Gabon — Capital, Flag and Country Facts
Explore Gabon: capital Libreville, population, flag, geography, languages, history and culture.
Gabon is in Africa. Its capital is Libreville.
- Population
- 2,390,000
- Area
- 267,668 km²
- Currency
- Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
- Languages
- French
Climate
Tropical; always hot and humid with heavy rainfall year-round
Terrain
Narrow coastal plain; hilly interior; savanna in the east and south
Facts
About 85% of Gabon is covered by rainforest.
Gabon is one of the most urbanized countries in Africa with over 87% of the population living in cities.
Albert Schweitzer established his famous hospital in Lambaréné, Gabon, in 1913.
History
1472: Portuguese explorers become the first Europeans to arrive
1849: Libreville founded by freed slaves, giving it its name (Free Town)
1910: Gabon becomes part of French Equatorial Africa
1960: Independence from France under Léon M'ba
1967: Omar Bongo becomes president, ruling for 42 years
2023: Military coup removes Ali Bongo Ondimba from power