Gabon Rate of Natural Increase

Gabon’s rate of natural increase (RNI)—the difference between its crude birth rate and crude death rate—has remained moderate compared to its Central African neighbors. As of recent data, Gabon’s RNI stands at around 2.2% per year, reflecting a relatively high birth rate but also a gradually declining death rate due to improvements in healthcare. In contrast, neighboring countries like the Republic of the Congo and Cameroon exhibit slightly higher RNIs, often above 2.5%, driven by higher fertility rates and younger populations. Meanwhile, Equatorial Guinea, another neighbor, has an RNI similar to Gabon’s, while to the east, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) shows a significantly higher RNI, often exceeding 3%, due to its very high birth rate. Overall, Gabon’s RNI is moderate for the region, influenced by its higher urbanization rate and better access to health services, which have contributed to slower population growth compared to some of its neighbors.

Data from US Census International Database