Country Comments

Gabon is considered one of the more prosperous and stable countries in Africa. It has enormous ecological reserves of vast forests, arable land and exceptional biodiversity, and can sustainably support a population ten times its size at current levels of consumption. However population growth rate is high due to an average four children per mother and greater exploitation of its natural resources are quickly eroding its ecological surplus.

Construction of logging roads open interior forest areas to exploitation. Logging is rampant. Abundant wildlife, and demand for it both in Urban centers and cross borders has meant that poaching is impacting its biodiversity.

Women's empowerment in Gabon is promoted by several NGOs that work with the government to respond to incidents of domestic violence and harassment. As evidenced by the high fertility rate, education, healthcare, access to modern day contraception and gender equality all have much room to improve.