Republic of the Congo Population 2026: 5.8M People, Vast Empty Land
Republic of the Congo is a country with vast stretches of largely empty land: 5.8M people across 342,000 km², giving a density of 17/km².
GDP per capita stands at $2,431: among the lower-income economies globally. The capital, Brazzaville, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About Republic of the Congo's Population
With a population of 5.8M, Republic of the Congo is home to a significant number of people within its 342,000 km² of territory. The population density of 17/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: a low density suggesting significant open space and rural areas across the country.
The capital city, Brazzaville, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Republic of the Congo. Republic of the Congo has a coastline of 169 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, Republic of the Congo has a total GDP of $14.1B, translating to $2,431 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).
Republic of the Congo gained independence in 1960 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is French, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the Central Africa region, Republic of the Congo sits alongside Cameroon (27.9M), Central African Republic (5.5M), Chad (17.4M). This regional context helps illustrate how Republic of the Congo's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Republic of the Congo's Population
What is the population of Republic of the Congo in 2026?
The population of Republic of the Congo is approximately 5.8M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of Republic of the Congo?
The capital city of Republic of the Congo is Brazzaville, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is Republic of the Congo?
Republic of the Congo has a population density of 17/km². This is very low density, with large amounts of open, sparsely settled land.
What is the GDP per capita of Republic of the Congo?
Republic of the Congo has a GDP per capita of $2,431, with a total GDP of $14.1B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in Republic of the Congo?
The official language of Republic of the Congo is French.
How big is Republic of the Congo?
Republic of the Congo covers a total area of 342,000 km². With a population of 5.8M, that gives a density of 17/km².
When did Republic of the Congo gain independence?
Republic of the Congo gained independence in 1960.
What currency is used in Republic of the Congo?
The official currency of Republic of the Congo is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF).
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