Country Profile: Central African Republic

The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked nation situated at the heart of Africa, plagued by a history of political instability and economic challenges. With a population of approximately 5.75 million, diverse ethnic groups coexist, primarily in western and central regions around the capital, Bangui. The economy relies heavily on agriculture and natural resources, despite extreme poverty affecting nearly 69% of the population. Governance has been characterized by ongoing conflict, coups, and a fragile peace process, underscoring the need for political stability and development.

Geography

The Central African Republic is located in Central Africa, bordered by Cameroon, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan. It covers an area of about 622,984 sq km, making it slightly smaller than Texas. Its terrain consists mainly of a vast plateau with scattered hills, and it experiences a tropical climate with hot, dry winters and mild to hot, wet summers.

5,920 km of land boundaries with six neighboring countries.
0 km coastline as it is landlocked.
1,410 m is the highest point at Mont Ngaoui.
72.5% of the land is forest.
The Oubangui River, which runs 2,270 km, is a significant natural resource.

People and Society

The estimated population of CAR is 5,750,570 in 2025, with a significant youth demographic; 38.5% are under the age of 14. The ethnic composition includes the Baya, Banda, and various other groups, with French and Sangho as the official languages. The country is predominantly Christian, with a notable Muslim minority.

34.6% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic.
The median age is 20.6 years.
1 in 5 women are married by age 15.
43.6% of the population lives in urban areas as of 2023.
68.8% of the population lives below the national poverty line.

Economy

CAR faces significant economic challenges characterized by poverty and weak infrastructure. Despite its vast natural resources, including gold and diamonds, much of the population lives in extreme poverty, with 68.8% below the poverty line. Agriculture forms the backbone of the economy, contributing 32.5% to GDP.

Real GDP is estimated at $5.926 billion for 2024.
Unemployment rate stands at 5.9% in 2024.
68.8% of the population lives in poverty (2021 estimate).
Agricultural products include cassava and coffee, among others.
Military expenditures are projected at 2.5% of GDP for 2024.

Government

The Central African Republic operates as a presidential republic with a complex political climate. The current president, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, was elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. A constitutional referendum in July 2023 ended term limits, allowing for potential extended governance.

The capital is Bangui, with a population of 958,000 in 2023.
14 prefectures and 2 economic prefectures organize its administrative divisions.
A recent constitution was ratified on 30 July 2023.
Voting is universal at 18 years of age.
The legislature consists of 140 members.

Military and Security

The Central African Armed Forces (FACA) have faced significant challenges since the civil war, with an estimated 10,000-15,000 active personnel. External assistance from various countries has been vital in rebuilding its forces. Military expenditures are approximately 2.5% of GDP.

The FACA has received military support from Russia and France in recent years.
The UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA) has been present since 2014 to assist with security and governance.
No conscription is mandated, but voluntary enlistment occurs at ages 18-22.

Energy

Energy access in CAR is limited, with only 15.7% of the total population having electricity access as of 2022. The country primarily relies on hydroelectric power for its electricity generation, which constitutes 99.2% of its installed capacity.

Installed generating capacity is 63,000 kW.
Electricity consumption reached 132.105 million kWh in 2023.
Electrification in urban areas is 34.7%, contrasted with a mere 1.6% in rural areas.

Environment

CAR's environment faces several challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. The country's rich biodiversity is at risk due to wildlife mismanagement and poaching.

72.5% of land is forested, but it is threatened by deforestation.
It is a party to several international environmental agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biodiversity.
141 billion cubic meters of renewable water resources are available (2022 est.).

Transportation

Transport infrastructure is limited, with 43 airports as of 2025, primarily serving domestic routes. The state of roads and accessibility varies significantly, often hampered by repeated conflicts.

Communications

Communication infrastructure in CAR is underdeveloped, with only 8% internet penetration and limited fixed-line subscriptions. Mobile communication is growing, but the services remain basic.

1.98 million mobile subscriptions were reported in 2022.
2,090 fixed-line subscriptions indicate limited landline access.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,750,570	2025 estimate
Area	622,984 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$5.926 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	5.9%	2024 estimate
Poverty Rate	68.8%	2021 estimate
Electricity Access	15.7%	2022 estimate
Agricultural Land	9.1%	2023 estimate
Urbanization Rate	43.6%	2023
Life Expectancy at Birth	56.4 years	2024 estimate