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Central African Republic: History

Related Article: Learn more about the Central African Republic.

The C.A.R., formerly French Equatorial Africa, became independent of France in 1960.
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Central African Republic: Markets

Central African Republic: Markets (1:02)

Because there are no roads to market for rural Ivorian, most of the native people practice subsistence farming. The wealthier European residents are able to shop at markets that are more diverse in products and quality.

Central African Republic: Bangui

Central African Republic: Bangui (1:09)

Bangui is the capital city and trade center of the Central African Republic.

The Frontier: Manifest Destiny and the Indian Wars

The Frontier: Manifest Destiny and the Indian Wars (2:29)

European Americans wanted to own the land in the West, but Native Americans didn't want to give up their land. The Indian Wars began when Native American land was threatened.

Zaire: A Tour of Africa's Third Largest Country

Zaire: A Tour of Africa's Third Largest Country (20:14)

This program takes viewers on a tour of the third-largest country in Africa, Zaire. Visits with some of the 250 tribes of Zaire reveal the cultural roots of this country, as well as typical lifestyles, and current economic ills are examined.

Central African Republic: Exploring the CAR

Central African Republic: Exploring the CAR (20:16)

This program explores the Central African Republic (CAR), from the Pygmy tribes that make their home in the nation's tropical rainforest to the French expatriates who remain in the country.

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Central African Republic: History

Central African Republic: History (0:36)

The C.A.R., formerly French Equatorial Africa, became independent of France in 1960.

Central African Republic: Progress

Central African Republic: Progress (2:29)

An abundance of natural resources, including water and soil, offer the Central African Republic excellent opportunities for growth. However, because of corrupt leaders and adherence to primitive traditions, the nation's prosperity remains hindered.

Zaire: Present and Future

Zaire: Present and Future (1:16)

Zaire's people face economic difficulties but enjoy societal peace after years of colonial servitude and civil war.

Zaire: Government

Zaire: Government (2:34)

After 1965, Mobutu persuaded Zairians to Africanize their Christian names. Mobutu took over Belgium property and Christian schools and replaced these colonial organizations with national ones.

Zaire: Deforestation

Zaire: Deforestation (0:33)

The cutting of Zaire's forests is part of a worldwide trend that many believe will affect Earth's climate.

Zaire: Pygmies

Zaire: Pygmies (0:33)

The four-foot tall Pygmies are an ancient population in decline because Zaire's forests are shrinking.

Central African Republic: Pearl People

Central African Republic: Pearl People (1:22)

The Pearl, or Felani, of the grasslands, revere cattle and herd them only for their milk.

Zaire: Wildlife in Zaire

Zaire: Wildlife in Zaire (1:41)

Wildlife poaching and encroaching farmland endanger Zaire's elephant and mountain gorilla populations. Zaire has created national parks to protect them and other wildlife.

Zaire: Kinshasa

Zaire: Kinshasa (1:57)

Kinshasa has three to four million residents, and is the center of Zaire's culture.

Zaire: Roads and Transportation

Zaire: Roads and Transportation (1:09)

Subsistence farming is the work of most of Zaire's population. The poor condition of the country's roads has seriously hindered trade and the movement of goods.