Africa · Middle Africa

Central African Republic

Flag of Central African Republic
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+01:00
🏛️ Capital
Bangui
👥 Population
6,470,307
📐 Area
622,984 km²
💱 Currency
Central African CFA franc (Fr)
🗣️ Languages
French, Sango
📞 Calling Code
+236
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+01:00
🌐 Region
Africa / Middle Africa

About Central African Republic

The Central African Republic occupies a vast, landlocked heart of Africa, a country of enormous biological wealth and deeply challenging circumstances. Dense rainforests in the southwest, vast savannas across the center, and rocky highlands to the north create a landscape of exceptional diversity that harbors western lowland gorillas, forest elephants, bongo antelopes, and one of the most extraordinary concentrations of wildlife on the continent. The country's rivers — tributaries of the Congo and Ubangi systems — are arteries of life supporting communities that have lived in these forests for thousands of years.

Bangui, the capital on the Ubangi River, sits at the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and offers a small-city atmosphere where the pace of life feels entirely distinct from urban Africa elsewhere. Riverside markets, the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Boganda Museum give a compressed but meaningful introduction to the country's identity. For those with the resources and resolve to venture deeper, the Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve in the southwest offers one of Africa's most intimate wildlife experiences: forest elephant clearings (bais), western lowland gorilla habituation, and BaAka pygmy cultural immersion in jungle settings of extraordinary primeval beauty.

The CAR is not a destination for unprepared or risk-averse travelers. Significant portions of the country have experienced armed conflict for over a decade, and infrastructure is among the most limited on the continent. But for wildlife professionals, serious conservationists, and the most intrepid adventurers willing to navigate its complexities, the Central African Republic offers encounters with nature at a rawness and scale that few places on earth can still provide.

History & Background

The territory of the Central African Republic was home to advanced Iron Age societies and was part of the great Saharan trade networks in the pre-colonial era. The region suffered immensely from the 19th-century slave trade — Arab slavers from the north and east raided communities across the territory for decades, decimating populations. French colonial forces arrived in the 1880s, and the territory was organized as Ubangi-Shari within French Equatorial Africa. French companies were granted concessions over vast areas and extracted rubber and ivory through brutal forced labor systems that rivaled the worst excesses of the Belgian Congo.

Independence came on August 13, 1960, under President Barthélemy Boganda, who coined the national motto "Unity — Dignity — Work." The country's post-independence history has been marked by repeated military coups, the extraordinary rule of Jean-Bédel Bokassa (who declared himself Emperor in 1977 in a ceremony that cost the equivalent of the country's annual healthcare budget), and endemic poverty driven by governance failures despite significant diamond, gold, and timber resources. A civil war beginning in 2012 and continuing in various forms has created a major humanitarian crisis. International peacekeeping forces and the Khartoum peace process have brought partial stabilization to some areas.

Culture & People

The Central African Republic is home to over 80 ethnic groups, with the Baya and Banda peoples forming the two largest communities in the country's center and north. Sango, a Creole-influenced lingua franca derived from a Ngbandi river dialect, serves as the national language alongside French and is spoken by the majority of the population, giving the country a linguistic cohesion unusual in Africa's diverse landscape. The Sangha River basin in the southwest is home to the BaAka people — one of Africa's last remaining forest-dwelling hunter-gatherer communities, whose profound ecological knowledge and polyphonic music represent one of humanity's most ancient living traditions.

Music and dance are deeply embedded in Central African social life: the hindewhu vocal style of the BaAka — recorded internationally by ethnomusicologists and influenced composers from jazz to contemporary classical — is a remarkable artistic achievement built on call-and-response singing, yodeling, and forest spirit invocations. Wooden slit drums, harps, and thumb pianos feature in the musical traditions of communities across the savanna. Weaving, basket-making, and iron-smelting traditions, though diminished by conflict and displacement, represent a living material culture connecting modern Central Africans to deep pre-colonial histories.

Food & Cuisine

Central African cuisine is characterized by the tropical abundance of the forest and savanna — cassava, plantain, yams, and maize form the starchy foundation of most meals, cooked with an array of leafy greens, freshwater fish, and game meats into stews and soups that are deeply flavorful and satisfying. Gozo, a thick cassava dough similar to West Africa's fufu or banku, is the primary staple and is eaten by hand with vegetable or meat sauces. Roadside grills throughout Bangui serve brochettes of goat, beef, and chicken over charcoal, seasoned simply with salt and local spices.

The Ubangi River and Congo tributaries provide exceptional freshwater fish: capitaine (Nile perch), tilapia, catfish, and smaller species are smoked, dried, or freshly grilled and form a critical protein source for communities throughout the country. Bush meat, including duiker antelope, is consumed in rural areas though conservation concerns have made this increasingly contentious. Palm nut soup cooked with meat, tomatoes, and chili is a rich, oil-infused classic found throughout the country. Locally brewed sorghum beer (bili bili) is the traditional social drink, consumed communally from large clay pots during celebrations and gatherings.

