10 fun and interesting Gabon facts

1. A Beautiful Country with Lush Rainforests and Hiking Terrain

Gabon is a beautiful country, boasting lush green rainforests and hilly terrain. The highest point in the country is Mount Iboundji, which stands at an impressive 1,575 meters. This mountain is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The rainforests of Gabon are home to a wide variety of wildlife, making it a great place to explore and observe the natural world.

Also → Equatorial Guinea: Petroleum, Fishing, Sawmilling & Gas

2. Christianity is the predominant religion in Gabon

In Gabon, Christianity is the predominant religion, with an estimated 55-75% of the population identifying as Christian. The remaining population follows traditional beliefs, which have been passed down through generations. These beliefs are deeply rooted in the culture and are still widely practiced today.

Also → Burkina Faso: A Country with a Unique Currency

3. Gabon's Independence Day: A Country That Uses the French Currency

On August 17, 1960, Gabon gained its independence and adopted the Communuate Financiere Africaine Francs (CFA Francs) as its official currency. The CFA Francs is a currency used by 14 African countries, and is backed by the French Treasury. It is divided into 100 centimes and is pegged to the Euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA Francs to 1 Euro.

Also → Guinea: A Country of Stunning Natural Beauty

4. A Tropical Paradise

Situated directly on the equator, Gabon experiences a hot and humid climate year-round. The wettest months are May and June, while the dry, cool months are between June and August. Temperatures remain relatively consistent throughout the year, with average highs ranging from 25°C to 30°C and average lows ranging from 18°C to 22°C.

Also → Suriname: A Country of Tropical Rainforests

5. Timber & Manganese Powerhouse

Gabon is a country whose economy is heavily reliant on timber and manganese production. In addition to these two industries, petroleum extraction and refining, gold mining, and chemical production are also major contributors to the nation's economy. Manganese is especially important, as it is used in the production of steel and other alloys, and is a key component in the manufacturing of electronics. Gold mining is also a major industry, with the precious metal being used in jewelry and other luxury items. Finally, the petroleum industry is a major source of revenue for the country, with oil being used for fuel and other products.

Also → Azerbaijan: A Country of Stunning Natural Beauty

6. A Country Rich in Natural Resources

Gabon is a country rich in natural resources, with agriculture playing an important role in its economy. Cacao, coffee, sugar, palm oil, and cattle are all grown in Gabon, while okoume tropical softwood is harvested from its forests. Additionally, Gabon exports crude oil, timber, manganese, and uranium, making it a major player in the global market.

Also → Botswana: A Country with a Diverse and Thriving Economy

7. Gabon's Wildlife is Incredible

Gabon is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including 777 species of birds that inhabit its lush rainforests. The largest lake in the country, Ogooue, is an impressive 1200 km long, providing a stunning backdrop to the diverse wildlife that calls Gabon home.

Also → Laos: A Country Abundant in Natural Resources

8. 5 Languages spoken in Gabon

In Gabon, French is the official language, but there are also five other languages spoken by the people of the country. These include Fang, Myene, Bateke, Bapounou/Eschira, and Bandjabi. Each of these languages has its own unique history and culture, and is an important part of the country's identity.

Also → Nicaragua: A Paradise for Nature Lovers

9. Libreville, Gabon's Capital, Is a City with a Unique History

The capital of Gabon, Libreville, is a city with a unique history. Founded in 1849 by freed slaves, the city's name literally translates to "Free Town" in French. This is a fitting name for a city that was founded by those who had been liberated from the shackles of slavery. Libreville is now a bustling metropolis, and a major hub for business, culture, and politics in Gabon.

Also → The Republic of the Congo: A Country Rich in Natural Resources

10. A haven for wildlife, with hundreds of caves still unexplored

Gabon is a haven for wildlife, boasting 80% of Africa's gorilla population. It is also home to hundreds of caves, many of which remain unexplored. These caves are made of dolomite and limestone, and are a fascinating part of Gabon's natural landscape. With so much to explore, Gabon is a great destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.