International Central African Republic relations

Country profile & diplomacy overview · 12 relations tracked

The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked country in central Africa. It has a population of about 4.7 million people and a diverse array of ethnic groups. The country has a history of political instability and conflict, and has faced numerous challenges including poverty, corruption, and weak governance.

Population

4.8M#125 of 203

Land area

623.0K km²#44 of 203

GDP

$3.1B#172 of 197

Military expenditure

$71.2M#150 of 167

Global influence

#174Very Low

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Closest relations Strained relations Central African Republic No data

Since gaining independence from France in 1960, the CAR has experienced numerous coups, revolts, and periods of authoritarian rule. The country has been particularly unstable since the start of a civil war in 2013, which has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and led to widespread human rights abuses. The conflict has also exacerbated the country's economic problems and hindered its development.

The CAR is rich in natural resources, including diamonds, gold, and timber, but these resources have often been exploited by elites and foreign companies, contributing to the country's poverty and underdevelopment. The CAR also has a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, and its healthcare system is weak, making it difficult for many people to access basic medical care.

Despite these challenges, there have been efforts to promote stability and development in the CAR, including through the deployment of international peacekeeping forces and the implementation of reforms aimed at improving governance and the rule of law. However, the situation in the CAR remains fragile and it will likely take time for the country to overcome its deep-seated problems and achieve lasting stability and prosperity.

Geography & terrain

A landlocked plateau covered mostly by savanna, with patches of rainforest in the south and the Ubangi and Chari river systems draining the country. Climate is tropical, hot and humid in the south, drier toward the north. Landlocked, no coastline. The open savanna and limited infrastructure have historically made the country easy to move through but hard to govern or defend along any fixed line.

Key facts

Diverse sources: UN, World Bank, Central African Republic Statistics Office/Department. Most recent available data
Capital	Bangui (889.2K people, 18.4% of total population)
Population	4.8M (#125 of 203 countries)
Land area	623.0K km² (#44 of 203 countries)
Main religion	Christianity, Islam, indigenous beliefs
Life expectancy	53 years

Source: World Bank Open Data. Most recent available data (2025)
Currency	Central African CFA Franc
Main language(s)	French, Sango
Government type	Presidential republic
Time zone	UTC+1.0
GDP	$3.1B (#172 of 197 countries)
GDP per capita	$556 (#196 of 198 countries)
International calling code	+236
Driving side	Right
UNESCO World Heritage Sites	1
Military expenditure	$71.2M
Land military expenditure (estimation)	$60.5M
Air military expenditure (estimation)	$10.7M
Naval military expenditure (estimation)	n/a
Military expenditure (% of GDP)	2.5%
Military expenditure per capita	$15
Nuclear power	No
European Union	Not a member
NATO	Not a member
Other groups	African Union

Shares a land border with 6 countries — here is how those relations stand

Central African Republic's relations with its neighbors

Most similar countries, by language, currency, GDP per capita, borders & international groups

Rank #174 Very Low International Influence

Central African Republic's actions have no significant effect on the world, and a very limited impact on other countries.

See the full world influence ranking →

Most intense relations

Top 5 relations of Central African Republic by overall intensity. Intensity reflects the level and significance of interaction—not whether the relationship is positive or negative.