Republic of the Congo: immigration

How many refugees are in the Republic of the Congo?

UNHCR counted 62,500 refugees and 8,109 asylum seekers in the Republic of the Congo at the end of 2025, according to its Refugee Data Finder. At the end of 2024 there were 62,052 refugees and 7,714 asylum seekers.

Refugees are people recognised as needing international protection; asylum seekers are waiting for a decision on their claim. UNHCR also counted 13,134 refugees and 9,431 asylum seekers from the Republic of the Congo living in other countries in 2025. No national refugee or migration figures were found on the National Institute of Statistics site, checked on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder

What is the population of the Republic of the Congo?

The resident population of the Republic of the Congo was 6,142,180 in 2023, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS), citing the fifth general population and housing census (RGPH-5). Brazzaville had 2,217,412 residents.

The census counts people who usually live in the country. The INS page lists the figure as an annual projection based on the census. The World Bank, using UN estimates, puts the population at 6,484,437 in 2025.

Official sources: INS: other demographic statistics · World Bank: population, Congo

What share of the Republic of the Congo's population are immigrants?

6.1%: that is the share of people born abroad in the Republic of the Congo for 2024, according to the UN Population Division. In 2015 the figure was 7.7%. It is 8th highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 2.2%. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 84th highest.

Are more people leaving the Republic of the Congo than arriving?

The UN Population Division puts net migration in the Republic of the Congo at -2,999 in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from -26,643 (2012) to 86,014 (2009). It is 20th highest of 48 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is -5,646. World rank, highest first: 106th of 193.

How many refugees are in the Republic of the Congo?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees in the country in the Republic of the Congo at 62,500 in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 24,771 (2008) to 141,224 (2011). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 35,241, and the Republic of the Congo placed 18th highest of 45. Worldwide: 59th of 169.

How many people from the Republic of the Congo are refugees?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees from the country living abroad in the Republic of the Congo at 13,134 in 2025. The peak was 24,428 in 2005 and the low 11,744 in 2013. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 12,726, and the Republic of the Congo placed 22nd highest of 48. Worldwide: 56th of 189.

How much are remittances to the Republic of the Congo?

The World Bank puts personal remittances received in the Republic of the Congo at 0.3% of GDP in 2021. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.1% of GDP (2016) to 0.4% of GDP (2013). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 2.5% of GDP, and the Republic of the Congo placed 37th highest of 40. World rank, highest first: 141st of 167.