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            GABON
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Gabon is a small country in
west-central Africa, which
straddles the Equator. It has
a low narrow coastal plain,
and the rest of the country
comprises a low plateau.
Three-quarters of Gabon is
covered with dense tropical
forest. The climate is hot,
humid and typically
equatorial, with little or no
seasonal variations. Until the
1960s timber was virtually
Gabon's only resource. By the
mid 1980s it was Africa's
sixth largest oil producer.
Much of the earnings from this
were squandered, however, and
most Gabonese remain
subsistence farmers.

Area (Sq. Km.): 267,665

Population: 1,172,999

Capital: Libreville

Language:
French

Religion:
Tribal beliefs with Christian
minority.

Government Type:
Republic

Currency: Franc CFA

Embassy:
27 Elvaston Place,
London,
SW7 5NL
0171-823-9986

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Foreign Office Advice:

Political tension has
subsided. In the event of
renewed political
demonstrations British
nationals should exercise
caution, particularly in
Libreville the capital.

The Foreign and Commonwealth
Office have no direct
representation in Gabon. In an
emergency, consular assistance
can be sought through any
European Union Embassy in
Libreville.

For more information ring:

 Foreign Office Travel Unit

       0171-270-4129