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Which country has the most chimpanzees? Know fascinating facts

Published on: July 29, 2025 12:21 IST
Chimpanzees are highly intelligent primates native to the forests and savannahs of Central and West Africa. Sharing about 98.7% of their DNA with humans, they are our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom. These intelligent, social primates are found in the wild across the tropical forests and savannahs of Central and West Africa. But which country is truly the heartland of the chimpanzee population? Let's explore the regions where these fascinating creatures thrive, and learn about their behaviour.
1/7 Image Source : PIXABAY
Chimpanzees are highly intelligent primates native to the forests and savannahs of Central and West Africa. Sharing about 98.7% of their DNA with humans, they are our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom. These intelligent, social primates are found in the wild across the tropical forests and savannahs of Central and West Africa. But which country is truly the heartland of the chimpanzee population? Let's explore the regions where these fascinating creatures thrive, and learn about their behaviour.
2/7 Image Source : PIXABAY
Chimpanzees are scientifically known as Pan troglodytes. They are naturally found in the tropical forests and savannahs of Africa. Chimpanzees are found naturally only in certain specific regions of Africa. They primarily inhabit the dense forests and savannah areas of Central and West Africa.
3/7 Image Source : AP
Chimpanzees are found in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Uganda, Rwanda, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Guinea. They communicate through facial expressions, vocalisations and gestures, often displaying behaviours like empathy, grief and cooperation.
4/7 Image Source : AP
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the country with the highest number of wild chimpanzees in the world. It is rich in dense rainforests and biodiversity, providing an ideal habitat for chimpanzees. In addition to this, Uganda and Cameroon are also considered countries with large chimpanzee populations.
5/7 Image Source : PIXABAY
Uganda is another important stronghold for chimpanzees, with Kibale National Park often referred to as the "Primate Capital of the World." The country has heavily invested in ecotourism and chimpanzee tracking, helping raise awareness and funds for conservation. Visitors are often awestruck by the playful behaviour and sharp intelligence of chimpanzees in their natural forest homes.
6/7 Image Source : PIXABAY
Chimpanzees are not just animals -- they are sentient, emotional beings with personalities and deep social ties. While the Democratic Republic of Congo leads in terms of sheer numbers, every country with chimps holds a vital piece of the puzzle in their conservation.
7/7 Image Source : PIXABAY
In recent years, the population of chimpanzees has declined rapidly. Deforestation, illegal hunting, and diseases are the major reasons behind this. Due to these threats, chimpanzees have now been listed as an Endangered Species on the IUCN Red List.