Top Attractions

  • Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve — A UNESCO World Heritage rainforest harboring forest elephants at the Dzanga clearing, western lowland gorillas, and BaAka forest culture.
  • Dzanga Bai — A forest clearing where up to 100 forest elephants gather simultaneously at the mineral lick, one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife spectacles.
  • BaAka Cultural Experiences — Visits to BaAka communities in the Sangha forest offer rare insight into one of humanity's oldest surviving hunter-gatherer traditions and musical cultures.
  • Bangui Cathedral — The Notre Dame Cathedral overlooking the Ubangi River is one of Central Africa's most striking colonial-era religious buildings.
  • Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park — A UNESCO-listed savanna park of exceptional biodiversity, though currently inaccessible due to security conditions in the north.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Check the latest government travel advisories without exception before planning any visit — large parts of the CAR are subject to "do not travel" warnings from most Western governments.
  • Travel to Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve should be organized exclusively through vetted specialist operators who have active conservation relationships with the reserve management.
  • Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory; hepatitis A, typhoid, malaria prophylaxis, and meningococcal vaccination are all strongly recommended.
  • The Central African CFA franc is the currency; euros are useful for changing in Bangui but US dollars are also accepted in some contexts.
  • Always travel with a registered local guide and remain in contact with your country's embassy in Bangui throughout your stay.
  • Internet and mobile connectivity is limited outside Bangui; download offline maps and carry paper backup materials for any overland journey.

Visa Overview

All foreign nationals require a visa to enter the Central African Republic. Visas should be obtained in advance from a CAR embassy or consulate abroad, as visa on arrival is not reliably available. Requirements include a valid passport with at least six months of validity, a completed application form, passport photos, a yellow fever vaccination certificate, and the visa fee. Travelers should also carry a letter of invitation or confirmation from a tour operator, particularly for wildlife tourism to Dzanga-Sangha. Given the security situation, specialist tour operators handling Dzanga-Sangha visits typically manage the visa and entry process for guests.

Getting Around

Bangui's Bangui M'Poko International Airport receives limited international flights primarily from Paris, Ethiopian Airlines hubs, and regional African carriers. Within the country, road travel is extremely challenging — vast distances on unpaved roads that become impassable in the rainy season. Overland travel outside Bangui and immediate environs should only be undertaken with specialist operators who have current security intelligence. Dzanga-Sangha is best reached by small aircraft charter from Bangui, as the overland route is long and passes through areas of security concern. Hiring vehicles in Bangui requires going through established local operators.

Safety Notes

The Central African Republic is one of the world's most challenging travel destinations from a safety perspective. Armed groups operate across large parts of the country, and multiple Western governments advise against all travel except to specific areas like Bangui and Dzanga-Sangha under specialist guidance. If visiting, register with your embassy, travel only with expert local guides, avoid political gatherings and military checkpoints, and maintain a low profile. Malaria is hyperendemic. Medical facilities are extremely limited — comprehensive evacuation insurance is not optional.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Central African Republic.

