Fact 1: The Republic with Two Names
The Central African Republic is not just called by its official name. The locals sometimes refer to it as "Bêafrîka", a Sango language phrase which means "the center of Africa". Bêafrîka emphasizes its geographical position right in the heart of the African continent.
Fact 2: The World's Least Happy Country
According to the United Nations' World Happiness Report, the Central African Republic (CAR) is considered to be the 'least happy' country in the world. The report factors in economic, social and governance elements, including freedom to make life choices, generosity, healthy life expectancy, and social support.
Fact 3: The Well of Wealth
Despite its economic struggles, the Central African Republic is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. More than 470 different types of minerals, including diamonds and gold, uranium, oil, and lumber are found in the country. However, due to poor management and corruption, the wealth does not contribute significantly to its economic development.
Fact 4: The Rule of Emperors
For about four years, from 1976-1979, the Central African Republic was transformed into an empire. The then President, Jean-Bedel Bokassa, declared himself as Emperor Bokassa I and ruled the country extravagantly until his overthrow.
Fact 5: The Big Five
The Central African Republic is one of the few places in the world that is home to 'the big five'. These are the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot - the African elephant, African leopard, Cape buffalo, African lion, and Rhinoceros. All these are found in the country's largest national park, the Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park.
Fact 6: Far from the Coastlines
The Central African Republic is classified as a landlocked country and is approximately 1,600 kilometers away from the nearest coastline, the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Its neighbour, Cameroon, separates it from the ocean, making it one of the most distant countries from the ocean.
Fact 7: Language Diversity
The national languages are French and Sango, the latter being the most commonly spoken across the country. However, what is fascinating is that the country is home to more than 80 ethnic groups, each with its own language and customs.
Fact 8: Home to World Heritage Sites
Despite its struggles, the Central African Republic is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park. It was declared a heritage site in 1988 due to its diverse wildlife and natural beauty.
Fact 9: Pygmy Presence
The Central African Republic is home to the BaAka or Pygmies, the hunter-gatherer people who are believed to be the earliest inhabitants of the Central African forests. They are also known for their unique cultural practices and intricate knowledge of the forest ecosystem.
Fact 10: Ubangi River's Influence
The Ubangi River, one of Africa's greatest rivers, has had a considerable impact on the Central African Republic's history, culture, and economy. The river has been used as a means of transportation and a source of livelihood, contributing substantially to the country's food production through fishing activities.
Fact 11: Reversed-Naming Scheme
In the Central African Republic, in many cases, the first name comes after the last name.
Fact 12: Music Industry
Despite political tumult and economic instability, the Central African Republic has a rich and vibrant music industry. Some of the popular music genres in CAR include jazz, hip hop, reggae, and a music style known as 'Zokela'.
Fact 13: Weapon Art
In the Central African Republic, artists have been converting used and dumped weapons and weapon parts into pieces of art in an act to advocate for peace.
Fact 14: Spinach is a Staple
Despite having a diverse variety of food, Central Africans consider spinach a staple in their diet. The country is also exceptionally abundant in tropical fruits, including bananas, mangoes, papayas, and avocados.
Fact 15: Before Becoming a Republic
Before gaining independence and becoming a republic in 1960, the Central African Republic was a French Colony known as Ubangi-Shari.
Fact 16: Coffee and Cotton Craze
Coffee and cotton are the country’s main exports and economic pillars along with diamonds. The locals also consume a significant chunk of the coffee produced.
Fact 17: Varied Topography
The Central African Republic offers varied topography - from a desert landscape in the north to the thick, tropical rainforest in the south. It also has savannas, grassland plains, and a wide variety of wildlife.
Fact 18: National Symbol – The Elephant
Fittingly for a country rich in wildlife and nature, the elephant, known for its power and wisdom in many African cultures, is the national animal of the Central African Republic.
Fact 19: The Heart of Africa
As the name suggests, the Central African Republic is almost at the geographical center of Africa. Therefore, the capital city, Bangui, is sometimes referred to as "the heart of Africa".
Fact 20: Handshaking Culture
The Central African Republic, like many other African cultures, values the act of handshaking. A handshake is considered a standard form of greeting between individuals, regardless of their social, economic, or political status.