August 13, 2025 | 04:53 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In addition to Indonesia, the commemoration of Independence Day on August 17 is also celebrated by the citizens of Gabon. For the African nation, August 17 marks its liberation from colonial rule by France in 1960.
Gabon's Profile
According to Britannica, Gabon is situated on the west coast of Central Africa. It shares its borders with 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 islands of Sao Tome and Principe are located off its coast.
With an equatorial climate, Gabon is known for its consistently high temperatures and humidity. Gabon receives an annual rainfall of 3,050 to 3,810 millimeters, most of which falls from October to May. Additionally, about three-quarters of its land is covered by dense rainforests that are home to gorillas, elephants, monkeys, and tropical birds. One of its natural treasures, the Lope National Park, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007.
The history of Gabon dates back to 1472 when the Portuguese, led by navigator Diego Cam, arrived. The name Gabon originates from the Portuguese word 'Gabao,' which means a cloak, referring to the shape of the Como River estuary. According to National Day, in the 15th century, this region became a center for trading ivory, hardwood, and slaves, involving the Dutch, English, Spanish, and French.
However, in 1839, local leaders signed a treaty granting France control over Gabon. Not only did they give control, but in 1885, Gabon officially became a French colony. After a long history of political changes, Gabon was finally granted full sovereignty on August 17, 1960, through a collaboration agreement with France.
According to Britannica, Gabon's economy heavily relies on natural resources, particularly petroleum, which contributes to the majority of the country's income. Since the late 1960s, the surge in oil prices has brought prosperity to Gabon, although corruption has limited its benefits to the general population.
The main onshore oil production sites are located in Sette Cama and Rabi-Kounga. Gabon exports most of its crude oil production outside of Africa. A large portion of this oil enters the United States and France.
In addition to oil, Gabon is noted as one of the world's largest manganese producers. Since the completion of the railway line to Franceville in December 1986, production expansion in the mining town of Moanda has become increasingly open, followed by ore handling facilities at the deepwater port of Owendo in 1988.
Aside from manganese, the country has also been extracting uranium since 1961, and mines for diamonds, gold, and stores high-quality iron ore reserves in Mekambo and Belinga.
In addition to being rich in natural resources, Gabon is also rich in ethnic diversity and traditions. As reported by Discover Afrika, approximately 50 ethnic groups coexist, with the Fang being the largest group, comprising 32 percent of the population, followed by Mpongwe at 15 percent, Obamba at 14 percent, and Punu at 12 percent. Gabon's official language is French, which is spoken by 80 percent of its population.
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