Central African Republic: flag, capital, currency and history

Central African Republic is a country in Middle Africa, Africa. Its capital is Bangui. The currency is the Central African CFA franc. Languages spoken include French and Sango.

Quick facts about Central African Republic

Official name: Central African Republic
Capital: Bangui
Region: Africa, Middle Africa
Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF, Fr)
Languages: French, Sango
Calling code: +236
Internet domain: .cf
Area: 622,984 km² (240,535 sq mi)
Land borders: Cameroon, Chad, DR Congo, Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Sudan
Demonym: Central African
National day: National Day, December 1

Flag of Central African Republic

Download the flag of Central African Republic as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇨🇫.

SVG (vector)

History of Central African Republic

The upper Ubangi region was home to many peoples and was affected by slave raiding in the 1800s. France established control in the 1890s and 1900s, creating the colony of Ubangi-Shari, later part of French Equatorial Africa. The territory became self-governing in 1958 and fully independent in 1960. Military coups, including one in 1966 that brought Jean-Bedel Bokassa to power, marked later decades, and Bokassa declared an empire in 1976 that lasted until 1979. Armed conflict and political crises recurred from the 2000s, including a coup in 2013. Bangui is the capital.

Key dates

1903France organises the colony of Ubangi-Shari.
1910Ubangi-Shari becomes part of French Equatorial Africa.
1958The territory becomes an autonomous republic within the French Community.
1960Full independence from France is achieved.
1966A military coup brings Jean-Bedel Bokassa to power.
1976Bokassa proclaims the Central African Empire, which ends in 1979.
2013The Seleka coalition seizes power in a coup.