At a Glance

Official Name: Gabonese Republic

Continent: Africa

Area: 99,486 square miles (257,670 sq km)

Population: 1,221,175

Capital City: Libreville

Largest City: Libreville (419,596)

Unit of Money: CFA Franc

Major Languages: French (official), Fang, Myene

Literacy: 61%

Land Use: 1% arable, 1% crop, 18% meadow, 77% forest, 3% other

Natural Resources: crude oil, manganese, gold, timber

Government: Republic

Defense: 98 million

The Place

Gabon is in west central Africa. The equator runs through the northern part of the country. To the south is a 550-mile-(885-km-) long coast along the Atlantic Ocean.

The western part of Gabon consists of a narrow band of coastal lowlands. Beaches, lagoons, and swamps are found here. A plateau makes up most of the country's interior, extending to the north, east, and part of the south. In the north, the Cristal Mountains average about 3,000 feet (900 m) high. In central Gabon, Mount Iboundji, the country's highest point, reaches 3,189 feet (972 m). The Ogooue River begins at the Atlantic Ocean and divides the landscape with its several tributaries.

Gabon has a hot and humid climate throughout the year. The average annual temperature is 80° F (26° C). Gabon receives a lot of rain, with some areas in the north totaling more than 100 inches (254 cm) annually. Thick rain forests cover about 70% of the country.

The People

Gabon has one of the smallest populations in Africa. The country has a population density of just 13 people per square mile (4.5 people per sq km). Approximately half the Gabonese population lives along the coast, near rivers, or in the north. Many live in small villages in houses made of mud or cement. There are many different ethnic groups in the country. The largest group is the Fang, and they live in the northern part of Gabon. The Omyene live along the Atlantic coast. Several Pygmy tribes live in the southern forests.

A slight majority of the Gabonese population lives in rural areas. About 65% of the labor force works in agriculture. Commonly grown crops include bananas, yams, cassavas, and mangoes. Some rural dwellers also raise animals and catch fish. A number of people work in industry and commerce.

Although there is just 1 doctor for every 2,800 people, Gabon offers some of the best health care services in Africa. Life expectancy is 58 years. The majority of children attend primary school.