15 Interesting Facts About The Central African Republic You Didn’t Know

When you think of African destinations, countries like South Africa, Kenya, or Morocco usually steal the spotlight. But sitting quietly in the very heart of Africa is a country that barely gets talked about — the Central African Republic (CAR).

It’s one of those places that doesn’t trend often but is overflowing with incredible stories, natural beauty, and history so dramatic it could fill a Netflix series. Let’s take a trip (at least with our minds) and uncover some fascinating facts about this underrated African gem.

The Central African Republic isn’t just central by name — it’s smack in the middle of the continent. It shares borders with six countries: Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, Cameroon, Congo, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In other words, you can’t get more “African” than this location.

CAR is loaded with gold, diamonds, uranium, and oil — the kind of resources that make other countries wealthy. But decades of political instability, coups, and poor governance have left it among the poorest nations in the world. It’s the classic African paradox: rich soil, struggling citizens.

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The capital city, Bangui, sits along the Ubangi River, a waterway that separates it from the DRC. Despite years of turmoil, Bangui still charms visitors with its colonial-era buildings, lively markets, and the warm spirit of its people. If Accra is Ghana’s soul, Bangui is CAR’s heartbeat.

CAR has two official languages — French and Sango. While French is the language of government and education, Sango is the true voice of the people. Almost everyone speaks it, regardless of tribe or social class, making it one of the few indigenous languages in Africa to have official status.

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With over 60% of the population under 25, the Central African Republic is a very young country — literally. Youth dominate its streets, markets, and classrooms, giving it a vibrant energy that keeps hope alive even in tough times.

If you ever wanted to see gorillas and elephants in their natural habitat—not behind zoo fences—Dzanga-Sangha National Park is the place. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to forest elephants, western lowland gorillas, bongos, and hundreds of bird species. It’s nature at its purest.

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CAR shares this massive rainforest with Cameroon and Congo. Together, they form one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth. Think of it as Africa’s version of the Amazon, filled with untouched greenery, ancient trees, and wildlife that most people only see on National Geographic.

Just 100 kilometres from Bangui, Boali Falls crashes dramatically over rocky cliffs, especially during the rainy season. The sight is breathtaking — and yet, few outside the region have ever heard of it. If this waterfall were in another country, it’d probably be a world-famous tourist magnet.

CAR was once part of French Equatorial Africa. It gained independence in 1960, but the scars of colonialism are still visible — from the French-style education system to the architectural traces in Bangui.

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Here’s where it gets wild: In 1977, the country’s then-president, Jean-Bédel Bokassa, decided he was done being “ordinary”. So he crowned himself Emperor Bokassa I of the “Central African Empire”. The ceremony cost about $20 million, with a diamond-encrusted crown and imported champagne — all while his people lived in poverty. Imagine a real-life movie villain moment.

Music in CAR is an emotional journey — from upbeat dance tunes to soulful gospel. The late musician Zokela popularised a unique rhythm that blends local drums with Congolese-style guitars. It’s the kind of sound that makes your body move before your brain even catches up.

Deep in CAR’s southern rainforests live the Aka and Baka Pygmies, among the world’s oldest forest communities. They’re famous for their polyphonic singing — layers of harmonies that sound almost spiritual. Some ethnomusicologists say it’s one of the most complex vocal traditions in the world.

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Since independence, CAR has endured coups, rebel wars, and ethnic conflicts. But with the help of the UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSCA) and various local peace efforts, the country is slowly rebuilding. The people’s resilience is unmatched — they’ve learnt to find laughter even in chaos.

CAR uses the Central African CFA franc, the same currency used by five other countries in the region. It keeps trade stable but also ties their economies closely to France, sparking debates about financial independence.

In 2022, the Central African Republic shocked the world by becoming the second country (after El Salvador) to make Bitcoin legal tender. The move raised eyebrows globally — some saw it as futuristic; others, risky. Either way, CAR made headlines for something bold and unexpected.

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Despite its struggles, the Central African Republic is a land of extraordinary beauty, rhythm, and resilience. It’s a reminder that Africa’s most underappreciated countries often hold the most fascinating stories.

If you ever hear someone call CAR “just another poor country”, tell them this: even the heart beats quietly—but it keeps the whole body alive.