HumptyDumpty: Creating Draft:Central African Republic

2026-09-26T10:51:10Z

Creating Draft:Central African Republic

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{{Infobox country
| conventional_long_name = Central African Republic
| common_name = Central African Republic
| native_name = République centrafricaine
| image_flag = Flag of the Central African Republic.svg
| flag_caption = Flag of the Central African Republic
| national_motto = ''Unité, Dignité, Travail'' ("Unity, Dignity, Work")
| national_anthem = ''La Renaissance''
| capital = [[Bangui]]
| largest_city = [[Bangui]]
| official_languages = [[French language|French]], [[Sango language|Sango]]
| demonym = Central African
| government_type = Unitary presidential republic
| leader_title1 = President
| leader_name1 = [[Faustin-Archange Touadéra]]
| leader_title2 = Prime Minister
| leader_name2 = [[Félix Moloua]]
| legislature = [[National Assembly of the Central African Republic|National Assembly]]
| sovereignty_type = Independence
| sovereignty_note = from [[France]]
| established_event1 = Autonomous republic
| established_date1 = 1 December 1958
| established_event2 = Independence
| established_date2 = 13 August 1960
| area_km2 = 622984
| population_estimate = 5,513,282
| population_estimate_year = 2025
| currency = Central African CFA franc
| currency_code = XAF
| time_zone = WAT
| utc_offset = +1
| calling_code = +236
| cctld = .cf
}}

The '''Central African Republic''' ('''CAR''') is a landlocked country in [[Central Africa]]. It is bordered by [[Chad]] to the north, [[Sudan]] to the northeast, [[South Sudan]] to the east, the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] and the [[Republic of the Congo]] to the south, and [[Cameroon]] to the west. Its capital and largest city is [[Bangui]], on the [[Ubangi River]]. The country covers about 622,984 square kilometres.<ref name="UNData">{{Cite web |title=Central African Republic country profile |url=https://data.un.org/CountryProfile.aspx/en/CountryProfile.aspx?crName=Central+African+Republic |website=UNData |publisher=United Nations Statistics Division |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="WorldBankOverview">{{Cite web |title=Central African Republic |url=https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/country/centralafricanrepublic |website=World Bank Group |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The Central African Republic has a population of about 5.5 million according to the World Bank's 2025 estimate.<ref name="WorldBankData">{{Cite web |title=Central African Republic - Data |url=https://data.worldbank.org/country/republica-centroafricana |website=World Bank |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> [[French language|French]] and [[Sango language|Sango]] are the official languages. The Central African CFA franc, issued within the regional monetary system of Central Africa, is the national currency.<ref name="UNData" />

The territory was administered by France as [[Ubangi-Shari]] and later formed part of [[French Equatorial Africa]]. It became an autonomous republic in 1958 and gained full independence from France on 13 August 1960, with [[David Dacko]] becoming the country's first president.<ref name="StateHistory">{{Cite web |title=Central African Republic (04/04) |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/centralafricanrepublic/38030.htm |website=U.S. Department of State |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> Since independence, the country has experienced coups, periods of authoritarian rule, armed rebellions and repeated political transitions. A major conflict that began in 2012–2013 between the [[Séléka]] coalition, anti-balaka groups and other armed factions led to extensive civilian displacement and international intervention.<ref name="USHMMConflict">{{Cite web |title=History of the Conflict: Central African Republic |url=https://www.ushmm.org/genocide-prevention/countries/central-african-republic/history-of-the-conflict |website=United States Holocaust Memorial Museum |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

[[Faustin-Archange Touadéra]], first elected president in 2016, was confirmed by the Constitutional Council for another term following the December 2025 presidential election.<ref name="Reuters2026">{{Cite web |title=Central African Republic court validates Touadera's re-election |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/central-african-republic-court-validates-touaderas-re-election-2026-01-19/ |website=Reuters |date=19 January 2026 |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref> The country's 2023 constitution increased presidential and parliamentary terms to seven years, removed presidential term limits, abolished the planned Senate and made other changes to national institutions.<ref name="UNConstitution">{{Cite web |title=Report of the Secretary-General on the Central African Republic |url=https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4025070/files/S_2023_769-EN.pdf |website=United Nations Digital Library |publisher=United Nations |year=2023 |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The country has substantial forests, agricultural land and mineral resources, including diamonds and gold. Nevertheless, poverty remains widespread, infrastructure is limited, and recurring insecurity has constrained economic and social development.<ref name="WorldBankEconomy">{{Cite web |title=The Central African Republic in Times of COVID-19: Towards a Diversified and more Resilient Economy |url=https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/centralafricanrepublic/publication/la-republique-centrafricaine-a-lheure-de-la-covid-19-diversifier-leconomie-pour-renforcer-la-resilience-et-favoriser-la-croissance |website=World Bank |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref><ref name="UNDP">{{Cite web |title=Country Insights - Central African Republic |url=https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/country-insights |website=Human Development Reports |publisher=United Nations Development Programme |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

