Is Gabon a US ally?
Relations between the United States and Gabon began following Gabon’s independence from France in 1960. Despite Gabon’s independence the two countries have remained close allies and during the 1960s France relied on Gabon as its sole source of Uranium and a major source of oil.
Is travel to Gabon safe?
OVERALL RISK : HIGH Gabon is, overall, not that safe to visit. If you decide to go to Gabon, you should be aware that crime, poor road conditions, interruptions to power, and poor water quality are just some of the things tourists will have a problem with.
Is Gabon a rich country?
Gabon is an upper-middle-income country. The fifth largest oil producer in Africa, it has had strong economic growth over the past decade, driven by its production of oil and manganese. The oil sector has accounted for 80% of exports, 45% of GDP, and 60% of fiscal revenue on average over the past five years.
Do US citizens need a visa for Gabon?
Do I Need a Visa for Gabon? Yes. A visa is required to travel to Gabon, and you must have this document before you depart since Gabon does not offer on arrival visas at the airport. You also need a valid passport and proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever to enter Gabon.
Is Gabon stable?
Gabon, located on the west coast of Africa, has one of the region’s more stable countries. Since independence from France in 1960, Gabon has had just three presidents.
Is Gabon safe for white tourists?
Violent crime, including robberies and armed attacks, occurs, especially in Libreville and Port Gentil. Don’t walk alone or at night. Avoid isolated areas, including beaches. There has been a military presence on the streets since a failed coup in January 2019.
How do I become a citizen of Gabon?
BY NATURALIZATION: Gabonese citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person must prove relinquishment of former citizenship and have resided within the country for at least 10 years. DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED.
Is Gabon a good place to live?
Infrastructure: In the 2013 World Economic Forum Competitiveness Report, Gabon ranked 112 out of 148 countries for quality of infrastructure. While roads are often impassable in the rainy season, railroad infrastructure had performed substantially better, coming in at 72 out of 148.
Is English spoken in Gabon?
Though international, the French language, the official language of Gabon, is not the most spoken in the world, while English is still the language of business, a shared opinion among the Gabonese officials.
What is the safest country to visit in Africa?
Mauritius
1. Mauritius. Ranked #28 on the 2021 Global Peace Index, Mauritius is the safest country in Africa to visit. In fact, this peaceful African country outranks Spain (31), Italy (32), and the United Kingdom (33).
Does Gabon allow dual citizenship?
Dual nationality has been allowed in Gabon since 1962; however, the president is required to be a Gabonese of origin descended of four generations of Gabonese ancestors.
Is Gabon visa free?
The Gabonese passport currently ranks on the 88th place according to the Guide passport index. It provides visa-free access to 56 destinations. Gabonese passport holders have visa-free access and visas on arrival to countries such as Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Ghana and Iran.
How do you greet in Gabon?
Shaking another person’s hand with both hands is a sign of respect. Urban greetings include the French Bonjour (Good day) and Bonsoir (Good evening). The Fang Mbolo (Hello) is common throughout Gabon. Greetings include asking about one’s fam- ily and health and if one slept well the previous night.
Where can I find more information about Gabon?
More information about Gabon is available on the Gabon Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet. The United States established diplomatic relations with Gabon in 1960 following Gabon’s independence from France.
What is the US government doing in Gabon?
Gabon and the U.S. share a commitment to diversify and strengthen Gabon’s economy, expand bilateral trade, ensure security in the Gulf of Guinea, and combat wildlife trafficking. Gabon’s economy is dominated by oil.
How do I find someone in Gabon in an emergency?
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Review the Country Security Report for Gabon. U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations.
What happened in the Gabon elections?
Opposition leaders alleged irregularities such as ballot stuffing, vote buying, polling stations opening without the presence of opposition representatives, and unfair treatment of the opposition by the Gabonese Elections Center. Domestic and international organizations were not authorized to observe the elections.