Emile Gentil - Definition and Overview

Émile Gentil (4 April 1866 - 30 March 1914) was a French colonial administrator.

Born at Volmunster in the department of Moselle, he later attended the Naval School. As an ensign, he was assigned to making hydrographic soundings along the Gabonese coast. (1890-1892).

On 5 February 1902 Gentil was named lieutenant governor of the French Congo, residing at Brazzaville.

Gabon's second-largest city was named Port-Gentil in his honor.