Where is Gabon Located?

Where is Gabon located on the map? Gabon is an independent nation located in Central Africa. Check out the following images to see location of Gabon on maps.

Gabon Location in World Map

Gabon is located in Central Africa as you can see on the map.

Location Information of Gabon

Gabon is located on the west coast of Central Africa, bordered by Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, Cameroon to the north, and the Republic of the Congo to the east and south. The country has a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, which has played a key role in its historical trade and cultural interactions with the outside world. Gabon is known for its vast rainforests, rich biodiversity, and relatively small but influential position in the African continent.

Latitude and Longitude

Gabon is situated roughly between 2° and 4° latitude north of the Equator and 9° and 16° longitude east of the prime meridian. This positioning places Gabon in the tropical zone, influencing its climate and biodiversity, with large parts of the country covered by dense tropical forests.

Capital City and Major Cities

The capital of Gabon is Libreville, a coastal city located on the northern edge of the Komo River, near the Gulf of Guinea. Libreville is the largest city in the country and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Gabon.

1. Libreville: As the capital city, Libreville is home to many government institutions and international embassies. It is also the hub of Gabon’s economy, with major industries such as oil, mining, and timber being concentrated in this area. The city offers a combination of modern infrastructure, colonial architecture, and lush greenery. It is a gateway for international visitors and an important center for trade and tourism.
2. Port-Gentil: Located on the Atlantic coast, Port-Gentil is the second-largest city in Gabon. It is a major industrial center, especially for the oil industry, which is one of the key contributors to the country’s economy. Port-Gentil is known for its beautiful beaches, making it a potential tourist destination in the future.
3. Franceville: Situated in the southeast of Gabon, Franceville is one of the larger cities in the country. It is an important regional administrative and commercial center, and it is surrounded by rich natural resources, including forests and minerals. Franceville plays a central role in Gabon’s mining industry, particularly manganese, which is a major export commodity.
4. Makokou: The capital of the Ogooué-Ivindo province, Makokou is a key city in the northeastern part of Gabon. It is an important administrative center and a gateway to Gabon’s remote northern regions, characterized by dense tropical rainforests and wildlife.
5. Lambaréné: Lambaréné, located in the central part of Gabon, is notable for its historical significance. The town is home to the Albert Schweitzer Hospital, founded by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, which is one of Gabon’s most renowned medical institutions.

Time Zone

Gabon operates on Gabon Time (GMT +1) year-round. Unlike some countries in the region, Gabon does not observe daylight saving time. This time zone is the same as that of many Central African nations and provides consistency for trade and communication within the region.

Climate

Gabon enjoys a tropical climate, characterized by high humidity and significant rainfall throughout the year. The climate in Gabon can be divided into two primary seasons:

1. Rainy Season: The rainy season lasts from October to May. The country experiences frequent, heavy showers, especially between November and March, with temperatures typically ranging between 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Coastal areas like Libreville are affected by high humidity, while the inland regions receive even more rainfall. The rainforest ecosystem thrives during this period, supporting a rich biodiversity.
2. Dry Season: The dry season occurs from June to September, although rainfall can still occur sporadically. During this period, temperatures range from 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F), and the humidity levels drop significantly. This season is typically more pleasant for visitors, with drier conditions allowing for easier exploration of the country’s wildlife and national parks.

Economic Status

Gabon is considered a middle-income country, largely due to its wealth in natural resources, including oil, minerals, timber, and agricultural products. The economy has experienced growth due to the oil industry, though challenges remain in terms of diversification and income inequality.

1. Oil and Gas: The petroleum sector is the cornerstone of Gabon’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP, export earnings, and government revenues. Gabon is one of the largest oil producers in sub-Saharan Africa, and the country’s oil reserves are concentrated offshore in the Gulf of Guinea. Despite challenges in production, the oil sector continues to drive the economy.
2. Mining: Gabon has substantial mineral resources, including manganese, gold, and diamonds. The country is one of the largest producers of manganese globally, with a large part of its mining operations centered in the southeastern regions. Mining is vital for exports and provides jobs in both urban and rural areas.
3. Timber and Agriculture: Gabon has large areas of tropical rainforest, which provide timber as an essential export product. The country also cultivates crops such as cassava, plantains, rice, and bananas. Although agriculture employs a significant portion of the population, the sector’s development is hampered by a lack of infrastructure and modern farming techniques.
4. Services and Tourism: While tourism plays a relatively minor role in Gabon’s economy, the sector is growing, especially in ecotourism. Gabon’s national parks and abundant wildlife offer opportunities for sustainable tourism, which the government is beginning to promote more actively.

