Central African Republic
Capital city: Bangui, largest city (main river port and international airport)
Area: 622984 square km
National day: 1 December (proclamation of self-governing republic, 1958)
Independence: 13 August 1960. Former colony of Oubangui-Chari
Population: 3.8 Miliion as of 2000
Leader: Ange-Felix Patasse born 1937, President as at October 1993
Languages: French (official) Sango, Banda, Baye, Zande.
Currency: CFA francs