Central African Republic

World Book Index

Introduction

Background
The French colony of Ubangi-Shari became the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. After three tumultuous decades of misrule -- mostly by military governments -- civilian rule was established in 1993 but lasted only a decade. Peace agreements between the government and armed factions have had little effect, and armed groups operate openly.

Geography

Area
total : 622,984 sq km
land: 622,984 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summers

Natural resources
diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil, hydropower

People and Society

Population
total: 5,650,957 (2024 est.)

Ethnic groups
Baya 28.8%, Banda 22.9%, Mandjia 9.9%, Sara 7.9%, M'Baka-Bantu 7.9%, Arab-Fulani (Peuhl) 6%, Mbum 6%, Ngbanki 5.5%, Zande-Nzakara 3%, other Central African Republic ethnic groups 2%, non-Central African Republic ethnic groups .1% (2003 est.)

Languages
French (official), Sangho (lingua franca and national language), tribal languages

Religions
Roman Catholic 34.6%, Protestant 15.7%, other Christian 22.9%, Muslim 13.8%, ethnic religionist 12%, Baha'i 0.2%, agnostic/atheist 0.7% (2020 est.)

Population growth rate
1.76% (2024 est.)

Government

Government type
presidential republic

Capital
name: Bangui

Executive branch
chief of state: President Faustin-Archange TOUADÉRA (since 30 March 2016)
head of government: Prime Minister Félix MOLOUA (since 7 February 2022)

Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Martial NDOUBOU (since 17 September 2018)

Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Melanie Anne ZIMMERMAN (since July 2025)

Economy

Economic overview
enormous natural resources; extreme poverty; weak public institutions and infrastructure; political and gender-based violence have led to displacement of roughly 25% of population; Bangui-Douala corridor blockade reduced activity and tax collection; strong agricultural performance offset COVID-19 downturn

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$5.926 billion (2024 est.)
$5.836 billion (2023 est.)
$5.795 billion (2022 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$1,100 (2024 est.)
$1,100 (2023 est.)
$1,100 (2022 est.)

Exports
$425.306 million (2024 est.)
$369.034 million (2023 est.)
$293.074 million (2022 est.)

Exports - partners
UAE 54%, China 14%, France 6%, Turkey 5%, Belgium 4% (2023)

Exports - commodities
gold, wood, diamonds, vehicle parts/accessories, cotton (2023)

Imports
$890.572 million (2024 est.)
$742.108 million (2023 est.)
$784.669 million (2022 est.)

Imports - partners
China 16%, Cameroon 14%, France 8%, Belgium 6%, Cote d'Ivoire 5% (2023)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, cars, packaged medicine, vaccines, tanks and armored vehicles (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.414, ranking it 191st out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 149th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 3.476. (more information)