Central Africa is the heartbeat of the African continent. Sometimes referred to as “Middle Africa,” it is a region that always seems to be in transition.

Traveling through Central Africa takes one out of the Sahara Desert and toward the grasslands of the south, while being able to enjoy the benefits of coastal living at the same time.

Many of the countries that make up Central Africa have experienced similar political, economic, and demographic development over the centuries. Because of this commonality, there are many inter-relationships that are found in this nation group. Several ethnicities have a presence in multiple nations, providing their own unique influences on dance, art, and music.

Even during the colonial period of Africa, the countries of Central Africa were able to maintain their unique regional identity. Life here involves fishing, farming, and herding. Thanks to the agricultural benefits which Lake Chad is able to provide, nearly 10 million people benefit from the food products and income that the lake is able to provide the region.

Many of the countries in this region gained their independence between 1956-1962. Since then, they’ve maintained their colonial boundaries, for the most part, since they were set at the Conference of Berlin in 1884-1885.

There can be political changes that occur swiftly in Central Africa, but there are also great rewards that can be found when visiting this region. It is a testament to the adaptability of humanity, surviving even when conditions may seem impossible to bear.

Below you find a list of countries belonging to the region known as Central Africa.