Libreville, Gabon
Located along the Atlantic Ocean and west coast of Africa, Libreville is the capital of Gabon. This nation sees a great ethnic and linguistic diversity. Ethnic groups include the Fang, migrating from Cameroon and making up one-quarter of Gabon's population; and the Sira, Nzebi, and Mbete groups, which compose one-third of the population. These groups occupy different ends of town, as divided by the Ogooue River. While the Fang live north of this river, the Sira live south of the river.
Religion is very important in Gabon culture; the city and nation are heavily influenced by Christianity, with Roman Catholicism at the forefront. While Christianity and Muslim are two main religions, the Fang people established their own Bwiti religion, based on a solidarity movement among their culture.
Gabon is a heavily-urbanized nation, with nearly four-fifths of the population living in urban areas. Libreville is the most-populated and economically-developed city in Gabon. While there are more developed units downtown, small villages are discoverable not far outside the city. Gabon's official language is French, and the Central African Franc (CFA) is the nation's currency; 1 CFA equals $0.0017 USD.
Location
Job Opportunities
Gabon's industry has changed thanks to its current president, Ali Bongo Ondimba. His plan consisted of developing and urbanizing Libreville, creating many new opportunities. First, there is the construction industry, allowing for building infrastructure including better roads and establishing a public transportation network. Transportation and tourism is also a popular option, both with working for construction companies and travel companies to enlighten both residents' and tourists' experiences while in Libreville. Another well-known industry is the timber industry, working to preserve forests and cut back on invasive plants and species. From infrastructure and construction to forestry, Libreville offers a variety of employment opportunities.
Cost of Living
There is a significant price difference from living in the city to the suburban areas of Libreville. For a one-bedroom unit, rental in the city center costs 550,000 CFA ($975 USD) monthly, while a similar unit away from the city averages 293,000 CFA ($520 USD). For larger apartments, city-center units average 1,530,000 CFA ($2,700 USD) while apartments outside the city average 1,016,000 CFA ($1,800 USD) monthly.
Monthly utility expenses, such as heating, electricity, and water, average around 63,000 CFA ($110 USD). For unlimited internet usage, costs are around 30,500 CFA ($55 USD). If owning a car is important, the lower end of brand-new small cars is around 15,660,000 CFA ($27,800 USD); gasoline prices come in around 2,720 CFA ($4.83 USD) per gallon. Overall, cars are the best way to get around Libreville with the lack of public transportation.
Transportation
To get around Gabon, and not just Libreville, using cars or taxis is most recommended. This is due to the lesser amount of public transit available. Water Taxis are also available around the city; travel from Libreville along the Ogooue River to other cities in Gabon.
As for trains and buses, options are somewhat limited in Libreville and Gabon as a whole. Travel between Libreville and other major Gabon cities including Owendo, Franceville, and other cities in an overnight excursion. Overall, taking a car or water taxi for transportation is strongly recommended over the city's buses or trains.
Recreation
From beaches and hiking to historical sights, Libreville is full of activity. Pointe Denis Beach is a common place to spend the weekend, with water activities including paddleboarding and jet skiing. Another popular area is the Marche du Mont-Bouet, a local shopping and dining area downtown. On Saturday mornings, market and other products are delivered to this market, and there are large crowds of shoppers. The Boulevard de Triomphal is where many government offices, upscale hotels, and dining options are located. Oceanside boulevard is more casual, with walking paths, small parks, and monuments along the coastal route.
Most other cultural and historical attractions are museums, visited one time by tourists or residents. These include the Museum of Art and Culture, highlighting different ethic groups in Gabon, along with the nation's culture and history. Palais Presidentiel is where the current President of Gabon resides, and people are only allowed to stay outside of it. There are a variety of ministries, including one for Forestry and Environment, and another for Mines and Petroleum.
Climate
Libreville has a warmer climate year-round, with relatively stagnant temperatures throughout. Expect average highs in the 80s (25 to 30 degrees Celsius), with lows in the 70s (20 to 24 degrees Celsius). Libreville has a high amount of precipitation from September to May, with a dry season from June to August. Between September and May, precipitation varies from 10 to 15 inches per month.