Central African Empire

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Empire Centrafricain Central African Empire ← 1976 – 1979 → Flag Location of the Central African Empire Capital Bangui Language(s) French Religion Protestant, Catholic, Sunni Islam Government Monarchy Emperor  - 1976-1979 Bokassa I Prime minister  - 1976-1978 Ange-Félix Patassé  - 1978-1979 Henri Maïdou History  - Established December 4, 1976  - Disestablished September 20, 1979 Currency Franc

The Central African Empire (French: Empire Centrafricain) was the name of the short-lived, self-declared autocratic monarchy that replaced the Central African Republic and was, in turn, replaced by the restoration of the republic. The Empire was formed when Jean-Bédel Bokassa, President of the republic, declared himself Emperor Bokassa I on December 4, 1976. Bokassa spent the equivalent of over 20 million United States dollars, a quarter of the country's annual income, on his coronation ceremony. The monarchy was abolished and the name "Central African Republic" was restored in September 20, 1979 when Bokassa was ousted in a French-backed coup d'état.

Throughout the Empire's history the national flag remained unaltered, although there was an imperial flag for Bokassa's personal use.

[edit] Postage stamps

The national postage stamps of the Empire, except the ones with Bokassa on them, had nothing to do with Central Africa, or Africa at all, instead presenting writers (such as Luigi Pirandello, Jules Verne and Ernest Hemingway), mathematicians (such as Albert Einstein), and even Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor from 1508-1519.

Moreover, it was asserted that many of these stamps were not truly needed for internal or international postage, and were mainly issued for sale to collectors and generating foreign currency income.

Jules Verne, 1979

[edit] Imperial currency

The currency of the Empire was almost the same as that of the previous state, replacing the text "Republique Centrafricaine," with "Empire Centrafricain".

[edit] External links

• The Imperial Palace
• Jules Verne Stamp
• Luigi Pirandello stamp
• Imperial stamp example
• Imperial currency example
• Imperial flag
• Men in traditional robes celebrating Bokassa's coronation