festivites
Here are some of the major festivities and holidays in Gabon:
1. Independence Day - Celebrated on August 17th to commemorate Gabon's independence from France in 1960. The day is marked with parades, cultural performances, and speeches.
2. Assumption Day - A Christian holiday celebrated on August 15th to honor the Virgin Mary. Many people attend church services and participate in processions.
3. New Year's Day - Celebrated on January 1st as a public holiday in Gabon. People enjoy feasting with their families and friends, attending church services, and watching fireworks displays.
4. Christmas - Celebrated on December 25th as a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Families exchange gifts, attend church services, and enjoy festive meals together.
5. Ramadan - An Islamic holiday celebrated by fasting from sunrise to sunset for a month. Muslims break their fast with a meal called iftar at sunset.
6. Eid al-Fitr - A Muslim festival that marks the end of Ramadan. People dress up in new clothes, pray together, and feast with family and friends.
7. Women's Day - Celebrated on March 8th to recognize women's contributions to society. Women organize rallies and events to highlight issues facing women in Gabon.
These holidays are usually celebrated across all regions in Gabon with cultural events, music, dance, and traditional food.
seasons
Gabon has two main tourist seasons:
1. Dry Season (June to September): This is the peak tourist season in Gabon, with lower rainfall and pleasant temperatures. It's a good time for wildlife viewing, beach activities, and hiking. However, it can be quite hot and humid, so visitors should wear light clothing and stay hydrated.
2. Wet Season (October to May): This season includes two periods: the short rainy season (October to November) and the long rainy season (December to May). The landscape is lush and green during this time, but there are also more mosquitoes and other insects. Visitors should bring rain gear and be prepared for occasional flooding and mudslides.
Overall, the best time to visit Gabon depends on your preferences. If you prefer drier weather and outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife viewing, the dry season is recommended. If you're more interested in seeing lush vegetation and don't mind occasional rain, the wet season may be a good option.
visa
Citizens of all countries require a visa to enter Gabon. Some special visa rules for certain countries include:
1. United States: Citizens of the United States must obtain a visa prior to arrival in Gabon. The cost of a Gabonese visa for US citizens is approximately $135.
2. China: Chinese citizens must obtain a visa prior to arrival in Gabon. The cost of a Gabonese visa for Chinese citizens is approximately $100.
3. India: Indian citizens must obtain a visa prior to arrival in Gabon. The cost of a Gabonese visa for Indian citizens is approximately $75.
4. United Kingdom: Citizens of the United Kingdom may obtain a visa on arrival at the airport in Gabon. The cost of a Gabonese visa for UK citizens is approximately $85.
Please note that visa costs are subject to change and may vary depending on the type of visa being applied for, processing time, and other factors. It is recommended to check with the Gabonese embassy or consulate in your country for up-to-date information.
souvenirs
Here are some popular souvenirs to buy in Gabon, along with estimated prices and where to buy them:
1. Wood carvings - Prices vary depending on size and complexity, but small carvings can be found for around $10-20 USD. Look for them at markets in Libreville or artisanal villages like M'Boro.
2. Masks - Again, prices will vary based on the intricacy of the design and materials used, but expect to pay around $30-50 USD for a good-quality mask. Visit markets in Libreville or artisanal villages like M'Boro to find them.
3. Batik textiles - These colorful fabrics are hand-dyed using a traditional technique and make great wall hangings or tablecloths. Prices range from $15-40 USD depending on size and design. You can find them at artisanal villages like M'Boro or at the Marché du Mont-Bouët in Libreville.
4. Jewelry - Gabonese jewelry often incorporates natural materials like seeds, shells, and bone. Prices vary widely depending on the materials and complexity of the piece, but expect to pay around $20-50 USD for a necklace or bracelet. Look for them at artisanal villages like M'Boro or at the Marché du Mont-Bouët in Libreville.
5. Musical instruments - Gabon has a rich musical tradition, and you can find handmade instruments like drums and maracas for around $20-50 USD. Check out artisanal villages like M'Boro or the Marché du Mont-Bouët in Libreville to find them.
If you have 1 week
Hello, Gabon! I'm excited to suggest a one-week itinerary for you. Gabon is a beautiful country with lush forests, pristine beaches and unique wildlife. Here's my recommended itinerary:
Day 1: Explore Libreville
Start your trip by exploring Gabon's capital city, Libreville. Visit the Presidential Palace, which was built in the early 1970s and is located on the seafront. Another must-see attraction in Libreville is the National Museum of Arts and Traditions, where you can learn about Gabonese culture and see traditional masks, sculptures, and other artifacts.
Day 2: Discover Loango National Park
Take a day trip to Loango National Park, which is located about 135 km south of Libreville. This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, gorillas, chimpanzees and hippos. You can take a guided tour or go on a self-drive safari to see these animals up close.
Day 3: Relax on Pointe Denis Beach
Spend a relaxing day on Pointe Denis Beach, which is located just a short boat ride from Libreville. This secluded beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the beautiful scenery. You can also try some of the local seafood dishes at the nearby restaurants.
