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During his tenure, Gabon experienced relative political stability and significant economic growth, primarily fueled by its burgeoning oil industry. However, this period was also marked by a consolidation of power, which drew criticism from human rights groups. Following his death in 2009, his son, Ali Bongo Ondimba, was elected president, continuing the family's political dominance. This dynastic succession, however, recently culminated in a military coup in August 2023, which overthrew Ali Bongo, ushering in a new, uncertain chapter in Gabon's political history.
Gabonese society is generally described as peaceful, although the disparity between the urban elite and the rural poor can sometimes lead to social tensions. Education is highly valued, and the government has invested in improving access, though quality and infrastructure remain challenges, particularly outside the capital. Healthcare, while better than in many neighbouring countries, still contends with issues of accessibility, particularly for specialised care. Daily life in Gabon varies significantly between its bustling urban centres and its tranquil rural communities. In Libreville, the capital, and Port-Gentil, the oil hub, life revolves around commerce, administration, and modern amenities. People commute to work, shop in supermarkets and local markets, and enjoy a vibrant nightlife. Traffic can be a major issue, reflecting the country's rapid urbanisation. Cuisine often features fresh seafood, root vegetables like cassava and plantains, and bushmeat (though illegal hunting is a concern), often prepared with piment (chilli pepper). Family and community ties are strong, and weekend gatherings, often involving shared meals and music, are common. In rural areas, daily life is more intertwined with the rhythms of nature. Subsistence farming, fishing, and small-scale timber extraction are primary occupations. Communities are often close-knit, relying on traditional social structures and communal support. Access to modern infrastructure, such as paved roads, electricity, and clean water, can be limited, presenting significant challenges for development and improving living standards. |
Gabon's social profile is characterised by its relatively small but diverse population and a blend of traditional customs with modern influences. With a population of 2.59 million (2025) and, Gabon is one of the least densely populated countries in Africa. This factor has allowed its vast wilderness to remain largely intact. French is the official language, a legacy of colonial rule, but various Bantu languages, most notably Fang, are widely spoken, reflecting the nation's ethnic diversity. Religion plays a significant role in daily life, with a majority of Gabonese identifying as Christian, predominantly Roman Catholic, though Protestant denominations are also strong. Traditional animist beliefs often coexist with Christianity, particularly in rural areas, manifesting in rituals, ancestral worship, and the reverence for nature spirits. The Bwiti religion, an indigenous spiritual practice involving the use of the psychedelic iboga root, is also prevalent among some ethnic groups and is recognised as a cultural heritage.Gabon Profile |
Gabon Profile |
Gabon Profile | Gabon Profile |
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Gabon's economic profile is largely defined by its abundant natural resources. It is one of sub-Saharan Africa's wealthiest nations per capita, primarily due to its significant oil reserves, which account for a substantial portion of its GDP and government revenue. Beyond oil, Gabon is a major producer of manganese and boasts vast timber resources, particularly the valuable Okoumé wood. Despite its impressive per capita GDP, Gabon faces significant economic challenges. The country's heavy reliance on oil makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy prices, leading to periods of boom and bust. Diversification of the economy away from oil is a long-standing government priority, with efforts focused on developing other sectors such as timber processing, mining, agriculture, and tourism. However, progress has been slow, hampered by issues such as insufficient infrastructure, a limited skilled workforce, and bureaucratic hurdles. Income inequality is another pressing challenge. While the nation's wealth is considerable, it is not evenly distributed, leading to a visible gap between a relatively affluent urban elite and a large segment of the population, particularly in rural areas, who grapple with poverty and limited opportunities. Corruption and good governance are also persistent economic challenges that hinder effective resource management and stifle broader development. The recent coup has added another layer of uncertainty, with potential implications for foreign investment and economic stability. Unlike many African nations that prioritise safari tourism focused on large herds, Gabon specialises in ecotourism centred on its spectacular rainforests, pristine coastlines, and unique wildlife and the jewel in Gabon's crown is its network of national parks, established in 2002 by then-President Omar Bongo, covering over 11% of the country's landmass. These parks are a testament to the nation's commitment to conservation, the main ones being: Loango National Park: Often dubbed "Africa's Last Eden," Loango is perhaps the most famous. Here, visitors can witness the extraordinary sight of hippos surfing in the ocean, forest elephants and buffaloes roaming sandy beaches, and gorillas and chimpanzees within the coastal forest. It’s also a vital nesting ground for Leatherback turtles. Lopé National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Lopé is renowned for its diverse landscapes, including savannahs, gallery forests, and ancient petroglyphs. It’s a prime location for tracking mandrills, Africa's most colourful primate, and observing forest elephants and gorillas in their natural habitat. Akanda National Park: Located just north of Libreville, this park protects crucial mangrove forests and coastal ecosystems, serving as a vital sanctuary for migratory birds and marine life. It offers fantastic birdwatching opportunities and kayaking through serene waterways. Mayumba National Park: A narrow strip of land along the southern coast, Mayumba is a critical nesting site for the world's largest population of Leatherback turtles, making it a spectacular destination during nesting season. Beyond guided park excursions, tourist attractions also include boat trips along Gabon's numerous rivers, encountering local fishing villages, and experiencing the tranquillity of untouched wilderness. While infrastructure for tourism is still developing, particularly outside the major parks, the opportunity to explore one of the planet’s last great wild places makes Gabon an increasingly appealing destination for eco-conscious travellers. Gabon is in 108th place out of 195 countries and territories in 2025 when ranked in terms of life expectancy, literacy, access to knowledge and the living standards of a country yet poverty remains widespread standing at around 33% especially in rural areas where children also suffer from a lack of educational provision. For others, whilst education is free, other school expenses put it beyond the reach of many poor families. This rural poverty has seen a rise in children moving to urban conurbations such as Libreville where they can be seen begging on the streets in front of bus stops and department stores. Many of these children end up in domestic servitude or in agricultural labour working alongside other children who have been brought into Gabon through trafficking. HIV is also an issue in Gabon with thousands of its children orphaned through the virus. In total there are 64,000 orphans in Gabon, just over one in ten of all children. The video (left) explores more about Gabon itself, particularly its forest industry. |
