Since independence from France in 1960 Gabon has had just two presidents, with the incumbent, Omar Bongo, in power since 1967.

OVERVIEW

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Despite being made up of more than 40 ethnic groups, Gabon has escaped the strife afflicting other West African states.

This can be attributed to its relative prosperity and to the continued presence of French troops, which in 1964 reinstated President Leon Mba after he had been overthrown in a coup.

Gabon's heavy dependence on oil, which makes up a large proportion of its GDP, has made its economy - and political stability - hostage to fluctuations in oil prices.

When oil prices began to fall in the late 1980s, opposition to President Bongo increased, culminating in demonstrations in 1990.

These ushered in political liberalisation, and in 1991 a new constitution was adopted instituting a multi-party system.

Government critics have pointed to discrepancies between the wealth of the urban elite and the poverty found in many rural areas.

FACTS

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• Population: 1.4 million (UN, 2005)
• Capital: Libreville
• Area: 267,667 sq km (103,347 sq miles)
• Major languages: French, Bantu-group languages
• Major religion: Christianity
• Life expectancy: 54 years (men), 55 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine) franc = 100 centimes
• Main exports: Crude oil, timber, manganese, uranium
• GNI per capita: US $3,340 (World Bank, 2005)
• Internet domain: .ga
• International dialling code: +241

LEADERS

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President: Omar Albert-Bernard Bongo

President since 1967, Omar Bongo is Africa's longest-serving head of state. He succeeded Gabon's first post-independence leader Leon Mba, having previously served as chief of staff, defence minister and vice president.

President Omar Bongo: in office since 1967

In 1968 Mr Bongo declared Gabon a one-party state, a status which it retained until 1991. Opposition parties have failed to pose a serious challenge to the president's Democratic Gabonese Party.

Mr Bongo was re-elected in 1998 - in the most recent presidential poll - with nearly 67% of the vote. Under changes to the constitution made in 2003 President Bongo may run for office as many times as he wishes.

Mr Bongo has been credited with encouraging foreign investment, but has also been accused of financial extravagance.

Born in Franceville in 1935 as Albert-Bernard, Mr Bongo served in the French air force from 1958 until independence, when he returned to join the foreign ministry. In 1973 he converted to Islam, assuming the name of Omar.