This national holiday celebrates the day in 1960 when the African nation of Gabon achieved its independence from France.

Originally one of the four colonies of French Equatorial Africa, Gabon was an overseas territory with its own assembly and representation in the French Parliament from 1946 until 1958, when Gabon’s citizens voted to become an autonomous republic within the French Community.

Independence is celebrated on 17 August each year with parades, concerts and fireworks.