text:
Demographics of Gabon

The Demographics of Gabon is the makeup of the population of Gabon. As of 2020, Gabon has a population of 2,225,287. Gabon's population is relatively young with 35.5% of its population under 15 years of age and only 4.3% of its population over 65 years old. Gabon has a nearly even split between males and females with 0.99 males for every female in the population. In the age range of 15–65, the ration is exactly 1 male to 1 female. The life expectancy of Gabon is lower than the world average. Gabon's population's life expectancy at birth is 53.11 years while the world average is 67.2 years as of 2010. Ethnically, the biggest group in Gabon are the Fang people with over 500,000 people, or about a third of Gabon's population, belonging to this ethnic group. The biggest religion in Gabon is Christianity, with between 55–75% of the population of Gabon being Christian.

Population
According to the total population was  in, compared to only 469,000 in 1950. The proportion of children below the age of 15 in 2010 was 35.5%, 60.2% was between 15 and 65 years of age, while 4.3% was 65 years or older .

Structure of the population (DHS 2012; males 19,318, females 20,636, total 39,955):

Vital statistics
Registration of vital events is in Gabon not complete. The Population Department of the United Nations prepared the following estimates. Population estimates account for under numeration in population censuses.

Fertility and births
Total Fertility Rate (TFR) (Wanted Fertility Rate) and Crude Birth Rate (CBR):

Fertility data as of 2012 (DHS Program):

Other demographics statistics
Demographic statistics according to the World Population Review in 2019.

 * One birth every 8 minutes
 * One death every 35 minutes
 * One net migrant every 360 minutes
 * Net gain of one person every 10 minutes

The following demographic statistics are from the CIA World Factbook.

Population

 * 2,340,613 (2022 est.)
 * 2,119,036 (July 2018 est.)

Religions

 * Protestant 46.4% (Revival Church 37%, other Protestant 9.4%), Roman Catholic 29.8%, other Christian 4%, Muslim 10.8%, traditional/animist 1.1%, other 0.9%, none 7% (2019-21 est.)
 * Roman Catholic 43.5%, Protestant and other Christian 36%, Muslim 10%, animist 3.3%, other 6%, none 1.2% (2020 figures)

Age structure

 * 0-14 years: 36.45% (male 413,883/female 399,374)
 * 15-24 years: 21.9% (male 254,749/female 233,770)
 * 25-54 years: 32.48% (male 386,903/female 337,776)
 * 55-64 years: 5.19% (male 58,861/female 56,843)
 * 65 years and over: 3.98% (male 44,368/female 44,381) (2020 est.)

 * 0-14 years: 37.45% (male 405,676 /female 387,900)
 * 15-24 years: 22.08% (male 245,490 /female 222,343)
 * 25-54 years: 31.6% (male 355,348 /female 314,344)
 * 55-64 years: 4.96% (male 54,679 /female 50,356)
 * 65 years and over: 3.91% (male 40,721 /female 42,179) (2018 est.)

Birth rate

 * 26.03 births/1,000 population (2022 est.) Country comparison to the world: 44th
 * 26.5 births/1,000 population (2018 est.) Country comparison to the world: 46th

Death rate

 * 5.67 deaths/1,000 population (2022 est.) Country comparison to the world: 175th
 * 6.2 deaths/1,000 population (2018 est.) Country comparison to the world: 157th

Total fertility rate

 * 3.26 children born/woman (2023 est.) Country comparison to the world: 44th
 * 3.31 children born/woman (2022 est.) Country comparison to the world: 43rd
 * 3.52 children born/woman (2018 est.) Country comparison to the world: 42nd

Population growth rate

 * 2.4% (2022 est.) Country comparison to the world: 28th
 * 2.73% (2018 est.) Country comparison to the world: 15th

Median age

 * total: 21 years. Country comparison to the world: 186th
 * male: 21.4 years
 * female: 20.6 years (2020 est.)

 * total: 20.5 years. Country comparison to the world: 187th
 * male: 20.8 years
 * female: 20.2 years (2018 est.)

Mother's mean age at first birth

 * 19.6 years (2012 est.)
 * note: median age at first birth among women 20-49

Contraceptive prevalence rate

 * 31.1% (2012)

Net migration rate

 * 3.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2022 est.) Country comparison to the world: 31st
 * -2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.) Country comparison to the world: 161st

Dependency ratios

 * total dependency ratio: 67.4 (2015 est.)
 * youth dependency ratio: 59.9 (2015 est.)
 * elderly dependency ratio: 7.6 (2015 est.)
 * potential support ratio: 13.2 (2015 est.)

