Central AfricaCentral Africa Republic and Cameroon became
independent from France in 1960.
Central AfricaCentral African Republic (C.A.R) lies on a vast
plateau bordered on both sides by basins broad flat
valleys.Savannas cover most of the plateau, but tropical
rainforests are found in the southwest.
Central AfricaCameroon has moved toward economic growth.Most
people in C.A.R. and Cameroon depend on subsistence farming to make
a living.Chief cash crops in Cameroon are bananas, cacao, coffee,
cotton, and peanuts.
Central AfricaCameroon has had greater success moving toward
economic development than C.A.R. because Cameroon has a stable
government, coastal ports and many natural resources.
Central AfricaMany people in both countries raise cattle. They
try to stay away from tsetse flies.Tsetse flies cause a deadly
disease in cattle that can spread to humans.
Central AfricaCongo and Gabon also became independent from
France in 1960. Both have excellent waterways and natural
resourcesBoth lie on the Equator and have hot humid climates
Central AfricaGabon has palm-lined beaches and swamps--as you
move inland the land rises to become rolling hills and low
mountains.
Central AfricaCongo has a low treeless plain along the Atlantic
coastLow mountain ranges and plateaus are just inland.Ubangi River
and Congo River flow there.Congo River is Congos major
waterway.Pictures are of the Ubangi River
Central AfricaEquatorial Guinea was a Spanish Colony until
1968.Equatorial Guineas largest island Bioko has rich volcanic
soil.
Central AfricaSao Tome and Principe became independent from
Portugal in 1975.When the Portuguese settled there in 1470 no
humans were living there.Now most people live on Sao Tome, the
largest island.
Central AfricaSao Tome and Principe are on a chain of inactive
volcanoes.Volcanic ash makes the soil more fertile.
