A former French colony called Ubangui-Shari; it obtained its internal administrative autonomy and became a member of the French Community in 1958, and later achieved its full independence on August 13, 1960. Central African Republic became an empire by President Bokassa proclaiming himself an emperor in 1977, and again a republic in 1979 after Bokassa was deposed.

Predominantly agricultural (rice, manioc, millet, bananas); diamonds are mined, and valuable deposits of iron and uranium have been discovered.

It is a member of “Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa” (CEMAC), previously known as “Customs and Economics Union of Central Africa” (UDEAC), and a member of “Economic Community of Central African States” (CEEAC).