Gabon

The city was founded in 1849 as a settlement for freed slaves.

The parks protect roughly 10 percent of the country's land.

That is one of the highest shares of forest cover of any country.

Omar Bongo took power in 1967, and his son Ali held office until a 2023 military coup.

Independence came on August 17, 1960.

Gabon is one of the few countries directly crossed by the Equator, dividing the nation into northern and southern hemispheres. This geographical feature influences its tropical climate and contributes to its unique ecological zones, from coastal plains to dense rainforests.

Gabon is a critical sanctuary for African forest elephants, hosting an estimated 50% of the continent's remaining population. The government's strong anti-poaching measures and extensive national park network are vital for the survival of this endangered species.

Despite a relatively small population, Gabon boasts one of the highest GDPs per capita in Sub-Saharan Africa, primarily due to its significant oil reserves and exports. However, this wealth is not evenly distributed, leading to stark economic disparities among its citizens.

Loango National Park in Gabon is famously home to hippopotamuses that venture onto the Atlantic coast beaches, occasionally observed playing in the ocean waves. This unique behavior highlights Gabon's extraordinary biodiversity and its commitment to protecting diverse ecosystems.

Over 88% of Gabon's land area is covered by dense rainforest, making it one of the most forested nations globally. This vast natural carbon sink plays a critical role in regulating the Earth's climate and harbors immense biodiversity, often referred to as the "Green Lung of Africa."