Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Libreville is the capital and largest city of Gabon, located along the Atlantic coast. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 800,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 XAF ≈ 0.0018 USD, ATMs widely available but may not accept foreign cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Airtel and Moov, with prepaid SIMs available at kiosks. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted in many businesses; banking options include Société Générale and BICIG. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; larger hotels and restaurants accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local real estate agents. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Le Paradis and Hotel Ivotel offer budget options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The seaside area near the beach with easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Downtown has coworking spaces and cafes suitable for long-term stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Work Libreville, located in the city center with excellent facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Gare, known for its good coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by local expat groups and online platforms. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat Gabon Facebook group hosts regular social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in the city providing reliable transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options currently; recommend checking local community boards for DIY rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de la Réserve is a local favorite, approximately 20 minutes from downtown. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Gabon for regional travel to neighboring countries. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ethiopian Airlines operate international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | N1 highway connects Libreville to other major cities in Gabon. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gare de Libreville for limited train services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Infrequent bus services; buying tickets on board typically. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Options include local buses and rental cars for intercity travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Libreville, providing general healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Libreville offers classes and wellness sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit Libreville provides gym facilities for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Multiple local laundromats available, with 'Pressing de Libreville' being a popular choice. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food delivers from various local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Poulet Nyembwe - chicken in palm nut sauce is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurant Le Palmier offers vegetarian-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Lebanese Bakery is popular for sweets and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Marché Mont-Bouët for fresh produce and local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | E-commerce options include Jumia and local online marketplaces. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some supermarkets offer limited grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around Avenue de l'Indépendance has bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de la Cote is a local brewery offering tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bar Le Gourmet specializes in wines from around the world. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food stalls in Marché de Mont-Bouët offer a variety of local street foods. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurant Le Gourmet provides international options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | La National Museum of Arts and Traditions showcases Gabonese culture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Musée des Arts et Traditions is a vital cultural spot. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | L'Institut Français du Gabon is a significant historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Saint Michael Cathedral is a prominent landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Gabon Festival of Arts and Culture held annually in December. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the area around Place de la République for local artists. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | La Comédie de Libreville hosts regular performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Marché de Mont-Bouët is vibrant and full of local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Check out live music at various local bars, especially during weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found all around the city; particularly vibrant in Atong-Atong. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Gabon cooking classes offered through local catering services. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleries like Gallery d’Art Patrice Ewe offer local art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Presidential Palace is an essential architectural sight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Rich cultural heritage reflected in local festivals and traditional practices. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Loango National Park is famous for its wildlife and stunning beaches. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Ivindo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Promenade de l'Atlantique offers beautiful coastal views for walking or cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Head to Monts d'Araignées for beautiful panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ndongu National Park is ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches such as Pointe Denis are popular for evening bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Gabon Post and DHL services available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | GabonTech Service offers mobile and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | French language classes available at various learning centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library offers study spaces in Libreville. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural centers like Cité des Arts host local community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges exist; recommend checking local forums for updates. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Libreville offers gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% on corporate earnings. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate of 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate of 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, rules apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 10% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Gabon offers a friendly tax environment for expatriates and digital nomads. |