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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, 2025
GDP (current USD)$3.1 BWorld Bank, 2025
GDP per Capita$556World Bank, 2025
GDP Growth4.50%World Bank, 2025
Inflation (y/y)~1.00%World Bank, 2025
Policy Rate5.00%Central Bank
Unemployment6.25%World Bank, ILO modelled estimate, 2025
Internet Use~13.78%World Bank, 2024
Electrification~15.00%World Bank WDI
CPI Score (Rank)24.0/100 (#154)Transparency Intl
HDI (Rank)0.404 (#191)UNDP HDR

World Bank Indicators Compare with another country

GDP (current USD)$3.1 BWorld Bank, 2025
GDP growth (annual)4.50%World Bank, 2025
GDP per capita (USD)$556World Bank, 2025
Population, total5.5 MWorld Bank, 2025
FDI net inflows (USD)$40.4 MWorld Bank, 2024
Inflation (consumer prices)1.00%World Bank, 2025
Unemployment (% labour force)6.25%World Bank, 2025
Internet use (% of people)13.78%World Bank, 2024
Trade (% of GDP)52.91%World Bank, 2025

Country Facts

CapitalBangui
RegionCentral Africa
CurrencyCentral African CFA (XAF)
FX RegimeFixed peg to EUR via CFA franc
Legal SystemFrench civil law
Time ZoneAfrica/Bangui

Focus Sectors

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

Regulations & Taxes

Corporate Income Tax30% standard
VAT / Sales Tax19% standard