Wave of African independence

1960 was the "Year of Africa," when seventeen African nations achieved independence.

• Portuguese colonies: Portugal under Salazar/Caetano clung to Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau. Independence came only after the 1974 Carnation Revolution in Portugal.
• Rhodesia/Zimbabwe: White minority government declared unilateral independence in 1965. Black majority rule achieved in 1980 under Robert Mugabe.
• Namibia: Ruled by South Africa until independence in 1990.