2017 Edition

CIA World Factbook 2017 Archive (HTML)

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Countries

268

Data Records

71,914

Central African Republic

2017 Edition · 310 data fields

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Introduction

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 but lasted only a decade. In March 2003, President Ange-Felix PATASSE was deposed in a military coup led by General Francois BOZIZE, who established a transitional government. Elections held in 2005 affirmed General BOZIZE as president; he was reelected in 2011 in voting widely viewed as flawed. The government still lacks full control of the countryside, where lawlessness persists. Several rebel groups joined together in early December 2012 to launch a series of attacks that left them in control of numerous towns in the northern and central parts of the country. The rebels - unhappy with BOZIZE's government - participated in peace talks in early January 2013 which resulted in a coalition government including the rebellion's leadership. In March 2013, the coalition government dissolved, rebels seized the capital, and President BOZIZE fled the country. Rebel leader Michel DJOTODIA assumed the presidency and the following month established a National Transitional Council (CNT). In January 2014, the CNT elected Catherine SAMBA-PANZA as interim president. Elections completed in March 2016 installed independent candidate Faustin-Archange TOUADERA as president; he continues to work towards peace between the government and armed groups, and is developing a disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, and repatriation (DDRR) program to reintegrate the armed groups into society.

Geography

Area

622,984 sq km 622,984 sq km 0 sq km
land: 622,984 sq km
total: 622,984 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than Texas

Climate

tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summers

Coastline

0 km (landlocked)

Elevation

635 m lowest point: Oubangui River 335 m highest point: Mont Ngaoui 1,410 m
elevation extremes: lowest point: Oubangui River 335 m
highest point: Mont Ngaoui 1,410 m
mean elevation: 635 m

Environment - current issues

tap water is not potable; poaching has diminished the country's reputation as one of the last great wildlife refuges; desertification; deforestation

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands Law of the Sea
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geographic coordinates

7 00 N, 21 00 E

Geography - note

landlocked; almost the precise center of Africa

Irrigated land

10 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

5,920 km Cameroon 901 km, Chad 1,556 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,747 km, Republic of the Congo 487 km, South Sudan 1,055 km, Sudan 174 km
border countries (6): Cameroon 901 km, Chad 1,556 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,747 km, Republic of the Congo 487 km, South Sudan 1,055 km, Sudan 174 km
total: 5,920 km

Land use

8.1% arable land 2.9%; permanent crops 0.1%; permanent pasture 5.1% 36.2% 55.7% (2011 est.)
agricultural land: 8.1%
forest: 36.2%
other: 55.7% (2011 est.)

Location

Central Africa, north of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Map references

Africa

Maritime claims

none (landlocked)

Natural hazards

hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas; floods are common

Natural resources

diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil, hydropower

Population - distribution

majority of residents live in the western and central areas of the country, especially in and around the capital of Bangui

Terrain

vast, flat to rolling plateau; scattered hills in northeast and southwest

People and Society

Age structure

40.09% (male 1,133,361/female 1,121,640) 19.94% (male 563,730/female 557,676) 32.45% (male 913,363/female 912,096) 4.1% (male 106,651/female 123,839) 3.43% (male 74,834/female 117,928) (2017 est.)
0-14 years: 40.09% (male 1,133,361/female 1,121,640)
15-24 years: 19.94% (male 563,730/female 557,676)
25-54 years: 32.45% (male 913,363/female 912,096)
55-64 years: 4.1% (male 106,651/female 123,839)
65 years and over: 3.43% (male 74,834/female 117,928) (2017 est.)

Birth rate

34.3 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

23.5% (2010)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

15.2% (2010/11)

Death rate

13.2 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Demographic profile

The Central African Republic’s (CAR) humanitarian crisis has worsened since a coup in March 2013. CAR’s high mortality rate and low life expectancy are attributed to elevated rates of preventable and treatable diseases (including malaria and malnutrition), an inadequate health care system, precarious food security, and armed conflict. Some of the worst mortality rates are in western CAR’s diamond mining region, which is impoverished because of government attempts to control the diamond trade and the fall in industrial diamond prices. To make matters worse, the government and international donors have reduced health funding in recent years. The CAR’s weak educational system and low literacy rate have also suffered as a result of the country’s ongoing conflict. Schools are closed, qualified teachers are scarce, infrastructure, funding, and supplies are lacking and subject to looting, and many students and teachers are displaced by violence. Rampant poverty, human rights violations, unemployment, poor infrastructure, and a lack of security and stability have led to forced displacement internally and externally. Since the political crisis that resulted in CAR’s March 2013 coup began in December 2012, approximately 370,000 people have fled to Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and other neighboring countries, while more than an estimated 600,000 are displaced internally as of October 2017. The UN has urged countries to refrain from repatriating CAR refugees amid the heightened lawlessness.

