Central African Republic Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Central African Republic, State of Central Africa; 623,000 km², 4.7 million residents (2019).The Central African Republic borders north to Chad, east to Sudan and South Sudan, south to Congo (Kinshasa) and Congo (Brazzaville), and west to Cameroon. The capital is Bangui (734,400 residents, 2013).

Country facts

Republic Centrafricaine / Central African Republic
Country abbreviation: CF
Area: 623 000 km²
Population (2019): 4.7 million residents
Capital: Bangui
Main languages: French, Sango
State: Republic
Head of State: Faustin-Archange Touadéra (President)
Head of Government: Firmin Ngrébada
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 510
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 480
Currency unit: 1 CFA franc = 100 centimes
Currency code: XAF
Country number (telephony): 236
Internet domain name: cf
Time difference compared to Sweden: 0
National Day: December 1 (Autonomy, 1958)
Independence Day: August 13, 1960

Nature

Land use: forest (57%), agricultural land (3%), other (40%)
Highest mountain: Ngaoui (1,420 m above sea level)

Population

Population density (2019): 8 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 2.3%; birthrate 36 ‰, deathrate 13 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (45%), 15-64 (55%), 65- (3%)
Average life expectancy (2019): men 50 years, women 54 years
Infant mortality (2019): 83 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 8 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.367 (place 188 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 41%
Most populous cities (2013): Bangui (734,400 residents), Bimbo (267,900)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (43%), industry (16%), service (41%)
Exports (2017): US $ 114 million
Main export products: diamonds, timber, cotton
Main exporting countries: France, Burundi, China
Imports (2017): US $ 393 million
Main import products: food, oil, machinery
Main importing countries: France, USA, India
Railway network: nothing in operation

Geography

Location and Borders

The Central African Republic (CAR) is located in the heart of Africa, surrounded by six countries: Chad to the north, Sudan to the northeast, South Sudan to the east, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the south, the Republic of the Congo to the southwest, and Cameroon to the west. The country is landlocked, meaning it has no coastline, but its central position in Africa places it at a crossroads for regional trade and cultural exchange.

Covering an area of about 622,984 square kilometers, CAR is the 43rd largest country in the world. Its location in the center of the African continent means that the country experiences a range of climatic zones and ecological systems, from tropical rainforests in the south to savannah and steppe in the north. Despite its geographical importance, CAR remains one of the least developed and most politically unstable countries in Africa.

Topography and Natural Features

The landscape of the Central African Republic is diverse, with a mix of plateaus, mountain ranges, and river systems. The western part of the country is characterized by the Sangha and Oubangui river basins, which provide fertile soil and support agriculture. The Oubangui River, a major tributary of the Congo River, flows along CAR’s southern border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and serves as an important waterway for transport and commerce.

The northern regions of CAR are largely made up of savannah and dry plains, with few rivers and limited agricultural potential due to the arid climate. In the central and southern parts of the country, the landscape transitions to tropical forests and dense woodlands, particularly in the Mbomou and Haut-Mbomou regions. These rainforests, part of the Congo Basin, are rich in biodiversity, housing various species of plants, animals, and birds.

Mountains and plateaus dominate much of the eastern portion of the country, including the Bongo Plateau, which rises above the surrounding landscape. The highest point in the country is the Mount Ngaoui, reaching 1,420 meters (4,659 feet) in the northwest. Despite its varied geography, the CAR has faced extensive deforestation, and its natural resources remain largely underexploited due to ongoing political challenges.

Climate and Seasonal Variations

The climate of the Central African Republic is predominantly tropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season typically lasts from May to October, with significant rainfall throughout the country. The wet season is particularly intense in the southern and central regions, where tropical forests thrive. The wet season supports agriculture but also brings flooding and difficulty in transportation, particularly in rural areas.

The dry season occurs from November to April, and during this time, temperatures can rise sharply, especially in the northern savannah areas. The central and southern parts of the country tend to have milder temperatures compared to the arid north, where high temperatures and low rainfall dominate the landscape. This variation between the wet and dry seasons plays a critical role in shaping the country’s agricultural calendar and influencing the lifestyle of its people.

The tropical climate of CAR, combined with its rich natural resources, has the potential for significant agricultural and ecological prosperity, but the country’s climate patterns also make it vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including erratic rainfall, droughts, and environmental degradation.

People

Population and Demographics

The population of the Central African Republic is estimated at approximately 5.5 million people, with the majority residing in rural areas. The population density is low compared to other African countries, and much of the population is spread across the various ethnic groups that inhabit the country’s diverse geographical regions. The capital city, Bangui, is home to around 800,000 people and serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center. Other notable cities include Bimbo, Mbaiki, and Berbérati.

