Bangui

Bangui is the capital of the Central African Republic. It is located in the southwestern part of the country. The city is situated on the western bank of the Oubangi River, the nation's main trade artery, across from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Bangui developed around a military post established by the French in 1889-90. It was the administrative center for the French territory of Ubangi-Chari and continued as the national capital when the country achieved independence as the Central African Republic in 1960. Bangui is the republic's chief port and its leading administrative, economic, and educational center. It has the only university of the country.

Bangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF) is the airport serving Bangui. It is located 7km northwest of Bangui. In 2004, the airport served 53,862 passengers. There are flights to Douala, Tripoli, Paris, Brazzaville, Yaounde, Cotonou and N'Djamena.

The city centre lies near the river and features a large triumphal arch dedicated to Bokassa, the Presidential Palace and the central market. Lying 5 km further north, the heart of the residential area has the largest market and most nightlife. North of the city lie rolling hills.

The city has a community of French expats, which translates into one of the best ice cream parlours in Africa, a supermarket that sells international (mainly french) delicacies eg foie gras, and a really good Italian restaurant.