Central African Republic: Flag, Map, Culture & Travel
The Central African Republic is a landlocked country in central Africa. It borders Chad in the north, Sudan on the east, the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the south, and Cameroon on the west. Most of the CAR consists of Sudano-Guinean savannas but it also includes a Sahelo-Sudanese zone in the north and an Equatorial forest zone in the south. Two thirds of the country lies in the basins of the Ubangi river, which flows south into the Congo River, while the remaining third lies in the basin of the Shari river, which flows north into Lake Chad. Since most of the territory is located in the Ubangi and Shari river basins, the French called the colony it carved out in this region Ubangi-Shari, or Oubangui-Chari in French. This French colony of Ubangi-Shari became a semi-autonomous territory of the French Community in 1958 and then an independent nation on 13 August 1960. For over three decades since independence the CAR was ruled by presidents who were not chosen in truly democratic elections or who took power by force. The first fair democratic elections were held in 1993 and brought Ange-Félix Patassé to power, but President Patassé was overthrown by General François Bozizé in 2003. General Bozizé won a democratic election in May 2005 and remains in power today.
This is an entirely land-locked nation within the interior of the African continent. Much of the country consists of flat, or rolling plateau savanna, typically about 500 m above sea level. In the northeast are the Fertit Hills, and there are scattered hills in southwest part of the country. To the northwest is the Yade Massif, a granite plateau with an altitude of 3,750 ft.
Much of the southern border is formed by tributaries of the Congo River, with the Mbomou River in the east merging with the Uele River to form the Ubangi River. In the west, the Sangha River flows through part of the country. The eastern border lies along the edge of the Nile river watershed.
Things you should know when travelling to Central African Republic
Following a coup d'état in March 2003, order has yet to be restored to much of the country outside Bangui. Canadians travelling to, or residing in, the Central African Republic should maintain a high level of vigilance and monitor local developments and news broadcasts carefully. Although the security situation has improved in Bangui, the country as a whole remains unstable and may be sometimes dangerous. There is increased armed banditry in the nothern province. The present political transition and government's inability to pay civil servants' salaries represents potential motives for political and social unrest.
Canadian citizens are urged to maintain a heightened level of vigilance and to continue practising good security measures. Canadians in the Central African Republic should follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local news reports, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and remain in contact with the Consulate of Canada in Bangui or the Embassy of Canada in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
The security situation in Bangui is currently stable. However, travel in the rest of the country is still dangerous. The possibility of another outbreak of fighting cannot be ruled out. Regional wars have increased access to weapons, and armed attacks are possible. Overland points of entry are closed to tourists due to the government's inability to provide security arrangements for foreigners travelling outside the capital. Security is unstable throughout the country, and events are subject to rapid change. Foreigners are often the targets of armed gangs.
