Prior to French colonisation of central Africa around the 1880s, many tribes fled to the area in order to escape the slave trade.
In 1910, the area known as Ubangi-Chari became incorporated into French Equatorial Africa, however, after World War II, the territory was granted its own assembly and representation in the French National Assembly.
Internal self-government followed in 1958, with the leading nationalist politician, Barthélemy Boganda, serving as Prime Minister. Boganda died the following year and his nephew, David Dacko, took the country to full independence in 1960.
However, in 1965, with the country facing bankruptcy and political chaos, Dacko was overthrown by army chief Jean-Bedel Bokassa, and the already impoverished country was further damaged by the disastrous and profligate rule of the self-styled 'Emperor'. Bokassa’s 1977 'coronation' alone is estimated to have used up over a quarter of the country's annual income. Under the leader, the Central African Republic was renamed the 'Central African Empire'.
Bokassa was finally deposed in 1979 by Dacko and exiled to France, with the country reverted to its original title, the Central African Republic, a title that has remained.
The two dominant figures in recent history have been André Kolingba, another former army commander who took charge after ousting Dacko in a 1981 military coup, and Ange-Félix Patassé, who later emerged as Kolingba's principal opponent.
Following a transitional period which led to presidential and parliamentary elections in May 2005, François Bozizé was elected as President in place of Patassé and was elected for a second term, beating Patassé to the leadership once again.
25% of the population is Protestant. 25% is Roman Catholic. There is a small Islamic minority of 15% and 35% of the population have indigeneous beliefs.
Social conventions:Dress is informal. Care should be taken to dress modestly in Muslim areas, and Muslim customs should be respected and observed; visitors should not, for instance, show the soles of their feet when sitting. Shorts are also generally frowned upon, and women are expected to dress modestly. It is customary to shake hands. Women are strictly segregated, especially in towns. In Muslim areas, visitors should not smoke or drink in public during Ramadan.
Photography: Film is expensive and should be sent abroad for developing. Show caution and discretion when photographing local people; ask for permission. Do not photograph military installations or government buildings.
The national language is Sango, but French is the official administrative language and is essential for business. Another 68 languages and dialects have been identified in addition to these.
