Overview of Gabon

Profile

With nearly 90% of the country covered in forests, it is home to diverse wildlife including gorillas and forest elephants, called "Africa's last paradise." It maintains high per capita income through petroleum, manganese, and other underground resources and forestry centered on Okoumé timber, while economic diversification and wealth disparity reduction remain challenges. The capital Libreville retains French colonial traces while modern high-rises stand, boasting thirteen national parks with strong ecotourism focus.

Official name: Gabonese Republic
Common name: Gabon
Numeric code: 266
Alpha-3 code: GAB
Alpha-2 code: GA
Population: Approximately 2.4 million (2023)
Population density: 7.7 people/km2
Primary languages: French
Major religions: Christianity (mainly Catholic), Islam, Traditional religions
National anthem: La Concorde (Unity)
Calling code: +241
Internet TLD: .ga

History

Gained independence from France in 1960. Long ruled by Bongo father and son, but military coup occurred in 2023, aiming for civilian government return in 2025 through transition period.

Following Portuguese arrival in indigenous Bantu society from the 15th century, France established colonial rule in the late 19th century. After independence, first president M''ba and second Omar Bongo maintained strong presidential authority under one-party rule. Abundant petroleum income maintained domestic stability but transitioned to multi-party system in the 1990s. Son Ali Bongo assumed presidency in 2009, but political dissatisfaction accumulated over electoral fraud. Immediately after August 2023 elections, the military seized power establishing a transitional government, preparing constitutional revision and general elections.

Geography & climate

From low-lying coastal plains facing the Atlantic through steep cliffs to inland Chaillu Highlands, with the Ogooué River traversing the center. Most of the country is primary tropical rainforest.

Mix of tropical rainforest and savanna climate

Area: Africa / 267667 km²
Capital: Libreville
Largest city: Libreville
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo

Natural resources

Petroleum, Manganese, Timber (Okoumé), Uranium, Iron ore, Gold, Diamonds, Natural gas, Hydropower, Fishery resources, Phosphate, Rare earths

Politics

Government: Presidential republic (transitional period)

Economy

Currency: Central African CFA Franc (XAF)

GDP (nominal): 23.3 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 44.7 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: French

Time zone: West Africa Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Fang, Punu, Myene, Mbede, Kota, Bateke, Baka (Pygmy)

Life expectancy

66 years

Literacy rate

83%

National sports

Football, Basketball, Taekwondo, Judo, Boxing