A Closer Look at Central African Republic
Central African Republic Flag
Central African Republic Formation Date
August 13, 1960
Central African Republic Capital Name
Bangui
Central African Republic Neighbours
Exploring Central African Republic
Origin of Central African Republic
The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked country located 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 to the south, the Republic of Congo to the southwest, and Cameroon to the west. The entire region was a part of the former French Equatorial Africa and was first settled by the Pygmies in the Upper Neolithic period. In the 16th century, many of the indigenous people were enslaved by the Portuguese, then in the 19th century, by the French. In 1960, after gaining independence from France, the Central African Republic became an independent nation.Culture of Central African Republic
The culture of the Central African Republic is a blend of African, French and indigenous influences, particularly those found in animist religions. The ethnic groups of Central Africa include the Bantu, Ubangians, Nilo-Saharan, Muslims, Pygmies, and the M'baka, all with unique customs and traditions that make up the cultural mosaic of the country. Music and dance are an important part of the country's culture, with popular styles including Bangui soul, zouk, and Soukous. Traditional instruments include drums, flutes, and marimbas.Sport in Central African Republic
The Central African Republic is mainly passionate about football and basketball. Association football is the most popular sport in the country, as well as basketball. Other popular sports include boxing, volleyball, and judo. The national football team of CAR, the Central African Republic National Team, is a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The Central African Republic Basketball Federation (CARBF) is the governing body of basketball in the country.Religion in Central African Republic
The predominant religion in the Central African Republic is Christianity, with Roman Catholicism being the most widely practiced faith. Other minority religions include Protestantism, Islam, Judaism, Baha'i, and Animism. The large majority of Muslims are located in the north of the country and are primarily Sunni. Animist beliefs are still practiced by various ethnic groups in the countryside, including the Pygmy population.Languages in Central African Republic
The official language of the Central African Republic is French. However, many native languages are also spoken, the most prominent of which are Sango, which is a lingua franca, and Gbaya, which is an Ubangian language. Other languages spoken in the country include Bandia, Banda, M’Baka, Ngbaka, Yakoma, and Kaba.Education in Central African Republic
The education system in the Central African Republic is well developed and comprises primary, secondary, and higher education. Primary education is compulsory and is provided free of charge. The official language of instruction is French. Higher education consists of both public and private institutions, most of which are concentrated in the capital, Bangui.Demographics of Central African Republic
The Central African Republic is home to a population estimated at about 4.83 million. Most of the population is centered in the south, with a much smaller number in the sparsely populated north. The country is highly ethnically diverse, with more than 80 different ethnic groups. The major ethnic groups are the Baya, the Banda, the Sara, and the M'Baka people.Commerce in Central African Republic
The Central African Republic is a poor nation with a weak economy largely dependent on agriculture, forestry, and mining. The country's agricultural sector accounts for around 35% of its GDP and employs nearly two-thirds of the country's population. Principal exports include gold, cigarettes, and diamonds. The majority of the Central African Republic's imports come from France, the United States, and Belgium.Weather of Central African Republic
The Central African Republic has a tropical climate with two main seasons—the wet season from April to October and the dry season from November to March. Average temperatures remain high throughout the year, ranging from 37° Celsius (98° Fahrenheit) during the day to 22° Celsius (71° Fahrenheit) at night. Average annual rainfall is 90 inches (2,290 mm), the highest of any Central African country.Borders of Central African Republic
The Central African Republic is bordered by six other African nations: Chad to the north, Sudan to the northeast, South Sudan to the east, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the south, the Republic of Congo to the southwest, and Cameroon to the west. The Central African Republic also shares a maritime border with Nigeria in the Gulf of Guinea.Central African Republic Highest Point Name
The highest point in the Central African Republic is Mont Ngaoui, which has an elevation of 1,420 meters (4,659 feet).
Central African Republic Capital Longitude
15.552727
Central African Republic Capital Latitude
Bangui, 6.6111° N
Central African Republic Official Languages
The official languages of the Central African Republic are French and Sango.
Central African Republic Ethnic Groups
The Central African Republic has a multi-ethnic population, comprising a variety of ethnic groups such as the Banda, the Gbaya, the Ubangian, and the M'Baka. The major ethnic groups are the Malinké, who make up about 24% of the population, the Gbaya, who make up about 22%, and the Yakoma (also known as Dendi), who make up about 18%. Minorities include the Fula, the Hutu and the Toubou. Additionally, there are many small ethnic groups, including the Pygmy, Kresh, Maba and Baya. All ethnicities have adopted Christianity as their primary religion.
