Gabon
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Gabon
Gabon: A Jewel of Central Africa
Gabon, a nation nestled on the western coast of Central Africa, is a land of remarkable natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Bordered by Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, Cameroon to the north, the Republic of the Congo to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Gabon is a country that has largely managed to preserve its pristine rainforests and diverse ecosystems. Its strategic location on the Equator means it enjoys a tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and humidity year-round, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The country’s landscape is dominated by dense equatorial rainforests, which cover over 80% of its territory, making it one of the most forested nations on Earth. These verdant expanses are home to an astonishing array of wildlife, including elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, leopards, and a multitude of bird species. The coastline is punctuated by sandy beaches and mangrove forests, while inland, rolling hills and plateaus give way to the Congo Basin. The Ogooué River, Gabon’s longest and most important river, flows for over 1,200 kilometers from the interior to the Atlantic, serving as a vital artery for transportation and supporting a rich aquatic ecosystem. The country’s geography also includes a narrow coastal plain that gradually rises to a rugged interior plateau. This diverse topography contributes to the varied habitats found within Gabon, from coastal savannas to the deep, humid rainforests. The country’s commitment to conservation is evident in its extensive network of national parks, established in 2002, which protect significant portions of its natural heritage. These parks are crucial for safeguarding endangered species and maintaining the ecological balance of the region.
The population of Gabon is relatively small, estimated to be around 2.3 million people. This low population density, particularly in relation to its landmass, is a significant factor in its ability to maintain vast, undeveloped natural areas. The majority of Gabonese people are of Bantu origin, with numerous ethnic groups, each possessing its own distinct language, customs, and traditions. Among the most prominent are the Fang, Mpongwe, Punu, and Nzebi. While French is the official language, inherited from the colonial era, a multitude of indigenous languages are spoken daily. The urban centers, such as the capital city Libreville and Port-Gentil, are melting pots of different ethnic groups and influences, while rural areas often retain stronger traditional ties. The societal structure is generally characterized by a strong sense of community and family. Modernization has brought about changes, but traditional social hierarchies and kinship systems often remain influential. Religious practices are diverse, with Christianity being the dominant religion, followed by Islam and various indigenous animist beliefs, often practiced in conjunction with other faiths. The cultural landscape is vibrant, expressed through music, dance, storytelling, and intricate wood carving, which is particularly renowned among groups like the Fang. The country’s history, though relatively short as an independent nation, is deeply intertwined with its people and their ancestral lands.
Gabon’s history is marked by its journey from indigenous settlements to colonial rule and eventual independence. The region was inhabited by various Bantu-speaking peoples for centuries before the arrival of Europeans. Early inhabitants developed complex societies and trade networks. The first documented European contact was in the 15th century, when Portuguese explorers landed on the coast. The area later became a significant hub for the transatlantic slave trade, although not on the same scale as some other regions of Africa. In the late 19th century, Gabon became a French colony, initially as part of French Equatorial Africa. French colonial rule brought about administrative changes, the introduction of a cash economy, and the exploitation of natural resources, particularly timber. The colonial administration established its presence, and infrastructure development, though limited, began to take shape. Gabon gained its independence from France on August 17, 1960. The post-independence era has seen the country navigate the complexities of nation-building, political stability, and economic development. The early years of independence were characterized by a single-party system under President Léon Mba, followed by a period of military rule and a return to multi-party democracy in the early 1990s. The political landscape has been dominated by the Bongo family for decades, with Omar Bongo serving as president for 42 years until his death in 2009, after which his son, Ali Bongo Ondimba, succeeded him. This long period of leadership has shaped the nation’s political trajectory and its approach to governance and resource management.
