Gabon

Country Flag Details

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and blue; green represents the country’s forests and natural resources, gold represents the equator (which transects Gabon) as well as the sun, blue represents the sea

Background

Gabon became independent from France in 1960. El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba and then his son, Ali BONGO Ondimba, ruled the country from 1967 to 2023, when a military coup ended the dynasty. Gen. Brice OLIGUI Nguema, a transitional president, now leads Gabon.

Geography

Area

total : 267,667 sq km
land: 257,667 sq km
water: 10,000 sq km

Climate

tropical; always hot, humid

Natural resources

petroleum, natural gas, diamond, niobium, manganese, uranium, gold, timber, iron ore, hydropower

People and Society

Population

total: 2,455,105

Ethnic groups

Fang 23.5%, Shira-Punu’Vii 20.6%, Nzabi-Duma 11.2%, Mbede-Teke 5.6%, Myene 4.4%, Kota-Kele 4.3%, Okande-Tsogho 1.6%, other 12.6%, foreigner 16.2% (2021 est.)

Languages

French (official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi

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.)

Population growth rate

2.37% (2024 est.)

Government
Government type

presidential republic

Capital name: Libreville

Executive branch

chief of state: Transitional President Gen. Brice OLIGUI Nguema (since 4 September 2023)
head of government: Prime Minister Raymond NDONG SIMA (since 7 September 2023)

 

Economy

Economic overview

natural-resource-rich, upper-middle-income, Central African economy; significant reliance on oil and mineral exports; highly urbanized population; high levels of poverty and unemployment; uncertainty on institutional and development reform progress following 2023 military coup

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

$46.472 billion (2023 est.)
$45.363 billion (2022 est.)
$44.025 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita

$18,700 (2023 est.)
$18,700 (2022 est.)
$18,500 (2021 est.)

Exports

$12.935 billion (2022 est.)
$11.229 billion (2021 est.)
$7.275 billion (2020 est.)

Exports – partners

China 26%, Indonesia 8%, Spain 7%, Israel 6%, Congo, Republic of the 5% (2023)

Exports – commodities

crude petroleum, ships, manganese ore, refined petroleum, wood (2023)

Imports

$3.499 billion (2022 est.)
$3.353 billion (2021 est.)
$3.454 billion (2020 est.)

Imports – partners

France 14%, China 13%, S. Korea 13%, USA 7%, India 4% (2023)

Imports – commodities

ships, refined petroleum, iron pipes, cars, packaged medicine (2023)

 

Export structure by product group in 2023 (% of total exports) (UNCTAD)

The export structure of a country is indicative of the diversity, composition, and overall value of its goods and services traded on the international stage, offering vital insights into its economic health, competitive position, and developmental trajectory. In Gabon, the export landscape is predominantly shaped by crude petroleum, which serves as a cornerstone of the economy, while manganese ore and timber products also make substantial contributions. To enhance economic resilience and sustain long-term growth, it is essential for Gabon to actively pursue strategies aimed at diversification and to prioritize the responsible management of its rich natural resources, ensuring that the benefits of its exports are maximized while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Poverty and vulnerable employment in Gabon (World Bank)

In 2023, 31 percent of total employment in Gabon was categorized as vulnerable employment, a designation that highlights work characterized by insufficient job security, low wages, and a significant lack of social protections, including health insurance, pensions, or labor rights. This category largely comprises own-account workers, such as street vendors and small-scale farmers, who operate independently without employees, along with contributing family workers who support family businesses or farms without formal compensation. Such employment is predominantly informal and unstable, lacking essential benefits, which renders workers highly susceptible to economic fluctuations, exploitation, and the ongoing threat of poverty. The effects of vulnerable employment go beyond individual workers, impacting families and entire communities, thereby deepening cycles of instability and hardship that can be incredibly difficult to break.

