Everything Everywhere Daily Gabon
Jan 7, 2026
Discover Gabon, often overlooked but dubbed "Earth's last Eden," celebrated for its incredible biodiversity. Dive into its rich history, from ancient inhabitants and the unique natural uranium reactors at Oklo, to the rise of the Kingdom of Orungu and European colonization. Explore the path to independence and the tumultuous political landscape under Omar Bongo. Gabon's economy thrives on oil and mining, showcasing a generally peaceful postcolonial record despite recent challenges. It's a hidden gem worth knowing about!
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Extraordinary Biodiversity
- Gabon is one of the most biodiverse countries, with rainforests covering ~89% of its land.
- The country hosts thousands of plant species and hundreds of animal species, including many endangered populations.
Ancient Natural Nuclear Reactor
- Gabon uniquely hosted a natural nuclear chain reaction 1.7 billion years ago at the Oklo mine.
- That reaction was possible then because uranium-235 levels were higher, which cannot occur naturally today.
Kingdom Of Orungu’s Trade Role
- The Kingdom of Orungu thrived as a river-trade hub doing boatbuilding, metalwork, and trading ivory and ebony.
- It participated in the slave trade, sometimes selling punished locals and later exporting slaves until the mid-19th century.