Urbanization

 * urban population: 90.7% of total population (2022)
 * rate of urbanization: 2.27% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

 * urban population: 89.4% of total population (2018)
 * rate of urbanization: 2.61% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

 * total population: 69.7 years. Country comparison to the world: 174th
 * male: 67.98 years
 * female: 71.48 years (2022 est.)

 * total population: 68.1346 years (2018 est.)
 * male: 66.3 years (2018 est.)
 * female: 69.6 years (2018 est.)

Education expenditures

 * 2.8% of GDP (2019) Country comparison to the world: 160th

Literacy
definition: age 15 and over can read and write (2015 est.)
 * total population: 84.7%
 * male: 85.9%
 * female: 83.4% (2018)

 * total population: 83.2% (2015 est.)
 * male: 85.3% (2015 est.)
 * female: 81% (2015 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

 * total: 35.7%
 * male: 30.5% (2010 est.)
 * female: 41.9% (2010 est.)

Major infectious diseases

 * degree of risk: very high (2020)
 * food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
 * vectorborne diseases: malaria and dengue fever
 * water contact diseases: schistosomiasis
 * animal contact diseases: rabies

Ethnic groups
Broad ethnic groups in Gabon are:
 * 1) Bantu groups including four major groupings (Fang, Eshira, Punu, Teke)
 * 2) Other Africans, notably 'forest people' (pygmy, now sedentary) such as the Babongo tribe

2012 Census
Source:

Language and religion
Religions include Roman Catholic 43.5%, Protestant and other Christian 36%, Muslim 10%, animist 3.3%, other 6%, and none 1.2% (2020 figures).

Languages include French (official since colonial rule), Fang, Myene, the Teke group, Punu, and Njebi.

According to research conducted in 2011 at the University of Western Cape:

"It has been noted that French is increasingly be-coming the mother tongue and the initial language of the younger generations in urban Gabon (Pambou, 1998:147; Ndinga-Koumba-Binza, 2005a:72 & 2005b:141; Idiata, 2008:85; cf. Blanchon, 1994). In fact, studies by Ntong Amvame (1984), Bouché (1998), Mbondzi (1998), Ompoussa (1998), Itembo (1999) and Mouloungui Nguimbyt (2002) have shown that pupils of various ages and grades at schools learn French more efficiently than any other Gabonese language. Idiata (2008:200 & 2009:126) has also noted that some pupils do not speak any of the Gabonese native languages at all. One of the reasons for this phenomenon (i.e. French being the mother tongue of younger generations) is cross-ethnic marriages.

"In fact, many couples of mixed ethnicity prefer French rather than Gabonese native languages as the code for better communication within the family. Children from a family of this kind have no choice but to acquire French as their first language. The children learn the language at home from the parents before they even get to school, therefore lessening the chances of learning any of the Gabonese native languages.

"This urbanisation is also to be considered as a cause for French being the initial language of Gabonese younger generations. In fact, “in certain urban contexts there is a large degree of learning by contact at an early age” (Lafage, 1993:216)."

Literacy rates are as follows: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 83.2% male: 85.3% female: 81% (2015 est.)

title: Demographics of Gabon


text:
Politics of Gabon

The politics of Gabon takes place in a framework of a republic whereby the president of Gabon is head of state and in effect, also the head of government, since he appoints the prime minister and his cabinet. The government is divided into three branches: the executive headed by the prime minister (although previously grabbed by the president), the legislative that is formed by the two chambers of parliament, and the judicial branch. The judicial branch is technically independent and equal to the two other branches, although in practice, since its judges are appointed by the president, it is beholden to the same president. Since independence the party system is dominated by the conservative Gabonese Democratic Party. In March 1991 a new constitution was adopted. Among its provisions are a Western-style bill of rights, the creation of the National Council of Democracy that also oversees the guarantee of those rights and a governmental advisory board which deals with economic and social issues. Multi-party legislative elections were held in 1990-91 even though opposition parties had not been declared formally legal.

