The Central African Republic is a landlocked nation state in central Africa bordering on Chad, Sudan, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo and Cameroon. After French colonial rule, the country became fully independent in 1958. From 1966 till 1979, Central Africa was ruled by one of the most brutal dictators in Africa, Jean-Bédel Bokassa, who with the support of the French and Libyans set up a frightening kingdom.
The Dzanga-Sanga National Park is in the Central African Republic, located on the border with Cameroon, this is covered in dense rainforest best known throughout the world for its guerillas and forest elephants.
The country is mainly located on the north equatorial threshold (up to 4000 ft above sea level) in the heart of Africa. The territory is covered in forests, savannas and conservation areas. In the north-west, west of Bocaranga, on the border with Cameroon, the hills are up to 2000 m high. In the south-west there is a tropical rainforest. The overall picture of the country is determined by gentle hills and a flat plateau with dry forests. Bushfires or logging have destroyed parts of the forests or transformed them into savannas. In the north-east there are mountains and deserts.
In the north, there is a desert climate, in the south there is an equatorial climate with a rainy season from March to October.
The official languages are Sango (since 1991) and French (since independence). There are lots of other indigenous languages.
The international airport is Bangui M'Poko Airport, located 4 km or 2 miles from the city. The Central African Republic is served by the airlines: Air France, Benin Golf Air, Cameroon Airlines and Sudan Airways.
Due to the unstable political situation in the Republic and some of the neighbouring countries, travellers are advised to contact the embassy before travelling for up-to-date travel information.
The capital city of Bangui is located on the river Ubangi at the point where the river forms the border between the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Place de la Republique, with the arch to commemorate the victory of the former emperor Bokassa was erected. The market and the Avenue Boganda are also worth seeing.