Country Profile · No. 9

Central African Republic

Capital / Admin Capital

BanguiPopulation: ~5.7MIndependence: 1960 (August 13)

First President

David Dacko (1960–1966)Current President: Faustin-Archange Touadéra (serving since March 2016)

Geography & Borders

Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cameroon. Landlocked nation at the geographic heart of the continent.

Demographics & Language

Christianity (~89%), Islam (~9%). Official: Sango language, French language. Major groups: Gbaya (~33%), Banda (~27%), Mandjia (~13%), Sara (~10%).

Economy & GDP

Diamond mining, gold, timber, agriculture (cotton, coffee, cassava, tobacco).

Global Diaspora

1. Democratic Republic of the Congo (~100k), 2. Cameroon (~50k), 3. France (~25k), 4. United States (~2k–5k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): Maine (Portland), Maryland, Texas (Dallas).

Major Conflicts

Central African Republic Civil War (2012–present, complex sectarian conflict involving Seleka and Anti-balaka militias), Bush War (2004–2007), 1979 overthrow of Emperor Jean-Bedel Bokassa (Operation Barracuda).

3 Must-See Sites

1. Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve (A dense rainforest reserve famous for lowland gorillas, forest elephants, and habituated habitant tracking), 2. Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park (A vast UNESCO World Heritage savannah park supporting black rhinos, leopards, and wild dogs), 3. Boali Waterfalls (Impressive 50-meter-high, 250-meter-wide waterfalls located north of Bangui).

Quick Facts

Historically gained notoriety when self-declared military ruler Jean-Bedel Bokassa crowned himself Emperor of the short-lived Central African Empire in 1977; rich in mineral resources including diamonds and uranium.