Population: 1,389,201
estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution
of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2005 est.)
Capital: Libreville
Languages: French
(official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi
Religions: Christian 55%-75%, animist, Muslim less than 1%
Government: republic; multiparty
presidential regime (opposition parties legalized in 1990)
Climate: tropical; always hot, humid
Terrain: narrow coastal plain; hilly interior; savanna in east and
south
Geography: a small population and oil and mineral reserves have helped Gabon become one of Africa's wealthier countries; in
general, these circumstances have allowed the country to maintain and conserve its pristine rain forest and rich
biodiversity
Ethnic groups: Bantu
tribes including four major tribal groupings (Fang, Bapounou, Nzebi, Obamba), other Africans and Europeans 154,000, including
10,700 French and 11,000 persons of dual nationality
Economy: Gabon enjoys a per capita income four times that of most of
sub-Saharan African nations. This has supported a sharp decline in extreme poverty; yet because of high income inequality a
large proportion of the population remains poor. Gabon depended on timber and manganese until oil was discovered offshore in
the early 1970s. The oil sector now accounts for 50% of GDP. Gabon continues to face fluctuating prices for its oil, timber,
and manganese exports. Despite the abundance of natural wealth, poor fiscal management hobbles the economy. Devaluation of its
currency by 50% in January 1994 sparked a one-time inflationary surge, to 35%; the rate dropped to 6% in 1996. The IMF
provided a one-year standby arrangement in 1994-95, a three-year Enhanced Financing Facility (EFF) at near commercial rates
beginning in late 1995, and stand-by credit of $119 million in October 2000. Those agreements mandated progress in
privatization and fiscal discipline. France provided additional financial support in January 1997 after Gabon had met IMF
targets for mid-1996. In 1997, an IMF mission to Gabon criticized the government for overspending on off-budget items,
overborrowing from the central bank, and slipping on its schedule for privatization and administrative reform. The rebound of
oil prices in 1999-2000 helped growth, but drops in production hampered Gabon from fully realizing potential gains. In
December 2000, Gabon signed a new agreement with the Paris Club to reschedule its official debt. A follow-up bilateral
repayment agreement with the US was signed in December 2001. Gabon signed a 14 month Stand-By Arrangement with the IMF in May
2004, and received Paris Club debt rescheduling later that year. Short-term progress depends on an upbeat world economy and
fiscal and other adjustments in line with IMF policies.
GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $5,800 (2005 est.)
GDP real growth: 2.1% (2005 est.)
Unemployment rate: 21% (1997 est.)
Internet country code: .ga
Dial code: +241
Only two autocratic presidents have ruled Gabon since independence from France in 1960. Gabon's current
President, El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba - one of the longest-serving heads of state in the world - has dominated Gabon'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. Gabon's political opposition remains weak, divided, and
financially dependent on the current regime. 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.