Area: 622,984 sq km
Capital: Bangui
Principal cities: Bimbo, Berbérati, Carnot, Bambari, Bouar
Official language: French, and Sango (local language)
Independence day: Independence Day, December 1rst (1958)
Population: 4,511,488 (July 2010 est.)
Demographic growth: 1.491% (2010 est.)
Life expectancy: 44.47 years (2010 est.)
Literacy rate: 43% (2005 171st UNDP)
Religion(s): Indigenous beliefs 35%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim (15%), note: animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the Christian majority
Human development index: 171st (out of 177 countries)
Currency: CFA Franc (XAF)
GDP: $1.986 billion (2009 est.)
GDP per capital: $700 (2009 est.)
Growth rate: 1.7% (CIA 2009 est.)
Rate of unemployment: 8% (2001 est.)
Rate of inflation: 0.9 % (CIA 2007 est)
Net budgetary position: $ - 69.2 millions in 2005 (Central Bank)
Balance of payment: $ + 32.4 millions in 2005 (Central Bank)
Export partners: Belgium (32.57%), China (10.49%), Indonesia 10.36%, Morocco 10.24%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 6.87%France 5.79% (CIA 2009)
Import partners: Belgium (32.57%), China (10.49%), Indonesia 10.36%, Morocco 10.24%, Democratic Republic of the Congo 6.87%France 5.79% (CIA 2009)
Contribution of various sectors to GDP: Agriculture (55%), Industry (20%), Services (25%) ( CIA 2001 est.)