Political developments
Under the 1961 constitution (revised in 1975 and rewritten in 1991), Gabon became a republic with a presidential form of government. The National Assembly of Gabon has 120 deputies elected for a five-year term. The president is elected by universal suffrage for a seven-year term. The president appoints the prime minister, the cabinet, and judges of the independent Supreme Court. The government in 1990 made major changes in the political system. A transitional constitution was drafted in May as an outgrowth of a national political conference in March–April and later revised by a constitutional committee. Among its provisions were a Western-style bill of rights; creation of a National Council of Democracy, which oversees the guarantee of those rights; a governmental advisory board on economic and social issues; and an independent judiciary. After approval by the National Assembly, the PDG Central Committee, and the president, the Assembly unanimously adopted the constitution in March 1991. Multi-party legislative elections were held in 1990-91 although opposition parties had not been declared formally legal.

After a peaceful transition, the elections produced the first representative, multi-party, National Assembly. In January 1991, the Assembly passed by unanimous vote a law governing the legalization of opposition parties. The president was re-elected in a disputed election in 1993 with 51% of votes cast. Social and political disturbances led to the 1994 Paris Conference and Accords, which provided a framework for the next elections. Local and legislative elections were delayed until 1996–1997. In 1997, constitutional amendments were adopted to create an appointed Senate, the position of Vice President, and to extend the president's term to seven years. Facing a divided opposition, President Omar Bongo was re-elected in December 1998, with 66% of the votes cast. Although the main opposition parties claimed the elections had been manipulated, there was none of the civil disturbance that followed the 1993 election. The president retains strong powers, such as authority to dissolve the National Assembly, declare a state of siege, delay legislation, conduct referendums, and appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet members. For administrative purposes, Gabon is divided into nine provinces, which are further divided into 36 prefectures and eight separate subprefectures. The president appoints the provincial governors, the prefects, and the subprefects.

Political conditions
At the time of Gabon's independence in 1960, two principal political parties existed: the Bloc Democratique Gabonais (BDG), led by Leon M'Ba, and the Union Démocratique et Sociale Gabonaise (UDSG), led by Jean-Hilaire Aubame. In the first post-independence election, held under a parliamentary system, neither party was able to win a majority. The BDG obtained support from three of the four independent legislative deputies, and M'Ba was named prime minister. Soon after concluding that Gabon had an insufficient number of people for a two-party system, the two party leaders agreed on a single list of candidates. In the February 1961 election, held under the new presidential system, M'Ba became president and Aubame foreign minister.

This coalition appeared to work until February 1963, when the larger BDG forced the UDSG members to choose between a merger of the parties or resignation. The UDSG cabinet ministers resigned, and M'Ba called an election for February 1964 and a reduced number of National Assembly deputies (from 67 to 47). The UDSG failed to muster a list of candidates able to meet the requirements of the electoral decrees. When the BDG appeared likely to win the election by default, the Gabonese military toppled M'Ba in a bloodless coup on February 18, 1964. French troops re-established his government the next day. Elections were held in April with many opposition participants. BDG-supported candidates won 31 seats and the opposition 16. Late in 1966, the constitution was revised to provide for automatic succession of the vice president should the president die in office. In March 1967, Leon M'Ba and Omar Bongo (then Albert Bongo) were elected president and vice president. M'Ba died later that year, and Omar Bongo became president.

In March 1968, Bongo declared Gabon a one-party state by dissolving the BDG and establishing a new party—the Gabonese Democratic Party. He invited all Gabonese, regardless of previous political affiliation, to participate. Bongo was elected president in February 1975 and re-elected in December 1979 and November 1986 to seven-year terms. In April 1975, the office of vice president was abolished and replaced by the office of prime minister, who has no right to automatic succession. Under the 1991 constitution, in the event of the president's death, the prime minister, the National Assembly president, and the defence minister share power until a new election is held. Using the PDG as a tool to submerge the regional and tribal rivalries that have divided Gabonese politics in the past, Bongo sought to forge a single national movement in support of the government's development policies.

Opposition to the PDG continued, however, and in September 1990, two coup attempts were uncovered and aborted. Economic discontent and a desire for political liberalization provoked violent demonstrations and strikes by students and workers in early 1990. In response to grievances by workers, Bongo negotiated with them on a sector-by-sector basis, making significant wage concessions. In addition, he promised to open up the PDG and to organize a national political conference in March–April 1990 to discuss Gabon's future political system. The PDG and 74 political organizations attended the conference. Participants essentially divided into two loose coalitions, the ruling PDG and its allies and the United Front of Opposition Associations and Parties, consisting of the breakaway Morena Fundamental and the Gabonese Progress Party.

