Country Profile: Gabon

Gabon, located in Central Africa along the Atlantic Ocean at the Equator, is a nation characterized by its lush rainforests and substantial petroleum reserves. The country is home to approximately 2.5 million people, predominantly from the Fang ethnic group, and has an urbanized population, especially in the capital city of Libreville. Gabon's economy heavily relies on oil and mineral exports, while its governance has transitioned through various political regimes, most recently experiencing a military coup in September 2023. Despite its wealth, Gabon faces challenges, including poverty and unemployment among its citizens.

Geography

Gabon is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, with a total area of 267,667 square kilometers, slightly smaller than Colorado. The country features a tropical climate, a narrow coastal plain, and hilly interior regions, with Mont Bengoue as its highest point at 1,050 meters. Gabon is rich in natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, and timber, and maintains a pristine rainforest that supports diverse biodiversity.

40 ethnic groups represented
885 km coastline
91.5% of land is forested (2023 estimate)
8.4% of land used for agriculture (2023 estimate)
0% natural hazards reported
3,261 km total land boundaries

People and Society

Gabon has a population estimated at 2,513,738 in 2025, with a median age of 22.3 years. The largest ethnic group is the Fang (23.5%), followed by Shira-Punu'Vii (20.6%) and Nzabi-Duma (11.2%). The official language is French, and the predominant religions include Protestant Christianity (46.4%) and Roman Catholicism (29.8%). The country has a high urbanization rate, with approximately 91% of its population living in urban areas.

34.6% of the population is aged 0-14 years
61.1% of the population is aged 15-64 years
70.4 years life expectancy at birth (2024 estimate)
25.51 births per 1,000 population (2025 estimate)
88.9% literacy rate (2021 estimate)
2.35% annual population growth rate (2025 estimate)

Economy

Gabon has a natural-resource-rich economy, primarily reliant on oil and mineral exports, with a real GDP of $48.045 billion anticipated in 2024. Despite its wealth, the country struggles with poverty and unemployment, estimated at 20.1% in 2024. The agricultural sector contributes a small percentage of GDP, while industry is the dominant sector. Economic uncertainty has arisen following the military coup in 2023.

50.9% of GDP from industry (2024 estimate)
65.3% of GDP attributed to exports (2024 estimate)
33.4% of the population below the poverty line (2017 estimate)
36% youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24, 2024 estimate)
204,000 bbl/day total petroleum production (2023 estimate)
$20.867 billion GDP (2024 estimate, official exchange rate)

Government

Gabon is a presidential republic, with the capital city being Libreville. The government has seen instability, with military leadership installed after a coup in September 2023. The constitution allows for a multiparty system, and the head of state is President Brice OLIGUI Nguema. Gabon has a mixed legal system combining French civil law and customary law.

9 provinces in total
2.7% of GDP allocated to health expenditure (2021)
18 years is the minimum voting age
70 seats in the Senate, with elections scheduled for November 2025
Independence gained on 17 August 1960
145 seats in the National Assembly

Military and Security

The Gabonese Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security units. The country has approximately 7,000 active-duty personnel, with military expenditures at 1.5% of GDP in 2024. Gabon's military forces are responsible for national defense and internal security tasks, including assistance in socio-economic development.

18-24 years is the age range for voluntary military service
1.5% of GDP spent on military, 2024 estimate
Military officers staged a coup in August 2023
The Republican Guard is an elite unit protecting the president
Gabon's military plays a role in regional peacekeeping
Military inventory includes older and modern armaments from various countries

Energy

Gabon has a total installed electricity generating capacity of 785,000 kW as of 2023, with a significant portion derived from fossil fuels and hydroelectric sources. The country is working to improve electricity access, especially in rural areas, where electrification currently stands at 29%.

93.5% of the population has electricity access (2022 estimate)
204,000 bbl/day total petroleum production (2023 estimate)
51.9% of electricity generation from fossil fuels
47.7% from hydroelectric sources
463 million cubic meters natural gas production (2023 estimate)
Energy consumption per capita: 22.101 million Btu/person (2023 estimation)

Environment

Gabon faces environmental challenges such as deforestation, solid waste disposal issues, and water pollution from the oil industry. However, it is party to several international environmental agreements aimed at protecting biodiversity and managing climate change effects.

91.5% of land is forested (2023 estimate)
3.144 million metric tons of CO2 total emissions (2023 estimate)
22.4% of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 estimate)
Active member in numerous environmental treaties, including the Paris Agreement
166 billion cubic meters of total renewable water resources (2022 estimate)

Transportation

Gabon has a developing transportation infrastructure, with 42 airports and 649 km of railway. The country's ports are significant for trade, primarily those in Libreville, Oguendjo, and Port Gentil, where oil terminals are present.

87 vessels in the merchant marine (2023)
9 total ports (2024)
649 km of railways (2014)
3.18 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 estimate)

Communications

Gabon has a growing communications sector, with a high percentage of internet users and a modest number of fixed-line telephone subscriptions. The country aims to enhance broadband accessibility to its urban population.

72% of the population are internet users (2023 estimate)
67,100 fixed-line subscriptions (2024 estimate)
80,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2022 estimate)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,513,738	2025 estimate
Area	267,667 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$48.045 billion	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption	22.101 million Btu/person	2023 estimate
Unemployment Rate	20.1%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	25.51 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Life Expectancy	70.4 years	2024 estimate
Electricity Access	93.5%	2022 estimate
Urbanization Rate	91%	2023 estimate