Gabon Guide

Gabon also features internationally celebrated masks, such as the n’goltang (Fang) and the relicary figures of the Kota. Each group has its own set of masks used for various reasons. They are mostly used in traditional ceremonies such as marriage, birth and funerals. Traditionalists mainly work with rare local woods and other precious materials.

Gabon is not too much involved in international politics, however, supports the call, Q international events and identify the two parts of divided countries. Since 1973, the number of countries holds diplomatic relations with Gabon has doubled. In wewnątrzafrykańskich events, Gabon is in favor of the development by evolution rather than revolution and supports the free enterprise system as the most effective in the rapid economic growth. Interested in stability in Central Africa and the possibilities of intervention, Gabon has been directly interested in mediation efforts in Chad, Republic, Congo, Angola and former Zaire (DRC). In December 1999, through the mediation of President Bongo, has been concluded peace agreement in Congo Brazzawille between the government and the majority of the commanders of the armed rebellion. Gabon has been a strong spokesperson for the regional stability and gabońskie armed forces played an important role in the UN Stabilization Republic (MINURCA).

A valid yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. Occasionally, the cholera vaccination at the border as proof required for entry. The medical care is heavier nationwide for illnesses or injuries are not sufficient. Serious illnesses should be in Europe or South Africa will be handled. There is a high-risk malaria nationwide.

The earliest inhabitants of the area were Pygmy peoples. They were largely replaced and absorbed by Bantu tribes as they migrated.

In the 15th century, the first Europeans arrived. The nation’s name these days originates from “Gabão”, Portuguese for “cabin”, which is roughly the shape of the estuary of the Komo River by Libreville. French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza led his first mission to the Gabon-Congo area in 1875. He founded the town of Franceville, and was later colonial governor. Several Bantu groups lived in the area that is now Gabon when France officially occupied it in 1885.

In 1910, Gabon became one of the four territories of French Equatorial Africa, a federation that survived until 1959. These territories became independent on August 17, 1960. The first president of Gabon, elected in 1961, was Léon M’ba, with Omar Bongo Ondimba as his vice president. When M’Ba died in 1967, Bongo replaced him as president, and has been the head of state ever since, winning each contested election with a substantial majority.

The best time to visit Gabon is during the dry season (May to September). The rest of the year is one muggy, scorching hot day after another, with heavy rain from evening till morning.

Libreville (population 578,156 January 1, 2005) is the capital and largest city of Gabon. The city is a port on the Komo River, near the Gulf of Guinea, and a trade center for a timber region.

The Gabonese Republic, or Gabon (pronounced /gəˈbɒn/), is a country in west central Africa sharing borders with Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo and the Gulf of Guinea. The capital and largest city is Libreville. Since its independence from France on August 17, 1960, the Republic has been ruled by only two autocratic presidents. In the early 1990s, Gabon introduced a multi party system and a new democratic constitution that allowed for a more transparent electoral process and reformed many governmental institutions. A small population (less than two million), abundant natural resources, and foreign private investment have helped make Gabon one of the most prosperous countries in the region, with the highest HDI in Sub-Saharan Africa.