1,138,000 (1997)

4.3 per sq km.

Libreville.

420,000 (1993).

Gabon is bordered to the west by the Atlantic Ocean, to the north by Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon, and to the east and south by the Congo. The 800km-long (500-mile) sandy coastal strip is a series of palm-fringed bays, lagoons and estuaries. The lush tropical vegetation (which covers about 82% of the interior) gives way in parts to the savannah. There are many rivers and they remain the main communication routes along which settlements have grown. Of the 40 or so Bantu tribes, the largest are the Fang, Eshira, Mbele and Okande. Only a small percentage of native Gabonese live in the towns, as the population is concentrated in the coastal areas and the villages along the banks of the many rivers, following a more traditional rural style of life.

Republic. Gained independence from France in 1960. Head of State: President El Hadj Omar Albert-Bernard Bongo since 1967. Head of Government: Prime Minister Jean François Ntoutoume Emane.

The official language is French. The principal African language is Fang. Eshira is spoken by a tenth of the population. Bantu dialects spoken include Bapounou, Miene and Bateke.

About 60% Christian (mainly Roman Catholic), the remainder follow Muslim and Animist religions.

GMT + 1.

220 volts AC, 50Hz.