July - September 2017 •
The Lion King
• 29
Awoua Oyem Mimbeng
Photo Credit: Flickr/ Jbdodane
Country Focus
ECONOMY
With a per capita GDP of USD 8581 in
2015, Gabon is well above the aver-
age of its neighbors and ranked by
international institutions as a middle-
income country. Oil represents up
to 40% of GDP and more than 85%
of export earnings. The mining sector
in Gabon is mainly focused on the
exploitation of manganese. Gabon’s
logging is also one of the historical pil-
lars of the Gabonese economy. This
key sector is the largest private sector
employer with more than 25% of the
workforce and is the second largest
source of operating revenues.
CULTURE
Since 1960, the Gabonese people
have forged their own culture, which
is neither the traditional culture of the
different ethnic groups, nor the mod-
ern Western culture. It is a culture in
movement, a mixture of diversity and
common traits, bringing together the
most diverse beliefs and practices.
The dances of Gabon reflect the diver-
sity of the different peoples and rites
that bring Gabonese folklore. They
are closely linked to the different rites,
such as Bwiti. Typical Gabonese danc-
es are the Lingwala Omias, Mengane
among others.
The early traditional clothes in Gabon
were made of beaten bark softened
in water. Cowries and pearls were
made for ladies hairstyles.
TOURISM
Gabon is increasingly becoming a
tourist destination, thanks to the cul-
ture and other natural assets of the
country: well-kept nature reserves, riv-
ers in the midst of forests full of rare
species and wild animals. Gabonese
authorities, have created 13 nation-
al parks to boost the tourism sector,
including Minkebe National Park in the
north of the country, Akanda National
Park in the West, and Lopé National
Park in the East.
FOOD
Most foods in Gabon derive from the
living conditions and special habits
of each of the many ethnic groups.
However, some flagship foods, such
as Cassava Leaves, Odika (native
chocolate sauce), Nyembwe (palm-
nut sauce) are essentially national
delicacies.
