Gabon
Gabonese Republic
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.36%
Situated in Middle Africa, Gabon has a population of approximately 2.47 million—a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 267,668 km², translating to a density of 9.0 people per km². Its capital is Libreville, and French is the official language, while the Central African CFA franc serves as the national currency.
Population
2,469,296
Area
267,668 km²
Density
9/km²
World Rank
#143
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 27.7 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 6.3 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 36.5% of the population is under 15, while only 4.1% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Libreville
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Middle Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- French
- Currencies
- Central African CFA franc (Fr)
- Calling Code
- +241
- Top-Level Domain
- .ga
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 2,469,296
- Land Area
- 267,668 km²
- Population Density
- 9 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.36%
- Annual Growth
- +58,275 people
- Daily Growth
- +160 people
- World Population Share
- 0.03%
- Coordinates
- -1.00°, 11.75°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
GDP per capita stands at approximately $8.2k, placing the economy in the upper-middle-income category—below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment is a pressing concern at 20.1%, far exceeding the global benchmark of 5.8%. The Gini index of 38.0 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
68.3 years
GDP per Capita
$8,230
Birth Rate
27.7 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.3 per 1,000
Urban Population
91.9%
Fertility Rate
3.65 births/woman
Infant Mortality
26.5 per 1,000
Unemployment
20.1%
Literacy Rate
88.9%
Internet Users
71.9%
Under 15
36.5%
Over 65
4.1%
Health Spending
3.1% GDP
Gini Index
38.0
Age Distribution
0-14 years
901K
15-64 years
1.5M
65+ years
101K
Urbanization
Gabon is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 91.9% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. Libreville serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Extremely low population density means that settlements are widely dispersed, raising logistical hurdles for infrastructure and public service delivery.
2.3M
91.9%
201,001
8.1%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 68.3 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 26.5 per thousand live births, roughly in line with the global average. The literacy rate of 88.9% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Gabon
Gabon has 3 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Gabon is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Gabon participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 2,469,296 |
| 2030 | 2,698,771 |
| 2035 | 2,988,671 |
| 2040 | 3,280,915 |
| 2045 | 3,574,765 |
| 2050 | 3,869,839 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Gabon.
Largest Cities in Gabon
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Gabon by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Gabon?
The population of Gabon is approximately 2.5 million as of 2026, making it #143 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Gabon?
The capital of Gabon is Libreville.
What languages are spoken in Gabon?
The main languages spoken in Gabon are French.
How big is Gabon?
Gabon covers an area of 267,668 km² with a population density of 9 people per km².
Is Gabon growing or shrinking?
Gabon is growing at a rate of 2.36% per year, adding approximately 58,275 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Gabon?
The average life expectancy in Gabon is 68.3 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Gabon?
The GDP per capita of Gabon is $8,230.