Libreville, Gabon

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Libreville, Gabon

Region: Estuaire

---

Geographic Coordinates: 0.390300, 9.454200

Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year in Libreville, Gabon.

Population: 797003

Language: French

---

Libreville, The capital of Gabon in Central Africa, Was named Free Town by the French due to its history as a trading post for freed slaves. The city has a population of over 700, 000 people and is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. One of Libreville’s main attractions is its beautiful beaches, Including Pointe Denis accessible by boat from the port area. Visitors can enjoy white sand beaches and fresh seafood at seaside restaurants while surrounded by palm trees.

St Marie’s Cathedral, Built in 1897 and restored several times since then, Is an impressive example of colonial architecture and serves as an important religious center for Catholics in Gabon. For those interested in Gabonese culture and history, There are several museums worth visiting such as the National Museum of Arts and Traditions showcasing traditional crafts alongside contemporary art pieces from local artists. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Pongara National Park just outside Libreville where animals like gorillas, Chimpanzees, Elephants roam freely around this protected area.

but not least important are markets like Marché Mont-Bouet where visitors can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts made by local artisans making it one stop destination for shopping enthusiasts looking for authentic African souvenirs or gifts to take back home. whether you’re interested in exploring colonial past or simply soaking up sun on one of many beaches or discovering wildlife at national parks or shopping authentic African souvenirs at markets; Libreville offers something for everyone making it a must-visit destination when traveling to Gabon or Central Africa.

---

---

1. L’Église St-Michel: This stunning Catholic church was built in the 19th century and boasts beautiful stained glass windows and a towering spire.
2. Marché du Mont-Bouet: The biggest market in Libreville, where you can find everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.
3. Pointe-Denis Beach: A beautiful white sand beach just outside of Libreville, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
4. Musée National des Arts et Traditions du Gabon: This museum is dedicated to Gabonese culture and history, with exhibits showcasing traditional art, music, and dance.
5. Akanda National Park: A protected area of mangroves and forest just outside of Libreville that is home to a variety of wildlife including monkeys, birds, and sea turtles.
6. Palais Presidentiel de Libreville: An impressive building located in the center of the city that has been standing since 1977 serves as the presidential palace.
7. La Tchopaille: A lively nightlife spot known for its live music performances by local artists that attracts both tourists and locals alike.
8. Stade Omar Bongo Ondimba: The largest stadium in Gabon hosts various sporting events throughout the year including football matches featuring Gabon’s national team as well as concerts by international artists like Beyoncé or Rihanna when they are touring Africa.

---

1. Oil and Gas: Gabon is a major producer of oil in Africa, making it an important industry for Libreville.
2. Timber: The country has vast forests that provide timber for both domestic use and exportation.
3. Mining: Gabon has significant reserves of minerals such as manganese, iron ore, and gold which are mined in various parts of the country.
4. Fishing: The coastal waters around Gabon are rich in fish stocks, providing employment opportunities for local fishermen and contributing to the economy.
5. Tourism: Libreville is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, wildlife parks such as Lopé National Park and Pongara National Park.
6. Banking and Finance: The city has several banks including BGFI Bank Gabon SA , Société Générale de Banques au Gabon (SGBG) among others.
7. Agriculture: Agriculture plays a significant role in the economy of Libreville with crops such as cassava, plantains bananas being cultivated for both domestic consumption and exportation.

---

1. Gabon gained its independence from France on August 17, 1960, and Libreville became the capital of the newly independent nation.
2. Omar Bongo was one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, serving as the President of Gabon for over four decades from 1967 until his death in 2009.
3. Leon M’ba played a crucial role in securing Gabon’s independence from France and served as the first President of Gabon from 1960 until his death in 1967.
4. The National Museum of Arts and Traditions is located in Libreville and houses an extensive collection of traditional African art, including masks, sculptures, and textiles.
5. Stade d’Angondjé is a multi-purpose stadium located on the outskirts of Libreville that was built for the African Cup of Nations football tournament held in Gabon in 2012.
6. In March 1990, security forces opened fire on protesters during a demonstration against then-President Omar Bongo’s government policies, resulting in dozens killed or injured – this event is known as Port-Gentil massacre.
7. The Albert Schweitzer Hospital founded by Dr Albert Schweitzer provides medical care to people across Gabon.
8. Jean Ping is a prominent politician who served as Chairperson of the African Union Commission from September 2008 to October 2012 and has also held several high-level positions within the United Nations system.
9. The Presidential Palace (Palais de la Présidence) located on Boulevard de l’Indépendance serves as the official residence for the President of Gabon.
10. The international airport in Libreville named after Léon Mba serves as the main gateway to Gabon.

---

1. National Museum of Arts and Traditions
2. Musée des Arts et Métiers de la Forêt Equatoriale
3. L’Eglise St Michel Libreville
4. Akanda National Park
5. Pointe Denis Beach
6. Marché Mont-Bouët
7. La Sablière Beach
8. Palais Présidentiel du Gabon (Presidential Palace)
9. Arboretum de Sibang (Botanical Garden)
10. Cathédrale Sainte-Marie de Libreville

---

---

---

1. Fête de l’Indépendance: Celebrated on August 17th, this festival commemorates Gabon’s independence from France in 1960. The festivities include parades, cultural performances, and fireworks.
2. Fête des Masques: This festival honors the traditional masks of Gabonese culture and is held in late July or early August each year.
3. Libreville Jazz Festival: Held every June or July, this event brings together local and international jazz musicians for a weekend of live music performances.
4. Gabao Hip Hop Festival: This festival highlights the best of Gabonese hip hop culture with concerts, dance battles, graffiti exhibitions, and more.
5. Miss Gabon Pageant: The annual Miss Gabon beauty pageant takes place in December to crown the country’s most beautiful woman.
6. National Arts & Crafts Fair: Held every December at the Palais des Sports arena, this fair showcases traditional arts and crafts from across Gabon.
7. International Marathon du Gabon: This yearly marathon occurs every December and attracts runners from around the world who compete across various distances through Libreville’s scenic streets.
8. Festival du Film Court de Libreville (Short Film Festival): This film festival celebrates short films made by African filmmakers and is held annually in November at various venues throughout Libreville.

---

• Nyembwe Chicken: A traditional dish made with palm oil and spices, served with plantains or cassava.
• Mami Wata: A seafood restaurant that serves fresh fish and seafood dishes, such as grilled lobster and shrimp.
• Le Patio: A French restaurant that offers a fine dining experience with a variety of dishes including steak, foie gras, and escargot.
• Chez Poulet Braisé: This is a popular spot for grilled chicken (poulet braisé) served with spicy sauce and side dishes like plantains or fries.
• La Pampa Grill: Another great place for meat lovers, this restaurant specializes in grilled meats such as beef ribs, sausages, and lamb chops.
• La Plage des Amoureux: Located on the beachfront of Pointe Denis island near Libreville city center, this restaurant serves fresh seafood dishes like crab curry or grilled fish while enjoying the ocean view.
• Le Bistrot de L’Institut Français du Gabon (IFG): This is a cozy café that offers French pastries like croissants or macarons along with coffee or tea beverages to enjoy during breakfast time or afternoon breaks.

---



Parks and Recreation

1. L’Académie de Golf de Libreville
2. La Baie des Tortues Beach
3. Zoo de Libreville
4. Parc National d’Ivindo
5. Marché du Mont-Bouët
6. Jardin Botanique et Zoologique de Libreville
7. Plage du Cap Estérias
8. Stade d’Angondjé
9. Centre Culturel Français Georges Moustaki
10. La Place des Cocotiers

---



Escape The Norm.

---