# Gabon

> country on the Atlantic coast of Central Africa

**Wikidata**: [Q1000](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1000)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabon)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gabon

## Summary

Gabon is a country located in Africa[1]. It was established on January 1, 1960. The official language is French[2][3].The head of state is Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema[4]. The population is 2.3 million as of 2023[5]. The country covers an area of 268,000 square kilometers.Gabon operates in the UTC+01:00 time zone, also known as West Africa Time and Africa/Libreville[6].

## Summary
Gabon is a sovereign state located on the Atlantic coast of Central Africa. It gained independence from France on August 17, 1960, and is known for its rich natural resources, including oil, timber, and minerals. The country's capital is Libreville, and it operates as a republic with a presidential system of government.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: République Gabonaise (Gabonese Republic)
- **Area**: 267,667 square kilometers
- **Capital**: Libreville
- **Independence Date**: August 17, 1960
- **Population**: Approximately 2,300,000 (2023 estimate)
- **Coordinates**: Latitude -0.68333055555556, Longitude 11.5
- **Continent**: Africa
- **Bordering Countries**: Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Angola
- **Highest Point**: Mont Bengoué
- **Lowest Point**: Atlantic Ocean (0 meters)
- **Timezone**: UTC+01:00 (West Africa Time)
- **National Flag**: Flag of Gabon
- **Coat of Arms**: Coat of arms of Gabon
- **Anthem**: La Concorde
- **Motto**: Union, Travail, Justice (Union, Work, Justice)
- **Official Language**: French
- **Currency**: Central African CFA franc
- **Driving Side**: Right-hand traffic
- **Electricity**: 220 volts, 50 Hz; plug types include Europlug
- **Emergency Number**: 1300 (emergency medical services), 1722 (police), 18 (fire department)
- **International Calling Code**: +241
- **Internet TLD**: .ga
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2: GA, Alpha-3: GAB, Numeric: 266
- **M49 Code**: 266
- **Aircraft Registration Prefix**: TR
- **Licence Plate Code**: G (since 1974)
- **Maritime Identification Digits**: 626
- **Mobile Country Code**: 628
- **Human Development Index (HDI)**: 0.706 (2021)
- **Inequality-adjusted HDI**: 0.554 (2021)
- **Life Expectancy**: 66.105 years (2016)
- **Gini Coefficient**: 38 (2017)
- **Unemployment Rate**: 20% (2014)
- **VAT Rate**: 18%
- **Democracy Index**: 3.54 (2020)
- **BTI Governance Index**: 4.53 (2022)
- **Happy Planet Index Score**: 39.9 (2019)

## FAQs
**What type of government does Gabon have?**
Gabon is a republic with a presidential system of government. The President serves as both head of state and head of government. The country has a bicameral parliament consisting of the Senate and the National Assembly.

**What is Gabon's current population and demographic profile?**
As of 2023, Gabon's population is approximately 2,300,000. The population has grown steadily over the years, with a mix of urban and rural dwellers. The life expectancy at birth is around 66 years, and the country has a high fertility rate.

**What are Gabon's economic indicators?**
Gabon's economy is characterized by its rich natural resources, including oil, timber, and minerals. The country's nominal GDP was $480 million in 2003. The unemployment rate is 20% (2014), and the VAT rate is 18%.

**What international organizations is Gabon a member of?**
Gabon is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations (since September 20, 1960), the World Trade Organization (since January 1, 1995), the African Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (since 1974), and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (since 1970).

**What is Gabon's human development status?**
Gabon's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.706 (2021), classified as "High." The Inequality-adjusted HDI is 0.554 (2021). Life expectancy at birth is 66.105 years (2016).

**What are Gabon's major holidays and public celebrations?**
Public holidays in Gabon include New Year's Day (January 1), International Workers' Day (May 1), and Independence Day (August 17). The country also celebrates various cultural and religious festivals.

**What administrative divisions does Gabon have?**
Gabon is divided into nine provinces: Estuaire, Haut-Ogooué, Moyen-Ogooué, Ngounié, Nyanga, Ogooué-Ivindo, Ogooué-Lolo, Ogooué-Maritime, and Woleu-Ntem. Each province has its own administrative and political structure.

**What is Gabon's relationship with neighboring countries?**
Gabon shares borders with Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Angola. It maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including France, the United States, China, and Germany.

## Why It Matters
Gabon matters as a significant player in Central Africa, known for its rich natural resources and strategic location on the Atlantic coast. The country's economic model, characterized by its reliance on oil, timber, and minerals, has attracted international attention. Gabon's commitment to environmental conservation, particularly through its extensive national park system, has earned it recognition in international forums.

The country's significance extends beyond its borders as a member of major international organizations and as an active participant in regional affairs. Gabon serves as a bridge between Central African countries and maintains diplomatic relations with over 50 nations worldwide. Its commitment to multilateralism, human rights, and sustainable development has earned it recognition in international forums.

Gabon's cultural influence, particularly through its contributions to literature, music, and sports, extends throughout the French-speaking world. Libreville serves as a cultural hub for Central Africa, while the country's film and literary traditions have gained international acclaim.

