Previous record medal
The country has not got any medal till date.
History
Pygmies are known to be the earliest inhabitants of the area. After their migration the Bantu tribe replaced them. The Europeans arrived there in 15th century and Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, a French explorer started his mission in Gabon-Congo region in the year 1875. Later in 1875, France officially took the command in 1885.
Independence
Till 1959 Gabon remained as a part of a federation namely French Equatorial Africa. Gabon go tits freedom from France on August 17, 1960 and Leon M’ba was elected the first president of Gabon.
Capital city
Libreville is the capital and the largest city of Gabon and French is the official language.
Geographical setting
This central African country is situated at the Atlantic coast. Since it lies on the equator, so it has an equatorial climate. The country can be divided into three regions: plains around coast, mountains in the northeast region, and in the east lies the savanna. In the karst area of the countries one can see many caves existing in dolomite and limestone rocks. With a length of 1200 km, the Ogooué is the largest river of the country.
Neighbouring Countries:
The country shares it s border with Cameroon, Republic of the Congo the Gulf of Guinea and Equatorial Guinea.
Education:
Although the country follows the education system of France, some changes are being introduced to suit the need of traditions and locals. Emphasis is given to the primary education which is free for all. In 1999 the ratio between teacher and student was 44:1. For higher studies it has secondary schools and other vocational colleges and university like Omar Bongo University, at Libreville.
The country offers an adult literacy program too as adult illiteracy rate was 36.8 in 1995. Over all the literacy rate of this country is 63.2 % .
Culture:
Gabon culture mainly consists of music and mask. Although it is not as well- known as other regions, it is very rich in its folks and pop music as well. The country enjoys the rock and hip hop of UK and the US. Folk instruments like the obala, the ngombi and the traditional drums are popular in the country.
The country uses different masks for different reasons and occasions like marriage, birth and funerals etc.
Economy:
As far as economy is concerned, Gabon is better than many other neighbouring countries. Most of its income is drawn through the production of off shore oil but it still remains dependent on its natural resources. It exports wood and minerals like manganese, and iron. Since CFA franc was devalued during 1990s, the country had to battle to pay the debts. It mainly trades with Russia, China, and the US for exports and imports from France.
Government and policies:
It is a republic country. After the freedom from France, it was governed by four presidents. During 1990s, the multiparty system was introduced in the country and in 1991 a new constitution with amendments was ordained. The president has all strong powers like appointing or dismissing the prime minister and other cabinet ministers.
Demographics:
Although Gabonese population has declined a lot due to environmental as well as historical factors Most Gabonese originate mainly from Bantu while the Fang are believed to be the largest. Bakota, Bapounou, Myene, are some of the other groups which make the population. A large number of people speak French and around 10000 French people live in this country. Christianity is the main religion but Muslim and some African religions also exist here.
Population and currency:
For an estimate of July 2005, the population of the country is 1,454,867. The currency is CFA franc. |
