French Equatorial Africa

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

or FRENCH CONGO, a French possession in west central Africa extending from the Atlantic Coast to the Congo river. The boundary prior to the World War was most irregular, being divided at two points by the German Kamerun, but by the Treaty of Versailles Germany ceded these regions to France. A large section of the land is still unexplored and it is only possible to estimate of its area; this is about 700,000 square miles with an estimated population of approximately 11,000,000. The land is very fertile, its numerous and large river valleys being capable of supporting a vast population. The climate is, however, unhealthful for Europeans and the population consists almost entirely of negroes. In the forests the gorilla and chimpanzee are found and along the rivers crocodiles abound. The most valuable product is rubber and the costly woods that come from the tropical forests. The exports are chiefly these and coffee. The mineral resources are believed to be extensive, particularly in the mountainous southern region. French Equatorial Africa is divided into three colonies, Gabun, Middle Congo, and Ubangi-Shari. The three are united for administrative purposes under a governor-general, who is assisted by a secretary-general government. IN FRENCH ESTABLISHMENTS INDIA. Territories in India which still belong to France. They are very small, their total extent being but 197 square miles, with an estimated population of 270,000. They are the French colonies of Chandernagore, Pondicherry, Karikal, Mahé, and Yanaon. The imports before the World War were valued at nearly ten million francs and their exports at over thirty-seven million francs. It was not until 1920, however, that their trade began to recover from the serious interruption of the years 1914-1918.