## Notable For
- **Rich Natural Resources**: Gabon is known for its abundant natural resources, including oil, timber, and minerals.
- **Environmental Conservation**: The country has a extensive national park system and is committed to environmental conservation.
- **High Human Development Index**: Gabon's HDI is 0.706 (2021), classified as "High."
- **Pioneering Social Policies**: Gabon has implemented various social policies aimed at improving the quality of life for its citizens.
- **Freedom Status**: Designated as a "not-free country" in Freedom in the World rankings.
- **Happy Planet Index**: Score of 39.9 (2019), reflecting quality of life relative to environmental impact.
- **Low Population Density**: One of the lowest population densities in Central Africa despite high development indicators.
- **Gastronomy Recognition**: Featured in TasteAtlas for culinary heritage.
- **Historic Capital**: Libreville is one of Central Africa's oldest continuously inhabited European settlements.

## Body

### History and Independence
Gabon's path to sovereignty began with its independence from France on August 17, 1960. The country emerged from the French colonial empire, which had been annexed by France after the Berlin Conference. The Declaration of Independence was formalized following negotiations between France and Gabon, with the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation establishing the country's boundaries.

Prior to independence, the territory was known as the Gabonese Republic and was contested between French and Portuguese colonial powers, as well as the local kingdoms. The country's name derives from the Gabon River, which forms part of its western border with the Atlantic Ocean.

### Geography and Environment
Gabon occupies a territory of 267,667 square kilometers in Central Africa. The country lies at coordinates latitude -0.68333055555556 and longitude 11.5, placing it entirely in the Southern Hemisphere. The landscape is characterized by rolling plains, dense rainforests, and a long Atlantic coastline, with the highest point being Mont Bengoué.

The country shares its northern border with Cameroon, its eastern border with the Republic of the Congo, its southern border with the Republic of the Congo and the Atlantic Ocean, and its western border with Equatorial Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. The lowest point is at sea level (0 meters) along the Atlantic coast. The easternmost point is located at coordinates lat: -0.61746, lon: 14.5266, while the westernmost point is at lat: -0.62444444, lon: 8.70805556 (Cape Lopez). The northernmost point is at lat: 2.32, lon: 11.7, and the southernmost point has coordinates of lat: -3.96005, lon: 11.15322.

The country is located within the Congo Basin and is named after the Gabon River. Other significant water bodies include the Ogooué River, which bisects the country, and numerous smaller rivers and streams. The climate is tropical with a wet and dry season.

### Government and Politics
Gabon operates as a republic with a presidential system of government. The President serves as both head of state and head of government, currently Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who assumed office on August 30, 2023. The executive body is the Presidency of the Republic.

The legislative body is the Parliament of Gabon, a bicameral parliament consisting of the Senate and the National Assembly. The highest judicial authority is the Supreme Court of Gabon.

The country's political system is characterized by a strong tradition of presidential governance, with multiple political parties competing in regular elections. The Gabonese Democratic Party (Parti Démocratique Gabonais) has been a significant political force in recent decades. Gabon's democracy index score of 3.54 (2020) places it among the lower ranks of democratic nations.

### Demographics and Society
As of 2023, the population is approximately 2,300,000. The population has grown from approximately 498,823 in 1960 to over 2,300,000 in 2023, with an urban population of approximately 2,167,652 versus a rural population of approximately 221,340 in 2022.

The society is highly urbanized, with the urban population reaching 2,167,652 in 2022 compared to a rural population of 221,340. The life expectancy at birth is approximately 66.105 years (2016). The birth rate is 28.354 per 1,000 people (2019), and the death rate is 6.856 per 1,000 people (2019).

The official language is French, with various indigenous languages also recognized. Compulsory education begins at age 6 and continues until age 16. The age of majority is 18. The preferred retirement age is 60.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy is characterized by a mixed economy with strong reliance on natural resources. The nominal GDP was $480 million in 2003. The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 38 (2017). The unemployment rate is 20% (2014). The VAT rate is 18%.

The currency is the Central African CFA franc. The Bank of Central African States serves as the central bank. The median income is approximately $10,000. Individual income tax rates are progressive.

Infrastructure includes a right-hand traffic system. Speed limits vary by road type. The electrical system operates at 220V and 50Hz using Europlugs.

### International Relations and Memberships
Gabon maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including France, the United States, China, and Germany. It is a member of the United Nations (since September 20, 1960), the World Trade Organization (since January 1, 1995), the African Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (since 1974), and many other international bodies including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Finance Corporation, and Interpol.

### Symbols and Culture
The national flag is the Flag of Gabon. The coat of arms is the Coat of arms of Gabon. The anthem is La Concorde. The motto is Union, Travail, Justice (Union, Work, Justice). The country is known by the nickname "La Suisse de l'Afrique" (The Switzerland of Africa).

Cultural highlights include the historic capital of Libreville, one of Central Africa's oldest continuously inhabited European settlements. The country is also known for its contributions to literature, music, and sports, with Libreville serving as a cultural hub for Central Africa.

### Administrative Divisions
Gabon is divided into nine provinces: Estuaire, Haut-Ogooué, Moyen-Ogooué, Ngounié, Nyanga, Ogooué-Ivindo, Ogooué-Lolo, Ogooué-Maritime, and Woleu-Ntem. Each province has its own administrative and political structure, contributing to the country's regional diversity.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
The country uses the .ga top-level internet domain and has an international calling code of +241. The aircraft registration prefix is TR. The license plate code is G (since 1974). The maritime identification digits are 626. The mobile country code is 628.

The ISO codes are Alpha-2: GA, Alpha-3: GAB, Numeric: 266. The M49 code is 266. The emergency numbers are 1300 (emergency medical services), 1722 (police), and 18 (fire department). The timezone is UTC+01:00 (West Africa Time).

## References

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