== Name ==

The country's name describes its geographical position in the central part of the African continent. During French colonial rule, much of the present-day territory was known as ''Oubangui-Chari'' or ''Ubangi-Shari'', after the Ubangi and Chari river systems.<ref name="StateHistory" /> The territory was renamed the Central African Republic when it became an autonomous republic within the French Community on 1 December 1958.<ref name="StateHistory" />

The abbreviation '''CAR''' is commonly used in English-language international reporting and by organizations including the United Nations and World Bank.<ref name="WorldBankOverview" />

== History ==

=== Pre-colonial societies ===

The territory of the modern Central African Republic has long been inhabited by communities belonging to numerous linguistic and cultural groups. Population movements over several centuries brought peoples including the Banda, Zande and Gbaya into different parts of the region.<ref name="StateHistory2010">{{Cite web |title=Central African Republic (12/28/10) |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/centralafricanrepublic/179356.htm |website=U.S. Department of State |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Trade networks connecting the region with the Sahel, Nile basin and Congo basin affected local political development. During the nineteenth century, parts of the region were also affected by slave-raiding and conflicts associated with expanding regional powers and long-distance trade.<ref name="SAHistory">{{Cite web |title=Central African Republic |url=https://sahistory.org.za/place/central-african-republic |website=South African History Online |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

=== French colonial period ===

French expansion into the area accelerated during the late nineteenth century. France established an outpost at Bangui in 1889 and organized Oubangui-Chari as a colonial territory during the following years.<ref name="StateHistory" /> In 1910, Oubangui-Chari became part of [[French Equatorial Africa]], a federation that also included territories corresponding to modern [[Chad]], [[Gabon]] and the [[Republic of the Congo]].<ref name="LOC">{{Cite web |title=French Equatorial Africa |url=https://www.loc.gov/item/a22000965/ |website=Library of Congress |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Colonial administration relied partly on concessionary companies and plantation production. The period was marked by coercive labour practices, resistance to colonial authority and uneven economic development.<ref name="SAHistory" /> After the Second World War, political reforms expanded representation and local government. [[Barthélemy Boganda]], a priest and politician, became an important figure in the movement toward self-government.<ref name="StateHistory" />

The territory became the autonomous Central African Republic on 1 December 1958. Boganda died in a plane crash in March 1959, and David Dacko became head of government. Full independence from France followed on 13 August 1960.<ref name="StateHistory" />

=== Independence and Bokassa era ===

David Dacko served as the first president of the independent republic. On 1 January 1966, army officer [[Jean-Bédel Bokassa]] seized power in a coup and concentrated political authority in the presidency.<ref name="StateHistory2007">{{Cite web |title=Central African Republic (06/07) |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/centralafricanrepublic/88359.htm |website=U.S. Department of State |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

In 1976, Bokassa abolished the republic and proclaimed the [[Central African Empire]], taking the title Emperor Bokassa I. His government was associated with authoritarian rule and serious human-rights abuses.<ref name="StateHistory2007" /> Bokassa was removed from power in 1979 and the republic was restored, with Dacko returning to office.

Political instability continued during the following decades. Governments led by [[André Kolingba]], [[Ange-Félix Patassé]] and later [[François Bozizé]] faced mutinies, rebellions, contested elections and military interventions. Bozizé took power in a coup in 2003.<ref name="CFRConflict">{{Cite web |title=Conflict in the Central African Republic |url=https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/violence-central-african-republic |website=Council on Foreign Relations |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

=== Civil conflict and political transition ===

In late 2012, several armed groups formed the predominantly Muslim Séléka coalition and launched an offensive against Bozizé's government. Despite a power-sharing agreement negotiated in early 2013, Séléka fighters seized Bangui in March, forcing Bozizé from power. Coalition leader [[Michel Djotodia]] declared himself president.<ref name="USHMMConflict" />