The April conference approved sweeping political reforms, including creation of a national senate, decentralization of the budgetary process, freedom of assembly and press, and cancellation of the exit visa requirement. In an attempt to guide the political system's transformation to multi-party democracy, Bongo resigned as PDG chairman and created a transitional government headed by a new Prime Minister, Casimir Oye-Mba. The Gabonese Social Democratic Grouping (RSDG), as the resulting government was called, was smaller than the previous government and included representatives from several opposition parties in its cabinet. The RSDG drafted a provisional constitution that provided a basic bill of rights and an independent judiciary but retained strong executive powers for the president. After further review by a constitutional committee and the National Assembly, this document came into force in March 1991.

Despite further anti-government demonstrations after the untimely death of an opposition leader, the first multi-party National Assembly elections in almost 30 years took place in September–October 1990, with the PDG garnering a large majority. Following President Bongo's re-election in December 1993 with 51% of the vote, opposition candidates refused to validate the election results. Serious civil disturbances, which were heavily repressed by the presidential guard, led to an agreement between the government and opposition factions to work toward a political settlement. These talks led to the Paris Accords in November 1994 in which several opposition figures were included in a government of national unity. This arrangement soon broke down, and the 1996 and 1997 legislative and municipal elections provided the background for renewed partisan politics. The PDG won a landslide victory in the legislative election, but several major cities, including Libreville, elected opposition mayors during the 1997 local election. President Bongo coasted to an easy re-election in December 1998 with 66% of the vote against a divided opposition. While Bongo's major opponents rejected the outcome as fraudulent, international observers characterized the result as representative even if the election suffered from serious administrative problems. There was no serious civil disorder or protests following the election in contrast to the 1993 election.

President Omar Ali Bongo narrowly beat rival Jean Ping in the official results of the presidential election in 2016. With results showing a trend of success for Ping, the final province's results were released after significant delays, showing a remarkable 99.5% support for President Bongo in Haut-Ogooue. This was conveniently just enough to push Ali Bongo into first place. An EU Election Observation Mission present in the country declared that observers had incurred problems accessing the process of vote counting. The right to demonstrate or express oneself was described by the mission as 'restrictive'. The electoral regulations benefitted President Bongo, according to the Mission's report.

On 31 August 2023, army officers who seized power, ending the Bongo family's 55-year hold on power, named Gen Brice Oligui Nguema as the country's transitional leader. On 4 September 2023, General Nguema was sworn in as interim president of Gabon.

Executive branch
The president is elected by popular vote for a seven-year term. He appoints the prime minister. The Council of Ministers is appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the president. President El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba, in power since 1967 and the longest-serving African head of state, was re-elected to another seven-year term according to poll results returned from elections held on November 27, 2005. According to figures provided by Gabon's Interior Ministry, this was achieved with 79.1% of the votes cast. In 2003 the President amended the Constitution of Gabon to remove any restrictions on the number of terms a president is allowed to serve. The president retains strong powers, such as authority to dissolve the National Assembly, declare a state of siege, delay legislation, conduct referendums, and appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet members.
 * Transitional President
 * Incumbent
 * Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema
 * Armed Forces of Gabon
 * rowspan="2" colspan="2" |30 August 2023
 * Prime Minister
 * colspan="3" align=center |Vacant
 * }
 * }

Legislative branch
The Parliament (Parlement) has two chambers. The National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale) has 120 members, 111 members elected for a five-year term in single-seat constituencies and nine members appointed by a head of state - the president. The Senate (Sénat) has 91 members, elected for a six-year term in single-seat constituencies by local and departmental councillors.

Judicial branch
Gabon's Supreme Court or Cour Supreme consists of three chambers - Judicial, Administrative, and Accounts; Constitutional Court; Courts of Appeal; Court of State Security; County Courts

Administrative divisions
There are nine provincial administrations. These are headquartered in Estuaire, Haut-Ogooue, Moyen-Ogooue, Ngounie, Nyanga, Ogooué-Ivindo, Ogooué-Lolo, Ogooue-Maritime and Woleu-Ntem.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Politics of Gabon


text:
Economy of Gabon

The economy of Gabon is characterized by strong links with France, large foreign investments, dependence on skilled foreign labor, and decline of agriculture. Gabon on paper enjoys a per capita income four times that of most nations of Africa, but its reliance on resource extraction industry fail to release much of the population from extreme poverty, as much of 30% of the population lives under the poverty threshold (Many Foreign Guest Workers).

Resources
The country is rich in natural resources such as timber, manganese and oil. The country is the fifth largest oil producing nation in Africa, which has helped drive its strong growth in the later 20th century.

