| |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
| Central African Republic | Introduction | Back to Top |
Central African Republic (CAR), landlocked republic in central Africa, bordered on the north by Chad, on the east by Sudan, on the south by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo, and on the west by Cameroon. A former French colony, which became independent on August 31, 1960, the CAR was known as the Central African Empire from 1976 to 1979 under the autocratic rule of the self-styled emperor Jean Bédel Bokassa. The CAR has an area of 622,984 sq km (240,535 sq mi). Bangui is the capital.
Official Name -Central African Republic| Central African Republic | Provinces | Back to Top |
14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture), 2 economic prefectures* (prefectures economiques, singular - prefecture economique), and 1 commune**; Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui**, Basse-Kotto, Gribingui*, Haute-Kotto, Haute-Sangha, Haut-Mbomou, Kemo-Gribingui, Lobaye, Mbomou, Nana-Mambere, Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha*, Vakaga
| Central African Republic | People | Back to Top |
The people of the Central African Republic compose a complex ethnic mosaic. They range from the hunting-and-gathering forest peoples, the Aka, to state-forming groups such as the Zande (formerly Azande) and Nzakara. Prior to the arrival of Europeans in the late 19th century, distinctions between different groups were highly fluid. Many thought of themselves as members of a clan rather than of a broader ethnic group. Interactions with those who spoke different languages and had different cultural practices ranged from peaceful trade and intermarriage to war and enslavement.
The population of the Central African Republic was determined by the census of 1975 to be 2,054,610; the 2001 estimated population was 3,576,884. Most of the population is concentrated in the western half of the country, where Bangui (population, 1996 estimate, 524,000), the capital and chief city, is located.
| Central African Republic | History | Back to Top |
Most of the ethnic groups inhabiting the present-day Central African Republic entered the region in the 19th century to escape Fulani armies or to avoid slave traders operating in the Congo River Basin and modern Sudan. In the 1880s the French annexed the area, and in 1894 it was organized as the territory of Ubangi-Chari. In 1910 the dependency became part of the Federation of French Equatorial Africa. Economic development was dominated by European concessionaires. This system led to abuses of the black Africans, who staged several violent protests, notably between 1928 and 1930.
Diamond prospectors in the Central African Republic have found polished flint and quartz tools that are at least 8,000 years old. About 2,500 years ago local farmers set up megaliths weighing several tons each near Bouar. The cooperation necessary to make and position these monuments suggests that they were built by fairly large social units. By the 15th century AD different groups speaking languages related to those spoken by present-day Central Africans were living in the area. These peoples lived in relatively isolated, small settlements, where they hunted and cleared land for cultivation using the slash-and-burn method.
Bokassa’s regime began to fall apart in January 1979, when an order that schoolchildren wear expensive uniforms made in his own factory prompted widespread protest demonstrations. The army was called in, and many children were put in prison, where they were massacred by the imperial guard. A committee of African judges later concluded that Bokassa had personally participated in the killings. In September 1979 he was overthrown in a French-backed coup led by former president Dacko, who then resumed power. Bokassa went into exile, and Dacko was confirmed in office by the electorate in March 1981.
| Central African Republic | Culture | Back to Top |
Churches are important in both rural and urban life, constituting major centres of not just religious activity but also social interaction. In addition to Sunday services, religious schools and various fellowship groups for women, men, adolescents, and children are common. Church members frequently gather after worship services for a ndoye, a celebration with singing and dancing to honour a notable church member. Members bring food, soap, and kerosene to the honoree, who, in turn, serves coffee, tea, and a light snack.
Until the 19th century, artisans in the region produced many fine handmade items. The slave trade and the early years of colonization disrupted the expansion of crafts, however, and most of them disappeared. Today, woven mats and baskets, simple wooden utensils, carved stools, a rare mask, pottery, and musical instruments, including the balafon (much like a xylophone but constructed with animal horns, skins, and wood) are all that remain of older handiwork. More recently, handicraft workers have begun producing unique designs and pictures made from butterfly wings glued to paper and some ebony and other tropical hardwood carvings.
| Central African Republic | Life | Back to Top |
In most Central African families, women continue to play a crucial role in the gathering, production, conservation, distribution, and preparation of food. Hunting, trapping, and fishing male occupations remain important for the subsistence of many Central Africans, although women in some regions fish during the dry season. The production of such commercial crops as coffee, cotton, and tobacco tends to be chiefly a male activity, but women are the principal food producers for household consumption.
| Central African Republic | Land | Back to Top |
The Central African Republic occupies an immense rolling plateau that rises to an elevation of about 2,000 to 2,500 feet (610 to 760 metres) above sea level and forms, along a crest that trends southwest to northeast, the major drainage divide between the Lake Chad and Congo River basins. Tributaries of the Chari River occupy the northern third of the country's territory. The remaining two-thirds of the terrain drain southward into the Ubangi River, which forms the Central African Republic's southern border with Congo (Kinshasa).
