About Gabon

Nature first?

A small population, abundant natural resources, and foreign private investments have helped make Gabon one of the most prosperous countries in the region. Both people and forests are seeing the benefits, although this balance is not always easy to maintain.

Geography & climate

Gabon is a Central African country that faces the Atlantic Ocean to the West, and which borders with Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, and the Republic of the Congo.

A narrow plain runs along the coast, while the interior is hilly and forested. Savannas stretch out in the east and south of the country. The climate is typically tropical – hot and humid.


Nature

Exceptionally, 85% of Gabon is still covered by forests. These are home to an estimated 8,000 plant species, 20% of which are found nowhere else (endemics). Crowning Gabon’s natural heritage is the Monts de Cristal, the country's naturally richest region and probably also one of the richest in all tropical Africa in terms of the number of plant species.

At least 600 birds, 150 mammals, and 100 amphibians have been identified. Apart from forests, other ecosystems include savannas, mangroves and wetlands.



Population & religion

The area presently known as Gabon was once inhabited by pygmy peoples. Today, the country has at least 40 ethnic groups that are identified by their own languages and cultures. The main ethnic groups include the Fang, the Bandjabi (or Nzebi), Myene, Bakota, Eshira, Bapounou, and Okande. More than 10,000 French people live in Gabon, and France has a major cultural and commercial influence.

A majority of Gabonese are Christians, while other religious groups include animists, Muslims, and practitioners of indigenous African religions.


Economy & development

Gabon's economic success lies off its shores and below the sea. Oil production has generated great wealth, and as a result the Gabonese economy outpaces neighbouring countries, with a per capita income of 4 times the average for Sub-Saharan Africa.

In 2004, life expectancy at birth was 54 years, and adult literacy rates for those aged 15 and older was 71%.