August 13: Independence Day in the Central African Republic
Prayer Idea
Pray for the people and government of the Central African Republic.
Map by Peter Hermes Furian / Shutterstock.com.
History Note
Ancient people placed tall stones known as megaliths near what is now the Central African Republic town of Bouar. Various ethnic groups lived in the region over the centuries.
The practice of slavery had a major impact on Central Africa as outside people groups made raids to kidnap people. This continued into the early 20th century and has contributed to ongoing ethnic tension.
During the 19th century, Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, and France competed with each other for colonies in Central Africa. The French eventually took control of an area known as French Congo (and later as French Equatorial Africa) that included the modern countries of Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, and Chad.
Barthélemy Boganda became a leader in the effort to secure independence from France in the 1940s and 1950s. He became prime minister of the Central African Republic (CAR) in 1958 while it was still under French control. Boganda died in a suspicious plane crash the next year. The CAR officially gained independence from France on August 13, 1960.
Today the country has a population of nearly 6 million people from many ethnic and language groups. French is the official language, while Sangho is commonly used. Over 70% of the people identify as Christian, about 14% as Muslim, and about 12% as followers of folk religions.
This Central African Republic stamp honors Barthélemy Boganda. Photo by irisphoto1 / Shutterstock.com
Learn More
This news story looks at the legacy of Barthélemy Boganda.
Find more resources at Homeschool History.
