Congo, Democratic Republic of Urban Population
Urban population as % of total SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS
Congo, Democratic Republic of's urban population was 45.12% in 2025, ranked 161st globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Congo, Democratic Republic of's urban population stood at 45.12% in 2025, a rise of +0.38% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 45.12% by 2025. Congo, Democratic Republic of ranked 161st globally.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced a significant increase in its urban population over the past six and a half decades, with the latest figure standing at 45.12 percent of the total population in 2025. This represents the highest urbanization level the country has ever recorded, surpassing the 22.30 percent mark in 1960, which was the lowest point in the country's urbanization history. In comparison, neighboring Seychelles has a slightly higher urban population percentage, with 45.58 percent of its population residing in urban areas. The rapid urbanization in the DRC is a result of a combination of factors, including rural-urban migration and high population growth rates. As the country continues to experience urbanization, it will be essential to address the challenges that come with it, such as providing adequate housing, infrastructure, and services to its rapidly growing urban population. A shift in economic policies or a significant decline in population growth rates could potentially alter this trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Urban Population | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 45.87% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 45.49% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 45.12% | - | - |
| 2025 | 45.12% | +0.38% | #161 |
| 2024 | 44.75% | +0.37% | #56 |
| 2023 | 44.38% | +0.37% | #56 |
| 2022 | 44.00% | +0.37% | #56 |
| 2021 | 43.63% | +0.38% | #56 |
| 2020 | 43.25% | +0.38% | #57 |
| 2019 | 42.87% | +0.38% | #56 |
| 2018 | 42.49% | +0.38% | #56 |
| 2017 | 42.11% | +0.38% | #56 |
| 2016 | 41.73% | +0.39% | #56 |
| 2015 | 41.34% | +0.39% | #56 |
| 2014 | 40.96% | +0.39% | #56 |
| 2013 | 40.57% | +0.39% | #56 |
| 2012 | 40.18% | +0.39% | #56 |
| 2011 | 39.78% | +0.39% | #56 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Congo, Democratic Republic of matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2018. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw urban population improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Congo, Democratic Republic of's urban population was 45.12% in 2025. Ranked 161st globally. This represents a 0.8% increase from the previous year.
Congo, Democratic Republic of's urban population peaked at 45.12% in 2025.
The lowest urban population in Congo, Democratic Republic of was 22.30% in 1960.
Congo, Democratic Republic of ranks 161st globally in urban population as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Congo, Democratic Republic of's urban population is projected to reach 45.12% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The urban population of Congo, Democratic Republic of in 2025 was 45.12%. This ranks 161st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_congo-democratic-republic-of_urban-population,
title = {Congo, Democratic Republic of Urban Population},
url = {https://historysaid.com/congo-democratic-republic-of/urban-population/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}