Central African Republic
/ˈsɛn.trəl ˈæf.rɪ.kən rɪˈpʌb.lɪk/noun
A landlocked country in central Africa, formerly known as Ubangi-Shari.
Did you know?The modern name replaced “Ubangi-Shari” when the territory became an autonomous republic in 1958, two years before independence from France.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
kéntron
“A sharp point or goad; later, the point at the center of a circle”
Latin
Latin
centrum
“The central point or middle”
13th Century
Old French
central
“Relating to the center”
Ancient Latin
Latin
res publica
“The public affair or commonwealth”
16th Century
English
republic
“A state in which supreme power is held by the people or their representatives”
1958
French/English
République centrafricaine / Central African Republic
“The official name adopted when the former French territory of Ubangi-Shari became an autonomous republic”
1960
English
Central African Republic
“The independent state established after independence from France”