Introduction to Gabon

Book excerpt: Gabon is a small country located in Central Africa, bordered by Cameroon to the north, Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, and the Republic of Congo to the east and south. The country has a land area of 267,667 square kilometers, with a population of approximately 2.2 million people. The capital city, Libreville, is situated on the coast and is the largest city in the country. Gabon's economy is heavily dependent on oil production, which accounts for approximately 80% of the country's export revenue. However, the government has made efforts in recent years to diversify the economy by encouraging investment in other sectors such as transportation, telecommunications, and tourism. Additionally, Gabon is home to a significant portion of the Congo Basin rainforest and has been recognized for its efforts to conserve and protect its natural resources. Despite challenges such as poverty and political instability, Gabon remains an important player in the region and has significant potential for economic growth and development in the future.