Bangui is the capital and largest city of the Central African Republic. It serves as a primary urban center for the nation, with the majority of the country's population residing in the city and its surrounding western regions.
The city was established in 1889 as a French outpost. It derives its name from its location on the northern bank of the Ubangi River. The river itself is named after the Bobangi word for "rapids," which are located beside the settlement and mark the end of navigable water north from Brazzaville.