Gabon National Day 2027

The date ended French colonial rule over a heavily forested equatorial country whose economy and politics were later shaped by oil, timber, manganese and close ties with France. Because the Bongo family ruled for more than five decades, the holiday has often carried both national pride and the weight of debates about power, wealth and democracy.

The capital hosts the main independence ceremonies, concerts and official speeches.

17 August marks the day in 1960 when Gabon became independent from France. The date ended French colonial rule over a heavily forested equatorial country whose economy and politics were later shaped by oil, timber, manganese and close ties with France.

The day became Gabon's central independence celebration under presidents Leon Mba, Omar Bongo and Ali Bongo. Because the Bongo family ruled for more than five decades, the holiday has often carried both national pride and the weight of debates about power, wealth and democracy.

Today the day is associated with official parades, speeches, flags, concerts and cultural performances, especially in Libreville. Visitors see coastal ceremony, military display, forest identity, Fang and Myene traditions, and a capital looking out over the Atlantic.

Across Gabon, the national story is also environmental. Rainforest covers most of the country, and national parks, masks, music and coastal food all give Independence Day a setting beyond government ceremony.

• 1885French colonial control expands around Gabon
• 1960Gabon gains independence from France
• 2023Military coup ends the Bongo family's long rule

• Celebratednationwide
• CapitalLibreville
• Time zoneWAT (UTC+1)

• Currency: Central African CFA franc
• Language: French
• Driving: on the right
• Capital: Libreville
• Phone: +241
• Electricity: 220 V, 50 Hz, plugs C/E