Africa’s under-15 population: nearly half the population of the Central African Republic is under 15

Key Takeaways

  • Central African Republic had Africa’s highest 0–14 population share at 48.7%.
  • Somalia, Niger, Chad and DR Congo followed, all with at least 45.9% of their populations aged 0–14.
  • DR Congo had Africa’s largest 0–14 population at 51.85 million, despite ranking fifth by share.
  • Children aged 0–14 made up 38.8% of Africa’s population, versus 40.5% in Nigeria.

In the Central African Republic, nearly half the population, 48.68%, was aged 0–14 in 2025, the highest share among the 54 African countries.

Somalia followed at 46.55%, then Niger (46.23%), Chad (45.96%) and DR Congo (45.95%). DR Congo stands out on this list for a different reason: at 51.85 million, its population aged 0–14 is by far the largest, even though its share ranks only fifth. It is a reminder that a high proportion and a high headcount are not the same story.

The Central African Republic’s share sits well above Africa’s aggregate share: 38.8% of Africa’s population was aged 0–14, compared with 40.38% in Sub-Saharan Africa and 40.52% in Nigeria.

Source:

World Bank; UN World Population Prospects

Period:

2025
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