Day 4: Visit the Pongara National Park
Take a day trip to the Pongara National Park, which is known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife. The park is home to several primate species, including mandrills and colobus monkeys, as well as many bird species. You can also take a boat ride through the estuary to see dolphins and whales.
Day 5: Hike Mount Bengoué
Go on a hiking adventure on Mount Bengoué, which is located about 70 km from Libreville. The hike takes approximately four hours round trip and rewards you with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can also see some of Gabon's unique flora and fauna along the trail.
Day 6: Discover the Lopé National Park
Take a day trip to the Lopé National Park, which is located about 175 km south-east of Libreville. This park is known for its diverse wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and forest elephants. You can take a guided tour or go on a self-drive safari to explore the park.
Day 7: Relax in Lambarene
Spend your last day in Lambarene, a peaceful town located on the banks of the Ogooué River. Visit the Albert Schweitzer Hospital, which was founded by the famous physician and philosopher. You can also take a boat ride on the river to see the local villages and scenery.
I hope you enjoy this itinerary and have a wonderful time exploring Gabon!
If you have 2 weeks
Hello there! It's great to hear from you. I'm excited to suggest a two-week itinerary for your travel adventure. As a DAN, I'll give you some unique travel ideas that will help you explore Gabon in a different way. Here's my suggested itinerary:
Week 1:
Day 1-3 - Explore Loango National Park: This park is home to incredible wildlife such as elephants, gorillas, and hippos, as well as stunning beaches and rainforest scenery. You can go on safari tours, trekking, or just relax on the beach.
Day 4-5 - Visit Lopé National Park: This park offers a fantastic opportunity to see forest elephants, buffaloes, and mandrills in their natural habitat. You can also take a boat ride on the Ogooué River and witness the beauty of the park from a different perspective.
Day 6-7 - Discover Libreville: Gabon's capital city is a fascinating blend of modern and traditional culture. You can visit the Presidential Palace, St. Michael's Cathedral, and the lively markets. Don't miss the chance to try local dishes such as poulet nyembwe (chicken cooked in palm oil).
Week 2:
Day 8-10 - Hike Mount Bengoué: This mountain is located in the south of Gabon and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The hike takes around 3-4 hours, and you can camp overnight in tents.
Day 11-12 - Enjoy Pongara Beach: This pristine beach is located near Libreville and offers crystal-clear waters and white sands. You can swim, sunbathe or indulge in water sports like snorkeling or kayaking.
Day 13-14 - Visit Crystal Mountains: These are natural rock formations that resemble crystals and offer excellent photo opportunities. You can also explore the nearby villages and learn about the customs and traditions of the local people.
I suggest this itinerary as it offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. Gabon is a country with a rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, and these activities will help you discover the natural beauty of the region. You'll also get to know the local culture by visiting the markets, trying the food, and interacting with the friendly people.
Culture
A country with a primarily oral tradition until the spread of literacy in the 21st century, it has folklore and mythology. "Raconteurs" are working to keep traditions alive such as the mvett among the Fangs and the ingwala among the Nzebis.
It features internationally celebrated masks such as the n'goltang (Fang) and the reliquary figures of the Kota. Each group has its own set of masks used. They are used in ceremonies such as marriage, birth and funerals. Traditionalists work with "rare local woods and other precious materials".
It has an array of folk styles. Imported rock and hip hop from the US and UK are in Gabon, as are rumba, makossa and soukous. Some folk instruments include the obala, the ngombi, the balafon and drums.
Radio-Diffusion Télévision Gabonaise (RTG) which is owned and operated by the government broadcasts in French and indigenous languages. Color television broadcasts have been introduced in some cities. In 1981, a commercial radio station, Africa No. 1, began operations. It has participation from the French and Gabonese governments and private European media.
In 2004, the government operated 2 radio stations and another 7 were privately owned. There were 2 government television stations and 4 privately owned. In 2003, there were an estimated 488 radios and 308 television sets for every 1,000 people. About 11.5 of every 1,000 people were cable subscribers. In 2003, there were 22.4 personal computers for every 1,000 people and 26 of every 1,000 people had access to the Internet. The national press service is the Gabonese Press Agency which publishes a daily paper, Gabon-Matin (circulation 18,000 as of 2002).
L'Union in Libreville, the government-controlled daily newspaper, had an average daily circulation of 40,000 in 2002. The weekly Gabon d'Aujourdhui is published by the Ministry of Communications. There are about 9 privately owned periodicals which are either independent or affiliated with political parties. These publish in certain numbers that have been delayed by financial constraints. The constitution of Gabon provides for free speech and a free press, and the government supports these rights. Some periodicals actively criticize the government and foreign publications are available.
Gabonese cuisine is influenced by French cuisine, and staple foods are available.
