Gabon

Gabon, officially the Gabonese Republic, is a country located on the Atlantic coast of Central Africa. It is bordered by Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, Cameroon to the north, the Republic of the Congo to the east and south, and the Gulf of Guinea to the west. The country covers an area of 270,000 square kilometres and is home to a population of about 2.3 million people.

The landscape of Gabon includes coastal plains, mountains such as the Cristal Mountains and Chaillu Massif, and a savanna in the east. Libreville is the capital and largest city. The original inhabitants of Gabon were the Bambenga, and later Bantu migrants settled in the area. The Kingdom of Orungu was established around 1700, and France colonised the region in the late 19th century. Gabon gained independence from France in 1960.

Today, Gabon is a developing country with a relatively high standard of living compared to other African nations, largely due to its oil wealth. Despite this, there is also significant poverty among its people. The official language is French, and the majority of the population practices Christianity. Gabon holds a strong position economically in Sub-Saharan Africa, with one of the highest Human Development Index and GDP per capita rankings on the continent.

Etymology

The name "Gabon" comes from the Portuguese word "gabao," meaning "hooded cloak." In the 1470s, Portuguese sailors saw the shape of the Komo River estuary and thought it looked like a cloak. Over time, the name was used for the area around the river and eventually for the whole country.

History

Main articles: History of Gabon and French Equatorial Africa

Gabon has a rich and complex history shaped by many influences. Before colonisation, the area was home to various groups, including the Bambenga, who were later largely replaced by Bantu tribes. By the 18th century, the Kingdom of Orungu had formed as a trading centre.

In the late 19th century, French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza led missions to the region, founding towns like Franceville. Gabon became a territory of French Equatorial Africa in 1910 and gained full independence in 1960. The country's political landscape saw significant changes over the decades, including periods of single-party rule and transitions to multiparty democracy.

In August 2023, military officers took power in a coup, ending the Bongo family's 55-year rule. General Brice Oligui Nguema became the transitional leader and was later elected president in 2025 after a new constitution was approved in a referendum.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Gabon

Gabon is a presidential republic. The president is elected for a seven-year term and has many important powers, such as appointing the prime minister and judges. Gabon has a bicameral legislature with a National Assembly and Senate. The National Assembly has 120 deputies elected for five years, while the Senate has 102 members elected by local councils for six years.

In 1990, Gabon changed its political system to include a bill of rights and allowed opposition parties. In 2009, efforts began to modernize the government and reduce corruption. In 2023, a military coup took place, and a new leader was appointed.

Foreign relations

Further information: Foreign relations of Gabon

Gabon follows a nonaligned policy and has been involved in peace efforts in several African countries. It is a member of many international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the African Union. Gabon joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 2022.

Military

Further information: Armed Forces of Gabon

Gabon has a professional military with about 5,000 personnel, including an army, navy, air force, gendarmerie, and police force. A special guard protects the president.

Administrative divisions

Main article: Subdivisions of Gabon

Gabon is divided into 9 provinces, which are further divided into 50 departments. The president appoints leaders for each province, department, and sub-district.

The provinces are (capitals in parentheses):

1. Estuaire (Libreville)
2. Haut-Ogooué (Franceville)
3. Moyen-Ogooué (Lambaréné)
4. Ngounié (Mouila)
5. Nyanga (Tchibanga)
6. Ogooué-Ivindo (Makokou)
7. Ogooué-Lolo (Koulamoutou)
8. Ogooué-Maritime (Port-Gentil)
9. Woleu-Ntem (Oyem)

Geography

Main articles: Geography of Gabon and Geology of Gabon

Gabon is a country on the Atlantic coast of Central Africa, sitting right on the equator. It has coastal plains, mountains like the Cristal Mountains and Chaillu Massif, and a savanna in the east. Much of Gabon is covered in rainforests, with about 89% of the land forested.

Gabon is home to many different animals and plants. It has many species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals, including rare animals like the Gabon pangolin and the grey-necked rockfowl. The country also has important populations of chimpanzees, gorillas, and African forest elephants. However, wildlife faces threats from poaching and deforestation.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Gabon

Gabon's economy is heavily dependent on oil, which makes up a large part of the country's budget, exports, and overall wealth. Oil production has gone down from its peak in 1997, and some experts think Gabon's oil may run out by 2025. Besides oil, Gabon also makes money from logging and mining manganese, which is important for making steel and batteries. However, many people in Gabon live in poverty, and the country faces challenges in developing other industries.

Main article: Energy in Gabon

Most of Gabon's energy comes from biofuels and waste, with a significant portion also coming from oil. About half of the country's power comes from renewable sources, but many rural areas still lack electricity. Gabon aims to improve electricity access in these areas in the coming years. The country is also working to maintain its status as a carbon-neutral nation and grow its renewable energy sector.

Gabon is the world's second-largest producer of manganese. In 2023, manganese exports made up 16% of the country's total exports. Starting in 2029, Gabon plans to stop exporting raw manganese to encourage local processing of the ore, which would create jobs and increase the value of its natural resources.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Gabon

Gabon has several ways to travel, including roads, railways, and ports. The country has a major railway called the Trans-Gabon Railway that helps move people and goods across different regions. There are also many roads for cars and buses, though some can be difficult to travel on because of the terrain. Near the coast, boats and ships are important for transport, connecting Gabon to other countries and places along the Atlantic Ocean.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Gabon

Gabon has a population of about 2.3 million people. It has one of the lowest population densities in Africa and a high standard of living. The country is home to at least 40 ethnic groups, including Fang, Myènè, Punu-Échira, and Nzebi-Adouma. There are also indigenous Pygmy peoples, such as the Bongo and Baka. Over 10,000 native French people live in Gabon.

French is the official language, and most people speak it. Many also speak their own ethnic languages. Most Gabonese people practice Christianity, with smaller groups following Islam or traditional beliefs. The country has many hospitals and health centers, and most people have access to healthcare. Education is required for children aged 6 to 16, and many schools and universities operate across the country.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Gabon

Gabon has a rich culture with many traditions. Storytellers, called "raconteurs," keep traditions alive like the mvett among the Fangs and the Ingwala among the Nzebis. Masks, such as the n'goltang masks of the Fang people and the reliquary figures of the Kota, are important in ceremonies for events like marriages, births, and funerals. These masks are made from local wood and other materials.

Music in Gabon includes many styles, both traditional and modern. Popular music from the US and UK is enjoyed alongside local genres like rumba, makossa, and soukous. Traditional instruments include the obala, the ngombi, the balafon, and drums.

Further information: Music of Gabon

Further information: Media of Gabon

The Gabon national football team has been playing since 1962. The team reached notable achievements, including hosting major tournaments. Gabon also has a national basketball team and participates in international sporting events.

The country is known for its fishing, especially for Atlantic tarpon, and hosts an annual bicycle race called La Tropicale Amissa Bongo.