Country Profile: Gabon

Gabon, located in central Africa, is a country characterized by its tropical climate and rich biodiversity, boasting vast rainforests and significant petroleum reserves. With a population of approximately 2.5 million, Gabon is ethnically diverse, with 40 distinct groups, predominantly the Fang. The economy is largely reliant on oil and mineral exports, contributing to its status as an upper-middle-income nation, although high levels of poverty and unemployment remain. Governance has undergone recent turmoil following a military coup in 2023, which saw a change in leadership and disrupted the political stability that had prevailed since independence in 1960.

Geography

Gabon is situated along the Atlantic Ocean, straddling the Equator and bordered by the Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea. The country encompasses an area of about 267,667 square kilometers, featuring a narrow coastal plain that leads to hilly interiors and savannas to the east and south. Gabon is rich in natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, and timber, and maintains a pristine environment largely untouched by urbanization.

267,667 sq km total area
885 km of coastline
91.5% forest cover (2023)
12 nm territorial sea claim

People and Society

As of 2025, Gabon has an estimated population of 2,513,738, with a predominantly urban demographic—91% reside in urban areas. The nation is home to approximately 40 ethnic groups, with significant percentages belonging to the Fang and Shira-Punu'Vii. French is the official language, and a mix of religions exists, with Christianity being the majority faith.

34.6% of the population is aged 0-14 years
22.3 years median age (2025)
91% urban population (2023)
88.9% literacy rate (2021)

Economy

Gabon has a natural-resource-rich economy, heavily reliant on oil, which accounts for a significant portion of its GDP. The economic structure reflects a strong urban concentration, though it struggles with high poverty and unemployment rates, exacerbated by recent political instability. Notably, Gabon's GDP per capita indicates an upper-middle-income classification, yet the population below the poverty line remains substantial.

$48.045 billion estimated GDP (PPP) in 2024
20.1% unemployment rate (2024)
65.3% of GDP from exports (2024)
33.4% population below the poverty line (2017)

Government

The Gabonese Republic operates as a presidential republic. The capital city, Libreville, is a central hub for governance and culture. Since the military coup in 2023, the government is headed by General Brice OLIGUI Nguema, who assumed power amid significant political upheaval. The government comprises multiple administrative divisions and is characterized by a mixed legal system influenced by both French civil law and customary practices.

18 years is the minimum voting age
9 provinces are administratively recognized
145 seats in the National Assembly (lower house)
70 seats in the Senate (upper house)

Military and Security

Gabon’s military forces include the army, navy, air force, and various support units, which operate under the Ministry of Defense. With a focus on both national defense and internal security, the military has been recently involved in political transitions, most notably during the 2023 coup. Military expenditure remains a modest portion of GDP compared to other nations.

7,000 active-duty personnel (2025)
1.5% of GDP allocated to military expenditures (2024)
18-24 years age range for voluntary service
Republican Guard acts as an elite unit for presidential protection

Energy

Gabon’s energy sector is largely defined by its reliance on petroleum, accounting for substantial production and consumption metrics. The country has made strides in electrification, achieving a 93.5% access rate by 2022. Renewable energy sources, primarily hydroelectricity, play a significant role in the total energy mix.

204,000 bbl/day total petroleum production (2023)
93.5% electricity access (2022)
785,000 kW installed generating capacity (2023)
51.9% of total energy from fossil fuels (2023)

Environment

Gabon faces environmental challenges such as deforestation, water pollution from the oil industry, and wildlife poaching. However, it is also recognized for its wealth of biodiversity and commitment to various international environmental agreements. The country uses its rich natural resources to manage sustainable development goals.

91.5% of land is forested (2023)
3.144 million metric tonnes CO2 emissions (2023)
22.4% municipal solid waste recycled (2022)
2 World Heritage Sites recognized

Transportation

Gabon possesses a developing transportation network, including a moderate number of airports and railways. The country has a strategic maritime presence due to its extensive coastline, facilitating significant shipping and trade activities. Infrastructure continues to evolve, reflecting the economic activities tied to natural resources.

42 airports (2025)
649 km of railway (2014)
87 vessels in the merchant marine (2023)
9 ports, including major ones at Libreville and Port Gentil (2024)

Communications

The communications sector in Gabon has seen growth, particularly in mobile phone subscriptions and internet usage. With a diverse media landscape, the country provides access to both state-run and private broadcasting services, enhancing information dissemination across the population.

3.18 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024)
72% of the population are internet users (2023)
67,100 fixed-line subscriptions (2024)
2 state-run TV and radio stations alongside private alternatives

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,513,738 (2025 est.)
Area	267,667 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$48.045 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	20.1% (2024 est.)
Electricity Access	93.5% (2022 est.)
Life Expectancy	70.4 years (2024 est.)
Urban Population	91% (2023)
Forest Coverage	91.5% (2023 est.)
Birth Rate	25.51/1,000 (2025 est.)
Military Expenditures	1.5% of GDP (2024 est.)