French Equatorial Africa, an area consisting of four self-governing dependences (Middle Congo, Ubangi-Shari, Shan and Gabon) in west-central Africa, has an area of 969,111 sq. mi. (2,509,987 sq. km.) and a population of 3.5 million. Capital: Brazzaville. The area, rich in natural resources, exported cotton, timber, coffee, cocoa, diamonds and gold. ,Little is known of the history of these parts of Africa prior to French occupation ? which began with no thought of territorial acquisition. France?s initial internet was simply to establish a few supply stations along the west coast of Africa to service the warships assigned to combat the slave trade in the early part of the 19th century. French settlement began in 1839. Gabon (then Gabun) and the Middle Congo were secured between 1885 and 1887. The four colonies were joined to form French Equatorial Africa in 1910. The dependencies were changed from colonies to territories within the French Union in 1946, and all the inhabitants were made French citizens. In 1958, they voted to become autonomous republics within the new French Community, and attained full independence in 1960.,, Rulers:,,, ,French to 1960,, Monetary System:,,, ,1 Franc = 100 Centimes,,