Population and Demographics

The population has tripled since independence. In 1960 the population was 1,232,000, whilst the current population is at 4,303,356. However, it is important to note that estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected.

The United Nations estimates that approximately 11% of the population ages 15 - 49 is HIV positive. Only 3% of the country has antiretroviral therapy available, compared to 17% coverage in neighbouring countries of Chad and Congo.

The nation is divided into over 80 ethnic groups, each having its own language. The largest ethnic groups include:

• Baya 33%
• Banda 27%
• Mandjia 13%
• Sara 10%
• Mboum 7%
• M'Baka 4%
• Yakoma 4%

The remaining 2% include other etnic groups, such as Europeans.

Religiously, about 35% of the population follows indigenous beliefs, 25% is Protestant, 25% is Roman Catholic and 15% is Muslim.