Gabun

Gabun, commonly known in English as Gabon, is a country on the west coast of Central Africa. It is bordered by Cameroon to the north, Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, the Republic of the Congo to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The capital and largest city is Libreville. The official language is French, with local languages such as Fang and Myene widely spoken.

Gabun has a tropical climate and extensive rainforests, with the Ogooué River shaping much of the interior. The country contains protected areas such as Lopé, Ivindo, Minkébé, and Moukalaba-Doudou National Parks, supporting wildlife including forest elephants, gorillas, and chimpanzees. Coastal mangroves and wetlands sustain fisheries.

Oil exports have driven Gabun's economy for decades, complemented by forestry, manganese mining, and timber. The government has pursued diversification into services, tourism, and value-added industries, but the economy remains vulnerable to commodity swings and revenue dependence. GDP per capita is higher than in many neighboring countries, while inequality remains a concern.

The area was a French colony and gained independence in 1960. Power was long concentrated in the Bongo family, with Omar Bongo and later Ali Bongo Ondimba serving as presidents. In August 2023, a military coup toppled the government and established a transitional authority, drawing international attention and calls for a swift return to civilian rule.

Gabun has a population of about 2.3 million people. The largest ethnic group is the Fang, along with Myene, Punu, and others. French is the official language, with widely spoken local languages reflecting the country’s ethnic diversity. The majority of people identify as Christian, with communities practicing Islam and traditional beliefs.