Gabon

Located on the Atlantic Ocean, the central African nation of Gabon straddles the equator. Gabon is bordered by the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon. With a population of approximately 1.7 million, a total area of 103,347 square miles, and access to abundant natural resources, Gabon boasts one of the wealthiest economies on the African continent. Gabon is often compared to the wealthy oil-producing United Arab Emirates of the Middle East, resulting in the nickname the “African Emirates.” [Page 629]In reality, the quality of life in Gabon falls below that of other nations with similar incomes. As the fifth-largest oil producer in Africa, Gabon has a per capita income of $19,200, which is four times that of most other African countries. However, the highest 10 percent ...