Understanding poverty level significance at $ 2.15 per day

In 2017, 53 thousand of Ganbonese lived in The poverty level at $2.15 per day (measured in 2017 purchasing power parity, or PPP) is a key global benchmark used by the World Bank to define extreme poverty in low-income countries. It indicates:
1. Basic Survival Threshold
• People living below $2.15 per day struggle to afford essential needs such as food, clean water, shelter, healthcare, and education.
2. Economic Underdevelopment
• A high percentage of a country’s population living below this threshold suggests low economic productivity, high unemployment, and weak social safety nets.
3. Inequality and Social Vulnerability
• It reflects deep income inequality and a lack of access to opportunities for upward mobility.
• People in this category are more vulnerable to shocks like food price increases, climate disasters, or health crises.
4. Policy Challenges
• Governments need targeted interventions such as social welfare programs, job creation, and improved access to education and healthcare to reduce poverty.

A country's export structure is a reflection of its level of development and productive capacities

The export structure of a country refers to the composition, diversity, and value of the goods and services it sells to other countries. It provides key insights into the country’s economic health, competitiveness, and level of development. Productive capacities of a country refer to its ability to produce goods and services efficiently and sustainably over time. These capacities are shaped by various factors, including human capital, natural resources, infrastructure, private sector, development, technology & innovation,  institutions & governance, financial systems trade & market access.

Here’s  what the export structure and productive capacities of a country  typically indicate:

  1. Level of Economic Development
  • Developed economies usually export high-value manufactured goods, technology, and services.
  • Developing economies often rely on raw materials, agricultural products, or low-value manufactured goods.
  1. Industrial and Sectoral Strengths
  • A strong presence of high-tech or industrial goods (e.g., machinery, electronics) suggests a well-developed manufacturing sector.
  • A dominance of commodities (e.g., oil, minerals, agricultural products) indicates reliance on natural resources.
  1. Export Diversification
  • A diverse export base (multiple industries) makes a country’s economy more stable and resilient to global price shocks.
  • A concentrated export base (few key products) makes it vulnerable to market fluctuations.
  1. Trade Partnerships and Dependence
  • If exports are heavily dependent on a single country or region, the economy is more exposed to geopolitical and trade risks.
  • A wide range of trading partners indicates stronger global integration.
  1. Competitiveness and Value Addition
  • Exporting mainly raw materials (e.g., crude oil instead of refined petroleum) suggests limited industrial processing capacity.
  • A high share of finished and high-tech goods suggests strong value addition and competitiveness.

Gabon-Water Supply

Gabon – Proportion of population served with at least basic drinking water

In 2022, the proportion of the population served with at least basic drinking water in Gabon was 86.9 %. The proportion of the population served with at least basic drinking water in Gabon increased from 80.4 % in 2000 to 86.9% in 2022, an absolute change of 6.5  percentage points (pp) increase between 2000 and 2025.

Gabon – Proportion of urban population served with at least basic drinking water

In 2022, the proportion of the urban population served with at least basic water in Gabon was 90.2 %. The proportion of the urban population served with at least basic drinking water in Gabon fell from 91.1% in 2000 to 90.2 % in 2022, an absolute change of 0.9 pp increase between 2000 and 2022.

Gabon – Proportion of rural population served with at least  basic drinking water

In 2022, the proportion of the rural population served with at least basic water in Gabon was 54.9 %. The proportion of the rural population served with at least basic drinking water in Gabon grew from 40.6 % in 2000 to 54.9 % in 2022, an absolute increase of  14.3 pp between 2000 and 2022.

Gabon – Proportion of total population served with at least basic water: A Global Perspective

As of 2022, 86.9% of the population in Gabon gained access to at least basic drinking water services, marking a significant increase from 80.4% in 2000. However, this progress highlights a troubling reality when compared to the 100% access enjoyed by countries like South Korea and Thailand. These figures are not just numbers; they represent the daily struggles of communities across Sub-Saharan Africa, affecting their health, education, and overall quality of life. It is crucial for us to recognize these disparities and actively advocate for sustainable solutions and infrastructure that ensure every individual can access this essential resource, creating a future where clean water is a right for all.

