Region: Middle Africa

Capital: Bangui

Population: 3 742 482 (July 2004 est.)

Surface area: 622 984 square km

Currency: CFA franc

GDP per capita: $1 100 (2003 est.)

Background:
The former French colony of Ubangi-Shari became the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. After three tumultuous decades of misrule - mostly by military governments - civilian rule was established in 1993 and lasted for one decade. President Ange-Felix PATASSE's civilian government was plagued by unrest, and in March 2003 he was deposed in a military coup led by General Francois BOZIZE, who has since established a transitional government. The government still does not fully control the countryside, where pockets of lawlessness persist.

Economy – overview:
Subsistence agriculture, together with forestry, remains the backbone of the economy of the Central African Republic (CAR), with more than 70% of the population living in outlying areas. The agricultural sector generates half of GDP. Timber has accounted for about 16% of export earnings and the diamond industry for 54%. Important constraints to economic development include the CAR's landlocked position, a poor transportation system, a largely unskilled work force, and a legacy of misdirected macroeconomic policies. Factional fighting between the government and its opponents remains a drag on economic revitalization. Distribution of income is extraordinarily unequal. Grants from France and the international community can only partially meet humanitarian needs.

United Nations Membership date: 20 September 1960

New York Mission:
Permanent Mission of the Central African Republic to the United Nations, 51 Clifton Avenue, Suite 2008, Newark, N.J. 07104, USA.
Telephone: 963-482-9161
Fax: 973-350-1174