Gabon Population 2026: 2.3M People, Vast Empty Land
Gabon is one of the most sparsely populated countries on the planet: 2.3M people across 267,668 km², giving a density of 9/km².
GDP per capita stands at $8,913: below the global average, reflecting a developing economy. The capital, Libreville, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About Gabon's Population
With a population of 2.3M, Gabon is home to a significant number of people within its 267,668 km² of territory. The population density of 9/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: one of the lowest densities in the world, with vast open and largely uninhabited spaces.
The capital city, Libreville, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Gabon. Gabon has a coastline of 885 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, Gabon has a total GDP of $20.5B, translating to $8,913 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF).
Gabon gained independence in 1960 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is French, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the Central Africa region, Gabon sits alongside Cameroon (27.9M), Central African Republic (5.5M), Chad (17.4M). This regional context helps illustrate how Gabon's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gabon's Population
What is the population of Gabon in 2026?
The population of Gabon is approximately 2.3M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of Gabon?
The capital city of Gabon is Libreville, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is Gabon?
Gabon has a population density of 9/km². This is very low density, with large amounts of open, sparsely settled land.
What is the GDP per capita of Gabon?
Gabon has a GDP per capita of $8,913, with a total GDP of $20.5B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in Gabon?
The official language of Gabon is French.
How big is Gabon?
Gabon covers a total area of 267,668 km². With a population of 2.3M, that gives a density of 9/km².
When did Gabon gain independence?
Gabon gained independence in 1960.
What currency is used in Gabon?
The official currency of Gabon is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF).
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