What Is The Capital Of The Central African Republic?

Bangui sits on the banks of the Ubangi River bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Bangui sits on the banks of the Ubangi River bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Where Is The Central African Republic (CAR)?

The Central African Republic (CAR) is a Central African country covering an area of around 620,000 square km. It hosts a population of around 4.6 million. CAR is a landlocked nation that is bordered by Chad (north), Sudan (northeast), South Sudan (east), Democratic Republic of the Congo (south), Republic of the Congo (southwest), and Cameroon (west).

What Type of Government Does the Central African Republic Have?

The CAR is governed as a semi-presidential republic. Here, the President of CAR and the Prime Minister of CAR serve as the head of state and head of government, respectively. The President is appointed for a 6-year term by popular vote. The President appoints the Prime Minister and the Council of Minister who run the government. The legislative powers are vested in both the government and legislature. The latter is a 105-member body called the National Assembly. The legal system of the country is based on French Law. The Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court are the highest courts in CAR. Today, large parts of the country are not under the control of the government but are held by several rebel groups.

What Is the Capital of the Central African Republic?

Bangui is CAR’s capital city. It has a population of over 7 million and has a total area of only 67 square km. It is the nation’s largest city. The population density in the city is around 11,000 individuals per square km. Bangui has an elevation of 1,211 feet. Bangui is located on the Ubangi River’s northern banks near CAR’s southern borders. A series of rapids in the Ubangi just above the city makes it difficult for commercial vessels to move upstream. The river makes a southward bend as it crosses Bangui and soon joins the Congo River after it crosses the international border to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

History of Bangui

Human settlements in the area of present-day Bangui have existed as early as the Iron Age. The modern city of Bangui was established only recently. On June 26, 1889, Bangui was founded by Dolisie and Uzac. In 1906, Bangui was selected as the new headquarters of the French administration. Later, Bangui became the capital of CAR after the country attained its independence from French colonial rule in 1960.

Role of Bangui as the Capital of The Central African Republic

As the capital of the CAR, Bangui is the seat of the national government of the country. The important government offices, official residences, ministries, and departments, etc., are located here. It is also the commercial, administrative, and trade hub of the country.

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