Gabon: The Development of a Nation - Marc Aicardi De Saint-Paul

First published in 1987 and in English in 1989, Gabon provides an essential introduction to the geography, history, sociology, economics and politics of Gabon in considerable detail. It assesses Gabon’s achievement-the initiation of a national minimum wage, of a campaign for women's rights, of an advanced health and education policy and the political and economic dangers it still faces. The smooth transition of Francophone Africa from colonies to republics was achieved largely because both sides benefitted. In retrospect, as Africa continues to be plagued by drought, disease and poverty, the advantages may appear to have been one sided. Gabon is one of the few countries to have escaped the African poverty trap. It's rapid emergence as an important oil producer and its stable independent political stance have made it an African success story.

Gabon incorporated and adapted much of the colonial administrative structure into its own republican constitution and began to redeploy its resources early on-both these factors have allowed President Bongo to steer his country through the oil crises of the 70s and 80s. This comprehensive volume is an important historical reference work for scholars and researchers of African Studies and African politics.