Country Profile: Gabon
Gabon, located in Central Africa along the Atlantic Ocean, is characterized by its dense rainforests and abundant natural resources, particularly petroleum. The country has a population of approximately 2.45 million, with a high urbanization rate, as around 91% of the population resides in urban areas. Gabon is classified as an upper-middle-income economy, heavily reliant on oil and mineral exports. The country's governance has recently shifted from a presidential system to a military-led transition following a coup in 2023.
Geography
Gabon is situated at the equator, bordered by the Republic of the Congo to the east and south, Cameroon to the north, and Equatorial Guinea to the southwest. Its diverse terrain includes a narrow coastal plain, hilly areas inland, and savanna regions in the east and south. The country maintains a rich biodiversity, with approximately 91.2% of its land covered by forests.
- Total Area: 267,667 sq km
- Land Boundaries: 3,261 km
- Highest Point: Mont Bengoue at 1,050 m
- Climate: Tropical and humid year-round
- Natural Resources: Rich in petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, and gold
People and Society
Gabon has an estimated population of 2,455,105 in 2024, predominantly of Bantu origin, with the Fang being the largest ethnic group. French is the official language, and a variety of indigenous languages are also spoken. The country has a relatively young population, with a median age of 22 years, and a significant urban population comprising 91% of the total.
- Urbanization Rate: 91% (2023)
- Literacy Rate: 88.9% (2021)
- Total Fertility Rate: 3.21 children per woman (2024)
- Life Expectancy: 70.4 years (2024)
- Population Growth Rate: 2.37% (2024)
Economy
Gabon has a natural-resource-rich economy heavily reliant on oil exports, contributing significantly to its GDP. The economy is classified as upper-middle-income, focusing on urbanization and dealing with high levels of poverty and unemployment, particularly following the political changes in 2023.
- GDP (PPP): $48.045 billion (2024 est.)
- GDP Growth Rate: 3.4% (2024 est.)
- Unemployment Rate: 20.1% (2024 est.)
- Exports: $13.622 billion (2024 est.)
- Major Industries: Petroleum, manganese, gold, and timber
Government
Gabon is a presidential republic with a complex political history, transitioning recently to military rule after a coup. The capital city is Libreville, which serves as the political and economic center. The government is structured with a mixed legal system of French civil law and customary law.
- Executive Branch: President Brice OLIGUI Nguema (since 2025)
- Legislature: Bicameral with Transitional National Assembly and Senate
- Suffrage: Universal at age 18
- Recent Election Date: April 2025
- Independence: Achieved from France on August 17, 1960
Military and Security
Gabon maintains a small military force primarily responsible for both internal and external security, supported by a National Gendarmerie and Republican Guard. Military expenditures are significant for the defense of the nation, particularly in light of recent political turbulence.
- Active-Duty Personnel: Approximately 7,000 (2025)
- Military Expenditures: 1.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
- Voluntary Service Age: 18-24 years
- Military Equipment: Mix of modern and older technology from various suppliers
Energy
Gabon has made significant strides in electricity access, with approximately 93.5% of the population connected to the grid. The energy sector is characterized by oil and hydroelectric power, heavily reliant on fossil fuels for electricity generation.
- Total Petroleum Production: 204,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
- Electricity Consumption: 3.173 billion kWh (2023 est.)
- Hydroelectric Capacity: 47.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
- Natural Gas Production: 463 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Environment
Gabon grapples with environmental challenges such as deforestation, water pollution, and wildlife poaching, yet it is recognized for its rich biodiversity and commitment to various international environmental agreements.
- Forest Coverage: 91.2% of total land area (2022 est.)
- Urban Population: 91% of total (2023)
- Total Renewable Water Resources: 166 billion cubic meters (2020)
- Major Environmental Agreements: Paris Agreement, Biodiversity Convention, Ozone Layer Protection
Transportation
Gabon has a developing transportation infrastructure, including a network of roads, railways, and an air transport system. The country has a total of 42 airports, with significant ports facilitating maritime trade.
- Total Railways: 649 km (2014)
- Merchant Marine: 87 vessels (2023)
- Total Ports: 9 (2024)
- Civil Aircraft Registration Code: TR
Communications
The communication sector in Gabon is characterized by a growing number of mobile and internet users, with a notable percentage of the population accessing online services.
- Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 3 million (2022)
- Internet Penetration: 72% of the population (2023)
- Fixed-line Telephones: 43,000 subscriptions (2022)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,455,105 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 267,667 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $48.045 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 20.1% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 25.7 births/1,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 70.4 years | 2024 estimate |
| Urban Population | 91% | 2023 estimate |
| Military Expenditures | 1.5% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Electricity Access | 93.5% | 2022 estimate |
| Total Energy Consumption per Capita | 22.101 million Btu | 2023 estimate |
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