Map of Gabon – Provinces, Cities & Location Guide
Explore Gabon in Central Africa with this interactive map showing its nine provinces, capital city Libreville, Atlantic coast, major rivers, rainforest regions and neighbouring countries. Zoom in to locate cities, roads and national parks, or zoom out to understand Gabon's position along the equator.
Gabon is on the west coast of Central Africa, bordered by Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Its capital is Libreville. The country has nine provinces and is known for tropical forests, the Ogooué River and protected wildlife habitats.
Interactive Map of Gabon
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Zoom and drag to explore.
Where Is Gabon Located?
Gabon lies on Africa's Atlantic-facing coast and straddles the equator. Equatorial Guinea occupies part of its northwestern border, Cameroon lies to the north, and the Republic of the Congo borders much of the east and south. The country combines coastal lowlands and estuaries with forested hills, inland plateaus and extensive river systems.
Gabon is sometimes confused with The Gambia, another African country. They are separate nations in different parts of the continent: Gabon is in Central Africa, while The Gambia lies in West Africa.
Gabon’s Nine Provinces
Gabon is divided into nine provinces. Use the map to locate their main urban centres and see how settlements are distributed between the coast and the interior.
| Province | Provincial capital | General location |
|---|---|---|
| Estuaire | Libreville | Northwestern coast |
| Haut-Ogooué | Franceville | Southeast |
| Moyen-Ogooué | Lambaréné | West-central river basin |
| Ngounié | Mouila | South-central interior |
| Nyanga | Tchibanga | Southwest |
| Ogooué-Ivindo | Makokou | Northeast |
| Ogooué-Lolo | Koulamoutou | East-central interior |
| Ogooué-Maritime | Port-Gentil | Western coast and delta |
| Woleu-Ntem | Oyem | Northern interior |
Major Cities and Towns
Libreville, the national capital, is on the northwestern Atlantic coast near the Gabon Estuary. It is a major centre for government, commerce and air travel. Port-Gentil is a prominent coastal city associated with maritime and petroleum activity, while Franceville is a major city in southeastern Gabon.
Lambaréné lies in the Ogooué River region and is well known for its river setting. Other towns useful for reading the map include Oyem in the north, Makokou in the northeast, Mouila to the south, and Tchibanga in the southwest.
Rivers, Coastline and Natural Geography
The Ogooué River is Gabon's principal river system. It crosses much of the country before flowing towards the Atlantic, creating important wetlands, waterways and floodplain landscapes. Other mapped features include the Ivindo River, the coastal estuaries and the forested ranges of the interior.
Dense tropical rainforest covers much of Gabon. The Atlantic coast includes beaches, lagoons, mangrove areas and the delta region around Port-Gentil. Farther inland, wooded hills and plateaus make routes less direct than distances on a small-scale map may suggest.
National Parks and Notable Places
Gabon has 13 national parks. Loango National Park protects coastal habitats, lagoons and forests. Ivindo National Park is known for major waterfalls, river systems and old-growth rainforest. Lopé National Park includes forest and savanna landscapes associated with the UNESCO-listed Lopé-Okanda site.
Other places to locate include Akanda National Park near the capital, Pongara National Park across the estuary from Libreville, and Mayumba National Park on the southern coast. Park access can be limited, so a general map is a starting point rather than a substitute for local guidance.
Roads, Airports and Getting Around
Roads connect Libreville with several inland population centres, but journeys may take longer than expected because of weather, road conditions and the distance between services. The Trans-Gabon Railway is an important transport corridor linking the Libreville area with the inland southeast. Air and water transport also matter in parts of the country.
Léon-Mba International Airport serves Libreville. Before travelling, check current border requirements, park permissions, transport schedules and local advisories using official sources.
How to Read the Map
For a national overview, keep the map zoomed out to identify the Atlantic coast, borders and province locations. Zoom closer to follow a road through Libreville, inspect a river bend near Lambaréné, or find a named park. Map labels appear at different zoom levels, and a place may not be visible until you zoom in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Gabon?
Libreville is the capital. It is located on the country's northwestern Atlantic coast.
How many provinces does Gabon have?
Gabon has nine provinces, including Estuaire, Haut-Ogooué and Ogooué-Maritime.
Which countries border Gabon?
Gabon borders Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo.
Is Gabon on the equator?
Yes. The equator crosses Gabon, contributing to its humid tropical environment.
What ocean borders Gabon?
The Atlantic Ocean lies to the west of Gabon.
What is Gabon's main river?
The Ogooué is the country's principal river system and a prominent feature on geographic maps.
What is Gabon known for geographically?
Gabon is known for its extensive rainforest, Atlantic coast, rivers, national parks and wildlife habitats.
About This Map
This map and guide are provided for general educational and geographic information. Boundaries, place names, roads and access arrangements may change or be incomplete. Verify important travel and location details with official sources. External websites are independent; links do not imply affiliation or endorsement.