The Central African Republic became independent in 1960 with David Dacko as President.

1965 - Dacko ousted by Army Commander, Jean-Bedel Bokassa.

1972 - Bokassa declares himself President for life.

1976 - Bokassa proclaims himself Emperor.

1979 - Bokassa ousted in a coup by David Dacko.

1981 - Dacko deposed in a coup by Army Commander, André Kolingba.

1993 - Ange-Felix Patassé wins multi-party presidential election.

1996 May - Soldiers stage mutiny in the capital, Bangui, over unpaid wages.

1999 - Patassé re-elected President after beating ex-leader André Kolingba.

2003 March - Rebel leader, François Bozizé, overthrows Ange-Felix Patassé.

2012 March - African Union deploys force to hunt down Ugandan warlord, Joseph Kony.

2012 November - Sèléka rebel alliance quickly overruns the north and centre of the country.

2013 March - Sèléka overruns the capital, Bangui and seizes power.

2013 March - President Bozizé flees to Cameroon.

2013 March - Rebel leader, Michel Djotodia, suspends Constitution and dissolves Parliament.

2013 May - New authorities issue arrest warrant for ex-President Bozizé.

2013 June – Central African leaders agree to assist CAR financially and also to curb insecurity.

2013 July – Five major charities warn of looming humanitarian crisis in the country.

Source: BBC