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history of Central African Republic: Quick Facts

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Central African Republic
Map of the Central African Republic showing its national boundaries, major cities and towns, and neighboring countries including Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. An inset locator map highlights the country's position within Africa.
Map of Africa showing the territorial divisions and colonial possessions by European powers from the late 19th to early 20th century. Countries and regions are color-coded to indicate British, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Belgian, and German control, with independent countries and British-Egyptian condominium also marked. The map highlights the extent and timing of colonization, with most of the continent under European rule except for Ethiopia and Liberia.
Map of Africa in 1960 showing the political status of each territory or country. Many countries gained independence that year, including Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Mali, Niger, Chad, and the Central African Republic. Countries already independent at that time included Ethiopia, Liberia, Ghana, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Sudan, and South Africa. More than 20 territories remained under colonial rule.
Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, Jean-Bédel Bokassa, and Elisabeth Domitien
Jean-Bedel Bokassa, wearing an ornate crown and red velvet robe, stands on a throne before a large golden eagle backdrop during his coronation as emperor.
David Dacko, President of the Central African Republic, shown in a close-up black and white portrait wearing a suit and tie, smiling slightly.
François Bozizé
Map of western Sudan and eastern Chad highlighting Darfur conflict zones and refugee camps. Conflict areas within and outside Darfur are marked, with clusters of refugee camps shown along the Chad border and several camps and internally displaced person (IDP) sites within Darfur. State and international boundaries are indicated, along with major cities such as Al-Fashir, Nyala, and Abeche.
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