The oil sector now accounts for 50% of GDP and 80% of exports. Although there have been recent offshore finds, oil production is now declining from its peak of 370000 oilbbl/d in 1997, and periods of low oil prices have had a negative impact on government revenues and the economy. In 2012 there were six active oil rigs in Gabon.

As of 2023, Gabon produces about 200,000 barrels a day (bpd) of crude oil.

The government has plans to diversify its economy away from its dwindling oil reserves. The government announced in 2012 that it would reassess exactly how much iron ore the Belinga site contains before awarding the concession to a mining company, most likely to be China's CMEC, which temporarily secured the rights to the ore in 2007.

Around 80% of Gabonese live in cities. The capital city, Libreville is home to 59% of the total population. The remainder of the country is still sparsely populated, as those areas remain densely forested.

Statistics
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 5.7% industry: 57.2% services: 37% (2008 est.)

Population below poverty line: NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA% highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5% (2008 est.)

Labour force: 592,000 (2008 est.)

Labour force - by occupation: agriculture 60%, services and government 25%, industry and commerce 15% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate: 21% (2006 est.)

Budget: revenues: $4.46 billion expenditures: $2.75 billion (2008 est.)

Industries: food and beverage; textile; lumbering and plywood; cement; petroleum extraction and refining; manganese, uranium, and gold mining; chemical production; ship repair

Industrial production growth rate: 1.5% (2008)

Oil - production 244000 oilbbl/d (2007 est.)

Oil - consumption 13170 oilbbl/d (2007 est.)

Oil - exports 255000 oilbbl/d (2005 est.)

Oil - imports 2485 oilbbl/d (2005 est.)

Oil - proven reserves 2 Goilbbl (1 January 2008 est.)

Natural gas - production 100 million cu m (2006 est.)

Natural gas - consumption 100 million cu m (2006 est.)

Natural gas - exports 0 cu m (2007 est.)

Natural gas - imports 0 cu m (2007 est.)

Natural gas - proven reserves 28.32 billion cu m (1 January 2008 est.)

Electricity - production: 1.671 TWh (2006 est.)

Electricity - production by source: fossil fuel: 27.8% hydro: 72.2% nuclear: 0% other: 0% (1998)

Electricity - consumption: 1.365 GWh (2006 est.)

Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2006 est.)

Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (1998)

Agriculture - products: cocoa, coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber; cattle; okoume (a tropical hardwood); fish

Current account - balance $591 million (2010 est.)

Currency: 1 Communauté financière africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates: Communauté financière africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 – 507.71 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.83 (2007), 522.89 (2006), 647.25 (January 2000), 615.70 (1999), 589.95 (1998), 583.67 (1997), 511.55 (1996), 499.15 (1995) note: since 1 January 1999, the CFAF is pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro

Statistics table
The following table shows the main economic indicators in 1980–2017.

title: Economy of Gabon


text:
Telecommunications in Gabon

Telecommunications in Gabon include radio, television, fixed and mobile telephones, and the Internet.

Radio and television
Radio stations:
 * state owns and operates 2 radio stations; a private radio station; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are accessible (2007);
 * 6 AM, 7 FM, and 4 shortwave stations (2001).

Radios: 208,000 (1997).

Television stations:
 * state owns and operates 2 TV stations; a private TV station; satellite service subscriptions are available (2007);
 * 4 stations plus 4 low-power repeaters (2001).

Television sets: 63,000 (1997).

There are two main broadcasters in Gabon. The state broadcaster, Radiodiffusion Télévision Gabonaise (RTG), operates two main networks - a national network in French and a provincial network in French and vernacular languages. There is also a special programme on RTG's FM frequencies.

Perhaps the most important station in Gabon and one that many shortwave radio listeners are familiar with is the privately owned Afrique Numero Un (Africa Number One) which operates on FM in the capital, Libreville, area and also broadcasts via shortwave. Afrique Numero Un also has relay stations in mostly French-speaking African countries.

Radio France Internationale (RFI) has relay stations throughout Gabon. Other privately owned stations also operate in Gabon, though concentrated mostly in the Libreville area.

Like many former French colonies, Gabon uses the SECAM-K television standard. Two television channels, 4 and 8, are found in the Libreville area. All other channels and repeaters relay channel 4.

The constitution and law provide for freedom of speech and press, and the government generally respects these rights, although the government has suspended newspapers and television stations for disrupting public order or libel.

Telephones
Calling code: +241

International call prefix: 00

Main lines:
 * 17,000 lines in use, 194th in the world (2012);
 * 26,500 lines in use, 182nd in the world (2007);
 * 39,100 lines in use, 169th in the world (2005).