Dependency ratios

83.1 14.4 (2015 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 7
potential support ratio: 14.4 (2015 est.)
total dependency ratio: 90
youth dependency ratio: 83.1

Drinking water source

urban: 89.6% of population rural: 54.4% of population total: 68.5% of population urban: 10.4% of population rural: 45.6% of population total: 31.5% of population (2015 est.)
rural: 45.6% of population
total: 31.5% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 10.4% of population

Education expenditures

1.2% of GDP (2011)

Ethnic groups

Baya 33%, Banda 27%, Mandjia 13%, Sara 10%, Mboum 7%, M'Baka 4%, Yakoma 4%, other 2%

Health expenditures

4.2% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

4% (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

7,300 (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

130,000 (2016 est.)

Hospital bed density

1 beds/1,000 population (2011)

Infant mortality rate

86.3 deaths/1,000 live births 93.7 deaths/1,000 live births 78.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)
female: 78.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)
male: 93.7 deaths/1,000 live births
total: 86.3 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

French (official), Sangho (lingua franca and national language), tribal languages

Life expectancy at birth

52.8 years 51.4 years 54.2 years (2017 est.)
female: 54.2 years (2017 est.)
male: 51.4 years
total population: 52.8 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 36.8% 50.7% 24.4% (2015 est.)
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
female: 24.4% (2015 est.)
male: 50.7%
total population: 36.8%

Major infectious diseases

very high bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever malaria and dengue fever meningococcal meningitis schistosomiasis rabies (2016)
animal contact disease: rabies (2016)
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
vectorborne diseases: malaria and dengue fever
water contact disease: schistosomiasis

Major urban areas - population

BANGUI (capital) 794,000 (2015)

Maternal mortality rate

882 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

19.7 years 19.4 years 20 years (2017 est.)
female: 20 years (2017 est.)
male: 19.4 years
total: 19.7 years

Nationality

Central African(s) Central African
adjective: Central African
noun: Central African(s)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

7.5% (2016)

Physicians density

0.05 physicians/1,000 population (2009)

Population

5,625,118 estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2017 est.)
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2017 est.)

Population distribution

majority of residents live in the western and central areas of the country, especially in and around the capital of Bangui

Population growth rate

2.12% (2017 est.)

Religions

indigenous beliefs 35%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim 15% animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the Christian majority
note: animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the Christian majority

Sanitation facility access

urban: 43.6% of population rural: 7.2% of population total: 21.8% of population urban: 56.4% of population rural: 92.8% of population total: 78.2% of population (2015 est.)
rural: 92.8% of population
total: 78.2% of population (2015 est.)
urban: 56.4% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

7 years 8 years 6 years (2012)
female: 6 years (2012)
male: 8 years
total: 7 years

Sex ratio

1.03 male(s)/female 1.01 male(s)/female 1.01 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female 0.84 male(s)/female 0.64 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female (2016 est.)
0-14 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 0.84 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

4.3 children born/woman (2017 est.)

Urbanization

40.6% of total population (2017) 2.73% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
rate of urbanization: 2.73% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)
urban population: 40.6% of total population (2017)

Government

Administrative divisions

14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture), 2 economic prefectures* (prefectures economiques, singular - prefecture economique), and 1 commune**; Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui**, Basse-Kotto, Haute-Kotto, Haut-Mbomou, Kemo, Lobaye, Mambere-Kadei, Mbomou, Nana-Grebizi*, Nana-Mambere, Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha-Mbaere*, Vakaga

Capital

Bangui 4 22 N, 18 35 E UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
geographic coordinates: 4 22 N, 18 35 E
name: Bangui
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

no least one parent must be a citizen of the Central African Republic yes 35 years
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: least one parent must be a citizen of the Central African Republic
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 35 years

