GabonUnited States
Gabon has a population of 2.5M, compared to United States's 340.1M. United States is 137.7 times more populous than Gabon. Economically, United States ($28.75T) has a GDP 1375.9 times larger than Gabon's ($20.9B). United States covers 9,525,067 km², 35.6 times larger than Gabon's 267,668 km². Life expectancy in United States stands at 78.4 years, 10.0 years higher than Gabon's 68.3 years.
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Metric
GabonUnited States| Population | 2.5M | 340.1M |
| Area | 267,668 km² | 9,525,067 km² |
| GDP | $20.9B | $28.75T |
| GDP Per Capita | $8,230.043 | $84,534.041 |
| Life Expectancy | 68.3 yrs | 78.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 26.5 | 5.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 20.2% | 4.2% |
| Capital | Libreville | Washington, D.C. |
| Region | Africa | Americas |
| Languages | French | English |
| Currencies | XAF (Fr) | USD ($) |
Last updated: April 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
United States is 137.7 times more populous than Gabon, with 340.1M residents compared to 2.5M. Gabon is a nation of 2.5M people, while United States is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Gabon averages 9 people per km² (sparse), while United States averages 36 people per km² (sparse). United States has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Gabon.
Economy Comparison
Gabon is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while United States is classified as a high-income economy. The United States economy ($28.75T) is 1375.9 times larger than Gabon's ($20.9B). Gabon's GDP per capita of $8,230.043 is 274% above the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. United States's GDP per capita of $84,534.041 is 526% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of United States are on average 10.3 times wealthier than those in Gabon.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Gabon is 68.3 years, compared to 78.4 years in United States, a gap of 10.0 years. United States (78.4 years) is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Gabon (68.3 years) is 3.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 26.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Gabon's infant mortality is 382% higher than United States's 5.5.
Geographic Comparison
United States (9,525,067 km²) is 35.6 times larger by land area than Gabon (267,668 km²). Gabon shares borders with 3 countries, while United States borders 2 countries. Gabon spans 1 timezone, compared to United States's 11 timezones. Gabon lies in Africa, while United States is located in North America. Gabon is categorized within the Africa region (Middle Africa), whereas United States belongs to Americas (North America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Gabon and United States is in GDP: Gabon's $20.9B compared to United States's $28.75T represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Gabon and United States is in population: Gabon's 2.5M compared to United States's 340.1M represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Gabon and United States is in land area: Gabon's 267,668 km² compared to United States's 9,525,067 km² represents a 97% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Gabon's upper-middle-income economy and United States's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
United States has a GDP per capita of $84,534.041, which is 10.3x that of Gabon ($8,230.043). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in United States is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
United States is 3.9x more densely populated than Gabon (36 vs 9 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Gabon's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of United States live an average of 10.0 years longer than those of Gabon (78.4 vs 68.3 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Gabon's economy grew at 3.4% compared to United States's 2.8%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Gabon has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Gabon vs United States for Families
For family travel, United States generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.5 vs 26.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Gabon offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though United States's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Gabon vs United States for Budget Travelers
Gabon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $8,230.043 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Gabon can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United States. However, United States may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Gabon vs United States for Retirees
United States's life expectancy of 78.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Gabon may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Gabon vs United States Cost of Living
United States's GDP per capita is 10.3x that of Gabon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United States, while Gabon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Gabon can approach or exceed average costs in United States's smaller cities.
Gabon vs United States for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Gabon and United States, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Gabon spans 1 timezone while United States covers 11. Gabon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Gabon or United States by population?
United States is larger by population, with 340.1M residents compared to Gabon's 2.5M. United States is 137.7 times more populous than Gabon.
Which country has a higher GDP, Gabon or United States?
United States has the higher GDP at $28.75T, compared to Gabon's $20.9B. United States's economy is 1375.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Gabon and United States?
United States has a higher life expectancy at 78.4 years, compared to Gabon's 68.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.0 years. Gabon's life expectancy is 3.7 years below the global average of 72 years, while United States's is 6.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Gabon or United States?
United States is larger by land area, covering 9,525,067 km² compared to Gabon's 267,668 km². United States is 35.6 times larger than Gabon.
What languages are spoken in Gabon and United States?
Gabon recognizes the following official language: French. United States recognizes: English. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Gabon or United States?
Gabon has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to United States's 2.9%. Gabon's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while United States's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is Gabon or United States better for a family holiday?
For family travel, United States generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (5.5 vs 26.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Gabon offers its own advantages, including a more compact geography that is easier to navigate with children. Both cou...
Is Gabon or United States cheaper to visit?
Gabon is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $8,230.043 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Gabon can expect to spend significantly less per day than in United States. However, United States may offer bett...
Is Gabon or United States better for retirement?
United States's life expectancy of 78.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Gabon may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, c...
Is Gabon or United States more expensive to live in?
United States's GDP per capita is 10.3x that of Gabon, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in United States, while Gabon offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies sign...
Is Gabon or United States better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Gabon and United States, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Gabon spans 1 timezone while United States covers 11. Gabon's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remo...