Quick facts about Central African Republic (CAR):
- Population: Approximately 5.4 million people.
- Official Language: French.
- Other Language: Sango (also an official language).
- Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF).
- Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic.
- Major Religion: Christianity (predominantly Protestant and Roman Catholic), with indigenous beliefs and Islam also practiced.
- Geography: Landlocked country in Central Africa, 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. The landscape includes savannas, tropical forests, and rivers.
Fact 1: Central African Republic one of the poorest countries in the world
It ranks near the bottom in terms of GDP per capita, with most recent figures placing it below $500 per person annually. The poverty rate is around 71%, meaning that a majority of the population lives below the poverty line. CAR’s economy is heavily reliant on subsistence agriculture, which employs the majority of its workforce, but low productivity and instability limit its growth.
Fact 2: CAR is living in civil war now
Central African Republic (CAR) has experienced prolonged instability and conflict, often characterized as near-continuous civil war since its independence from France in 1960. Since independence, the country has seen multiple coups and uprisings, which have severely disrupted governance and development.
One major civil conflict began in 2012, when a coalition of rebel groups known as the Séléka seized power, overthrowing President François Bozizé. This sparked violence with the anti-Balaka militias, leading to widespread displacement and a humanitarian crisis. Although some peace agreements have been attempted, such as the 2019 Khartoum Peace Agreement, fighting among various armed groups has continued. As of 2024, the conflict has displaced over one million people internally and externally, and nearly half of the country’s population relies on humanitarian assistance to meet basic needs.
Fact 3: At the same time, the CAR has huge natural resource endowments
Central African Republic has substantial natural resources, yet these have largely been underutilized or exploited in ways that haven’t benefited the general population. CAR is rich in diamonds, gold, uranium, and timber, and it also has significant potential in oil and hydropower. Diamonds are especially important, representing a large portion of CAR’s export revenue. However, much of the diamond mining is artisanal and informal, with profits often going to armed groups rather than contributing to the national economy.
Despite these resources, weak governance, corruption, and ongoing conflict have prevented CAR from fully capitalizing on its natural wealth. Poor infrastructure and a lack of investment also make it difficult to develop mining and energy sectors effectively. Instead of fueling development, CAR’s resources often fuel conflict, as different armed groups vie for control over resource-rich areas. This has led to a paradox where a resource-rich country remains one of the poorest globally, with its potential largely unrealized for national growth and stability.
Fact 4: It’s one of the list of countries with absolute unsafe to visit
Organizations such as the U.S. Department of State and the UK Foreign Office consistently advise against all travel to CAR, labeling it a high-risk destination due to violent crime, armed conflict, and a lack of reliable governance. Armed groups control large portions of the country outside the capital, Bangui, and clashes between these groups frequently endanger civilians.
Kidnappings, robberies, and attacks are common, especially in areas where government control is minimal or absent. Even in the capital, security can be unpredictable. Aid organizations and peacekeeping forces from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) are present, but they cannot guarantee safety throughout the country. Due to these risks, CAR is generally listed among the most unsafe travel destinations worldwide, with tourism essentially non-existent and extremely limited infrastructure to support travelers. If a trip is still planned, check if you need an International Driving Permit in CAR to drive – although it’s more likely you’ll need armed guards.
Fact 5: CAR has large untouched areas with rich biodiversity
These regions are known for their dense wildlife populations, including iconic African species such as elephants, gorillas, leopards, and various primates. The Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve, part of the larger Sangha Trinational Park shared with Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that hosts an exceptional array of species. This area is one of the last remaining strongholds for forest elephants and western lowland gorillas, and it is renowned for its rare wildlife viewing opportunities.
The country’s biodiversity is under threat from illegal poaching, logging, and mining activities, often fueled by weak regulation and ongoing conflict. Conservation efforts have been challenging due to security risks, yet the remote and undeveloped nature of much of CAR’s wilderness has helped preserve some of its natural habitats. If stability improves, the biodiversity of CAR could offer potential for ecotourism and sustainable conservation initiatives.
Fact 6: There are about 80 ethnic groups in the country
The largest ethnic groups include the Baya, Banda, Mandjia, Sara, Mboum, M’baka, and Yakoma. The Baya and Banda are the most numerous, making up significant portions of the population. Each group has its own languages, customs, and traditions, with Sango and French serving as the country’s official languages to bridge communication between groups.
Ethnic diversity in CAR is a source of cultural richness, but it has also been a factor in social and political tensions, especially when political groups align along ethnic lines. These tensions have sometimes been exploited by armed groups and political leaders, exacerbating divisions.
Fact 7: The highest point of the country is only 1410 meters
The highest point in the Central African Republic is Mount Ngaoui, which reaches an elevation of approximately 1,410 meters (4,626 feet). Located along the border with Cameroon in the northwest of the country, Mount Ngaoui is part of a range of hills that forms a natural boundary between the two countries. Although not exceptionally high compared to other African mountain ranges, it is the tallest peak in CAR. The terrain of CAR is generally composed of plateaus and low mountains, with much of the land sitting between 600 to 900 meters in elevation.
Fact 8: CAR is home to the Pygmy indigenous people
Central African Republic is home to indigenous Pygmy groups, such as the Aka, who are known for their short stature. These communities primarily inhabit the dense tropical forests of southwestern CAR and have a distinct culture centered on hunting, gathering, and close connection to the forest environment. The average adult height among many Pygmy groups is under 150 centimeters (around 4 feet 11 inches), a characteristic often attributed to genetic and environmental factors suited to their forest lifestyle.
The Aka people, like other Pygmy groups in Central Africa, have traditionally practiced a semi-nomadic lifestyle, relying on deep knowledge of the forest for survival, including hunting with nets and foraging for wild plants and honey.
Fact 9: CAR rivers are numerous and have potential for hydropower development
Country has a dense network of rivers, with significant hydropower potential, though much of it remains undeveloped. The country’s rivers, including the Ubangi, Sangha, and Kotto, are part of the greater Congo River Basin and provide natural water sources throughout CAR. Given the lack of reliable electricity access—currently, less than 15% of the population has access to power, and in rural areas, this rate is below 5%—harnessing these rivers for hydropower could greatly improve energy availability.
Fact 10: CAR has one of the lowest life expectancies in the world
Central African Republic has one of the lowest life expectancies in the world, which is currently estimated to be around 53 years. This low life expectancy is attributed to several factors, including ongoing conflict, poor healthcare infrastructure, high rates of infectious diseases, malnutrition, and limited access to clean water and sanitation.
The country faces significant health challenges, including diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other preventable illnesses. Additionally, maternal and infant mortality rates are alarmingly high, exacerbated by inadequate healthcare services and limited access to skilled medical personnel.