Mobile cellular:
 * 2.9 million lines, 133rd in the world (2012);
 * 1.2 million lines, 129th in the world (2007);
 * 649,800 lines, 125th in the world (2005).

Telephone system: adequate system of cable, microwave radio relay, tropospheric scatter, radiotelephone communication stations, and a domestic satellite system with 12 earth stations; a growing mobile-cellular network with multiple providers is making telephone service more widely available with mobile-cellular teledensity exceeding 100 per 100 persons.

Satellite earth stations: 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2011).

Communications cables: South Atlantic 3/West Africa Submarine Cable (SAT-3/WASC) fiber-optic cable system provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; Africa Coast to Europe (ACE), cable system connecting countries along the west coast of Africa to each other and to Portugal and France.

Internet
Top-level domain: .ga

Internet users:
 * 138,584 users, 166th in the world; 8.6% of the population, 175th in the world (2012).
 * 98,800 users, 160th in the world (2009);
 * 67,000 users, 144th in the world (2005).

Fixed broadband:

In 2013, Government signs with the World Bank to develop the Central African Backbone. Over 1200 km of fiber optic is deployed around the country. In 2017, over 20 cities and villages are serviced by this new network operated by Axione (Bouygues French company). 70% of the gabonese population can access mobile broadband services.

5,147 subscriptions, 160th in the world; 0.3% of the population, 154th in the world (2012).

Wireless broadband:

Introducing 3G/4G licences in 2014

Unknown (2012).

Internet hosts:
 * 127 hosts, 205th in the world (2012);
 * 88 hosts, 192nd in the world (2008).

IPv4: 169,472 addresses allocated, less than 0.05% of the world total, 105.4 addresses per 1000 people (2012).

Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Solsi Gabon, TLDC offer a WiMax network all over Libreville and Port-Gentil.

ICTS IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AWARDS 2015
Through his leadership of the Gabonese Republic, President Ali Bongo Ondimba has led his nation to receive much international recognition for its commitment to progress in the field of ICT in the Central and Francophone Africa region as well as on the African continent.

President Ali Bongo Ondimba has stressed the necessity of establishing infrastructure, access to ICTs, as well as ameliorating broadband connections in both the public and private sectors, especially within households. President Ondimba has affirmed his position on the importance of ICTs in the development of Gabon, stating during the 2011 Broadband Leadership Summit at ITU Telecom World in Geneva that he promised to make high-speed Internet access an irrevocable right for all Gabonese citizens.

Internet censorship and surveillance
There are no government restrictions on access to the Internet or credible reports the government monitors e-mail or Internet chat rooms without appropriate legal authority.

The constitution and law provide for freedom of speech and press, and the government generally respects these rights. Libel can be either a criminal offense or a civil matter. Editors and authors of libelous material may be jailed for two to six months and fined 500,000 to five million CFA francs ($1,008 to $10,080). Penalties for libel, disrupting public order, and other offenses also include a one- to three-month publishing suspension for a first offense and a three- to six-month suspension for repeat offenses.

Although the constitution and law prohibit arbitrary interference with privacy, family, home, or correspondence, the government does not always respect these prohibitions in practice. As part of criminal investigations, police request and easily obtain search warrants from judges, sometimes after the fact. Authorities reportedly monitor private telephone conversations, personal mail, and the movement of citizens.

title: Telecommunications in Gabon


text:
Transport in Gabon

Modes of transport in Gabon include rail, road, water, and air. The one rail link, the Trans-Gabon Railway, connects the port of Owendo with the inland town of Franceville. While most of the country is connected by roads, not all areas are accessible. Much of the road network remains unpaved, and it primarily revolves around seven "national routes" labeled N1 through N7. The largest seaports are Port-Gentil and the newer Owendo, and 1,600 km of inland waterways are navigable. There are three international airports, eight other paved airports, and over 40 with unpaved runways. Nearly 300 km of pipelines carry petroleum products, mainly crude oil.

Rail transport
Until the 1970s, Gabon had no permanent railroads, though temporary Decauville rail tracks were in use in the logging industry as early as 1913 (Gray and Ngolet, 1999, pp.102).

