Gabon Guide

Masks

gabonguide — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:38:54 +0000

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.

International relations

gabonguide — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:50:12 +0000

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).

Animal Husbandry

gabonguide — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:37:36 +0000

Livestock economy is limited mainly by the presence muchów tse-tse. Main animals which are bred in Gabon are: pigs, sheep, goats, cattle and fowls. In the effort to reduce meat imports, the government postpones 200 000 hectares (494 000 acres) in niezaludnionym savannah regions to set up three Ranches in Ngounie, Nyanga and Lekabi. Currently, import of frozen beef are the main source of beef, the cost of imports are four times less than the locally produced beef. Poultry production meets half the consumption of Gabon. Typical annual production of poultry is 3 900 tonnes.

Water transport

gabonguide — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:50:45 +0000

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The most busy ports in Gabon to Port-Gentil, a center for export of crude oil and import of mining equipment and Owendo, a new port, which was built in 1974, 10 km south of Libreville. Owendo port capacity, initially was 300 000 tonnes, and increased to 1.5 million tonnes in 1979. A smaller port is located in Mayumba, including stores and timber port was designed for the city. In 1998, Gabon’s merchant fleet had 2 ships, but since 2002, Gabon has no commercial ships. Gabon is 1 600 km of inland waterways.

Stay healthy

gabonguide — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:38:38 +0000

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.

History

gabonguide — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:25:34 +0000

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.

Mayumba

gabonguide — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:28:47 +0000

If you mention Mayumba to someone who has been there, you’re likely to be met with a dreamy, faraway look. It’s no wonder – with endless and uninhabited beaches, whales spouting in the distance, trees full of magical spirits, and nesting sea turtles on the beach, it’s not too far from eco-traveller heaven.

Mayumba would be Gabon’s premier beach resort if it weren’t so hard to get to. Anyone who gets this far, though, will discover deserted beaches, fishing villages and friendly locals who will offer to take you on fishing trips or boat tours for a small price. It’s a great place to spend a few lazy days enjoying the sun, the waves, fresh seafood, and peace and quiet.

When to Go

gabonguide — Mon, 12 May 2008 09:59:44 +0000

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

gabonguide — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:30:04 +0000

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

gabonguide — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:29:10 +0000

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.