Geography
The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked country in Central Africa. It is bordered by Cameroon, Chad, Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of the Congo.

Bangui is the capital. Other urban areas include Bambari, Bangassou, Berberati, Bouar and Bossangoa.

The terrain of the CAR consists of flat to rolling plateau with scattered hills in the southwest and northeast. Rivers include the Ubangi and Shari.

The climate of the Central African Republic is tropical.

Environment
Parks in the Central African Republic include Bamingui-Bangoran National Park, Dzanga-Ndoki National Park and Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park.

The Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 1988. Following reports of poaching, the site was added to the List of World Heritage in Danger towards the end of the twentieth century.

Animals found in the Central African Republic are cheetahs, elephants, gazelles, gorillas, leopards and rhinoceroses.

Architecture
Examples of post-French Colonial architecture in Bangui include buildings such as the University of Bangui and the National School of Arts, constructed soon after independence.

An interesting monument is the triumphal arch built by "Emperor" Jean Bedel Bokassa during his short reign of the CAR in the 1970s.

Large buildings in the city include the Presidential Palace.

Population
The population of the Central African Republic was estimated at 4,444,330 in 2008.

Languages
French is the official language and Sangho is the national language. A number of other languages are spoken.

Religion
Around half of Central Africans are Christians, some are Muslims and a significant number have indigenous beliefs.

Food
Cassava is a staple food in the Central African Republic. Cassava and sorghum are made into porridge and served with sauce. Stew, with fish or meat, is also eaten.

Vegetables and fruit available include carrots, cassava, okra, plantains, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, bananas, citrus fruits, mangoes and papayas.

Beer, produced from bananas and sorghum, and palm wine are local alcoholic drinks.

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