Central African Republic (CAR)

The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked country in central Africa. Formerly the French colony of Ubangi-Shari, the CAR borders Chad in the north, Sudan in the east, the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the south, and Cameroon in the west. The CAR is home to a variety of natural resources comprising diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil and hydropower.

Key facts about CAR

Full name:

Central African Republic

Capital:

Bangui

Population:

4 434 873 (July 2008 est.)

Area:

622 984 sq km

Monetary unit:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF)

Main exports:

Diamonds, timber

Government:

Republic

Mineral regime

Diamonds are one of the primary mineral resources currently being developed in the CAR and constitute 45% of the country’s export earnings. The CAR is well known for its diamonds, ranked 5th in the world in terms of quality, and produces an estimated 620 000 carats each year. Most alluvial diamond deposits are situated along south flowing drainages which form part of the Congo Basin. In 2004 a new Mining Code was enacted aimed at encouraging foreign investment curbing corruption and re-launching the mining industry. The law grants government the right to be directly involved in exploration and mining activities in partnership with licenced individuals or companies.