世界各国

Central African Republic

Introduction to Central African Republic

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 and lasted for one decade. In March 2003 a military coup led by General Francois BOZIZE deposed the civilian government of President Ange-Felix PATASSE and has since established a transitional government. Though the government has the tacit support of civil society groups and the main parties, this is likely to weaken in the run-up to municipal, legislative, and presidential elections scheduled for December 2004 or January 2005. The government still does not fully control the countryside, where pockets of lawlessness persist.

Government

Capital:

Bangui

Independence:

13 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 1 December (1958)

Economy

Economy overview:

Subsistence agriculture, together with forestry, remains the backbone of the economy of the Central African Republic (CAR), with more than 70% of the population living in outlying areas. The agricultural sector generates half of GDP. Timber has accounted for about 16% of export earnings and the diamond industry for 54%. Important constraints to economic development include the CAR's landlocked position, a poor transportation system, a largely unskilled work force, and a legacy of misdirected macroeconomic policies. Factional fighting between the government and its opponents remains a drag on economic revitalization, with GDP likely to contract in 2004. Distribution of income is extraordinarily unequal. Grants from France and the international community can only partially meet humanitarian needs. 

GDP:

purchasing power parity - $4.183 billion (2004 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 55%
industry: 20%
services: 25% (2001 est.)

Agriculture products:

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

Industries:

diamond mining, logging, brewing, textiles, footwear, assembly of bicycles and motorcycles

Transportation

Highways:

total: 23,810 km
paved: 643 km
unpaved: 23,167 km (1999 est.)

Waterways:

2,800 km (primarily on the Oubangui and Sangha rivers) (2004)

Ports and harbors:

Bangui, Nola, Salo, Nzinga

Airports:

50 (2003 est.)