The people of the Central African Republic compose a complex ethnic mosaic. They range from the hunting-and-gathering forest peoples, the Aka, to state-forming groups such as the Zande and Nzakara. Prior to the reached of Europeans in the late 19th century, distinctions between different groups were highly fluid. Many thought of themselves as members of a clan rather than of a broader ethnic group. Interactions with those who spoke different languages and had different cultural practices ranged from peaceful trade and intermarriage to war and enslavement. The population of the Central African Republic was determined by the census of 1975 to be 2,054,610; the 2001 around population was 3,576,884. Most of the population is concentrated in the western half of the nation, where Bangui (pop. 1996 est. 524,000), the capital and chief city, is located.

There are more than 80 ethnic groups in the C.A.R., each with its own language. About 76% are Baya-Mandjia and Banda (40% largely located in the northern and central parts of the nation), and 4% are M'Baka-southwestern corner of the CAR. Sangho, the language of a small group along the Oubangui River, is the national language spoken by the majority of Central Africans. Only a small part of the population has more than an elemental knowledge of French, the official language. About 56% of the population of the C.A.R. lives in rural areas. Bangui, Berberati, Bangassou, and Bossangoa are the most densely populated urban centers. The chief agricultural areas are around the Bossangoa and Bambari.