The Failed State at Africa’s Heart
The Central African Republic is consistently ranked among the world’s poorest and most fragile states — bottom or near-bottom of the UN Human Development Index, severely affected by decades of coups, armed rebellions, and civil wars. Life expectancy is approximately 55 years; the country has one of the world’s lowest GDP per capita levels.
CAR experienced a sectarian civil war (2013-2020) between the Muslim Séléka rebel coalition (which overthrew President Bozizé in March 2013) and Christian Anti-balaka militias, with mass atrocities on both sides. The conflict killed thousands and displaced about a quarter of the population.
Since 2018, the government has increasingly relied on Russian Wagner Group (now Africa Corps) forces to secure territory and protect President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. Russian influence in CAR has grown dramatically — Wagner operates mining operations (diamonds, gold) and runs information operations in the country.
The country is also famous for one of history’s most bizarre rulers: Jean-Bédel Bokassa — who seized power in 1966, proclaimed himself Emperor Bokassa I in 1977 in a coronation costing ~$20 million (1/3 of the national budget), modelled on Napoleon, and was ousted by French troops in 1979.
A Brief History
Home to Baya, Banda, Sara peoples. French colony (Oubangui-Chari) from 1894. Independence in 1960. David Dacko overthrown 1966 by cousin Bokassa, who became “emperor” 1977-1979. Multiple coups and rebellions. Civil war 2013-2020.
Geography and Climate
CAR covers 622,984 km² — nearly the size of France. Landlocked. Terrain: savanna, rainforest in south. Climate: tropical.
Culture, Language and Religion
French and Sango are official. Religion: approximately 50% Christian, 15% Muslim, 35% traditional African religions.
The Economy
CAR has one of the world’s lowest GDP per capita. Diamonds, gold, timber, and subsistence agriculture are the main sectors.
UNESCO Sites
CAR has 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park (in danger) and Sangha Trinational (shared with Cameroon and Congo).
Travel Guide
Travel is strongly discouraged by all Western governments.
Surprising Facts
- Emperor Bokassa I held a Napoleon-style coronation in 1977 costing ~1/3 of the national budget.
- CAR is one of the world’s most mineral-rich countries per capita — but remains extremely poor.
- Russian Wagner Group effectively controls security in much of the country since 2018.
- Sango — a Ngbandi-based lingua franca — unites CAR’s multiple ethnic groups.
- CAR’s forests host forest elephants, lowland gorillas, and bongo antelope.
- The country changed its name to “Central African Empire” under Bokassa from 1976-1979.
Sources and References
See the frontmatter for cited sources.