Gabon, officially known as Gabonese Republic (French: République Gabonaise), is an independent nation in west central Africa. It is bordered on the northwest by Equatorial Guinea, on the north by Cameroon, on the east and south by the Republic of the Congo, and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean.
GABON
The area of Gabon is 267 667sq km (103 347sq mi). Libreville is the country’s capital and largest city.
Land and Resources:
A belt of coastal lowland, generally narrow in width, is found in the western part of Gabon. To the interior is the plateau zone, which extends over the entire northern and eastern sections of Gabon and part of the south. The Cristal Mountains in the north are about 900m (about 3000ft) high. The central Chaillu Mountains contain Mount Iboundji (972m/3189ft), the highest summit in the country. This escarpment is crisscrossed by numerous rivers, notably the Ogooue River, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Virtually the entire country is contained in the basin of the Ogooue River, which is navigable to Ndjole. Some 85% of the land is covered by a dense equatorial rain forest.
Climate:
Gabon has a hot and humid climate. The temperature varies only slightly throughout the year. The average daily temperature is 27°C (80°F). The dry seasons are from May to September and December to January, while the rainy seasons are from February to April and October to November. At Libreville the average annual rainfall is 2520mm (99in).
Note: Gabon travel is a great adventure, but those individuals who venture to rural areas are advised to take a first-aid kit with anti-tetanus and anti-venom serums. Medical facilities are limited and full health insurance is essential.
Natural Resources:
Gabon is rich in mineral resources. The country has deposits of uranium, manganese, and petroleum, all of which are being mined successfully. Large deposits of iron ore, considered among the richest in the world, have also been found, and lead and silver ores have recently been discovered. Gabon also has valuable forest resources, mainly in its stands of okoume, mahogany, kevazingo, and ebony.
Capital: Libreville
Currency: Central African Franc (CFA)
Should you require any further information with regard to African travel in this country, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. Aardvark Travel Centre has vast experience in terms of travel to Gabon and will be more than happy to facilitate your African holiday planning.
