Republic of the Congo/Society

Society in Republic of the Congo

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
6.2M(2023)
Population Growth
2.4%(2023)
Fertility Rate
4.16(2023)
Death Rate
6.3 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
-2.5K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
65.8 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
40.5 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
241 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure
2.2%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
80.6%(2021)
Primary Enrollment
87.9%(2012)
Secondary Enrollment
65.6%(2018)
Tertiary Enrollment
10.4(2023)
Education Expenditure
3%(2022)

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
38.4%(2023)
Access to Electricity
51.3%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
74%(2021)
Urban Population
4.3M(2023)
Rural Population
1.9M(2023)

Current Social Overview of Republic of the Congo

A summary based on key social and demographic indicators.

  • Republic of the Congo has an estimated population of 6.2M
    2023
    The nation is experiencing rapid demographic expansion with an annual growth rate of 2.4%
    2023
    , indicative of a dynamic and youthful population structure and potential for a significant demographic dividend. The elevated fertility rate of 4.2 births per woman
    2023
    contributes to a young population, presenting both opportunities for future growth and demands on educational and health services. Net emigration is relatively minor, impacting the population by approximately 2K individuals annually (or -0.4 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    .
  • Regarding public health, Healthcare outcomes show foundational progress with a life expectancy of 65.8 years
    2023
    , yet significant disparities or developmental gaps may still exist. Concurrently, Healthcare delivery faces significant systemic challenges, as evidenced by elevated child mortality (under 5 years) (40.5 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality (241 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    ) rates, suggesting areas for critical intervention and resource allocation. These outcomes are supported by limited healthcare spending, at 2.2% of GDP
    2022
    , which may constrain comprehensive health system improvements and the attainment of higher health outcomes.
  • Educational progress is reflected in a literacy rate of 81%
    2021
    , though continued efforts are needed to achieve universal literacy and enhance foundational skills. Complementing this, educational access shows solid progress through 88% primary enrollment
    2012
    and 66% secondary participation rates
    2018
    . This educational framework is supported by limited educational investment, at 3.0% of GDP
    2022
    , which may constrain the scale and quality of future human capital development initiatives.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the predominantly urban character, with 69% urban population
    2023
    , supports modern economic structures while maintaining important rural-urban linkages. Furthermore, critical infrastructure gaps are evident, with electricity access at 51%
    2023
    and internet penetration at 38%
    2023
    severely limiting economic potential, hindering social development, and impeding digital integration.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

A youthful, rapidly growing population presents a "demographic dividend" opportunity if met with sufficient investment in jobs and services.

Public Health System

Addressing critical gaps in the healthcare system is essential to improve lagging indicators like life expectancy and maternal mortality.

Human Capital Formation

Improving foundational literacy and secondary school completion is a critical priority for unlocking future economic potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Expanding access to basic infrastructure, particularly electricity, remains a key bottleneck for broad-based development.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.