Central African Republic Population

The Central African Republic has one of the highest fertility rates in the world, close to six children per woman, and one of the youngest populations, with a median age around 14. It also has among the lowest life expectancy anywhere, reflecting years of conflict since 2013 and threadbare health services. The projection sees the population more than tripling by 2100, among the fastest growth on earth.

With roughly 5.6 million people as of 2026, Central African Republic ranks 121st in the world by population. In Middle Africa, where it lies, that future is driven by fertility, longevity and the movement of people across its borders. It packs in roughly 9 people per square kilometre.

Central African Republic is projected to keep growing until about 2100, when its population peaks at roughly 18.7 million before a gradual decline sets in, leaving it near 18.7 million by 2100.

The median age is set to climb from about 14 today to roughly 33 by 2100, while life expectancy, near 58 years, keeps rising. For now it remains one of the world's youngest populations, with a large generation about to reach working age. A rising median age means fewer working-age people supporting each retiree over time.

With about 5.95 births per woman, Central African Republic still has one of the higher fertility rates in the world, driving fast expansion. Net outward migration also weighs on the total, with more people leaving than arriving.

The trajectory above is the UN's medium scenario. Wars, policy shifts, economic change and migration can all move the numbers, but the broad shape, growth followed by an eventual peak, is robust across the main variants.