Gabon has a rich history the goes back to prehistoric times with archeological evidences to prove this. The country is located in Central Africa and comprises various ethnic groups.
It is bordered to the
north by Equatorial Guinea, Cameroun to the east, The Congo Republic to the south
and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
They first had contact
with European explorers in the late 15th Century with the arrival of
Portuguese sailors at their shores. The country later became a French colony in
the 19th century. They gained independence in 1960 with Leon M’Ba as
its first president until his death in 1967.
He was succeeded by
Omar Bongo who ruled for 40 years and handed power over to his son, Ali Bongo.
Ali Bongo was overthrown in 30th August 2023 by the military after winning
a presidential election for a third term in office.
Here are a few
interesting facts about Gabon;
1.
Gabon is named after the Gabão, a
Portuguese word for "cloak," due to the shape of the inlet of the
Komo River, resembling a cape.
2.
It is one of the most ecologically
diverse countries in Africa, with over 80% of its land covered by forests.
3.
Gabon is home to 13 national parks and
protected areas, preserving a wide range of wildlife, including forest
elephants, gorillas, and chimpanzees.
4.
The country boasts a unique variety of
ecosystems, including rainforests, savannas, and coastal lagoons.
5.
It is the second-largest country in
Central Africa after the Republic of Congo.
6.
The economy of Gabon is heavily based on
oil and timber. Oil only accounts for about 80% of its revenue.
7.
The country is often referred to as the
"Green Gabon" due to its efforts to promote sustainable development
and preserve its natural resources.
8.
The equator passes through Gabon.
9.
The Akanda National Park in Gabon is
known for its unique mangrove ecosystems and diverse bird species.
10. Gabon has one of the highest literacy
rates in Africa, thanks in part to its education initiatives.
11. The nation was a former French colony
and gained independence in 1960
12. The Gabonese cuisine features dishes
like "Ndolé," a traditional stew made from bitterleaf vegetables, and
"Poulet Nyembwe," a chicken dish cooked in palm nut oil.
13. The country is culturally diverse, with
more than 40 ethnic groups, each with their own languages and traditions.
14. Gabon's Lopé National Park is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site and is known for its rich biodiversity and archaeological
sites.
15. The carved wooden masks and sculptures
of Gabon's Fang and Kota people are highly regarded in the art world.
16. The French influence is evident in
Gabon's official language, institutions, and culture due to its colonial
history.
17. The country has been a strong advocate
for African unity and was a founding member of the Organization of African
Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU).
18. Gabon has a small population of about
2.2 million people, despite being larger in size than the United Kingdom.
19. The country's tourism sector has been
growing, attracting visitors with its unique ecotourism opportunities.
20. Gabon's national symbol is the Black
Panther, reflecting its commitment to wildlife conservation.
21. Despite its oil wealth, Gabon has
struggled with income inequality and a significant portion of the population
live in poverty.
22. Corruption remains a significant
challenge in the country, affecting various sectors of society.
23. The political landscape has often been
criticized for lacking full democratic openness, with concerns about electoral
transparency and opposition suppression.
24. The oil industry has led to
environmental degradation, impacting ecosystems and contributing to pollution
in certain areas.
25. Access to quality healthcare and
education is limited in many parts of the country, contributing to disparities
and social challenges.
26. Human rights abuses, including reports
of arbitrary arrests and mistreatment of detainees, have been a concern.
27. The Gabonese healthcare system has faced
difficulties in providing adequate services, particularly in rural areas.
28. Gender equality remains an issue, with
women often facing discrimination and violence.
29. Despite efforts, the economy's heavy
reliance on oil exports has made it vulnerable to global oil price
fluctuations.
30. Gabon has faced political instability
and tensions at various points in its history, impacting governance and social
cohesion.