As of 2024, the top 1% in Congo earned 20.52% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 9.92%. Congo’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 18.57%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Congo in 2024
In 2024, income in Congo was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 20.52% of total national income, which is notably higher than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 9.92% of income, notably lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Congo | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 20.52% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 55.93% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 9.92% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Congo?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Congo’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 18.57% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 1.95 percentage points to 20.52%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Congo has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 54.53% while the bottom 50% received 10.39%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 55.93% and 9.92% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 18.57% | 54.53% | 10.39% | 44.14 pp |
| 1986 | 18.57% | 54.53% | 10.39% | 44.14 pp |
| 1992 | 18.57% | 54.53% | 10.39% | 44.14 pp |
| 1998 | 18.57% | 54.53% | 10.39% | 44.14 pp |
| 2004 | 18.57% | 54.53% | 10.39% | 44.14 pp |
| 2010 | 20.20% | 55.70% | 9.99% | 45.71 pp |
| 2016 | 20.52% | 55.93% | 9.92% | 46.01 pp |
| 2022 | 20.52% | 55.93% | 9.92% | 46.01 pp |
How Congo Compares Globally
Congo vs Africa Average
Compared to other countries in Africa, Congo’s top 1% income share of 20.52% is notably higher than the regional average of 15.62%. The bottom 50% in Congo receives 9.92% of income, compared to the Africa average of 13.46%.
Where Congo Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Congo ranks 45th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Congo ranks 167th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Congo include Sri Lanka's income inequality, income distribution in Zimbabwe, Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Congo?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Congo earned 20.52% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered very high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Congo?
Income inequality in Congo has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 18.57% in 1980 to 20.52% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Congo?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Congo received 9.92% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 55.93%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.