Country Profile · No. 19

Gabon

Capital / Admin Capital

LibrevillePopulation: ~2.4MIndependence: 1960 (August 17)

First President

Léon M'ba (1960–1967)Current Transitional President: Brice Oligui Nguema (Serving since August 2023 military transition)

Geography & Borders

Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Atlantic Ocean (Gulf of Guinea). Heavily forested equatorial nation on the Atlantic coast.

Demographics & Language

Christianity (Predominantly Roman Catholic, ~80%+). Official: French language. Other: Fang, Myene, Punu. Major groups: Fang (~40%), Punu (~25%), Nzabi (~10%).

Economy & GDP

Crude petroleum extraction, manganese mining, timber and hardwood forestry, agriculture.

Global Diaspora

1. France (~20k), 2. Cameroon (~15k), 3. Equatorial Guinea (~10k), 4. United States (~3k–5k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): Maryland, Texas (Houston), Washington D.C.

Global Diaspora

1. France (~20k), 2. Cameroon (~15k), 3. Equatorial Guinea (~10k), 4. United States (~3k–5k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): Maryland, Texas (Houston), Washington D.C.

Major Conflicts

1964 Gabonese coup d'état attempt (brief military takeover suppressed by French intervention), 2019 Gabonese coup attempt, 2023 Gabonese coup d'état.

3 Must-See Sites

1. Loango National Park (Famed for its stunning coastal landscapes where elephants, hippos, and surfers gather on Atlantic beaches), 2. Ivindo National Park (UNESCO-listed pristine rainforest featuring the magnificent Kongou Falls), 3. Lambaréné and Albert Schweitzer Hospital (Historic riverside medical mission station founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Albert Schweitzer).

Quick Facts

Maintains over 85% primary rainforest cover and serves as one of the world's most successful sanctuaries for forest elephants and western lowland gorillas.