Economy of Gabon, Its People, Culture & Flag

Gabon has a diverse ethnic makeup, although most of the inhabitants are Bantu-speaking. Of the country's approximately 40 ethnic groups, most belong to the Fang, Mpongwe, M'Bete, and Punu groups. Europeans, mostly French, are a minority. Pygmies, believed to be the original inhabitants, are only a few thousand. About 90 percent of the population is Christian, primarily Roman Catholic, and about 5 percent is Muslim.

Even though Gabon is rich in natural resources, poor fiscal management has hindered the economy though improvements are underway. The oil industry is the key to Gabon's economy. Manganese mining is another key industry. Gabon also has a wealth of agricultural and fishery resources though largely neglected. Most of the population however relies on subsistence farming.

Gabon's flag contains three equal horizontal bands of

green (top), yellow, and blue.
Please click here to view the Flag of Gabon

Masks have been very important in the tribal life of Gabon. Each mask represented the spirit linked to the life of the village and gave support and rules to individuals. Those that did not follow them were punished. The mask carved by an artist was approved of by the priest and introduced in a ceremony. At the end of their life, masks were destroyed according to specific rites which enabled them to pass their occult powers on to other masks. Masks were as varied and different as were tribes. Folklore is an important element in Gabonese culture. Its music has not been touched by outside influences, even though modern music has evolved separately. Gabon's folklore seems close to the ancient art of the minstrel, where a storyteller, accompanying himself on the harp, recites half spoken, half sung epics. The shape and the playing of musical instruments has remained practically unchanged throughout the years. Drums, Tom-tom, balafon or xylophone are some common musical instruments.

Information on Gabon, Its Geography & History History