Gabon

Libreville is the capital and largest city of Gabon, located on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Komo River. Established in 1849 by freed slaves, its name means “free town” in French—fitting for the nation’s political and administrative heart. It hosts government institutions, cultural sites like the National Museum, and a major airport. By contrast, Port-Gentil is the oil and port hub but not the capital. Memory tip: “Libre” means free in French; Gabon’s “free town” is its capital.