Séléka forces were accused of widespread attacks, killings, looting and other abuses against civilians. Anti-balaka militias emerged and carried out attacks against Séléka forces and civilians, particularly members of Muslim communities. The conflict developed an increasingly communal and religious dimension, although researchers and international organizations have cautioned against reducing its causes solely to religion.<ref name="USHMMConflict" /><ref name="HRW2014">{{Cite web |title=World Report 2014: Central African Republic |url=https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2014/country-chapters/central-african-republic |website=Human Rights Watch |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Djotodia resigned in January 2014, and [[Catherine Samba-Panza]] later became transitional president. In April 2014, the United Nations Security Council created the [[United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic]] (MINUSCA). Its mandate has included civilian protection, support for political processes, human rights, humanitarian access, justice and disarmament.<ref name="MINUSCAFacts">{{Cite web |title=MINUSCA Fact Sheet |url=https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/factsheet/minusca |website=United Nations Peacekeeping |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Faustin-Archange Touadéra won the presidential election held during the 2015–2016 political transition and took office in 2016. A peace agreement between the government and armed groups was signed in 2019, although implementation remained incomplete and armed violence continued in parts of the country.<ref name="MINUSCAPeace">{{Cite web |title=The Peace Agreement |url=https://www.unmissions.org/en/accueil/accord-politique-pour-la-paix-et-la-reconciliation |website=MINUSCA |publisher=United Nations |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

=== 2023 constitution and recent politics ===

A new constitution was promulgated on 30 August 2023 following a referendum. The constitution lengthened presidential and parliamentary mandates from five to seven years and removed the previous limit on consecutive presidential terms. It also provided for a vice presidency, abolished the Senate and made changes affecting constitutional institutions and eligibility for public office.<ref name="UNConstitution" /><ref name="RefworldConstitution">{{Cite web |title=Constitution de la République Centrafricaine |url=https://www.refworld.org/legal/legislation/natlegbod/2023/149724 |website=Refworld |date=30 August 2023 |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Presidential, legislative, regional and local elections were held in December 2025. In January 2026, the Constitutional Council confirmed Touadéra's re-election with 77.9 percent of the valid presidential vote after challenges to the result by opposition figures.<ref name="Reuters2026" />

== Geography ==

The Central African Republic is a landlocked state near the geographical centre of Africa. Its land area is approximately 622,984 square kilometres.<ref name="UNData" /> The country shares borders with six states: Cameroon, Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo.

Much of the country consists of a gently rolling plateau that separates two major river systems. Rivers in the north generally drain toward the [[Chari River]] and ultimately [[Lake Chad]], while southern waterways form part of the [[Congo River]] basin. The Ubangi River runs along part of the country's southern frontier and is an important transport route associated with Bangui.

Vegetation changes from savanna in the north and centre to denser tropical forest in the southwest. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, forest covered about 36 percent of the country's land area in 2020.<ref name="FAOForest">{{Cite web |title=Central African Republic - Global Forest Resources Assessment |url=https://fra-data.fao.org/assessments/fra/2020/CAF/home/overview/ |website=Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The climate is predominantly tropical, with rainy and dry seasons whose timing and intensity vary from south to north. The southern forest region generally receives greater rainfall than the northern savanna.

== Environment and wildlife ==

The Central African Republic lies at the meeting point of several major ecological zones and supports forest, woodland and savanna habitats. These environments contain populations of elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, antelopes and many other species, although poaching, insecurity and habitat pressures have affected wildlife populations in some areas.

The country has two natural properties on the [[UNESCO]] World Heritage List: [[Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park]] and the Central African component of the [[Sangha Trinational]].<ref name="UNESCOSites">{{Cite web |title=Central African Republic - World Heritage Convention |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/cf |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park covers about 1.74 million hectares in the north of the country. Its habitats range from grasslands to wooded savannas and gallery forests. UNESCO has kept the park on the List of World Heritage in Danger because of threats including poaching and long-term conservation challenges.<ref name="Manovo">{{Cite web |title=Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/475 |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The Sangha Trinational is a transboundary forest conservation area shared with Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo. Its Central African component includes [[Dzanga-Ndoki National Park]].<ref name="Sangha">{{Cite web |title=Sangha Trinational |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1380 |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

== Government and politics ==

The Central African Republic is a presidential republic. Under the constitution promulgated in August 2023, the president is elected for a seven-year term. The constitution removed the previous restriction on the number of presidential terms.<ref name="UNConstitution" />

The president is head of state, while the prime minister heads the government under the constitutional system. As of September 2026, the president is Faustin-Archange Touadéra and the prime minister is [[Félix Moloua]].<ref name="CIAleaders">{{Cite web |title=Central African Republic - World Leaders |url=https://www.cia.gov/resources/world-leaders/foreign-governments/central-african-republic |website=Central Intelligence Agency |date=29 July 2026 |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

National legislative authority is exercised through the National Assembly. The 2023 constitution abolished the Senate that had been envisaged under the previous constitutional system.<ref name="UNConstitution" />

The country's political system has been shaped by repeated coups, armed rebellions and periods when state institutions had limited authority beyond Bangui and other major towns. Re-establishing public administration, security institutions and judicial services throughout the national territory has remained an important objective of the government and international partners.<ref name="MINUSCAFacts" />

== Administrative divisions ==

The Central African Republic is divided into prefectures and lower-level administrative units. Bangui has a special administrative status as the national capital. Administrative reforms have changed the number and boundaries of some prefectures over time.