Constitution

several previous; latest (interim constitution) approved by the Transitional Council 30 August 2015, adopted by referendum 13-14 December 2015, ratified 27 March 2016 proposals require support of the government, two-thirds of the National Council of Transition, and assent by the “Mediator of the Central African” crisis; passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote by the National Council membership; non-amendable constitutional provisions include those on the secular and republican form of government, fundamental rights and freedoms, amendment procedures, or changes to the authorities of various high-level executive, parliamentary, and judicial officials (2017)
amendments: proposals require support of the government, two-thirds of the National Council of Transition, and assent by the “Mediator of the Central African” crisis; passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote by the National Council membership; non-amendable constitutional provisions include those on the secular and republican form of government, fundamental rights and freedoms, amendment procedures, or changes to the authorities of various high-level executive, parliamentary, and judicial officials (2017)
history: several previous; latest (interim constitution) approved by the Transitional Council 30 August 2015, adopted by referendum 13-14 December 2015, ratified 27 March 2016

Country name

Central African Republic none Republique Centrafricaine none Ubangi-Shari, Central African Empire CAR self-descriptive name specifying the country's location on the continent; "Africa" is derived from the Roman designation of the area corresponding to present-day Tunisia "Africa terra," which meant "Land of the Afri" (the tribe resident in that area), but which eventually came to mean the entire continent
abbreviation: CAR
conventional long form: Central African Republic
conventional short form: none
etymology: self-descriptive name specifying the country's location on the continent; "Africa" is derived from the Roman designation of the area corresponding to present-day Tunisia "Africa terra," which meant "Land of the Afri" (the tribe resident in that area), but which eventually came to mean the entire continent
former: Ubangi-Shari, Central African Empire
local long form: Republique Centrafricaine
local short form: none

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires David P. BROWNSTEIN (since September 2017) Avenue David Dacko, Bangui P.O. Box 924, Bangui [236] 21 61 0200 [236] 21 61 4494
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires David P. BROWNSTEIN (since September 2017)
embassy: Avenue David Dacko, Bangui
FAX: [236] 21 61 4494
mailing address: P.O. Box 924, Bangui
telephone: [236] 21 61 0200

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Stanislas MOUSSA-KEMBE (since 24 August 2009) 2704 Ontario Road NW, Washington, DC 20009 [1] (202) 483-7800 [1] (202) 332-9893
chancery: 2704 Ontario Road NW, Washington, DC 20009
chief of mission: Ambassador Stanislas MOUSSA-KEMBE (since 24 August 2009)
FAX: [1] (202) 332-9893
telephone: [1] (202) 483-7800

Executive branch

President Faustin-Archange TOUADERA (since 30 March 2016) Prime Minister Simplice SARANDJI (since 2 April 2016) Council of Ministers appointed by the president under the new constitution, the president is elected by universal direct suffrage for a period of 5 years (eligible for a second term); election last held 20 February 2016 (next to be held in April 2021) first round held on 30 December 2015, percent of vote - Anicet-Georges DOLOGUELE (URCA) 23.7%, Faustin-Archange TOUADERA (independent) 19.1%, Desire KOLINGBA (RDC) 12.0%, Martin ZIGUELE (MLPC) 11.4%, other 33.8%; second round held on 20 February 2016, percent of vote - Faustin-Archange TOUADERA 62.7%, Anicet-Georges DOLOGUELE 37.3% rebel forces seized the capital in March 2013, forcing former President BOZIZE to flee the country; Interim President Michel DJOTODIA assumed the presidency, reinstated the prime minister, and established a National Transitional Council (CNT) in April 2013; the NTC elected Catherine SAMBA-PANZA interim president in January 2014 to serve until February 2015 when new elections were to be held; her term was extended because instability delayed new elections and the transition did not take place until the end of March 2016
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president
chief of state: President Faustin-Archange TOUADERA (since 30 March 2016)
election results: first round held on 30 December 2015, percent of vote - Anicet-Georges DOLOGUELE (URCA) 23.7%, Faustin-Archange TOUADERA (independent) 19.1%, Desire KOLINGBA (RDC) 12.0%, Martin ZIGUELE (MLPC) 11.4%, other 33.8%; second round held on 20 February 2016, percent of vote - Faustin-Archange TOUADERA 62.7%, Anicet-Georges DOLOGUELE 37.3%
elections/appointments: under the new constitution, the president is elected by universal direct suffrage for a period of 5 years (eligible for a second term); election last held 20 February 2016 (next to be held in April 2021)
head of government: Prime Minister Simplice SARANDJI (since 2 April 2016)
note: rebel forces seized the capital in March 2013, forcing former President BOZIZE to flee the country; Interim President Michel DJOTODIA assumed the presidency, reinstated the prime minister, and established a National Transitional Council (CNT) in April 2013; the NTC elected Catherine SAMBA-PANZA interim president in January 2014 to serve until February 2015 when new elections were to be held; her term was extended because instability delayed new elections and the transition did not take place until the end of March 2016

