With oil, Gabon has one of the highest GDPs in Africa. But the fact that it is the largest African importer of champagne illustrates that the wealth distribution there basically runs along the lines of the Bongo family versus the Gabonese people.
Colonialism articles on Democracy Chronicles
European colonialism, or imperialism, began in the 15th century with the "Age of Discovery", led by Portuguese and Spanish exploration of the Americas, was quickly followed by an explosion of conquest from European nation out towards Africa, the Middle East, India, and Asia, eventually impacting every nation on the planet. The world experienced colonialism together and today's world has been shaped by this critical and violent period of history. Also see our section on World Democracy and our archive of history articles.
At Senegal Museum of Black Civilizations, a Call to Come Home
The Museum of Black Civilizations in Senegal opened this month amid a global conversation about the ownership and legacy of African art.
Belgium’s Museum of Africa Tries to Exorcise Ghosts of Colonialism
Belgium Museum of Africa has undergone a five-year, $73 million revamp in an effort to show the reality of empire and of the Africa of today.
Remove or Keep a Statue? South Africa Debates Painful Legacy
A hulking statue of a late 19th century white leader, with a cane and top hat, has been a flashpoint for cultural conflict in South Africa for years.
Europe Remembers WWI, One Of Deadliest Conflicts In Human History
Nearly 37 million soldiers and civilians are estimated to have been killed in World War I and many people view the 1914-1918 war as unnecessary.
New Caledonia Voters Reject Independence From France
New Caledonia voters reject independence by casting nearly 57 percent votes to remain part of France, which claimed the archipelago in the mid-19th century.
The Causes of Zimbabwe’s Economic Crisis Are Politically Rooted
The economic crisis has its origin in pre-existing pathologies inside the political system over the last three decades so that a true recovery will require much more than wise economic management.
Guam Seeks Native-Only Vote on Future of US Relationship
Voters would have three choices: independence, statehood and free association with the United States similar to some other island states.
The First Independent Australian Elections
On this day, 118 years ago, Queen Victoria of Britain made the Royal Proclamation of the Commonwealth of Australia, declaring its creation on and after the first day of January 1901.
Pakistani Tribal Areas Secure Long Sought Promise of Equal Rights
Pakistan’s upper and lower houses of parliament have passed a historic bill giving the long suffering tribal areas equal rights and ending a destructive legacy left over from the era of British colonial rule.