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In 2026, the Central African Republic's population is projected at 5,698,984. That is a 4-fold increase on the 1,438,057 recorded in 1950. It is growing at +3.28% a year, one of the faster rates globally, adding about 187.1K people a year. With only 9 people/km², it is one of the world's more sparsely settled countries. Half the population is younger than 14.6 years, and the age structure is steadily tilting older: the median is projected to reach 19.2 by 2050. Women outnumber men, at 93 males per 100 females. By 2100, UN projections see it rising to 18,779,149, up 230% from 2026.
Total population
5,698,984
Density
9 people/km²
Median age
14.6 years
Growth rate
+3.28%
The Central African Republic is experiencing rapid population growth, adding hundreds of thousands of people each year. The sex ratio of 93 males per 100 females is notably lower than the global average of ~101. The population is aging rapidly; median age will rise from 15 in 2026 to 19 by 2050. Population density is low at 9 people per km². Looking ahead, UN projections show the population reaching 18.8M by 2100, more than double 2026's level.