui, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About Central African Republic's Population
With a population of 5.5M, Central African Republic is home to a significant number of people within its 622,984 km² of territory. The population density of 9/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: one of the lowest densities in the world, with vast open and largely uninhabited spaces.
The capital city, Bangui, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Central African Republic. As a landlocked country, Central African Republic's population is distributed entirely across its inland territory, without access to a coastline. This has historically shaped trade patterns and economic development.
In economic terms, Central African Republic has a total GDP of $2.5B, translating to $455 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF).
Central African Republic gained independence in 1960 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official languages are French / Sango, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the Central Africa region, Central African Republic sits alongside Cameroon (27.9M), Chad (17.4M), Republic of the Congo (5.8M). This regional context helps illustrate how Central African Republic's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Central African Republic's Population
What is the population of Central African Republic in 2026?
The population of Central African Republic is approximately 5.5M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of Central African Republic?
The capital city of Central African Republic is Bangui, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is Central African Republic?
Central African Republic has a population density of 9/km². This is very low density, with large amounts of open, sparsely settled land.
What is the GDP per capita of Central African Republic?
Central African Republic has a GDP per capita of $455, with a total GDP of $2.5B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in Central African Republic?
The official languages of Central African Republic are French / Sango.
How big is Central African Republic?
Central African Republic covers a total area of 622,984 km². With a population of 5.5M, that gives a density of 9/km².
When did Central African Republic gain independence?
Central African Republic gained independence in 1960.
What currency is used in Central African Republic?
The official currency of Central African Republic is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF).
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