Timeline of Gabon

Chronology

7 events spanning the history of Gabon. BCE/CE dating.

1. 1470

   Portuguese arrive in what is now Gabon.

   Portuguese arrive in what is now Gabon.

2. 1839

   Local Mpongwe ruler signs away sovereignty to the French.

   Local Mpongwe ruler signs away sovereignty to the French.

3. 1910

   Gabon becomes part of French Equatorial Africa.

   Gabon becomes part of French Equatorial Africa.

4. 1960

   Gabon becomes independent.

   Gabon becomes independent.

5. 1991

   Parliament adopts a new constitution that formalizes the multi-party system.

   Parliament adopts a new constitution that formalizes the multi-party system.

6. 2004

   French oil firm Total signs deal to export Gabonese oil to China.

   French oil firm Total signs deal to export Gabonese oil to China. Agreement signed with Chinese company to exploit around one billion tonnes of iron ore.

7. 2006

   Gabon and Equatorial Guinea agree to start talks over disputed islands.

   Gabon and Equatorial Guinea agree to start talks over disputed islands in potentially oil-rich waters in the Gulf of Guinea.