Gabon: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Gabon 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Gabon: 95
  • Happiness Score Gabon:5.106

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Gabon. GA.

    Gabon is a country located on the west coast of Central Africa. It has a presidential republic political structure and is known for its rich cultural diversity, including traditional music and dance. Economically, Gabon is significant for its oil reserves and timber exports.

  • Gabon is home to 13 national parks, making it a popular destination for ecotourism.
  • The country is one of the most prosperous in Africa, with a high GDP per capita due to its oil wealth.
  • Gabon’s traditional religion and rituals, such as the Bwiti practice, are important cultural aspects of the country.
  • Gabon – Overview

    Early History

    Evidence suggests human habitation in present-day Gabon dates back over 16,000 years. The region was home to various Bantu ethnic groups, including the Punu, Fang, and Nzebi. In the 14th century, the Kingdom of Ngounie emerged as a powerful entity in the area.

    Colonial Period

    European contact began in the 15th century with the arrival of Portuguese explorers. French explorers followed in the 16th century, and by the 19th century, France had established control over much of the coastal region, known as French Congo. In 1910, Gabon became one of the four territories of French Equatorial Africa.

    Independence and Modern Era

    Gabon gained independence from France on August 17, 1960, with Léon M’ba as the first president. After his death in 1967, Omar Bongo Ondimba became president and ruled for over 40 years until his death in 2009. Ali Bongo Ondimba, his son, succeeded him and continues to serve as the president.

    Current Political Situation

    Gabon is a presidential republic with a multi-party system. The current president is Ali Bongo Ondimba, who has been in power since 2009. Recent elections have been marred by allegations of fraud and violence, with the opposition claiming electoral irregularities.

    International Relations

    Gabon maintains close ties with France and has been a member of the United Nations since 1960. It is also a member of the African Union, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

    Human Development and Economy

    Gabon has a relatively high GDP per capita due to its oil and mineral wealth, but significant income inequality persists. Major industries include oil production, mining, agriculture, and forestry. The country has faced challenges in improving human development indicators, such as education and healthcare.

    Cultural Highlights

    Gabon is culturally diverse, with various ethnic groups contributing to its rich heritage. The Bwiti spiritual tradition, practiced by the Fang people, is a notable cultural element. French and Fang are the predominant languages, while Christianity and indigenous beliefs are widely practiced.

    Challenges and Opportunities

    Key challenges facing Gabon include diversifying its economy beyond oil and minerals, addressing income inequality, and improving infrastructure and public services. Opportunities lie in sustainable management of its natural resources, eco-tourism, and fostering political stability and good governance.

    Travel Tips for Gabon

    Best Times to Visit: The dry season (May to September) offers the most pleasant weather for visiting Gabon.

    Cultural Etiquette: Respect local traditions, dress modestly, and avoid public displays of affection. Greet elders with respect and ask for permission before photographing people.

    Safety Precautions: Exercise caution in cities, especially at night. Avoid isolated areas and follow local advice regarding areas to avoid.

    Must-See Landmarks: Explore Lopé National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its biodiversity. Visit the Libreville waterfront, Pongara National Park, and the Equator Monument.

    Culinary Experiences: Try local dishes like nyembwe (a spicy fish stew), boucanes (smoked fish), and mwamba (a spinach-like greens dish). Sample fruits like safou, bush mangoes, and red bananas.

    Living in Gabon

    Cost of Living: The cost of living in Gabon is relatively high, especially in urban areas like Libreville. Housing, utilities, and imported goods can be expensive.

Main facts

1. Location

Gabon is located along the western coast of Central Africa. It is bordered by Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon to the north, the Republic of the Congo to the east and south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The country is situated on the equator and has a narrow coastal plain extending inland to plateaus and hills.

2. Map References

Gabon is located in Central Africa.

3. Area – Comparative

Gabon has an area slightly smaller than the state of Colorado in the United States.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Gabon has a total land boundary length of 3,261 km, shared with the following countries:

5. Coastline

Gabon has a coastline of 885 km along the Atlantic Ocean.

6. Maritime Claims

Gabon claims the following maritime zones:

  • Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
  • Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
  • Continental shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin

7. Climate

Gabon has an equatorial climate characterized by humid, hot, and persistent rainfall throughout the year, especially in the coastal regions. The interior regions experience a more tropical monsoon climate with a distinct dry season.

8. Terrain

Gabon’s terrain consists primarily of a narrow coastal plain with hills and low mountains in the interior. The country also features savannas, marshes, and plateaus, along with dense tropical rainforests covering a significant portion of the land.

9. Elevation Extremes

The lowest point in Gabon is the Atlantic Ocean at 0 m, while the highest point is Mont Iboundji at 1,575 m.