The Gabonese economy is heavily reliant on its vast natural resources, particularly oil. Gabon is a significant oil producer in sub-Saharan Africa, and petroleum exports account for the vast majority of its export earnings and a substantial portion of its GDP. This dependence on oil has brought considerable wealth to the nation but has also exposed it to the volatility of global energy markets. Beyond oil, Gabon possesses significant reserves of manganese, uranium, and iron ore, contributing to its mining sector. Timber is another important export commodity, given the country’s extensive forest cover. However, the rapid exploitation of these resources has raised concerns about environmental sustainability and the need for economic diversification. The government has been making efforts to diversify the economy by promoting sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and fisheries, but these sectors are still in their nascent stages of development. The country’s infrastructure, while improving, is still developing, particularly in the interior regions. Port-Gentil is the economic capital and a major port, while Libreville serves as the administrative and political center. The development of the non-oil sectors is crucial for Gabon’s long-term economic stability and for creating broader employment opportunities for its citizens. The focus on sustainable resource management and conservation is becoming increasingly important as the nation seeks to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Gabon offers a compelling array of tourist attractions, primarily centered around its unparalleled natural beauty and wildlife. The country’s commitment to ecotourism is a significant draw for visitors seeking authentic and immersive nature experiences. The Loango National Park is perhaps the most famous, often dubbed “Africa’s Last Eden.” It is renowned for its unique combination of rainforest, savanna, and coastal lagoons, allowing visitors to witness iconic species in their natural habitats. Here, one can see forest elephants, hippos that famously come ashore to graze on the beaches, and buffaloes roaming the savannas. The park also offers excellent opportunities for whale watching during the migration season. Another significant destination is the Ivindo National Park, home to the spectacular Kongou Falls, often referred to as the “Niagara of Central Africa.” This park is a haven for biodiversity, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and a rich diversity of birdlife. The Pongara National Park, located near Libreville, is accessible and offers opportunities to see dolphins, turtles, and a variety of bird species, including the iconic African fish eagle. The Mayumba National Park, with its pristine beaches and marine life, is a crucial nesting site for leatherback turtles. Beyond the national parks, Gabon’s coastline offers beautiful, undeveloped beaches perfect for relaxation and water sports. The country’s rich cultural heritage also presents opportunities for exploration, with opportunities to visit traditional villages and witness local crafts. The development of ecotourism is seen as a vital strategy for Gabon to leverage its natural assets, create sustainable livelihoods for local communities, and fund conservation efforts, ensuring that its natural wonders are preserved for future generations. The country is actively working to improve its tourism infrastructure, including accommodation and transportation, to make these incredible natural experiences more accessible to international visitors.
Information about Gabon
The information comes from the publication CIA The World Factbook.
Automated text translation, excuse errors, please!
Country Gabon is situated in a location / continent Africa. Gabon has an area of 267 667 km2 and 1 608 321 residents. The highest point has a height 1 575 above sea level. and it is called Mont Iboundji. The lowest point is located at the level of 0 above sea level and it is named Atlantic Ocean. System of government is republic and the date of independence 17th August 1960. The capital city is Libreville. Gabon has the international abbreviation GB.
Gabon - economy
Total gross domestic product (GDP) is 24 890 000 000 $. Total gross domestic product per capita in purchasing power parity is 16 400 $. GDP grows by 5.80 % a year. Inflation (consumer price index) is equal to 1.20 % a year. Gabon have 737 200 working-age population (from a total population 1 608 321 people). Unemployment is at 21.00 %. Gabon issued 6.00 % GDP to healt care and 0,90 % GDP to army. The public debt of the country is 20.60 % GDP. The total amount of foreign debt is 2 726 000 000 USD.
Gabon - demography
As suggested above, Gabon has 1 608 321 people. Population growth is in the amount 1.98 % per year. Number of children born per 1000 population per year is 35.00.Every mother has average 4.56 children. The infant mortality rate is 49.00 and maternal mortality 230.00 deaths per 100,000 births. Average estimated life expectancy makes 52.29 years. Mortality is 13.07 people per 1000 population per year.
Gabon - transport and telecommunications
Gabon has 9 170 km of roads, 649 km of railway lines and 45 airports. The total length of waterways (navigable rivers, canals, etc.) is 1 600 km. There is registered 2 ships.
Number of active mobile phones (sim card) in the country Gabon is 1 800 000. Number of active fixed telephone lines is 30 000. Gabon has 98 800 internet users, who have the available 103 Internet connections. Gabon has been assigned a domain first Choose range .ga.
Gabon - energetics
Gabon consumes a year 1 301 000 000 kWh of electricity. Annual electricity production is 1 604 000 000 kWh in power plants with a total installed electrical capacity 415 000 kW. Gabon exports 0 kWh and imports 0 kWh of electricity per year Energy mix of power generation is as follows: fossil fuels: 59 %, nuclear energy: 0 %, renewable: 0.0 %, hydropower: 41.0 %. The country Gabon is harvested annually 244 700 barrels of oil.
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