Central African Republic

The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked country in Central Africa, covering a land area of approximately 620,000 sq.km with a population of about 4.7 million inhabitants. CAR gained independence from France in the 1960s, and has since been ruled by a series of autocratic leaders, including an attempt at a monarchy, but the first multi-party, democratic elections were held in 1993.

Although the country is rich in natural resources, including uranium, mineral deposits, gold, diamonds, crude oil, and other natural resources, the CAR is among the ten poorest countries in the world. In 2015, the Human Development Index had the country ranked at the lowest level of humanity, among all countries worldwide; it was also rated as the world’s unhealthiest country. The CAR is a member of the United Nations, Economic Community of Central African States, the African Union, Non-Aligned Movement, and Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.

The politics are run in a semi-presidential republic fashion, with the President being head of the state, and Prime Minister who’s head of the government. The government and parliament are given legislative authorities.

Agriculture is the main economic driver in the country, with production of cassava, peanuts, millet, and maize, being among the leading exports.

News about civil wars, government relations, international sanctions, minerals and natural resources, and internal conflicts, are among the stories covered online by the National Law Review. Visitors can find international relations and news as it relates to the CAR, its surrounding countries, and its international relations throughout Africa, on the National Law Review site regularly.