About Mbuji-Mayi
Mbuji-Mayi is a large city located in Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the Kasai-Oriental region. According to the latest available data (2026), the population of Mbuji-Mayi is approximately 2,892,000 residents, making it the #4 most populous city in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Globally, Mbuji-Mayi ranks #493 among the world's most populated cities. With over 1 million residents, Mbuji-Mayi plays an important role as an economic and cultural center in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It is thought to be the second largest city in the country, after the capital Kinshasa and ahead of Lubumbashi, Kisangani and Kananga, though its exact population is not known. Estimates range from a 2010 CIA World Factbook estimated population of 1,480,000 to as many as 3,500,000 estimated by the United Nations in 2008.
Mbuji-Mayi City Statistics
| City | Mbuji-Mayi |
| Country |  Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Population | 2,892,000 |
| Global Rank | #493 |
| Rank in Democratic Republic of the Congo | #4 of 41 cities |
| City Category | large city |
| Region | Kasai-Oriental |
| Latitude | -6.15 |
| Longitude | 23.6 |
| Data Year | 2026 |
Mbuji-Mayi Overview
Mbuji-Mayi is a large city in Democratic Republic of the Congo, situated in the Kasai-Oriental area. With a population of 2,892,000 people, it represents approximately 16.4% of the total urban population in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Mbuji-Mayi serves as an important economic and cultural center in Democratic Republic of the Congo. The city offers a mix of historical landmarks, modern infrastructure, and diverse neighborhoods that attract both residents and visitors.
Population Comparison
To put Mbuji-Mayi's population of 2,892,000 into perspective:
- Mbuji-Mayi has approximately 2.9 million residents.
- This makes it comparable in size to cities like Paris or Rome.
- It ranks #4 among all cities in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Where is Mbuji-Mayi Located?
Mbuji-Mayi is located in Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the Kasai-Oriental region, at coordinates -6.15° latitude and 23.6° longitude. Mbuji-Mayi is located in the southern subtropics.
Nearby Cities
Other Cities in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Largest Cities in Democratic Republic of the Congo
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lulua District | 3,000,000 |
| 2 | Kananga | 1,971,704 |
| 3 | Aru Territory | 1,633,142 |
| 4 | Kisangani | 1,366,000 |
| 5 | Tshikapa | 1,006,387 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Mbuji-Mayi?
The population of Mbuji-Mayi is approximately 2,892,000 residents according to the latest available data (2026).
Where is Mbuji-Mayi located?
Mbuji-Mayi is located in Democratic Republic of the Congo at approximately -6.15° latitude and 23.6° longitude.
Is Mbuji-Mayi one of the largest cities in Democratic Republic of the Congo?
With a population of 2,892,000, Mbuji-Mayi is one of the major urban areas in Democratic Republic of the Congo. It ranks #4 out of 41 cities in the country.
