Central Africa

Central Africa Central Africa Republic and Cameroon became independent from France in 1960.

Central Africa Central 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 Africa Cameroon 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 Africa Cameroon 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 Africa Many 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 Africa Congo and Gabon also became independent from France in 1960. Both have excellent waterways and natural resources Both lie on the Equator and have hot humid climates

Central Africa Gabon has palm-lined beaches and swamps--as you move inland the land rises to become rolling hills and low mountains.

Central Africa Congo has a low treeless plain along the Atlantic coast Low mountain ranges and plateaus are just inland. Ubangi River and Congo River –flow there. Congo River is Congo’s major waterway. Pictures are of the Ubangi River

Central Africa Equatorial Guinea was a Spanish Colony until 1968. Equatorial Guinea’s largest island Bioko has rich volcanic soil.

Central Africa Sao 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 Africa Sao Tome and Principe are on a chain of inactive volcanoes. Volcanic ash makes the soil more fertile.