Ogooué-Maritime facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ogooué-Maritime
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Ogooué-Maritime Province in Gabon
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| Country |  Gabon |
| Capital | Port-Gentil |
| Area | |
| • Total | 22,890 km2 (8,840 sq mi) |
| Population
(2013 census)
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| • Total | 157,562 |
| • Density | 6.8834/km2 (17.828/sq mi) |
| HDI (2017) | 0.655 medium |
Ogooué-Maritime is a large province located in the country of Gabon, in Central Africa. It is known for its long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The main city and capital of this province is Port-Gentil, which is also a very important port city for Gabon.
Contents
Exploring Ogooué-Maritime's Geography
Ogooué-Maritime is located in the western part of Gabon. It gets its name from the Ogooué River, which is the longest river in Gabon. The word "Maritime" means "related to the sea," which makes sense because the province has a big coastline.
Coastal Features and Rivers
The province has many sandy beaches and coastal lagoons. These are shallow bodies of water separated from the ocean by sandbars. The Ogooué River flows through the province before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. This river creates a large delta (a landform at the mouth of a river) with many smaller channels and islands.
Climate and Environment
Ogooué-Maritime has a tropical climate. This means it is hot and humid all year round. There are two main seasons: a wet season with lots of rain and a drier season. The province is covered by dense rainforests and mangrove forests along the coast. These unique environments are home to many different kinds of plants and animals.
Departments: How the Province is Organized
Like many large areas, Ogooué-Maritime is divided into smaller parts called departments. Think of departments as smaller regions within the province. Each department has its own main town or capital. This helps manage the different areas and communities within the province.
There are three main departments in Ogooué-Maritime:
- Bendje Department: Its capital city is Port-Gentil. This is the busiest and most populated department.
- Etimboue Department: Its capital is Omboue. This area is known for its natural beauty.
- Ndougou Department: Its capital is Gamba. This department is important for its wildlife and natural resources.
Economy and What People Do
The economy of Ogooué-Maritime is very important to Gabon. It relies heavily on its natural resources.
Oil and Gas Industry
One of the biggest industries here is oil and gas. Many oil fields are located offshore (in the ocean) near the coast of Ogooué-Maritime. Port-Gentil is a major center for processing and exporting oil. This industry provides many jobs and brings a lot of money to Gabon.
Fishing and Forestry
Because of its long coastline and rivers, fishing is also a key activity. Many people work as fishermen, catching fish and other seafood. The dense forests also support the forestry industry, where timber (wood) is harvested. However, this is done carefully to protect the environment.
Tourism and Wildlife
Ogooué-Maritime has beautiful natural areas, including national parks. These parks attract tourists who want to see Gabon's amazing wildlife. Ecotourism, which focuses on responsible travel to natural areas, is growing here.
Wildlife and Nature
Ogooué-Maritime is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Its rainforests, coastal areas, and lagoons provide homes for many unique species.
Amazing Animals
You can find many incredible animals in this province. These include:
- Forest elephants: Smaller than their savanna relatives, they roam the dense forests.
- Gorillas and chimpanzees: These intelligent primates live in the untouched parts of the rainforest.
- Manatees: These gentle "sea cows" can be found in the coastal lagoons and river estuaries.
- Sea turtles: Several species of sea turtles nest on the province's sandy beaches, especially during certain times of the year.
- Migratory birds: The coastal wetlands are a stopover for many bird species traveling long distances.
Protecting Nature
Gabon is very committed to protecting its natural environment. Parts of Ogooué-Maritime are included in national parks and protected areas. This helps ensure that the unique ecosystems and their wildlife are safe for future generations.
Culture and People
The people of Ogooué-Maritime are diverse, with various ethnic groups living together. The main language spoken is French, which is the official language of Gabon. Local languages are also spoken by different communities. The culture is rich with traditions, music, and dance.
See also
In Spanish: Provincia de Ogooué-Maritime para niños
