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Gabon Population, Official Language And More.
Gabon is known for its rich biodiversity with over 20 national parks and reserves. The country is also home to several ethnic groups including Fang, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi, Bakota or Kota, Mbere, Mbwisi or Bwisi, Okande or Akandé, Myene or Mien, Nzebi or Nzébi, Obamba, Teke or Bateke, and Pygmies.
Gabon
THE POPULATION
Gabon has a population of 2.4 million people as of 2023. The country has one of the highest urbanization rates in Africa, with more than four in five Gabonese citizens living in cities. Libreville and Port-Gentil are home to 59% of the country’s population.
THE LANDMARKS
Gabon has several landmarks that are worth visiting. Some of the most popular ones include:
- St. Michael’s Cathedral
- Lopé National Park
- Ivindo National Park
- Loango National Park
- Pongara National Park
- Pointe Denis Beach
- La Sablière Beach
- Ndougou Lagoon
- Cour Constitutionnelle de la République Gabonaise
- Hassane II Mosque
THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
French is the official language in Gabon, and it is also the medium of instruction. However, 32% of the people speak Fang as a mother tongue. The indigenous languages are all members of the Bantu family, estimated to have come to Gabon about 2,000 years ago, and differentiated into about 40 languages.
THE CULTURE
The Gabonese people have forged their own culture since the independence of the country in 1960, which is neither the traditional culture of the different ethnic groups that compose it nor modern Western culture. It is a culture in movement, a mixture of diversity and common traits, bringing together the most diverse beliefs and practices.
THE ECONOMIC STABILITY
Gabon’s economy is gradually recovering from its downturn due to COVID-19 and the decline in oil prices and demand. The country is rich in natural resources such as oil, manganese, fertile land, coastal resources, and fisheries. However, despite its economic potential, Gabon is struggling to translate its resource wealth into sustainable and inclusive growth.
THE GDP
Gabon’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was worth 21.07 billion US dollars in 2022, according to official data from the World Bank. The GDP value of Gabon represents 0.01 percent of the world economy. Gabon’s per capita GDP of $6,641.53 is one of the highest in sub-Saharan Africa.
THE CURRENCY
The official currency of Gabon is the Central African CFA franc (XAF), which is also used by five other countries in Central Africa. As of October 2023, one US dollar is equal to 620.70 XAF.
THE FOOD
Gabonese cuisine is a blend of African and French influences. The country’s cuisine is rich and varied, with about 50 ethnic groups making up the country. Some popular dishes include:
- Nkumu Ofula: A dish made with indigenous salt, palm oil, and Nkumu leaves.
- Cassava Leaves: A dish made with cassava leaves and usually accompanied by smoked fish.
- Soukoutè: Cassava leaves wrapped in a banana leaf, which is one of the signature dishes of the Kota people.
- Kughudu: A dish made with banana flower and groundnuts.
- Bushmeat: Includes antelope, warthog, porcupines, pangolins, snakes, crocodiles, monkeys, and more.
MAJOR CITIES
Gabon has several major cities including:
- Libreville: The capital city and biggest city by area with a population of 703,940 as of 2013.
- Port-Gentil: The second-largest city with a population of 136,462 as of 2013.
- Franceville: The third-largest city with a population of 110,568 as of 2013.
MAJOR AIRPORTS AND SEAPORTS
Gabon has several airports and seaports. Some major airports include:
- Leon M’Ba International Airport in Libreville
- Port-Gentil International Airport in Port-Gentil
- M’Vengue El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba International Airport in Franceville
Some major seaports include:
- Port-Gentil: The principal port and a densely populated industrial center of Gabon that accommodates RORO carriers, oil tankers, supply boats, containerized goods, and general cargo.
- Owendo: A port located near Libreville that handles most of the country’s timber exports.
MAJOR SCHOOLS
Gabon has several universities including:
- Omar Bongo University
- University of Science and Technology of Masuku
- University of Health Sciences
- University of Business Sciences and Management
