Country Profile: Central African Republic
The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked nation situated in the heart of Africa, bordered by six countries. It has a population of approximately 5.75 million and experiences significant ethnic diversity, with ethnic groups including the Baya and Banda. The nation’s economy is primarily agrarian, heavily reliant on agriculture which constitutes 32.5% of its GDP, but it grapples with challenges such as extreme poverty and political instability. Governance is characterized by a presidential republic structure, with persistent issues of corruption and violence impacting public institutions.
Geography
The Central African Republic is located in central Africa, north of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and features a predominantly tropical climate. The country possesses a vast plateau with scattered hills, and its highest elevation is 1,410 m at Mont Ngaoui. As a landlocked nation, it has no coastline, but it is endowed with various natural resources, including diamonds and gold.
- Area: 622,984 sq km (slightly smaller than Texas)
- Land boundaries: 5,920 km with Cameroon, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan
- Natural hazards: Prone to floods and hot, dusty harmattan winds
People and Society
The population of CAR is estimated at 5,750,570 and exhibits a youthful demographic, with a median age of 20.6 years. Predominant ethnic groups include Baya (28.8%) and Banda (22.9%). The official language is French, while Sangho serves as a national lingua franca. The country has a complex religious landscape, with 34.6% identifying as Roman Catholic and 15.7% as Protestant.
- Urbanization: 43.6% of the population lives in urban areas
- Literacy rate: 42.4% of the total population
- Birth rate: 31.49 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Economy
CAR's economy is marked by substantial natural resources but is hindered by extreme poverty and weak governance. The real GDP growth rate is gradually improving, projected at 1.5% for 2024. Agriculture remains a vital sector, contributing to 32.5% of GDP, while the country has faced challenges such as displacements and blockades affecting economic activity.
- GDP (PPP): $5.926 billion (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 5.9% (2024 est.)
- Population below poverty line: 68.8% (2021)
Government
The government of the Central African Republic operates as a presidential republic. The current president, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, has been in power since 2016 after being re-elected in 2020. The political landscape has been tumultuous, marked by coups and ongoing conflicts involving various armed groups.
- Capital: Bangui
- Constitution: Latest version approved on 30 July 2023
- Next election: December 2025
Military and Security
The Central African Armed Forces (FACA) are tasked with national defense and internal security, though their capabilities have been diminished due to past civil conflicts. The military expenditure accounts for 2.5% of GDP as of 2024, reflecting efforts to rebuild and modernize the armed forces.
- Active personnel: Estimated 10-15,000 in 2025
- Military service age: Voluntary for ages 18-22
- UN Stabilization Mission: Ongoing since 2014
Energy
CAR's energy sector is heavily reliant on hydroelectricity, which contributes 99.2% to its installed generating capacity. However, access to electricity remains exceedingly low, with only 15.7% of the population having access as of 2022.
- Installed capacity: 63,000 kW (2023 est.)
- Electricity consumption: 132.105 million kWh (2023 est.)
- Access in urban areas: 34.7%
Environment
The country faces various environmental issues, including deforestation, water pollution, and wildlife mismanagement. CAR is a party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and wildlife conservation.
- Forest cover: 72.5% of the total land area (2023 est.)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 313,000 metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Total renewable water resources: 141 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Transportation
Transportation infrastructure in CAR is limited, with 43 airports as of 2025. Despite being landlocked, efforts are ongoing to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade.
- Airports: 43 (2025)
- Civil aircraft registration: Code TL
Communications
The communications sector in CAR is developing, with mobile subscriptions on the rise but overall internet access remaining low, with only 8% of the population estimated to be internet users in 2019.
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 1.98 million (2022 est.)
- Fixed-line subscriptions: 2,090 (2022 est.)
- Broadband subscriptions: Approximately 1,000 (2022 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,750,570 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Area | 622,984 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $5.926 billion | Estimated for 2024 |
| Energy consumption per capita | 954,000 Btu/person | Estimated for 2023 |
| Birth rate | 31.49 births/1,000 | Estimated for 2025 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Population below poverty line | 68.8% | Estimated for 2021 |
| Electricity access | 15.7% | Total population electrification (2022) |
| Military expenditure to GDP | 2.5% | Estimated for 2024 |
| Life expectancy at birth | 56.4 years | Estimated for 2024 |
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