Total Area:267,667 sq km Land Borders: Cameroon, Republic of the Congo
Population: 1,424,906 Equatorial Guinea
Life Expectancy: 54 years HIV % Total Poulation:8.1%
Ethnic Groups: Bantu tribes, including four major tribal groupings (Fang, Bapounou, Nzebi, Obamba), other Africans and Europeans 154,000, including 10,700 French and 11,000 persons of dual nationality
Languages:French (official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi
President:El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba GDP - Per Capita: $8,100
Only two autocratic presidents have ruled Gabon since independence from France in 1960. The current president of Gabon, El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba - one of the longest-serving heads of state in the world - has dominated the contry's political scene for almost four decades. President BONGO introduced a nominal multiparty system and a new constitution in the early 1990s. However, allegations of electoral fraud during local elections in 2002-03 and the presidential elections in 2005 have exposed the weaknesses of formal political structures in Gabon. Gabon's political opposition remains weak, divided, and financially dependent on the current regime. Despite political conditions, a small population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign support have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous and stable African countries.