In 2003, the railway began the process of installing a satellite based telecommunications system. As of 2004, Gabon State Railways totalled 814 km of standard-gauge track.

total: 814 km (Gabon State Railways or OCTRA) standard gauge: 814 km 1.435-m gauge; single track (1994)

Maps

 * UN Map - shows line to Franceville
 * UNHCR map - does not show line to Franceville
 * TravelPortal map - shows major rivers
 * UNJLC Rail map of Southern Africa - does not show line to Franceville

Cities served by rail

 * Existing
 * Libreville - capital
 * Owendo - port
 * Sahoué - port
 * Franceville - railhead
 * Ndjolé
 * Lopé
 * Booué - likely junction for branchline to Makokou
 * Lastoursville
 * Moanda
 * Ntoum - proposed junction for iron ore traffic to Santa Clara
 * Kango
 * Four-Place
 * Mounana - ?

 * Proposed
 * Makokou - iron ore
 * Cape Santa Clara - proposed deep water port for Makokou iron ore.
 * Bélinga - possible iron ore mine.

2006

 * China signs a deal for an iron ore mine with associated rail and port upgrades from Belinga to Santa Clara

2007

 * New rail line from Belinga will go 450 km all the way to the coast, rather than to be a branch off an existing line.
 * Pan-African issues

Road transport
total: 7,670 km

paved: 629 km (including 30 km of expressways)

unpaved: 7,041 km (1996 est.)

Roads in Gabon link most areas of the country, and many of the main roads are of a reasonable standard. However, remoter areas along the coast and in the east are often not connected to the road network. Major roads are denoted national routes and numbered, with a prefix "N" (sometimes "RN"):

 * N1 road: Libreville – Kougouleu – Bifoun – Lambaréné – Mouila – Ndendé – Tchibanga - (Republic of Congo)
 * N2 road: Bifoun – Alembe – Viate – Mitzic – Bibasse – Oyem – Bitam – Éboro – (Cameroon)
 * N3 road: Alembe – Kazamabika – Lastoursville – Moanda – Franceville
 * N4 road: Viate – Ekonlong – Makokou – Mékambo
 * N5 road: Kougouleu – Bibasse
 * N6 road: Mayumba – Tchibanga – Ndendé – Lébamba - Koulamoutou – Lastoursville
 * N7 road: Makokou – Bakwaka – Okondja – Lékori - Akiéni – Ngouoni – Franceville

Merchant marine
As of 2002, there was one merchant marine vessel, with a gross tonnage of 2,419/.

Waterways
Gabon has 1,600 km of perennially navigable waterways, including 310 km on the Ogooué River.

Air transport
There are three international airports: Libreville, Port-Gentil, and Franceville.

Airports - with paved runways
total: 11

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (1999 est.)

Airports - with unpaved runways
total: 45

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 16

under 914 m: 25 (1999 est.)

Pipelines
Crude oil 270 km; petroleum products 14 km

title: Transport in Gabon


text:
Armed Forces of Gabon

The Armed Forces of Gabon (Forces armées gabonaises), officially the Gabonese Defense and Security Forces (forces de défense et de sécurité gabonaises), is the national professional military of Gabon, divided into the Army, Air Force, Navy, and a National Gendarmerie, consisting of about 5,000 personnel. The armed forces includes a well-trained, well-equipped 1,800-member guard that provides security for the President of Gabon.

Army

The Gabonese Army (Armée de terre gabonaise) is the land component of the armed forces, specializing in infantry and mechanized reconnaissance. It was created on December 6, 1960 by decree of president Léon M'ba from non-commissioned officers who served in the French colonial army, mainly the 2nd company of the 21st BIMA. Following independence, Gabon signed defense agreements with France, mainly on technical assistance and training. Until June 1964, the title of Chief of Staff of the Gabonese Armed Forces was held by a senior French Army officer. In 1962 a detachment of the Auxiliary Women of the Gabonese Armed Forces (AFFAG), commanded by Lieutenant Ba Oumar at the military camp of Owendo, was created. President M'ba promoted the initiative following a visit to Tel Aviv, Israel, where he met female staff in its Defense Forces.

