Gabon
Much of Gabon's population is concetrated along the coast with the interior full of virgin rainforest and wildlife.
Gabon is on the coast of West Africa, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Republic of Congo the south east, Cameroon and Equitorial Guinea to the north.
Total Area:267,667 sq km
Land Borders: Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea
Population: 1,424,906
Life Expectancy: 54 years
HIV % Total Poulation:8.1%
Ethnic Groups: Bantu tribes, including four major tribal groupings (Fang, Bapounou, Nzebi, Obamba), other Africans and Europeans 154,000, including 10,700 French and 11,000 persons of dual nationality
Languages:French (official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi
President:El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba
GDP - Per Capita: $8,100
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.