Gabon

Classification facts

Gabon is a United Nations member state with the following standard identifiers:

• UN M49 code: 266
• ISO alpha-2: GA
• ISO alpha-3: GAB
• UN region: Africa
• UN subregion: Sub-Saharan Africa
• UN membership: Member state
• World Bank capital field: Libreville

These codes come from the UN Statistics Division’s M49 classification, which is a statistical geography, not a political or territorial claim. M49 groups countries for data collection and comparison; it does not settle sovereignty, border, or naming disputes. The M49 classification of Gabon within Sub-Saharan Africa is a statistical convention, not a statement about regional identity or political alignment.

Core data and how to verify it

The most reliable way to get current figures for Gabon is to pull from the World Bank API directly, rather than relying on a static snapshot. The World Bank country API returns ISO codes, region, income level, and lending category for every country. For population, GDP, and development indicators, use the World Bank indicators API and note the reference year for each data point. The UN M49 overview is the standard for statistical classification: Gabon has UN M49 code 266, ISO alpha-2 GA, ISO alpha-3 GAB, and sits in the Africa region, Sub-Saharan Africa subregion. The World Bank lists the capital as Libreville. These are classification facts, not political or territorial claims.

Population

For current population, the UN Population Division publishes World Population Prospects yearly, with national census data as the underlying source. The World Bank’s Population, total indicator is another consistent source. Both update annually; always cite the reference year (for example, “World Bank, 2023”).

Languages

The official language is French. For a fuller picture of recognized or national languages, consult the CIA World Factbook and Ethnologue, which are standard secondary compilations. The number of languages listed varies by source, so note which edition or year you are using.

Currency

The currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF), issued by the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) and shared with several other Central African countries. Verify current banknotes and any changes directly from the BEAC.

Government and political structure

Consult the official government portal and the CIA World Factbook’s government section. Both provide structural information about the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as current officeholders where available.

Economic indicators

Use World Bank and IMF datasets, noting the reference year for each indicator. Key series include GDP (current US$), GDP per capita, inflation, and trade balance. Always pair an indicator with its source and year.

Travel requirements

For visas, health advice, and safety information, consult your own government’s travel advisory and the IATA Travel Centre. Do not rely on a third-party blog for entry requirements, which can change with little notice.

How to compare Gabon to other countries

This entry is one in a comparison system. To compare Gabon with another country on a specific indicator, pull the same indicator from the same source for both countries and note the reference year. When the methodology or reference year differs between countries, flag that difference rather than presenting the comparison as a like-for-like match. For the full methodology and source-literacy guide, follow the link to the central guide. Do not duplicate that content here.

Questions answered on this page

1. What is Gabon’s country code, UN M49 code, and ISO codes?
2. What are the key facts about Gabon’s geography, population, and capital?
3. What languages are spoken in Gabon?
4. What is the official currency of Gabon?
5. What type of government does Gabon have?
6. What are the main economic indicators for Gabon?
7. How do I verify current data about Gabon?
8. What travel documentation is required for Gabon?
9. How do I compare Gabon to other countries?