This nation has been controlled by many groups because of its ideal location on the west coast of Africa. The Portuguese sailors docked there in the 15th century. It was a very active area for the slave trade with the U.S and Europe. German control over the area was brief, from 1884 - 1916. After WWI, France and Britain divided up the territory amongst themselves. In 1960 French Cameroon became independent followed in part by British Cameroon. The other part went to Nigeria in 1961. Since Cameroon is stable, proper attention has been given to the development of roads, railways, agriculture, and oil production. Tragically in 1986 3,000 people of Cameroon died from inhaling toxic gas of volcanic origin emanating from Lake Nyos. @