Flag description

four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow with a vertical red band in center; a yellow five-pointed star to the hoist side of the blue band; banner combines the Pan-African and French flag colors; red symbolizes the blood spilled in the struggle for independence, blue represents the sky and freedom, white peace and dignity, green hope and faith, and yellow tolerance; the star represents aspiration towards a vibrant future

Government type

presidential republic

Independence

13 August 1960 (from France)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, EITI (compliant country) (suspended), FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIC (observer), OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (consists of NA judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 judges, at least 3 of whom are women) Supreme Court judges appointed by the president; Constitutional Court judge appointments - 2 by the president, 1 by the speaker of the National Assembly, 2 elected by their peers, 2 are advocates elected by their peers, and 2 are law professors elected by their peers; judges serve 7-year non-renewable terms high courts; magistrates' courts
highest court(s): Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (consists of NA judges); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 judges, at least 3 of whom are women)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president; Constitutional Court judge appointments - 2 by the president, 1 by the speaker of the National Assembly, 2 elected by their peers, 2 are advocates elected by their peers, and 2 are law professors elected by their peers; judges serve 7-year non-renewable terms
subordinate courts: high courts; magistrates' courts

Legal system

civil law system based on the French model

Legislative branch

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (131 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by absolute majority vote with a second round if needed; members serve 5-year terms) last held 30 December 2015 (results annulled), 14 February 2016 - first round and 31 March 2016 - second round (next election to be held in 2021) percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UNDP 16, URCA 11, RDC 8, MLPC 10, KNK 7, other 19, independent 60
description: unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (131 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by absolute majority vote with a second round if needed; members serve 5-year terms)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UNDP 16, URCA 11, RDC 8, MLPC 10, KNK 7, other 19, independent 60
elections: last held 30 December 2015 (results annulled), 14 February 2016 - first round and 31 March 2016 - second round (next election to be held in 2021)

National anthem

"Le Renaissance" (The Renaissance) Barthelemy BOGANDA/Herbert PEPPER adopted 1960; Barthelemy BOGANDA wrote the anthem's lyrics and was the first prime minister of the autonomous French territory
lyrics/music: Barthelemy BOGANDA/Herbert PEPPER
name: "Le Renaissance" (The Renaissance)
note: adopted 1960; Barthelemy BOGANDA wrote the anthem's lyrics and was the first prime minister of the autonomous French territory

National holiday

Republic Day, 1 December (1958)

National symbol(s)

elephant; national colors: blue, white, green, yellow, red
elephant; national colors: blue, white, green, yellow, red

Political parties and leaders

Action Party for Development or PAD Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP [Clement BELIBANGA] Central African Democratic Rally or RDC [Desire Nzanga KOLINGBA] Movement for Democracy and Development or MDD [Louis PAPENIAH] Movement for the Liberation of the Central African People or MLPC [Martin ZIGUELE] National Convergence (also known as Kwa Na Kwa) or KNK [Francois BOZIZE] National Union for Democracy and Progress or UNDP [Amine MICHEL] New Alliance for Progress or NAP [Jean-Jacques DEMAFOUTH] Social Democratic Party or PSD [Enoch LAKOUE] Union for Central African Renewal or URCA [Anicet-Georges DOLOGUELE]

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Economy

Agriculture - products

cotton, coffee, tobacco, cassava (manioc, tapioca), yams, millet, corn, bananas; timber

Budget

$250.4 million $226.6 million (2016 est.)
expenditures: $226.6 million (2016 est.)
revenues: $250.4 million

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

1.3% of GDP (2016 est.)

Central bank discount rate

4.25% (31 December 2009) 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

15.5% (31 December 2016 est.) 15.5% (31 December 2015 est.)

Current account balance

$-161 million (2016 est.) $-143.2 million (2015 est.)