Major urban centres outside Bangui include [[Bimbo]], [[Berbérati]], [[Bambari]], [[Bouar]], [[Bossangoa]] and [[Bangassou]].

== Foreign relations ==

The Central African Republic is a member of the [[United Nations]], the [[African Union]], the [[Economic Community of Central African States]] and the [[Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa]]. It joined the United Nations on 20 September 1960.<ref name="UNData" />

Security relations have played a prominent role in the country's foreign policy. United Nations peacekeepers have operated through MINUSCA since 2014. The mission's mandate was renewed through 15 November 2026, with protection of civilians among its principal priorities.<ref name="MINUSCAMandate">{{Cite web |title=Mandate |url=https://minusca.unmissions.org/en/mandat |website=MINUSCA |publisher=United Nations |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The government has also received security assistance from other foreign partners. International attention has focused on the role of Russian personnel and organizations in the security sector, as well as cooperation with Rwanda and other regional states.<ref name="Reuters2026" />

== Economy ==

The Central African Republic is a low-income economy in which agriculture, forestry, mining, trade and public services are important sources of economic activity. Subsistence agriculture supports a large share of households. Commercial exports have traditionally included timber, diamonds, cotton and coffee.<ref name="WorldBankEconomy" />

The economy has substantial natural-resource potential but remains constrained by limited infrastructure, insecurity, a narrow export base, weak access to electricity and transport, and low levels of private investment. The World Bank has described economic diversification as important for reducing dependence on a small number of commodities and strengthening resilience.<ref name="WorldBankEconomy" />

World Bank data place nominal gross domestic product at about US$3.07 billion in 2025, with GDP per person of approximately US$556.<ref name="WorldBankData" /> The same dataset reported economic growth of about 4.5 percent for 2025; economic estimates may differ among institutions because of revisions and differing methodologies.<ref name="WorldBankData" />

The International Monetary Fund projected a recovery in activity after weak growth in 2024, citing increased energy use, mining, infrastructure projects and improved security conditions while also warning of major fiscal and economic risks.<ref name="IMF2025">{{Cite web |title=IMF Executive Board Completes the Third and Fourth Reviews under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement and Approves US$58 Million Disbursement for the Central African Republic |url=https://www.imf.org/en/news/articles/2025/06/04/pr-25179-car-imf-completes-3rd-4th-rev-under-ecf-arrang-and-approves-us-58-mil-disburse |website=International Monetary Fund |date=4 June 2025 |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

The Central African Republic uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF), a currency shared with several members of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa.

== Infrastructure ==

Transport infrastructure is limited, particularly outside major population centres. Most domestic freight and passenger movement depends on roads, many of which can become difficult to use during the rainy season. Because the country is landlocked, international trade depends heavily on routes through neighbouring states, especially the corridor connecting Bangui with Cameroon.

The Ubangi River has historically provided an important transport connection from Bangui toward the Congo River system. [[Bangui M'Poko International Airport]] is the country's principal international airport.

Access to electricity and digital services remains limited by regional standards. World Bank data estimated that about 14 percent of the population used the internet in 2024.<ref name="WorldBankData" />

== Demographics ==

The World Bank estimated the population at 5,513,282 in 2025.<ref name="WorldBankData" /> Population density is low compared with many other African countries because of the country's large land area and relatively small population.

The population includes numerous ethnic and linguistic communities. Groups found within the country include Gbaya, Banda, Mandjia, Sara, Mbaka, Yakoma, Zande and others. Patterns of settlement and identity vary considerably between regions.

Bangui is by far the largest urban centre and serves as the country's political, economic and educational hub.

=== Languages ===

French and Sango are the country's official languages. French is widely used in government, formal education and official documentation, while Sango functions as an important national lingua franca and is used widely in everyday communication.

Numerous other African languages are spoken by local communities throughout the country.

=== Religion ===

Christianity is the religion of a majority of the population, with both Protestant and Roman Catholic communities present. Islam is practiced by a significant minority, particularly in some northern and northeastern areas. Traditional religious practices also remain part of community life.

