Country Profile: Central African Republic

Last reviewed: 31 December 2007

Country information

Map of Central African Republic

Area: 622,984 sq km (242,000 sq miles)
Population: 4.3 million (2007 est.)
Capital City: Bangui (population: 690,000)
People and Language(s): the Central African Republic population is made up of more than 80 different ethnic groups, none of which represents a clear majority of the country. They include the Baya, Banda, Sara, Mandja, Mboum, M'baka. French and Sangho are the official languages.
Religion(s): Christianity, Islam and indigenous beliefs are all practised.
Currency: CFA Franc (pegged to Euro)
Head of State: Francois Bozize
Prime Minister: Elie Dote
Membership of international groupings/organisations: Central African Economic and Monetary Union (CEMAC), Central Bank of Central African States (BEAC), Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD previously COMESSA), Organisation for African Unity (OAU), International Monetary Fund (IMF).