CAR’s demographic makeup is ethnically diverse, with more than 80 ethnic groups spread across the country. The largest ethnic groups include the Baya, Banda, Mandjia, Sara, and Gbaya. These groups have distinct languages, customs, and cultural practices, and they traditionally occupy specific regions of the country. In addition to the ethnic groups, there are smaller communities of Arabs, Europeans, and other African migrants, particularly in urban centers.

The country’s population is relatively young, with a large portion of the population under the age of 25. This demographic structure poses both challenges and opportunities for the nation, as the government must address issues related to education, employment, and health while harnessing the potential of its young workforce. However, political instability and conflict have resulted in a significant portion of the population being displaced, and many live in refugee camps or face economic hardship.

Languages

The official language of the Central African Republic is French, a legacy of its colonial history under French rule. French is used in government, business, and education, and is spoken by a relatively small portion of the population in formal settings.

However, the vast majority of the population speaks various indigenous languages, with Sango being the most widely spoken. Sango is also one of the country’s national languages and serves as a lingua franca for many of the ethnic groups in CAR. Other prominent languages spoken include Baya, Banda, Mandjia, and Gbaya, among others, depending on the region. The use of Sango and other local languages helps to maintain cultural ties among the diverse ethnic groups in the country, while French continues to be important for official communication and international relations.

Religion

The population of the Central African Republic is predominantly Christian, with approximately 80% of the population identifying as Roman Catholic or Protestant. Christianity was introduced during the colonial period and has since become the main religion in the country. Churches play an important role in social and cultural life, and religious festivals, such as Christmas and Easter, are widely celebrated throughout the country.

Islam is the second-largest religion in the country, with about 10% of the population practicing Islam. Muslims are mainly found in the northern regions, and Islam has a long-standing presence due to historical trade and cultural connections with North and West Africa. While there has generally been religious tolerance, the country’s history of internal conflict and political instability has sometimes exacerbated tensions between religious groups, particularly between Christians and Muslims in recent years.

Traditional African religions, practiced by a small portion of the population, often involve ancestor worship, animism, and rituals tied to the natural world. These beliefs continue to coexist with Christianity and Islam, and in some areas, there are syncretic practices that blend traditional African spiritual practices with elements of Christianity.

Economy

Overview

The economy of the Central African Republic is one of the least developed in the world, with agriculture being the backbone of the economy. The country is heavily dependent on subsistence farming, with most people engaged in farming activities for their livelihood. The government has struggled to provide basic services, and the country’s GDP remains low compared to other African nations.

The economy is characterized by its dependence on natural resources, including minerals, timber, and agricultural products. However, despite its resource wealth, the country’s economic potential remains largely untapped due to infrastructure challenges, political instability, and ongoing conflict. The agricultural sector faces several challenges, including periodic droughts, poor road infrastructure, and a lack of access to markets.

The Central African Republic is also highly dependent on international aid, and the country’s reliance on external assistance for economic development remains significant. The CAR has received aid and support from the United Nations, the European Union, and other international partners, but sustainable economic development remains an elusive goal.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture is the dominant economic activity in CAR, employing about 70% of the population. The country has fertile soil, with crops such as cassava, millet, sorghum, maize, and rice being staples in the diet of the population. Livestock farming is also important, with cattle, goats, and sheep raised in various regions. The agriculture sector also produces crops for export, including coffee, cotton, and tobacco, though production remains limited by underdeveloped infrastructure and the challenges posed by the country’s political instability.

The Central African Republic is rich in natural resources, including gold, diamonds, uranium, timber, and oil. The diamond industry, in particular, has been a significant contributor to the country’s economy, though illegal mining, smuggling, and conflicts have hindered its growth and potential. The country’s forestry sector is also important, with significant timber reserves being harvested for export, though logging activities have raised environmental concerns due to illegal deforestation and poor management practices.

The mineral sector, particularly gold and diamonds, has the potential to be a major economic driver. However, the instability in CAR has led to limited foreign investment in this sector, as well as concerns about the illegal trade and smuggling of minerals.

Services and Industry

The industrial sector in CAR is underdeveloped, with most of the country’s manufacturing focused on processing agricultural products, such as food and beverages, and producing basic goods like textiles and cement. The services sector, particularly retail and trade, plays a significant role in the economy, but these services are mostly informal, with little regulation or oversight.