Central African CFA franc (XAF) Fr
Updated: 2026-07-06
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.024315
AAVE 0.000020
ADA 0.009285
AED 0.006401
AFN 0.110812
AGIX 0.022339
AKT 0.002779
ALGO 0.019470
ALL 0.142868
AMD 0.641334
AMP 3.907483
ANG 0.003143
AOA 1.600667
APE 0.012433
APT 0.002787
AR 0.000873
ARB 0.021790
ARS 2.601387
ATOM 0.001102
ATS 0.020977
AUD 0.002516
AVAX 0.000252
AWG 0.003120
AXS 0.001726
AZM 14.814629
AZN 0.002963
BAKE 2.319545
BAM 0.002982
BAT 0.019790
BBD 0.003486
BCH 0.000007
BDT 0.214853
BEF 0.061498
BGN 0.002982
BHD 0.000655
BIF 5.188618
BMD 0.001743
BNB 0.000003
BND 0.002253
BOB 0.012073
BRL 0.009007
BSD 0.001743
BSV 0.000118
BSW 5.207423
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.032889
BTG 0.006040
BTN 0.166054
BTT 6,571.739005
BUSD 0.001741
BWP 0.023523
BYN 0.005061
BYR 34.164096
BZD 0.003510
CAD 0.002477
CAKE 0.001204
CDF 4.021288
CELO 0.025942
CFX 0.038957
CHF 0.001402
CHZ 0.096541
CLP 1.605557
CNH 0.011837
CNY 0.011832
COMP 0.000104
COP 5.825689
CRC 0.794215
CRO 0.029159
CRV 0.008153
CSPR 0.897419
CUC 0.001743
CUP 0.046191
CVE 0.168106
CVX 0.001449
CYP 0.000892
CZK 0.036872
DAI 0.001744
DASH 0.000050
DCR 0.000157
DEM 0.002982
DFI 2.097825
DJF 0.310398
DKK 0.011395
DOGE 0.022554
DOP 0.103295
DOT 0.001998
DYDX 0.013197
DZD 0.231795
EEK 0.023853
EGLD 0.000631
EGP 0.085615
ENJ 0.060223
EOS 0.024063
ERN 0.026143
ESP 0.253654
ETB 0.278786
ETC 0.000245
ETH 0.000001
EUR 0.001524
EURC 0.001526
FEI 0.001744
FIL 0.002207
FIM 0.009064
FJD 0.003914
FKP 0.001306
FLOW 0.062192
FLR 0.250744
FRAX 0.001762
FRF 0.0100
FTT 0.007317
GALA 0.760786
GBP 0.001306
GEL 0.004578
GGP 0.001306
GHC 198.010215
GHS 0.019801
GIP 0.001306
GMD 0.128529
GMX 0.000294
GNF 15.280923
GNO 0.000017
GRD 0.519470
GRT 0.091864
GT 0.000257
GTQ 0.013304
GUSD 0.001745
GYD 0.364815
HBAR 0.023082
HKD 0.013670
HNL 0.046661
HNT 0.007273
HOT 4.829819
HRK 0.011486
HT 0.048645
HTG 0.228136
HUF 0.539064
ICP 0.000791
IDR 31.359082
IEP 0.001201
ILS 0.005235
IMP 0.001306
IMX 0.012615
INJ 0.000357
INR 0.166054
IQD 2.285277
IRR 2,398.371797
ISK 0.219529
ITL 2.951825
JEP 0.001306
JMD 0.276114
JOD 0.001236
JPY 0.282088
KAS 0.056818
KAVA 0.038629
KCS 0.000241
KDA 0.299033
KES 0.225341
KGS 0.152441
KHR 6.988726
KMF 0.7500
KNC 0.015636
KPW 1.568760
KRW 2.671618
KSM 0.000495
KWD 0.000541
KYD 0.001450
KZT 0.823943
LAK 39.405256
LBP 156.518164
LDO 0.006452
LEO 0.000186
LINK 0.000218
LKR 0.583688
LRC 0.141854
LRD 0.316552
LSL 0.028329
LTC 0.000039
LTL 0.005264
LUF 0.061498
LUNA 0.035490
LUNC 28.388190
LVL 0.001071
LYD 0.011180
MAD 0.016320
MANA 0.025048
MBX 0.069301
MDL 0.030677
MGA 7.396034
MGF 36.980170
MINA 0.036763
MKD 0.093911
MKR 0.000001
MMK 3.658912
MNT 6.246787
MOP 0.014080
MRO 0.696062
MRU 0.069606
MTL 0.000654
MUR 0.081928
MVR 0.026944
MWK 3.023294
MXN 0.030465
MXV 0.003454
MYR 0.007106
MZM 111.312785
MZN 0.111313
NAD 0.028329
NEAR 0.000875
NEO 0.000881
NEXO 0.002266
NFT 6,576.469597
NGN 2.388257
NIO 0.064158
NLG 0.003360
NOK 0.017144
NPR 0.265811
NZD 0.003063
OKB 0.000022
OMR 0.000671
ONE 1.394409
OP 0.016212
ORDI 0.000537
PAB 0.001743
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.005935
PEPE 638.995869
PGK 0.007668
PHP 0.107211
PI 0.015407
PKR 0.484891
PLN 0.006544
POL 0.023699
PTE 0.305633
PYG 10.601398
QAR 0.006344
QNT 0.000026
QTUM 0.002452
ROL 79.670002
RON 0.007967
RPL 0.000861
RSD 0.178810
RUB 0.134304
RUNE 0.004214
RVN 0.457320
RWF 2.554863
SAND 0.034932
SAR 0.006536
SBD 0.014104
SCR 0.024906
SDD 104.616602
SDG 1.046166
SEK 0.016824
SGD 0.002253
SHIB 398.078084
SHP 0.001306
SIT 0.365329
SKK 0.045927
SLE 0.039808
SLL 39.807698
SNX 0.007611
SOL 0.000022
SOS 0.995266
SPL 0.000290
SRD 0.065611
SRG 65.610719
SSP 8.277345
STD 37.627164
STN 0.037627
STX 0.010193
SUI 0.002333
SVC 0.015250
SYP 0.192665
SZL 0.028329
THB 0.057934
THETA 0.012424
TJS 0.016155
TMM 30.580799
TMT 0.006116
TND 0.005138
TOP 0.004197
TRL 81,594.535810
TRX 0.005307
TRY 0.081595
TTD 0.011810
TUSD 0.001747
TVD 0.002516
TWD 0.055930
TWT 0.005070
TZS 4.579654
UAH 0.077673
UGX 6.369447
UNI 0.000551
USD 0.001743
USDC 0.001743
USDD 0.001745
USDP 0.001748
USDT 0.001745
UYU 0.070150
UZS 20.858647
VAL 2.951825
VEB 112,319,045.333648
VED 1.123090
VEF 112,309.045596
VES 1.123090
VET 0.369456
VND 45.838578
VUV 0.209482
WAVES 0.006559
WEMIX 0.006732
WOO 0.147197
WST 0.004821
XAG 0.000028
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.004718
XCG 0.003143
XCH 0.001106
XDC 0.062028
XDR 0.001286
XEC 328.111379
XEM 4.071317
XLM 0.008730
XMR 0.000005
XOF 1.0000
XPD 0.000001
XPF 0.181920
XPT 0.000001
XRP 0.001522
XTZ 0.007004
YER 0.413055
ZAR 0.028329
ZEC 0.000004
ZIL 0.564995
ZMK 31.980970
ZMW 0.031981
ZWD 0.630755
ZWG 0.046751
ZWL 116.817239