Order of battle

 * Republican Guard Battalion (Libreville)
 * 1 Light Armoured recon unit
 * 3 Infantry companies
 * 1 Artillery battery
 * 1 Air Defence battery
 * Airborne Regiment
 * 1 Command company
 * 1 Recon & Support company
 * 3 Airborne companies
 * 1 Light Armoured Recon Battalion
 * 2 Armoured squads
 * 1 Command & Logistics company
 * Support Command Regiment
 * 1 Artillery battery
 * 1 Mortar battery
 * 1 MRLS battery (8 Teruel MRL)
 * 1 Engineer company
 * Logistic units
 * 7 Military Regions
 * 7 Motorised infantry battalions (1 battalion for each region)

Order of battle

 * Fighter Squadron 1-02 Leyou at BA02 Franceville with:
 * Mirage F-1AZ
 * MB-326M Impala I
 * Heavy Transport Squadron at BA01 Libreville with:
 * C-130 Hercules
 * CN-235
 * Ministerial Air Liaison Group (Groupe de Liaison Aérien Ministériel or GLAM) at BA01 Libreville with:
 * 1 Falcon-900EX
 * 1 Gulfstream-III

Facilities

 * BA01 Libreville
 * BA02 Franceville
 * Tchibanga

Navy

The Gabonese Navy (Marine Nationale du Gabon) is the official maritime branch of the armed forces. It was created in December 1960 as part of the army, and only became an independent entity in 1983. The navy's core purpose is to monitor the country's coastal waters, including 800 km of coastline.

 * Headquarters Staff (Libreville)
 * Port-Gentil Naval Base
 * Mayumba Naval Base
 * Port-Gentil Aviation Base
 * Marine Rifle Battalion (since 1984)

National Gendarmerie
The National Gendarmerie of Gabon (Gendarmerie nationale gabonaise) is the national police force of Gabon responsible for law enforcement in the country. It was formed on March 10, 1960 when Gabon, formerly French Equatorial Africa, gained its independence from France. It originated from Libreville Gendarmerie Detachment 1929, which was commanded by Governor General of French Equatorial Africa, Félix Eboue. The main tasks of the gendarmerie are to defend the country's borders, ensure public safety, and to enforce actions taken by judicial and government authorities. The National Gendarmerie is under the direct command of the President of Gabon.

Republican Guard
The Gendarmerie is also in charge of the Republican Guard (Garde républicaine, GR). It is viewed as the most powerful and sophisticated of the security forces. It is primarily tasked with protecting the president and ensures regime stability.

Retired aircraft
Previous aircraft operated were the CM.170 Magister,  Embraer EMB 110,  Fokker F28, Aérospatiale N 262, Reims C.337, and the Alouette II helicopter.

Ceremonial traditions

 * In April 2001, then-Defense Minister Bongo visited China, during which he reviewed the PLA honor guard upon arrival, and proposed to his Chinese counterpart Chi Haotian that members of the battalion will go to Gabon to help set up and train professional ceremonial units in the Gabonese military. In March 2003, after just under three years, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense sent four officers led by Lieutenant Colonel Wang Yuanjing to Libreville by the end of November of that year, after which they stayed to train the Gabonese guard of honour for more than six months.
 * The Principal Music Band of the Gabonese Defense Forces was created in 2010. It brings together elements of the Band of the National Gendarmerie, the Armed Forces and the Prytanée militaire de Libreville. It has a staff of 50 professional currently directed by Captain Jean-Baptiste Rabimbinongo. Its conductor, Lieutenant Léa Nzoufa Nze, was the first woman to conduct a military band to the Saumur International Festival of Military Bands. It takes part in many official ceremonies such as National Flag Day and the military parade marking the country's independence.

title: Armed Forces of Gabon


text:
Foreign relations of Gabon

Gabon has followed a non-aligned policy, advocating dialogue in international affairs and recognizing both parts of divided countries. Since 1973, the number of countries establishing diplomatic relations with Gabon has doubled. In inter-African affairs, Gabon espouses development by evolution rather than revolution and favors regulated free enterprise as the system most likely to promote rapid economic growth. Concerned about stability in Central Africa and the potential for intervention, Gabon has been directly involved with mediation efforts in Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Angola, and former Zaire. In December 1999, through the mediation efforts of President Bongo, a peace accord was signed in the Republic of Congo between the government and most leaders of an armed rebellion. President Bongo has remained involved in the continuing Congolese peace process. Gabon has been a strong proponent of regional stability, and Gabonese armed forces played an important role in the UN Peacekeeping Mission to the Central African Republic (MINURCA).

Gabon is a member of the UN and some of its specialized and related agencies, including the World Bank; Organisation of African Unity (OAU); Central African Customs Union (UDEAC/CEMAC); EC association under Lomé Convention; Communaute Financiere Africaine (CFA); Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); Non-Aligned Movement; Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Gabon is also a member of the International Criminal Court with a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the US-military (as covered under Article 98).

Diplomatic relations
List of countries which Gabon maintains diplomatic relations with:

title: Foreign relations of Gabon