The energy sector remains underdeveloped, and the country faces challenges in providing reliable electricity to its population. While there are some hydroelectric power projects in the works, the country remains highly dependent on biomass fuels such as wood for cooking. This energy scarcity further hampers economic development and the ability to attract foreign investment.

Trade and International Aid

As a landlocked country, the Central African Republic depends on its neighbors for access to global markets. The country’s main trading partners include France, China, and other neighboring countries such as Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Exports primarily include agricultural products, timber, and minerals, while imports consist of food, machinery, petroleum products, and other consumer goods.

Foreign aid plays a crucial role in the CAR economy, as the country has faced ongoing political and security challenges. International organizations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank, have provided economic assistance, humanitarian aid, and peacekeeping efforts aimed at stabilizing the country. Despite these efforts, the economic situation in CAR remains precarious, with widespread poverty, unemployment, and a reliance on external support.

Government

Political System

The Central African Republic is a republic with a multi-party political system, although its political landscape is highly fragmented. The president is both the head of state and government, and the position holds significant executive power. The current president, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, was elected in 2016, following a period of political instability and violence. The president is elected for a five-year term through direct popular vote, though the electoral process has often been marred by disputes and irregularities.

The legislature of CAR is bicameral, consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate. The National Assembly is made up of 140 members, elected through a combination of proportional representation and single-member constituencies. The Senate is composed of 50 members who are elected indirectly by regional councils. However, the functioning of the political system in CAR has often been hindered by a lack of political stability, conflict, and divisions among political elites.

The country has experienced several coups, civil wars, and rebellions, and the government’s control over the entire territory has often been tenuous. In practice, CAR’s government faces challenges in maintaining law and order across its vast and diverse territory, where armed groups and militias operate in various regions.

Legal System

The legal system of the Central African Republic is based on civil law, influenced by French law, as a result of the country’s colonial past. The judiciary is theoretically independent, but in practice, the system suffers from inefficiencies, corruption, and lack of resources. Courts in CAR are often underfunded and overcrowded, and there are significant delays in the resolution of cases.

Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the legal system’s ability to provide justice to all citizens, particularly in rural areas where access to legal services is limited. The lack of security and infrastructure in parts of the country further complicates the administration of justice.

Foreign Relations

The Central African Republic has historically maintained close ties with France, its former colonial ruler. France has been involved in peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts in CAR, particularly through its military presence in the country. The United Nations has also played a significant role in the country, with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) overseeing peacekeeping and security operations.

CAR is a member of the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). The country has also worked to strengthen its regional ties and economic partnerships, particularly with its neighboring countries. However, its ongoing internal conflict has limited its diplomatic reach and ability to engage fully in international affairs.

Culture

Arts and Music

The Central African Republic has a rich cultural heritage, with various ethnic groups contributing to the country’s artistic traditions. Traditional music and dance are an important part of daily life, and each ethnic group has its own distinct style. Drumming, singing, and dancing are integral to social and religious events, and the rhythms of Central African music are often associated with spiritual beliefs and ceremonies.

The country’s arts also include wood carving, pottery, and beadwork, which reflect traditional practices passed down through generations. Crafts and artworks, often made from local materials, are used in daily life and also serve as important cultural symbols. In more recent years, the country’s artists have incorporated modern styles and themes into their work, blending traditional and contemporary techniques to create a unique artistic identity.

Cuisine

Central African cuisine is characterized by the use of locally grown ingredients such as cassava, yams, plantains, maize, and beans. Meat, particularly beef, goat, and poultry, is a staple in many dishes, while fish is common in the regions near rivers and lakes. One of the most popular dishes in CAR is “cassava and peanut sauce,” a staple that is served with rice or plantains. Traditional stews and soups, often made with vegetables, beans, and meat, are also common.

Meals are typically prepared in large quantities and shared communally. Street food is also widely available in urban areas, and markets feature a wide variety of fresh produce, spices, and meats that form the basis for much of the country’s food culture.

Festivals and Traditions

The Central African Republic’s culture is celebrated through various festivals, many of which are rooted in traditional beliefs and social customs. These festivals often feature music, dance, and storytelling, celebrating the history and identity of different ethnic groups. The Bozo Festival, held in the southeastern part of the country, celebrates harvest and cultural practices.

Religious festivals, such as Christmas and Easter, are widely celebrated, particularly among Christians. The Islamic community also observes significant holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. These holidays are celebrated with family gatherings, prayers, and feasts. Cultural events are an important aspect of maintaining social cohesion, and they offer opportunities for reflection, celebration, and the passing down of cultural traditions.