Geography of Gabon

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LocationGabon

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Geography of Gabon

Gabon is a country located on the west coast of Central Africa. It is bordered by Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, Cameroon to the north, and the Republic of the Congo to the east and south. To the west, Gabon has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The country covers an area of approximately 267,667 square kilometers (103,347 square miles).

Topography

Gabon features a diverse topography that includes coastal plains, mountains, and savannas. The coastal plains, which extend inland for about 30 to 200 kilometers, are characterized by lagoons and estuaries. The interior of the country is dominated by the Cristal Mountains and the Chaillu Massif, which rise to elevations of over 1,000 meters. The highest point in Gabon is Mont Bengoué, which reaches an elevation of 1,070 meters (3,510 feet).

Climate

Gabon has an equatorial climate, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The country experiences two main seasons: a long rainy season from October to May and a short dry season from June to September. The average annual temperature is around 26°C (79°F), and annual rainfall varies from 1,500 mm (59 inches) in the interior to over 3,000 mm (118 inches) along the coast.

Hydrography

The hydrography of Gabon is dominated by the Ogooué River, which is the longest river in the country, stretching for about 1,200 kilometers (746 miles). The river flows from the Republic of the Congo through Gabon and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Other significant rivers include the Ngounié River, the Ivindo River, and the Nyanga River.

Flora and Fauna

Gabon is known for its rich biodiversity and extensive rainforests, which cover about 85% of the country's land area. The rainforests are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including African elephants, gorillas, and numerous bird species. Gabon has several national parks, such as Loango National Park, Lopé National Park, and Ivindo National Park, which are important for conservation efforts.

Natural Resources

Gabon is rich in natural resources, including petroleum, manganese, uranium, and timber. The country's economy is heavily dependent on oil production, which accounts for a significant portion of its GDP and export earnings. Gabon also has substantial mineral deposits, including gold and iron ore.

Environmental Issues

Gabon faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, poaching, and pollution. The government has taken steps to address these issues by establishing protected areas and implementing conservation programs. However, enforcement of environmental regulations remains a challenge.

Related Pages

• Gabon
• Ogooué River
• Loango National Park
• Lopé National Park
• Ivindo National Park
• Central Africa
• Equatorial Guinea
• Cameroon
• Republic of the Congo