Country Profile: Gabon

Gabon is a Central African nation characterized by its abundant natural resources, particularly petroleum, and its rich biodiversity, including vast rainforests. The country is home to a diverse population of approximately 2.5 million, predominantly consisting of various ethnic groups, with the Fang being the largest. Gabon's economy is heavily reliant on oil exports, contributing significantly to its status as an upper-middle-income nation. Governed as a presidential republic, Gabon has experienced recent political upheaval, including a military coup in 2023 that led to the appointment of General Brice OLIGUI Nguema as transitional president.

Geography

Gabon is situated in Central Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The country features a tropical climate, with a terrain that includes a narrow coastal plain and a hilly interior, along with significant forest cover. The overall area stands at approximately 267,667 square kilometers, making it slightly smaller than Colorado.

885 km of coastline.
3,261 km of land boundaries with neighboring countries.
91.5% of land designated as forest (2023 est.).
2 billion barrels of estimated crude oil reserves (2021 est.).

People and Society

With an estimated population of 2.5 million in 2025, Gabonese society is diverse, with around 40 ethnic groups. The capital, Libreville, serves as the largest urban center, housing about 870,000 residents. The nation has a relatively young population, with a median age of 22.3 years and a high urbanization rate of 91%.

34.6% of the population is aged 0-14 years (2025 est.).
88.9% literacy rate (2021 est.).
25.51 births per 1,000 population (2025 est.).
70.4 years life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).

Economy

Gabon has a natural-resource-rich economy, with oil and minerals forming the backbone of its export-driven model. The GDP is projected at $48.045 billion in 2024, with oil exports constituting 65.3% of total expenditures. Despite its wealth, the country faces challenges such as high unemployment rates, which are estimated at 20.1% in 2024, and significant poverty levels.

50.9% of GDP comes from industry (2024 est.).
3.4% projected GDP growth rate for 2024.
204,000 bbl/day total petroleum production (2023 est.).
33.4% of the population below the poverty line (2017 est.).

Government

Gabon is structured as a presidential republic, featuring a mixed legal system of French civil law and customary law. Following the military coup in 2023, General Brice OLIGUI Nguema became the transitional president. The government consists of a bicameral legislature, including an elected National Assembly and an indirectly elected Senate.

9 provinces in total.
18 years is the legal voting age.
The constitution was last amended in November 2024.
Brice OLIGUI Nguema was elected president with 90.35% of the vote in April 2025.

Military and Security

The Gabonese Armed Forces comprise the Army, Navy, and Air Force, among other divisions, and are tasked with both internal and external security. The military received a notable increase in public interest following the coup in 2023, which highlights its role in governance.

Approximately 7,000 active-duty personnel in the armed forces (2025).
1.5% of GDP allocated to military expenditures in 2024.
Military service is voluntary for individuals aged 18-24.

Energy

Gabon has made significant strides in energy access, with 93.5% of the population having access to electricity. The energy sector is driven largely by petroleum and hydroelectricity, with an increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions.

785,000 kW of installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.).
204,000 bbl/day of total petroleum production (2023 est.).
51.9% of installed capacity comes from fossil fuels (2023 est.).

Environment

Gabon is rich in biodiversity and has committed to various international environmental agreements, although it faces challenges such as deforestation and pollution from the oil industry. The nation is a significant participant in global and regional efforts to combat climate change.

Deforestation driven by logging activities and water pollution issues.
91.5% of land is covered by forests (2023 est.).
Active member of the Paris Agreement and other environmental treaties.

Transportation

Gabon features extensive transportation infrastructure, including roads, railways, and airports. The capital city, Libreville, serves as a key transport hub due to its proximity to the coast.

42 airports in total (2025).
649 km of railways (2014).
87 total vessels in the merchant marine (2023).

Communications

Gabon has developed its telecommunications sector, with a notable increase in internet usage among its population. The country has several fixed and mobile services, contributing to better communication.

3.18 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
72% of the population are internet users (2023 est.).
67,100 fixed-line subscriptions (2024).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,513,738 (2025 est.)
Area	267,667 sq km
GDP	$48.045 billion (2024 est.)
Energy consumption per capita	22.101 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth rate	25.51 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Unemployment rate	20.1% (2024 est.)
Life expectancy	70.4 years (2024 est.)
Literacy rate	88.9% (2021 est.)
Agricultural land	8.4% (2023 est.)
Electric access	93.5% (2022 est.)