No currencies match your search.

Cities in Central African Republic 178
Browse all cities and towns
( Balé-Loko) ( Bogongo Gaza) (Lessé) Abba Akourousoulba Akpia Alindao Amada-Gaza Amada-Gaza (Haute-Boumbé) Baboua Bagandou (Moboma) Bakouma Balego Bamba Bambari Bambio (Mbaéré) Bamingui Bang Bangassou Bangui Bania Baoro Baoro (Bawi-Tédoa) Bata Batangafo Batibla Bayanga Bégoua Békadili Békazénan Beloko Bémal Berbérati Betoko Bilolo Bimo Bingué Birao Boali Bobangui (Pissa) Bobanou Bocaranga Boda Bodoupoua Boganangone ( Boutélossi) Boguila Bohong Bondia Bongangolo Bossangoa Bossembélé Bossemptele Bossongo II Bossongo-Manoeuvres Bouansouma Bouar Bouca Bowaye Boyabane Boyo Bozoum Bria Budua Bukoko Carnot Dabizi Damara Déde-Mokouba (Haute-Kadéï) Dekoa Dilapoko Dimbi Djemah Doaka Féré Gadzi (Topia) Gallo Gambo Gamboula (Basse-Boumbé) Gaudrot Gbada Gisibanda Gogourtakoro Goussou Gouze Grimari Guen Hang-Zoung Herman-Brousse Ippy Kabo Kaboro Kaga-Bandoro Kassagon Kemba Kembé Kolo Kongbo Kouango Koui Kounang Kounde Kounpo Léré Linga Lopo Maloum Mambéllé Mamvoula Mann Markounda Mbaïki Mbali Mbankoé Mbata Mbolo Mbotoga Mboula Mbouli Mbrès Mingala Mobaye Mongoumba Moyenne Sido Nana-Bakassa Nandobo (Haute-Batouri) Nao Nassole (Ouakanga) Ndélé Ndim Ndinguiri Ndogba Ndomete Ngakobo Ngaoundaye Ngodjo Ngotto ( Lobaye) Niem Niem-Yéléwa Nola Noufou Nzako Nzoro Obo Ongo Ouadda Ouanda Djallé Ouango Paoua Pende Poumayassi Rafaï Sabou Salo Sam-Ouandja Sapoua (Basse-Mambéré) Satema Senkpa-Mbaéré Sibut Sosso-Nakombo (Basse-Kadéï) Taley Tapourou Tere Tiringoulou Vange vilage minier village minier Wampo Wapo (Basse-Batouri) Yaloke Yawa ( Boganda) Yéléwa Yenga Yombo Yoro-Samba Bougoulou Zémio Zondo Zotoua-Bangarem Zoulouma

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Central African Republic needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Central African Republic?
The capital of Central African Republic is Bangui.
What currency does Central African Republic use?
Central African Republic uses the Central African CFA franc (Fr) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Central African Republic?
The official language(s) of Central African Republic include French, Sango.
What is the population of Central African Republic?
Central African Republic has a population of approximately 6,470,307 people.
What region is Central African Republic in?
Central African Republic is located in Africa, specifically in the Middle Africa subregion.
What is the international calling code for Central African Republic?
The international dialing code for Central African Republic is +236.
What time zones does Central African Republic observe?
Central African Republic observes the following time zone(s): UTC+01:00.
What is the current time in Central African Republic?
The local time in Central African Republic is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Central African Republic?
Central African Republic covers a total area of 622,984 km².
How many states or provinces does Central African Republic have?
Central African Republic is divided into 17 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Central African Republic in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Central African Republic in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Central African Republic?
Visa requirements for citizens of Central African Republic vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.