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FACTBOX: Central African Republic

02 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT
Source: AlertNet

BANGUI, (Reuters) - Here are some key facts about Central African Republic:

* One of the world's poorest countries despite its diamond wealth, it is situated in the very centre of Africa, stretching from rainforest in the southwest to savannah in the north.

* The former French colony has seen 11 attempted coups or mutinies in the past 10 years alone and is currently ruled by President Francois Bozize, a former army general who seized power in a coup in March 2003.

* Its population of around 3.9 million have a life expectancy of 42 years and live on an average income of $260 a year, according to World Bank statistics. The capital, Bangui, has been rated the second worst city to live in after Baghdad.

* Dictator Jean-Bedel Bokassa, who declared the country an empire with himself its emperor and ruled from 1966 to 1979, was accused of cannibalism and of taking part in public clubbings to death of opponents.

* Its main exports are diamonds, timber, coffee and cotton. The IMF has said the country faces major challenges after years of conflict but that it is a good candidate for financial aid if it shows willing to implement economic change.

* Central African Republic scored points with Western powers and briefly hit the headlines in March, 2004 when Haitian leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide took refuge there after a rebellion forced him from power.

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