Browse a full set of economic indicators

Central African Republic

Includes historical data for Central African Republic’s Gross Domestic Product growth, debt-to-GDP ratio and more, as well as information on trade, banking and financial sector leadership.

Strategic Location And Political Stability Produce Economic Benefits

Since gaining independence from France in 1960, the Central African Republic (CAR) has been mired in political instability and sectarian violence. Despite its significant economic potential, the country is home to some 5 million people amongst the poorest in the world. Rich in agricultural and forestry resources, the nation also possesses major reserves of diamonds, gold, oil and uranium. In a historic moment in 2016, the Central African Republic held its first democratic presidential election since independence, a significant step toward national reconstruction. However, despite this progress, significant portions of the country remain under the control of anti-government factions and militia groups vying for control of the country’s vast resources.

Additional challenges hindering the country’s economic growth and development include weak transport infrastructure and geographic isolation, limited energy production capacity, and pervasive corruption. The CAR also struggles with a shortage of skilled labor and one of the widest gender gaps in the world.

Macroeconomy & Sovereign Data

Type of Government Presidential republic
Capital Yaounde
Sovereign Ratings S&P: Not rated
Moody’s: Not rated
Fitch: Not rated
Total Population 5.2 million
Median Age 14.9
Adult Per Capita Income (PPP) 2,327.42
Total GDP (2023) 2.8 billion

Central African Republic GDP & Economic Overview

Most Recent Content

Banking & Finance

Trade & Investment

Total Exports USD 453.1 million (2023)
Leading Exports Gold
Lumber
Diamonds
Large Construction Vehicles
Rum
Total Imports USD 180.9 million (2022)
Leading Imports Refined Petroleum
Packaged Medicines
Natural Gas
Broadcasting Equipment
Second-Hand Clothing
Source: World Integrated Trade Solution

Central African Republic Leading Companies

Banque Internationale pour la Centrafrique (BICA) Financials
Commercial Bank Centrafrique (CBCA) Financials
Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures Oil & Gas Exploration & Production
Enerca Utilities
Groupe Kamach Conglomerate, Consumer Staples Retail, Forest Products, Mining
Socatel Telecommunication Services
Société Centrafricaine de Distribution Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail

Major Trade Partners — Import

Cameroon 26%
China 17%
France 14%
Belgium 7%
Italy 5%

Source: World Integrated Trade Solution

Major Trade Partners — Export

United Arab Emirates 25%
Sweden 15%
France 10%
Switzerland 8%
Uganda 7%

Source: World Integrated Trade Solution


Data Sources:

IMF World Economic Outlook

UN World Population Prospects

World Inequality Report

S&P Global Ratings

Moody’s

Fitch Ratings

IMF Direction of Trade Statistics (DOTS)

UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

CIA The World Factbook

World Bank’s World Integrated Trade Solution

Forbes Global 2000

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