World Atlas: Gabon. On this page you can see the map, country flag and many detailed information about the people, history and economy of Gabon.
Here you can find online selected information about the geography, inhabitants, government, economy and history of Gabon. Included are selected statistics, an overview map and the detailed map of Gabon. But let's start with the flag of Gabon here:
Gabon - Overview:
What you should know about Gabon? Let's start with this: Following, independence from France in 1960, El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba - one of the longest-ruling heads of state in the world - dominated the country's political scene for four decades (1967-2009). President Bongo introduced a nominal multiparty system and a new constitution in the early 1990s. However, allegations of electoral fraud during local elections in December 2002 and the presidential election in 2005 exposed the weaknesses of formal political structures in Gabon. Following President Bongo's death in 2009, a new election brought his son, Ali Bongo Ondimba, to power. Despite constrained political conditions, Gabon's small population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign support have helped make it one of the more stable African countries. President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s controversial August 2016 reelection sparked unprecedented opposition protests that resulted in the burning of the parliament building. The election was contested by the opposition after fraudulent results were flagged by international election observers. Gabon’s Constitutional Court reviewed the election results but ruled in favor of President Bongo, upholding his win and extending his mandate to 2023.
Geography of Gabon
Where on the globe is Gabon? The location of this country is Central Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean at the Equator, between Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea. Total area of Gabon is 267,667 sq km, of which 257,667 sq km is land. So this is quite a large country. How could we describe the terrain of the country? This way: narrow coastal plain; hilly interior; savanna in east and south. The lowest point of Gabon is Atlantic Ocean 0 m, the highest point Mont Iboundji 1,575 m. And the climate is tropical; always hot, humid.
Inhabitants of Gabon
Let's take a look how many people live in Gabon. The number is: 1,772,255. So not so many people live here. Who lives here? Bantu tribes, including four major tribal groupings (Fang, Bapounou, Nzebi, Obamba); other Africans and Europeans, 154,000, including 10,700 French and 11,000 persons of dual nationality. What are the languages in Gabon? French (official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi. And the religions: Roman Catholic 42.3%, Protestant 12.3%, other Christian 27.4%, Muslim 9.8%, animist 0.6%, other 0.5%, none/no answer 7.1% (2012 est.). How old are the people in average? 18.6 years. We have to add that this number is the median - so one half of the people is older than this, one half is younger. And what is their life expectancy (at birth)? This: 52.1 years. Where the people live in Gabon? Here: the relatively small population is spread in pockets throughout the country; the largest urban center is the capital of Libreville, located along the Atlantic coast in the northwest. The major urban areas of Gabon are: Libreville (capital) 707,000 (2015).
Government and Economy of Gabon
The capital of Gabon is Libreville and the government type presidential republic. Let's take a look at the administrative divisions - 9 provinces; Estuaire, Haut-Ogooue, Moyen-Ogooue, Ngounie, Nyanga, Ogooue-Ivindo, Ogooue-Lolo, Ogooue-Maritime, Woleu-Ntem. Regarding the economy of Gabon, important industrial products are petroleum extraction and refining; manganese, gold; chemicals, ship repair, food and beverages, textiles, lumbering and plywood, cement. Important agricultural products are cocoa, coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber; cattle; okoume (a tropical softwood); fish. The most important export commodities are crude oil, timber, manganese, uranium and the most important export partners are US 45.7%, China 14.6%, South Korea 6.6%, Ireland 5.5%, Italy 5.1% (2016). The most important import commodities are machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, construction materials and the most important import partners are France 24.7%, Belgium 14.7%, China 12.8%, Australia 6.7% (2016). How rich is Gabon and how rich are people in this country? The most important number here is GDP per capita (PPP): $19,300 (2017 est.). This is quite good. Let's add that this means Gross Domestic Product per person, which is recalculated with respect to the relative cost of local goods and services. And one more important number - population below poverty line: 34.3% (2015 est.).