Country Profile: Gabon

Gabon, located in Central Africa along the Atlantic Ocean, is characterized by its dense rainforests and significant oil reserves. The country is home to a diverse population of approximately 2.5 million, predominantly from the Fang ethnic group, which represents a substantial portion of its cultural fabric. Gabon's economy is heavily reliant on its natural resources, primarily petroleum and minerals, but faces challenges including high levels of poverty and unemployment. The political landscape has been marked by stability, although it has recently experienced upheaval with a military coup in 2023.

Geography

Gabon is positioned centrally on the west coast of Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, with a diverse terrain that includes coastal plains, hills, and savanna regions. The nation covers an area of approximately 267,667 square kilometers and is rich in biodiversity, maintaining significant portions of its rainforests.

Area: 267,667 sq km
Coastline Length: 885 km
Highest Point: Mont Bengoue at 1,050 m
Natural Resources: Includes petroleum, natural gas, manganese, and uranium
Climate: Tropical, hot, and humid

People and Society

As of 2025, Gabon has an estimated population of 2,513,738, with a youthful median age of 22.3 years. The urban population is heavily concentrated in Libreville, the capital, which is home to roughly 870,000 residents. The country boasts a literacy rate of 88.9% and a diverse cultural landscape enriched by numerous ethnic groups and languages.

Population (2025 est.): 2,513,738
Urban Population: 91% of total population
Languages: French (official), alongside several local languages
Religions: Protestant (46.4%), Roman Catholic (29.8%)
Life Expectancy: 70.4 years (2024 est.)

Economy

Gabon’s economy is classified as upper-middle-income and is heavily reliant on oil and mineral exports, contributing over half of its GDP. Despite this wealth, the country faces significant challenges such as high unemployment rates and poverty levels. With a significant urban population, economic activities are concentrated in urban areas.

GDP (PPP): $48.045 billion (2024 est.)
GDP Growth Rate: 3.4% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 20.1% (2024 est.)
Exports: $13.622 billion (2024 est.)
Poverty Rate: 33.4% of the population (2017 est.)

Government

Gabon operates as a presidential republic with a bicameral Parliament and a mix of civil and customary law. Following a military coup in 2023, General Brice OLIGUI Nguema became the transitional president. The political system has seen significant changes, including a shift from a single-party state to a multiparty system.

Capital: Libreville
Government Type: Presidential Republic
Last Election: April 12, 2025
Legal System: Mixed system of French civil law and customary law
National Holiday: Independence Day on August 17

Military and Security

The Gabonese Armed Forces are tasked with external defense and internal security, comprising an Army, Navy, and Air Force among other units. Military spending is approximately 1.5% of GDP, and the armed forces have recently been involved in maintaining order amid political changes.

Military Expenditures: 1.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Active-Duty Personnel: Approximately 7,000 (2025)
Service Age: Voluntary military service for ages 18-24
Military Coups: Recent coup in August 2023

Energy

Gabon has made strides in energy access, with about 93.5% of the population having electricity. The country primarily relies on petroleum and hydroelectric sources for its energy needs, although challenges remain in terms of rural electrification.

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

Environment

Gabon faces environmental issues such as deforestation, water pollution, and waste disposal. However, it is committed to various international environmental agreements and has made efforts to protect its rich biodiversity and forests.

Forest Coverage: 91.5% of land (2023 est.)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 3.144 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
International Agreements: Party to multiple global environmental agreements including Biodiversity and Climate Change
Major Environmental Issues: Deforestation and wildlife poaching

Transportation

Gabon has an extensive transport network, including 42 airports and over 600 km of railways. The country boasts a robust merchant marine fleet, crucial for its export-driven economy.

Airports: 42 (2025)
Total Railways: 649 km (2014)
Ports: 9 (2024)
Merchant Marine Fleet: 87 vessels (2023)

Communications

Telecommunications in Gabon have seen advancements, with a significant percentage of the population having access to mobile cellular services and the internet.

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 3.18 million (2024 est.)
Internet Users: 72% of the population (2023 est.)
Fixed Line Subscriptions: 67,100 (2024 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,513,738	2025 estimate
Area	267,667 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$48.045 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	20.1%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	70.4 years	2024 estimate
Urban Population	91%	2023 estimate
Electricity Access	93.5%	2022 estimate
Total Military Personnel	7,000	2025 estimate
Major Urban Area Population	870,000	Libreville (2023)
Forest Coverage	91.5%	2023 estimate