Country Profile: Gabon
Gabon is a sparsely populated, upper-middle-income nation located in Central Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. It is rich in natural resources, particularly petroleum and minerals, and features vast, dense rainforests. The country's governance has undergone significant changes, particularly following a military coup in 2023 that led to a transitional government. Despite its wealth, Gabon grapples with high levels of poverty and unemployment among its predominantly urban population.
Geography
Gabon lies at the Equator, bordered by the Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea. The country has a tropical climate characterized by hot and humid conditions. Its terrain includes a narrow coastal plain and hilly interior regions, with a significant portion of the land occupied by forests.
- Total Area: 267,667 sq km (slightly smaller than Colorado)
- Coastline: 885 km
- Highest Point: Mont Bengoue at 1,050 m
- Natural Resources: Includes petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, and hydropower.
- Population Distribution: Mainly concentrated in urban areas, with 91% living in cities.
People and Society
As of 2025, Gabon has an estimated population of 2,513,738 people, with a demographic makeup that includes about 40 ethnic groups. The Fang are the largest group, and the official language is French. Gabon has a youthful population with a median age of 22.3 years and an urbanization rate of 91%.
- Total Population (2025): 2,513,738
- Urban Population (2023): 91%
- Literacy Rate (2021): 88.9%
- Life Expectancy (2024): 70.4 years
- Birth Rate (2025): 25.51 births/1,000 population
Economy
Gabon boasts a natural-resource-rich economy heavily reliant on oil and mineral exports, contributing to its status as an upper-middle-income country. Despite this wealth, the nation faces challenges with poverty and high unemployment levels, particularly following the 2023 military coup, which has introduced uncertainty in economic management.
- GDP (Purchasing Power Parity, 2024): $48.045 billion
- Unemployment Rate (2024): 20.1%
- Real GDP per Capita (2024): $18,900
- Major Exports: Crude petroleum, manganese ore, and refined petroleum.
- Population Below Poverty Line (2017): 33.4%
Government
Gabon operates as a presidential republic, with the president serving as both the head of state and government. The recent political upheaval has led to the appointment of General Brice OLIGUI Nguema as the transitional president after a coup in August 2023. The country has been structurally governed under a mixed legal system of French civil law and customary law.
- Capital: Libreville
- Government Type: Presidential Republic
- Administrative Divisions: 9 provinces
- Suffrage Age: 18 years
- Last Election Date: 12 April 2025
Military and Security
The Gabonese Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Gendarmerie. With approximately 7,000 active-duty personnel, the military focuses on both external defense and internal security, reflecting its dual role in national stability.
- Military Expenditures (2024): 1.5% of GDP
- Active Personnel: Approximately 7,000
- Conscription: None; voluntary service for ages 18-24
- Security Note: In August 2023, the military transitioned governance following a coup.
Energy
Gabon’s energy sector is largely powered by hydropower and fossil fuels, with significant potential for renewable energy sources. Access to electricity stands at 93.5% of the total population, showcasing substantial infrastructure.
- Total Petroleum Production (2023): 204,000 bbl/day
- Electricity Access (2022): 93.5%
- Installed Generating Capacity (2023): 785,000 kW
- Hydroelectricity Contribution: 47.7% of total capacity
Environment
Gabon is committed to various international environmental accords and faces challenges such as deforestation, pollution from the oil industry, and wildlife poaching. The country is home to extensive forests, covering 91.5% of its land area.
- Total Water Resources (2022): 166 billion cubic meters
- Urban Population (2023): 91%
- CO2 Emissions (2023): 3.144 million metric tonnes
Transportation
Gabon has a developing transportation network, including a small railway and several airports. The major urban centers benefit from road and air connections, facilitating trade and mobility.
- Airports: 42 (2025)
- Railways Length: 649 km (standard gauge)
- Merchant Marine Vessels: 87 (2023)
- Key Ports: Libreville, Oguendjo Terminal, Port Gentil
Communications
Gabon has a growing telecommunications sector, with a high penetration of mobile cellular services. Internet access is also expanding, with 72% of the population utilizing the internet as of 2023.
- Mobile Cellular Subscriptions (2024): 3.18 million
- Internet Users (2023): 72% of population
- Fixed-Line Subscriptions (2024): 67,100
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,513,738 (2025 est.) | Total estimated population |
| Area | 267,667 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP | $48.045 billion (2024 est.) | Purchasing power parity |
| Unemployment Rate | 20.1% (2024 est.) | Percentage of labor force seeking employment |
| Birth Rate | 25.51 births/1,000 population (2025 est.) | Annual birth rate |
| Life Expectancy | 70.4 years (2024 est.) | Average life span |
| Electricity Access | 93.5% (2022 est.) | Access to electricity |
| Urban Population | 91% (2023) | Percentage of population living in urban areas |
| Military Expenditures | 1.5% of GDP (2024 est.) | Military spending as a percentage of GDP |
| Total Water Resources | 166 billion cubic meters (2022 est.) | Total renewable water resources |
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