Country Profile

Gabon has long been lauded on the global stage for its relative stability in a region that has, at many times over the past several decades, experienced significant political unrest. A member of both global and regional political and economic organisations, Gabon’s global engagement is closely linked to France, given its status as a former French colony. The country has a multi-party political system with the executive branch composed of a president, who serves as head of state and a prime minister, who is head of government. Legislative power rests with the 120-seat bicameral parliament. The government has more recently turned its view to economic reforms that will promote sustainable growth. This section also provides a quick overview of the country, its history, geography, population, religion, natural resources, climate and languages. This chapter contains interviews with President Ali Bongo Ondimba, Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima; and Jim O’Neill, Chairman, Goldman Sachs Asset Management.