About Central African Republic

The Central African Republic, a landlocked country, borders Sudan to the east, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo to the south, Cameroon to the west, and Chad to the north. Its land area is 240,000 sq. mi. The capital is Bangui.

The country is mostly savannas, but includes a Sahelo-Sudanian zone in the north and a southern equatorial forest. Two thirds of the CAR sits in the Ubangi River basin, which flows into the Congo River. This, in turn, flows into Lake Chad.

France named the colony containing the CAR Ubangi-Chari. In 1958, it became a semi-autonomous French Community. On August 13, 1960, it became independent. The CAR was ruled for its first three decades by presidents not democratically chosen. International pressure reinforced local discontent after the Cold War ended.

In 1993, multi-party elections were first held. This occurred due to donors and help from the United Nations Office for Electoral Affairs. The election resulted in Ange-Felix Parasse being brought to power. During his presidency, he lost popularity. In 2003, General Francois Bozize, backed by France, overthrew him. Bozize won election in May 2005. In 2007, workers in the public sector went on strike to protest lack of pay.