Bangui

Bangui, estimated population 560,000 (1994), is the capital of the Central African Republic. The city is located on the Ubangi River, at a series of rapids that limit major commercial shipping farther upriver. The Ubangi river marks the border between the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The DRC town of Zongo lies directly across from Bangui. Bangui's manufactures include textiles, food products, beer, shoes, and soap. The main exports are cotton, timber, coffee, and sisal. The city was founded in 1889. The University of Bangui is located there.