Gabon is one of more well-to-do countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Oil has much to do with that. Gabon has a little ways to go in diversifying its economy and keeping its financial dealings on the straight and narrow. French is the official language of the country, but Fang and Myene are also spoken. This is a land with coastal plains, mountains, and extensive rainforest. What’s good? National parks like Loango and Mayumba are pristine and filled with great wildlife such as hippos and sea turtles, to begin to list their attractions.

Cassava, rice, and yams are some starchy staples in Gabon. Commonly eaten produce include vegetables like tomatoes, avocados, and eggplant, and fruits like papayas, coconuts, guavas, and pineapples. Try beignets, a deep-fried pastry, or nyembwe, chicken with pine nuts. Fish, sometimes smoked, is popular. Sauces are popular. Have some berbere, red pepper paste, if you like it hot!