Only two autocratic presidents have ruled Gabon since independence from France in 1960. The current president of Gabon, El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba - one of the longest-serving heads of state in the world - has dominated the contry'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.
Country profile: Gabon
Gabon is one of West Africa's more stable countries.
Since independence from France in 1960 Gabon has had just two presidents. The current leader, Omar Bongo, has been in power since 1967.Despite being made up of more than 40 ethnic groups, Gabon has escaped the strife afflicting other West African states.
This is partly down to its relative prosperity due to oil and to the presence of French troops, which in 1964 reinstated President Leon Mba after he had been overthrown in a coup.
AT-A-GLANCE- Politics: President Omar Bongo is currently Africa's longest serving leader
- Economy: Gabon is trying to diversify away from oil, whose earnings have been decreasing. Most of the population remains poor
- International: Tension persists over three small islands in oil-rich off-shore waters claimed by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. France has a military base in Gabon
Gabon's dependence on oil has made its economy - and political stability - hostage to fluctuations in oil prices. When oil prices fell in the late 1980s, opposition to President Bongo increased, culminating in demonstrations in 1990.
These ushered in political liberalisation. A multi-party system was introduced in 1991.
Government critics have pointed to the wealth gap between the urban elite and the rural poor.
Thanks to it oil exports and a small population it enjoys more wealth per head of population than many of its neighbours. However, most of its people live in poverty.
As oil reserves diminish, eco-tourism could grow in economic importance. Gabon's rainforests teem with wildlife, including lowland gorillas and forest elephants. National parks make up around one tenth of the land area.
- Full name: The Gabonese Republic
- Population: 1.3 million (via UN, 2006)
- Capital: Libreville
- Area: 267,667 sq km (103,347 sq miles)
- Major languages: French, Bantu-group languages
- Major religion: Christianity
- Life expectancy: 54 years (men), 55 years (women) (UN)
- Monetary unit: 1 CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine) franc = 100 centimes
- Main exports: Crude oil, timber, manganese, uranium
- GNI per capita: US $5,010 (World Bank, 2006)
- Internet domain: .ga
- International dialling code: +241
President: Omar Albert-Bernard Bongo
Omar Bongo is Africa's longest-serving head of state, having led Gabon since he succeeded the post-independence leader Leon Mba in 1967.
He was re-elected for a further seven years in November 2005, winning nearly 80% of the votes. The opposition alleged fraud, but international observers said the poll was largely free and fair.
In 1968 Mr Bongo declared Gabon a one-party state, a status which it kept until 1991. Opposition parties have failed to pose a serious challenge to the president's Democratic Gabonese Party.
Under changes to the constitution made in 2003 the president may run for office as many times as he wishes.
Mr Bongo portrays himself as the custodian of Gabon's political stability and has been credited with encouraging foreign investment. His critics accuse him of having authoritarian tendencies.
Born in Franceville in 1935 as Albert-Bernard, Mr Bongo served in the French air force from 1958 until independence, when he returned to join the foreign ministry. In 1973 he converted to Islam, assuming the name of Omar.
The Gabonese president appoints the country's prime minister, who is answerable to the president. The president has the authority to dissolve parliament.
Gabon's main broadcast media are government-controlled. Rights organisation Reporters Without Borders noted in 2004 that pressure on journalists took a "discreet" form.
There is one government daily and a number of private weeklies, many controlled by opposition parties. There are a few private broadcasters.
Gabon's national state broadcaster operates two TV stations, a French-language radio network and a network of provincial stations.
Radio France Internationale is available via an FM relay.
The press
Television
Radio
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 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.
Gabonese natural resources include petroleum, natural gas, diamond, niobium, manganese, uranium, gold, timber, iron ore, hydropower
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
Gabonese religion is Christian 55%-75%, animist, Muslim less than 1%.
Natural hazards in Gabon include NA.
Travel Advice on Gabon
SUMMARY
- There is no British Embassy in Gabon. In an emergency, you can obtain consular assistance from the British Honorary Consul in Libreville. Please see the General section of this travel advice for more information.
- The threat from terrorism is low. You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
- We are not aware of any British nationals who have required consular assistance in Gabon in the past year. However, you should be aware that crime is increasing, particularly in Libreville and Port-Gentil.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Crime is increasing, particularly in Libreville and Port-Gentil, including incidents of robbery and armed attacks. You should take sensible personal security precautions and maintain a high level of vigilance in public places. We recommend that you avoid carrying valuables or wearing jewellery in public. You should avoid isolated or poorer areas of towns and walking alone at night. We advise you to be cautious on quiet or isolated beaches in and around Libreville, and to avoid them altogether at night.
Following a number of carjackings within Libreville we recommend that you keep your car windows closed and car doors locked if you are travelling at night. Do not stop to pick up strangers. To avoid the risk of serious injury do not resist carjackers. You may find that an immobiliser that operates after the vehicle has been driven a short distance or a tracking device can help with the recovery of your vehicle.
Political Situation
Public demonstrations in Port Gentil have on occasion turned violent. You should avoid demonstrations, rallies and large public gatherings.
Local Travel
Road conditions are poor in most local areas and driving can be hazardous. During the rainy season from October to mid-December and mid-February to May many roads are passable only with a four-wheel drive vehicle. You should avoid travelling by road at night. Police checkpoints are common, where you may be asked to show your passport, driving licence or vehicle registration documents.
The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community. You should check http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/flywell_en.htm to see whether this will affect your travel.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You will be asked to produce a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival in the country. Failure to do so may result in a further vaccination being administered, for which a charge is made.
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Gabonese Embassy in London: Gabonese representation in the UK.
HEALTH
Malaria is endemic. More than three-quarters of British travellers who contracted malaria in 2005 did not take preventive measures, such as malaria prevention tablets. However, malaria can occur despite appropriate prevention, and therefore you should promptly seek medical care in the event of a fever or flu-like illness in the first year following your return from travelling to a malaria risk country. Before travelling you should seek medical advice about the malaria risk in Gabon.
HIV/AIDS is also widespread and transmission may also occur through sub-standard medical facilities. Water-borne diseases are also prevalent, and you are advised to drink bottled water wherever possible.
You are advised to seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information visit the Department of Health’s website at www.dh.gov.uk.
GENERAL
OTHER