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INTRODUCTION
Formerly a province of French Equatorial Africa,
Gabon won its independence on August 17,1960. It is one of the most prosperous black African countries. A small population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign support have helped.
Climate of Gabon
Gabon has a hot and humid climate. Temperature variation is limited throughout the year. Daily temperatures average at 27°C (80°F). The periods from May to September and December to January constitute the dry seasons, while February to April and October to November constitute the rainy seasons.
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Flora And Fauna of Gabon
About 85 percent of the land is covered by a dense equatorial rain forest. Gabon is rich in mineral resources. Therefore mineral production is the focus of revenue generation rather than the abundant forest cover. As a result, wildlife too is abundant.
Protected areas cover 2.8 percent (1997) of the country, and hunting is prohibited. In spite of this, some species are under threat.
Physical Map of Gabon
A plateau extends over the entire northern and eastern parts of Gabon and some part of the south. A belt of coastal lowlands that is narrow lies in the western part. The Cristal Mountains lie in the north and are about 900 m (about 3,000 ft) high. The central Chaillu Mountains contain Mount Iboundji (972 m/3,189 ft), the highest peak. Gabon has numerous rivers, notably the Ogooué River that empties into the Atlantic. Most of the country is contained within the basin of the Ogooué River, which is partly navigable.
Location of Gabon
Gabon lies in west central Africa. It is bounded on the northwest by Equatorial Guinea, on the north by Cameroon, on the east and south by the Republic of
the Congo, and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean.
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