The Central African Republic (CAR) became independent from France in 1960 and was the Central African Empire from 1976 to 1979. The republic was restored in 1979, but it has undergone two civil wars: the Central African Republic Bush War and the Central African Republic Civil War (2012–present). CAR is a member of the AU, Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), NAM, International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), and UN. Its capital is Bangui.