However, Gabon faces challenges such as income inequality, unemployment, and over-reliance on natural resource exports. Despite its natural wealth, the country must work toward economic diversification to ensure long-term growth and stability.

Tourist Attractions

Gabon is a country of remarkable natural beauty, known for its pristine rainforests, extensive national parks, and wildlife. Some of the key tourist attractions include:

1. Loango National Park: Often referred to as “Africa’s Last Eden,” Loango National Park is one of Gabon’s most famous protected areas. The park is home to an array of wildlife, including elephants, gorillas, buffalo, and numerous bird species. It also boasts beautiful beaches, mangroves, and lagoons, making it a popular destination for ecotourism and wildlife safaris.
2. Ivindo National Park: Located in northeastern Gabon, Ivindo National Park is known for its stunning waterfalls, including the famous Ekom-Nkam Falls, and its rich biodiversity. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers visitors the chance to explore dense rainforests, see gorillas and chimpanzees, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
3. Gamba and Mayumba: The Gamba-Mayumba region in southwestern Gabon is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, and is a great destination for nature lovers. The beaches in the area are important nesting sites for endangered species of sea turtles.
4. Akanda National Park: Situated near Libreville, Akanda National Park is known for its wetlands, mangrove swamps, and coastal ecosystems. It provides important habitats for birds and marine life, including sea turtles and manatees, making it an attractive destination for bird watchers and ecotourists.
5. Libreville: While Gabon’s nature and wildlife are its primary tourist draws, the capital city, Libreville, also offers cultural and historical sites, such as the National Museum of Arts and Traditions. The city’s vibrant arts scene, markets, and beaches along the Atlantic coast contribute to its appeal.
6. The Royal Palace of the Bateke: Located in the capital, the palace offers insights into Gabon’s rich history and culture. The Bateke people, one of the country’s major ethnic groups, have maintained their traditional way of life for centuries.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa before traveling to Gabon. The following are the typical visa requirements for American travelers:

1. Visa Application: U.S. citizens must apply for a visa through the nearest Gabonese embassy or consulate. The application process typically requires submitting a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and one passport-sized photo. The visa may be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, depending on the purpose of travel.
2. Required Documents: In addition to the application form and passport photo, U.S. citizens may be asked to provide documents such as:
   • Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay.
   • A return or onward ticket.
   • Hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host in Gabon.
   • A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (Gabon requires proof of vaccination for travelers coming from areas with a risk of Yellow Fever).
3. Visa on Arrival: Currently, Gabon does not offer visa-on-arrival services for U.S. citizens. It is recommended that travelers apply for a visa in advance to avoid complications upon arrival.
4. Visa Fees: Visa fees typically range between $60 and $150, depending on the type and duration of the visa. The fee structure can vary, so it is advisable to check with the Gabonese embassy or consulate for the latest information.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

Gabon’s capital, Libreville, is located in Central Africa, and the distances to major U.S. cities are considerable. The approximate distances are:

1. Distance to New York City: The distance between Libreville, Gabon, and New York City is around 6,200 miles (10,000 kilometers). Flights typically take around 12 to 14 hours, with one or two layovers in European or Middle Eastern airports.
2. Distance to Los Angeles: The distance to Los Angeles is about 7,100 miles (11,400 kilometers), which is slightly farther due to its location on the U.S. West Coast. Flights from Libreville to Los Angeles usually take approximately 14 to 16 hours, with layovers in places like Paris, Amsterdam, or Dubai.

Gabon Facts

Size	267,667 km²
Residents	2.11 million
Language	French
Capital	Libreville
Longest river	Ogooué (1,200 km total length)
Highest mountain	Mont Iboundji or Mont Bengoué, approx. 1,000 m
Currency	CFA franc