Gabon: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Gabon

Gabon is on the Atlantic coast of Central Africa, right on the equator. Most of the country is covered by thick rainforest, which it protects with a network of national parks. It is known for forest elephants, gorillas and wild beaches.

About Libreville

Libreville is on the estuary of the Komo River, near the Atlantic coast in northwest Gabon. Its name means 'free town' in French, because it was founded by freed people in 1849.

Fun facts about Gabon

1. In 2002 Gabon created 13 national parks at once to protect its rainforests and coast.
2. Hippos in Gabon's Loango National Park have been seen swimming in the Atlantic Ocean's waves.
3. Lopé-Okanda, where rainforest meets savanna, has about 1,800 ancient rock carvings.
4. The equator runs right across Gabon, just south of the capital, Libreville.
5. The black panther, a rare dark-coated leopard, is Gabon's national symbol.
6. On Gabon's flag, green stands for forests, yellow for the equator and sun, and blue for the sea.