10. Natural Resources

Gabon’s major natural resources include:

  • Petroleum
  • Natural gas
  • Diamond
  • Niobium
  • Manganese
  • Uranium
  • Gold
  • Timber
  • Hydropower

11. Major Bodies of Water

The major bodies of water in Gabon include:

  • Ogooué River (shared with the Republic of the Congo)
  • Ngounie River
  • Ivindo River
  • Ogooué-Maritime
  • Ogooué-Lolo
  • Fernan Vaz Lagoon

12. Natural Hazards

The primary natural hazards in Gabon include:

  • Recurring droughts
  • Seasonal flooding in coastal areas
  • Leprosy (endemic)

13. Geography – Notes

Gabon is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, with a significant portion of its land covered by dense rainforests. The country is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several national parks and protected areas, making it an important eco-tourism destination in Central Africa.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 90.00%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 5,321. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 20.00%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  -0.80368911.609444.
  • Capital: The capital of Gabon is  Libreville
  • Major Cities:
    • Libreville – 797,000
    • Port-Gentil – 136,462
    • Oyem – 60,685
    • Mouila – 36,406
    • Lambarene – 20,035
  • Population: 2,172,579
  • Area(Km2): 267667
  • Population Density( P/Km²):9. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:241
  • Official Language(s):Gabon is French (80%).
  • Currency: XAF

Main Economic Indicators

Gabon’s economy is heavily reliant on the oil sector, which accounts for a significant portion of the country’s GDP, exports, and government revenue. Gabon’s GDP per capita is relatively high, but economic growth has been hindered by a lack of diversification, high production costs, and declining oil output. The government has implemented policies aimed at diversifying the economy, reducing its dependence on oil, and promoting sustainable development.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2021: 1.5% (Source: World Bank)
2020: 1.4% (Source: World Bank)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: BB- (Stable)
Moody’s: Ba3 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BB- (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 3.4%
Industry: 33.5%
Services: 63.1%

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Cocoa, coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber, cattle, okoume (a tropical hardwood), and recently, the uncultivated crop of the hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree).
Industrial Products: Petroleum production and refining, manganese and gold mining, cement, wood processing, breweries, cigarette factories.

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 878,700 (2022 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: 151 out of 195 countries (World Bank, 2022)

Current Account Balance

2021: $1.2 billion (surplus)
2020: -$958 million (deficit)
Comparative Ranking: 40 out of 189 countries (CIA World Factbook, 2021)

Exports and Imports

Exports: $7.9 billion (2021 estimate)
Key Export Partners: China, Malaysia, Netherlands, United States, South Korea
Main Exports: Crude petroleum, manganese, wood products, natural gas
Imports: $3.9 billion (2021 estimate)
Key Import Partners: France, China, Belgium, United States, Netherlands
Main Imports: Machinery and equipment, construction materials, foodstuffs

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves: $2.4 billion (2021 estimate)
Gold Reserves: 0.67 million ounces (2021 estimate)

  • GDP (Current US$):$16,657,960,228. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 10.20%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 47.10%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $0.92. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $1.46. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 20.00%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

National Identity

Noun: Gabonese (singular and plural)

Adjective: Gabonese

Ethnic Groups

  • Bantu tribes (Fang, Bapounou, Bateke, Eshira, Bakele, Bakongo, Balumbu, Bavili, etc.): 88.5%
  • Other Africans and Europeans: 10.5%
  • Non-Gabonese: 1%

Religions

  • Christian: 88.4%
    • Catholic: 41.9%
    • Protestant: 21.8%
    • Other Christian: 24.7%
  • Muslim: 6.6%
  • Other/None: 5%

Age Structure

  • 0-14 years: 34.96%
  • 15-64 years: 59.78%
  • 65 years and over: 5.26%

Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 67.8%

Youth dependency ratio: 58.5%

Elderly dependency ratio: 9.3%

Median Age

Total: 22.4 years

Male: 21.9 years

Female: 22.9 years

Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity rate: 14.7% (2016)

Alcohol consumption: 9.4 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2010)

Tobacco use: 15.9% of adults (2015)

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 66.2. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 84.7%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:31.61. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:7. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 3.97. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 44.4%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 1,949,694. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):25.90%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Here is the requested comprehensive military and security profile for Gabon:

Military and Security Forces

Gabon’s military forces include the Gabonese Republican Guard (Garde Républicaine Gabonaise) for the Army component, the Air Force, and the Navy. The Republican Guard is the main ground force and includes special forces and intervention units. The Air Force operates a small fleet of transport and utility aircraft. The Navy maintains coastal patrol vessels and river flotillas. The National Police and the Republican Guard’s Gendarmerie are responsible for internal security and law enforcement.

Military Expenditures

Gabon’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2017: 1.5%
  • 2018: 1.4%
  • 2019: 1.4%
  • 2020: 1.7%
  • 2021: 1.7%

Gabon’s military expenditure ranked 92nd globally in 2021, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Personnel Strengths

Gabon has approximately 5,000 active-duty military personnel, with the following breakdown:

  • Army (Republican Guard): 3,500
  • Navy: 600
  • Air Force: 300

The National Police and Gendarmerie forces have a combined strength of around 5,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Gabon’s military equipment includes:

  • Land Systems: Light tanks, armored personnel carriers, and artillery pieces.
  • Air Assets: Transport aircraft, utility helicopters, and a limited number of fighter jets.
  • Naval Assets: Patrol craft and river flotillas for coastal and riverine operations.

Future acquisitions are focused on modernizing the Air Force’s transport fleet and upgrading coastal patrol capabilities.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Military service in Gabon is voluntary. The age range for military recruitment is 20-29 years old. There are no compulsory military service obligations.

Military Deployments

Gabon has a small contingent deployed to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The country also contributes troops to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Strategic Military Notes

Gabon’s defense strategy focuses on securing its territorial integrity, protecting natural resources, and contributing to regional stability through participation in peacekeeping operations. The military plays a limited role in international security but maintains bilateral partnerships with France and other regional allies. Gabon is a member of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and its affiliated Non-Aggression Pact.

  • Armed Forces Size: 4700. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.68
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 52.90%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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