Central African Republic Religions
The majority of the population of the Central African Republic (CAR) is Christian, with Catholics representing approximately half of all Christians. Animism, a belief system in which spiritual or supernatural forces are believed to inhabit specifically identified objects, is also commonly practiced. Islam is the religion of a small minority of the population, and there are also small numbers of Baha'is and Jews. Many Central Africans regardless of their religion practice indigenous religious rituals. CAR is a secular state and it guarantees the separation of state and religion.
Central African Republic Total Area
2622,984 km2
Central African Republic Land Area
As per the World Bank, the total land area of the Central African Republic is 622,984 sq km (241,510 sq miles).
Central African Republic Water Area
The Central African Republic is considered a water scarce country; only 3.4% of the total land area is classified as ‘water-area’ and less than 1.5% of the country’s total area is made up of surface water. The country has 677 freshwater lakes and ponds, as well as 64 winding rivers. The country's two largest rivers are the Ubangui and the Sangha. The Ubangui River forms the border between the CAR and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while the Sangha River is a tributary of the Congo River. According to the World Bank, around 60 percent of the Central African Republic’s population has access to safe drinking water.
Central African Republic Total Population
The total population of Central African Republic is approximately 5,202,817.
Central African Republic Currency Name
Central African CFA franc
Central African Republic Currency Code
Central African Republic currency code is XAF.
Central African Republic Currency Symbol
Central African Republic's currency symbol is XAF.
Central African Republic Calling Code
+236
Central African Republic Internet TLD
www.aveholidays.cf
How to Say "Central African Republic" In Different Languages?
- Hebrew
- הרפובליקה המרכז-אפריקאית (he-IL)
- Romanian
- Republica Centrafricană (ro-RO)
Central African Republic Popular Holidays
- New Year's Day
- 1 January
- Epiphany
- 6 January
- Feast of the Epiphany
- 7 January
- Sido Bagnon Day of the Republic
- 8 January
- Army Day
- 10 January
- Yambaye Day
- 11 January
- Yamoussa's Festival
- 4 February
- Armed Forces Day
- 19 February
- Carnival Day
- 20 February
- Banking Holiday
- 1 March
- Martyrs Day
- 4 March
- International Women's Day
- 8 March
- Flag Day
- 17 March
- Fete de la Paix
- 22 March
- Feast of the Annunciation
- 25 March
- Friendship Day
- 25 March
- Good Friday
- 2 April
- Good Friday
- 2 April
- Easter Sunday
- 4 April
- Easter Monday
- 5 April
- National Heroes Day
- 5 April
- Northern Peace Day
- 8 April
- Passover
- 14 April
- National Day of Hope
- 15 April
- Fete des Medecins
- 30 April
- International Labour Day
- 1 May
- Labour Day
- 1 May
- New Year of the Moon
- 8 May
- World Day for Trade Union Rights
- 10 May
- Truth and Reconciliation Day
- 15 May
- Whit Monday
- 24 May
- Africa Day
- 25 May
- Feast of the Ascension Day
- 3 June
- Youth Day
- 7 June
- Commemoration of Slaves
- 20 June
- Feast of the St. Peter and Paul
- 29 June
- Voodoo Day
- 2 July
- Potato Harvest Festival
- 9 August
- Independence Day
- 13 August
- Repentance Day
- 15 August
- Assumption Day
- 15 August
- Assumption of the Virgin Mary
- 20 August
- Harmony Day
- 21 August
- European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism
- 23 August
- Festival of Unity
- 31 August
- Harvest Day
- 9 September
- Cameroonian Solidarity Day
- 4 October
- Ridvaneh Festival
- 15 October
- NCCM Day
- 21 October
- National Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation
- 24 November
- KwaNgudu Day
- 27 November
- Republic Day
- 1 December
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception
- 8 December
- National Day of Reconciliation
- 24 December
- Christmas Eve
- 24 December
- Christmas Day
- 25 December
- Inner Peace Day
- 25 December
- Boxing Day
- 26 December
- Catholic Church Almsgiving
- 26 December
- Christmas Holidays
- 27 December
- New Year's Eve
- 31 December