Subsistence agriculture, together with forestry and mining, remains the backbone of the economy of the Central African Republic (CAR), with about 60% of the population living in outlying areas. The agricultural sector generates more than half of GDP.

Although CAR is progressively emerging from crisis, economic recovery has been very modest. After the collapse of 2013, when real GDP fell by 36%, the economy picked up only 1% in 2014, and 4.8% in 2015.

An overview of the country’s natual mineral resources

An inefficient and unstructured regulatory system and limited access to financing hold back much-needed private-sector development. The rule of law is particularly weak. There is little protection of property rights, and corruption is pervasive.

This site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Central African Republic.

This site provides a ranking with other countries on the ease of starting a business

This site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Central African Republic.

This site provides a ranking with other countries on the ease of starting a business

This site provides a detailed summary of the taxes and mandatory contributions that a medium-size company must pay or withhold in a given year, as well as administrative burden in paying taxes and complying with postfiling procedures.

Current Central African Republic Corporate Tax Rate: 73.30%

The Sales Tax Rate in Central African Republic stands at 19 percent.

In the long-term, the Central African Republic Sales Tax Rate | VAT is projected to trend around 19.00 percent in 2020, according to our econometric models.

For US citizens a valid passport, visa, and evidence of yellow fever vaccination are required for entry.

Answers to FAQs regarding Central African Republic visa requirements on this site

Most business travelers and tourists use taxis to get around Bangui, but rates can be quite expensive.  Travelers who prefer to drive must have an International Driver’s Permit and carry a valid ID and passport at all times.

Modes of transport in the Central African Republic include road, water, and air. Most but not all of the country is connected to the road network, much of which is unpaved

This site provides links to several different topics related to the telecom market in CAR

Telecommunications in the Central African Republic includes radio, television, fixed and mobile telephones, and the Internet as well as the postal system.

This site provides a detailed summary of some of the labor regulations that would apply to local entrepreneurs wishing to hire workers, organize working schedules, improve job quality for workers, or make workers redundant for economic reasons in Central African Republic.

This site provides up to date news on labor issue in CAR

This site provides a detailed summary of some of the labor regulations that would apply to local entrepreneurs wishing to hire workers, organize working schedules, improve job quality for workers, or make workers redundant for economic reasons in Central African Republic.

This site provides up to date news on labor issue in CAR

See “Safety and Security” on this US Department of State site

Safety and security; Terrorism; Local laws and customs

The Central African Republic has been ravaged by decades of civil war, and the devastating effects of aids. There are 4 levels in the education system, namely nursery school, primary school, secondary school and tertiary education. School is compulsory, in principle at least, from age 6 to age 14, and delivered in French.

A description of everyday living costs in CAR

This site provides a qualitative commentary on the cost of living in CAR

Locals typically establish a personal relationship with each other before getting down to business; and it takes more than one meeting to develop trust.

Dining etiquette in the Central African Republic is similar to the rules of dining etiquette in the other African Gulf countries. 

The climate is tropical, warm all year round, with a dry season in winter and a rainy season, which lasts most of the year in the south, and is limited to the summer months in the north. 

Over the course of a year, the temperature typically varies from 65°F to 94°F and is rarely below 58°F or above 98°F.

The government of the CAR has affirmed the importance of education. In the transition period, the government is working to restore the education sector.

Public holidays for 2016 and 2017 are listed on this site

Overview of holidays and many observances in Central African Republic

This site provides current facts and statistics on the demographic profile of CAR

See “People and Society” on this CIA site

This site provides key information on the Central African Republic’s participation in the WTO. The Central African Republic has been a member of WTO since 31 May 1995 and  a member of GATT since 3 May 1963.

Central African Republic Customs regulations and procedures for importing and exporting goods at border

Information for potential importers to CAR

A summary of import and export regulations

This site discusses the trade picture between the countries of central Africa (including CAR) and the EU

Find 128 traveler reviews, candid photos, and prices for 5 hotels in Central African Republic.

As a destination that is much less developed for tourism than its African counterparts such as Kenya and Tanzania, the accommodation options in Central African Republic are much more basic, and many of the lodges and camps have a focus on sustainable tourism rather than luxury.

Central African Republic (CAR) is a country with staggering rare natural beauty and some of the world’s most amazing wildlife.

See “Travel and Transportation ” on this US State Department site that also includes a travel advisory.