15 Places That Don't Mean What You Think: Explained
Discover 15 places that don't mean what you think—from Paris, Texas to Greenland—and the surprising stories behind their misleading names.
Central African
/ˈsɛntrəl ˈæfrɪkən/

The Central African Republic is a landlocked country in the heart of Africa, and its name reflects its central geographic position on the continent. Its capital city is Bangui, located on the Ubangi River, which forms a natural border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country is rich in natural resources, including diamonds, gold, and timber, although these riches have not always translated into stable development. Its landscapes include savannas, rivers, and dense forests that shelter a wide range of wildlife. National parks such as Manovo-Gounda St. Floris and Chinko offer opportunities to observe elephants, buffalo, and other animals. The population is predominantly Christian, and French is the official language, alongside Sango, which is widely spoken across the country. Traditional crafts, music, and storytelling remain important expressions of cultural identity.
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Named for its geographical location in the center of the African continent.
Other places in the region and their demonyms
Discover 15 places that don't mean what you think—from Paris, Texas to Greenland—and the surprising stories behind their misleading names.
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Want to explore where Central Africans live? Here's the atlas that does it best:
Highly detailed, stunning visuals
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Take a Quiz →Discover demonyms from other places in this region