| Central African Republic | Plants and Animal | Back to Top |
The mineral resources of this primarily agricultural country are relatively undeveloped. Diamonds are the dominant exploited mineral. Deposits of uranium exist, as well as iron ore, gold, lime, zinc, copper, and tin. Commercially valuable trees include the sapele mahogany and the obeche. Almost every animal of the African Tropics is found in the country.
| Central African Republic | Economy | Back to Top |
The Central African Republic is one of the most underdeveloped areas in Africa. Growth of the export economy is hindered by the difficulty of transporting goods to a seaport. Some 80 percent of the population earns its livelihood by farming, fishing, or working in forestry. The agricultural output is fairly evenly balanced between subsistence and export crops. The principal sources of revenue are diamonds, coffee, tobacco, cotton, and timber exports. The national budget in 1991 showed revenues at $175 million and expenditures at $312 million.
Agriculture is the largest sector and the basis of the Central African economy, contributing half of the gross domestic product (GDP) and accounting for nearly four-fifths of the workforce. International (mostly French) capital dominates the economy, although since independence the Central African Republic has tried to attract capital and development monies from other countries, including Libya, Taiwan, China, Germany, and Japan. Nevertheless, French private and public investment has remained prominent.
Subsistence agriculture, together with forestry, remains the backbone of the economy of the Central African Republic (CAR), with more than 70% of the population living in outlying areas. The agricultural sector generates half of GDP. Timber has accounted for about 16% of export earnings and the diamond industry for nearly 54%. Important constraints to economic development include the CAR's landlocked position, a poor transportation system, a largely unskilled work force, and a legacy of misdirected macroeconomic policies. The 50% devaluation of the currencies of 14 Francophone African nations on 12 January 1994 had mixed effects on the CAR's economy. Diamond, timber, coffee, and cotton exports increased, leading an estimated rise of GDP of 7% in 1994 and nearly 5% in 1995. Military rebellions and social unrest in 1996 were accompanied by widespread destruction of property and a drop in GDP of 2%. The IMF approved an Extended Structure Adjustment Facility in 1998 and the World Bank extended further credits in 1999 and approved a $10 million loan in early 2001. The government has set targets of 3.5% GDP growth in 2001 and 2002. As of January 2001, many civil servants were owed as much as 30 months pay, leading them to go on strike and further damaging the economy.
| Central African Republic | Communications | Back to Top |
fair system domestic: network consists principally of microwave radio relay and low-capacity, low-powered radiotelephone communication international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat
| Central African Republic | Languages | Back to Top |
An estimated 60 percent of the total population follow traditional religions, about 35 percent are Christian and 5 percent are Muslim. French is the official language, but Sango, an African language, is the most commonly spoken. Numerous other African languages are also spoken.
| Central African Republic | Politics | Back to Top |
Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP [Francois PEHOUA]; Central African Democratic Assembly or RDC [Andre KOLINGBA]; Civic Forum or FC [Gen. Timothee MALENDOMA]; Democratic Forum or FODEM [Charles MASSI]; Liberal Democratic Party or PLD [Nestor KOMBO-NAGUEMON]; Movement for Democracy and Development or MDD [David DACKO]; Movement for the Liberation of the Central African People or MLPC [the party of the president, Ange-Felix PATASSE]; Patriotic Front for Progress or FPP [Abel GOUMBA]; People's Union for the Republic or UPR [leader NA]; National Unity Party or PUN [Jean-Paul NGOUPANDE]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Enoch LAKOUE]
| Central African Republic | Government | Back to Top |
The Central African Republic is governed by a constitution, approved in 1994, that provides for a multiparty democracy. Under this constitution, executive authority is vested in a president and the Council of Ministers, which is headed by the president. The president is popularly elected to a six-year term and may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. Legislative authority is held by a 109-member National Assembly; members of the assembly are popularly elected to five-year terms. The Central African Democratic Rally is the country’s leading political party.
| Central African Republic | organization | Back to Top |
ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, CEMAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC (observer), OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO.
| Central African Republic | Education | Back to Top |
While officially compulsory, only 60 percent of the eligible children of the Central African Republic receive primary education. Secondary and higher education facilities are limited, with only 10 percent of secondary school-aged children enrolled. The country’s one university, the University of Bangui (1970), has an enrollment of about 2,900 students. Only 68.4 percent of the population is literate.
| Central African Republic | Defence | Back to Top |
Military branches: Central African Armed Forces (includes Army, Air Force, Presidential Guard, National Gendarmerie, Police Force)
Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 824,139 (2001 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 430,922 (2001 est.)
| Central African Republic | International Disputes | Back to Top |
None
Write your own experience on Europe Travel includes each countries and cities, map, car rental, airfare, attractions, and hotels.
| FreeGK | Map4Travel | USA | Hotel | ATM | Mapzones | Webmaster | Actress | Map | Kids |
MapZones™ is created and maintained by Panalink Internet Services and is a trade mark of Panalink Technologies. Copyright © 1995-2002 Panalink Internet Services. All rights reserved worldwide. Email: mailto:info@mapzones.com?subject=Mail from HomePage. Disclaimer. Privacy Policy |