Central African Republic Profile - An Overview

[BBC]

The Central African Republic (CAR) has been unstable since its independence from France in 1960 and is one of the least-developed countries in the world.

•   Full name: Central African Republic
•   Population: 4.5 million (UN, 2010)
•   Capital: Bangui
•   Area: 622,984 sq km (240,535 sq miles)
•   Major languages: French, Sangho (lingua franca)
•   Major religions: Christianity, Islam, indigenous beliefs
•   Life expectancy: 47 years (men), 50 years (women) (UN)
•   Monetary unit: 1 CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine) franc = 100 centimes
•   Main exports: Diamonds, timber, cotton, coffee, tobacco
•   GNI per capita: US $450 (World Bank, 2009)
•   Internet domain: .cf
•   International dialling code: +236

It has endured several coups and a notorious period under a self-declared emperor, Jean-Bedel Bokassa, who headed a brutal regime.

The Bokassa era ended in 1979, when he was overthrown in a coup led by David Dacko and backed by French commandos based in the country.

After just two years in office Mr Dacko was toppled by Andre Kolingba, who eventually allowed multi-party presidential elections and was duly rejected in the first round.

BBC

[afroboy]

Key facts, figures and dates

Attribution: CNN, BBC and IOL Africa.