Central African Republic
Capital: Bangui
Population
Approximately 5.5 million (2025 estimate)
Area
623,000 km²
Bordering Countries
6
Overview
Central Africa, landlocked; bordered by Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, and Cameroon
CAR is a landlocked, resource-rich but extremely poor and fragile state in Central Africa. Decades of conflict and instability have undermined development, despite potential in diamonds, gold, and timber.
Bordering Countries: Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Cameroon
Economic Profile
Primary Exports
Timber, gold, diamonds
Key Industries
Mining (diamonds, gold), agriculture, forestry, limited manufacturing
Economic Challenges
Extreme poverty (71%), political instability, conflict, chronic electricity shortages, limited private investment, high fiscal deficit
Trade & Transit Infrastructure
Main Transit Corridors
Routes connecting to Cameroon's Douala port; access via Chad and Congo
Key Border Crossing Points
Multiple, but security and infrastructure challenges limit efficiency
Port Access
Douala (Cameroon) and other neighboring ports
Transport Infrastructure Quality
Poor roads, limited electricity, conflict hampers transport
Trade & Transit Challenges
Poor infrastructure, weak governance, security issues, high transport costs
Key Statistics & Indicators
National Trade & Development Strategies
Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation (2019), Luanda Roadmap, economic recovery plans
Ongoing and Planned Projects
Border efficiency improvements, mining sector formalization, infrastructure rehabilitation, humanitarian assistance