Central African Republic

Central African Republic

French, Sango Central African CFA (XAF) French civil law
AU, ECCAS, CEMAC, AfCFTA, WTO
The Central African Republic is one of the world's least developed countries despite significant mineral wealth (diamonds, gold, uranium). The economy depends on subsistence agriculture, forestry (timber), and artisanal mining. Security challenges from armed groups affect most of the territory. The Kimberley Process suspension on diamond exports has been partially lifted for compliant zones. The country operates within the CFA franc zone (CEMAC). Foreign investment is minimal due to security risks and infrastructure deficits. The UN peacekeeping mission MINUSCA operates in the country.

Snapshot

Population~5.5 MWorld Bank WDI
GDP (current USD)$3.3 BIMF WEO
GDP per Capita$470IMF WEO
GDP Growth1.50%IMF WEO
Inflation (y/y)~3.00%Central Bank / IMF
Policy Rate5.00%Central Bank
Internet Use~11.00%World Bank WDI
Electrification~15.00%World Bank WDI
CPI Score (Rank)24.0/100 (#154)Transparency Intl
HDI (Rank)0.404 (#191)UNDP HDR

Focus Sectors

Diamonds
Gold
Forestry (timber)
Agriculture (cotton
coffee)
Livestock
Telecoms
Construction

Regulations & Taxes

Corporate Income Tax30% standard
VAT / Sales Tax19% standard
Data Notes: Population, GDP, and GDP per capita are latest IMF WEO / World Bank estimates. Inflation is year-over-year. Trade data from UN Comtrade/OEC (2023). Tax rates from PwC/KPMG country guides. CPI from Transparency International. HDI from UNDP Human Development Report.
Narrative last updated: April 8, 2026.