Gabon – Share of the rural population Using at least basic drinking water facilities

As of 2022, 54.9% of the rural population in Gabon had access to at least basic water drinking facilities, an increase from 40.6% in the year 2000. This modest upward trend starkly contrasts with the situation in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and South Korea,  where access to safe drinking water is not just a luxury but a standard that is universally upheld. These disparities in water accessibility are not merely statistics; they represent profound challenges faced by communities across Sub-Saharan Africa, significantly impacting health, education, and the overall quality of life for countless individuals. We must address these issues to foster a healthier and more equitable future for all.

Gabon-Sanitation

Gabon – Proportion of population served with at least basic sanitation

In 2022, the proportion of the population served with at least basic sanitation in Gabon was 49.9 %. The proportion of the population served with at least basic sanitation in Gabon increased from 34.0 % in 2000 to 49.9%  in 2022, an absolute change of 15.9 pp between 2000 and 2022.

Gabon – Proportion of urban population served with at least basic sanitation facilities

In 2022, proportion of urban population served with at least basic sanitation for Gabon was 50.9 %. Proportion of urban population served with at least basic sanitation of Gabon increased from 38.1 % in 2003 to 50.9 % in 2022 growing at an average annual rate of 1.55%.

Gabon – Proportion of rural population served with at least basic sanitation facilities

In 2022, the proportion of the rural population served with at least basic sanitation in Gabon was 39.7 %. The proportion of the rural population served with at least basic sanitation in Gabon increased from 29.8 % in 2000 to 39.7 % in 2022, an absolute change of 9.9 pp between 2000 and 2022.

Gabon-Share of the population using at least basic sanitation facilities: A Global Perspective

Unsafe sanitation continues to pose a critical public health challenge, leading to the heartbreaking loss of countless lives annually. Access to safe sanitation transcends being a simple necessity; it is a fundamental human right that every person is entitled to. In 2022, only 49.9% of Gabon’s population had access to basic sanitation facilities, underscoring a significant deficiency in public health infrastructure. In stark comparison, nations such as China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam reported much higher access rates, with figures reaching 95.9%, 88.2%, 95.1%, and 99.0%, respectively. The issue of ensuring safe sanitation extends far beyond statistics; it is a critical human right vital to health, dignity, and overall well-being. These troubling figures emphasize the pressing need for collaborative efforts to promote sustainable governance and inclusive solutions that ensure safe sanitation for every individual throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.

Gabon- Share of the rural population served with at least basic sanitation: A Global Perspective

The chart below shows a serious problem: many people in Gabon’s rural areas do not have basic sanitation facilities. This often ignored issue greatly impacts lives and emphasizes the need for safe sanitation as a fundamental human right. In 2022, just 39.7% of Gabon’s rural population had access to basic sanitation, a stark contrast to Sri Lanka’s 94.9%, Thailand’s 98.4%, and Vietnam’s 88.4%. These concerning numbers demand urgent attention. We encourage you to look at the chart to see these differences visually. Improving sanitation infrastructure is crucial for the health and dignity of everyone. Our dedication to solving these inequalities is essential for sustainable development, making sure every community has the sanitation they require. Together, we can work towards a future where safe sanitation is accessible for all, greatly improving the quality of life for Gabon’s rural population.

Gabon-Access to Electricity

Gabon- Access to electricity (% of population)

In 2022, the proportion of the population with access to electricity in Gabon was 93.5%. The proportion of the population with access to electricity in Gabon increased from 73.6 % in 2000 to 93.5% in 2022, an absolute change of 19.9 pp increase between 2000and 2022.

Gabon-Access to Electricity (% urban population)

In 2022, proportion of urban population with access to electricity for Gabon was 98.5 %. The proportion of urban population with access to electricity of Gabon increased from 90.2% % in 2000 to 98.5% in 2022, an absolute increase of 8.3 pp increase between 2000 and 2022.

