Central African Republic · Africa
How many people die in the Central African Republic every day?
In the Central African Republic, about 181 people die every day, roughly one death every 8 minutes. That is about 66,000 deaths a year, 0.1% of everyone who dies worldwide and the 97th highest total of 194 countries. Life expectancy is 53.1 years and the leading cause of death is lower respiratory infections. See every death on earth as it happens on the live death counter.
Deaths per day
181
Deaths per year
66,000
Life expectancy
53.1 years
Population
5,742,315
Death rate
11.5 per 1,000
Top cause of death
Lower respiratory infections
Compared to the World Average
Life expectancy
Central African Republic
53.1
World avg
72.8
-19.7 yrs
Death rate (per 1,000)
Central African Republic
11.5
World avg
7.7
Deaths in the Central African Republic by time period
| Per hour | 7.5 |
| Per day | 181 |
| Per week | 1,266 |
| Per month | 5,500 |
| Per year | 66,000 |
What people die of in the Central African Republic
According to the World Health Organization’s Global Health Estimates, the single biggest cause of death in the Central African Republic in 2023 was diarrhoeal diseases, which accounted for 9.6% of all deaths, about 15 a day. It was followed by malaria and pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections.
Deaths from heart disease (ischaemic) have risen by 39% since 2000, from about 1,614 to 2,239 a year. Deaths from HIV/AIDS have fallen by 75% since 2000, from about 11,855 to 2,935 a year.
| # | Cause | Deaths (2023) | Per day | Share | Since 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diarrhoeal diseases | 5,643 | 15 | 9.6% | -10% |
| 2 | Malaria | 5,521 | 15 | 9.4% | +13% |
| 3 | Pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections | 5,235 | 14 | 8.9% | -6% |
| 4 | Stroke | 4,097 | 11 | 6.9% | +25% |
| 5 | HIV/AIDS | 2,935 | 8.0 | 5% | -75% |
| 6 | Tuberculosis | 2,750 | 7.5 | 4.7% | -22% |
| 7 | Heart disease (ischaemic) | 2,239 | 6.1 | 3.8% | +39% |
| 8 | Preterm birth complications | 2,217 | 6.1 | 3.8% | +8% |
| 9 | Cirrhosis of the liver | 1,783 | 4.9 | 3% | +11% |
| 10 | Birth asphyxia and birth trauma | 1,727 | 4.7 | 2.9% | +2% |
Deaths in the Central African Republic since 2000
WHO estimates that about 58,954 people died in the Central African Republic in 2023, 14% fewer than in 2000. Totals rise as populations grow and age, even when health improves. WHO’s modelled estimates can differ from the headline figures above, which come from a different source.
| 2000 | 68,655 deaths |
| 2010 | 67,237 deaths |
| 2019 | 102,507 deaths |
| 2023 | 58,954 deaths |
Life expectancy in the Central African Republic since 1950
A baby born in the Central African Republic in 1950 could expect to live about 35.4 years. By 2023 that had risen to 57.4, a gain of 22.0 years. See how this compares worldwide on our life expectancy by country page.
| 1950 | 35.4 years |
| 1980 | 49.8 years |
| 2000 | 46.6 years |
| 2010 | 46.9 years |
| 2019 | 31.5 years |
| 2023 | 57.4 years |
The Central African Republic compared with similar countries in Africa
Among the 50 countries in Africa on this site, the Central African Republic ranks 47th for life expectancy. Here is how it compares with the countries closest to it in population.
| Country | Deaths per day | Life expectancy | Top cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central African Republic | 181 | 53.1 | Lower respiratory infections |
| Liberia | 104 | 60.7 | Malaria |
| Congo | 104 | 64.7 | Lower respiratory infections |
| Mauritania | 88 | 64.4 | Cardiovascular disease |
| Libya | 88 | 72.9 | Cardiovascular disease |
| Sierra Leone | 205 | 54.7 | Malaria |
Sources: WHO Global Health Estimates 2023 (deaths by cause and totals); UN World Population Prospects via Our World in Data (life expectancy). Figures are modelled estimates and are rounded.
Frequently asked questions
How many people die in the Central African Republic every day?
In the Central African Republic, about 181 people die every day, or roughly one death every 8 minutes. That adds up to about 66,000 deaths a year, 0.1% of all deaths worldwide.
What is the leading cause of death in the Central African Republic?
Lower respiratory infections is the leading cause of death in the Central African Republic. It is one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, and most deaths from it could be avoided with prevention and treatment. Counting single causes, WHO's estimates put diarrhoeal diseases first in 2023, with 9.6% of deaths.
What is the life expectancy in the Central African Republic?
Life expectancy at birth in the Central African Republic is 53.1 years, 19.7 years below the world average of 72.8. That ranks 191st of 194 countries.
Is the death rate in the Central African Republic high?
The Central African Republic records about 11.5 deaths per 1,000 people each year, above the world average of 7.7. Crude death rates are higher in countries with older populations, so a high rate does not always mean poor health care.