National Day in Cameroon is observed on May 20 each year to commemorate the creation of a unitary state in 1972. The day marks the anniversary of a referendum that led to the abolition of the federal system of government and the establishment of a unitary state, originally called the United Republic of Cameroon. The history of Cameroon includes its time as a German colony from 1884 to 1919, after which it was divided into British Cameroons and French Cameroun. French Cameroun gained independence in 1960, and the southern part of British Cameroons merged with it to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon. Celebrations typically include speeches by the President of Cameroon and government officials, as well as marches and parades throughout the country. This day serves as a significant public holiday in the Republic of Cameroon.