Gabon: Population, Economy & Travel Facts
Essential data for planning your trip to Gabon — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.
Population & Geography
Gabon has a population of 2,119,275 spread across 267,667 km², giving it an average density of 7.9 people per km². With such low density, expect wide open spaces and a sense of remoteness outside major cities.
Population Density Map
Demographics
Population Trends
How a country's age structure is shifting tells you a lot about what to expect on the ground. A growing elderly population often means better healthcare and higher costs, while a young population signals energy and growth but potentially less developed infrastructure.
Economy & Cost of Living
Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Gabon is classified as an upper middle income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 38% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here — accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.
Tourism
Tourism data reveals how popular a destination is and how much infrastructure exists to support visitors. Tourism accounts for 0.5% of Gabon's total exports, making it a smaller part of the economy, meaning you may find fewer purpose-built tourist facilities but more authentic experiences.
Health & Safety Infrastructure
Healthcare quality matters when you're far from home. These indicators help gauge what level of medical care is available — Gabon has 0.52 physicians per 1,000 people, below the global average. Good travel insurance with medical coverage is advisable.
Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure
Staying connected while travelling is essential for navigation, communication, and remote work. In Gabon, 72% of the population uses the internet — WiFi is available in cities and tourist areas, but coverage may be patchy in rural regions. There are 123 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, and local SIM cards are easy to find.
Source: World Bank Open Data