The capital city of the Central African Republic, Bangui, is situated on the Ubangi river (the largest tributary of the Congo river) and was founded in 1889 as a French military outpost and became the country's capital city on gaining independence from France in 1960. Today the city and its surroundings are home to around half of the republic's 4.4 million population, with just over half a million living within the city itself.

As with may busy cities, the streets are bustling with beggars and street vendors, selling everything from food, clothes, even cars and paintings all wrapped up in an run down environment laden with litter.

This video, though a bit shaky, gives a good look and feel of the city of Bangui. Oh, and in the unlikely event you're a visiting tourist and get offered an African Grey parrot in Bangui, say no, or you'll be arrested and you really wouldn't want to spend time in a prison in the Central African Republic! Check out our interactive map of Bangui below and zoom in on areas of interest.

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