🇬🇦
Gabon
Africa
Located on Central Africa's Atlantic coast, Gabon is rich in oil and natural resources. It has large rainforest reserves and a relatively high income compared to neighbors.
2,500,000
Population
267,668
Area (km²)
Libreville
Capital
8
Historical Events
Historical Timeline
Cities
8 Events
September 01, 2025 - Preparations intensify for upcoming polls, with local authorities adjusting security measures; economic forecasts predict moderate growth due to oil depletion starting in 2025.
July 13, 2025 - The electoral process launches for legislative and local elections scheduled for September 27 and October 11, with voter registration beginning amid calls for transparency.
April 12, 2025 - In the first presidential election since the 2023 coup, transitional leader Brice Oligui Nguema wins with 90.35% of the vote against minimal opposition, consolidating power and marking a return to civilian rule under junta influence.
November 16, 2024 - Voters approve a new constitution in a referendum, establishing a five-year presidential term limit, banning close relatives from succeeding each other, and setting the stage for elections; the process is overseen by the transitional junta.
August 31, 2024 - Gabon marks the first anniversary of the "coup of liberation" with nationwide celebrations, parades, and reform pledges by the transitional government, emphasizing anti-corruption and economic diversification.
August 30, 2023 - A military coup led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, head of the Republican Guard, overthrows President Ali Bongo hours after disputed election results favoring him are announced; institutions are dissolved, borders closed, and Bongo placed under house arrest, ending the Bongo family's 56-year rule.
April 01, 2023 - Parliament revises the constitution, reducing the presidential term from seven to five years and reverting to a two-term limit.
March 01, 2023 - President Ali Bongo announces his intention to run for re-election amid charges against four family members by French authorities for embezzlement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gabon
100 Questions
Gabon is in Central Africa, bordered by Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The capital is Libreville, located on the Atlantic coast.
Around 2.4 million people as of 2025 estimates.
French is the official language; Fang, Myene, Nzebi, and other Bantu languages are widely spoken.
Equatorial, hot and humid, with heavy rainfall and dense forests.
The Central African CFA franc (XAF).
Three horizontal stripes: green (top), yellow (middle), and blue (bottom).
Libreville, Port-Gentil, Franceville, Oyem, and Moanda.
On August 16, 1960, from France.
Léon M’ba.
General Brice Oligui Nguema (as of 2025), after the 2023 coup.
Currently a military-led transitional government, moving toward civilian rule.
Fang (largest), Myene, Nzebi, Obamba, Punu, and others.
Christianity (mainly Roman Catholic), alongside Islam and traditional beliefs.
Around $24 billion in 2025 estimates.
Around $10,000, among the highest in Africa.
Around 85%.
About 67 years.
Around 3.6 children per woman.
About 60%.
Oil, manganese, timber, and uranium.
Food, machinery, vehicles, and manufactured goods.
Oil, gas, manganese, uranium, iron ore, and forests.
It accounts for over 70% of exports and government revenue.
It is the country’s oil hub and second-largest city.
One of the world’s largest manganese mining centers.
A major inland city with mining and trade.
Mount Bengoué (1,070 m).
The Atlantic Ocean coast.
Cassava, plantains, rice, yams, peanuts, fish, and meat.
A national dish made with chicken and palm nut sauce.
An indigenous fruit, often boiled and eaten with salt.
Palm wine, millet beer, and fruit juices.
Football, basketball, and boxing.
Yes, in 2012 (with Equatorial Guinea) and 2017.
Not yet.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Daniel Cousin.
The Panthers.
Fang folk music, modern pop, and hip-hop.
Drums, balafons, and harps.
A spiritual practice of the Fang and Mitsogo people, involving the iboga plant.
Fang dances, mask dances, and ceremonial performances.
Colorful pagnes and Western-style clothing in cities.
Active in trade, farming, and markets, though inequality persists.
Around 82%.
Around 88%.
High, especially among youth.
Around 30%, though most food is imported.
Cassava, bananas, plantains, cocoa, and coffee.
Goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry.
Omar Bongo University and Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku.
Better than many African states, but still unequal between cities and rural areas.
Malaria, HIV/AIDS, TB, and waterborne diseases.
Moderate but improving.
Still high compared to global averages.
“La Concorde.”
“Union, Travail, Justice” (“Unity, Work, Justice”).
The black panther.
The African grey parrot.
The hibiscus.
Forest elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, and leopards.
Thirteen parks, including Lopé, Loango, Ivindo, and Minkébé.
A park where elephants, gorillas, and hippos can be seen on beaches.
A UNESCO World Heritage site with savannah and rainforest mix.
Famous for Kongou Falls and pristine rainforest.
Home to elephants and large untouched forest areas.
Over 90%, higher than adults.
Around $10,000 annually, though wealth is uneven.
Declining slowly.
Over 85%, one of the highest in Africa.
Capital, port city, and political hub.
Oil and timber exports.
Mining and history, birthplace of former president Omar Bongo.
Communities in France, U.S., and neighboring Africa.
Less critical than oil, but still helpful for families.
Strong economic and military ties.
Largest trading partner and infrastructure investor.
Engaged in trade, oil, and conservation.
Supports Gabon’s post-coup transition.
Active in diplomacy and peacekeeping.
A military takeover that ousted Ali Bongo Ondimba after contested elections.
President from 2009–2023, son of Omar Bongo.
President from 1967–2009, one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
Democratization, corruption, and governance.
Lower than rural areas.
Moderate, tied to global oil markets.
Low, with much of the land covered by rainforest.
Wood carving, mask making, and weaving.
Fang masks, influential in European modernist art.
Important in rituals, celebrations, and pop culture.
Around 6% difference.
Around 9 years.
Central to Fang cultural identity and spiritual practice.
A hallucinogenic plant used in Bwiti rituals.
Independence Day (Aug 16), Bwiti ceremonies, and cultural festivals.
Slowing, with urbanization accelerating.
Reducing HIV/AIDS and improving maternal health.
Depends on post-coup reforms, diversification beyond oil, and conservation.
It is one of the most forested countries, with over 85% rainforest cover.
It is rich in oil, biodiversity, and cultural heritage, with global environmental importance.