Since the mid-1900's, the number of schools run by churches and by the government has increased considerably. Gabon has a technical school in Libreville and an agricultural school in Oyem. Gabon lies on the equator and is covered with thick forests. Moving inland, the land rises gradually to rolling hills and low mountain ranges that are cut through by valleys of the Ogooue River and its tributaries. Gabon's climate is hot and humid most of the year.
Rainfall is heavy throughout the country, especially along the northern coast.
In natural resources, Gabon is one of the richest countries in Africa. Its forests have been its chief source of wealth. They have provided high-quality lumber for more than a hundred years. Wood from the huge okoume trees is used for making plywood. Gabonese forests also produce ebony and mahogany.