Gabon
Study, Work, Volunteer and Travel in Gabon
Gabon is a west central country in Africa bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon and the Congo. The country is recognized to have high income per capita and this is attributed to its large oil money.
In 1839, France took the control over Gabon and its capital, Libreville which means “Free Town”. In 1960, Gabon gained its independence from France and its government started as one-party state. In 1991, a new constitution was established and this brought multi-party democracy to Gabon.
Gabon currently has 13 new national parks which covered an estimated 11% of the country’s area. The parks were created to mainly protect the forests and wildlife from logging and other illegal activities. The long and sandy coastal area of Gabon boasts palm-fringed bays, estuaries, and lagoons. This makes the country a center of lush tropical vegetation.
Tourists who frequent the country or take their first steps on Gabon’s land are bedazzled by country’s natural resources. Scenic white beaches, massive wildlife such as gorillas, elephants, parrots, and panthers find refuge in the bountiful forests of Gabon. The people of Gabon called the Bantu people lived in coastal areas, villages, and settlements near the many rivers. Interestingly, the rivers of Gabon serve as the main communication routes.
Bantu tribes are composed of Fang, Eshira, Mbele, and Okande. A great number of these tribes still enjoy the more rural way of life and there are only a few native Gabonese live in towns.
The major cities of Gabon include Libreville, Port Gentil, Moanda, Mouilla, Franceville, Oyem, and Lambaréné.
