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The former French colony of Ubangi-Shari became the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. After three tumultuous decades of misrule - mostly by military governments - civilian rule was established in 1993 and lasted for one decade. In March 2003 a military coup led by General Francois BOZIZE deposed the civilian government of President Ange-Felix PATASSE and has since established a transitional government. Though the government has the tacit support of civil society groups and the main parties, this is likely to weaken in the run-up to municipal, legislative, and presidential elections scheduled for December 2004 or January 2005. The government still does not fully control the countryside, where pockets of lawlessness persist.
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Country
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Surface Area: 622,984 square km
Population: 3,742,482 (July 2004 est.)
Located in: Central Africa
Capital City: Bangui
Head of State: Francois BOZIZE
Prime Minister: Celestin GAOMBALET
Independent since: 13 August 1960 (from France)
Currency: Franc (XAF)
Flag (image): 
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