Central African Republic

The former French colony of Ubangi-Shari became the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. After three tumultuous decades of misrule - mostly by military governments - civilian rule was established in 1993 and lasted for one decade. President Ange-Felix PATASSE's civilian government was plagued by unrest, and in March 2003 he was deposed in a military coup led by General Francois BOZIZE, who established a transitional government. Though the government has the tacit support of civil society groups and the main parties, a wide field of candidates contested the municipal, legislative, and presidential elections held in March and May of 2005 in which General BOZIZE was affirmed as president. The government still does not fully control the countryside, where pockets of lawlessness persist.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 4,369,038 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Central African(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Central African

Official Language(s): French

Major Languages Spoken: French

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Central African Republic

Country Name (short form): none

Country Name (local long form): Republique Centrafricaine

Country Name (local short form): none

Name of Capital: Bangui

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Central African Republic: Sudan, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Congo Dem. Rep. of

Land Area: 622984 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Texas

Total Land Boundry: 5,203 km

National Holiday: Republic Day, 1 December (1958)

International Phone Code: 236

Currency Code: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF)

Internet Country Code: .cf

US Embassy Location: Avenue David Dacko, Bangui

US Embassy Mailing Address: B. P. 924, Bangui