Countries Starting with C
How many countries starting with letter C? There are 17 countries in the world that begin with the letter “C.” Here is a detailed examination of each:
1. Cambodia
Cambodia, in Southeast Asia, has a history that dates back to the powerful Khmer Empire, which built the famous temples of Angkor Wat. After years of conflict, including the brutal Khmer Rouge regime, Cambodia has worked towards rebuilding its society and economy. The nation is known for its rich heritage, including deep Buddhist traditions, and is heavily reliant on agriculture and tourism. Despite economic improvements, Cambodia still faces challenges such as political corruption and underdevelopment. The capital, Phnom Penh, is a vibrant city that reflects both the country’s ancient traditions and its contemporary struggles.
- Continent: Asia
- Capital: Phnom Penh
- Largest City: Phnom Penh
- Population: Approximately 16.5 million
- Area: 181,035 square kilometers
- Official Language: Khmer
- Currency: Cambodian riel (KHR)
- Political System: Constitutional monarchy
2. Cameroon
Cameroon is often referred to as “Africa in miniature” due to its geographical and cultural diversity. It features landscapes ranging from desert plains in the north to lush rainforests in the south. Cameroon’s rich cultural fabric is a result of its ethnic diversity, with over 200 different linguistic groups. The country has substantial natural resources but faces significant challenges such as political corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and a high poverty rate. Politically, it has been stable compared to its neighbors, though tensions between its English-speaking and French-speaking regions have caused friction.
- Continent: Africa
- Capital: Yaoundé
- Largest City: Douala
- Population: Approximately 26 million
- Area: 475,442 square kilometers
- Official Language: English, French
- Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF)
- Political System: Presidential republic
3. Canada
Canada, the second largest country in the world by area, is known for its vast wilderness and a culture that is a blend of British and French influences, among others. With a strong economy based on natural resources, technology, and services, it is one of the wealthiest nations in the world. Canada’s political system is a model of stability, featuring a constitutional monarchy and a robust commitment to multiculturalism, which is reflected in its immigration policies. The country’s beautiful landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to the coastal regions, make it a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Continent: North America
- Capital: Ottawa
- Largest City: Toronto
- Population: Approximately 38 million
- Area: 9,984,670 square kilometers
- Official Language: English, French
- Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD)
- Political System: Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy
4. Cape Verde
Cape Verde is an island country located off the northwest coast of Africa. Known for its Creole Portuguese-African culture, it is praised for its stable democratic governance, which is a rarity in the region. The economy of Cape Verde is mostly service-oriented with a growing focus on tourism and foreign investment. Despite its limited natural resources, the country has developed significantly since its independence from Portugal in 1975. The islands are known for their morna music, a form of folk that is both melancholic and beautiful.
- Continent: Africa
- Capital: Praia
- Largest City: Praia
- Population: Approximately 550,000
- Area: 4,033 square kilometers
- Official Language: Portuguese
- Currency: Cape Verdean escudo (CVE)
- Political System: Semi-presidential republic
5. Central African Republic
The Central African Republic is rich in mineral resources, including gold and diamonds, but it remains one of the poorest countries in the world. The nation has been plagued by political instability and conflict since gaining independence from France in 1960. Its diverse population consists of several ethnic groups, which have historically struggled with social cohesion. The political situation is often volatile, with frequent changes in leadership through coups rather than elections.
- Continent: Africa
- Capital: Bangui
- Largest City: Bangui
- Population: Approximately 4.8 million
- Area: 622,984 square kilometers
- Official Language: French, Sango
- Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF)
- Political System: Presidential republic
6. Chad
Chad is located in the heart of Africa and is dominated by the Sahara Desert in the north, with more fertile land in the south. Despite its vast size, it is one of the least developed countries in the world, with frequent political upheavals and a lack of infrastructure. Chad’s economy relies heavily on agriculture and the oil sector, which has led to some economic growth but also to significant disparities in wealth distribution. The country faces ongoing challenges from climate change, as the Lake Chad Basin continues to shrink, affecting millions who rely on it for fishing and irrigation.
