Capital: Libreville Land: 257,667 sq km Currency (code): Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible authority is the Bank of the Central African States Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar - 481.83 (2007), 522.89 (2006), 527.47 (2005), 528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003) Population: 1,454,867 Age structure: 0-14 years: 42.1% (male 307,444/female 305,468) 15-64 years: 53.9% (male 391,194/female 393,103) 65 years and over: 4% (male 23,978/female 33,680) (2007 est.) Population growth rate: 2.036% (2007 est.) Religions: 1% Christian 55%-75%, animist, Muslim less than Climate: Gabon s climate is hot in the two rainy seasons (September December, February May) and moderate in the two dry seasons (May September, December Page 1 of 5
February). Libreville, the capital city, has an average temperature in January of 80 F (27 C) and in July of 75 F (24 C). It receives about 99 inches (252 centimeters) of rain each year. Language: French is Gabon s official language. Nearly all publishing and broadcasting occurs in French, and it is the most commonly heard language in cities. General Attitudes: The Gabonese are generally polite, kind, and outgoing. Although they may get loud and angry in disputes, they prefer to quickly resolve problems and rarely harbor hard feelings. The Gabonese are considered outspoken and even argumentative among some West African neighbors. Certain ethnic groups do not often say please and thank you because there is no tradition for these words in their languages. Regardless of whether a person uses the words, he or she acknowledges kindness and consideration from others and usually will repay favors. Most Gabonese tend to accept life as it is. They see themselves first as members of a family (including the extended family, and the village in rural areas), then as part of an ethnic group, and finally as Gabonese and Africans. People who live in the rural interior do not enjoy many benefits from Gabon s oil wealth and are often frustrated with the lack of jobs, medicines, and educational opportunities. City residents have shared that frustration when oil prices have been low. Corruption and other problems have strained the nation s ability to achieve its democratic and economic goals Page 2 of 5
Greetings: The Gabonese shake hands and smile each time they meet, even if several times a day. If the hand is dirty, one extends a closed fist (palm down) so the greeter can shake the wrist or forearm. Urban friends might hug and brush alternating cheeks while kissing the air. Men touch temples instead of brushing cheeks. In small groups, one greets each individual. In larger gatherings, one can raise both hands to the group and say Bonjour tout le monde (Hello, everyone). People of the same sex, especially men, often hold hands while talking or walking. It is improper, especially in rural areas, for members of the opposite sex to do this. Rural women might clasp each other s forearms when greeting. Shaking another person s hand with both hands is a sign of respect. Urban greetings include the French Bonjour (Good day) and Bonsoir (Good evening). The Fang Mbolo (Hello) is common throughout Gabon. Greetings include asking about one s family and health and if one slept well the previous night. Older people may be addressed as mama or papa. People of about the same age may address each other by first name or as monfrère (my brother) or ma soeur (my sister). At work, Monsieur (Mr.), Madame ( Ms. or Mrs. ), or a title is used with the last name Labor force: 582,000 (2007 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture: 60% industry: 15% services: 25% Page 3 of 5
Unemployment rate: 21% (2006 est.) prices): Inflation rate (consumer 5% (2007 est.) Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, diamond, niobium, manganese, uranium, gold, timber, iron ore, hydropower Exports: $6.856 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.) Exports - commodities: (2001) crude oil 77%, timber, manganese, uranium Exports - partners: US 27.6%, China 15.9%, France 7.8%, Trinidad and Tobago 5.4%, Thailand 4.3% (2006) Imports: $1.951 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.) Imports commodities: machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, construction materials Imports - partners: France 35.4%, US 7.6%, Netherlands 5.5%, Cameroon 4.5%, Belgium 4.3% (2006) References: Gabon. CultureGrams World Edition. 2008. ProQuest. <http://online.culturegrams.com>. Gabon. THE WORLD FACTBOOK. 2008. CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY. <https://www.cia.gov>. Page 4 of 5
Gabon. Factsheet. May, 2007. Economist Intelligence Unit. <http://www.economist.com> Page 5 of 5