Overview
The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked country embarking on a long path to recovery.
It is one of the poorest and most fragile countries in the world despite its abundant natural resources (470 mineral occurrences, with oil, gold and diamonds having the greatest potential).
What are the development challenges in Central African Republic?
For over two decades now, the Central African Republic has been mired in crises, the most serious of which was the seizure of power by Seleka in 2013. The latest crisis was triggered by a coalition of rebels in December 2020.
The population living in extreme poverty is one and a half times larger in rural areas than in urban areas.
According to the latest report from the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), approximately 2.8 million people require humanitarian assistance. In August 2024, the total number of internally displaced persons was estimated at 450,000, while 739,000 people were still registered as refugees in neighboring countries.
Maternal mortality is one of the highest in the world (835 per 100,000 live births), while the under-five mortality rate is the sixth highest, with 116 deaths per 1,000 births. Chronic malnutrition (children under 5) is 38%. CAR also has one of the world’s highest fertility rates, with 6 births per woman. The average life expectancy is 53 years, for both men and women.
CAR is among the countries with the lowest education indicators. The expected years of schooling in CAR are 5.3 years for boys and 3.8 years for girls. The quality of primary education is low, with 67% of parent-teachers and a very low proportion of female teachers (17%).
CAR ranks 188th out of 191 in terms of gender equality. These gender disparities contribute to high rates of gender-based violence (GBV), posing a significant barrier to women’s full participation in social and economic life. Empowering women is essential for the country’s development
Source: World Bank 2024
