CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

The Central African Republic (CAR) is a country in central Africa. Two thirds of the country lies in the basins of the Ubangi river, which flows south into the Congo River, while the remaining third lies in the basin of the Shari river, which flows north into Lake Chad. Since most of the territory is located in the Ubangi and Shari river basins, the French called the colony it carved out in this region Ubangi-Shari, or Oubangui-Chari in French. This French colony of Ubangi-Shari became a semi-autonomous territory of the French Community in 1958 and then an independent nation on 13 August 1960. For over three decades since independence the CAR was ruled by presidents who were not chosen in truly democratic elections or who took power by force. Local discontent was eventually reinforced by international pressure, following the end of the Cold War. The first fair democratic elections were held in 1993 with resources provided by the country's donors and help from the UN Office for Electoral Affairs.The Central African Republic is one of the poorest countries in the world and among the ten poorest countries in Africa.