West Coast of Central Africa.

GMT + 1.

267,667 sq km (103,347 sq miles).

1.4 million (UN estimate 2005).

5.2 per sq km.

Libreville. Population: 673,995 (2005).

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- (500-mile-) long 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.

President Omar Albert Bernard Bongo since 1967.

Prime Minister Jean Eyeghe Ndong since 2006.

From 1990, in common with much of the rest of Africa, President Omar Bongo and his government effected the transformation from a one-party state to a pluralistic political system. The 120-seat elected national assembly acquired genuine political power although it remains dominated by the Parti Démocratique Gabonais (PDG). The constitution was changed in 2003 allowing the president to run for office as many times as he likes. Omar Bongo was re-elected in 2005, winning 80% of the vote. He is the longest-serving African head of state.

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 beliefs.

220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Dance, song, poetry and myths remain an important part of traditional Gabonese life.

Photography: It is absolutely forbidden to photograph military installations. In general, permission to photograph anything should be requested first, to prevent misunderstandings.