Gabon

National name

République Gabonaise

Government

Republic.

Geography

This West African country with the Atlantic. Most of the country is covered by a dense tropical forest.

 Historical Background
Only two autocratic presidents have ruled Gabon since independence from France in 1960. The current president of Gabon, El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba - one of the longest-serving heads of state in the world - has dominated the contry's political scene for almost four decades. President BONGO introduced a nominal multiparty system and a new constitution in the early 1990s. However, allegations of electoral fraud during local elections in 2002-03 and the presidential elections in 2005 have exposed the weaknesses of formal political structures in Gabon. Despite political conditions, a small population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign support have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous and stable African countries.

Facts & Figures

Name

Gabon

Capital

Libreville

Government

Republic

Language

French

Area

267,745 km2 

Population

1,475,000

Currency

Central African CFA franc  (XAF)