Debt - external

$691.5 million (31 December 2016 est.) $661.8 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

61.3 (1993)

Economy - overview

Subsistence agriculture, together with forestry and mining, remains the backbone of the economy of the Central African Republic (CAR), with about 60% of the population living in outlying areas. The agricultural sector generates more than half of GDP. Timber and diamonds account for most export earnings, followed by cotton. Important constraints to economic development include the CAR's landlocked geography, poor transportation system, largely unskilled work force, and 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. Since 2009, the IMF has worked closely with the government to institute reforms that have resulted in some improvement in budget transparency, but other problems remain. The government's additional spending in the run-up to the 2011 election worsened CAR's fiscal situation. In 2012, the World Bank approved $125 million in funding for transport infrastructure and regional trade, focused on the route between CAR's capital and the port of Douala in Cameroon. In July 2016, the IMF approved a three-year extended credit facility valued at $116 million. The World Bank in late 2016 approved a $20 million grant to restore basic fiscal management, improve transparency, and assist with economic recovery. Participants in the Kimberley Process, a commitment to remove conflict diamonds from the global supply chain, partially lifted the ban on diamond exports from CAR in 2015, but persistent insecurity will prevent GDP from recovering to its pre-2013 level.

Exchange rates

Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs (XAF) per US dollar - 593.01 (2016 est.) 593.01 (2015 est.) 591.45 (2014 est.) 494.42 (2013 est.) 510.53 (2012 est.)

Exports

$101.5 million (2016 est.) $82 million (2015 est.)

Exports - commodities

diamonds, timber, cotton, coffee

Exports - partners

Belarus 33.5%, Germany 15.3%, France 14.2%, Chad 12.6%, Cameroon 9.7%, China 8.1% (2016)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

96.4% 7.3% 13.6% 0% 12.7% -30% (2016 est.)
exports of goods and services: 12.7%
government consumption: 7.3%
household consumption: 96.4%
imports of goods and services: -30% (2016 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 13.6%
investment in inventories: 0%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

42.9% 16% 41.1% (2016 est.)
agriculture: 42.9%
industry: 16%
services: 41.1% (2016 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$700 (2016 est.) $600 (2015 est.) $600 (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars
note: data are in 2016 dollars

GDP - real growth rate

4.5% (2016 est.) 4.8% (2015 est.) 1% (2014 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$1.78 billion (2016 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$3.185 billion (2016 est.) $3.009 billion (2015 est.) $2.84 billion (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars
note: data are in 2016 dollars

Gross national saving

4.6% of GDP (2016 est.) 4.9% of GDP (2015 est.) 4.6% of GDP (2014 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2.1% 33% (2003)
highest 10%: 33% (2003)
lowest 10%: 2.1%

Imports

$340.8 million (2016 est.) $341.2 million (2015 est.)

Imports - commodities

food, textiles, petroleum products, machinery, electrical equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals

Imports - partners

Egypt 29.8%, France 18.6%, China 6.8%, Belgium 5.7%, Cameroon 5.4% (2016)

Industrial production growth rate

2% (2016 est.)

Industries

gold and diamond mining, logging, brewing, sugar refining

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

4.6% (2016 est.) 37.1% (2015 est.)

Labor force

2.194 million (2016 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$NA

Population below poverty line

NA%

Public debt

42.5% of GDP (2016 est.) 48.5% of GDP (2015 est.)

Stock of broad money

$432.4 million (31 December 2016 est.) $426.7 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$458.5 million (31 December 2016 est.) $444.4 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$342.9 million (31 December 2016 est.) $340.9 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

14.1% of GDP (2016 est.)

Unemployment rate

8% (2001 est.) 23% unemployment in the capital, Bangui
note: 23% unemployment in the capital, Bangui

Broadcast media

government-owned network, Radiodiffusion Television Centrafricaine, provides limited domestic TV broadcasting; state-owned radio network is supplemented by a small number of privately owned broadcast stations as well as a few community radio stations; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are available (2017)

Internet country code

.cf

Internet users

246,000 4.6% (July 2016 est.)
percent of population: 4.6% (July 2016 est.)
total: 246,000

Telephone system

network consists principally of microwave radio relay and low-capacity, low-powered radiotelephone communication very limited telephone service with less than 1 fixed-line connection per 100 persons; spurred by the presence of multiple mobile-cellular service providers, cellular usage is increasing from a low base; most fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone services are concentrated in Bangui country code - 236; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2015)
domestic: very limited telephone service with less than 1 fixed-line connection per 100 persons; spurred by the presence of multiple mobile-cellular service providers, cellular usage is increasing from a low base; most fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone services are concentrated in Bangui
general assessment: network consists principally of microwave radio relay and low-capacity, low-powered radiotelephone communication
international: country code - 236; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2015)

