The coast of modern Cameroon has been opened in the end of XV century Portugueses. In a XVII-th century trading settlements where sold here have been based and bought slaves, an ivory. After 1845 in region the British missionaries began to show special activity. However the first region declared the protectorate Germans. In 1916 the English-French armies have grasped region, and in 1919 according to the mandate of League of the Nations of the one fifth territory has been transferred under control of Great Britain, four fifth - under management of France. In 1958 France has given to the protectorate the self-management right, and independence of East Cameroon on January, 1st, 1960 has been proclaimed. In October, 1961 northern part of the British Cameroon has received independence as Republic Cameroon, the southern part has joined Nigeria. In 1972 East Cameroon and Republic Cameroon have united in one state. Cameroon is a member of the United Nations, the Organization of the African unity and an associative member of EU.