Country Profile: Gabon

Gabon is a Central African nation characterized by its dense rainforests, coastal regions along the Atlantic Ocean, and significant petroleum reserves. With a population of approximately 2.5 million, the country is divided into nine provinces and is urbanized, with about 91% of its inhabitants living in cities. Gabon's economy is heavily reliant on oil and minerals, contributing to its status as an upper-middle-income country. The government, under a presidential republic system, has faced challenges due to recent political upheavals, including a military coup in 2023.

Geography

Gabon is located on the equator, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and neighboring countries including the Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea. The country covers an area of approximately 267,667 square kilometers, featuring a narrow coastal plain, hilly interiors, and abundant natural resources. Its climate is tropical, typically hot and humid, and the terrain is known for its rich biodiversity.

Total Area: 267,667 sq km
Climate: Tropical; always hot and humid
Highest Point: 1,050 m (Mont Bengoue)
Forest Coverage: 91.5% of land area
Coastline: 885 km

People and Society

The population of Gabon is approximately 2.5 million, with a diverse ethnic composition including groups such as the Fang and Shira-Punu'Vii. French is the official language, while various indigenous languages are also spoken. Gabon has a relatively young population, with a median age of 22 years, and a significant urbanization rate.

Urban Population: 91% of total population (2023)
Literacy Rate: 88.9% (2021)
Population Growth Rate: 2.37% (2024)
Infant Mortality Rate: 26.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2024)
Life Expectancy: 70.4 years (2024)

Economy

Gabon boasts a natural-resource-rich economy that relies heavily on oil and minerals, making it classified as an upper-middle-income nation. The economic growth rate has shown some resilience, but high levels of poverty and unemployment persist, particularly following the military coup in 2023. The GDP per capita is relatively high, reflecting its resource wealth.

GDP (PPP): $48.045 billion (2024)
Unemployment Rate: 20.1% (2024)
Real GDP Growth Rate: 3.4% (2024)
Oil Production: 204,000 bbl/day (2023)
Population Below Poverty Line: 33.4% (2017)

Government

Gabon operates as a presidential republic, with the capital being Libreville. The government structure includes a bicameral parliament, and the country recently transitioned to a military governance system following a coup in 2023. Gabon gained independence from French colonial rule in 1960.

Current President: Brice OLIGUI Nguema (since May 2025)
Legislature: Bicameral Parliament including National Assembly and Senate
Major Political Party: Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG)
Voting Age: 18 years
Independence Day: 17 August (1960)

Military and Security

The Gabonese Armed Forces are responsible for both external defense and internal security, consisting of approximately 7,000 active personnel. The military has faced recent scrutiny following a coup in 2023, leading to the arrest of the president and restructuring of governmental authority.

Military Expenditure: 1.5% of GDP (2024)
Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 7,000 (2025)
Military Service Age: 18-24 years (voluntary)
Military Equipment: Diverse inventory from multiple international suppliers
Key Defense Priorities: Border and maritime security

Energy

Gabon has a significant energy sector, mainly based on hydroelectric and fossil fuel sources. The electrification rate is high in urban areas, although rural access remains lower. Oil and natural gas play crucial roles in energy production and consumption.

Electricity Access: 93.5% of total population (2022)
Total Petroleum Production: 204,000 bbl/day (2023)
Installed Generating Capacity: 785,000 kW (2023)
Natural Gas Consumption: 463 million cubic meters (2023)
Hydroelectricity Supply: 47.7% of total installed capacity (2023)

Environment

Gabon faces environmental challenges primarily related to deforestation, water pollution, and wildlife poaching, yet it maintains a rich biodiversity. The government is a party to multiple international environmental agreements.

Forest Coverage: 91.5% (2023)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 3.144 million metric tonnes (2023)
Annual Municipal Solid Waste: 238,100 tons (2024)
Total Water Resources: 166 billion cubic meters (2022)
Recycling Rate: 22.4% of municipal solid waste (2022)

Transportation

Gabon features a diverse transport network that includes roads, railways, and air travel. The country has a number of airports and a developing railway system, facilitating both passenger and freight movement.

Airports: 42 (2025)
Railways: 649 km (standard gauge)
Merchant Marine: 87 vessels (2023)
Number of Ports: 9 (2024)
Key Ports: Libreville, Oguendjo Terminal, Port Gentil

Communications

Gabon has a growing communications sector, marked by increasing mobile and internet penetration. The country has a mix of state-run and private media outlets, with significant access to international broadcasting.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 3 million (2022)
Internet Users: 72% of the population (2023)
Fixed Line Subscriptions: 43,000 (2022)
Broadband Fixed Subscriptions: 80,000 (2022)
Telephones per 100 Inhabitants: 125 (mobile, 2022)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,455,105	(2024 est.)
Area	267,667 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$48.045 billion	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	20.1%	(2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	22.101 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)
Birth Rate	25.7 births/1,000 people	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	70.4 years	(2024 est.)
Electrification Rate	93.5%	(2022 est.)
Inflation Rate	1.2%	(2024 est.)
Total Water Resources	166 billion cubic meters	(2022 est.)