Telephones - fixed lines

1,964 less than 1 (July 2016 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: less than 1 (July 2016 est.)
total subscriptions: 1,964

Telephones - mobile cellular

982,000 18 (July 2016 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 18 (July 2016 est.)
total: 982,000

Transportation

Airports

39 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2017)
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2017)
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
total: 2

Airports - with unpaved runways

6 (2013)
1,524 to 2,437 m: 11
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 19
total: 37
under 914 m: 6 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

TL (2016)

National air transport system

46,364 0 mt-km (2015)
annual freight traffic on registered air carriers: 0 mt-km (2015)
annual passenger traffic on registered air carriers: 46,364
inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers: 2
number of registered air carriers: 2

Ports and terminals

Bangui (Oubangui); Nola (Sangha)
river port(s): Bangui (Oubangui); Nola (Sangha)

Roadways

20,278 km 1,385 km 18,893 km (2010)
paved: 1,385 km
total: 20,278 km
unpaved: 18,893 km (2010)

Waterways

2,800 km (the primary navigable river is the Ubangi, which joins the River Congo; it was the traditional route for the export of products because it connected with the Congo-Ocean railway at Brazzaville; because of the warfare on both sides of the River Congo from 1997, importers and exporters preferred routes through Cameroon) (2011)

Military and Security

Military branches

Central African Armed Forces (Forces Armees Centrafricaines, FACA): Ground Forces (includes Military Air Service), General Directorate of Gendarmerie Inspection (DGIG), National Police (2017)
Central African Armed Forces (Forces Armees Centrafricaines, FACA): Ground Forces (includes Military Air Service), General Directorate of Gendarmerie Inspection (DGIG), National Police (2017)

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age for military service; no conscription (2017)

Transnational Issues

Disputes - international

periodic skirmishes persist over water and grazing rights among related pastoral populations along the border with southern Sudan

Refugees and internally displaced persons

600,250 (clashes between army and rebel groups since 2005; tensions between ethnic groups) (2017)
IDPs: 600,250 (clashes between army and rebel groups since 2005; tensions between ethnic groups) (2017)

Trafficking in persons

Central African Republic (CAR) is a source, transit, and destination country for children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking, women subjected to forced prostitution, and adults subjected to forced labor; most victims appear to be CAR citizens exploited within the country, with a smaller number transported back and forth between the CAR and nearby countries; armed groups operating in the CAR, including those aligned with the former SELEKA Government and the Lord’s Resistance Army, continue to recruit and re-recruit children for military activities and labor; children are also subject to domestic servitude, commercial sexual exploitation, and forced labor in agriculture, mines, shops, and street vending; women and girls are subject to domestic servitude, sexual slavery, commercial sexual exploitation, and forced marriage Tier 3 – the Central African Republic does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government conducted a limited number of investigations and prosecutions of cases of suspected human trafficking in 2014 but did not identify, provide protection to, or refer to care providers any trafficking victims; the government did not directly provide reintegration programs for demobilized child soldiers, leaving victims vulnerable to further exploitation or retrafficking by armed groups, including those affiliated with the government; in 2014, an NGO and the government began drafting a national action plan against trafficking but no efforts were reported to establish a policy against child soldiering or to raise awareness about existing laws prohibiting the use of children in the armed forces (2015)
current situation: Central African Republic (CAR) is a source, transit, and destination country for children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking, women subjected to forced prostitution, and adults subjected to forced labor; most victims appear to be CAR citizens exploited within the country, with a smaller number transported back and forth between the CAR and nearby countries; armed groups operating in the CAR, including those aligned with the former SELEKA Government and the Lord’s Resistance Army, continue to recruit and re-recruit children for military activities and labor; children are also subject to domestic servitude, commercial sexual exploitation, and forced labor in agriculture, mines, shops, and street vending; women and girls are subject to domestic servitude, sexual slavery, commercial sexual exploitation, and forced marriage
tier rating: Tier 3 – the Central African Republic does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government conducted a limited number of investigations and prosecutions of cases of suspected human trafficking in 2014 but did not identify, provide protection to, or refer to care providers any trafficking victims; the government did not directly provide reintegration programs for demobilized child soldiers, leaving victims vulnerable to further exploitation or retrafficking by armed groups, including those affiliated with the government; in 2014, an NGO and the government began drafting a national action plan against trafficking but no efforts were reported to establish a policy against child soldiering or to raise awareness about existing laws prohibiting the use of children in the armed forces (2015)