Gabon
A central African nation, Gabon is politically unique in the sense
that the country has been ruled by only two autocratic presidents
since its independence from France in 1960. The present incumbent
El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba has the distinction of being the one of
the longest-serving heads of state in the world, being in power since
1967. In order to blunt the international accusations of autocracy
President Bongo unveiled a nominal multiparty system and a new constitution
in the early 1990s. However the elections in the country have proved
to be shams thanks to the widespread rigging.
Notwithstanding political regime the country is one of the prosperous
countries in Africa due to abundance of natural resources and influx
of foreign investment.
Travel overview
Gabon is known for its eco tourism. A stuff of painting, the country
is home to captivatingly stunning palm-fringed bays, estuaries, lagoons
and lush tropical rainforests. The exotic wildlife has made the country
a compelling destination for the wildlife enthusiasts. The enchanting
cities of Libreville, Lambarene, Port Gentil, Oyem, Moanda, Mouila
and Franceville are the popular destinations in the coutry. Village
des Artisans in Libreville is known for the arts and crafts village.
Other attractions of Gabon are Cap Esterias Beach, Mayumba beach,
Evaro Lake, Cirque de Lekoni valley, Kinguele Falls and Reserve de
la Lope (national park). For adventure tourists, the country offers
a wide range of activities including skin-diving, water-skiing, fishing,
and exciting wildlife safaris.
Capital: Libreville
Location: Western Africa
Climate: tropical; hot and humid
Total Area: 267,667 sq km
Total Population: 1,424,906
Population Growth Rate: 2.13%
Sex Ratio: 0.99 male(s)/female
Literacy: 63.2%
Ethnic Groups: Bantu, Fang, Bapounou, Nzebi and Obamba
Irrigated land: 70 sq km
Languages: French is the official language, Fang, Nzebi, Myene, Bapounou/Eschira,
Bandjabi
Time Zone: UTC+1
Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF)
Neighbouring countries: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of the
Congo,
Type of govt.: republic; presidential
Head of Govt.: Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe Ndong
Major Political Parties: Circle of Liberal Reformers or CLR, Congress
for Democracy and Justice or CDJ , Democratic and Republican Alliance
or ADERE, Gabonese Democratic Party or PDG, Gabonese Party for Progress
or PGP ,Gabonese Union for Democracy and Development or UGDD, National
Rally of Woodcutters or RNB, National Rally of Woodcutters-Rally for
Gabon or RNB-RPG (Bucherons) ,People's Unity Party or PUP , Rally
for Democracy and Progress or RDP, Social Democratic Party or PSD
, Union for Democracy and Social Integration or UDIS, Union of Gabonese
Patriots or UPG
Participation in International Organizations: ACCT, AfDB, ACP, AU,
CEMAC, BDEAC, FAO, G-24, FZ, G-77, IBRD, IAEA, ICAO, ICRM, ICCt, IDA,
IDB, IFC, IFAD, IFRCS, IMF, ILO, IMO, Interpol, IOM, IPU, IOC, ITU,
ITUC, NAM, OIC, MIGA, OIF, UN, OPCW, UNCTAD, UNIDO, UNESCO, UNMIS,
UPU, UNWTO, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WCO, WMO, WTO
Major Agricultural Products: cocoa, coffee, palm oil, sugar, rubber;
cattle, fish
Natural Resources & Minerals: petroleum, diamond, natural gas,
niobium, uranium, manganese, gold, timber, hydropower, .iron ore.
Industry & Transport: petroleum refining; gold; chemicals, manganese,
ship repair, textiles, food and beverages, lumbering and plywood,
cement
Airports: 56
Railways: 814 km
Roadways: 9,170 km
Waterways: 1,600 km
Major Trade Partners: US, France, China, Cameroon
Exports: $6.677 billion
Imports: $1.607 billion
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