TR8CR-Gabon

Roland, F8EN ex CN8EM, FO8BV, 3C3CR, TR50R will be active again as TR8CR from May 15 to the end of June 2024 from Gabon.
He will be operating CW at 30 – 10m.
Nearest DX Point 8CR
QSL passed F6AJA.
Direct QSL advertising:
Jean Michel Duthilleul, 515 RUE DU PETIT HEM, 59870 Bouvigny, France.

Abnormal Africa: Gabon

When people think of Africa, they think of poverty, near poverty, destruction, constant war, all kinds of strange diseases, and maybe savannahs, lions, and crocodiles. In general, this is not entirely true, as Africa is the poorest continent on Earth.

But even here, there are exceptions, and African societies do thrive. One such oasis is the tiny Central African nation of Gabon, which in 2017 had per capita incomes similar to those of some European countries.

Libreville, Gabon. Author – Michael Jeddah.

At first glance, it seems incredible that a country with a total area of ​​only 260,000 square kilometers and bordering such colorful neighbors as Cameroon and Congo could have achieved such a remarkable result. But if we look a little closer, we will find that there is no miracle here. Alas, no miracle.

Gabon owes 90% of its economic prosperity to its rich oil resources: the country produces nearly 20 million tons of oil each year. To its credit, the Gabonese authorities have managed to curb the brutal African corruption that eats up much of the revenue in most other countries on the continent.

The remaining 10% comes from tourism and agriculture. This is why Gabon’s current prosperity is in jeopardy: the oil fields are running out and no new geological exploration is being carried out. In addition, foreign investment is steadily declining. Without radical economic reforms, Gabon could face the fate of South Africa, which in just a few years went from a prosperous country to a ghost of human greed.

Gabon. Author – Roberto Mattesini.

Pygmy Kingdom: History

Gabon’s history also stands out in comparison with its neighbors. Before the arrival of Europeans, the territory of modern Gabon was inhabited by the Pygmies – a remarkable people that has now almost lost its former self-sufficiency. The Pygmy tribes lived in relative peace, but were unable to establish their own state. When the first Europeans arrived, there were not even the first signs of statehood on the territory of Gabon.

This life continued until the end of the 15th century, when the Portuguese landed on the shores of modern Gabon. They gave the region this name – but why, no one can explain to this day. In any case, the Portuguese became a kind of catalyst for the formation of a new country. International trade flourished in Gabon: ivory, ebony, palm oil, honey, and of course, slaves, were traded throughout Gabon.

But the “real” Gabon came into being much later—not until the late 19th century, when Portugal withdrew from the international stage in favor of France. The French quickly took over Gabon, making it a major supplier of coffee, cocoa, and precious timber. Just 90 years later (a paltry period by historical standards), Gabon gained independence and became one of Africa’s first free nations.

However, modern Gabon is still not particularly keen on distancing itself from France. On the contrary, the local government is pursuing a route of reconciliation with Europe. Diplomatic missions, a simplified visa system, student exchange programs – in short, almost a real Europe in the heart of Africa. Not surprisingly, Gabon is the most stable country on the entire continent: throughout its independence, there have been only a few local conflicts, fortunately without loss of life.

Gabon. Author – Axel Reuven.

The diversity of nature: geography and climate

The natural world of Gabon is typical of the west coast of Central Africa. The country’s topography is mainly flat, with small differences in altitude (up to 200 meters). Most of the territory is occupied by tropical forests, which have survived despite long periods of industrial deforestation. In the center of Gabon is the Southern Guinea Highlands, a continuous flat plateau 500 meters above sea level.

Gabon is located right in the middle of the equator. Therefore, there are two rainy seasons here at the same time, which are replaced by two dry seasons. At the same time, there are almost no temperature changes here: the temperature is between 23 and 25 degrees all year round. This geographical location, combined with a favorable geographical location and climate, creates an amazing natural harmony for Gabon.

Today, the country is home to dozens of tree species, including precious ones. In addition, Gabon is one of the few countries in Central Africa with natural mangroves. The animal world is also extremely diverse: elephants, buffaloes, lions and leopards, as well as dozens of monkey species. It is worth mentioning that the Gabonese authorities cooperate with international conservation organizations: the country has several large protected areas and regular raids against poachers are carried out.

A family of forest elephants in Gabon. Author – Carlos Reis.

TR8CR. Where is Gabon located. Map.