Welcome to Gabon Magazine which brings you colourful insights into this fascinating Central African country, with in-depth spotlights on its current affairs, economy, politics, tourism, culture, arts and traditions.

Whether you are looking for inspiration for your next trip away, or you simply enjoy reading about exotic places, Gabon Magazine has something for you.

The Republic of Gabon is a former French colony with a longstanding stable political climate. In 2002, its President Omar Bongo Ondimba put Gabon firmly on the map as an important ecotourism destination by nominating more than one tenth of the country as 13 national parks. Percentage-wise, only Costa Rica has set aside more land for conservation.

Gabon enjoys one of Africa’s highest per capita incomes thanks to its vast natural reserves of oil, gas, tropical timbers, manganese, iron, diamonds and gold. Its geographic position, its adherence to the CFA franc zone, the richness of its natural resources, its sound banking system and communication facilities make it an attractive country for foreign investors and travellers alike.

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AFP

A country in mourning

Gabon announced 30 days of mourning on Monday 8 June following the death of President Bongo.

In a statement released at the Quirón Clinic, Barcelona, where the President was being treated, the Gabonese Prime Minister Jean Eyéghé Ndong said: "At 2.30pm the medical team, officials and family members informed me that his Excellency President El Haj Omar Bongo Ondimba has given up his soul following a cardiac arrest."

President Bongo was the longest-serving head of state in Africa. He had held power in Gabon for four decades since taking over in 1967 on the death of President Léon Mba, the country‚s first leader following Independence.

Senate President Rose Francine Rogombé has been named as acting head of state. According to the Gabonese constitution, elections must now be held within 45 days of the vacancy in power.