Economy Central African Republic
Economy - overview:
Subsistence agriculture, together with forestry, remains the
backbone of the economy of the Central African Republic (CAR), with
more than 70% of the population living in outlying areas. The
agricultural sector generates more than half of GDP. Timber has
accounted for about 16% of export earnings and the diamond industry,
for 40%. Important constraints to economic development include the
CAR's landlocked position, a poor transportation system, a largely
unskilled work force, and a legacy of misdirected macroeconomic
policies. Factional fighting between the government and its
opponents remains a drag on economic revitalization. Distribution of
income is extraordinarily unequal. Grants from France and the
international community can only partially meet humanitarian needs.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$4.913 billion (2006 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate):
$1.542 billion (2006 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
3% (2006 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$1,100 (2006 est.)
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 55%
industry: 20%
services: 25% (2001 est.)
Labor force:
NA
Unemployment rate:
8% (23% for Bangui) (2001 est.)
Population below poverty line:
NA%