# Central African Empire > former country **Wikidata**: [Q189988](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q189988) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_African_Empire) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/central-african-empire ## Summary The Central African Empire was a former country that existed from December 4, 1976, to September 20, 1979, under the rule of Emperor Jean-Bedel Bokassa. It was established after Bokassa declared himself emperor, replacing the Central African Republic (CAR), which had been independent since 1960. The empire had a population of approximately 3 million people and was dissolved following a military intervention by France in 1979. ## Key Facts - **Inception**: December 4, 1976 - **Dissolution**: September 20, 1979 - **Population**: 3,000,000 - **Capital**: Bangui (established in 1889) - **Currency**: Central African CFA franc (shared with several other Central African countries) - **Government**: Monarchy under Emperor Jean-Bedel Bokassa - **Predecessor**: Central African Republic (independent since 1960) - **Language**: French (official language) - **Coordinates**: 6.7° N latitude, 20.9° E longitude - **Aliases**: Empire centrafricain - **Related Entities**: House of Bokassa, Emperor of Central Africa, Operation Caban ## FAQs **What was the Central African Empire?** The Central African Empire was a short-lived monarchy established in 1976 by Jean-Bedel Bokassa, who declared himself emperor. It replaced the Central African Republic and lasted until 1979, when it was dissolved by French military intervention. **Who was the ruler of the Central African Empire?** Jean-Bedel Bokassa served as the emperor of the Central African Empire from 1976 until its dissolution in 1979. He had previously been the president of the Central African Republic. **What happened to the Central African Empire?** The Central African Empire was dissolved on September 20, 1979, following a military operation called Operation Caban, which was conducted by France to restore the Central African Republic. **Where was the Central African Empire located?** The Central African Empire was located in Central Africa, with its capital in Bangui. It shared borders with several countries that used the Central African CFA franc as their currency. **What was the official language of the Central African Empire?** The official language of the Central African Empire was French, reflecting its colonial heritage and the language spoken by its ruling elite. ## Why It Matters The Central African Empire was significant as a brief experiment in African monarchy, contrasting with the post-colonial republics that dominated the region. Bokassa's self-proclaimed imperial rule highlighted the tensions between traditional African governance and modern political structures. The empire's dissolution marked a return to the Central African Republic, but its legacy remains a topic of historical and political interest in Central Africa. ## Notable For - **Shortest-Lived African Monarchy**: The Central African Empire was one of the briefest monarchies in African history, lasting less than three years. - **Bokassa's Self-Proclaimed Empire**: Jean-Bedel Bokassa's declaration of himself as emperor was a unique and controversial act, reflecting his authoritarian ambitions. - **French Military Intervention**: The dissolution of the empire was the result of Operation Caban, a French military operation that restored the Central African Republic. - **Cultural and Political Experiment**: The empire served as an experiment in African monarchy, offering insights into the challenges of transitioning from colonial rule to self-governance. ## Body ### History The Central African Empire was established on December 4, 1976, when Jean-Bedel Bokassa, the president of the Central African Republic, declared himself emperor. This marked a significant shift from the republic to a monarchy, a move that was both controversial and unprecedented in the region. The empire was officially dissolved on September 20, 1979, following a military intervention by France, which restored the Central African Republic. ### Government and Leadership Under Emperor Bokassa, the Central African Empire was governed as a monarchy. Bokassa, who had previously served as president, had a complex background that included military service and political maneuvering. His rule was characterized by authoritarian tendencies, and his self-proclaimed imperial status was a departure from the post-colonial political landscape of Central Africa. ### Geography and Demographics The Central African Empire was located in Central Africa, with its capital in Bangui. The empire had a population of approximately 3 million people. It shared borders with several countries that used the Central African CFA franc as their currency, reflecting the economic and political ties between these nations. ### Language and Culture French was the official language of the Central African Empire, a reflection of its colonial heritage. The empire's cultural landscape was shaped by Bokassa's authoritarian rule and the broader political context of post-colonial Africa. The empire's brief existence left a lasting impact on the region's political and cultural narratives. ### Related Entities - **House of Bokassa**: The self-proclaimed African royal and imperial house established by Jean-Bedel Bokassa. - **Emperor of Central Africa**: The title held by Jean-Bedel Bokassa during his rule. - **Operation Caban**: The French military operation that led to the dissolution of the Central African Empire in 1979. ### Legacy The Central African Empire remains a notable but brief chapter in African history. Its legacy includes insights into the complexities of post-colonial governance and the challenges of transitioning from republics to monarchies. The empire's dissolution marked a return to the Central African Republic, but its legacy continues to be studied and debated in historical and political contexts. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013