Central African Republic

Access to clean water is the first step in a better life for Central Africans.

Photo: Jenny Vaughan/Mercy Corps

Central African Republic has been described by the United Nations High Commissioner as "the most neglected crisis in the world." Already one of the world's poorest countries, it is torn by multiple conflicts in its northeastern and northwestern regions. About 250,000 people have been displaced from their homes by violence, and more than 70,000 have become refugees in the neighboring countries of Cameroon and Chad. Mercy Corps is helping Central African Republic's population improve water, sanitation and hygiene, while reinforcing good governance and building economic opportunities.

Video: How Farmers Can Keep Their Kids in School ›

Topics: Education, Agriculture

The vast majority of Central Africans depend upon agriculture to feed their families and earn a living.

Video: Gathering Around the Well ›

Topics: Water/Sanitation, Displacement

Bouar, one of the largest cities in Central African Republic, has no running water.

Video: Distributing Seeds and Feeding Families ›

Topics: Hunger, Agriculture

The Central African Republic is one of the least-developed countries in the world.

Blog Post: Standing up for their futures ›

Topics: Women's Empowerment, Livelihoods, Education, Economic Development

In the Central African Republic there are many young, unwed mothers and they often have a very difficult life. In many cases, their family will disown them.

Blog Post: Fighting for their homes ›

Topics: Women's Empowerment, Education, Citizen Involvement

In the Central African Republic, women’s rights here are few, and the enforcement of the laws is almost non-existent. Most women are not even aware they have many rights.

Blog Post: 'I have never seen a place as poor as this' ›

Topics: Women's Empowerment, Livelihoods, Food/Nutrition, Economic Development, Conflict & War, Civil Society, Citizen Involvement

I am writing from the Central African Republic, a land-locked country slightly smaller than Texas — and the second poorest country on Earth.

Blog Post: Video: Fatou Ali gets economic independence ›

Topics: Women's Empowerment, Livelihoods, Financial Services, Economic Development

Today, thanks to Mercy Corps, I can support my family by providing food for our table, schooling for the kids, and being able to pay for their health care and clothing.

Life, Interrupted ›

Topics: Conflict & War, Disability, Displacement, Economic Development, Emergencies

We're assisting Luc Mbarte and more than 400 other vulnerable families in a troubled area of Central African Republic through the Gates Foundation-funded Global Food Crisis Response Programme.

Feeding a Family ›

Topics: Economic Development, Microfinance

No fewer than 13 children depend on Sophie's income from her food stall in the Central African Republic. Among her challenges are two most of us can relate to: the rising cost of food and fuel.

A Devastating Return ›

Topics: HIV/AIDS, Emergencies

John Hanson returned to Central African Republic in June 2007 as part of a Mercy Corps emergency response team. He found a much different country than the one he'd experienced a decade ago.

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Central African Republic Facts

Population (2008): 4.4 million
Size: 43rd largest country
Human Development Index rank: 178 (out of 179)
Failed State Index rank (2008): 10
Mercy Corps has worked here since 2007
Primary work: Water, sanitation and hygiene; food security; women's rights; good governance; building communities' ability to drive their own development.
Life expectancy (2008): 44 years
Median age (2008): 18.7 years (compared to 36.7 years in U.S.)