- Continent: Africa
- Capital: N’Djamena
- Largest City: N’Djamena
- Population: Approximately 16 million
- Area: 1,284,000 square kilometers
- Official Language: French, Arabic
- Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF)
- Political System: Presidential republic
7. Chile
Chile stretches along the western edge of South America, with a coastline that reaches the Pacific Ocean. Known for its stunning landscapes that include deserts, mountains, and beaches, Chile also has a robust economy, primarily driven by mining, particularly copper. Politically, it is one of the most stable and prosperous nations in South America, with a history of democratic governance and high human development indices. Santiago, its capital, is a vibrant cultural hub, reflecting the country’s economic growth and stability.
- Continent: South America
- Capital: Santiago
- Largest City: Santiago
- Population: Approximately 19 million
- Area: 756,102 square kilometers
- Official Language: Spanish
- Currency: Chilean peso (CLP)
- Political System: Presidential republic
8. China
China, the world’s most populous country, is a global powerhouse with a rich cultural history that dates back thousands of years. Today, it stands as a major player in global economics and politics, with rapid industrialization that has transformed it into the world’s second-largest economy. Despite its economic prowess, China faces significant social and environmental challenges, including urban-rural disparities, pollution, and human rights issues. Its political system is marked by a single-party rule, which has been instrumental in the country’s economic reforms but has also suppressed political dissent.
- Continent: Asia
- Capital: Beijing
- Largest City: Shanghai
- Population: Over 1.4 billion
- Area: 9,596,961 square kilometers
- Official Language: Mandarin
- Currency: Renminbi (CNY)
- Political System: Communist single-party state
9. Colombia
Colombia is located in the northwest of South America and is known for its lush landscapes and significant biodiversity. It has coasts on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The country has experienced decades of internal conflict and drug-related violence but has made significant progress in peace efforts, especially with the FARC insurgency. Colombia’s economy is diverse, including major industries in oil and textiles, while its culture, evident in literature, music, and dance, reflects a rich history of indigenous, African, and European influences.
- Continent: South America
- Capital: Bogotá
- Largest City: Bogotá
- Population: Approximately 50 million
- Area: 1,141,748 square kilometers
- Official Language: Spanish
- Currency: Colombian peso (COP)
- Political System: Presidential republic
10. Comoros
The Comoros is an archipelago located off the east coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean. It is one of the smallest countries in Africa and one of the least developed. Despite its small size, it has a rich cultural mix, influenced by African, Arab, and French legacies. The economy is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, and a growing tourism sector. Politically, the Comoros has experienced more than 20 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975.
- Continent: Africa
- Capital: Moroni
- Largest City: Moroni
- Population: Approximately 850,000
- Area: 1,862 square kilometers
- Official Language: Comorian, Arabic, French
- Currency: Comorian franc (KMF)
- Political System: Federal presidential republic
11. Congo, Democratic Republic of the
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is located in Central Africa and is incredibly rich in resources, which has unfortunately fueled decades of conflict and suffering for its population. It is one of the largest countries in Africa by area, with a wealth of natural resources including vast reserves of diamonds, gold, and cobalt. The DRC has a complex history of colonial exploitation, dictatorship, and civil war, impacting its current political and social landscape significantly. Despite its potential wealth, the DRC remains one of the poorest countries globally, with widespread poverty and ongoing conflict.
- Continent: Africa
- Capital: Kinshasa
- Largest City: Kinshasa
- Population: Approximately 89 million
- Area: 2,344,858 square kilometers
- Official Language: French
- Currency: Congolese franc (CDF)
- Political System: Semi-presidential republic
12. Congo, Republic of the
The Republic of the Congo is located in Central Africa, bordered by five countries and the Atlantic Ocean. It is significantly smaller than its eastern neighbor, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Known for its petroleum industry, which dominates its economy, the Republic of the Congo also struggles with political and economic challenges similar to those of its larger neighbor. Despite its oil wealth, the country experiences high levels of poverty and corruption, impacting its development and stability.