The Gabon national football team has represented the nation since 1962. The Under-23 football team won the 2011 CAF U-23 Championship and qualified for the 2012 London Olympics. Gabon were joint hosts, along with Equatorial Guinea, of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, and the sole hosts of the competition's 2017 tournament.
The Gabon national basketball team, nicknamed Les Panthères, finished 8th at the AfroBasket 2015.
Gabon has competed at most Summer Olympics since 1972. Its Olympic medallist Anthony Obame won a silver medal in taekwondo at the 2012 Olympics held in London.
Gabon has recreational fishing and is considered the "best place in the world" to catch Atlantic tarpon.
Religion
Religions practised in Gabon include Christianity (Roman Catholicism and Protestantism), Islam, and traditional indigenous religious beliefs. Some people practice elements of both Christianity and indigenous religious beliefs. Approximately 79% of the population (53% Catholic) practice one of the denominations of Christianity; 10% practice Islam (mainly Sunni); the remainder practice other religions.
Demographics
It has a population of approximately million. Historical and environmental factors caused its population to decline between 1900 and 1940. It has one of the lowest population densities of any country in Africa, and the fourth highest Human Development Index in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Gabon has at least 40 ethnic groups, including Fang, Myènè, Punu-Échira, Nzebi-Adouma, Teke-Mbete, Mèmbè, Kota, Akélé. There are indigenous Pygmy peoples: the Bongo, and Baka. The latter speak the only non-Bantu language in Gabon. More than 10,000 native French live in Gabon, including an estimated 2,000 dual nationals.
Some ethnicities are spread throughout Gabon, leading to contact, interaction among the groups, and intermarriage.
French is the sole official language. It is estimated that 80% of the population can speak French, and that 30% of Libreville residents are native speakers of the language.
Nationally, a majority of the Gabonese people speak indigenous languages, according to their ethnic group, while this proportion is lower than in most other Sub-Saharan African countries. The 2013 census found that 63.7% of Gabon's population could speak a Gabonese language, broken down by 86.3% in rural areas and 60.5% in urban areas speaking at least one national language.
Religions practised in Gabon include Christianity (Roman Catholicism and Protestantism), Islam, and traditional indigenous religious beliefs. Some people practice elements of both Christianity and indigenous religious beliefs. Approximately 79% of the population (53% Catholic) practice one of the denominations of Christianity; 10% practice Islam (mainly Sunni); the remainder practice other religions.
A private hospital was established in 1913 in Lambaréné by Albert Schweitzer. By 1985 there were 28 hospitals, 87 medical centers, and 312 infirmaries and dispensaries. , there were an estimated 29 physicians per 100,000 people, and "approximately 90% of the population had access to health care services".
In 2000, 70% of the population had access to "safe drinking water" and 21% had "adequate sanitation". A government health program treats such diseases as leprosy, sleeping sickness, malaria, filariasis, intestinal worms, and tuberculosis. Rates for immunization of children under the age of 1 were 97% for tuberculosis and 65% for polio. Immunization rates for DPT and measles were 37% and 56% respectively. Gabon has a domestic supply of pharmaceuticals from a factory in Libreville.
The total fertility rate has decreased from 5.8 in 1960 to 4.2 children per mother during childbearing years in 2000. 10% of all births were "low birth weight". The maternal mortality rate was 520 per 100,000 live births as of 1998. In 2005, the infant mortality rate was 55.35 per 1,000 live births and life expectancy was 55.02 years. As of 2002, the overall mortality rate was estimated at 17.6 per 1,000 inhabitants.
The HIV/AIDS prevalence is estimated to be 5.2% of the adult population (ages 15–49). , approximately 46,000 people were living with HIV/AIDS. There were an estimated 2,400 deaths from AIDS in 2009 – down from 3,000 deaths in 2003.
Its education system is regulated by 2 ministries: the Ministry of Education, in charge of pre-kindergarten through the last high school grade, and the Ministry of Higher Education and Innovative Technologies, in charge of universities, higher education, and professional schools.
Education is compulsory for children ages 6 to 16 under the Education Act. Some children in Gabon start their school lives by attending nurseries or "Crèche", then kindergarten known as "Jardins d'Enfants". At age 6, they are enrolled in primary school, "École Primaire" which is made up of 6 grades. The next level is "École Secondaire", which is made up of 7 grades. The planned graduation age is 19 years old. Those who graduate can apply for admission at institutions of higher learning, including engineering schools or business schools. As of 2012, the literacy rate of a population ages 15 and above was 82%.
The government has used oil revenue for school construction, paying teachers' salaries, and promoting education, including in rural areas. Maintenance of school structures, and teachers' salaries, has been declining. In 2002 the gross primary enrollment rate was 132%, and in 2000 the net primary enrollment rate was 78%. Gross and net enrollment ratios are based on the number of students formally registered in primary school. As of 2001, 69% of children who started primary school were "likely" to reach grade 5. Problems in the education system include "poor management and planning, lack of oversight, poorly qualified teachers", and "overcrowded classrooms".
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