DR Congo Population
Sub-Saharan Africa · 15th most populous · Low income
Population right now (estimate)
117,594,258
The population of DR Congo is about 117,594,258 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 116 million for 2026 as a whole — 1.41% of the world's people.
DR Congo is the 15th most populous of 217 countries and territories. Its population is growing fast — about 3.2% a year, roughly 10,235 more people every day. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 218 million. That is 7.6 times its 1960 population of 15.3 million. Population density is 51 people per square kilometre. 45% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
116 million
Yearly change
+3.21%
World rank
15th
Share of world
1.41%
Density
51/km²
Land area
2,267,050 km²
Life expectancy
62.1 yrs
Births per woman
5.98
GDP per capita
$807
GDP
$91.0B
Population of DR Congo, 1960–2050
DR Congo population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 15,264,846 | — | 7 |
| 1970 | 20,137,436 | +2.90% | 9 |
| 1980 | 26,711,099 | +3.18% | 12 |
| 1990 | 36,684,063 | +3.37% | 16 |
| 2000 | 50,507,442 | +3.26% | 22 |
| 2010 | 68,563,038 | +3.24% | 30 |
| 2020 | 95,989,998 | +3.27% | 42 |
| 2024 | 109,276,265 | +3.30% | 48 |
| 2026proj. | 116,452,162 | +3.21% | 51 |
| 2030proj. | 131,532,201 | +3.02% | 58 |
| 2040proj. | 172,595,582 | +2.55% | 76 |
| 2050proj. | 218,246,072 | +2.22% | 96 |
DR Congo vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 1.5 times as many people as DR Congo. Bangladesh is 26.6 times more densely populated.
DR Congo population: questions and answers
What is the population of DR Congo in 2026?
About 116,452,162 (116 million), based on World Bank projections.
Is DR Congo's population growing?
Yes, by about 3.21% a year (2026).
What is the population density of DR Congo?
About 51 people per km², with a land area of 2,267,050 km².
What will the population of DR Congo be in 2050?
About 218 million on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of DR Congo?
Kinshasa.
What is the life expectancy in DR Congo?
62.1 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.