| Global Cost of Living Rank |
| CIA Background Information |
Only two autocratic presidents have ruled Gabon since independence from France in 1960. The current president of Gabon, El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba - one of the longest-serving heads of state in the world - has dominated the country's political scene for four decades. President BONGO introduced a nominal multiparty system and a new constitution in the early 1990s. However, allegations of electoral fraud during local elections in 2002-03 and the presidential elections in 2005 have exposed the weaknesses of formal political structures in Gabon. Gabon's political opposition remains weak, divided, and financially dependent on the current regime. Despite political conditions, a small population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign support have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous and stable African countries.
| U.S. State Department Description |
Country Description:
Gabon is a developing nation on the western coast of central Africa. French is the official language; few Gabonese speak English. Facilities for tourism outside the capital city, Libreville, are available, but they are often limited and can be expensive. Read the Department of State Background Notes
on Gabon for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. Visas must be obtained in advance, as airport visas are no longer available. Travelers should obtain the latest information ... Read this Article
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Gabonese (sing. and pl.).
Population (July 2007 est.): 1,454,867.
Annual growth rate (2007 est.): 2.036%.
Ethnic groups: Fang (largest), Myene, Bapounou, Eshira, Bandjabi, Bakota, Nzebi, Bateke/Obamba.
Religions: Christian (55%-75%), Muslim, animist.
Languages: French (official), Fang, Myene, Bateke, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi.
Education: Years compulsory--to age 16. Attendance--60%. Literacy--63%.
Health: Infant mortality ... Read this Article
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Location: Gabon is Western Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean at the Equator, between Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea See Map
Capital: name: Libreville
geographic coordinates: 0 23 N, 9 27 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Currency (Code): Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible authority is the Bank of the Central African States ...More
Area: total: 267,667 sq km , land: 257,667 sq km , water: 10,000 sq km ( 1 sq km is approximately 0.4 sq miles or 250 acres)
Area Comparison: slightly smaller than Colorado
Elevation Extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m , highest point: Mont Iboundji 1,575 m (1 meter = 3.28 feet)
Population: 1,485,832
note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2008 est.)
Unemployment: 21% (2006 est.)
Ethnic Groups: 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
Religion: Christian 55%-75%, animist, Muslim less than 1%
Languages: French (official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi
More Statistics
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| History
During the last seven centuries, Bantu ethnic groups arrived in the area from several directions to escape enemies or find new land. Little is known of tribal life before European contact, but tribal art suggests rich cultural heritages. Gabon's first European visitors were Portuguese traders who arrived in the 15 ... Read this Article
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| Geographic Info for Gabon : |
Geography
Area: 267,667 sq. km. (103,347 sq. mi.); about the size of Colorado.
Cities: Capital--Libreville (pop. 673,995). Other cities--Port-Gentil (118,940), Franceville.
Terrain: Narrow coastal plain; hilly, heavily forested interior (about 80% forested); some savanna regions in east and south.
Climate: Hot and humid all year with two rainy and two dry seasons.
People
Nationality: Noun ... Read this Article
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