Gabon is one of the absolute richest countries in Africa! It’s a major producer of oil, and it’s also well-known for its amazing array of wildlife. It’s got links to France as a former colony, but as a nation, it’s more than struck out on its own over the years. Let’s look closer at some fun facts about Gabon you’ll want to keep in mind.
1. Where is Gabon?
Gabon is a Sovereign State on Africa’s west coast. Simply put, this means that Gabon has its own government and does not answer to another power!
2. Gabon’s got plenty of neighbours.
Gabon shares a border with Cameroon to the north, Equatorial Guinea to the north-west, the Gulf of Guinea to the west, and the Republic of the Congo towards the east and south. We’d say that’s a pretty spectacular place to be!
3. It’s probably bigger than you think!
Gabon covers an area of about 267,667 km squared. This means that the country is just smaller than the state of Colourado! However, it is also bigger than the whole United Kingdom, so it’s still pretty impressive!
4. Millions of people live in Gabon.
As of 2021, 2.341 million people live in Gabon. And people from Gabon are known as Gabonese!
5. Take note of the capital city!
The capital city of Gabon is Libreville. This beautiful city can be found on the north shore of the Gabon Estuary. And, if you get the chance, you should definitely visit it!
6. It’s truly varied land out here.
If you’re looking for a variety of different lands to explore, Gabon has it all! From rainforests to the savannah, there is so much to see! The terrain of the country is mostly coastal plains, so wherever you look, there is something pretty incredible to see!
7. Hot or cold?
If you’re looking for a bit of warmth, Gabon is definitely the place to go. As the country is situated directly on the equator, it has a tropical climate. That means enjoying the warmth of the sun year-round, with quite a bit of humidity! Perfect!
8. Life’s a beach!
Of course, in all of that sun and humidity, we all want one thing; to be in cool, clear water! And that’s exactly what you’ll find in Gabon! The country has 885 kilometres of coastline! That 885 kilometres of sandy beaches, beautiful blue waters, and lots of sunbathing!
9. What do people speak in Gabon?
Since Gabon was a French colony, it should come as no surprise that French is the country’s official language. However, it is also home to many other languages, such as Myene, Fang, Bandjabi, and more! However, as long as you know how to get by in French, you should be able to communicate with anybody here!
10. Here’s some industry facts to remember.
Due to its incredible climate, Gabon is able to grow vast amounts of diverse natural products, such as coffee, cacao, sugar, and okoume. Its main exports are manganese, uranium, and – as one of the biggest producers in Africa – crude oil.
FAQs about Gabon
What is Gabon most known for?
Gabon is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse culture, and ever-expanding economy! Its economy has primarily grown due to its export of crude oils and manganese.
Is Gabon still a French colony?
No, Gabon is no longer a French colony. In fact, the country became fully independent back in 1960. However, as in many African countries, the currency in Gabon remains the CFA franc, and its official language remains French. They share this in common with Burkina Faso, for example.
What’s the most common animal in Gabon?
Thanks to its rainforests and savannah, Gabon is rife with incredible wildlife! In particular, you will likely come across a gorilla or two in this country! Gabon is home to many of Africa’s gorillas, as well as forest elephants, hippopotami, forest buffalo, red river hogs, and chimpanzees. Really, it’s an animal lover’s dream to visit this country!
Further reading:
https://facts.uk/tag/Africa/
https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/gabon/overview
https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/gabon.htm
Do you know any fun facts about Gabon? Share them in the comments below!