Gabon-Access to electricity (% rural population)

In 2022, proportion of rural population with access to electricity   for Gabon was 29%. The proportion of rural population with access to electricity in  Gabon increased from 11.6 % in 2000 to 29 % in 2022, an absolute increase of 17.4 % between 2000 and 2022.

Gabon- Access to Electricity as a Percentage of the Population: A Global Perspective.

In 2022, 93.5% of Gabon’s population gained access to electricity, up from 73.6% in 2000. Although this progress is notable, Gabon still falls short compared to countries like Thailand and South Korea, which have achieved full access at 100%, while Vietnam and Bangladesh are close at nearly 99%. Electricity access is essential for reducing poverty and driving economic growth. Globally, access has risen significantly, dropping from 20% in 2000 to below 10% today, especially in low- and middle-income countries. However, several Sub-Saharan African nations, including Equatorial Guinea, still face major challenges in achieving widespread access. For more insights, refer to the chart showing electrification rates across developing regions.

Gabon-Access to electricity (% of the rural population): A Global Perspective

Access to electricity is a vital lifeline that transforms lives, lifts communities out of poverty, and drives economic growth. Tracking electricity access is essential for measuring social and economic progress. Since 2000, global access has increased significantly, with the percentage of people living without electricity falling from 20% to under 10%. This improvement is primarily seen in low and middle-income countries, yet many regions still face challenges. As of 2022, only 29% of Gabon’s rural population has access to electricity, up from 11.6% in 2000. In contrast, rural areas in Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, and China now enjoy full electricity access. This gap underscores the urgent need for action to ensure everyone can benefit from electricity.

Gabon – Health Outcomes

Gabon-Life expectancy: A Global Perspective

In the past seventy years, life expectancy has improved significantly, allowing many to live longer, healthier lives. In 1950, the global average for newborns was just 47 years, but by 2021, it had risen to 71 years, showcasing our advancement. However, progress has been uneven, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. For example, Gabon’s life expectancy increased from 47 years in 1960 to 66 years in 2022, reflecting resilience and steady growth. In contrast, South Korea experienced a remarkable rise from 54 years in 1960 to 83 years in 2022. Likewise, the Maldives improved its life expectancy from 39 years in 1960 to 81 years in 2022.

Gabon- Mortality rates , under-5 (per 1000 births): A Global Perspective

Since 1950, the global community has achieved significant advancements in reducing child mortality rates, attributable to enhancements in living conditions, healthcare innovations, improved nutritional standards, and access to clean drinking water. In economically affluent nations throughout Europe and America, child mortality rates have substantially decreased to below 4 percent. Concurrently, numerous developing countries in South America and Asia have made notable progress in this regard. In contrast, the rate of change has been comparatively sluggish in several Sub-Saharan African countries. For instance, in 1980, Gabon and Bangladesh reported child mortality rates of 119.4 and 206, respectively. By 2022, these statistics exhibited a stark divergence, with Equatorial Guinea recording a child mortality rate of 39 deaths, whereas Bangladesh achieved an impressive 29, highlighting the significant advancements made in Bangladesh.

Gabon-Maternal mortality rate: A Global Perspective

The chart below illustrates the annual number of pregnancy-related deaths across various regions and countries, highlighting a sobering reality: a significant portion of these tragic losses occurs in Sub-Saharan Africa. This alarming trend stems from factors such as high birth rates and persistent maternal mortality rates. Bangladesh has made notable progress, reducing maternal deaths from 441 in 2000 to 123 in 2022 due to improved healthcare initiatives. In contrast, Gabon has seen only a slight decline, with rates decreasing from 249 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to an estimated 227 in 2022, underscoring the urgent need for better maternal health services in the country. For a clearer understanding, please refer to the chart below for a visual comparison of these essential statistics.