Religious identity became more visible as a factor during the conflict beginning in 2013 because the Séléka coalition was largely Muslim and many anti-balaka fighters identified as Christian. International observers have emphasized, however, that the conflict also involved political competition, regional inequality, armed-group interests and struggles over state authority rather than being solely a religious conflict.<ref name="USHMMConflict" />

== Health ==

The country's health system has been affected by shortages of infrastructure, medical personnel, medicines and public financing, particularly in areas affected by armed conflict. Access to services varies substantially between Bangui and more remote regions.

World Bank data placed life expectancy at birth at about 58 years in 2024.<ref name="WorldBankData" /> Poor access to sanitation, maternal and child health services, vaccination and treatment for infectious diseases continues to influence public-health outcomes.

Humanitarian organizations and international agencies provide health services in areas where national facilities have limited capacity.

== Education ==

Education is provided through primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, but conflict, displacement, teacher shortages and limited public resources have disrupted schooling in many areas. Educational access is generally better in Bangui and other major towns than in isolated rural districts.

The [[University of Bangui]], founded after independence, is the country's principal public university and an important centre for higher education and research.

== Human development ==

The country faces high levels of poverty and limited access to essential public services. World Bank data estimated that 71.6 percent of the population lived below the institution's US$3.00-a-day international poverty measure in 2021, expressed in 2021 purchasing-power-parity terms.<ref name="WorldBankData" />

In the United Nations Development Programme's Human Development Index dataset, the Central African Republic had an HDI value of 0.414 and ranked 191st in the latest dataset available through the Human Development Reports data centre in 2026.<ref name="UNDP" /> The HDI combines measures of health, education and income and is intended to provide a broader measure of development than economic output alone.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Human Development Index (HDI) |url=https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/human-development-index |website=Human Development Reports |publisher=United Nations Development Programme |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

== Security and humanitarian situation ==

Armed conflict since 2013 has caused deaths, population displacement and major disruption to livelihoods and public services. Although state control has expanded in some areas and violence has declined from earlier peaks, armed groups and local security disputes continue to affect parts of the country.<ref name="MINUSCA2026">{{Cite web |title=MINUSCA highlights positive progress in the Central African Republic and launches a mission reconfiguration process |url=https://minusca.unmissions.org/en/node/135328 |website=MINUSCA |publisher=United Nations |date=7 May 2026 |access-date=26 September 2026}}</ref>

MINUSCA has supported civilian protection, the extension of state authority, electoral processes and implementation of peace agreements. In 2026 the mission began reconfiguring parts of its presence while continuing its mandated activities.<ref name="MINUSCA2026" />

Humanitarian conditions are also affected by poverty, food insecurity, displacement, weak transport networks and restricted access to healthcare and education.

== Culture ==

Central African culture reflects the traditions of the country's many ethnic and linguistic communities. Music, oral storytelling, dance, craft production and community ceremonies remain important forms of cultural expression.

Sango has played an important role in developing a shared national identity because it is spoken across ethnic and regional boundaries. French-language literature, broadcasting and education also contribute to national cultural life.

Traditional music uses drums, percussion, stringed instruments and vocal performance. Modern Central African music has incorporated influences from neighbouring Congo, Cameroon and other parts of Africa.

== Sport ==

[[Football]] is among the most popular sports in the Central African Republic. The country is represented internationally by the Central African Republic national football team.

[[Basketball]] also has a significant history in the country. The men's national basketball team has won the African championship and has represented the country in international competition.

== See also ==

* [[Bangui]]
* [[History of the Central African Republic]]
* [[Geography of the Central African Republic]]
* [[Politics of the Central African Republic]]
* [[Economy of the Central African Republic]]
* [[Central Africa]]
* [[List of countries in Africa]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* [https://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/country/centralafricanrepublic Central African Republic - World Bank]
* [https://minusca.unmissions.org/en MINUSCA - United Nations]
* [https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/cf Central African Republic - UNESCO World Heritage Centre]
* [https://data.un.org/CountryProfile.aspx/en/CountryProfile.aspx?crName=Central+African+Republic Central African Republic - United Nations Data]

[[Category:Central African Republic]]
[[Category:Countries in Africa]]
[[Category:Central African countries]]
[[Category:Landlocked countries]]
[[Category:Republics]]
[[Category:French-speaking countries and territories]]
[[Category:Member states of the United Nations]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1960]]

Draft:Central African Republic - Revision history

HumptyDumpty: Creating Draft:Central African Republic