As of 2024, the top 1% in Central African Republic earned 15.59% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 12.13%. Central African Republic’s income inequality has decreased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 22.03%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Central African Republic in 2024
In 2024, income in Central African Republic was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 15.59% of total national income, which is roughly on par with the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 12.13% of income, slightly lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Central African Republic | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 15.59% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 50.39% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 12.13% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Central African Republic?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Central African Republic’s top 1% has decreased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 22.03% of national income. By 2024, this figure had fallen by 6.44 percentage points to 15.59%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Central African Republic has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 64.28% while the bottom 50% received 5.68%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 50.39% and 12.13% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 22.03% | 64.28% | 5.68% | 58.60 pp |
| 1986 | 22.03% | 64.28% | 5.68% | 58.60 pp |
| 1992 | 22.03% | 64.28% | 5.68% | 58.60 pp |
| 1998 | 25.40% | 64.51% | 6.41% | 58.10 pp |
| 2004 | 28.76% | 64.75% | 7.15% | 57.60 pp |
| 2010 | 28.64% | 62.69% | 8.32% | 54.37 pp |
| 2016 | 21.54% | 56.00% | 10.39% | 45.61 pp |
| 2022 | 15.59% | 50.39% | 12.13% | 38.26 pp |
How Central African Republic Compares Globally
Central African Republic vs Africa Average
Compared to other countries in Africa, Central African Republic’s top 1% income share of 15.59% is roughly on par with the regional average of 15.62%. The bottom 50% in Central African Republic receives 12.13% of income, compared to the Africa average of 13.46%.
Where Central African Republic Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Central African Republic ranks 98th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Central African Republic ranks 139th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Central African Republic include income distribution in South Sudan, income distribution in Somalia, China.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Central African Republic?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Central African Republic earned 15.59% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Central African Republic?
Income inequality in Central African Republic has decreased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 22.03% in 1980 to 15.59% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Central African Republic?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Central African Republic received 12.13% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 50.39%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.