🇨🇫 Central African Republic

The Central African Republic is one of the world's poorest and most unstable countries — a landlocked nation of 5.5 million with a GDP of just $2.6 billion. Per capita income is about $470. The country has been in near-continuous conflict since 2013, with armed groups controlling roughly 80% of the territory at the peak of the crisis. Russia's Wagner Group has been deeply involved since 2018, providing security in exchange for mining concessions. Despite the chaos, CAR sits on significant diamond, gold, and uranium deposits. Bangui, the capital, is one of the few cities in the world where hippos can be seen from downtown.

Diamonds and timber are the main formal exports, though much of the diamond trade is smuggled. Subsistence agriculture employs about 75% of the population. The country is under a Kimberley Process partial suspension for conflict diamonds. Foreign aid accounts for a huge share of the formal economy. GDP growth is erratic, swinging between contraction and modest recovery depending on security conditions.

CAR's Dzanga-Sangha reserve has one of the world's densest populations of forest elephants and western lowland gorillas — it's one of the few places where gorillas can be tracked on foot. The country also has the Boali Falls, sometimes called the "Niagara of Africa," which powers Bangui's electricity supply.

CAR is a failed state in all but name. Wagner's presence has added a geopolitical dimension to an already dire situation. Recovery will require decades of sustained peace that shows no sign of arriving.