Ngounié is a province of south-central Gabon covering an area of 3,775 kilometres (2,346 mi). Its capital is Mouila . At the 2013 census it had 100,838 inhabitants. In 2016, its governor was Benjamin Nzigou.
6-610: Mouila is the capital of the Ngounié region of Gabon . It lies on the Ngounié River and the N1 road and has a population of about 20,000 people. Its main sight is Lac Bleu , a lake known for its bright blue water. Mouila is very spread out and has several markets and commercial centers. A taxi service runs in Mouila. Taxis are green and white and cost 200–500 Central African CFA francs depending on
12-628: Is named after the Ngounié River , which crosses it with its many tributaries. In December 1858 the French explorer Paul Du Chaillu navigated the Nguoiné river upstream to Fougamou . On his journey, he met several local tribes whom he described in his diaries of his second voyage. Later, Catholic missions were built in Mandji , Sindara , and Saint Martin, whose architecture attracts many tourists. The geography varies from large expanses of savannah and forest to
18-842: The Monts de Cristal in the north to the Chaillu and Ikoundou ranges further south. Steep sloping mountains abut plains and dense forests, savannah, lakes, and rich farmland. Estimated at 101,415 inhabitants, the population of the Ngounié includes significant ethnic diversity including Eshira , Apindjis [ fr ] , Punu , Tsogo , Nzebi [ fr ] , Massango , Vungu and Eviya [ fr ] , who immigrated to Gabon in successive waves, and have lived together peacefully for many centuries. All of these ethnic groups are Bantu . Ethnic group and number of inhabitants Traditional social and religious organizations are still very present in
24-463: The daily life of the province, especially Bwiti and Ndjembé [ fr ] (female secret society). Popular legends say that the province of Ngounié is protected by several genies. Thus the sirens Ipeti and Mougoumi, female genies living in Dola and Ngounié respectively, would according to legend be the protectors of Ndendé and Mouila . Tsamba, a male genie, and Magotsi, a female genie, would be
30-399: The distance traveled. Mouila is home to a huge range of Gabonese ethnic groups and is a major hub of commerce and travel. It is served by Mouila Airport . From Mouila, bush taxis may be obtained traveling to Ndende, Tchibanga, Lambaréné , Libreville and Lebamba. Mouila has a tropical savanna climate ( Köppen climate classification Aw ). Ngouni%C3%A9 Province The province
36-630: The protectors of Fougamou , which they watch over from the top of the Empress Eugenie Falls. These genies are the symbolic protectors of the departments of the province. They inspire fear and respect in the inhabitants, who honor them by throwing coins and pouring liquor into the rivers they cross. To the southeast, Ngounié borders the Niari Region of the Republic of the Congo . Domestically, it borders
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