Bangui is the capital and largest city of the Central African Republic.
Although it is the smallest city in the Central African Republic with a surface area of 67 km², it is the most populous city with a population of over 700,000. Bangui has a port on the riverside, an airport providing air transportation, and highways connecting Chad, Sudan, and Cameroon.
When did Bangui Become the Capital?
In 1887, the French officer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza declared the region to be included in the French colonial system. In 1889, Haut-Oubangui (Upper Ubangi) was the first military unit in the country’s capital, Bangui. Starting in 1890, the entire country was invaded by the military, and Ubangi-Chari, founded in 1900, was declared to be the entire French military region. As a result of the country’s independence from France in 1960, it became the capital of the new country. Today, the capital Bangui is the most important point of the country, both commercially, politically and culturally.
Features of Bangui
Bangui has a population of 790,000 according to 2014 data. Bangui has an area of 67 square kilometers.
Bangui, which has a tropical climate, has two main seasons. From May to October there is a rainy season and from November to April, there is a dry season. The average annual temperature is around 26 degrees. Most precipitation is observed in June and October. In these periods, floods can be seen in the rivers. The dryest season is January and February. In this period, the average temperature increases to 34-35 degrees. In May-June and October-November seasons, irregular and unexpected precipitation can be observed.
Although Bangui is the capital, it is not much of a capital city but rather resembles a town. The city, which is considered to be one of the most important evidence of colonialism in Africa, does not have a wide range of activities. The city is a city with high crime rates due to economic difficulties. Going out at night is extremely dangerous.
Due to the low natural resources in the country which has been standing for a long time due to other countries, its local cuisine is very weak. The most famous dish, Muamba de Galinha, is a chicken dish made using okra and palm oil. Especially French, Italian, Chinese and Lebanese restaurants come to the fore. Dining in foreign-owned restaurants is very expensive by country standards.
Important Places to See in Bangui
You can enjoy a visit to the national outdoor park in the city. You can also learn the traditions by recognizing a large number of tribes through trips to the surrounding villages. The city center is very close to the river and you can watch the sunset in the Ubangi River in the evening. In the city center, you can see the great triumphal arch dedicated to Bokassa, the Presidential Mansion and the Central Exchange.
Places to visit in Bangui; Musée de Boganda, Marché Central and Place de la République. Additional area attractions include K-Cinq, Dzanga-Sangha National Park, and M’Baïki Forest.