DR Congo Population

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has one of the highest fertility rates in the world and a correspondingly explosive growth path, projected to make it one of the most populous countries on earth by 2100. Its population is overwhelmingly young, and decades of conflict and weak infrastructure have done little to slow the underlying birth rate. The scale of its projected expansion makes Central Africa a major part of the global population story this century.

With roughly 115 million people as of 2026, DR Congo ranks 15th in the world by population. Set in Middle Africa, its demographic path this century turns on the balance of births, deaths and migration. Population density stands at about 51 people for every square kilometre of land.

DR Congo is projected to keep growing until about 2100, when its population peaks at roughly 429 million before a gradual decline sets in, leaving it near 429 million by 2100. It is projected to pass the 200 million mark around 2047.

Half of DR Congo is currently younger than about 16, but by 2100 the median age is projected to reach around 32, even as life expectancy improves from about 62 years. 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 5.98 births per woman, DR Congo still has one of the higher fertility rates in the world, driving fast expansion.

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.