Gabon is an incomparable place to experience the wonders of the African continent amidst prosperous surroundings. Tourists to this country will be mesmerised by the most striking aboveground features and a serrated ridge of towering peaks of the national parks here, argued to be the largest one in the world. And, not to forget, the serene coastlines of Gabon by the shores of the Bight of Biafra over the North Atlantic Ocean are exclusive. As the Equator straddles over the landscape of Gabon right from the middle, the country experiences hot and humid climatic conditions all round the year. The Ogooué River is the largest one in the country that flows down the middle of its terrain and empties into the North Atlantic Ocean.
The pygmies are believed to be the earliest inhabitants of Gabon who were later deposed off by the Bantu tribes. The country area was first explored by the Portuguese navigator Diego Cam in the 15th century and soon Portuguese and Dutch seafarers started to flock into the region. However, France was the first country to establish permanent settlement in the region and became a French territory in 1888. It became an independent republic on August 17, 1960.