- Continent: Africa
- Capital: Brazzaville
- Largest City: Brazzaville
- Population: Approximately 5.3 million
- Area: 342,000 square kilometers
- Official Language: French
- Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF)
- Political System: Presidential republic
13. Costa Rica
Costa Rica, a renowned leader in conservation, is located in Central America. It is known for its progressive environmental policies and for having no standing army. Costa Rica has a high standard of living compared to many other Central American countries and is known for its stable government and biodiverse landscapes, which attract tourists from all over the world. The nation prides itself on its peaceful history and has invested heavily in education and healthcare, contributing to its high human development index.
- Continent: North America
- Capital: San José
- Largest City: San José
- Population: Approximately 5 million
- Area: 51,100 square kilometers
- Official Language: Spanish
- Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC)
- Political System: Presidential republic
14. Croatia
Croatia, located on the Adriatic Sea in Southeast Europe, is celebrated for its stunning coastline, which includes over a thousand islands. Its history is rich with periods of rule by the Venetians, Hungarians, and Ottomans, among others. Today, Croatia is a member of the European Union and known for its tourism-driven economy, historical sites, and vibrant cultural life. It boasts well-preserved medieval cities such as Dubrovnik and Split, which attract millions of tourists annually.
- Continent: Europe
- Capital: Zagreb
- Largest City: Zagreb
- Population: Approximately 4 million
- Area: 56,594 square kilometers
- Official Language: Croatian
- Currency: Croatian kuna (HRK)
- Political System: Parliamentary republic
15. Cuba
Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean known for its pivotal role in Cold War politics, its vibrant culture, and its significant challenges under communist rule. Since the revolution in 1959, Cuba has been under a communist regime that has controlled all aspects of life, leading to significant economic difficulties and restrictions on political freedoms. Despite these challenges, Cuba has maintained a high level of healthcare and education for its citizens. The country is known for its music, dance, and historical cities like Havana, which display a blend of Spanish colonial architecture and 20th-century structures.
- Continent: North America
- Capital: Havana
- Largest City: Havana
- Population: Approximately 11 million
- Area: 109,884 square kilometers
- Official Language: Spanish
- Currency: Cuban peso (CUP), Cuban convertible peso (CUC)
- Political System: One-party socialist republic
16. Cyprus
Cyprus, an island in the Eastern Mediterranean, has a complex history that reflects its strategic importance and cultural connections with Europe, Asia, and Africa. The island is divided into the Republic of Cyprus and the northern part occupied by Turkish forces since 1974. Known for its archaeological sites relating to Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love, and beautiful beaches, Cyprus has a mixed economy that includes tourism, services, and light manufacturing. The division of the island remains a major source of tension and efforts continue to reach a peace settlement.
- Continent: Europe
- Capital: Nicosia
- Largest City: Nicosia
- Population: Approximately 1.2 million (only the Republic of Cyprus)
- Area: 9,251 square kilometers
- Official Language: Greek, Turkish
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Political System: Presidential republic (Republic of Cyprus)
17. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic, located in Central Europe, is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural beauty, especially in cities like Prague, which is often called “the City of a Hundred Spires.” Since splitting from Slovakia in 1993, the Czech Republic has developed a strong democratic tradition and a rapidly growing economy, driven by services, manufacturing, and innovation. The country’s political system, high living standards, and well-preserved historical sites make it a significant European center for tourism and culture.
- Continent: Europe
- Capital: Prague
- Largest City: Prague
- Population: Approximately 10.7 million
- Area: 78,867 square kilometers
- Official Language: Czech
- Currency: Czech koruna (CZK)
- Political System: Parliamentary republic