Gabon
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 2.59 million people live in Gabon, on 267,667 km². The capital is Libreville.
- Capital
- Libreville
- Population
- 2,593,130
- Area
- 267,667 km²
- Official language
- French
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Gabon?
Sockets take plug type C, at 220 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in Gabon?
Call 1730 for the police, 1300 for an ambulance and 18 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in Gabon?
Round up, or leave small change.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Gabon?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in Gabon?
Prices are in Central African CFA Franc (XAF).
What language do they speak in Gabon?
Official language: French.
How do I call a number in Gabon from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +241.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
