Gabon

The Gabonese Republic, or Gabon, is a nation of west central Africa. Ruled by autocratic presidents since independence from France on August 17, 1960, Gabon introduced a multiparty system and a new constitution in the early 1990s that allowed for a more transparent electoral process and for reforms of governmental institutions. A small population, abundant natural resources, and foreign private investment have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous black African countries.

Republique Gabonaise

File:Gabon flag medium.png	coat of arms
(In Detail)	(Full size)

National motto: Xxxxx

Official language

French

Capital

Libreville

(optionally) Capital´s coordinates

X° X' N/S, X° X' E/W

monarch/president

Xxxxx

Area
- Total
- % water

Ranked 74th
267,667 km²
xx% / Negligible

Population

- Total (July 1995 est.)

- Density

Ranked 148th

1,155,749

4.6/km²

Independence

- Declared

- Recognised

(Event Xxxx)

(Year)

Currency

CFA franc

Time zone

UTC +1 (DST, yes or not)

National anthem

Xxxxx

Internet TLD

.GA

Calling Code

241

History

Main article: History of Gabon

France occupied Gabon in 1885 but did not administer it until 1903. In 1910, Gabon became one of the four territories of French Equatorial Africa, a federation that survived until 1959. The territories became independent on August 17, 1960

Politics

Main article: Politics of Gabon

In March 1991 a new constitution was adopted, among its provisions are 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; Multi-party legislative elections were held in 1990-91, despite the fact that opposition parties had not been declared formally legal.

President El Hadj 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 referenda, and appoint and dismiss the prime minister and cabinet members.

List of Presidents of Gabon

Map Of Gabon

Provinces

Main article: Provinces of Gabon

Gabon in divided administratively into nine provinces

Geography

Main article: Geography of Gabon

List of places in Gabon

Gabon is located on the Atlantic coast of central Africa. Clockwise from the northwest, it is bounded by Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, and the Republic of Congo.

Gabon's largest river is the Ogooué. Gabon is also noted for efforts to preserve the natural environment with what may be the largest area of nature parks in the world.