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450
Sao Civilization is Thriving
Lake Chad provides the Sao Civilization with water to drink and grow food. The food grown from Lake Chad's surrounding land supplements the Sao people's diet, allowing them to thrive and survive. -
500
Kanem-Bornu Empire overthrows Sao Empire
The two separate empires of Kanem and Bornu unite to take over the Sao Empire. While the Sao Empire was thriving, Kanem-Bornu was stronger and took over the already powerful kingdom. The Kanem-Bornu Empire was lead by the Sef Dynasty. -
Feb 3, 1400
Portuguese explorers locate and name Cameroon
Portuguese explorers arrive in Cameroon. The Portuguese dropped anchor in Duala's vicinity, and while they were fishing, they caught many shrimp. They then decided to name the river Rio dos Camaroes (river of shrimps). The name stuck, and the country was then named Cameroon. -
Jan 1, 1520
The Dutch establish business in Cameroon
The Dutch take advantage of the already thriving sugar crops and establish sugar plantations. Not only did the Dutch create farms on Cameroon's land, but they also initiated a slave trade program. The Dutch were prosperous in Cameroon as a result of having successful sugar plantations and slave trading programs. -
Cameroon becomes a German Colony
When the Sef Dynasty fell to pieces, Germany decided to make Cameroon one of its colonies. However, it became the German colony of Kamerun. The capital of Kamerun was Buea. -
Chimp gives hunter SIV
A hunter in Cameroon contracts the Simian Immunodificiency Virus (SIV) from a chimp. Once the virus was transferred to the human, it became Human Immunodificiency Virus (HIV) (group M). HIV (group M) was started in Cameroon. -
Cameroon develops its Constitution
Cameroon passes their constitution, giving them independence from Germany. Despite the fact that Cameroonians predominately practice Christianity or Indigenous beliefs, Cameroon's Constitution guarantees all inhabitants freedom of religion. The Constitution also guarantees all rights to both sexes, prohibiting gender discrimination. -
Paul Biya elected President
Paul Biya is elected President of Cameroon. He has held his position for over 25 years, and is still the President. He is the second President Cameroon has ever had. Biya was preceded by Ahmadou Ahidjo, who was elected in 1960.